My UAPL Finance officemates held a farewell lunch for me at Tampopo, a Japanese restaurant in Liang Court. I ordered the black pig and barbeque pork ramen with tasty egg, which was quite nice, though I was able to finish less than half of the noodles because I can’t seem to take in too much carbs even if I wanted to. Unfortunately everyone didn’t know that, so I was asked about why I had eaten so little 10 different times by 10 different people. -_-
my ramen – before and after
I had brought my camera for the occasion (but don’t I always, even if there isn’t any occasion?), so I asked our waiter if he could take a picture of us. He acquiesced and took a step back to scrutinize our positions on the long table. Then he said, “I need a V shape,” gesticulating with his hands. Eeps. Was he waiter by day, photographer by night? Nevertheless, we did as told, scooting our chairs forward or backward and edging our bodies whichever way he pointed. We could not help but burst out laughing when we were readily smiling, waiting for him to shoot, but then suddenly he moved his hand, indicating to the one in front that he needed to move more. Thanks to all his effort, though, we have a picture that clearly shows everyone’s faces.
the “V shape” mandated by the waiter-slash-photographer
After we had finished eating, they presented me with their gifts – two books (James Patterson’s Sundays at Tiffany’s and Jodi Picoult’s My Sister’s Keeper) and a lovely necklace. As of press time, I’ve already started reading the first one and it’s a good read so far. Then they asked me to give a speech. I explained that when I first came to Singapore, I was warned that Singaporeans are kinda strict and became very afraid of mingling with any but that they had proven me wrong. I then thanked them for being very nice and proceeded to explain how so and said the word “nice” about twenty times. Then I wrapped up my speech by saying, “I have no idea how to end this speech now so just… thanks!” Somewhere out there, my English extemporaneous speaking teacher is giving me a red mark.
my farewell gifts – books and a necklace
I meant what I said, though. These people have been v nice to me and I will miss them, definitely. I sure hope they add me up on MSN especially since I created one upon their request!
outside Liang Court with the NICE guys and gals of UAPL finance