Dear readers:
Thanks for the birthday wishes (that’s not the point though!!!) once you’re of a certain age birthdays tend to not matter that much anymore. So I was out on the streets today playing the photographer and charging HK$10 per Polaroid produced. The students have kindly given me 3 packs of polariods and the camera. It was my task to sell the service to interested tourists. I was thinking about TST since it is quite touristy. So there I found myself walking along the avenue of stars. It was HARD to start off, pulling out the courage to approach strangers point blank and getting rejected by people left right and center. But persevered I did and there were a couple of takers eventually. Getting the few consent was exhilarating and in the photo below showing my first earned monies. I did not earn much from the exercise but am determined to continue this idea again after figuring out how I can sell the service in a more effective way. Tomorrow will see me in another challenge. Let’s hope I’ll be even better. Today, I did not spend a cent on food, and was treated to a nice dinner. It was not an extravagant restaurant because that is not my style. Instead we opted for my favorite Muslim food place in Kowloon city. It was my first proper meal here in HK. And it was more than delicious! Another HK$20+ on transport today. My octopus is very fast deflating which means I have to start spending the precious little I have to top it up for tomorrow. There will be much traveling tomorrow to lay the foundation for the next few days. I’m crossing my fingers and my toes…

Dear readers:
I have landed safely at HKIA yesterday. I was lucky to be assigned the safety isle seats so had loads of stretch room on the cathay pacific flight. I wanted to go out onto the streets already yesterday but reached home at 11pm which I thought was too late already heading out. So settled in my friend’s place instead. His place is no luxury as you can see in the photo below. Hong Kong residences tend to be very very small. In fact his place is smaller than my office in SP! Nonetheless, friend’s willing to accommodate me so I have no complaints.

This trip really heightened my sense of expenditure. The bus trip from airport to his place is HK$21 + HK$2.30 transfer. Its quite painful seeing the amount deducted from the octopus card (EZlink equivalent). Otherwise I have not spent my cash as yet. This afternoon I am starting to execute the business ideas. Wish me luck! To top it off, its my birthday today, perhaps it’ll be my lucky day. Friend is treating so not spending money for dinner and making pasta now clearing his kitchen cabinet. I am really living like a parasite. Hopefully I can earn enough to treat him a bit for all the trouble. Till later!

I am very happy to see a BIG number of students there at the airport sending me off. I tell myself I cannot let them down for they’ve been so wonderful and enthusiastic about this whole exercise. If I were taking a class of students who can’t be bothered the whole meaning of this idea would have been lost. Thanks again every single one of you and those who are not able to be there too. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! The announcement’s calling for us to board soon. I guess that’s it! I’ll take care of myself and you guys and gals out there too!

Dear students:
Thanks so much for the string of encouragements! I feel blessed to have you guys and gals as my students (not the other way round haha). The one last day before the big trip has gone by quietly and quickly, I wished it were longer – you know the exact same feelings you have entering into an exam hall when you wished you had just a little bit more time to prepare… I’ve packed light and am ready to go. See you all at the airport tomorrow!

For every adventure there must be obstacles along the way. Sometimes the obstacles are created by ourselves,other times it is completely unexpected and can be a real downer but the show like everyone says must go on so we brave the rain and pray for the best – I believe we grow stronger overcoming life’s obstacles.

One of the student group’s idea was to approach the blogshops and see if they needed any merchandise – from there confirm the orders and go to HK and take the orders and send them back to SG for these shop owners for a commission for the service provided. 2 of them replied me and though they could not help they were excited for my project and offered advice and alternatives. I was more than elated although nothing solid turned up. But somewhere in the midst of the blogshops I sent an email to, wrote to complain about me to the director of my school pointing to the fact that it was a money making exercise and it will tarnish the Singapore Polytechnic name. The director immediately followed with an email broadcast with quite a severe tone although I was not named in it with the subject title: Are you doing side business?

This really put down my spirits as I read the email digesting it as glass shards get released with every bite. Basically, between the 2 parties – the crucial information about the activity from the module INNOVATION, DESIGN AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN ACTION was lost. That it was an idea designed around building up student believes and character. But all that was left was lecturer making money from activity. Personally, I was thinking how much of that person’s money can I make and take advantage off??!!

Nevertheless, I see that as a challenge. If I can find someway to show them what I do in class, and the ideologies behind the idea. Show them that it is truly coming from the bottom of my heart perhaps they may be moved to reserve judgment. Students reading this, the trouble I am getting into carrying this project on my shoulders. IS IT WORTH IT? U KNOW I’M DOING THIS FOR U RIGHT?! Leave some encouraging messages to boost my morale and let me know you’ll have my back!

A positive note to the negative day. Guys and gals Some good things are happening and filtering in. YEAH! Will let all of you know when we’re back in class.

Although I am going to HK on a $0 budget, I will bring some money at least to tide me over for the 1st night till I start earning my survival the next day onwards. Its a big fortune – all ~S$24 of it. “sweat… HELP ME!!!”