All I want for christmas is my E-Class Benz

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Originally uploaded by JCee.

The last few weeks have been super busy with work, photo classes, all things x-mas related, and searching for videographers and DJ's. Last weekend I was up at Burnaby Mountain to take some winter pics. As you can see from the pic, some lucky gal (or guy) had their Christmas gift (or bday) wrapped, and parked outside the restaurant. I'm not a big fan of Mercedes but i wouldn't complain if someone gave it to me. ;-) So what's the best Christmas gift you've ever gotten?

Singapore Fling

I decided to stay in Beijing an extra day to finish some shopping, but by the time Saturday rolled around i was looking forward to leaving behind the pollution, traffic, and people horking (spitting) in the streets (among other things). Arriving in Singapore was a most refreshing experience. It was the first time i had asked for "Airport Pickup Service" from the Pan Pacific, so I wasn't sure what to expect. Upon disembarking the plane, I was immediately met by my own personal escort who walked me all the way through immigration, baggage claim and customs. I was then met by a limo (a Mercedes Benz E class i believe) and my own "driver" who then drove me to the hotel. Upon reaching the hotel, I was greeted by hotel rep who took me DIRECTLY to my room (didn't have to go to the front desk). Once I got to the room, she took down my credit card number, gave me my keycard and then she was off. It was the FASTEST check-in experience I've ever had...which is in contrast to the experiences i had in Beijing.

Today was our last day for client visits, so we hoped to make it a good one. You know the meetings being productive when the customer asks YOU if you have more time to stay and chat with them. In the end, the future business in Singapore looks promising so i hope to make it out here again soon.

We literally ended the night off on a high note. Our Singapore contact took us to the top of the Swissotel Stamford, the highest hotel in Singapore at 72 storeys high. The view from the restaurant up top was simply stunning. Singapore is such a refined and sophisticated city compared to Beijing, but it obviously can't compare in culture and history. Pssssht...who cares about the thousands of years of culture...just as long as the cabbies are honest!!! hahah.

Peking Duck!

After a productive work day, we decided to have dinner last night at a Peking Duck restaurant. It was a MOST exquisite establishment in the heart of Beijing (about 15 min from Forbidden City by foot). Apparently many famous foreigners and dignitaries have visited this place. Each duck is marinated and lacquered in a process that takes up to two days (so i'm told). In fact, the ducks are so famous here that each duck served comes with a Certificate of Authenticity with unique number which apparently is the number of ducks that have been served at the restaurant since it first opened in 1864. I wonder what number Donald and Daffy got. (sorry couldn't resist).

The duck was delicious. And unlike eating duck at home, its all cut right in front of you, and you don't have to worry about bones. I just wish i didn't stuff myself with the 10+ dishes that came before it.