Had my first lesson at 复旦 yesterday. It is quite enjoyable to be back in school for once. Haha. I think some of you think Financial Economics is already quite hard on its own. The problem about my class is that, it is Financial Economics taught in mandarin. Haha. There were no powerpoint slides, no projector, no handouts. All we had was the professor, a movable blackboard, which I found quite cool, and your note book. Even though, I may portray to some that my level of Chinese competency is rather high, in actual fact, my written Chinese is horrible. So my notes was written predominantly in English. It was quite cool trying to process everything the professor said and translating it into English immediately and writing it down. It makes me spend more thought on the things taught. On the bright side, I can write in English for the exams. It was quite fun trying to figure out what the Chinese terms are during lecture, for example, 流动性 is liquidity.
Fudan’s campus is big. Haha, it is vastly different from NUS. There are so many shops within the vicinity of the Campus. They even have their own hotel. Yeah, so there is this 步行街, pedestrian’s street, where they sells all sorts of stuff. There are also quite a few restaurants along that street. It’s quite a nice place I’d say. The one of the bad things about Fudan, is that there is too many “paper” paperwork. A lot of the administrative stuff must be done on paper. Technology isn’t used much over there. So to get approval for me to study Investment (Mapped as Financial Econs), I had to run to 3 4 places to get signatures.
After school, we went to 五角场 for dinner. We went to this Steak house that sells both Chinese and western food. I had this ribeye steak set, consisting of an ice tea, salad, soup and garlic bread that cost 48rmb (SGD 10 or so) and it is actually pretty nice. So if I were a tourist, it would have been super duper cheap! Haha. There are also a lot of nice 小吃店 around Fudan. So it’s hard to lose weight here in Shanghai. Haha. Nvm, I shall start going gym.
Today is a rather productive day at work, since I have technically less free time than usual, which is good! Min Ke is leaving for BOC in less than a month, so I’ll be taking over his job, so now is the official handing over period. But to be frank, if by june they don’t hire any new interns, I’ll be pretty bored in the office. Haha.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
20 days.
Today is the 25th of Feb, 20 days since the day I arrived in Shanghai.
Many people asked me how I am adapting to life here in Shanghai. At times, I would wonder how is life different here in Shanghai as compared to Singapore.
To be frank, besides the coldness and the predominantly Chinese speaking environment (not that I cannot accept), I think it is roughly the same. Of course, I came here with an open mind, not wanting to compare Singapore’s society with that of Shanghai as social norms are different everywhere.
I’m trying very hard not to divide the things I buy by 5, because that would make almost everything cheap, by Singapore’s standard. But because I earn the Shanghai pay, things are actually freaking expensive. Alright, I guess there is no secrecy here, I earn 2000RMB a month, and 1 cup of starbucks mocha is like 30ish RMB. Do your math. Haha.
Perhaps one thing very different is that I do not have the comfort of my immediate family, Sheena and my close friends here in Shanghai. But because I have wonderful house mates, it makes bridging this gap very easy. Maybe also due to the fact that due to army, I’m like only home on weekends, thus this sort of life is not say foreign to me.
Their train commuters are actually quite considerate to a certain extent; they will definitely close up the gap in the middle, but probably because some times it is due to the people outside pushing in. At the moment, it is still like 10 degrees or so, thus I think I can still accept it, but once it comes to summer imagining squeezing with people who are sweaty and sticky……
Food here is rather salty and oily. For a bland eater like myself, I find it quite sian, but nonetheless, I’m not complaining much. The food here can be quite similar back home. Of course there are places that sell Singaporean food.
So what do we normally eat for our meals? It’s probably different for every one of us since we are all working at different places. For me, usually I will go to the staff canteen at the basement of my building, it cost 8RMB to get a coupon and then we use the coupon to buy the food. It is basically like economical rice. So usually it is 2 vege, 2 meat, rice and a fruit. But if you go later when they wanna clear up the stock, you can get 3 vege and 3 meat by saying, 每一样来一点。So for dinner, I will usually meet my house mates back home and order home delivery, 外卖。It is quite convenient to just do that rather than going out to eat la. We can nua at home after eating as well. Hehe,
What is there to do over the weekends? Basically, we have been llike busy with school admin stuff, bargaining at Qi Pu, going to the tailor place over and over again (haha), attending some networking stuff. I guess life here is just busy! Haha. Since we are here for 1 year, we should make the best of the experience here rather than just concentrate on work and studies. Getting to know more people and who knows, perhaps we will need their help in the future.
A typical working day in Shanghai for me is as follows,
Alarm rings, snooze a few times. Wake up, shower if no one is showering, make a cup of hot drink, change into my office attire, spread bread, and eat my breakfast. Leave for work.
Walk briskly to the MRT station, grab a free mrt newspaper and squeeze into the train. After 8 stops, I will alight at 世纪大道 and then walk briskly to the office. Work is varied and I shan’t comment here. Haha Lunch at 12 and I off at at 6pm. So I will commute back, either I will meet TJ at Dong Chang if she is on morning shift if not, I will just head back to Zhong Shan Park and maybe meet the rest there, or go back home to order wai mai! Haha, After dinner will be a period of nuaness, especially since I haven’t started attending classes. So it is a struggle between nuaing or going to shower. Haha. Usually I will skype and msn and then maybe watch dvds until like past 12 then turn in for the night.
PS: Buddy, I think there really is a difference between the CPs around here.
Many people asked me how I am adapting to life here in Shanghai. At times, I would wonder how is life different here in Shanghai as compared to Singapore.
To be frank, besides the coldness and the predominantly Chinese speaking environment (not that I cannot accept), I think it is roughly the same. Of course, I came here with an open mind, not wanting to compare Singapore’s society with that of Shanghai as social norms are different everywhere.
I’m trying very hard not to divide the things I buy by 5, because that would make almost everything cheap, by Singapore’s standard. But because I earn the Shanghai pay, things are actually freaking expensive. Alright, I guess there is no secrecy here, I earn 2000RMB a month, and 1 cup of starbucks mocha is like 30ish RMB. Do your math. Haha.
Perhaps one thing very different is that I do not have the comfort of my immediate family, Sheena and my close friends here in Shanghai. But because I have wonderful house mates, it makes bridging this gap very easy. Maybe also due to the fact that due to army, I’m like only home on weekends, thus this sort of life is not say foreign to me.
Their train commuters are actually quite considerate to a certain extent; they will definitely close up the gap in the middle, but probably because some times it is due to the people outside pushing in. At the moment, it is still like 10 degrees or so, thus I think I can still accept it, but once it comes to summer imagining squeezing with people who are sweaty and sticky……
Food here is rather salty and oily. For a bland eater like myself, I find it quite sian, but nonetheless, I’m not complaining much. The food here can be quite similar back home. Of course there are places that sell Singaporean food.
So what do we normally eat for our meals? It’s probably different for every one of us since we are all working at different places. For me, usually I will go to the staff canteen at the basement of my building, it cost 8RMB to get a coupon and then we use the coupon to buy the food. It is basically like economical rice. So usually it is 2 vege, 2 meat, rice and a fruit. But if you go later when they wanna clear up the stock, you can get 3 vege and 3 meat by saying, 每一样来一点。So for dinner, I will usually meet my house mates back home and order home delivery, 外卖。It is quite convenient to just do that rather than going out to eat la. We can nua at home after eating as well. Hehe,
What is there to do over the weekends? Basically, we have been llike busy with school admin stuff, bargaining at Qi Pu, going to the tailor place over and over again (haha), attending some networking stuff. I guess life here is just busy! Haha. Since we are here for 1 year, we should make the best of the experience here rather than just concentrate on work and studies. Getting to know more people and who knows, perhaps we will need their help in the future.
A typical working day in Shanghai for me is as follows,
Alarm rings, snooze a few times. Wake up, shower if no one is showering, make a cup of hot drink, change into my office attire, spread bread, and eat my breakfast. Leave for work.
Walk briskly to the MRT station, grab a free mrt newspaper and squeeze into the train. After 8 stops, I will alight at 世纪大道 and then walk briskly to the office. Work is varied and I shan’t comment here. Haha Lunch at 12 and I off at at 6pm. So I will commute back, either I will meet TJ at Dong Chang if she is on morning shift if not, I will just head back to Zhong Shan Park and maybe meet the rest there, or go back home to order wai mai! Haha, After dinner will be a period of nuaness, especially since I haven’t started attending classes. So it is a struggle between nuaing or going to shower. Haha. Usually I will skype and msn and then maybe watch dvds until like past 12 then turn in for the night.
PS: Buddy, I think there really is a difference between the CPs around here.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Best day at work thus far.
I went the the OCBC building at One Lu Jia Zui, and I think it is a damn nice place. Haha.
Today I was attending this course on the overview of the banking system. It was taught by Dr Johnny Tan from Impact Consultancy, for once the whole day involved mostly english. Haha.
Just to share a little story he said,
God created man and gave him 20 years of life.
Man cries and tells god that it is too short. But god tells man to take it or leave it.
Next, god created an Ox and gave it 50 years of life. The Ox then cried.
God: Why are you crying?
Ox: 50 years is too long, imagine plowing the field for 50 years! Please take away 30 years of my life.
Man, being smart tried to negotiate with god.
Man: God, since the Ox doesnt want the 30 years, why not you give it to me?
God: Okay.
Next god created a dog, and gave it 30 years of life, then the dog cried and complained it is too long, then requested to have 15 years of life. So man again requested for the extra 15 years.
Finally God creates a monkey and gave it 30 years of life. Again the monkey is not satisfied with the lifespan, and request to take 10 years away. So now man again asks for the extra life.
So in total now man have 75 years to live.
Which is why man spends 20 years as a man, 30 years as an ox, 15 years as a dog and 10 years as a monkey.
20 years as a man is when, you spend your parents money, you dont have to worry about financing anything.
30 years as an ox is when you are in your early 20s and you start to step into the society and when you need to create wealth.
15 years as a dog is coz by then your kids have grown up and at their age prefer their friends than the folks, thus the house only have the folks (similar to dogs watching over the house.)
10 years as a monkey is when your kids get married and have grandchildren. And since in Singapore, it is common to have dual income families, so your kids send their kids to your house and you have to entertain your grandchildren as though you are monkeys in the zoo.
Haha.
But then, that is not the main point.
The 30 years as an Ox, is when you create wealth + wealth accumulation.
15 years as a dog is when you need wealth protection to ensure comfortable retirement.
the final 10 monkey years is when you need to distribute your wealth. (Prevents family squabbles)
Okay thats all for today. =)
Today I was attending this course on the overview of the banking system. It was taught by Dr Johnny Tan from Impact Consultancy, for once the whole day involved mostly english. Haha.
Just to share a little story he said,
God created man and gave him 20 years of life.
Man cries and tells god that it is too short. But god tells man to take it or leave it.
Next, god created an Ox and gave it 50 years of life. The Ox then cried.
God: Why are you crying?
Ox: 50 years is too long, imagine plowing the field for 50 years! Please take away 30 years of my life.
Man, being smart tried to negotiate with god.
Man: God, since the Ox doesnt want the 30 years, why not you give it to me?
God: Okay.
Next god created a dog, and gave it 30 years of life, then the dog cried and complained it is too long, then requested to have 15 years of life. So man again requested for the extra 15 years.
Finally God creates a monkey and gave it 30 years of life. Again the monkey is not satisfied with the lifespan, and request to take 10 years away. So now man again asks for the extra life.
So in total now man have 75 years to live.
Which is why man spends 20 years as a man, 30 years as an ox, 15 years as a dog and 10 years as a monkey.
20 years as a man is when, you spend your parents money, you dont have to worry about financing anything.
30 years as an ox is when you are in your early 20s and you start to step into the society and when you need to create wealth.
15 years as a dog is coz by then your kids have grown up and at their age prefer their friends than the folks, thus the house only have the folks (similar to dogs watching over the house.)
10 years as a monkey is when your kids get married and have grandchildren. And since in Singapore, it is common to have dual income families, so your kids send their kids to your house and you have to entertain your grandchildren as though you are monkeys in the zoo.
Haha.
But then, that is not the main point.
The 30 years as an Ox, is when you create wealth + wealth accumulation.
15 years as a dog is when you need wealth protection to ensure comfortable retirement.
the final 10 monkey years is when you need to distribute your wealth. (Prevents family squabbles)
Okay thats all for today. =)
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Monday, February 16, 2009
Registration.
Registration at Fudan is actually rather slow. OMG. Haha. We were there from like 12 to 5 and we are not done with it la. Haha.
From what I see, there are a lot of Korean internationals there. Since most of the people I see at the foreign student registration area are like Koreans. Didn't really have time to take pictures of Fudan yet, but still a lot of chance to do that. Haha.
ZY, this is the picture of the foreign student dorm that you are going to stay in! Haha
Okay, thats all for now, I shall blog more later. =)
Meeting Mummy, Aunty Wendy, Grandma and Grand Aunt soon.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Day 5 in Shanghai.
This morning was the 5th day in Shanghai. I totally didn't hear my alarm ring hahaa.
So kinda overslept. Hehe.
Went to pay our overdue bills in the morning before settling our brunch/lunch at one HK cafe. It is not bad. After that, we went to look for HY's shuttle bus pick up point, and walked around the "orchard area" of shanghai (Nan Jing Xi Rd).
After that, my homies went to tailor suits and trench coats etc, while I made my way to meet Josephine, Jielun and Siwei to go to the Singapore Consulate to help out with the Yuan Xiao Event. I think the event on a whole is fun and well organised! The guests were very enthu and lively. It is cool to see so many Singaporeans gathered together in SH.
Another good thing is that we get to eat some SIngapore food la! Hahaha. Nasi Lemak, Rendang, and Uncle Frankie's Ang Ku Kueh is damn Solid! The peanut filling is damn "gao". Haha. Furthermore, I got to experience fire crackers for the first time in my life! So exciting! Also, they also set off their own fireworks like 2 to 3 metres away from me. So I get to see fireworks ignite and FLY up into the sky from ground level! =)
How I wish you were here with me.
Loves.
So kinda overslept. Hehe.
Went to pay our overdue bills in the morning before settling our brunch/lunch at one HK cafe. It is not bad. After that, we went to look for HY's shuttle bus pick up point, and walked around the "orchard area" of shanghai (Nan Jing Xi Rd).
After that, my homies went to tailor suits and trench coats etc, while I made my way to meet Josephine, Jielun and Siwei to go to the Singapore Consulate to help out with the Yuan Xiao Event. I think the event on a whole is fun and well organised! The guests were very enthu and lively. It is cool to see so many Singaporeans gathered together in SH.
Another good thing is that we get to eat some SIngapore food la! Hahaha. Nasi Lemak, Rendang, and Uncle Frankie's Ang Ku Kueh is damn Solid! The peanut filling is damn "gao". Haha. Furthermore, I got to experience fire crackers for the first time in my life! So exciting! Also, they also set off their own fireworks like 2 to 3 metres away from me. So I get to see fireworks ignite and FLY up into the sky from ground level! =)
How I wish you were here with me.
Loves.
Friday, February 6, 2009
I'm finally here in shanghai.
Okay, finally got proper time to write a post.
First day after arrival, it was quite exciting because when we talked there was "smoke" coming out from our mouths. Haha. Initially, it didnt feel so cold, only until we went to our apartment and then went out for dinner. The temperature at night is rather different from the day, especially with the winds blowing right at your face no matter which direction you are facing.
First night, we had dinner at Ajisen with some of the seniors and Gabriel as well. Then we proceeded to get our phone cards and bought things from Carrefour for our homes! Haha. Frankly speaking, it is my first time buying so much stuff for the house in my whole life. A rather refreshing experience. Haha, perhaps a preparation for the future, in my own home. First night was also a rather comical one, we didn't know how to turn on the water and we didn't know how to turn on the gas. So we thought our water supply was cut off. So we used the hot (drinking) water dispenser to do some minor washing up. Haha. Then since I hadn't bought a new set of bedsheet for myself, I slept with my Full battle order on the bed and shivered through out the night, as I refused to open up my new comforter.
Second day started with going to Shimin's house to borrow their shower to bathe. Then we headed off to NUS office in Shanghai for briefing by Gabriel. Following which, we went for lunch at some restaurant in the same building. After that, we went on to get our MRT cards and also opening our bank accounts. The setting up of bank account took longer than expected but nonetheless, we got it done. Another comic of the day, foreigners are supposed to register at their local Police Post 24hrs upon our arrival in SH to update them on our place of residence etc. But, we went to the wrong one, haha and that was after walking quite far away. Dinner was a much more simplier fare at the foodcourt at one of the shopping centre near our Condo. Met the landlord and the 阿姨 aka the domestic help hired on hourly basis. So now our house is actually pretty neat and tidy already. So after settling everything with the landlord, we went to wash up and had our first cooking attempt. - Instant noodles. Haha. No choice, the only take-away delivery service we knew off is closed.
Day 3 is today and at 12.20pm we're all still at home! Haha. Coz we only woke up at like 11. Heh.
More updates coming up. Together with pictures!
First day after arrival, it was quite exciting because when we talked there was "smoke" coming out from our mouths. Haha. Initially, it didnt feel so cold, only until we went to our apartment and then went out for dinner. The temperature at night is rather different from the day, especially with the winds blowing right at your face no matter which direction you are facing.
First night, we had dinner at Ajisen with some of the seniors and Gabriel as well. Then we proceeded to get our phone cards and bought things from Carrefour for our homes! Haha. Frankly speaking, it is my first time buying so much stuff for the house in my whole life. A rather refreshing experience. Haha, perhaps a preparation for the future, in my own home. First night was also a rather comical one, we didn't know how to turn on the water and we didn't know how to turn on the gas. So we thought our water supply was cut off. So we used the hot (drinking) water dispenser to do some minor washing up. Haha. Then since I hadn't bought a new set of bedsheet for myself, I slept with my Full battle order on the bed and shivered through out the night, as I refused to open up my new comforter.
Second day started with going to Shimin's house to borrow their shower to bathe. Then we headed off to NUS office in Shanghai for briefing by Gabriel. Following which, we went for lunch at some restaurant in the same building. After that, we went on to get our MRT cards and also opening our bank accounts. The setting up of bank account took longer than expected but nonetheless, we got it done. Another comic of the day, foreigners are supposed to register at their local Police Post 24hrs upon our arrival in SH to update them on our place of residence etc. But, we went to the wrong one, haha and that was after walking quite far away. Dinner was a much more simplier fare at the foodcourt at one of the shopping centre near our Condo. Met the landlord and the 阿姨 aka the domestic help hired on hourly basis. So now our house is actually pretty neat and tidy already. So after settling everything with the landlord, we went to wash up and had our first cooking attempt. - Instant noodles. Haha. No choice, the only take-away delivery service we knew off is closed.
Day 3 is today and at 12.20pm we're all still at home! Haha. Coz we only woke up at like 11. Heh.
More updates coming up. Together with pictures!
Thursday, February 5, 2009
countdown!
Less than 9 more hours to my departure to Shanghai.
It is a weird feeling, I am tired, but I dont feel like sleeping anyway.
It will be a good trip and a wonderful experience! =)
It is a weird feeling, I am tired, but I dont feel like sleeping anyway.
It will be a good trip and a wonderful experience! =)
Monday, February 2, 2009
Packing.
Frankly speaking, the packing is killing me. Haha. I don't really know what exactly to pack! Lol.
But look on the bright side, I can always buy those that I lack over in Shanghai. Heh.
But look on the bright side, I can always buy those that I lack over in Shanghai. Heh.
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