My one and only BAD SCOOT experience (thus far)

I actually wrote this entire post on my flight back from Bangkok in January. But I kept delaying to post it. Not too sure why myself. But I'm proud to say that I actually took scoot again in February, to the same destination, and there was no nonsense like that you'reabout to read.

FAITH IN SCOOT RESTORED!!!

DEFINITELY. GONNA. SCOOT. AGAIN.

So ya. In case you're wondering what bad experience I had or what nonsense I had to face... Read on...

You're having a bad day, maybe.
I get it. People do. Sometimes.
But here's what I don't get.

Everyone's heading home.

What does it take for you to be a little more friendly?
To accomodate that 1 simple question so that everyone gets to go home on time without delay?

No, you just had to sulk and walk away from that ONE SIMPLE QUESTION...
Is there any other space at the overhead compartments? My seat's full. "NO."

Hello! Walking away with a "No" does not help!
People just end up spending more time, trying to open already closed compartments to find space.
Seriously.
It's a small thing. But it irritates the hell out of me.

Yes, it's only a small thing so why am I writing about this?
Well. Stupid things pisses me off.
I hate how it irks me but things like these always happen.

I was seated at 8D.
It's one of those seats I call the in betweens.
Those parked right in the middle of the emergency exit and the front of the plane.
Those that doesn't matter what time you get to the gate, you will still be the last few to board.
I'm not complaining because this is the logical and efficient way - Fill up the back of the plane first then the front.

When I finally boarded the plane, I saw that the front compartments were almost full but the seats were only half filled. I didn't understand why since everyone's entitled to a max of 2 carry ons right? And right then, I saw.
A few people walked to the front to put their bags in the initially empty compartments and walked back to their seats. Usually I wouldn't care less cause I'll only have a backpack which I tuck into the seat in front of me. But this time, I am actually carrying an additional cabin luggage. When I walked to my seat, the overhead compartments was full. Packed but open. I looked to the back and saw that there are a few additional opened compartments. Out of courtesy, I asked the attendant (A) "Can I put this back there?". She replied, "Your seat no space already" and walked away.
Erm. I don't think you answered my question but I'll take that as your acknowledgement.
There were gaps in the back compartments so I went ahead to squeeze it back there.

Few mins later. Another lady came on board. Also seated in the in betweens, she asked "Is there any other space I can keep this? My seat's full." This same attendant (A) replied, "No" and walked off to the back of the plane. I initially thought she was going to the back to find space but no, she walked off to the tail of the plane past another attendant (B) that was still packing some baggages for other passengers. So guess what. This lady went to open the already closed compartments one by one and check if she could squeeze her baggage in. And I was like, "what the hell" and looked to the back. That attendant (A) was gone and another attendant (B) came to help. She offered to take her baggage a few seats down where she could squeeze it in.
Conclusion, no one seated at the in betweens have their baggage with them and they're all further at the back.

Now. This is really a question I want to ask. I kept thinking about this on the flight back. What should be the correct operating procedure? The SOP? I would assume that we should try to pack the compartments as close as possible before asking passengers to go to other compartments. Right? No?

It seems (and it is) so stupid that you allow people from the back to take space in front when the back isnt entirely full, then in turn, people from the front need to go to the back? Let's not talk about how much time is wasted before takeoff. Can you imagine how much more time and how chaotic the entire plane will be when it is parked? People from the front would be squeezing backwards while people at the back would be inching forward.

Seriously.
Stupidity at its finest.
Inefficiency at its best.

See. If I'm having a bad day, I'll want to end my shift as early and as fast as possible.
Head home.
Rest.

But it appears you're just trying everything to prolong your shift.

HELP. ME. I. CANNOT. UNDERSTAND.
Or help her, repair her brain a little.

I pray our paths will never cross again.
But if it does, I only hope you're "smarter".
Because I give up understanding stupidity.

Good luck. Bye.

Over in a flash

Chinese New Year is over in a flash. Yes, there are still gatherings going on, but technically, the holidays are over.

And here I am. In Indonesia, Medan on a business trip.

It's been a very long time since I've actually written something on my business trip and in the hotel. If my memory serves me right, the last time I did this was in KL. Which means, it was ages ago. HAHA. Cause I haven't been on a business trip to KL in more than 6 months.

Alright. Anyway, just here to share some thoughts. Actually 1. And it's somewhat random.
So. Has anyone tried Skin Inc Optimizer Devices before? 
With all this travelling, I am really tempted to get the new Voyage Tri-Light device.

HOW..?
It keeps appearing on my facebook, and instagram feed.

I. AM. SO. TEMPTED.

2017 in Review

I wanted to write this before the end of 2017 but January 2018 is almost over! Omg! 

Getting right to the point. The last few months of 2017 have been draining, physically and mentally, and weekends were naturally burnt for sleep, or to catch up on lost sleep. It took me quite some time to get back into routine yet I can hardly find time (and energy) to sit down and write something. Did I mention that I stopped swimming sometime in March and could not find the momentum back to continue? Even until now?

Looking back on 2017 and I’ll say it's a year of challenges – especially at work. 

A lot of changes and a whole lot of getting used to. 

In my company, organisational changes are very common every 6 months, people transferring in and out of teams. So, in Dec 2016, while I was still nursing the transfer (and taking over his portfolio) of colleague K in Sep 2016, I was told to be prepared for another transfer of colleague S that was due to happen in March 2017. Boss told me that the team in Singapore will downsize and move forward as a 2-man (or 1-man 1-woman) team, i.e., the Boss and me. That said, each country – particularly Thailand and Philippines – are expected to increase 1 member each so as to cope with the expansion speed. Yet sometime in Feb 2017, I heard news that I will also be expecting a new member here in SG. Frankly, I didn't quite understand why given that the local members have already increased. So yeah, 3 new comers in March to guide – 1 in SG, 1 in TH and 1 in PH. And on top of all that, our existing member in Philippines decided to leave the company (to somewhat pursue her dreams) and serve notice till September. I was so sad/ disappointed (not sure what word best describes how I felt) that I was the only girl left in the team, again? Just like when we started, but with a team of different people. But yes, the hunt for a replacement began and frankly I wasn’t having high hopes of another girl being assigned. Yet when the name came in, I went, “OH! It’s her!” – like a parent finding out the gender of their child for the first time. HAHAHA. Anyway, she was then assigned to begin in Jul 2017, so that the existing member could give proper OJT.

I would have thought that all this was enough changes to introduce to ONE TEAM for a year but, god was I wrong. 3 newcomers in March and 1 in July AND that’s hardly the end of it. In June/ July 2017, my boss started prepping me for his departure secretly. He told me that he is wanted back in Japan by the officers but there was little news as to what his next designation would be. In any case, I would be expecting a new boss by September 2017. 

WHAT THE HELL?!

Honestly, I didn't think it made sense at all. 

First, I am the only “surviving member” from the original team.

Second, I am currently juggling the training of 4 members, ensuring that their quality and standard stay the same or better.

Third and on top of all that, I need to figure out my new boss?

I am only 1 person.

How is it possible to manage?

Can it even be possible? 

Well, I couldn't and dare not even think more about it so I spoke to my boss about my concerns and being the ‘father’, he told me that he will always be there to support me whenever I needed his help, wherever he is. SO SWEET & NICE! BUT HELLO?! The stress building on my shoulders is no joke. It’s no wonder why my shoulders are getting stiffer day by day. HAHAHA. Anyway, for the sake of differentiation so that I don't get confused writing this while you read, he shall be referred to as “Papa Boss” hereon.

Prepping for Papa Boss’ departure was the hardest ever – more so than Colleague K and Colleague S whom I worked with for 3 years each, both entering and leaving the team 6 months apart. As I mentioned earlier, as the last standing member of the original team, I’ve worked with Papa Boss for a total of 4.5 years (March 2013 – Sep 2017). He’s always a tough boss, asking for the best of the best, ensuring that no compromises were made in the process of the opening. Sometimes he is so anal that you don't know what you can answer, except accept the fact that you could have done better. Yet he is also a father figure to me for guiding me and teaching me everything I know with regards to the work I do. 

For every transfer, I always tell them that there is no permanent farewell in this company because we’re always moving around. Yet somehow, when it came to Papa Boss’ transfer, I didn't trust my own words. I knew he was moving out of the brand (within the same company) and it felt too real, that this part of history, this part of what made me – me, was leaving. That said, I promised myself that there shall be no tears! Not that I am an unfeeling bitch, but I thought that I should be remembered the way I always am, positive and laughing. So yeah, no tears! 

And when the new boss came, it felt like I had to start anew. It took time to understand the new boss and his style of working. Coupled with the potential language barrier, damn was it draining. It got easier day by day and I guess, it was easier for me to understand what he wants to convey by reading the atmosphere and inferring it with the knowledge I had. All the good training from Papa Boss came in handy. Muahahaha. New boss is a areally nice guy. He sat me down and asked me what I needed from him. I told him that I felt like I’m stuck at a bottleneck if all I’m going to do is the same things all over. So, he promised to give me more opportunities at work and more learning opportunities to grow. So yeah, let’s just say everything with the new boss is good and I just need to get my head straight with the trainees. 

Anyhow. Enough about work. On a lighter and personal note, I am pretty happy that I manage to take more trips and explore more places in 2017 (albeit some of them were because of work).

• January – Port Dickson
• February – JB 
• March – JB 
• April – KL, Shanghai
• May – Bandung
• June – Genting, Medan
• July –JB
• August – Surabaya
• September – Surabaya
• October – JB
• November – JB
• December – New Zealand

If you search under the hashtag #ellietrotsabroad, it seems like I’m travelling every month! Although there are frequent trips for work (#nssnso) too.

In any case.

Thank you, 2017, for being such a challenging year. 

I believe 2018 will be easier because I am stronger. 

Here’s to more journeys and adventures in 2018…

Charcoal Thai

This is gonna be a rather short post.
Most of my colleagues know that I like BBQ. I'm always suggesting to go new bbq places for dinner gatherings and all. Thing is, my parents love steamboat. So we went Charcoa Thai @ Nex for dinner yesterday. Mookata is somewhat good to satisfy the soupy steamboat craving as well as the hot plate bbq.

We reached there at 1800hrs and there was no queue so we got seated very quickly.

We were introduced the buffet but seeing there was only 3 of us, we went ahead with the Mookata Set instead. Price was very reasonable for the portion, I would give it a 4/5. Food was also very fresh and good, also a 4/5. We even ordered additional cray fish which was really good - so fresh you can taste the sweetness in the meat!

What I didnt like about the place was the ambience and the service. Frankly, I think its common for such BBQ restaurants to be slightly busy but they were clearing tables with their trolleys in a very messy way. The reason for it? They were seriously shorthanded. The place was handled by 3 service staff. 2 of whom looked more senior that were running around the entire place, including, cleaning, serving, ushering and also collecting payment.

If their service improved, with the prices they are charging and the freshness of their food, I'm pretty sure they will always be long queues outside. Till that improves, I see no incentive in going back, unless specified by others.

Gonna end off this post with photos. Cheers!

The amount of food (FRESH) in one Mookata Set

We already started eating. Spot the crayfish.

Vege and shrooms.
There are more Veg under the meat on the other platter

Mum ordered this for me cause I like LALAs.
But I didnt like the taste of it. Too sweet.

Review: Beautiful Teeth Whitening

I know I have been saying that I want to review this truthfully. However, I come across an issue each time I try. I'll talk about the issue in a bit, but let's begin with how I first came across this product.

A friend of mine was selling it. In fact, a few friends of mine were selling it across different channels. I would say, it resembles a pyramid scheme, otherwise known as Multi-level Marketing (MLM).

Right before I came across "BEAUTIFUL", I was already looking at similar teeth whitening kits "Pop Smile", as well as "Hi Smile". Since my friend was selling "BEAUTIFUL" and the price is generally cheaper than the rest, I decided to give it a try.

Very clean and simple design

Says nothing about the ingredients

For those of you wondering, you can get an original "BEAUTIFUL" set at SGD70. It comes with a LED kit, a gel, and a USB adaptor. Both starter kits for "POP Smile" and "Hi Smile" are approximately SGD81. I know there isn't a lot of difference between the prices, but seeing that "BEAUTIFUL" works for my friend... the logical idea is to go with the cheaper option! 

So yes! I bought a set from my friend whose selling it. And I wasn't able to stick to the routine at all. I know all about discipline and putting in the hours but there was a burning issue preventing me from sticking to the suggested routine. 

What issue, you might ask?

After using "BEAUTIFUL" for 2 consecutive days, the 3rd day will always start to hurt. The first time, I was burnt. A whole patch, approximately 2cm long and 0.5cm wide, of my inner upper lip turned dark red. I felt like it was going to tear and turn into a monstrous ulcer. So, I did something crazy. Hahaha. I applied Bonjela on it immediately before going to sleep. And yes, if you are cringing now, it did sting like crazy. The next morning when I woke up and brushed my teeth, the whole patch of skin came off. And there was no more burning sensation. Guess it was a crazy but right choice to apply Bonjela. Haha.

A shade chart

So with that, I stopped using the kit for a week or two. When I tried starting it again, the same thing happened. Although milder, not as serious. But it was always the third session where it starts to burn. Again, this time, I could not complete the suggested treatment plan. After this same cycle repeated for 4 times. I gave up. Which is why it is hard for me to write a proper review because I know how much it helped my friend. Her teeth were pretty yellow due to early years smoking and yet "BEAUTIFUL" gave her a white set of teeth yet it doesn't work for me. 

The suggested treatment plan is 15-20mins for the first 3 days, then extend it to 30mins for the next 4 days. Each treatment plan is a week long and you can do it once weekly thereafter just for maintenance. Brushing your teeth before using, and rinsing your mouth with warm water after each use.

I could not complete the treatment plan even when I tried to reduce the amount of gel, as well as the time used. So I got curious and began reading a few articles and one of them stood out more than the rest... from Daily Vanity. It seems this product is not only non-HSA approved, it contains more than usual amounts of Hydrogen Peroxide. You know the 4% or 6% thing that you mix into your hair dye..? 

Actual scanned copy of the reading material in the box.

The box design was so clean and neat but I don't see any indication of the ingredients within the gel. 

I managed to find the list of ingredients in the leaflet inside the box, as shown in the picture above. It would be the second grey mark on the left. 

With the help of google translate, I managed to make out the ingredients as follow:

- 食品级纳米二氧化钛/ Food Grade Nano Titanium Dioxide

- 卡波姆/ Carbomer

- 木糖醇/ Xylitol

- 薄荷醇/ Menthol

- 调味素/ Seasoning

- 去离子水等/ Deionized water, etc.

I recall that Daily Vanity mentioned that there is hydrogen peroxide listed. But according to the leaflet and google translate, there isn't. And what the hell is "De-ionised water, etc". What is etc?! Omg. Given that my gums were burning, I am more inclined to say that there is hydrogen peroxide present. Since it works for some people, I will say that this product works! But it really depends on the individual and frankly, I would not recommend. 

SampleStore Review: Hiruscar Anti-Acne Series

Whenever I hear the name Hiruscar, I would always assume that it is a post-acne treatment... for scars! Hence the name Hiru"scar"? Get what I mean?

Hiruscar actually came up with an Anti-Acne Range with 3 products that promises you will "see acne improvement in 2 days! Reduce pimples and lighten spots without drying the skin."

1, The Cleanser (RP: S$14.90)

Step 1 of everything is to Cleanse. I only started using this 2 days ago. So it is rather difficult for me to say how it may remove excessive dirt and sebum and how it may balance the skin moisture. But truth be told, I have not experienced extreme dryness or anything. My nose is a little dry compared to usual but nothing to be worried about. What I really like, as a plus point is the smell of this product! Reminds me of baby shower gels. Could be because of the smell, I generally feel very safe using it.

Not sure if you can see. It's clear! Lather well!

2, The Serum (RP: S$39.90)

Step 2 is to tone and moisturise. I wasn't too sure if it could tighten pores but the product is indeed light and non-greasy. Something very important for people with combination skin. That said, the smell of this product reminds me of pepper. Could be the ingredients involved. Will list them out later.

Intentionally took it with the drip to show how light it is.

3, The Spot Gel - aka the HERO PRODUCT (RP: S$19.90)

Step 3, the final step of all is to treat. I think it works very well for the spots itself. That said, I can't confirm about the blackheads and whiteheads because I haven't been using this product long enough. They are really good for pimples though. I can really see the difference from 2 days ago till now.

Pointed tip makes application so easy!

So yes, as I was saying. Ingredients List.

Left: 11-Sep, Right: 13-Sep (Pardon the high forehead. HAHA)

I really think the ingredients helped to tone down the pimple redness and inflammation. Would continue using it and update if anything changes. In the meantime, you may purchase these at any Watsons & Guardian Stores island-wide. If you can't bear to spend the money on 1 entire bottle without knowing how it works in your skin?
Get your free samples here!

To better and healthier skin with #HiruscarSingapore and #SampleStore

Circling up the mountain for Lake Toba

I know I was supposed to complete this like 2 weeks ago, but I really couldn't. And I am actually writing this in the hotel room of another Indonesian City - Surabaya. How quaint. Hahaha.

Anyhow. During the most recent long weekend (during Hari Raya Puasa), I took a somewhat #YOLO trip with 2 of my UNI friends. One of my friend asked if anyone wanted to join her on a trip to Medan and 2 of us replied “Yes”! I was still in a meeting (cause I think it was my regular mad Tuesdays) while the 2 of them went ahead to book a hotel room as all rooms were snapping up fast! When it came to our flight bookings, we were more relaxed and only booking it the next day.

I was rather worried about the weather there as there were contradicting information on certain blogs and I really wasn't sure what to pack for. So I packed one of each - a pair of jogger pants, a pair of shirts (berms rather), a few t-shirts and a lightweight jacket. (FYI, our travel period is in End June).

Conclusion: I didn't have to use the jacket at all! It was cooler than usual but nothing too cold. When it rains, it gets extremely breezy though. So, in case you're worried, bring along a windbreaker.

There's nothing much to buy there unless you're into the Medan City T-shirts at the airport. Hence we didn't really spend much. The only hefty thing we splurged on, was Transport!

Day 1 - Arrival at Medan Airport

We were quite hungry so we got ourselves a Roti Boy each (at 11.5k) and then the must-have... DATA SIM card (at 55k). When you're travelling free and easy, it's always good to invest in the local DATA SIM cards. This way, you can look for maps and even call for vehicles wherever you are.

Bus counter

We read online that we were supposed to take a bus to AMPLAS terminal and change to another bus from there. So, thats what we did. Bought tickets to AMPLAS terminal (at 15k) and when we finally reached, we paid another 40k for the second bus fare.

All these people were headed the same way!

This is how the terminal looks like.

We were told that the bus will leave at 12pm. Mind you, it was only almost 10am IDN time. We had 2 hours in that rundown terminal with nothing to see nor seat. We were already prepared that the buses were non-air-conditioned, but when one of the local bus came and we saw how the people squeezed themselves into the non-air-conditioned bus, it caught us speechless. We were there at the terminal because we wanted a local experience, not a "I-shall-stick-my-whole-sticky-body-next-to-you" experience. Probably being judged, a Taiwanese couple came to us and talked about how they were cheated of their "aircon" bus that never came. So, we decided to uber back to the airport (100k per car) to get ourselves a shared taxi. (FYI, Uber and Grab do not service Parapat area.)

When we got to the airport (again), we couldn't find where is the shared taxi counter. All there is are the expensive private cars. Finally after asking around, we found the shared taxi counter - which is also the bus counter. Omg! So dumb right? There's a small sign on the counter that says "NiceTrans" taxi. So small card, who will notice?!

Anyway, after asking, we found out that shared taxi runs on a unidentified schedule and the taxi has just left. There are no taxis at the airport on standby anymore. So they offered the private car again (although slightly cheaper than the others). Eventually, the 5 of us took it and paid another 140k per pax. That's like a total of 230k spent on transport alone in that one morning.

The journey from the airport to Lake Toba takes 4hours (on good traffic). So, when we finally got to our hotel, it was already time for dinner. We were staying at the Parapat View Hotel.

Empty expressway on the way to Parapat. Wait till you try to local roads.

So nice!

Parapat View Hotel

View from  the main lobby

View of Parapat View Hotel

It's feels more like a chalet (with breakfast) than a hotel

It was almost impossible to go out of the area without a car. So, we ate at the hotel and spent about 180k per pax.

Day 2 - The only day we went around

Like I mentioned, without a car, there was no way around. So, we requested to our hotel to help us get a car to go sightseeing. Again, the car cost 700k but this time, we are sharing within 3 and not 5. So about 230 per pax.

There are many photo zones in the area. So pretty!

We went to Sipiso-piso. The waterfall!

And when we wanted to go Mt Sibayak, it started raining.

So we went to a place where we could see the volcanoes instead

View from Bukit Gundaling

Coffee with a view

And the toilet we had to go cause we were out for too long

Yeah, you get it. FYI, we had to pay to use the toilet too.

So yes, day 2 also ended with dinner at the hotel for 190k.

Day 3 is the day we leave Parapat and head back to Singapore.

This time, we managed to get ourselves the shared taxi and it cost only 80k per pax. However, the downside was, we had to hitch with regular Indonesian guys working at or around the airport. This means, a very early trip to the airport. Our flight was at 8pm! We initally planned to go around again, till 12pm and head to the airport, knowing it was a 4-5hour journey. But yes, because its such a long journey, you really don't know what's going to happen on the way, so we agreed to leaving at 8am for the airport.

Eventually, we reached the airport at 12ish.

Survivors of the back! 

A&W for lunch

POP MIE for dinner

Piece of advice, please stay within the domestic boarding gates until absolutely necessary. There are no food/ restaurants inside the international gates and POP MIE was our only option. So yeah, before going into the boarding gates, we hogged seats at Starbucks for 3 hours. But, can you blame us? Hahaha.

Anyway, after we came back from the trip, I felt like my back was breaking apart. Hahaha. Since I am the smallest sized (and youngest) on the trip, I always volunteered to take the back seat. By back seat, I mean the last (3rd) row of seat inside the MPV with no head rest. Right..? You can imagine, can't you?

So. The good thing about taking the back seat is, you get both left and right windows to yourself. If you want to see something on the left, scoot left. If you want to snap a picture on the right, move right! Hahaha! But because of the long distance journey, yes, my back felt like it was gonna break! HAHAHA!

That said, this trip is super therapeutic for the soul, but really tiring for the body!

Hence, therapy for my body the next day!

Total expenses for the trip (approximately 400 SGD)
Flight: 230 SGD
Hotel: 80 SGD
Expenses (Food): ~460k IDR
Expenses (Transport): ~550k IDR
Expenses (Others): 55k IDR

Hope all these little bits of information helped whoever going to Medan/ Parapat in future.
Cheers!