Friday, April 23, 2010

the largest phone bill envelope.

應小虎的要求,惆悵的開箱文。

回家的時候看到台灣大哥大寄來一本厚厚的東西。
我以為又是什麼VIP客戶的優惠DM,想說這DM未免也太樸素了吧,
白白的一個B4信封。
(是的,在接收了小黑莓做為禮物之後,我每個月的帳單大約在1.6K到2.2K左右,久而久之我就變成VIP了)

這個是大信封和平時的小信封的合照


後來一轉念,才想到:呃... 這應該是我的帳單。

打開之後果然是一本十四頁的帳單,
國際簡訊113筆,國際漫遊通話484筆。
總金額是八千多塊,其實不是我最貴的一次。


好幾頁,雖然我知道出差之後都是這樣沒錯


記憶中2007年我在德國,接到一通台灣大哥大打來的電話,
特地來通知我說:您的帳單已經累積到二萬五千多塊了,打來通知您可能要注意一下話量。
這就是我有一點惆悵的開箱文...
下面那排是八千八百多的帳單

其中大概有七千塊是公司必須買單。
至於小E想看的明細,其實也蠻無聊的,都是在孟加拉以色列香港的時候,為了客戶要的東西不停的打簡訊而已。(請叫我簡訊天后)

Monday, April 19, 2010

(500) days of summer




It's all about singles.

During my young age I had realized that it's not all about what kind of language you use during the conversation, it's about the special sign that the other one is sending. It's behind the scene, behind the pretty words, behind the tongue, behind her eyelids, behind her stiff shoulders to get the way to her world.

Not about "I'm fine!", not about "Nothing's bothering me, no.", not about "It's ok!", she's hiding behind her armors, her "being fine" shield and "I will take care of myself" sword or her fake smile helmets.

I've read many review from different guys and girls, basically their argument regarding "Summer"'s behavior is the spirit of this movie.
Men, don't understand women.
Women, hardly know what's in Men's mind.

She felt that a fake stiff smile is clear enough for him to understand that "I am not in a mood to have dinner with 'YOU'".
Tom thought if he presented a delicious, great option on the table, (of course he'd search in him mind through their dining history, what's her favorite restaurant or food) she'd happily join his dinner and finish the night together with alter ending.

He wants to prove he's qualified to be her boyfriend (according to the text book, if you kissed a girl held her hand hung out in IKEA that makes you her BF not BFF), she just wants to hang out and she can ignore the a-hole who trying to judge her friend (TOM), because she can easily take a comment from A-hole for granted.
He in the other hand not so there is a scene she definitely doesn't want to be included.

2 men fight for her? NOT COOL AT ALL!

-

They started alright, they hit on each other hard, they had disagreements, she got tired of his old joke, he lost track on her, they drifted apart.

What's the mistake Summer or Tom made?
No, nothing.
They are just too good to be themselves. She starts to get bored, he stops listening to her... one thing led to another, you know the ending.
That's what about this love. It's not a love story, it's a bloody real cruel food chain (from the outlook) or you can say, life of men and women.

If you had found her, listen to her for real.
If you had found him, tell him the truth even it could be ugly.
(Ha, it's so easy to say!)

以色列旅遊 Tips

很多人告訴我說,看完我的以色列遊記都覺得很可怕,本來想去以色列都不敢想了。
其實這次我會這麼慘是因為我自己腦殘(無誤)...

所以呢,我想要跟大家說以色列旅遊的一些注意事項,這樣你就可以安心的去玩了!


===========
A. 簽證
===========

官網介紹:
http://www.iseco.org.tw/travel.htm

簽證注意事項:
http://www.iseco.org.tw/Consular_Services.htm

不管去哪裡都一樣,團簽是最好簽的。像我這種商務旅客有很多時候要提供證明跟切結書,需要填的資料很多,但好處是不必提供機車的財力證明。

去以色列辦簽難易度:跟團,旅行社代辦>商務>背包客(自己辦理純旅遊),當然你可以找旅行社幫你辦,通常跑路費加收個幾百,而且他們跟領務處的人也很熟,如果不想自己去體驗那些機機車車的細節,找旅行社通常是最好的選擇。

但你們也瞭解這位大嬸never takes the easy way. 怪誰?
不管我去哪裡的簽證都是自己親辦的,一方面喜歡「體驗」這些機機車車的細節,另一方面我真的很愛看簽證官的臭臉。(大概只有越南的簽證是辦得最快樂的)回歸正題...

不管去哪裡,若要去的國家有在台辦事處,通常會註明要怎麼辦簽,文件準備的越詳細越好,每一個細項都一一填妥可以免去非常多的等待和費用,如果是商務客,辦簽時帶上幾張名片是很有用的。(雖然大家都知道名片很沒效力)當然這次我也是自己跑了以色列辦事處去辦簽。

若非得要自己去,網路上很多人都稱它是魔多,因為到了那邊除了要過金屬探測門之外,包包的東西都要被翻出來。只要文件備齊,應該不會遭遇太大的困難。費用只要670,有的旅行社只收900,讓他們跑一趟你也省得到辦事處那邊,連機車都沒地方停的世貿大廈。


===========
B. 班機
===========

基本上飛去一定是要轉機的,只要你轉機,又不巧飛了最貴最安全最激歪的EL AL,一定被安檢刁難的。沒什麼別的原因,因為你不是香港本地出發。任何轉機進以色列的旅客都有可能遭遇盤問,所以呢,在我歷經了最機車的三次盤問之後,我得出一個結果。

如果你要去以色列,千萬別搭以色列航空。

你可以坐土耳其航空,再從伊斯坦堡轉機進以色列。這個方式最便宜,而且土耳其航空的安檢真的鬆很多。(雖然我也被扣在那邊快一個小時,再次聲明,是因為我腦殘!)
或者,傳說中從韓國轉進去的旅客幾乎都不會被盤問,進去以色列最快。

總之韓航也好,土航也好,就是不要搭以航(誠心建議)。


===========
C. 行李
===========

一個觀光客能夠帶多複雜的東西呢?
如果你去以色列,想順利通過機場安檢,或者不巧遇到要開箱驗屍的手續,以下幾點可供參考:

1.不要帶筆電
2.行李簡單扼要,個人奇奇怪怪的電子用品,標示不明的狗皮膏藥,或者掃過X光可能會有金屬含量的東西千萬不要帶。他們不會把你抓走,頂多把它丟掉而已。(我親眼看見他們把私人的藥瓶一瓶一瓶的掃描,有可疑含量的就丟掉)
3.衣服上不要沾到火藥類的東西,我也不知道為何要加這句。總之不要就是了!


===========
D. 詰問應答
===========

如果你像原PO一樣很倒楣的去了一些不同的地方,你最好有驚人的記憶能力。
因為安檢官如果機車起來他們是一頁一頁的翻你的護照,問你:
幾年幾月去的?
去了哪個都市?
拜訪誰?
如果是商務旅遊,他會問你在哪間公司認識這個客人?
怎麼認識?
為什麼要去那邊?
去了幾天?
賣什麼產品?
產品特性?

如果你只去過一個地方那我也不知道是喜是憂,因為我在香港機場和安檢人員回憶了過去七年來我的所有旅行史。你就知道阿婆的裹腳布是怎麼回事。
這時候我要提醒你,由於你,以前很天真的出去玩,覺得一本小護照就可以行遍天下,去哪裡都無人阻擋你,除了你家掌管經濟大權的阿母.. 你就錯了。

以色列是個美麗,脆弱又飽受戰事所苦的國家。
所以你去之前,最好先檢查過自己護照上有沒有讓你曝露在大探照燈底下的簽證,阿拉伯的國家,或者回教國家。如果有,建議你換一本護照再去,或者,乾脆有緣再會。不然你可能為了這一張單薄的小紙而遭受三小時五位官員用重複的問題詰問。

===========
E. 好用小物
===========

就像所有打怪遊戲一樣,你可能會在危急的時候遇到需要吃補血包子,這時介紹你幾個好用小物。

1.你自己的工作場合的名片(被問到工作時可以拿出來給安官看)
2.如果商務客,請準備客戶的名片(如果沒有就拿邀請函)
3.去了以色列之後居住的旅館和訂房紀錄
4.行程表,商務客或是遊客都一樣,最好把自己的行程表印出來,不必全背但你至少要唸得出你要去的那幾個城市
5.像我們這種一定要轉機進以色列的,記得把上一個班機的登機證留著出示。


===========
F. 行程安排
===========

進以色列,行程安排不要肖想要貪便宜所以和其他國一起排著玩,她是美女,希望你專一。離開以色列以後想進別的國家OK,但在以色列之前不要排行程(誠心建議)但也不要玩太大,猶太教、回教,not good friends, OK?


===========
G. 護照加註
===========

如果你這本護照進了以色列,有蓋過這國的章,要去別的回教國家就不太可能了,(有的國家可能可以,但要細查,據說約但OK)所以它也有不蓋在護照上的OPTION可選擇,在進去之前空姐會發一些紙問你需不需要,個人經驗是只要你不是回台灣,什麼紙都跟他們要一張來看一下。大部分你都會要填的。

但是,台灣的國民們,你的以色列簽證是貼在護照上的,有了這張免死金牌,要去其他回教國家旅遊的話就會有難度的。以上那段廢話是PO給不需要簽證進以色列的人用的。(韓國或俄羅斯國民)

所以,我們的可愛小綠書也不是世界通行證,在這次出國我深切體會到了(XD)

-----------------

看完了阿桑的建議,有沒有覺得比較想去啊?(想必是沒有)
不然我大概明年會開一個三月的Eilat團(很不怕死)去以色列,到時候我們一起來報名吧!

-----------------

遊記:
以色列真的很好玩,吃的東西其實和孟加拉的氣味有一點像,都很好吃。
來看看Hana帶我去吃的一家耶路撒冷附近最有名的餐廳的前菜:


真的很好吃噢,沾著傳統的餅,還有Huemuss這種豆泥,滋味超讚的!

另外大家一定想問以色列有沒有帥哥美女,我必須誠心的說,阿卡去了一些傳說中名產俊男美女的國家,以色列才是真正孕育美麗人類的國家連海關的兇兇阿姐都超正的!這次讓愛窺妹的阿卡飽了眼福,不只是臉蛋正,身材更是勁!又高... omg!

但是我也必須講一件有一點殘酷的事。
在以色列的人,不是身材爆好就是爆福的。我想不是厭食就是大食吧。他們的美食真是令我難忘...

來吧!我們一起去Eilat!(2011年3月)


小記:因為我最後被問到很煩很煩很煩了,我和機場安官的chief officier聊天時問他:

你知道嗎?我覺得你們國家真的很漂亮。但我不知道我還可不可能再入境來玩了耶?你覺得我OK嗎?

他笑著說:你當然OK啊,再來玩嘛!

我心想:機車咧,那你盤問我二小時是啥意思!

美麗美麗美麗!機車機車機車!
這是我對它的12字註解

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Lily Allen- Littlest Things





Sometimes I find myself sitting back and reminiscing
Especially when I have to watch other people kissing
And I remember when you started calling me your Mrs
All the play fighting
All the flirtatious disses
I'd tell you sad stories about my childhood
I dunno why I trusted you but I knew that I could
We'd spend the whole weekend
Lying in our own dirt
I was just so happy
In your boxers and your t-shirt

Dreams, dreams of when we had just started things
Dreams of you and me
It seems, it seems
That I can't shake those memories
I wonder if you have the same dreams too

The littlest things that take me there
I know it sounds lame but it's so true
I know it's not right but it seems unfair
That thing's are reminding me of you
Sometimes I wish we could just pretend
Even if only for one weekend
So come on
Tell me
Is this the end?

Drinkin' tea in bed, watchin' DVD's
When I discovered all your dirty, grotty magazines
You'd take me out shopping
And all we'd buy is trainers
As if we ever needed anything to entertain us
The first time that you introduced me to your friends
And you could that tell I was nervous, so you held my hand
When I was feeling down, you�d make that face you do
There's no-one in the world who could replace you

Dreams, dreams of when we had just started things
Dreams of me and you
It seems, it seems
That I can't shake those memories
I wonder if you feel the same way too

The littlest things that take me there
I know it sounds lame but it's so true
I know it's not right but it seems unfair
That thing's are reminding me of you
Sometimes I wish we could just pretend
Even if only for one weekend
So come on
Tell me
Is this the end?

--

Oh I love this song.

Alanis Morissette-Utopia




we'd gather around all in a room fasten our belts engage in dialogue
we'd all slow down rest without guilt not lie without fear disagree sans judgement

we would stay and respond and expand and include and allow and forgive and
enjoy and evolve and discern and inquire and accept and admit and divulge and
open and reach out and speak up

This is utopia this is my utopia
This is my ideal my end in sight
Utopia this is my utopia
This is my nirvana
My ultimate

we'd open our arms we'd all jump in we'd all coast down into safety nets

we would share and listen and support and welcome be propelled by passion not
invest in outcomes we would breathe and be charmed and amused by difference
be gentle and make room for every emotion

we'd provide forums we'd all speak out we'd all be heard we'd all feel seen

we'd rise post-obstacle more defined more grateful we would heal be humbled
and be unstoppable we'd hold close and let go and know when to do which we'd
release and disarm and stand up and feel safe

this is utopia this is my utopia
this is my ideal my end in sight
utopia this is my utopia
this is my nirvana
my ultimate

--
聲音和曲調之纏綿
浪漫
充滿碎碎念的風格
令我心醉

我想起Lily Allen, Littlest things

Monday, April 5, 2010

Piece of me had left on the beach

Walking down the beach, as I always love taking a walk, long, quiet and breath with the ocean.
Facing the Mediterranean Sea, I remember we had argument regarding "Where or when" to take a walk.
"I can take a long walk by myself." I said.
"No way. We walk together." you insisted.
You had problem hiking up on the crooked rood in front of the villa and said "There is no view no nothing here. We can go to the beach."
"I will carry you home if I had to. I promise." I know I can't.

So we drove without a direction.
On this tiny island we never need a map.
"Turn left" I said.

We found a place with no shops or commercials, even no tourists.
Wind blew our hair till we looked like crazy fellows. With nice clean smell of light salty scent.
Have never seen you in sneakers which reminds me how inappropriate my slippers are.

It's either summer or spring.
The weather is still cold but sun was shining alright without heating me a bit.
That afternoon we were looking for rocks, my younger brother asked me to however I failed bringing him the rock from Dhaka.
I forgot to pick up any in Jerusalem or Haifa.

"Let's find him something special." You picked up a jade green rock and uttered.
Mission accomplished with the wind almost blew my attention away.
You took pictures of me. "I never look good in pictures" I said.
There was an old say from the false belief in ancient people's heart:
"Taking pictures can also take your soul away."
My soul is here with me, however I lost a piece at the beach.

In stead of saying good bye, I said something else to have better luck at the apart moment.
I am surprised for "we" goes on, not 3 years, not 5. It's my favorite number.

My best conversation, as wise and always insightful.
It's our lucky 7th year.
 

Sunday, April 4, 2010

Alanis Morissette - You owe me nothing in return



Once I was having this conversation with a firend about our favorite music, first of all he mentioned that he's a big fan of Ravel, (well, one plus), how much he likes Lily Allen(Big plus), also he loves piano works from Beethoven, I was thinking, (during the conversation) WOW, dude! you are very much like me and... so feminine!

Then he brought up this unique Alanis Morissette.

"You Owe Me Nothing In Return"


I'll give you countless amounts of outright acceptance if you want it

I will give you encouragement to choose the path that you want if you need it

You can speak of anger and doubts your fears and freak outs and I'll hold it

You can share your so-called shame filled accounts of times in your life and I won't judge it

(and there are no strings attached to it)



You owe me nothing for giving the love that I give

You owe me nothing for caring the way that I have

I give you thanks for receiving it's my privilege

And you owe me nothing in return



You can ask for space for yourself and only yourself and I'll grant it

You can ask for freedom as well or time to travel and you'll have it

You can ask to live by yourself or love someone else and I'll support it

You can ask for anything you want anything at all and I'll understand it

(and there are no strings attached to it)



You owe me nothing for giving the love that I give

You owe me nothing for caring the way that I have

I give you thanks for receiving it's my privilege

And you owe me nothing in return



I bet you're wondering when the next payback shoe will eventually drop

I bet you're wondering when my conditional police will force you to cough up

I bet you wonder how far you have now danced you way back into debt

This is the only kind of love as I understand it that there really is



You can express your deepest of truths even if it means I'll lose you and I'll hear it

You can fall into the abyss on your way to your bliss I'll empathize with

You can say that you have to skip town to chase your passion and I'll hear it

You can even hit rock bottom have a mid-life crisis and I'll hold it

(and there are no strings attached)



You owe me nothing for giving the love that I give

You owe me nothing for caring the way that I have

I give you thanks for receiving it's my privilege

And you owe me nothing in return

 
--
 
And now I bring up this topic, trying to pick up the memory of that night, whom I was talking with, honestly I am clueless... and, if you're reading... sorry that I call you feminine. I'm sure you won't mind at all.