Phuket: Day 1 - Old Phuket Town, Centara Villas Phuket

Our flight, MI752 took off at 9:05am. The plane was really packed but the journey was really smooth. The flight duration was 1 h 40 min.

Kid's meal

Adult meal: omelette with chicken

We arrived in Phuket at 9:40am (local time which is one hour slower than in Singapore). Once we exited the airport, we were greeted by our guide, Sam whom we engaged to bring us round Phuket. Since we could only check-in at 3pm, we asked Sam to show us Old Phuket Town and maybe do a bit of shopping lol. :P We were shown the old streets of Phuket Town where most of the Sino-Portuguese building are. They are similar to those we can find at Emerald Hill in Singapore. Sam later brought us to a shopping plaza in the town area. We roamed around a bit. Just as we assembled at 12:30pm, we realised my father was lost. He had gone off to have some Bak Ku Teh on his own while we window shopped. After almost 20 minutes later, we found him. Phew! He had made the wrong turn, went off in the wrong direction and couldn't find his way back again. He gave all of us a scare! Sam brought us to this fish ball noodle place, which makes fish ball noodles without MSG and preservatives, for lunch. I thought the fish ball noodles was superb and not oily at all. So was the fresh spring rolls which we ordered. :)




After lunch, my parents went to a Kipling shop they saw on the way while Marieann and I went to buy some souvenirs such as postcards, magnet and key chains. After which, Sam sent us to our hotel, Centara Villas Phuket at Karon Beach. While processing our check-in, we were served with a welcome drink and an ice-cold towel. Real refreshing! :) We are at the Spa Villa, Room 212 while my parents are at the Ocean Facing Deluxe Villa, Room 122. We took the mini-car to our respective rooms. The Centara Villas Phuket is built in a natural jungle environment and upon a hill so it is too hilly to walk for unseasoned legs like ours lol. :P Each room or villa is a separate unit and fairly secluded and private from one another. Each has its own private walk-way serving it. :) We could almost see the entire stretch of Karon beach from our room's balcony.


The drive way down to the entrance of Centara Villas Phuket

The bridge link from entrance to the lobby

The lobby

The Cliff Restaurant beyond the lobby

Taking the mini-car to our Spa Villa


The private walk way to our Spa Villa












View of the ocean from my balcony

After having rested a bit, the girls and I went to see my parents while the girls' father slept like a log. Their room is almost similar to ours except that it was slightly smaller and there is no jacuzzi. After the girls finished exploring their grandparents' room, my mother and I with the girls went to explore the grounds. We saw the two-tier swimming pool, the spa centre and the ocean-facing lawn. We took plenty of photos lol. :)

View of the whole stretch of Karon Beach from the pool area





Around 6:45pm, we went to The Cliff Restaurant for dinner.
We were served with complimentary soup of the day (which was Phuket Lobster Bisque) and bread before our food orders arrived.


My parents both ordered Tom Yum soup (B250). My mother ordered Roasted Duck Breast (B450) with ginger orange sauce with chicory risotto and broccoli. My father order Kao Phad (B160): fried rice with seafood. Both dishes were delicious.




I had Phuket Lobster Bisque (B175) which came with a piece of grilled salmon and Rock Lobster Tails (B560) which served pan-seared lobster tails with bouillabaisse emulsion and spinach risotto. I really enjoyed my lobster! :) The girls' father had Pumpkin and Prawn Risotto (B295): arborio rice simmered with pumpkin in chicken broth and served with sauteed prawns. The girls didn't order any food but had their fill just eating the bread and drinking the complimentary soup.




After a sumptuous dinner, my parents and my family returned to the rooms while I stayed on in the lobby to access the Internet. There is a problem with the wireless Internet in our room. I think there are too many trees and I couldn't use the lan cable too. The hotel personnel said they will sent a technician to look into it tomorrow.

Tomorrow we are going to Phang Nga Bay.

Flying Off

Soon. My family and I will be leaving for the airport in 4 hours' time at 6:30am. Yes I am still awake lol. Guess I am too wired up to rest. Not entirely because I am excited to go away for a break, but more that I am worried about work stuff. :(

Anyway, our flight to Phuket will take off at 8:50am and we will reach Phuket around 9:35am local time. We will be in Phuket until 21 June. I will try to update my blog daily. If not, do bear with me. Hopefully I can get Internet access in the hotel room so that it is easier for me. Then I can be in my pj when updating my blog hahaha. :)

By the time most of you read this, I would be on the plane to Phuket or already in Phuket shopping! Hahaha. :P Anyway, I will talk to you guys later. Meanwhile, do take care.

Interviews

I was one of the interviewers today for the RA interviews. Conducted 4 interviews in one day. Feeling pretty zonked out by the end of the day. It was pretty fun being one of the interviewers though lol. :P But I did my best to make the interviewees feel comfortable by chit-chatting with them first before the interview started. :)

Got at least 2 more interviews lined up...

A Flu Pandemic

WHO officially declared H1N1 flu (also known as swine flu, A flu) a pandemic on 12 June 2009. It is the first global flu epidemic in 41 years. Although the A flu is not lethal, the virus is still deadly as it could mutate into a more dangerous form. Therefore, we can't be too complacent and must continue to maintain high standards of personal hygiene.

As of today in Singapore, the number of confirmed H1N1 flu cases increased to 47, with the greatest jump of confirmed cases yesterday - 13 cases.

We decided not to take any chances too, especially my father as he is diabetic. My parents and I went for the flu vaccination on Sunday. The girls had taken their shots two weeks earlier. I think we should be fine as we are now vaccinated against flu and as long as we continue to practice good personal hygiene. :)

Packing

The girls are pretty excited about the coming Phuket trip. They helped me to pack the luggage. They started to take out all the clothes that they want to bring to Phuket. Oi Girls, we are only going away for 4 days, you don't have to pack your whole wardrobe into the luggage! Lol.

The girls' packing are done, mine is almost there too. I think we are ready for our trip. :)

Realisations

I realised that my family trip to Phuket is next week. It is so SOON! I haven't started packing for the girls and myself yet. But I guess it would be pretty easy since we are only going away for four days. :)

I realised this trip is a number of firsts. It is the first time that I am going to an ASEAN country. It is the first time my parents are coming along with us for a holiday and it is also the first time they are going to Phuket. It is the first time I am treating my parents to an all-expenses paid holiday. :P

I realised I am looking forward to the trip and at the same time, not looking forward to it. I am looking forward to it because I need a break. I am not looking forward to it because there is still work to be completed and I am the main contact person. Thus I feel bad going away. Hopefully, as a good friend said, I would feel differently when I get to Phuket and would not feel bad going away for a break which I deserved.

The Search Continues...

I have managed to find three potential candidates and have scheduled interviews for next week. Plus the two interviews scheduled earlier, that is a total of five interviews. However, we still need to look for more candidates, in case of unforeseen circumstances... So I can't heave a sigh of relief yet. :(

Stubborn like a

Cat haha. Well, that's according to the Blogthing quiz "What pet are you like?". The quiz result reflects quite an accurate picture of me. :)

You Are Like a Cat

You are independent and a bit stubborn. You are content to do your own thing. You are curious about the world but still an individual. You prefer to be a solo explorer. You enjoy your alone time, but you also like some quiet company from time to time. You crave companionship, even if it means just spending time in the same room together.

What Pet Are You Like?

Mom's Back!

My mother came back from Taiwan tonight. The girls went with my father to pick her up from the airport. Both girls were excited to have my mother back. Well, because my mother will cook their favourite food, she will bring them to the Botanic Garden to run and play, she will tell them stories, .. she will do a lot of fun and interesting things with them. :)

I am glad that my mother is back too. It means she can cook all my favourite food too! :)

Where are you, RA??!!

I have been on a frantic search since last week after the conference to look for RAs for a new project that would be starting in July. My boss has left me to oversee the project while he is away. I am getting really stressed. There are more than a dozen of applicants but very few suitable. :( Interviews have been arranged for those few we deemed suitable but we need to have a few more options! Sigh. We really need to have the RAs in place by end of the month.

Where are you, RA??!!

Disappointments

Disappointment 1
I thought my new notebook would be ready for me to use when I stepped into the office today. As such, I didn't think I would need to bring in my netbook or my personal notebook to work. What a disappointment it was when I realised that nothing was installed on my new Fujitsu notebook and I would have to wait for my new notebook to be "cloned" and the various installations installed. Sigh. :(

Disappointment 2
I realised I would have to cancel the lunch appointment this Friday with my SCGS classmates. Due to an unexpected situation at work, I won't be able to take leave to join them for lunch. It's the second lunch appointment with them that I have missed. I hope they will understand and won't get upset with me. Sigh. :(

Dinner with Superstars

One keynoter and his wife, David and Ursula were still in Singapore after the conference, taking a short vacation. Having taken care of them during the conference, I thought it would be nice to show them Singapore in the most Singaporean way possible, through FOOD! :)

I brought them to Soup Restaurant, a restaurant serving unique Chinatown Heritage Cuisine for dinner. It is Chinese food and less likely to be spicy as Ursula and I both can't take spicy food. :P We ordered dishes such as Samsui Ginger Chicken, Beggar Ribs, Garlic Curly Prawns, Baby Kai Lan with Tong Kwai, and Penang Fried Mee Suan.

Amidst dinner, we chatted about multiculturalism, family, Singapore, assessment, ... Although they are Professors and well-established in their fields of Education, they are very nice and easy-going people and they absolutely put me at ease. :) They also spoke encouraging words to me about my PhD. :)

It was a really lovely dinner - nice food and wonderful company. It is really nice that David and Ursula consider me as their friend and invited me to visit them in the USA. It is a great honour indeed for me. :)

the tanglin tree

Decided to try something closer to home for food. We went to "the tanglin tree" which is in the same building as Tanglin Post Office.

We sat indoors (with ac) as it was a pretty warm day. The restaurant is bright, clean-cut and simple in design. It is also very child-friendly. Besides providing children's books for their reading pleasure, there is a playground for the children too.

From the Children's Meal (with juice) ($12.50): Marieann had Fish and Chips, salad and fries while Juliane had Chicken nuggets, salad and fries. The portions were just right for them.



I had Tagliatelle pasta with braised duck, olives, parmesan and parsley ($18). It was like a "west-meets-east" kind of fusion food. The braised duck and its sauce went well with the pasta, its saltiness was just right with the pasta. But I avoided the olives as they were just too salty for me.


The girls' father had French toast which really looked appealing to the senses with the berries. :) Unfortunately no pic as it was not very sharp. :(

New Stuff

I have been informed that my notebook is FINALLY here. :) I am most happy. I have been accumulating and storing a lot of work stuff on my personal notebook especially during the week leading up the conference and the duration of the conference. I much prefer to have those data stored on my work notebook.

I have also been informed that I am finally getting my name tag after working at the centre for 5 years! I was declined a name tag in 2004 because HR said I was part-time. But the truth is I am working full time but (50% load earlier) 75% load. I still get the same annual leave benefits, medical benefits, insurance benefits as the other full time staff but pro-rated. Finally, I can now be one of the staff after so long... Sigh.

Post Conference Thoughts

1. I can breathe easy, now that the conference is over lol.
2. I have finally presented on part of my PhD findings and making headway with it.
3. I have now the experience of working on a conference, especially working with keynoters.
4. I am honoured that some of the keynoters and invited panelists now consider me as their friend.
5. I am really thankful to my friends who believe in me that I could do a good job looking after the keynoters and that I could do a good job presenting.

Day Three: Conference

I picked up my buddy, Prof Hannele N from her accommodation and brought her early to the LT for preparation for her keynote presentation before 8am. As usual, like for the past two days, I ran between the two LTs to upload the PowerPoints and/ or make sure the IT equipment are set up for the keynoters. There were again two concurrent keynote speeches in the morning: one on PISA by Prof Hannele N and one on educational research by Prof Erica M. I attended the keynote about PISA as Singapore will be participating in PISA 2009 and I was interested to know the reasons for the success of Finland in PISA. :)

After the keynote session was a panel session on the UK TLRP programme followed by lunch. After lunch, I helped my buddy to sort out her flight booking as she was leaving immediately for the airport after the Keynoters Roundtable and Closing Ceremony at 5:30pm. I supported a good friend by attending his presentation which was before the Keynoters Roundtable. His presentation was most interesting and unconventional. :)

I really enjoyed the Keynoters Roundtable. All the keynoters: Profs Hannele N, Deborah B, Erica M, David B, Andrew P (an invited panelist), Magdelena M (except for Prof Roy P who has left), gave their views on various issues. It was extremely insightful to hear from our superstars of education on the various issues of assessment, IT, etc.

The closing ceremony commerced after the roundtable. The conference co-convenor gave thanks to a number of people, especially D and S who really deserved the thanks! :) After the closing ceremony, I had a really wonderful surprise which I will remember for the rest of my life. The panel of keynoters indicated for me to go up to them on the stage. Thinking that they wanted me to do something, I went. Who would have guessed what they did next. I had the whole panel of keynoters giving me thanks in unison! I would never in a million year dreamt of such a thing happening: the superstars of education thanking me! :) Later one keynoter told me that they were baffled that I wasn't in the thank you list so they decided to do it themselves. I think the keynoters' gesture to give me thanks, on their own accord, meant a lot more to me. I was extremely happy and touched by them that they actually recognised and appreciated my efforts. :) I will always treasure that moment. :)




After the conference, my colleague and I sent Prof Hannele N to the airport. She too has been most appreciative of my assistance throughout the conference. She hopes that I will one day go to Finland, either for conference, short-term studies or even if it is just for holiday. She would be most happy to see me again. :)

I finally got home close to 7:30pm. I have definitely earned a well-deserved rest. :)

Day Two: Conference

I was at the conference by 7:50am as I had to make sure the keynoters were all set up for their presentations and that the things would be running smoothly. Unfortunately the keynotes in the morning was concurrent. I could only attend the one on assessment by Prof Magdalena M. The other keynote was on IT by Prof Roy P. Again, both keynoters are big names in their field of education.

After the keynotes, there were concurrent invited panels on: popular culture & education and religion & education. Again, I had to help upload the PowerPoints that were sent to me by the invited panelists into the PCs in the LTs. I remained to help in one of the panels to control the switches for the panelists. During the panel session, I also had to locate the whereabouts of the keynoters as they have an important lunch with PS MOE immediately after the panel session. Thank goodness, four of them were in either panel session. The other two would make their way to the lunch venue. After the concurrent panel sessions, I gathered and escorted the four keynoters to the lunch with PS MOE.

After that, I went to my first presentation venue to prepare myself. I skipped lunch totally. I just was too nervous haha. I was the 3rd speaker for the first concurrent paper session (1:30-3pm) on Science Education. I was very shocked to see the room overflowing with audience! Some even had to stand. :O I was darn nervous but I had the support of my friends who were there at my session. Somehow I felt encouraged by their presence. Thanks, my friends. :)

I went immediately to my next presentation venue. Again I was the last speaker (3:15-4:45pm) on Student Performance and Assessment. Once again there were more people than available chairs. I had to sms for chairs to be brought in. No one I know was at the session. But somehow I wasn't as nervous as the first presentation. Maybe I was high on adrenalin haha. :P But for once, I thought I really held my own. Maybe because it is on my PhD. :) I had quite a number of questions but I was able to answer them. I impressed one Master Teacher so much that she is thinking of inviting me to give a talk about self-assessment to her other colleagues from 5 or 6 schools. :) I am so relieved and happy that both my presentations went well. My boss high-fived me and Prof David B gave me a hug for a job well done! :) I am quite touched that the keynoters asked about my presentation and how it went. I am surprised that big names like them actually remembered small fries like me. I mean they have more important things to remember. :P

At 5pm, I again gathered the keynoters and brought them to the pick up point for tonight's conference dinner which was held at Malay Cultural Village. There was a guided museum tour, followed by Malay buffet dinner and Malay dances during dinner. It was really interesting and fun. Everyone enjoyed the conference dinner. :)






By the time I reached home, it was close to 10pm. I was exhausted but sleep didn't come easy. Another day to go...

Day One: Conference

Day One: Conference 9am - 6:15pm

I arrived at the Auditorium where the Opening Ceremony and keynote speeches were held before 8am. Once there, I was on my feet throughout. Running up and down the auditorium, seeing to keynoters' needs, making sure keynote presentations would run without any glitches, saying Hi to people, ... I was just busy, busy, BUSY!!!

The conference opened proper at 9am with the opening ceremony speeches, followed by two keynote speeches (lunch in between) and two blocks of concurrent paper sessions. I was most enthralled by the keynote speeches, one on high stakes testing by Prof David B and the second on math teaching by Prof Deborah B. Both Profs are heavyweight in the education arena or as my good friend says, they are the superstars of education! :)

I finally managed to rest my legs during the paper sessions (from 3 - 6pm). However, I wasn't idle. I was working on my PhD presentation in the "cave" (my office) as I had yet to finalise my implications and conclusion. By 5:45pm, I was off again with a colleague to pick up two keynoters from the campus hotel accommodation for a dinner organised for keynoters and invited panelists at 6:30pm. My job (looking after the keynoters and invited panelists) ended at 7pm when they boarded the coach and set off for the restaurant.

I could finally go home for a rest but only a short one as I still had to look through the slides for both my presentations tomorrow. Hmm, maybe I should have withdrawn one... but I was too stubborn and proud to withdraw any of my papers. :P