Medal of Dishonour

A tear almost came to my eye last night as I watched a film on TV. It was that Jackie Chan film - "Medallion", that was filmed in Ireland a year or two ago. I believe they gave him a load of money/grants to make it there.

What a waste of money! Such a load of rubbish. I don't know if the tear would have been out of laughter because the film was so bad or nostalgia to see parts of Dublin and elsewhere on screen! And there was no reason whatsoever for most of the film to be set in Ireland.

Still, any film that destroys even a small part of Dublin can't be all bad!!!

There MAY be trouble ahead!

Herself came in to the room today while the blog was on screen.

She's not too happy about it, surprise, surprise! She doesn't like the idea that she is the star of the blog! Ah well, too bad!!

And she hasn't even read it, thankfully! Most of my err, witty puns and allusions would go over her head, so she'd probably think I was mad.

And she might be right!!!!

Deride and Prada Choose

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single woman in possession of a good man, is in want of:

1. Many long shopping trips with said man (bored) in tow, usually to buy yet another pair of shoes or handbag.
2. A new example where the man can not do anything right!
3. A new look for that man (refer to androforming post - http://aidaninasia.blogspot.com/2006/01/metrosexual-my-are.html)

Cool the Jets

Yulie and I went to the cinema yesterday also. The choice wasn't great, but we went to see the latest martial arts film from Jet Li - "Fearless". It was very good and it was interesting to see stereotypes from the other side! Being a Chinese film, all the ang mo (westerners) were baddies and everyone (in the film, and I suspect, watching it over here!) was delighted when good old Jet whupped them!

Another thing about the cinema here is, like most offices here, it is cooled to what feels like -5 degrees Celsius! Must bring a jumper (or bovril!) the next time I go! You wouldn't want to go with someone you don't like. It wouldn't be enjoyable huddling with them for warmth!

Wuff Wuff!

Welcome everybody to the year of the dog! That is also the animal for the year of my birth, so extra luck to me this year.

The Chinese New Year's eve was last night and Yulie and I headed down to Chinatown for the celebrations. We weren't the only ones with that idea! The place was thronged with people of every race, colour and probably creed! Half the ang mo population of Singapore must have been there. The lights/decorations were impressive, as was the fireworks display at midnight. That was the fist time that I saw real fireworks (aside from the time Yulie and I met, of course!!).

Saw some auld Western fellas in their 60s/70s going around with young Thai looking women 30 or 40 years their junior. Had been told about that by a friend who recently spent time in Thailand. I thought it was a bit sick, but on the other hand, who's using whom there? That's your moral dilemma for today, folks!

If you're going to do something....

You have to hand it to the Singaporeans on some fronts.

I was just looking at the website for the place that I have an interview for shortly. Just doing some research for the grilling that I'll no doubt get.

You should see the facilities they have there and it's "only" the equivalent of an RTC/IT in Ireland. A flavour of what they have follows:

1. A huge new campus with unbelievable buildings
2. Track and field stadium
3. A pool complex, including an olympic size pool, training & kids pool
4. Apartment blocks for staff at reduced rent (nice one!)
5. TV, audio & dance studios for courses
6. Huge convention Centre
7. Fantastic gym, more sports halls/pitches than you could shake a stick at
8. 11 story library and an outdoor ampitheatre
9 Adventure Learning Course (whatever that is!)
10. Digital photography & animation labs
11 Hell, they even have BBQ pits and a beach volleyball court!

That's better facilities right there than all of Ireland's 3rd level institutions put together! Wish I hadn't read that now, because I might start wanting the job. That's the worse way to be going into an interview. It's like talking to a girl - the more you fancy her, the bigger the eejit you'll make of yourself!!!!

It's the way you tell 'em

I was used to it in Japan years ago to seeing all sorts of bad/funny/unusual English on products/signs etc. Indeed there was an email flying around with copious examples a few years back.

It doesn't really happen here, because English is the main language for communication. However, you do get it on stuff imported from other countries round about here. My current favourite is from an Indonesian natural remedy - it claims that it will "dissipate sputum".

Don'y know why, but I think that's a marvellous phrase!

Job News

I got some bad news and then some good news on the job front over the past few days.

The bad news that someone in the know here said that a lot of Indians had flooded the IT jobs market with their skills and willingness to work for peanuts.

Then I got some news. Changed my address on an online CV that employers/agencies can see (from Ireland to Singapore) and straight away I get a call about a job with an American multinational here. It's early days yet and will probably come to nothing though. The money is really bad - worse than a graduate in Ireland. In Singapore, they expect you to work harder for far less money, which as I said to Yulie yesterday, is just plain dumb. Besides, it's the polar opposite of my personal maxim; "minimise work, maximise pay"!! If they think I'm going to work long hours and sweat bullets (outside) or freeze (inside - most buildings overdo the air conditioning here!), they have another thing coming!

Also got word of my first interview this morning, for one of the lecturing jobs. Money not likely to be great either, but at least the hours will be ok and I like teaching. Wish me luck, everybody!!!

Mamma Mia!

Had the most amazing ice cream last night. Well, it was gelato to be precise - a very low fat, high quality Italian dessert made slighty differently than ice cream.

I've never tasted a fruit flavoured food before that tasted exactly like the fruit. Fantastic stuff and it's almost good for you too! The flavour we tried was durian, which is not a fruit a lot of you folks would be familar with. It's a highly pungent fruit that is said to smell like hell and taste like heaven. A lot of foreigners think that the taste is like hell too, but I like it. It's a strong taste (and whiff!) to be sure, though!

A whiter shade of pale

Although it has been 'cold' the past few days (a mere 25 degrees or so!), I am at last acclimatising to the heat. As such, I am starting to lose my title as the whitest person in Singapore. I've even stopped splashing on the factor 30, so I fear my coveted title now belongs to another ang mo!

I don't overheat as much now, due to increased water consumption. Yulie says that I'm still hot, but I guess that's nice to know!!!!

Now if these bloody hives would stop popping up, I'd be sorted! I'm developing allergies as I grow older. The known list is now most types of bar soaps and corn + heat (I think!). I'm still getting new hives, so maybe it's not corn or there's something else too!

Room with a View

In the apartment that I’m currently residing, there is an “interesting” design feature that you would never see in an Irish apartment!

There is an open window in the hall. When I say ‘open’, I mean that there is no glass! Yes, you read that correctly – no glass. Just a metal lattice to keep out unwanted small (and larger!) animals. The pic above shows it in all its glory. Note that the window doesn't do much for the soundproofing of this place!!


Usually, it delivers welcome air into the place. However, when the construction work down the street  did some sandblasting today, the downside became clear! Thank God they spray the mosquitoes around here!  It would be a hell of a job keeping them out when there’s a 9 x 8 foot hole in the wall!

Interestingly, even when it pours from the heavens, no water comes in. This is because there’s quite an overhang, there’s usually no wind and it faces a sheltered courtyard.

Rude Awakening

I don't know if it's just not part of the culture in these parts, but common courtesy is practically non-existent out here. I was thinking that myself already when I read a couple of letters from ex-pats in the local paper to the same effect. People will cut you off/across you or bump into you without a bye or leave. Apparently you can also forget about any assistance if you're a mother with a buggy etc. They are not great at the receiving end either, but I guess they aren't used to it!

When I lived in Japan years ago, there was a bit of this too, only in large crowds though. A Japanese person would walk over their ailing grandmother if she was lying on their direct route! In fairness, if they didn't put the blinkers on, they'd never get anywhere in a crowd. And the Japanese are very polite in every other way!

I'm loving it…..not

Yes, devotees, it is true – I am human also! I actually went to McDonalds tonight with the intention of eating something for the first time in years. I know most of you are aware of my rigorous dietary restrictions, but to those who don’t, this is akin to the Ayatollah Khomeini (while he was alive!) going down to the local for a pint of Guinness and a pork pie!

Before you weep uncontrollably at my infallibility, let me explain! Yulie wanted to go and try this new thing they are plugging here – the McChicken Rice, I believe they call it. Now, as most of you folks know, compromise is the basis for any successful relationship, so I decided to give in and let the old hair down for a change! I wasn’t exactly doing a Morgan Spurlock (film reference #1!), now was I? Plus, this new “McChicken Rice” used rice instead of a bun and had chicken and salad in between, so how bad could it be?

Stupid question. If you saw the sh*t (apologies Aunt Brigid for the language!) they doled out to me. 2 grease soaked rice buns that looked like cross sections from the brain of a small monkey (I had envisaged rice cracker like healthy bun) with what can only be described as a reject from a Saturday night 2am Supermacs Snackbox (and that’s bad!) in between. I felt like doing a Michael Douglas (film reference #2!), but I didn’t fancy trying to get my point across in pigeon English! The good news is that I couldn’t bring myself to eat it, much and all as I hate waste. It was the dearest slice of lettuce that I ever ate! Had some healthy fish noodle soup and bean curd desert instead, as you do! Definitely no more of that ang mo (see http://aidaninasia.blogspot.com/2006/01/will-programlecture-for-food.html for definition) crap for me!!!

The Legend - Michael O’Muircheartaigh in Action

OK, this is the last bad quality pic! No more phone cameras from now on, I promise! There's old Micheal doing his thing in the white shirt above the top Vodafone banner. I think this was taken before he murdered the Chinese language!

2005 All Stars Picture

This equally poor shot of the 2005 team also shows GAA bigwig Liam Mulvahill in the left foreground!

2004 All Stars Picture

This is the first pic posted on my blog (aside from my mugshot!). It's not a great one, but I never said I was David Bailey! It was taken last Saturday at the Allstars match. I used Yulie's fancy phone with 1.3 MPixel camera in the middle of a small media and spectator scrum! It is some of the 2004 all star hurling team with 2 famous Cork hurling managers also in shot (not that you can recognise John Allen and Donal O'Grady in this crappy pic!).

Apologies for the bad quality, but whatever Blogger does to them after uploading, it makes them really bad!

Patience is a virtue!

Please note that I have an intermittent internet connection, so I may not get to vet comments for a day or two in some cases.

I am currently making hay as you can see by the number of posts today!!!

Just what the doctor ordered

Tis great to be alive!

You will be glad to know that my headaches have at last subsided, thanks to Dr. Yulie's advice! Her (accurate) diagnosis was low water intake. My dehydration problem has been rectified, even if it does mean almost constant drinking (second nature to an Irish man!).

Fear not, because I still have my hives to complain about! Dr Yulie has diagnosed an allergic reaction. I have finally pinpointed it as corn + extreme heat. (previously, in the US, I thought it was corn and tomato and heat!). Damn - I love corn, but not enough to end up scratching welts for days on end!

Thanks to Dr. Yulie for her headache pills, itching cream and TLC!!

Day of Reckoning

In light of the previous post, it may have been slightly stupid, but I changed the nominal return date on my ticket.

Luckily, it is an (expensive!) open ticket, so I can move the date to and fro as needs be, up to a year! I have provisionally set the new return date as early April. This is to coincide with the longest legal stay possible here (3 months, although I could always hop on a bus or ferry to Malaysia/Indonesia and come back in). It also allows time for the most promising job applications to come through (or not!). I reckon that if sponsorship possibilities haven't appeared by then, it may be time for hard decisions.

And I hate hard decisions!

The eX Factor

Houston, we may have a problem!

Now, no one knows better than me that you should never mention ex-girlfriends/ boyfriends when you are with some one new. I have been guilty of that in the past, God knows! Indeed, I admit it, I have used it as a back pedalling maneuver (as if you haven't!).

Well, devotees, you will be pleased to know that I have not once mentioned any of my, err, 2 or 3 ex-girlfriends (depending on how you define the term!) to herself. Unfortunately, the reverse can not be said to be true. Hardly a day goes by but a new story about this ex or that ex comes out. Worrying times, eh girls?!! Or am I just paranoid? You decide!! It didn't help matters that today's "ex of the day" story involved a guy who didn't have a detailed career plan, liked to go with the flow and enjoyed video games and films!!! Sound like anyone you know, anyone?!!

All comments from females would be most welcome. No need to take my delicate sensibilities into account! Comments from Tiger D would be most unwelcome (and predictable!) however!!!!!!!

Will Program/Lecture for Food!

Well, the employment picture hasn't changed much.

I've applied for 4 lecturing jobs that are up my alley. I arrived at just the right time on that front. Whether they give a job like that to an "ang mo" (word for Caucasians here. Literally means "red hair" and can be slighty derogatory) and sponsor one is another matter.

On the programming front, the chances of getting a sponsor don't look good. There are loads of jobs in the paper for manufacturing/ fabrication/embedded systems people in case anyone is interested in joining me out here! Not many jobs in my little niche area though.

The hunt continues as the boredom level creeps up!

Happy New Year (Again!)

It’s the Chinese New Year this time and it’s a big deal over here. Big buzz around it and I think most places shut down for a few days. It starts next Sunday (Jan 29th) and Mon and Tues are public holidays here. Might go to Chinatown and see some parades or something. I timed my arrival well – everywhere has sales before the big holiday!

Come Back VRT, all is forgiven!

If you think cars are expensive at home (they are!), you should try buying one out here! Due to the obvious problems of lack of space and large population, The Singapore government has come up with various schemes to "encourage" you to use public transport. You even have to bid at an auction for the right to buy a car! That gets you a Certificate of Entitlement(COE), which costs in the region of 5,000 euros for a small car. Because it's so dear, mostly rich people have cars, so there are a lot of prestige motors around. The BMW 3 series is the best seller in it's class, for example. The Toyota Coralla and the Nissan Sunny (different models than at home, but just as old!) are the top 2 sellers, so obviously not all Rollers and Bentleys!

Interested parties should check out:

Car Info from expats web site

for a good overview. Then start praying Bertie doesn't get wind of it! By the way, the transport minister, Martin Cullen, was here last week, I hear. Lucky for you lot that he's useless and only good at wasting huge amounts of money!!

When in Rome…..

Well, I’ve been sampling the local fodder since I arrived and I have survived thus far. I learnt on my last trip (the hard way!) not to eat rice morning noon and night. If anything, I'll have to eat more rice!! It's hard to be a fussy eater out here, hunger being the best sauce and all!

The natives out here can be pretty shallow by all accounts (and judging by what I've seen so far), being even more into labels and badges than the Celtic tiger cubs (if you can believe that!). Also, they are mad into gadgets, always wanting the latest gizmo, be it a new mobile phone or whatever.

Unusual too is the proximity of the rich and poor. A rag and bone guy might be scraping by on about 350 Euro a month and be living pretty close to a coke snorting gambler, emm I mean stokebroker, on a few million a year. Not that coke snorting is a good idea anywhere, but especially not here! A Scottish guy got 8 years yesterday for having a little on him. Good enough for the idiot! I hope they don't like red heads in jail, for his sake!!!

Starry Starry Day!

Well, despite my headache/heatstroke, I proudly donned the green and red and headed off to Singapore Polo grounds for the hurling allstars game. Being a staunch GAA supporter, such matches are second nature to me! Met a guy from Claremorris who said it was great to see the jersey, so that made it worth it! Was quiet a few other jerseys in attendance also. Also there was quite a few GAA TV heads. Michael O’Muircheartaigh was doing the commentary from up on high. His effort at speaking Chinese was worth the hike up to the place alone! The sports guy from UTV and Michael Lyster (looking surprisingly hunched over!) were there also. No sign of Marty the Mutant though.

Sam McGuire would turn in his grave if he had seen the “GAA” footfall match on before the hurling. It was practically Aussie rules, with marks, pulling and dragging, dubious carrying rules, picking off ground and 3 points for over the bar and 6 for under. A travesty to a true fan like myself!!!

Just to make everyone feel at home, it rained during most of the allstar game! There was also some pretty scary thunder and lighting for about half an hour. The boys didn't exactly bust a gut, but it was a good game. Don’t think Yulie was too impressed, but hey, I had a good time!

To add to my headache, starting to get the "heat hives" also, like I used to get in America! I am turning in to a right hypochondriac!

Metrosexual my ar*e!

While I’m getting on with Yulie very well, two differences have emerged already:

1. She’s very driven. I’m not! This is not really a problem, but taking things as they come is not an option. I repeat, it is not an option! Everything has to be planned in advance with military precision!

2. More worryingly for me, she’s trying to turn me into a metrosexual! Despite my explanation to her that there was no man further away from a metrosexual than a Mayo man (with the possible exception of an Offaly man!), it hasn’t stopped her trying! As usual, with women everywhere when they acquire a man, the haircut was the first thing sorted out (in fairness, I needed that!). Stage 2 of a woman’s “Androforming” (term copyright Aidan Reilly 2006!) is the clothes, which to be honest, was called for also! But I draw the bloody line at other “suggestions”. To preserve my dignity with you, my loyal and loving fans, these heinous proposals shall remain confidential! The battle continues, but rest assured, I shall remain resolute in the face of aggression, unyielding against the female terror machine and unwavering in my adherence to the principles of manhood. Now watch this drive……..!!!! (2 points to those who get that reference!!)

One week down, x weeks to go!

...where 3< x < infinity (for all of you mathamatically inclined!)

Summary thus far:

1. Getting on well with Yulie (more anon!)
2. Job front doesn't look great at the moment. It's very difficult to get sponsorship. Almost every job requires a green card or citizenship. Mother take heart - I could be back in a few months. Boredom has begun to creep in already, so I'll be climbing the walls (despite my natural inclination towards doing nothing!) after a few more weeks!
3. Surprisingly, I am not missing TV. I went cold turkey once I left. However, I must confess; there is one channel on the box here which imports a lot of US shows. You'd be amazed how good American Idol becomes when the choice is that or a Chinese or Malay soap opera!
4. I know I go on about this a bit, but the heat is hard to get used to! It doesn't help that I'm coming down with flu and overheating on the inside also now! I think it's just a natural reaction to the climate change and all that swapping between very hot (outside) and very cold environments (shops, library etc) all day. I hope it's not H5N1 anyway! Dr Yulie is taking good care of me though!

To Comment or not to Comment?

Apologies - I had inadvertENTly turned the commments off by default. I have rectified that now and altered the past few posts so you lot can get your digs in, if you so desire!!!

Thanks to Tiger D for alerting me!

When it rains, it pours!

You'll be delighted to know that I haven't left the rain behind me! It fairly plummets down here - it's like having a shower, complete with hot water!

The good thing about the rain is it reduces the temperature down to almost manageable levels! There's a good library across the road from my gaffe and it's beautifully air conditioned. I foresee a lot of in house reading in the summer!

Give us a job!

Spent several hours (in the boiling sun!) navigating to the Ministry of Manpower (sounds like something from a Monty Python sketch!) building. Despite being impressed by the cleaniness of the building itself and the very efficient way the servuce is run, it turns out that the info on their web site is erroneous. The upshot is that I do have to find a sponsor/employer for my work permit.

I've applied for a few suitable lecturing jobs already. It's early days yet, so I'll wait and see how things go.

Progress Report

For those of you looking for salacious information, have a cold shower!!

No bust ups thus far, but its only been 3 days. Give me time!

I'm glad I came over, even if I only stay a month or two. Not sure about the work permit situation now. I may need a company to sponsor me. I have to clarify that in the next few days. Could make things more difficult.

Stay tuned!

New Mugshot

Since I got a complaint about my orignal pic (which in fairness, didn't capture my true essence in all its glory!), I have reverted back to another one.

The things I do to keep my fan(s) happy! Granted, this new one doesnt come out very well in it's minature form above, but it'll do for the moment.

Feel free to rate this new snap out of 10. Whoever gives it the highest mark gets a fan of the day award!!!!!

Goodbye to Compo Culture!

Hi, devoted fan(s)!

I am starting to look for job/work permit out here now in the land of the rising red tape. The only thing that I am doing at the moment is sweating bullets (and it's not that hot here, relatively speaking!).

An interesting feature of the cityscape here are the storm drains on most streets. Literally large drains with no railings of any kind around them. Imagine that in Ireland? There would be people bellyflopping in there for compo! Here, if you're stupid/drunk enough to fall in, tough! Which is as it should be, I reckon. Still, where did I put my flippers?!!!

Farewell to the Rip off Republic!

Old Eddie Hobbs would be beside himself over here! With the exception of cars, everything apppears cheaper here.

You can get a good feed for 2 Euro (try getting that at home!). PC software (i.e. games!) a lot cheaper, even in proper shops! Everything else I've bought has been similarly discounted. Got a mobile phone with 100 free minutes and 500 (local) texts for about €12.50/month. No wonder Irish mobile phone companies are amongst the most profitable in the world!

Why didn't a tight arse like myself leave yonks ago?!

The Eagle has Landed!

Arrived here yesterday after almost 12 hours from Frankfurt in a zombie like trance between asleep and awake. Only had about a 30 minute wait in Frankfurt, which was great (thank God no delays with Dublin flight!)

It's hot, damn hot, but not as bad as it could be at only about 1.3 degrees above the equator! Reception rapturous (ok, very good!) and are getting on very well thus far.

Attack of the Butch Lesbian!

I thought that title would get your attention!

On the Dublin-Frankfurt leg, 2 women wearing extremely comfortable shoes sat across from me. Or at least I thought it was 2 women. With one, I wasn't so sure, especially when the groping started! S/he was one of those who could have been a man with not quite enough testosterone or a woman with a little too much. I wasn't certain until s/he inadvertingly hit me on the head with her hand luggage (I probably deserved a smack at that stage!) and apologised in a feminine voice.

Still, an excellent start to the long journey!

I'm leaving, on a jet plane.....

...can't say when I'll be back again.

Someone should make a song out of those sad poignant words! About to head off to the airport shortly. I'll have a long flight to ponder over how things will go. Will I like Singapore? Will I get a work permit and a job? Will the heat/humidity be cat? (I think I know the answer to that one!) Will Yulie and I get on as well as we have before? Will she discover what I'm really like?!

Tune in to see how the, errr.., drama unfolds.

Found my temporary abode on Google Earth yesterday. It's on the same street as a Catholic Church - a one minute walk. Happy days, Sheila (mum) - it could be an omen! Haven't found a Buddhist temple yet in the vicinity!!

Going Away Party, Part Trois!

Thanks to Marie for putting me up for my last few nights in Ireland (and all the other times too!). Thanks also to her for the nice dinner tonight and to Gary(DB!) & Mary for coming over.

I'm off to bed for my last night in the auld sod. Tomorrow, the adventure really begins - stay tuned!

Goodbye to Comhairle!

Thanks to everyone in Comhairle for their great send off. Down through the years, they have been very good to me and I appreciate that. I wouldn't take back those 6 years, 11 months and 4 days for anything!!!!!

I found out today that there is such a thing as a free lunch, as well as free cakes! I hope that I didn't mess up the speech up too much - it's just that I was choking back the tears!

On the plus side, I can wave goodbye to the weekly cross-country commutes after about 320 trips, 22000+ hours and 96,000 odd miles (153,600 km)! That's a lot of miles (kms) on the clock and I'm not getting any younger!

Thanks also to the ICT gang who came to the pub for a scoop.

The journey has begun!

OK, so I'm only in Dublin, but still, I'm on my way! I'm sick of lugging those bloody bags already - only about 7 thousand miles to go with the damn things.

Thanks to Marie for the lift to bus stop! Nice of it to piss rain as I left Galway. I'll really miss that damp, cold weather!

Going Away Party, Part Deux!

Big thanks to Fr Martin for his fabulous meal last night. If he's half as good a priest as he is a chef, he could even bring me back into the fold (take heart, mum!).

Had a very nice evening with my fellow hard working residents committee members. I'm sure they'll continue doing trojan work in my absence and I look forward to seeing "Shangri-la" on my return!!

Going Away Party

Thanks to all who those who came to my going away bash chez moi last night. A good night was had by all (or so they said!). Big thanks to Ger & Fergil for the superb catering and Marie for the brilliant entertainment. Thanks to my mum (who everyone said looked way to young to be my producer!) for helping me clean up after all those messy gits!

Apologies for hogging the karaoke for so long (those who left early were mercifully spared!)!

Those with feeble excuses like having an operation, skiing holiday, dog ate my babysitter etc. missed a good night!

Hi All

You have no excuse now for not knowing what I'm up to!

Check in every now and again to learn about my exploits (or lack of same!)