..:: Pooch House ::..: May 2008

Work, work and more work. This is just the typical daily life of my miserable past 2 years here in Singapore. So, when a chance came upon for a long weekend plan, I'm game!

Initially, the plan was to go to Bintan for a weekend of massage and spa with my 3 female colleagues (1 of them ex-colleague now). Then enjoy activities that are found around the resort. But sadly, the space is fully booked, and all other options for the Bintan accommodation is just too expensive for the budget. So, we had to choose a plan B and it was either Batam or Thailand. Thailand was just too expensive and we chose Batam instead. Even for Batam, we couldn't get the resort we wanted, the Harris Hotel. I guess our planning was too late and then it also fall on the holiday weekend, so it makes it that much harder.

Anyway, I needed the break - heck, I needed to escape from my work. I know I was going to pamper myself. Think - spa and massage. Think - fun and games. Think - no more work. Wow, this is absolutely a great proposition to treat myself for once. So then, we're set and off we go to Batam!

First day, we got to the hotel to check in. Got the rooms upgraded to a deluxe suite. But sadly, it's a king's size bed for each room. We tried to change the rooms, but the ones left was not as good since it's not deluxe suite (duh!). So, we opted for the deluxe suite and I shared my room with Shengni. (well, this was supposed to be discreet, but hey I guess we're all mature and sensible adults and nothing bad is gonna come from 2 consenting adults) hahaha...okay...down boy...be good.

Once we settled our things, we went off to the city with our Batam counterparts (one of the suppliers who is a close acquaintance with my colleague, Margaret). They took us for lunch and then recommended us for one of the massage place to go. We went there and checked out the price and it's a good deal compared to the ones from the hotels. So, we took the package and spent 2 hours there.

Wow! My first experience for a full-body massage. I don't know what to expect. I was thinking a nice, relaxing massage. What I was treated to was quite horrifying! Hahaha...maybe since I had never gone for one, I didn't know what was I being treated to. The masseuse was all strength and tested my endurance to the very end. My calf was aching after 2 rubs she applied. She can't help herself to a couple of laughs since I was so tensed. She kept telling me to relax, but I can't stand the pain of her strength as she massaged my lower legs. As she went up my thighs, it's a mix of ticklish and arousing feeling. What's a man to do when she's being rubbed near his groin? Haha...Not that I'm thinking it sexually, but I was trying to enjoy the treatment, but I can't stop from bursting in ticklish and laughter. for the rest, it was okay though. The back, the arms, the shoulders and the chest. It was quite good, although I was expecting more for the back since I don't get that relaxed and loose feeling after it was all done. The scrub was also refreshing as I can feel that I'm rejuvenated after it was all done. So then, it was all over...time to take a shower to wash off the scrub and the oil. It was cooling and feel relieved, except for my poor aching calves.

My 3 friends, had theirs too and an ear-candle wax treatment. So, theirs took a bit longer, and I helped myself to a good sleep after the massage. After that, we went for a nice seafood dinner.

Next day, we were all up in excitement anticipating the day of activities that we will be doing. First off, we went for bowling games. In the midst of the game, my friend was treated to a very nice surprise. She was so glad and excited she jumped around. I'm happy for her and I do wish that it's gonna make her more happy and more fulfilled in her career quest. I can only wait for my chance. But it's happening folks. Just u wait and see. I know I'm capable of so much more. After bowling, we went for the sea activities. We took up the banana boat and canoeing. Banana boat was quite boring, until I decided to monkey around to make the boat swerve and finally overturn, throwing all of us to the sea! Ha....it was refreshing and makes it more fun than just sitting idly as the boat pull us around. What made it more memorable was seeing how Margaret was being pulled back up to the boat. The guy took all his strength and with the help of my 2 other colleagues to pull her up after a few attempts. She was angry as to how she was being helped as she suffocated a bit in breathing (since her life jacket took the lungs out of her as the guy try to heave her up). But we came back up on the boat and made it back to the jetty without another splash. Canoeing was okay as we played around, but I was itching to try the para-sailing and we finally went for it. The feeling of being flighted in the air, hovering as the boat pulled the chute and feeling the breeze. It was one of kind experience and it would have been more exciting if it goes a bit faster. After seeing me pulled back to the boat, my friends also went for a go and they enjoyed it. We ate lunch and then went back to hotel before going to town for the girls appointment with the hair saloon.

It took a while to get their hair done (more than 4 hours!) but we made it back for a mahjong session. Yes, better believe it. It's mahjong! Hahaha...we went through the nite and couldn't finish one round when my body and brain finally gave in. I asked to retire back to my bed and asked to finish off tomorrow.

Last day in the hotel, we ate breakfast and went on to finish our mahjong game. We did it in time before check out and I ended up winning about $23. Not bad for someone who always loses. :) Anyway, we killed off some time waiting for the ferry by playing card games and when the time comes to leave, we took a picture to capture the memory we had after spending the past 2-3 days in Batam.

Overall trip score:

1. Relaxing - attained (checked)
2. Massage - got it although not so comfy (checked)
3. Eat - enjoyed the food (checked)
4. Fun and games - bowling, banana boat, para-sailing (checked)
5. Go-Kart - didn't go (no check)
6. Swimming - didn't go (no check)
7. Mahjong - yes and won (check)
8. Find attractive lady - didn't get to see one (no check)
9. Fun times with my friends - yes (double check) priceless!

Total score card - 7/10 (not too shabby)

Guys, let's plan the next one early and hope we enjoyed it even much more for the next one! Hong Kong, Thailand, Jakarta? Anybody?

Well, enjoy the pics below from the trip. ;)