Singasnore and the haggle battle

Today was another interesting day. Strangely enough I wanted to unify with other tourists, so I took a wander over to Suntec Centre - a super mall of epic proportions. I was still feeling a bit off-colour this morning, but, as above, strangely enough just being able to bury myself into the crowd and become another nameless, faceless gaunt wandering the fluorescent lit corridors made me at ease.
I managed to find a cosy little kiosk and order some delicious roasted leek, garlic and turkey bacon soup which I proceeded to slurp and gobble while watching the strange beings around me swill past and spend their hard earned cash on high-end fashion and electronics.
I might add, I'm neither here nor there about that, but, I was away from the heat and able to continue writing, so I was happy.
Some interesting things have been pouring into my brown leather journal (thanks Tania! xx) and I'm looking forward to mulling it all over and seeing what happens when I run with it over the next few days.
The rest of the day I unholstered my camera and became paparazzo-Andrew, wandering the Colonial District and Riverside Quay. I had my first 'haggle-slash-no-thank-you' experience wandering down the quay on the edge of the river, trying to politely say 'no-thank-you' to each and every waiter/waitress as I sifted past. But I love the sales-pitch and me being me welcomed each person and listened to what they said, how cheap they could get me beer, how I would be their favourite and special customer and would be provided with the best price. Some were pushy, some were nervous and some were stupid. But I took note of the ones that I liked and after perusing the CBD, I came back for a red Jungle Curry and a cold Tiger. The lucky winner was so extatic (they all remembered me because of my camera) and proceeded to dance and poke his tongue out to all the others down the row.
I didn't get as many good shots as I had hoped, I'm still learning how to use the camera so some are a bit bung, but I'll chuck them up with I have some time, hopefully tomorrow or Saturday. Actually.... what day is it today? Thursday, right? I'm not sure. Wait... Yep Windows is telling me it's Thursday. Got it.
I'm now off to sit on a god-awful bus for 11 hours, all the way up to the top of Malaysia to Pulau Penang (Pin-nang) where I hopefully will find some people and a beach.
And maybe some more beer.

Singapore and looking ahead

Arriving into Singapore last night it still all hadn't hit me. Both the heat and the realisation that I'm actually doing this.
The heat was a nice surprise - walking out from the terminal (after a FRIENDLY customs experience) was like walking into a damp, stodgy mattress. Not that I enjoy damp and stodgy mattresses, but it is certainly a nice change from -very- mild Auckland.
Anyway, my first impressions of the streets by night were fond - everything is ridiculously clean and meticilous... Almost sterile. Which is amplified during the day - no rubbish, mess, or even grafitti in sight.
The second part - the fact that it hadn't sunk in where I am and what I'm doing, finally clunked in my brain as I checked in to my hotel. It's basic, clean and semi-central, but after today I need to get out of here and find some people to talk to. This will hopefully be achieved by a change in accomodation type to guesthouses and backpackers...
I've been writing a bit in my journal a bit. I've not felt so lonely in a while, as I have today in Singapore. It's been a bit hard on my mind, both battling the local bugs (I spent a couple of hours in various bathrooms around the city) and trying to get around and find things to do and keep me occupied - as I'm noticing all of my personal warning signs for that downward spiral.
But I'm keeping that at bay for now. I booked a bus for tomorrow that will take me all the way up to Pulau Penang, which is an island off the northern coast of Malaysia. It's a god-awful 11 hours, but as it's overnight I should sleep most of it. I was going to head to Melaka first, but I've scrapped a lot of my travel plans as they keep on changing on an almost hourly basis.

But this is all OK - I'm figuring out how I travel, what I need to do (one thing is I need to prepare more) and continuing my mantra of trusting the process of life.

Moments of consumerism and relaxation

Ok. So it's funny. Ever since I've been here in Melbourne, I've had a lingering sense of disdain. Have my 'rose tinted glasses' been taken off? Is it the weather? (which has actually been quite nice, apart from today...) Is it my hangover?

... Or are the throes of unemployment - or, should I say, 'leisure' - taking its toll?

Admittedly, I haven't gone for my usual wander down to the river, or gone north to the lush parks and gardens. But being in the middle of the city has me wondering what I have been seeing in the place?

This is especially alarming seeing that I'm, uhh, going to MOVE to London soon.

I was yakking to Mike on Saturday about this. Whenever I have been here, it's been somehow related to work.

For so long, I've for some reason identified with 'the suit and tie' - and been driven to associate myself with the power that it holds. When I'm wearing a suit, I must admit I feel an increased sense of power, confidence... almost arrogance.

Walking around on Friday observing the 'suits' I found myself, instead of... well, 'yearning' for a 'better suit and tie' (read: job/money/toys/stuff/life) all I could think about was sitting in a lush meadow with my favourite people and a nice bottle of wine.

This conversation with Mike then turned into an interesting career topic that I think I need to put some more thought into. But basically, from someone who thrived on the hustle-and-bustle of the business world, how to manipulate the personalities that lie within and the success (and, I guess, the power) that is rewarded - I think I am totally uninterested in returning to that place.

What will I do? Who will I be? What will I identify with? I'm not really sure. 

I guess that is part of the reason that I'm doing this. No, not ranting, but getting out of that environment. But as time goes on, it's going to be increasingly hard to reintegrate back into that place. And, to be honest, I'm not entirely sure I ever want to.

I think I have a few tricks up my sleeve to keep myself occupied. Certainly not 'a means to an end' ... but something that I can give (without losing), that feeds my increasing creative streak and avoids the exploitation and fear that business business thrives on.

But it's not all dark and 'orrible over here. I've been relaxing rather nicely. And exploring the wonderful world of imported beer, thanks to Mark who works at the local boutique bottle store:

From Playing with toys and relaxing

Oh, and my local hangout (oh I'm so funny) is also fantastic:

From Playing with toys and relaxing

And finally - Yes, I still haven't shaved. Lets hope they let me through customs in Singapore tomorrow, eh?

From Playing with toys and relaxing

Fun with Airports!

Well. I wouldn't be leaving the country without a few tears and some good old family goof-ups (not to mention my good friends at Customs making things difficult)

Leaving!

But after extensive screening (no, it wasn't the 'unemployed' occupation that I entered on my departure card) and various pointless questions, I was allowed to proceed to the waiting lounge for the flight.

So I'm just kicking it back here in Melbourne, trying to reduce my pack by sending useless stuff that I don't need back to Auckland. Not much to report on... as I haven't really done a hell of a lot. Apart from catching up with Mike, Geoff and Marky. And maybe some drinking.

Count down to lift off

So, this post serves two purposes:

1. A test.

Yup. It works. Great.

2. To inform (as every post should, really).

I thought I would join the technology revolution (hint: mum) and instead of whoring emails out to the whanau and friends, I have engaged in the 'blogging' sphere. Makes it kinda easy to check updates (where appropriate) and not force-feed my galavanting adventures down your throats (and your inbox).

6 days till lift-off. Or Take-off. As the case may be.