Whirlwind Work

Had an extremely hectic week, this entire week running up to Chinese New Year. Which I sorta expected, given that there is such a long stretch of holidays next week. Earlier this week I managed to complete a last minute shopping for the elusive blouses to match my skirts. Yeah, guys will never understand this. :)

I went to cover an interview yesterday, and I spent the whole day there. My client had arranged for a ship visit (& interview), so yep, I went up a container vessel berthed at Brani. A rather humongous ship, with 9 decks. Interestingly, all the crew members, whether cadets, ratings or officers have their own room with an attached bathroom. Shiok rite? haha...Of coz, I think there would be a difference as to whether the rooms assigned to them are big or small. The higher your rank the bigger of coz. And what's more, there was a distinction made between the mess area (eating place). They segregated a small area for those not in uniforms, and a bigger area for those in uniforms. For what reason? Well they say that area needs to stay clean - ie, uniforms. Granted, those lower ratings are in overalls and they work in dirty areas. I just don't like the idea that they discriminate. Oh well.

I spoke to one of the officers and he was telling me his life on and off board. Poor chap, he's married. Imagine leaving your wife and family behind while you sail around for as long as 6 months a stretch sometimes. True, you get to talk to your wife at home through the phone and internet (yes they have internet on board the ship, even as they sail). But the worry about your family, the homesickness...Sigh. These seafaring jobs are those that our dear local singaporeans don't want..while complaining that they don't have a job. *shrugs*

That same client now is trying to make arrangements for us to sail with a vessel for a couple of days to a nearby destination (probably Hong Kong) then we'll fly back. With that time spent in the ship we can get to know a seafarer's job and life on board better. Of coz, it will still be nothing compared to their round-the-world voyage. In a way, I do envy the fact that they can travel and see the world. That officer whom I spoke to? He's seen all the major cities around the world...some exotic places that I've never heard of even. Ha..

Think I desperately need proper and ENUFF rest. I've been resting some 7hrs a nite this entire week, but I wake every morning with a massive headache. I'm contemplating whether I should meet my fren tonite or just go home n rest. I'm tempted to go ahead with the latter, but today's outing with my fren was supposed to have taken place last week, but coz my sister gave birth so we didn't meet up. Decisions decisions decisions.

Ok, back to work now. Have fun tonite everyone...this run up to CNY eve, and CNY. Great stuff.