Me and my glasses!

One morning recently, while still working at Punggol, I woke up and my eyes hurt. I'm not sure what was the reason but I decided to wear my glasses to work that day. It was quite interesting as my colleagues and a few customers commented that I looked like a teacher and started calling me "laoshi" or "老师", Chinese for teacher. I'm not sure I should take that as a compliment or not... as I am not sure how teachers are viewed in Singapore by the general public. Some friends tell me that the impression of teachers are that they are the nerdy type.

Certainly not in China though... teachers are a well respected profession there... maybe a view that has trickled down, since the days of Communism and Chairman Mao!

Wouldn't it have been nice if I was really a teacher? Then maybe I don't have to struggle that hard just to make ends meed! Actually about one year ago, while working at Chai Chee, a customer approached me and asked if I would like to tutor his primary four daughter in Chinese. I had to turn him down as I was not familiar with the local syllables and I will be doing gross injustice to her to take up the job and not be able to do it well, especially if her results does not improve! 

Now thinking back, maybe I should have accepted it. Chinese tutor for hire... anyone?

My first day at work in Singapore!

Today is my first day at work in Singapore and I am looking forward to it. My boss decided to put me up at their new Bread Junction branch in Punggol Drive. Yesterday, I decided to try to get there from my Bedok place and it took me almost 1.5 hours and about SGD3.15 in bus fare to get there. There are two shift of workers : 6.30am - 6.30pm and 10.30am -10.30pm and I am starting off taking the 10.30am shift. Punggol is a new housing estate, so it does not look as busy but I am sure it will become just like any busy housing estate with time to come. This morning, it was raining when I got up, so I decided to leave early so as not to be late for work. I arrived at 9am, one and a half hours before work, so I had time for a coffee and breakfast.

My boss had advised me to move to Punggol where they rented an apartment for some of the workers. This apartment is walking distance to work, so it will be more convenient. It will cost us SGD200 per month each for a room with 4 persons. Our lodging allowance is SGD100. I had originally thought it was SGD150 when I spoke to the girl over the phone but my boss said it had been reduced to SGD100. Well, I'm already here, so I will have to make do with it. "Beggars" cannot be choosers!

In any case, I will take a look at the place before I decide to take it. If not, I will have to look up my own place nearer to work. I've decided not to look at all the small negatives which can make us unhappy... instead I should focus on working hard and making some much needed money for the family! I've always had very good relationships with people be they customers, bosses, friends or just casual aquaintances so I am quite confident that it will all turn out well. I'll also try to look for a place of my own to see if I can find a better bargain. Who knows, Punggol is a new estate and I may be able to get a room for two for SGD400+ (or SGD200+ each)!

As I had mentioned earlier, events had moved so quickly recently I did not have time to update my work adventures from Tanjung Pagar and my move to Chai Chee etc... but I will continue updating these events as well as happenings at home in China once I settle down a little. Meanwhile, if you are ever in Punggol, come visit me!

I'm here!

Finally, after a long flight that lasted almost 12 hours including transit and delays, I am finally in Singapore. I started the day at 5am when my mum and I boarded a taxi to Shenyang airport. Got there at 7am and checked in before my mother left. It was hard for my mother to see that I have to leave again after a 2 months stay. And now, there is even a possibility my sister may come... which means she is going to miss both daughters! I could see the tears welling in her eyes as I consoled her and tell her that I have to earn some money for the family.

I finally boarded the plane at about 9.30am and got to Beijing at about noon. Following a 3hour transit which was further delayed another hour plus due to heavy rain, I finally boarded the plane at Beijing to Singapore at just past 4pm.

I finally arrived at 10.30pm at night and when I got out of the airport, it was 11.15pm. My agent who was suppose to pick me was again no where in sight. How is it that agents are always late? Or is this just part of the local culture?

I went to the local convenience store to get a phone card so that I can call him. It cost me RMB80+ or about SGD26. When I got through to him (the agent), all he can say was, "Oh you are here. I'll will come fetch you now". No apologies or remorse. Finally he arrived at about 30mins past midnight. By then, I almost collapse of starvation.

"Again he is late..."

Here is a picture of me taken at Bedok where I've decided to stay, just this morning while again waiting for the agent to come pick me up for a Medical check-up. Again, he is late...

I will update on my workplace once everything is firm...

Moving to a new Home!

Two months had passed by since I started work and while life is continues to be tough, it's all in a days work. I had decided to move closer to work so that I don't have to spend so much time travelling and save on bus fair too. I rented a bed space (Yes, bed space and not a room.... no typo here) at Tanjung Pagar for SGD220 a month. This is much neater than the Joo Chiat place as we only sleep 6 to a room and it's on a high floor, so I get a beautiful view of Singapore and part of the sea when I look out the window. It can get quite breezy on a windy day too. My only wish is that I had taken some pictures here, so that readers will get a chance to see this new "home".

"...you do at least get your own personal space!"

Maybe Singapore should consider having Capsule Apartments. In Beijing and many other cities, we have capsule apartments for migrant workers. They are very small single apartments with nothing more than maybe a bed and small table and a place to keep your clothes. All other amenities like washing machines, bathrooms etc... are shared. While it will certainly cost a little more than a renting a bed space like what we do in Singapore, you do at least get your own personal space. Here is a picture I took from the internet of a Capsule Apartment in Beijing.

Well, maybe a businessman or entrepreneur who reads this post will take this up as his personal project.It might be a highly profitable business venture... who knows?

"...I save almost 1hr and 30 minutes each day..."

In any case, it is now a 10-15 mins walk to work and instead of getting up at 5am, I can now get up at 6am and start taking a leisurely stroll to work at about 6.30am. My boss gave me SGD150 for accomodation and I save about SGD70 in bus fares, so I just about broke even when it comes to finance, but I save almost 1hr and 30 minutes each day (2 hours bus to and fro less 30 mins walk to and from work). The walking will be good for my health too so it's a good trade...

Getting used to it!

After a few weeks, I had my stuff all settled. I bought my phone card that cost met about SGD26, my MRT card topped up with SGD50. It's a good thing I brought my old Nokia handphone from China with me and it worked well in Singapore. I had worried that it might not work and was afraid that I had to go buy another phone. Where am I going to get money from when I have not even got my first month's pay? And even if I do, I had promised to send back at least SGD700 every month so that my mother can help me settle my huge debt. I promised to pay back at least SGD500 every month and including interest, that alone is going to take me almost 2 years to clear. The thought of whether I had made the right decision to borrow money to come work in Singapore often keeps me awake at night.

However, I know I had to work at least 4 to 6 years to save enough to go home and start a small business. My first 2 years will be just clearing my debt. Hmm....

"I even got used to sleeping in a room with 8 people"

Anyway, I was getting used to working in Singapore. In fact, I was quite surprised that I see so many people from China here. Whenever I take a stroll in the evening out of my apartment, Icould hear people speaking mandarin and from their accent, I could tell very distinctly that they were from China. Chinese people speak very loudly, especially the men! Welcome home... ha ha!

I even got used to sleeping in a room with 8 people. I got used to sleeping with the lights on when some of my room mates came back late.... and I got used to hanging clothes all over the house. I don't think anyone's to blame for this untidiness. Try cramming 14 people into a 2 bedroom HDB apartment and you will know what I mean. A picture tells a thousand words!

A 12 hour work day is tough?

Leaving home from Joo Chiat at 6am, arriving at work at 7am and working till 7pm in the evening will probably sound like hell to many Singaporeans. At least that's the reaction I get when when customers come by and had small talk with me. Their eyes widen in amazement as many stammered, "What? You work 12 hours a day!" And many readers will probably think that many of these customers who came by to "small talk" with me are mostly guys... and most probably, they are just showing some sympathy. Well not really true too... there are many nice office girls who enjoy the small talk as well.

"... so working 12 hours in Singapore is nothing ..."

Back in China, or at least where I came from, we work 8-9 hours a day and including transport time, it can work out to almost 12 hours just the same. What's more, there are no off days... it's seven days a week for us! And the pay is just 800RMB or about SGD170 per month. I recall my days working in a boutique (actually it's not that long ago, just a few months before I came to Singapore in May 2008) when I had to wake up at 5am every day and make my way to work at 6am. I get to work between 7.30am to 8am depending on traffic as my home in Benxi to Tieling is quite far. Working hours was from 8am to 4pm where I will have to wait till about 5pm to catch the bus home. By the time I get home, it will be close to 7pm... so working 12 hours in Singapore is nothing to me. I even get half of Saturday and the whole Sunday off in Singapore... how nice. This is luxury! No wonder, Chinese are flocking to Singapore to work!

I'm sure Singapore must have been the same many years ago when it was just starting out. Your forefathers would have worked 12 hour days or more without complain. Well, when times get better, lets not forget the days when our forefathers strive to give us a better life!

Someone made my day!

I got up really early on my third day in Singapore, just to make sure I was not late and I did not have to wait in line for the bathrooms. My colleague got up at about the same time and were both ready by about 5.30am. I understand the bus journey will take about an hour, so we made our way to work early.

I was hard at work as usual... the first thing I had to do every morning was make coffee and then cut fruits. Customers normally start to stream in just after 8am for their breakfast. However, I was to busy concentrating on learning new phrases my colleague taught me that I did not really noticed what was happening around me!

Singaporeans are a friendly lot, aren't they? They will always make some small talk like, "Oh you are new here today?" or even a simple "你好！". It's such a refreshing change from my hometown. Sure people are nice when you know them at home but not when you are a stranger. They normally ignore you... or maybe they are just busy making ends meet?

So what made my day today? Well, someone came by and said I looked like "Gong Li"! Ha ha... how I wish! But nevertheless, I appreciated the nice gesture and it certainly made my day a little brighter!

When you are that far from home, it does not take much to make your day. Every little nice gesture counts, even when it's just pure flattery! Otherwise, returning home to room packed with eight people and having to queue to use the bathroom isn't much fun anymore. Thank you... whoever you are... for making my day!

Here is a picture of me and one of Gong Li... guess who's who? Ha Ha, I won't even dare to compare myself to a Diva, but what's stopping me from having some fun, right? The picture on the top left was taken when some friends and I visited the Hard Rock Cafe. We could not even afford to eat there but I could not resist putting on this nice top hat, just in the name of vanity!

My new job!

Right after the doctor's appointment and after the necessary documentations were settled, he told me he will send me to my new workplace and I will have to start working that same day. It was almost 3pm!

After about 20mins of driving, we arrived at Raeburn Park, Tanjong Pagar. We drove past a rather run down train station and straight into a modern industrial building. My first impression was that Singapore is very nice and clean. That was a positive start!

Once we arrived, he parked his van and took me to the canteen to meet my "colleagues" which comprised 3 Singaporean workers and 2 Chinese Workers.... I was introduced to them and my boss, who was a Singaporean. He sat me down and explained to me my job. My job was to take care of the drinks while one of my Chinese colleagues will handle the fruits. Another Chinese colleague was attending to what I was later to learn as a "Niang Dou Fu" stall, although I have no idea what that was.

Working hours was 7am to 7pm with half days on Saturday and off on Sunday! Wow, off on Sunday. In China, we work seven days a week! Or at least I worked seven days a week in a boutique!

I was handed two company "T-shirts" and an apron and will have to wear these every day, starting from now. I immediately went to change and started work. We have to wash these and keep these clean on our own. One of my Chinese colleagues taught me how to make the different coffee and I learnt some local terms like "Teh O" and "Teh O Kosong".... rather confusing at first but my colleague was rather patient and reassured me that I will get the hang of it in a few days. I was glad she was patient and nice to me and especially happy that the first few people I met were all nice.

"... I even had time to read a little newspaper!"

While I was absorbing all these new terms, time flew and before I knew it, it was time 6.30pm and time to start getting ready to go home. My first day was quite a nice experience, I even had time to read a little newspaper! This colleague was staying in the same place as me (although I did not see her the night before) and offered to take me home.

On the way home, she gave me more tips on working in Singapore. She told me that later in the evening, she will take me to buy a phone card and settle other issues like change money etc... So sweet of her! While I felt like a fish out of water in Singapore, little nice gestures like these go a long way to making me feel at home!

A new beginning...

I woke up at 9am the next day. This was really late for me as I am used to waking up really early in the morning with the cockerels' crow in my front yard. However, I was really tired and I could really do with a few more hours rest. And I was hungry and there was no food anywhere. Just to be sure I don't break any house rules, I chatted with a house mate who was already hand washing her clothes. She gave me a few tips...  like not eating food on the table or refrigerator that is not yours, not spending too much time in the toilet etc... etc... while I made a mental note to remember all this. Then I did some unpacking so that I could get to my toothbrush for a quick wash and change of clothing. Only when I was fully awake did I realized that I slept without even putting on a bedsheet or pillow covers and there were stains all over the mattress... probably "left-overs" from all those who slept on it before I...

At 11am, the same guy who fetch me came and I was ready. He was a little more cheerful today as he told me what to bring along for my check-up. As we left the house, I had my first look at the location and neighborhood.

"This must be an apartment full of migrant workers... as I pondered the untidy state of the corridors..."

As we moved out of the main gate, he showed me the directions to the bus stop and told me that I have to take a bus from here to my assigned work place. I struggled to remember all the new instructions and routes... in my still groggy mind...

Along the way, I asked him several questions of my own, like, "How do I take a bus or MRT?", "Where do I buy a phone card?", "What type is the most economical for calling back to China?", "How much would I need to get all these in place?". Unfortunately, he was unable to help much and told me to ask my colleagues when I meet them during the later part of the day. I had a lot more questions than answers... but in the meantime, there was nothing I could do but let them rest! As he drove, I admired the new scenery... Singapore is certainly a beautiful country... beautiful people walking the streets, beautiful weather, orderly roads...

A familar sign...

After 2 hours, I was so dead tired, hungry and frightened that I actually fell asleep until someone came right in front of me holding a piece of paper with my name on it. He tapped me on my shoulders and asked me, "Are you Li Jing?".

"Yes", I answered, still a bit teary eyed
"OK Good, follow me!". No emotions, no apology for being 2+hours late...

I wanted to ask him why he was late but I felt this wasn't the most appropriate moment. Afterall, I was also glad that someone finally came. I'd rather he be late than I be stranded.

"Are you my Agent?"
"No, I work for them". He was obviously in no mood to talk as it was already close to midnight. I bet he was longing for home too.

"Where are you taking me to?"
"To your accomodation"
"Where is this?"
"Joo Chiat" although I haven't the faintest idea where that was.

After about 15 mins in the car, I dozed off again... until I heard the car stopped and nudge me.
"Follow me"

He opened the car boot and unloaded my suitcase and handcarry bag... but did not help me with them. I had to pull them across the rocky path. My room was on the third floor and there were no elevator, so I had to pull up my luggage. With my tummy grumbling and growling, I stopped at the second flight of steps and finally gave in.

"Can you help me with this?"

He reluctantly walked the few steps down to help me with my luggage.
When we reached the third storey, he opened it with a key. There were still 3 bare bodied men playing cards and drinking beer in hall. Peanut shells were strewn all over the floor. They looked up but did not speak a word. The place looked kind of untidy but he motioned me to the second room where he again turned on the lights. Someone stirred and I could see that there were 4 double decker beds (capable of sleeping eight people), and 5 girls were already asleep. She showed me to my bunk which was the lower one (thank goodness, I did not think that I had the strength to climb to the higher one!). But I almost cried... we are poor and our accommodations are not that clean in China but I've never slept in a room with 8 others! Anyway, all I wanted was to get some sleep.

Once we were done with the bunk, he showed me where the toilets and kitchen were. The floor was rather filthy and sticky on my bare feet.

He told me that he will be back to get me the next morning and pass the set of keys he used to me. I had to go for a medical check-up and finalize some other documents. That night was the worst night of my life. I was completely lost. I did not even dare to shower and went to rest after changing to a T-shirt. I sobbed myself to sleep that night!

Singapore!

The agent called to say that everything has been settled about a week later and I have to leave the following week. These two weeks were the fastest two weeks of my life. Now I'm really unsure... unsure about leaving my parents, friends, my sister and brothers and a place I've grown to call home. Butterflies churned my little tummy and I could not eat and sleep. Anxiety got the better of me... afterall, I'd never taken a plane before. In fact, I've not even seen the airport at Shenyang.

The day finally came and I was to meet the agent at the Shenyang Airport early in the morning. My parents were as anxious as I was, and got up really early to prepare breakfast... my last for the next two years at home. I could sense the tension and anxiety as I noticed my mum's eyes were perpetually wet. My dad was particularly quiet. As we had breakfast of home made dumplings, my dad finally broke the silence with his wavering voice. He told me to take care and be particularly careful in a foreign country. My mum finally broke down and cried, even though she had supported my desire to work in Singapore. I ate barely two dumplings as my churning tummy did not seem to like any food in it.

Finally we walked together as a family outside as we had booked a local taxi to take us to the airport. My sister and brother will be coming with me and helping me with my luggage. My tummy was churning even harder. Tears filled my eyes and the first big drop fell like the rain, even though I had wanted to appear strong. I hugged my mum and my dad. My dad pressed something into my hand... some money he had saved up and told me to keep it with me just in case (I was later to find out that he had given me another 1,000RMB, his savings! What a dad!). He knew I did not have much. In fact, I was going to Singapore with barely 500RMB in my pocket.I had taken the agent's word that lodging will be provided and I will start work within a few days of arriving in Singapore. My pay will be SGD800 a month!

The one hour plus to the airport felt like an eternity as I engaged in small talk with my sister and brother to keep sad thoughts out of my mind. I loved my sister and I promised her I will look for a job for her when I am in Singapore.

We got to the airport on time but the agent was late. But he finally arrived without so much as an apology as we had waited almost half an hour... not a long time but considering that my flight was coming up, half an hour felt like ages. My agent brought us to the check-in counter.

Finally the moment came to leave my sister and brother behind. I had to board. This was when I could not take and it virtually broke down and cried. I'd never left home for more than 2 weeks even when working in Shenyang and now I'm going to be away for 2 years. The thought just overwhelmed me. For the first time in my life, I saw tears in my brother's adult eyes as well!

Finally my agent ushered me into the boarding gate and I was all alone. I was lost and all alone. I was scared. I asked around and met a girl who was taking the same plane so kept close to her. Thinking back, while she had been helpful, she must have thought I was quite annoying... keeping close to her, when I don't even know her. Once when she got up to go to the toilet, I just went with her... hmmm!

My home in China!

Ever wondered what a typical Chinese Migrant life is like in China? Most of us from the country side still farm crops as a main occupation. My parents are both farmers and we live on a piece of land where we built our home. Our homes are not modern in any way. It's made mostly of concrete and has basic amenities by most country's standards. Some areas, such as the toilets are still made from bricks. Here is a picture of the toilets. No modern flushing system for sure.... but it serves its intended purpose well enough.

We don't have hot water or tap water and we have to get our water by manually pumping them from the ground. Ha, you may think this is ancient but recently, I was back home and it is exactly the same as when I left. While China has progressed by leaps and bounds, this is only in the city. The country side is much the same. Can you imagine being without hot water in the winter... and I can assure  you that winter is very, very cold here in Benxi.

We do have a pump system run by a generator but this is only used when we need lots of water in a hurry such as when we need ground water for irrigation. Otherwise, for most day-to-day use, we have to resort to pumping manually.

Is the water clean enough for drinking? For us, yes... but I guess that's because we've been acclimatized to bacteria present in the ground water. We boil the water before drinking them of course and they do taste different from the clean tap water in many developed countries. In fact, they have a rather unpleasant smell sometimes.

Well, I will tell you more about home every now and then... but you can see, we're used to hard work and life can be tough at times.

Finally... my passport... Singapore I'm coming!

The first thing I did after getting the necessary documents from the Agent was to go apply for my passport. It's the only document standing between me and Singapore... in fact, with it, I could go anywhere I want. Wow! Not that I have the money to do it, but the thought that I can, just because I have this little book, amazes me!

About 2 weeks after my application, I received a letter to say that my passport is ready and I can go ahead to collect it. I had to take a 2 hour bus to collect but then, I don't even care. Now I just want my passport! My ticket to freedom! The 2 hour bus journey to Shenyang felt like 2 days... the more excited I got, the slower time seemed to pass. Well, there isn't much I could do other than sleep the 2 hours to Shenyang. I closed my eyes, but my mind wasn't ready to settle down. Every "gear" in my body was running full speed... sleeping was just not possible. I decided to look out the window to enjoy the scenery as the green of the countryside slowly turned to a more grayish concrete jungle as we approached Shenyang.

It took me a while to be in the queue to get my passport but it was worth it. Once I got it, I kept flipping the pages, expecting to see lots of important notes and documents but all I see were empty pages. The only page that makes me sure I got the correct document was the one with my picture on it.

I rushed home to show off my new passport. Unsure as I am, I was still happy that I now have the document necessary to take me to almost any country I want (I did not realize back then that I needed a visa for most countries).

I called the agent to tell him that I got my passport and he then told me to be ready to leave in about 2 weeks once he gets the air tickets and other travel documents settled.

The next day, I went out an bought a nice looking pink trolley case... at a reasonable 100RMB. This is going to be my travel companion. I started writing down a list of items I have to pack. The agent gave me one as well but I was quite sure mine will be more complete. Medicine, shoes, clothes, make-up....

Singapore, here I come!

Finally, the call....

I had been waiting for almost 2 weeks now and not a call from the agent. That little voice in me keeps telling me I had been taken for a ride. I already paid a big sum of money and looks like this time, I'm getting nothing out of it. My friends and relatives where not much help either. They told me to learn my lesson and move on.

Then when I have just about given up hope, the phone rang. When I saw the agents number, my heart almost skipped a few beats. The agent had good news for me. He said that much of the arrangements is confirmed and I need to go and pay my other 50% payment before they arrange for tickets and the rest.

Quite frankly, after all this wait and the humiliation I got from my friends and relatives, I was about to say yes to anything, just to prove them wrong!

That afternoon, I literally "flew" over to the agents office again. The agent had explained the procedure over the phone. I had to bring down the rest of my payment together with all the necessary documentation. I told the agent I do not have a passport and they said they will give me the necessary documentation to apply for one. It'll take a few weeks but that should be ok as I'm not expected to fly out till about a month later.

When I got home, I broke the good news to my parents. My dad was his usual doubtful self but my mother was rather supportive. I did sense a little sorrow troubling her that evening, as we had dinner. Despite her show of joy, she was saddened by the fact that in just over a month, I will be off to a distant country. She wondered how life will be like without her eldest daughter around. Even though I'm not always at home when I work in Shenyang, I'm still easily contactable by phone and I'm just about a 2 hours ride from home. But now... I don't even know how far away I will be! All I do know is that it is very very far and I am a little apprehensive myself.! In my whole 26 years, I've never been that far away from home, I've never taken a plane or a train. In fact, I've never been to Beijing, our capital city and I've never seen the Great Wall of China, one of the seven man made wonders of the world!

The Beginning...

I came out to work when I was 17 where I started work as a salesgirl in a small boutique in my hometown. I came from a farming family in the city of Benxi and earning money in farming was not easy. The weather was harsh and winter can be freezing cold. As such, I decided, against my mother's wishes, to stop school and start work.

Even as an employee, my salary was only 800RMB (approx. USD100) per month. It wasn't low by China's standard by I now know that it is very low compared to the more developed countries. Things were cheap back home. I could buy a blouse for 20RMB and have a meal for 3RMB.

It was only at the beginning of 2008 that a friend pulled me along to listen to an employment agency's sales talk in Benxi. They touted the benefits of working in Singapore, where we could earn as much as 10 times more than what we were earning back home. They were good sales people. They even help you calculate your return on investments showing you how you can recover your agent's fee in less than 6 months and thereafter it's all yours to keep. They showed you that after 2 years, you could come back with almost 50,000RMB (USD4,000) of savings to start your own business or do whatever you want with it. This sum of money will take me almost 14 years to save (...if I can save 300RMB every month which is not easy back home!).

It all sounded so rosy and many people fell for it. At the end of the talk, rows of people queue up to sign up. My friend and I were among the crowd who queued. We did not know what we were getting into.