Home Sweet Home

After a very long flight, I'm home. I've flown completely around the world...that's pretty cool. I was so crabby when I landed, and am just now starting to feel like my normal self again.

Clarke Quay

They've gone and air-conditioned the outdoors. I'm so bummed that my pics are not able to be uploaded because this is really an odd site. Right along the Singapore River, about a 15-20 minute walk from my hotel is Clarke Quay. Nearly the entire area is covered by these Jetson-esque translucent umbrellas. Basically, it is an outdoor venue, with two and three story buildings covering several blocks, entirely protected by these giant umbrellas(I'll update this post with the pictures). But, they didn't stop there. The main support for the giant umbrellas is a giant air conditioning vent - It is like nothing I've ever seen before. As a result, Clarke Quay is protected from the direct sun, rain and is significantly cooler than merely being outside.

Clarke Quay has a ton of high-end tourist focused restaurants and clubs. One that stood out, is called, "The Clinic" I didn't go in, but the outside(ish) portion was a hoot. Instead of normal outside seating, the sidewalk was filled with gurneys and IV stands holding IV bags full of liquor I suppose.

Singapore Chilli Crab

I don't know why I was so nervous. Everything went so well. The best part is, that not only have made work connections, I've really made some great new friends!

One of the meeting participants and I went to dinner last night. We set out to taste Singapore Chilli Crab - What an experience! So messy, so unique and so good. I'll post the pics of it as soon as I can.

Dad and Bill - You guys would love this! And, you'd be impressed that I would be eating something so spicy!

A little taste of home...

The food here has been completely out of this world! However, I woke up this morning missing home, Bill, Ghettee and Miss B.

Last night was the closest thing I've had to a full night's sleep since I've been here. I awoke to the sound of the Siren, in the Green 'Starbucks' Circle, softly singing my name - luring me toward her.

I've walked past this Starbucks every morning since I've been here, and not had a desire to go in. Today, I was jonesing for it, something familiar, something to make me feel at home. Iced Venti Caramel Macchiato - It was cool, too sweet, way too decidant - everything I was hoping. As if that wouldn't be enough calories for an entire day - I also indulged in a muffin a US Style Chocolaty Muffin. It tasted a little bit like home - I felt better.

Just in case you are wondering - I asked my group, and they confirmed, there is no such thing as a Singapore Style Chocolaty Muffin.

Just returned from drinks and dinner

I was nervous for no reason. The entire day went wonderfully. The Far East participants were interactive enthusiastic and ready to learn as much as possible.

My inner critic was running wild. So much of me wanted to have all the answers...or appear to have all of the answers. I tried my best to anticipate the questions I would get...however my predictions were off. For a minute, I paniced. I did not know the answers to the questions...the perspectives were completely new, and sooooo NOT American. Funny, I came here to train, to teach - and I'm certain that I will leave here having learned the most.

After my initial presentation, and during the first break, I decided to uphold my new year's resolution. I resolved to not pretend to know something when I do not. It seems fairly simple, but - I can sling a significant amount of BS when backed into a corner.

I came back to present the second half, the part I was confident on, having made the decision to acknowledge what I do know, and what I can find out. Approaching it that way, was wonderfully received! I thought I would lose credibility. But, I think I actually gained credibility with them.

As a group we all went out for a phenomenal dinner, so many stories. So many diverse backgrounds and life experiences...it is overwhelming. But it is all good.

Here's to hoping that I can sleep past 3:30 AM (Singapore). It is coming up on 1 AM. My internal clock is so messed up...it is lunch time where most of you are!

The set up...

In this building

In this conference room

With my jacket, wrinkled from the short walk over

I prepare for the meeting...I'm early

My part isn't even until after lunch.
The lady has already come around to bring me coffee
She'll pop in from time to time to ask if I want more

Getting coffee and water myself would take away her job
So, I graciously accept being served.

Big Day

Well, today is the big day. I feel confident about the material I'm presenting. I've been tasked with taking pictures of the group as well, I'm getting good at it! There is a group dinner tonight at a restruant called Indochine. I'm sure it'll be interesting