Just ranting

Just realised I haven't written anything since July. Here to rant a wee bit... about #comfortdelgro taxi fleet. Rather, this one taxi driver. An infuriating, frustrating and whatever you call pissed off experience!

Normally, from my home to work, I would take no more than 25mins at this time of travel. And when I say this, I actually went to check the previous trip history and none of them are more than 25mins. Yet, today's journey took almost 50mins all because the #comfortdelgro GPS from the MDT (as the driver called it) requested he bring me on a sight seeing journey around Singapore!!!

I called for a cab at approximately 0725hrs, waited around 8mins for the driver to arrive, only to have him drive past me because he followed his GPS and didn't know where I was. Called him, took a few minutes for him to properly locate me and started my journey at approximately 0735hrs today, only to have it end at 0822hrs. This is so bad because I WAS ALMOST LATE FOR WORK and the reason is no good reason at all because I catered an hour for travel.

First he took a left when he exited the carpark and went towards Boundary Road. I assumed, he was going to take the Braddell exit to CTE - saving me one ERP, but no, the GPS requested that he go straight towards Bendeemer. When I asked why he didn't take the right towards Braddell when he was at Upper Serangoon, his answer was simply, "GPS say this is the best way." Okay, so I trusted him and the #comfortdelgro GPS but the #comfortdelgro GPS actually led him past 3 ERP gantries, 10 over traffic lights, and took almost 50mins to end this trip! If this trip wasn't a flat fare, and if the ERP gates are activated, can you imagine how much I would have to pay for this ride? He didn't even tried to remember my destination because when his GPS started making weird noises at 0810hrs, he panicked! He had to restart his GPS, while asking me where I was going, and he even needed me to guide him on how to go because he is not sure with the roads. At one point, his car was swerving between lanes because he was so concentrated on keying in his ID and password to get his GPS working! This is unsafe, unprofessional and outright unbelievable!

On top of everything, I was actually checking google maps with real time traffic on the way. There were no reported accidents on CTE, everything looks blue and normal. Traffic was also smooth even on KPE/MCE. So, I really cannot understand why the #comfortdelgro GPS recommends that going through Potong Pasir, Bendeemer, Bugis, Chinatown, then Jalan Besar - leading me on a early Singapore Tour - is actually the better way to go! This is precisely the reason why Taxi Drivers always get complaints on taking the further route trying to charge passengers extra. Again, this would have happened to me if today wasn't a flat fare trip. I always cater an hour for travel in case of bad traffic but there is absolutely no bad traffic today. The only reason I was almost late to work is because of the #comfortdelgro lousy GPS directions and an inexperienced driver with almost zero knowledge on the roads in Singapore.

Here's hoping that #comfortdelgro will update and upgrade their GPS and make sure it leads the best way or it is as good as a white elephant. People usually choose cab over MRT/ Bus for a reason. For me, I usually get a cab or grab in the morning for added convenience so that I can arrive at my work place earlier without getting out of the house earlier. However, today's trip took much longer for me than when I would travel via MRT, gave me an additional heart attack because I was almost late for work, so I really question why I am paying 10times more than an MRT fare for convenience that I didn't get today.

Unplug before takeoff

"Personal headphones or earphones must be unplugged and not in use when the aircraft is taxiing, taking off and landing."

I travel often (as some may already know) on budget airlines and I always hear this on the flight announcement before take off. I bet for those of you that travel on budget airlines. You hear this alot too. Do you really follow and unplug? Or do you just ignore it until the flight attendant comes over to tap you on the shoulder (or better, misses you altogether)?

HAHA.

Here's the thing. Although I always hear it on budget airlines, like jetstar and scoot (my frequent budget go to airlines), I don't hear it when I fly full service flights like SQ or ANA. And on top of not hearing it, you get to keep their headphones or earphones connected to their in flight entertainment systems.

WHY?

I mean. I get it when they say

"Laptops may not be used and must be properly stowed when the aircraft is taking off, landing and on the ground". 

Logically, the laptop will sit on your tray table and you usually have them stowed for whatever's mentioned above. Should the take off or landing be bumpy, I would think that a laptop is a big enough device that may or may not result in some "injuries". Something simple like leaving an unfortunate bump on your forehead before your business meeting or a stamp of shame before your vacation starts that will show in every single photo you take? So yeah. I get it. No laptops.

But why no headphones or earphones?
I didn't understand the double standards (with full service flights).
So I began thinking about the differences.

Budget:

• You bring your own headphones/ earphones
• You connect to your device
• You are in your own world with zero interruptions 

Full service:

• You use their headphones/ earphones (Yes, I know you can use the connector and connect your own headphones/ earphones too)
• You connect to their in flight system
• Your movie gets interrupted every time there is an announcement.

THERE.
THE 3RD POINT.

When we're connected on our own devices, we would have zero interruptions. With loud music and maybe noise cancelling for some, we would not be able to hear any passenger announcements. When we're connected to the in-flight entertainment systems, they get to interrupt us whenever they want. Okay, to be honest. They're not so bad but it just irritates me sometimes that the multi language options takes such a long time and gave me too much of a break from my movie marathon. HAHA. Actually, I really don't know if this is the right reason. But it's something I can understand and live with. If by chance, any flight attendants are reading this, feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

Side note. The flight crew today on Scoot TR276 were awesome and funny. "Ladies and Gentlemen, we are very very very pleased to announce at we've arrived 25mins ahead of schedule. Woohoo!"

Yes, he did that woohoo! HAHA
Ciaos~

Dear Singtel

I actually wrote this feedback to Singtel slightly more than a week back.

And according to the auto-reply I received, I was supposed to hear back from them in 3-5 working days yet no response till now. NADA! So, just sharing...

I am writing this after my "awesome" experience with your 1688 call-in.
I've tried on 3 occasions today, albeit with different numbers and they all got me on hold for more than 10mins, to which I gave up because work beckons.
At 1925, I finally got through after all that waiting to a rude operator, Bee.
(I got her service/ employee number as well and they were in the email to Singtel, but let's leave it out for this entry).

Frankly, I do think that she is just trying to do her job, following protocols, but I couldn't entirely agree. So here's the background.

Account Holder: My DadMobile Line User: My Mum (my dad has multiple lines)
1688 Caller: Me

On Friday last week (Hari Raya), my parents and I went to the nearest Singtel Exclusive Retailer to recontract both my mum's and my dad's line. Recontracted an iPhone 8plus for my dad and since my mum's phone is still working well, she had no intention to change. Yet we were told that we're no longer allowed to recontract a line without a phone and was told that, since the plan is due (24months) on 18-Jun, we should either come back again on Sunday, or to call in to 1688 to make the necessary changes. I hated calling in to 1688 because of the long waiting times, so on Sunday, I made sure to head down to the outlet again. However, after waiting for approximately 30mins or so, this other service personnel told us that we cannot downgrade the line to a SIM-only plan because the contract will only be up on 18th - which we were a day early. If we insist on doing so, we will have to pay a penalty of $40.

So, unfortunately, I was tasked by my dad to call in today - on the exact date of 18-Jun - to downgrade one of his mobile lines, used by my mum, to a SIM-only plan. As much as I hated it, I did it for my dad and Singtel Operators never fail to amaze me at how effective they are at testing my patience. When I finally got through to Bee, she mentioned that I wasn't allowed to make any changes. I explained that my dad works night shifts and that he is not with me, but I am able to provide all the necessary information. But no, she insisted that he has to be present during the call.
I'm really sorry, but which part of "he works nights" is unclear?

Then Bee explained that it's because of PDPA that she couldn't verify anything with me - even when I could provide all the information, she didn't want any.

This, I hatefully and honestly understand.

But what irritated me was that on one hand she refused confirmation due to PDPA, yet on the other, she requested for my NRIC.

As someone who is not a Singtel customer, how do I know if my information will be protected?

I refused and she insisted that if I refuse, there was nothing she could do.
Knowing that if I didn't budge, everything will be on a standstill so I gave in.
I'm truly ashamed to say that I showed some bad taste in my replies but this is really wearing on my patience. She requested and obtained my full name and NRIC, as well as my dad's number to call and verify while placing me on hold. So here's another thought...

If I bore any ill-intent, I could always provide a fake number with an accomplice to help, no?

So what is the PDPA that you actually uphold?
I do understand that she may just be following protocols. So I hope Singtel sees just how bad your protocols are.

If you have a set of rules, define them.

Educate your exclusive retailers properly so as to not waste each other's time.
My family and I took time to head down to the outlet on Sunday (again), and I specifically asked if there was going to be any issues if I was the caller.
The advise was "no problem, everything can be done over a phone call".
Yet the truth differs.

You updated your system yet it was imported with inaccurate data.
My dad's DOB became 01-Jan-1901. Seriously! Does it even make sense?!

As a consumer, I sincerely urge you to improve your customer service standards.
Porting telcos are easier by the minute and there is no reason to stay committed to Singtel. If such inconveniences and inefficiencies are not improved, there is absolutely no reason for consumers to stay loyal - aside from the contract period to avoid penalty. "Big company syndromes" don't last and without your consumers (and backing), I don't see how you're going to be able to survive the long years ahead even when you're the major market holder now.

I am so glad that I decided to switch my personal line to Starhub years ago.
They are so much more efficient! Whoohoo!

Although I couldn't care less whether Singtel replies me or not, I am still interested to know what they are going to reply. Haha. So, if I do get a reply... Will share it up too. If not, yeah well, you'll know that they're not bothered with one little customer like me...

KNO Hotel Review: Grand Swiss-Bel Hotel

Sometime in June last year, I trotted to the West Island of Indonesia, Sumatra – the city of Medan – with 2 of my friends to visit the world’s largest crater lake (Lake Toba). If you’re interested in reading up, click here. If not… About 8 months down the road, I went back to Medan again – this time for work, not leisure. The last time that I went to Medan, I didn't have time to visit the city centre. So, I was pretty excited to be back at the city centre.  However, reality failed to live up to my expectations. I’m not really sure what is the reason behind, but there seems to be a hidden slogan among the Medanese. I heard from my local colleagues, “Medanese are Loud and Proud”. Or something along these lines. And they are indeed loud. Everywhere in the city, you can hear cars honking at one another, getting irritated with one another for cutting lanes (as if that isn’t what you see in Indonesia everyday)…

I was really quite turn off by the way people handled traffic there. However, the people there were still pretty friendly. 

My main purpose there was for the preparation and the opening of Uniqlo’s first store in Medan City – the one and only at this point in time (2018). Yes, I went back twice and both times, I stayed at a nearby hotel. About a 5-10mins ride away (depending on the traffic).

Each time I checked into the hotel, there was a welcome drink. It tasted a lot like lemon grass cooked with a lot of sugar and water and steeped with ginger because the drink was rather ‘spicy’. According to the staff at the check-in counter, I was given an upgrade during my stay from February 22-23 but it didn’t really feel like an upgrade.

Besides the extra walkway space, since it was a corner room, it look similar as the images I saw online… Well, maybe for the additional sqm then.

But the second time I stayed there from March 14-16... Now this is what I call an upgrade! Hahaha.

I got upgraded to the business floor of the hotel, that comes with a bathtub! Awesome~! But the sad thing came, the bathtub was leaky. And I didn't know about it. So, after my bath, I found the flooded floor. Thankfully the bathroom door has a raised floor gap so the water doesn't flow out. Called housekeeping and they mentioned they will take a look the next morning but when I returned and bathed, it was still the same. Well, I had my bath, I felt good and I was already checking out the next day. So, frankly. I didn't bother anymore.

Random Lunch photo at the Mall

Aside from the leaky bathtub, my experience with Grand Swiss-Bel was rather decent. Then again, I’m pretty easy to satisfy I think. All I ask for is a clean bed with good pillows (preferably firm), clean towels, and a pair of indoor slippers. And if they would like to pamper me more, they can throw in a tub – which they did, albeit leaky! The only downside is that because this hotel is in the city centre, there is quite a lot of traffic even at night, and it can get a wee bit too noisy for comfort.

BKK Hotel Review: Siri Sathorn & Novotel Phloenchit

This came later than I expected. But here goes...

I don’t travel to Bangkok much for work. Early this year, I travelled twice to Bangkok for work. The first, I stayed at Siri Sathorn’s Deluxe One-Bedroom Suite from January 10-12, 2018 and the second, Novotel Bangkok Ploenchit Sukhumvit’s Superior Twin Room from February 27 - March 3.

The 1st – Siri Sathorn

This is a place that I will usually stay if my schedule is just around my office because it is only within 5mins walking distance to my office. They are literally on the same street (or “Soi” if you call streets the local Thai way). Breakfast here is rather decent, and the rooms are always huge. I think one of the reason is also because Siri Sathorn serves as an serviced apartment as well.

If I travel alone, I usually would go on a 2D1N or 3D2N work trip. Either way, I usually get back to the hotel really tired and I don’t really get to enjoy the space. For a small girl like me, tired, I just want to sleep properly. HAHA.

The 2nd - Novotel Bangkok Ploenchit Sukhumvit

This hotel is located quite near the city centre and also near to the BTS station. This makes heading out much easier – although Grab is also very convenient in Bangkok. I usually book my rooms via Agoda, so, prices may vary from time to time. 

Nonethless, I thought this hotel was value for money. It was in a good location, with clean rooms, and friendly staff. I didn't quite use the facilities though (as usual), but they do have a pool and good breakfast!

Wayyy Overdue Review - SPARKLE TEETH WHITENING KIT

The number of Ys does not do the reviews justice on just how late this is.

Remember I travelled alot in March? Well, maybe not. Cause I haven't been updating. *Guilty much* I will write and complete the hotel reviews soon. Definitely within this two months for them to be up. They have to, since this is my low period. HAHA. Or else. God knows when I can update them again.

Anyhow…At the end of my trip to Thailand in March, I had too much time to spare at the airport so I decided to just walk around and randomly stumbled upon a whitening kit in BOOTS.
Yes, I did a very brief review about another whitening kit before. If you're interested to read, click here. Although don't expect much because I really didn't like how that kit worked.

So yes. Below is the whitening kit that I randomly chanced upon at BOOTS pharmacy. It's called Sparkle Whitening Kit.

The kit comes with 5 things/ parts:

1, Whitening Gel
2, Mouth guard
3, Carry case - for the mouth guard
4, Shade chart - shade codes are printed in reverse so it reads right in a mirror
5, Instruction/ Additional information booklet - although, unless you're able to read Thai, is as good as useless

How does it work?

1, Apply the gel to the mouth guard,
2, Fit mouth guard into your mouth,
3, Bite down and hold for 20mins.

Just. This. Simple.
And! There is no hassle. No need to insert battery. No need to charge it at all since it’s a non-light whitening kit.
One of the reasons why I am tempted – Especially after being ‘burnt’ by the last LED whitening kit.

Does it do what it says?

YES! I could see my teeth whiter in just one session.

From A2/B2 to a shade of A1/B1

The photos are not very clear (Sorry!)

That said, there are always 2 sides to a coin. While it does prove effective, there are slight problems that come with it…
First, take a good look at the mouth guard.

Don't see anything wrong? What about now?

HAHAHA. VERY UNGLAM, I KNOW.

What I’m trying to say is that this mouth guard makes you bite down with your lips turned out.
Not only does it require a lot of jaw strength to keep it bitten down, you know what happens when you can’t close your mouth? YOU DROOL!
So unless you're gonna stand over your sink for the 20mins or carry a bucket for your drool, I think it might be a good idea to buy a separate mouth guard. HAHAHA.

I got mine from qoo10. It's about 5 SGD for a pair but it’s so much easier to just set the trays and go about doing whatever it is you want to. Definitely better than the original mouth guard. I can’t remember exactly how much the SPARKLE WHITENING KIT retails at boots but it is approximately 500THB.

There's this one more thing that I didn't quite like about the whitening kit. Notice how there are white spots?

It does fade off well after a few hours. So, if you're going out on a date, I wouldn't advise this treatment before. It would be better to do it the night before. HAHA. Taste of this whitening gel is just like regular toothpaste.

So overall, price, taste, effectiveness and given that it says what it does.

I would give it an awesome 4.5/ 5.

0.5 deducted for the white spots after treatment and the stupid drooling mouth guard. If any of you are interested, you can try your luck on Airfrov if there are travellers going to Thailand to purchase them for you with a small (additional) margin. Cheers!

FAITH IN HUMANITY

I wasn't in my right mind, I think. 

When I got my boarding pass, I remembered very clearly that it stated: "Please be at the boarding gates before 1650". I looked at my watch that showed "1740" and I just sat there thinking why is this time so familiar? This train of thought continued with "Well, let's just send one more email".

And then it struck me. 

MY BOARDING TIME!
(It's an hour ahead because I didn't adjust my watch to cater to the time zone differences)

I haven't missed my flight yet. 

But I was about to. 

I took out my boarding pass again quickly to check and yes, I was right.
Boarding was scheduled at 1655.
Secretly panicking inside because my email is still stuck in my outbox and I really needed to have this sent out before my flight.
The moment it disappeared from my outbox, still wanting to be safe and responsible, I clicked on Sent Items to make sure it's there, and wham! Slammed my laptop shut, kept it and bolted off.

I literally ran to the gates, because I saw that the flight was boarding.
Now. Here's where it's worth writing... Humanity! Hahaha.

There's this additional security scan before the gates and the gates were still a distance away. The queue for this security scan was pretty long - about 10 people in front of me. As my watch showed 1748... I knew I had no choice but to embarrass myself and started apologising with "Hi there. I'm sorry but would it be possible for me to go first? My..."

Before I could even finish my sentence, all these strangers just moved aside and let me through.
There's this Caucasian guy (American, I think, by his accent) that even went, "Go Go! Good luck and safe flight!"

HAHAHA. THAT WAS UNEXPECTED.

First I was super worried that people won't let me through even after they hear my reason, like, "you're late for your flight so deal with it".
Yet they let me pass through so easily without even hearing the reason.
Then, that quick cheer that relieved a wee bit of tension in me!

SO MUCH FAITH RESTORED IN HUMANITY.
Who have I been dealing with all this while to have lost faith?

Robots maybe.

Anyway. I've gotta confess.
When I got to the gates, it wasn't even boarding yet. So here's a proper "Thank you" to all those that gave way to me and I'm sorry I cut your queues.

Thank you for the good cheer, Mr Caucasian. I'm pretty sure you'll never come across this and I can barely remember how you look like. But thank you for your kind words and for "cheering me on" to catch my flight. Under different circumstances, I would have loved to chat.

Albeit scammed by the digital screens, it was a good scare. I got to the gate (barely) on time, and managed to get home safe!

Guess I should always set an alarm 15mins prior to boarding time so I make my way there in good time. And maybe, it's my turn to let people through next... HAHAHAHA.

Till next time~