Another one bites the dust!

Just about a week ago, another one of my male colleages decided to call it quits. He's had it! He comes early to work (about 6.30am) and he has to get a host of things done by 8am when people start strolling in for breakfast. This includes boiling water, cooking etc... and most of the time, he is unable to get everything ready on time. I cannot tell if he was given too much to do, or he was slow, but nevertheless, the fact is, he could not always finish his task on time.

There is this older Singaporean auntie who is always on the watch for us migrant workers making mistakes or "slacking" and will complain to the boss. She seems to get a pleasure out of doing that, despite knowing that we work as hard as we can. Fortunately, I have not been in her bad books yet. Anyway, she complained to the boss about this colleague of ours and finally after 4 months, my colleague told the boss that he cannot take it and decided to quit. He still owes a big sum of money from his Agent's fee but he's willing to forego that and just go home. I could tell, it's his last straw, he just cannot take it anymore.

I'm not siding with any one but just laying out the facts from what I see and hear. I know that in my first 4 months when I came, I was not able to work at full effectiveness as I had a tough time adjusting to the different culture, living conditions etc... and I am sure my colleague faces the same. I was fortunate though... receiving few complains.

Last Sunday was his last day so we all went out for dinner. Again we had hot pot. They all drank alot of beer and it cost us SGD30 each. That's alot of money but then, it's a farewell dinner for our colleague.

I really felt sorry for him. It's tough to just make ends meet, not to mentioned being the target of complains. Well, I cannot judge if the complains are justified but I do think he has a tough job to do. There is a time constrain to get everything ready. That's a lot of pressure for someone relatively new.

I understand his consequence. The big debt to pay, the shame of going back when others back home expect you to come back "rich and prosperous". It's a sad day but we're tough people, we'll make it somehow!

A big meal again!

These days, I work alternate Saturdays at the canteen at the General Hospital, a new location my boss "picked" up some time back. I got to know the colleagues there very well and last weekend, one of them decided we should all go out for a good meal after work.

I wasn't working that day but I decided to join them. For some reason, every Chinese worker here seems to choose "hot pot" when selecting a place to eat. Not sure why this is so? Do Chinese really enjoy hot pot or is it because it is just low cost enough that we can afford?

Incidentally we went back to the same place next to the kallang mrt station where my friend, Jianwei, brought me before she left. This place seems to be really popular with Chinese migrant workers. Must be the very attractive price. However, because we were early, it wasn't as crowded as before. We had a good time. The food wasn't great but it's always great to get together with friends and enjoy the afternoon.

As you can see from the videos I took, we had a good time. It's not often we get to chat about home and life in Singapore but when we do, it's a fun time! I really cherish these times with good friends!

Specially for my reader "Cucumber"!

Some time ago, when I wrote about giving a farewell treat to my friend, Jian Wei, a reader asked me where this place was. I told him that I will let him know once my friend had a chance to call me from China and actually give me the address.

Well, she finally did call and I did remember my promise to find out exactly where this Hot Pot place where we ate was. It's at 12 Jalan Ayer just across the road from the Kallang MRT. I even stopped by just to take a picture of the place.

This place seems pretty popular with Chinese people in Singapore, and I am not so sure why. Maybe the food is just to their taste or the price is reasonable. It certainly was good and the price must not be too bad if I can afford it!

Well, "Cucumber", so make sure you go and let me know what you think of the food there!