A Model Opportunity

The past week, I have really begun to take advantage of my model status. Part of this is due to the fact that I have made more connections with models. And the other is that I have been very open in communications with promoters.  

A recent discovery has lead to complimentary dinners on Tuesday through Friday and Sunday. Also many bars will provide complimentary drinks as well. I like my own casual drink here and there, preferably a premium cocktail, a nice pint or a glass of red, and will indulge on the odd one but for me this isn’t the be all and end all as it is for many of my counterparts.

I recently ate dinner at a new place, Lucky 13. They have only been open for a few months and they provide a spectacular atmosphere. The DJ was playing very chill, old school hip-hop, and the staff was super friendly.  Our server was very cute, when I left (before my buddies) I asked her to share her phone number with my friend and help him feel comfortable in Singapore. The food there is pretty good as well. I am by no means a food critic, but the chicken was tender and flavourful, the beef was juicy and had just the right amount of spice. And the shrimps had just that right kick of cilantro for my taste buds.  

The other interesting opportunity I enjoyed was Tanjong Beach. There is a club located on Sentosa Island, where there is a pool, a dj, volleyball courts and one hell of a party. This place in my eyes was pure awesomeness. The DJ once again was incredible; the entire time the music was upbeat and flowed from one song to another. You may ask why pool? Well think Halifax Harbour times 1000. Singapore has one of the busiest ports in the world. We had a blast, and I captured this beautiful sunset on my phone.

Play to the beat of your own drum - NEW PICS and a video update

Over the past few weeks I have struggled to keep up with informing everyone of my daily escapades. After many apologies, and a few chats with some close friends, I have decided to move to my own beats. Rather the force something to write every day, I will be writing when I feel like it, when I have time. Hopefully that will allow for more creative and maybe even inspiring posts. After all, I started writing these for myself. I wanted to track my adventures personally, and thought this would be a great opportunity to share my thoughts and feelings with friends, family and even strangers amongst the world. It makes me happy to write and I find it fun. From that little flash into some action.

The few I talk to regularly on Skype or whatsapp (if I don’t feel free to message me and we certainly can), you will know about my adventures on Monday and Tuesday. PHOTOSHOOTS! Before I left for KL my agent asked me if I was available on Monday to do a test shoot, hell yeah! And for Tuesday, my Aussie roomie had put me in touch with a group of photographers to do another shoot. We were trying to get a Harley for that one, but unfortunately it’s easier said than done in Singapore.

Without going into all the details, Monday was not only a test shoot but it was Chinese New Year. Very quiet in Singapore over these times, which is a nice change in pace. I met Chris at his studio/restaurant. He used to be full time in places like Milan, Hong Kong, etc. but decided to change pace and follow his culinary passion. It was nice to work with a very experienced photographer as he helped explain the subtle things that can make a picture better, and how you can look completely different very easily. Every 10-20 shots, he would plug them into the computer, edit very lightly a few of them and provide feedback. As a growing model feedback is my key. Part of why I enjoy photo-shoots so much, I get to learn. While it isn’t book learning like I am used to, it still is educating for me, a challenge if you will.

We took our time with the shoot, having a few beers, and he cooked a fantastic steak for me as well with lots of vegetables. I remained there for probably 5 or 6 hours shooting, but it was very relaxed and I did not mind. I left to go meet up with Leah for some CNY shopping.  Little do they tell you that YES the mall is open, but only 10% of the stores are open. Absolute fail. Although I had fun either way, partly because I think I embarrassed Leah a bit. I think every female I know has been embarrassed by my presence at one point or another.

Tuesday, I met up with Tina and her crew for an outdoors photo-shoot. We went to one of the rare places in this country where there isn’t high rises and concrete. For me it was a nice change in scenery, while I didn’t get an opportunity to snap any shots with my phone, the group of photographers certainly did. Everyone was fun and I appreciated it, even when things got a little hectic at times. 

Credit where credit is due: Cornelius Model Mayhem 

It’s all about whom you know

It a world so far disconnected by technology, it is exactly this that can shed new light into your day and of course your future. I have been in Singapore for just over 2 months now and absolutely love. Part in hand, due to my willingness to explore, but also in my ability to communicate, even this blog as part of those mediums. My roommate Andrew knew people from Bangkok, who in turn knew people here. The results, free dinner a few nights a week for models. Check mark I will take that.

Friday morning I returned from KL to Singapore. A flash in the pan experience of a very interesting city, that has left me very intrigued for future visits, shall any arise. KL obviously didn’t want me to leave on schedule though and decided to delay my flight by 2 hours. I took part of this time to blog, although I found it very distracting and as a few have noted one particular post lacked grammar quite substanstially. My bad guys, forgive me. Zora’s was left in a bit of a bind as she had to be in town by a certain time to wrap up a group project. And to top everything the SIM card from KL had messed up her blackberry. Perfect situation, right? Nothing you can do about it but smile and take it as it comes. 

In my time at the airport, I also bought a pack of double mint gum, something I didn’t really recognize I missed. When you always have access to gum, you don’t think twice about popping a piece, following a meal when out. In Singapore, you suck on a mint, I don’t like mints, therefore the problem arises.  I also tried to purchase a bottle of duty free Johnnie Walker double black, turns out this can’t be purchased when doing the KL to SG trip.

I was very exhausted from 2 days in KL and was happy to finally get home. Straight to bed for a quick nap. The pollution in KL had also caused my chest to tighten up a bit and a cough to develop. Thankfully that is all taken care of now.  

Andrew and Leah woke up me at 8:30, through a connection we were invited to Le Noir for dinner and drinks. At even the remote possibility of getting sick, alcohol consumption is severely limited by me and I allow myself to get maximal sleep. The things you learn when you suffer from chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia for the past 15 years. I stayed out until about midnight, had brown rice and grilled fish with a salsa. I was plenty satisfied with the meal and had a good time. As a matter of fact I met Kim Bassinger. Well I could have sworn it was her, she was just a model from Holland. 

Saturday night was another similar situation. Bernie invited myself and some friends out to another bar where she knew the DJ. See the more you know the better. Now if I was drinking this would have been a bonus, but might be sick = tone it down, so 2 bottles of complimentary vodka didn’t really mean much to me today. I had a blast with everyone there, just a fun group of friends hanging out. I was also invited to a bar with another buddy Andrew and Fay (his friend that I was supposed to meet up with in KL), these situations become tough, part of me wants to go out and meet new people, and part of you says go back into comfort zone. No regrets though fun either way. 

I have also started relaxing a little bit when out. Sometimes I can be a little too serious, now I have just started being plain silly. Example below. Remember I am not just being silly.

You save fitty cent (lots of pics)

Rise and shine morning glory! After a first night out in KL, we got up bright in early with only minimal sleep. The mission should you choose to accept: to get 2 of the 1000 daily passes to the top of Petronas Towers. They start selling passes at 8:30 and can sometimes be sold out within the first hour. Of course those of you that know me, know that mornings aren’t exactly my strong suit. So realistically getting out of the hotel by 9 was a feat not short of a miracle. 

A 30-minute walk to the towers got us there around 9:30 and we lucked into a tour starting at 5 pm. You don’t need to ask directions to get to the towers in KL, simply just look up and ask yourself, am I getting closer. If your answer is no, I strongly encourage you to recalibrate. With tickets in hand we found ourselves some breakfast. I had an omelet and beans. My meal cost a total of 6 RM or 2 CAD not bad I must say.

Zora and I became total tourists taking pictures of the towers and surrounding park, some really cool shots I must add. The towers almost look like they are made of plastic or something. We then waited for Mike, Zora’s Malay friend, who would be a tour guide for the day. While waiting I indulged in a cold beverage. No, not beer this time, but an apple blended with ice and a bit of honey. Not bad!

Mike had this idea to check out some modern art museum thing. Sure why not, we eventually found the place, although it was less than stellar. BUT! There is always a but. On my way out from the 7-11 buying myself a redbull with was 1.80 RM (.60 CAD) we noticed a very interesting sign. 1 hour Balinese Full Body massage, 58 RM. So the three of us went in and all had a massage. I certainly fell asleep and was so relaxed from the experience.

Too funny

Back to the towers for some awesome shots. The sky bridge was spectacular, but it holds nothing on being 88 floors up. While I know this isn’t the tallest building in the world anymore, it is certainly the tallest building I have been in.

A quick run back to the apartment and then adventure to the Petaling Night Market. This is essentially the knock off market. Hundreds of shops with everything from Starbucks t-shirts, to Nike shoes (upside down checkmark), to LV bags, watches and cell phones. My first experience at one of these markets was quite interesting. Everyone tries to pull you in, they also ask ridiculous prices for knockoffs. But that alone is where the fun begins. You haggle. I haggled on a new watch for myself. I found one I liked and examined it. Terrible it has a plastic band and felt cheap. The man pulled out a better quality one, still felt cheap, alumni. I insisted that if I were going to spend money I want something that looks nice and will last. So the man digs into his cupboard and pulls out a solid steel briefcase. The starting price was 1100 RM. Stainless steel, quartz crystal (can’t scratch, I tried) and felt solid. Ridiculous you might say, well that is exactly what I said and he immediately returned asking for 550. Worth a try I guess, some fool would probably pay that. My first offer was 200, and his response was “too low, too cheap, no deal, how about 385?” He proceeded to take out a calculator and type those three numbers in. I laughed at the dramatic effect of it. I returned with 220, and him 350, 230, 325, 250, 300 no lower. Ya right, no lower I thought. 252? He laughed and was like you only go up by 2 dollars, that’s no help. So he was like 285, I can’t go lower my boss won’t be happy. Finally I cracked and said here is 275 or I walk. Could I have gotten a better deal? Possibly, but I was happy with this. All said I spent about 84 CAD on a very nice watch. Check it out. 

After the excitement of shopping for the watch, we met up with Mike again for some food then to head to a bar. Convenient that the bar we ended up going to was having model night. Free entrance, sure why not? Too good to be true however, for me at least. They are much more relaxed about cigarettes in KL and many people were smoking inside. I started to get a headache and was ready to leave within a half hour. An earlyish end to the night, and quickly coming departure.

They tell a tale of a beautiful bar in the sky

As I mentioned I would be out of town for a few days, well here I am, sitting waiting in the airport for an extra 2 hours because of a delayed flight. I thought I might fill you in on the past 2 days of adventure. I realize I haven’t written about Monday or Tuesday yet, but they weren’t incredibly busy. A new girl moved into the room new door from Australia. I think she has is quite homesick and as a result can be quite negative. My goal of course is to help her feel comfortable and enjoy the experience. Tuesday night, I went bowling with some friends I met on Internations.

Wednesday became the start of this adventure though.  In the morning I hit the gym, packed, and went to a hawker with Leah. It was nice and cheap and I had 2 vegetable servings, 1 meat and as usual lots of rice. 

Upon getting back to the apartment I grabbed my bags and hopped onto the train/bus heading to Zora’s. Barbara and google maps has been great for helping me find places, even down to telling me which how many stops are remaining. After meeting up getting all of our tickets printed off we took a cab to the airport. A good thing we did, as I would have gone to the wrong terminal. As we had bought heavily discounted tickets, we needed to go to the budget terminal. It was not nearly as nice as the other one, reminded me of the Winnipeg airport.

Tiger! They must love tigers here as not only is that the most popular beer, but it was the airline we flew to KL on. I was rather surprised the number of Canadians that don’t know where or of KL. Kuala Lumpur is the largest city in Malaysia. It’s also a bustling financial area and the home of Petronas Towers. Petronas towers you ask? Ever seen the movie Entrapment? They also carried the tallest building in the world record from 98-04. And are presently the world’s tallest twin towers.

Thanks to Agoda, we booked a 5 star hotel right in the middle of downtown. It was certainly a nice hotel, the lobby was incredible. But some things felt less than the ultimate in luxury, like the TV we had in our basement 10 years ago kind of thing. Either way, the room was nice. We arrived around 9 pm to the hotel after taking a bus, train and then cab. All said and done it was about 20 RM. That is the equivalent of just over 6 CAD.

Upon the advice of the beautiful Kat, a friend from university we headed to skybar. This is an incredible bar at the top of Trader’s Hotel looking directly at Petronas Towers. The view was breathtaking and the drinks were raved about. In my completely honest opinion the drinks were crap. Between the two of us we sampled 5 of their cocktails. Each and every one of them was too sweet. There was no balance to the cocktail. One the foam was the drink, and had a terrible mouth feel. The food was delicious however. We had garlicky meatballs, cold smoked salmon and tortillas with guacamole. The guacamole was interesting as it has a slight pickled flavour to it.

After all this we headed back to the hotel to call it a night.