Day 14 - Stranger #15

I needed a new hair cut, so I went to this hair salon that is near my office. This random hairstylist's name is IZoc. A very well grown guy, dressed in white shirt, black blazer and black high boots. Was in the salon for nearly 3 hrs plus. Thus, I had plenty of opportunity to talk to him.

Izoc is 32 years old, he had being a hairstylist for the last 10 years. Ask him if he is a local. He said he is a korean and tried to say some rubbish that wasn't ever sound like a korean. And after while he finally told me yes, he is a Singaporean. I was quite surprised cause I seldom met a local hairstylist. He said most local hairstylist will work in very high class and expensive salon with helpers. Not like here, that he needs to do everything on hands. Ok, so I "encouraged" him abit. Yah, Singaporean are just too pampered. And he said, he is ok, he don't mind doing all the tough jobs. Maybe that's why there are 2 salons that is trying to poach him to their salons. He is one stylist with a bit of attitudes, but take care of his customer quite well. He gave me coffee, and took into consideration my budget.

He is really quite skillful, and the hairstyle came out creative too. Generally, I like the new hairdo. Before I left, he commented that he is quite happy to have me as a customer, because I am very bold, and let him snipped my hair as he pleased.

Anyway, I have his personal mobile number, and I think as for now, I will look for him for any future haircut. This is one stranger who will leave his number with you.

For those who are less daring to try new hairstyles, you can try this website:
http://www.taaz.com/

Prepare a NRIC kinda of digital photo, and load on to match whatever hairstyle that you want to try. It's fun!

Day 13 - Stranger #14

See hoe lee, bus captain of bus number 238 in Toa payoh. A wrinkled, white haired elderly uncle, in his 50s. Truly he is a very well manner driver. The bus was so crowded this morning that I can feel my back nearly sticking to the school boy at the back. See instead of being rude and shouting for the passengers to move in LAH! He actually stood up at each station to say nicely to the ladies or boys to move in. Either in English, chinese or malay. It's not all the time that one see such a polite bus captain. Thus, I told See before I alighted, "Thank You! You are so courteous." He just gave me a nice big smile.

Day 12 - Stranger #13

I was wanting to eat the quarter burger from McDonald. But a colleague was comparing that to his new found burger from Hans, which is directly downstairs. Thus I went to Hans, to give that burger a try.

See Ming was serving me and I told her, she and all colleagues all are so young. She is only 22 years old and the other guy is only 18 years old. She came from Ipoh and had being working in singapore for the last 3 years. I asked her isn't more stressful to work here. She replied it was so hard to find a job back in ipoh. And here, as long as one is willing to work hard, one still can make a living. She only goes home once or twice every year. And at such a tender age, she is really independence. Comparing to our youths here, she is considered rather matured.

Alright back to the Hans burger, it is quite tasty. A bit liken to the ramly burger that we had in the night market, but bigger and feel healthier. Give it a try.

http://www.hans.com.sg/

Day 11 - Stranger #12

Oh no! Woke up late for work so that meant I need to take a cab. This cab driver had fm98.5 on then, and he purposefully turned down the sound for me. I told him, it is ok, you can still keep it on. And I took this chance to talk to him. I asked him how long he had being driving. He answered that as long as my age. Huh… I asked him so about 30 over years. He said No.. 27 years already. Haha, I laughed cause he thought I looked like I am only about 27 years old? Anyway, this was good enough to make my day.

He is really a very simple taxi uncle; he has 2 children, 27 and 22 years old. And the younger child will be going back to school. So I guess he needs to drive for a few more years to retire. I think he was in a rather nostalgic mood then. He shared with me how cheap it was to take cab in the 70s and 80s. He started to drive the cab when the meter charge was only $1.20. And now I looked at the meter to remind myself, it’s about $2.80 (depending on the cab you take). Last time, he ever needed to drive cab, which don’t have air-conditioner. So I ask him if it was easier to earn a living then or now? He said it is the same. Ok, I guess he is one taxi uncle contented with any situation he is put in.

You can find out various taxi’s charges here:
http://taxisingapore.com/

Day 10 - Stranger #11

I was approached at this guardian store, while I am shopping. This stranger was trying very hard to converse with me in English, and I told her that I understand Chinese (do I look foreigner). I looked at her name tag at her chest, her name is Tina. Alright, she is another sale person, I told myself to be friendly and see if there is any opportunity to talk more.

Tina is from China, she has a 5 years old kid back home. While, I was complimenting her that she don't looked at all like 35 years old as she claimed. She said maybe it's the jovial personality. It's true, she looks like in her late 20s, so I try to ask her what skin products she used. But she is only concerned about selling me her products. So I listened on.

She was selling some support posture gear, that u put on for at least 2 hours per day. So that one would sit right and corrected one's posture. She insisted that I tried it on, which I was quite reluctant in the first place. She was so fast and skillfully with it(she does it whole day wah). Oh oh! The moment I put it on, I felt trapped! I exclaimed, it's quite painful right. She commented that those ppl who do physiotherapy are ever more painful.

Then she started to point out the areas which I experienced pain or discomfort. Which are true, maybe it's really a common symptoms that people faces with bad postures. She asked me if ever I checked my back before, I said No, and she said it feels a bit crooked. Oh man! I am worrying now. She went on with some illustrations about the spines and neck, how they are linked and what kind of impacts they have when one aged. They are photos of spinal surgery which are really grossed and a lady with a really crooked back, which was straighten only after surgery. so she said that since I am still young, I should corrected the posture before problems set in.

She told me, she came to Singapore alone, and once when she fell very sick. No one took care of her and expenses were high, so she has an enlightenment that health is very important. Money can be earned back but health can't. Ok, I agreed with her. So I think I shall seriously considered visiting a professional spine care doctor then buy the gear which cost about $179?

Alright, I finally told her the painful truth while trying to "un-trapped" myself from the gear. I said "I will think about it." (The most politically correct answer right) Have you ever see a person's expression changed within 1 second? Yes, that was what happened, her smile immediately fade off.

Ok, I hate it when a sale person did that. Face changed faster than the lightning. Apparently, she may lost a potential customer. But come to think of it, how many of us actually really go back to get the stuff u thought u will consider to buy it? Most of the time, it's compulsive buying. Of course, for me, there were instances when I did go back for the purchases.

Well, we just said our Byes and I walked off with some styles I think!

Day 9 - Stranger #10

She may not be a total stranger to my hubby, but she is to me. Her name is Serene, who work in a tuition center. My hubby introduced her to me, the first impression was good, we were talking about taking leaves to attend Asia Conferences, and that some of the friends are coming from Malaysia too. So hopefully all of them have the time to catch up ever though the schedule of the conference is so tight. Furthermore, she needs to serve as an usher throughout the conferences. She is really one faithful usher.

Counting down to 16 more days to this greatest conference in Asia. I am really excited about it. I have decided to attend 2 electives today, hope I can make it. Also cheering on for so the many faithful ushers and workers like serene.

http://www.asiaconference.org.sg/2010/#

Day 8 - Stranger #09

T.H. Koh, a matured looking stranger with mustaches. He is a fatherly looking salesman who worked in Harvey Norman for 9 years and had being doing sales for the last 15 years. Wow, I told him, “What a loyal staff u are.” He smiled and I think I did make his day. I asked him, so u must really like your job, is it because you got to know all the latest technologies? He answered with a mild No, cause he likes to talk to customers and convince them to buy the products.
It’s a road show displaying the pretty new Samsung LED TV, Full HD in 3D. So you would be watching your TV at home with a 3D glass. Mr. Koh is certainly not a pushy kinda of sale-man. He was telling me the 40inch TV that used to cost about $6000plus and now reduced to $3999, with free DVD player, and lotsa of other staff and a $100 voucher. He was sincerely telling me that it is a good buy and not to miss this promotion.

Technologies are simply amazing now, with a combination of hardware and software, the 3D TV is able to convert the 2D content in real time that are translated by the glasses as a 3D image. And you can simply on and off as desired, that meant the TV still could function as a normal TV.

I thanked him for his time and he passed me a brochure, nicely writing down the various prices. And said do look for him when I come back with my hubby. Yes, I will certainly look for this friendly Koh, when I am in need of a new TV.

Day 7 - Stranger #08

Had a good lunch with my colleagues, and after that I accompanied one of my colleague to pick up her spectacle from the spectacle hut. She had changed her existing spectacle’s lenses to that of transitions one (only took about half an hour). These lenses change from clear indoors to dark color outdoors, they are clear as an ordinary clear lens while indoors and at night too. If you need help with how to choose spectacles, take a look at this

While waiting, I was trying on the lotsa of branded shades in the store (how bimbo!). After awhile I was bored of it, so I decided to talk to the nice stranger serving my colleague. He was wearing a flowery top and was wearing a fashionable black rimmed spectacle. And I sincerely wanna to know if his spectacle is from the store. But he was quite embarrassed to say that it was from Japan (brand name’s edge) and added on that it was brought long time ago. Alright, he maybe feeling it cause he should be wearing something from the shop? Just like if one works in Gucci, you won’t be wearing something from Prada while at work right.

Then my colleague suddenly told me that she was once the voice over for the store’s corporate video, thus I ask the guy if he heard her voice before, and I asked my colleague to speak in the same voice again to demo for him. But he said he never heard of her voice before and we all broke into laughter. Not much chance to talk to him as he was really focusing on his work. Good Staff.

Overall, I think this is a great store to shop for your all eyes’ need.
http://www.spectaclehut.com/

Day 6 - Stranger #07

Need gift's idea for Mother Days this weekend? Try Osim, umama warm. I am no lin chi ling (I am a wannabe thou..), so there's no endorsement fee for me. I was at the Osim roadshow browsing and curious at this new product. Thus, I decided to sit down and tried it out. Woooo.. the sale person who served me is quite good looking, and gentlemanly. He was like kneeing down during the whole demo beside me, explaining the product to me. Alright, when was the last time a guy knee for you? The last guy I know is my lovely hubby. Anyway, I believed he reads my blog everyday, so not to worry.

This stranger name is kevin, a Singaporean, he has super cute dimples when he smiles. I was quite drawn to his hairstyle, not a typical saleman's look, looks kinda of funky but not too overly done. So I told him "hey, cool hairstyle!" He told me he visits the hair salon at York Hotel, look for a stylist called Dave. York Hotel has only one hair salon, so u can't miss it.

Towards the end, he gave me a pink carnation. He said it's for all who try out the Umama. Hmm.. Maybe I look like a mama myself.

Generally, I feel umama makes a good mother day's gift, for those filial children who can't afford a luxury massage chair. The introductory price is $298. Make your Mama happy!

http://www.osim.com/SG/product/umama_warm.aspx

Day 5 - Stranger #06

Most of time when I hop into a cab, I would be hopping that the taxi uncle will not be too chatty so that I can have some personal space and time. Well, today I was actually hoping for a super chatty uncle. On the contrary, this particular cab driver needed some time to warm up. He worked in the day shift, thus according to him, he doesn't have a lot of weirdo passengers or strange incidents. So I asked him, if anyone ran away without paying cab fares. Oh, this really kept him talking.

He said it's quite common for taxi drivers to face this problem. And he related two incidents, and to my surprises, both were aunties, who looks liked in their 40s! The first one was giving a "true-to-life" story, that she is getting a divorce and asking the taxi uncle not to tell the husband where they are parked in awhile. Then, she stepped out of the cab to get something and let the uncle waited for more than half and hour. After the wait, he knew that he would never get back the cab fare of about $10 from her. Alright, that was pathetic, but the next story was worse.

Another auntie was with a kid about 3 or 4 years old. And uncle was saying how cute the kid was. Thus, when the auntie said that she needs to get money from someone to pay for the cab fare. He was really caught off guard again. He said he would never expected that aunties like them would Ride and Dashed right. Oh man! Just leave the kid behind in the cab next time.

Overall, it was a pleasant ride, uncle was a full time NS man who serviced the government for 30 over years. When he retired at 50 years old, he can't find any other jobs. And there were ever employers who told him, they wanted someone not older than 35 years old. Thus, he became a cab driver, and it has being 10 years on the roads. He has 5 grand children already, and he said he placed his family first place, thus he chose to drive in the day time so that he can spend time with the family. Now this is one good family uncle.

BTW, do you know that there is a Taxi pool service offered by SMRT. I reckon this can help us to save some transportation money and you may be able to talk to some friendly strangers while on the way to work.

http://www.smrt.com.sg/taxis/taxis.asp

Day 4 - Stranger #05

I think overall I do have a approachable look. Just this morning, a stranger approached me for direction to the Merlion. So, she is the target for the day, but too bad we don’t have a lot of time to talk. As she had an indifferent looking friend by her side. It could be because the friend can’t speak English. This young lady had a very familiar accent, which I guess right. She is from Bangkok. I told her I like Bangkok, and she said she likes it here too (haha.. very politically right) She is a student who come to Singapore for her holiday. She wanted to visit our famous Merlion near the Singapore River. Thus, I walked her to the MRT and told her how to take the train to Raffles place MRT. She said a “have a nice day” and we parted then. BTW, there is a bigger Merlion in Sentosa, which looks grander.

http://www.sentosa.com.sg/explore_sentosa/attractions/the_merlion_merlionwalk.html

Day 3 - Stranger #04

I allowed this stranger to have her hands all over me. It felt really good and relaxing. Right, she a masseur that I visited for the first time. I had a 30 mins session, and I took this opportunity to get to know her. From her accent, I already knew that she is from China. She studies chinese medicine in Nanning, China, and she has been in Singapore for the last 7 years. With her son who studies in one prestigious Secondary School in South of Singapore. So I reckon she wants her son to receive top notch education, thus she come to Singapore. Well, I asked her if they are going to be staying here for good, she said yes. Ok, we will wait and see, as boys in Singapore needs to do National Service when they reach the age of 18. I am not sure if the son is willing to go through this moulding period of 2 years. Anyway, she is really a good masseur, she knew where my pain are, and explained to me how the aches came about. She said that I had been in the same position for too long and thus the veins are blocked and the blood don't circulate well. Must be the hours of staring at the computer screens. Well, this could be the problems of many modern workers with the advancement of technologies and stuffs. We just need to sit around and do things with a click of mouse or buttons. Anyway, she did said something which do make some sense... Modern people like us work so hard for money and when we grow old, we end up spending the money on medical fees. So do take care of your health folk. Relax and breathe!

Five Surprising Benefits of Massage:
http://www.newsweek.com/id/157196

Day 2 - Stranger #03

Today is a Sunday, thus not really in a conscious mind to talk to a stranger. But I did "talked" to one lovely lady eyes to eyes. She is none other than the resident singer Liz on the Stewords Riverboat berth at Marina South Pier. It was my first visit there, for a wedding dinner. My first impression of her was just normal, though she is just another good singer performing for a live band. But she really proved me wrong in that short 20 mins or so. How did I manage to talk to her, when all the while she is just performing. Well.. I smiled, clapped, cheered for her while she is just performing about 5 steps away from me. So she really saw and felt this instant fan. (Yah, I cheated, but who cares! This is my blog right)

Liz is amazing, she is performing with pianist, Robert on the bridge deck of the riverboat. And she really surprised the crowd. She started with an English song, and then a Chinese item, which started the Ra Ra in the deck. Because all my elder relatives were all on that deck, thus, they shouted for an Hokkien song.. which she did soo well. Then the cantonese "Shanghai Tang"(one of my cousin just shouted randomly and she just sing immediately). My hubby ever asked her to sing one of my favourite song "fly me to the moon", which made me want to dance to it. When the crowd cooled down, she finally did a mexican item too. Wow... can you believed it! She remembers so many songs in various languages. The most impressive part was she did not ever ruffle for any lyrics at all, I think her brain is like a recording machine, she actually remember the lyrics of ALL the songs. I guess she must have being singing for her whole life that it became her second nature.

What an enjoyable night on the boat, listening to this one stranger singing. Alright, this is the one place I want to go back again, and the next time I board this boat, I will make sure that I really talk to Liz.

http://www.riverboat.com.sg/index.html

Day 1 - Stranger #02

Now that I had started on this "mandate" to talk to stranger. It is surprising that it can happen anytime and anywhere.
Was at the fruit stall getting my daily dose of fruit juice. And there was a lady who was standing beside me all the time, and started to ask me "what is the fruit juice that I order and what's the red color one?" I told her it is Apple + Beet root + Carrot, aka ABC (fruit stall lingo). I also told her that Beet root is good for detoxing too. And off I go with my happy ABC! And knowing that I could have bring some knowledges to a stranger. Yeah, juice up and detox...

http://www.lovebeetroot.co.uk/healthy_info/

Day 1 - Stranger #01

May 1st, 2010.. Labour day. I went to the usual coffee shop for lunch. Queue up for the beef noodle that draws lots of crowd.
I knew that the beef noodle is yummy, so who cares about the long queue. After waiting patiently for about 20mins, I finally have my mouth on the juicy, and tasty beef noodle... it's indeed heavenly. The boss happened to be cutting some ingredients on the same table. Thus I decided to strike a conservation. I asked him what time he needs to wake up in the morning to prepare for the stall. Mind you he is an old man, maybe in his 60s... He said he needs to wake up at 6am everyday just to boil the beef soup with beef bones. That's why the soup is so sweet and tasty, then they will start to sell at 8.30 am. I was thinking to myself, wow! what dedication towards his work. He said he felt bad that he can't sell more noodle to his customer (earlier on, i saw him rejected about 10 over customers who wanna to eat his noodle) He added that he never expect business to be good, who expected he said. To me he is just a faithful old hawker uncle, who work really hard with his whole family (his brothers and sisters are all at the stall helping). And having the desire to provide good old tradition Hai nan beef noodles to completed strangers or old time customers. His attitudes and good services had reflected on how all of us shall learnt from the older generation. This is the very reason why people are queuing up just for this one bowl of beef noodle!

For those who are wondering where to get the yummy beef noodle.. here goes (I don't get any commission for this:)
Hai Nan Xing Zhou Beef Noodles
Blk 22 Lorong 7, Toa Payoh
#01-06 Toa Payoh Food Centre
8.30am till sold out (about 2 or 3pm)
(Closed on Mon)