Author: A S EE

SHC1803

Cataract surgery

Kok Chiew, Angela, Boon Liang, James Tan, Jimmy Tsin, Peggy Tan, Winnie Tan,

KC, Inez Lim, Lim Geok Suan, Kenneth…(NOT IN ANY ORDER OF IMPORTANCE.)

Thank you for responding to my call for help, regarding cataract surgery.

Thank you for taking time to share your experience – by making comments on the forum, and by emails.

All of you have contributed to my decision-making process.

I had cataract surgery done at Tan Tock Seng Hospital – my right eye last week, and my left eye today. The good doctor applied the phaco emulsification technique.

It was indeed a “simple procedure” – painless. Post surgery, after a one-hour rest, I was discharged from the day surgery center. I can see immediately after surgery, albeit a little blur. As the day progressed, the eye’s focus became clearer.

Some of you wrote, asking me to update regarding my cataract surgery. The above update is brief. If you need more detail, please let me know.

I’d like to thank everyone, once again, for responding to my call for help.

Those who missed the discussion on cataract surgery may like to click on this link https://silverhairsclub.com/?p=4100#comments

With best regards,

Jacqueline

Cataract Surgery – please help

Hi Folks 

The good doctor said that everybody "develops cataract", eventually, as they aged. Some sooner, some later. 

I have early stage cataract in my right eye. I ought to be
having surgery. I have been “researching” on the internet, as well as attended “cataract
seminar” to gather information.

I have heard the eye doctors’ opinions. BUT I PREFER to hear
from the cataract ops patients. Can you help?

If you have had cataract surgery recently, I’d like to hear
from you.

Particularly, I am interested to know –

What type of intra ocular lens did you opt for: monofocal,  multifocal, “Toric multifocal”?

Do you have any issues with your choice of lens? If yes,
what are your issues?

I was informed that the post surgery "down time" was minimal. But, I’d like to hear from you – How long was the recovery process? That is – how many hours/days does it take before you can see clearly?

If you are happy with your doctor’s services, please give me
his/her name and contact detail (via email to jacqhan@gmail.com.)

If you are shy to discuss your cataract surgery on an open
forum, please also email me at jacqhan@gmail.com

I’d really appreciate your input. I look forward to hear
from you.

With kind regards,

Jacqueline

But seriously …. are you serious?

Recent comments/postings have prompted me to put up this
post.

Regarding retirement in other (cheaper) countries:

Like many Silverhaired members, I was attracted by the
wonderful prospect of “doubling my retirement funds”. Imagine this – Take my Singapore
dollars, change them into ringgit or Thai Baht or Rupiahs, tah-dah, I have
twice/thrice the amount of money – to spend in these countries. I can buy a cheap(er)
property, employ a cheap(er) maid, eat cheap(er) food…. You get the idea –
living cost is a lot cheaper in these other countries.

What’s the catch?

WHAT’S THE CATCH????

Our neighbouring countries are “politically and economically
less stable”.

Yes – go ahead and have a good laugh. I have modified this
statement to be “politically correct”.

Yep – I don’t want the gahment OR other countries’ gahment
to hantum me.

But seriously – back to point one –

Several months ago, I tried to organize a day trip to recce
JB for retirement living.  The response
was quite dismal. Only four people put up their hands. The trip was
cancelled. These are the mistakes I have made –

MISTAKE NO. 1

I was misled by the NATO people.

People kept talking about “retiring in another (cheaper)
country”. Do they really want to do something about it? I guessed not. When the
opportunity arose for these people to check it out, only five people (including
me) were seriously interested.  

MISTAKE NO. 2

I tried to draw a lively discussion on the (THAT) forum, by
inviting people to share their experiences on line. People were shy. If they
share their bad experiences, they feel embarrassed. If they share their good
experiences, they fear that they will draw unnecessary attention upon
themselves.

BUT – they did write to me privately – and I thank them –
thank you for sharing.

These pointers are gleaned from their personal feedback to
me (not in any particular order) –

The immigration ppl will play tricks on you; make you “do
naked squats”, will not stamp your passports…

Don’t show off your Rolex watches; don’t drive your
Singapore registered cars; don’t open your mouth to speak (they’ll know you are
Singaporean).

Live in “gated, and gurkha-guarded communities”.

“Live in” – literally. DO NOT leave your property
unattended. When you buy the property, live in it.  

It is NOT a good idea to buy a property and then leave it
vacant.

To really have a good idea about how you will adapt to the
foreign country:

Rent a unit for one
year. Live in that country for one year. If you enjoy your stay, then you may
consider buying a property. BEFORE YOU DO – ensure that you know everything you
need to know about “foreigners buying a local property”. Ask for detail. If you
don’t understand a vague print, use a magnifying glass. DO NOT be intimidated
by legal jargon. You have the right to understand the terms in layman language.

Do not buy a foreign property for the purpose of renting it
out.  It is NOT easy to rent it out.

Do not buy a foreign property for use as a “vacation
home”.  DO NOT leave your house vacant.
Thieves will break in.

Some of us have already moved to JB, successfully. They say,
“Blend in, don’t stand out.” 

Thus, you
will not see them waving a red banner with yellow print proclaiming, “We are
Singaporeans living in JB.”

End of their feedback.

Silverhairs members have toyed with the idea of retiring in
Chiang Mai, Yunnan, JB, Penang, Batam, Bandung…

The most important consideration – are you willing to leave
your family and friends in Singapore?

Even if the answer is vaguely “maybe….” I’d encourage you to spend a little more time to re-evaluate your
strategy.

That was all I wish to share with you.

I wish you all the best.

JB. Look see look see ho bo? Ai mai? Aunties and Uncles. Ladies and Gentlemen. Boys and girls. 29 Jun 2011, Wed

Wanna go JB look see look see?

Look see what?

Guess!

Izit durian feast?  Izit shopping spree?  Izit massage and karaoke? Izit makan makan?

Nope. Nope. Nope. AND – nope.

I am organizing a “look see, look see” trip to JB for members who are thinking of retiring in JB.

(Please note I am NOT a property agent.)

  • You find your way to pick-up point City Square – annex to CIQ building.
  • In JB – the cost of renting a bus with capacity 20-30 pax will be shared amongst participants. Estimated at MR30-40 per pax. After you have paid – sorry no refund.
  • Pay as you go – for your own meals.
  • It is meant to be a free and easy outing, for you to gather information, walk walk, look see look see.

DATE OF LOOK SEE LOOK SEE: 29 June 2011 Wednesday. 

Here is the intended schedule:

  • 0900hr – Proceed from City Square to Sri Pulai Perdana, a housing estate in Kangkar Pulai for viewing of landed double-storey terrace properties. This is approximately 25-30km from JB city centre.
  • 1200hr – Lunch at Bumbu Asli Restaurant (Kelantanese/ Malay food), Danga Bay/Kolam Air – estimated cost of not more than RM25 per pax. Pay your own.
  • 1300hr – viewing of more properties at Straits View & Kolam Air areas which are approximately 2-3 kms from JB city centre.
  • 1600hr – Drop off at City Square.  I bid you bye bye.  You may wish to split up into groups to shop a bit, some may take the time to buy medicine at lower price. Have dinner before you leave JB.

Other info:

Daniel Kang and Ping, have kindly consented to be our host and guide in JB. They will provide some answers to FAQs. For those not familiar with Daniel Kang – he is a Singaporean living in JB. 

This outing is suitable for:

1. Those who are thinking of retiring in JB – your CPF withdrawn sum will be worth twice as much.

2. Those who MAY NOT want to retire in JB, but would like to capitalize on the “favourable exchange rate”  cost of living. For example – you are thinking of renting out your Singapore property, and using that SGD income to pay for your MR cost of living in JB.  Is this feasible? Is this an attractive option?

3. Those who just wanna "look see look see", perhaps for their future consideration . Don’t be shy. Please do come.

Further note:

  • We all know that being an EO is not an easy task. As on some trips that other E0s have organized – I have heard grumblings whenever someone feels neglected or overlooked. Some members also tend to be overly critical. If you are one of these people – please don’t come.
  • However – if you are easy-going, able to accept unexpected inconveniences, pitch in to help instead of complain – please do come. I will enjoy your company. It will be an interesting day.
  • Please be punctual: It is not nice for a few “late people” to keep the other “punctual people” waiting.
  • Transport cost approximately SGD20 per pax, depending on the number of participants. Express your interest here, asap, no later than 17 June. Pay transport cost by 19 June – account detail to be announced soon.

 

 

Start 2011 with a burst of laughter

Start the new year with a hearty laugh – hahahahahahah

Folks – Have a wonderful new year filled with laughter.

During the one day JB day trip, several members who remembered that I was the EC for a laughter exercise, asked me – Is the laughter exercise held every Tuesday at Hort Park, still on-going?  YES – it is, but the venue has recently changed. I’m putting up this post for those who are interested:

Venue: Singapore Botanic Gardens.

Date and time: Every Tuesdays, 6.30pm to 7.00pm

Laughter exercise spot: A stone’s throw from the MAIN ENTRANCE GATE.

Walk to the Green Pavilion. There is a patch of nicely lawned grass. This is it.

FAQs:

What to wear: Wear light, loose-fitting clothes, and flatties.

Suitable for whom: young or old, men or women, short or tall, fat or thin. Especially suitable for people who would like to de-stress.

How to enjoy your experience: Plan to arrive at 5.30pm (optional), take a stroll to enjoy the garden. At 6.20pm, stroll toward the Green Pavilion. Ms Zaibun (the laughter exercise facilitator) starts promptly at 6.30pm. The laughter exercise ends at 7pm. You may wander off to stroll some more around the garden. Some friends take the opportunity to catch dinner together. Some who came alone, and appeared to be burdened with troubled thoughts, will smile and wave good-bye quietly. Free and easy.  Really. Do as you please. No one will cajole you, preach to you about the benefits of laughter.

You will discover the benefits yourself. Give yourself a chance to find that out.

This laughter session is really “free and easy”. Literally.  Free – Zaibun does this for free. Easy – The exercise is easy to follow; no registration required.

A little note here: Zaibun is a trained laughter facilitator. Big companies and organization pay big bucks to hire laughter facilitators to conduct “laughing sessions” for their employees. Their purpose is to help their employees to de-stress and thereby be happier and more productive.

For maximum benefit: remember to laugh out loud. Exhale completely, inhale fresh air… bringing oxygen to every cells…

Many participants have noticed that their well-being have improved markedly. For more information, do read the “older posts” on laughter exercise. Those posts were made by Vivian Lai, Sylvia Ang, and Jacqueline Han. Or, google for “laughter yoga” “laughter exercises”.

Should you decide to check this out, do indicate your interest here. And just in case you cannot find us, you may like to have my mobile number. Email jacqhan@gmail.com. Don’t be shy shy.

 

 

Talk on “retirement planning” 10th Dec

Hi folks!

A seminar will be held on 10th December, on “retirement planning”. Out of curiosity, I am attending this event, to gather information, and perhaps, to learn a little bit…Are you interested?  Indicate your interest here, and meet me at the venue.

I am sharing information with you, as I thought that this may interest you. I do not know any more than whatever that was stated. Here are the details :

You are cordially invited to the Citigold Seminar on retirement – the key planning processes involved, as well as the new implementation of CPF Life and its impact. Retirement planning in the past few years has been the key focus in our wealth management proposition due to the sharp increment in Singapore’s aging population. With adequate planning, retirement can be a breeze.  

The recent financial turmoil has prompted many Singaporeans to go back to the drawing board to re-look at their plans. Let us take this opportunity to assist and point you to the fundamentals of retirement planning. We value your attendance – we would love to show our appreciation with a door gift. Most importantly, being involved in YOUR retirement planning is our greatest pleasure.

Date

10th December 2009, Thursday

Time

6.30pm to 9.00pm (Registration starts at 6.00pm)

Venue

Citibank Tampines Plaza Branch 

5 Tampines Central 1

#01-01

Singapore 529541

Programme (optional)

Portfolio Review with your Relationship Manager

Followed by Talk on Retirement Planning

“White elephants”

Hi Folks and SHC admin!

I have tried to post these things on the 2greendots website. But was unable to. I wondered if it is still functioning? If anyone has experience posting on the 2greendots website, I’d appreciate some advice. For your info, I have –

Panasonic Color TV 19”. World multi-systems. About 3 years old, 
working well, but don’t need it now.

Panasonic vacuum cleaner, brand new, still in the box. Model
MCCG381. Bought it at a sale. Never used it. Now selling. 1600W input, 350W suction. Big dust capacity.

Philips infra-red light. Philips infra-care, effective pain
relief for back pain and muscle pain. Model HP3641.

Used once only. As good as new, still in the box.

Novita clothes steamer – use it as you would an iron, to
iron clothes. Model SS16. Seldom used.

Novita – air humidifier, Novita  ultrasonic cool mist, model NH333 – seldom
used.

For no obligation enquiry or viewing, please email jacqhan@gmail.com

Location to view items for sale : moonstone lane.

I look forward to hear from you. Cheers. Have a great week ahead.

Pls note that all items were sold. Further enquiries will not be responded or entertained. Deeply appreciate your understanding.

Farewell Gillman Heights

On 17th September, it was a dark and cloudy morning… oh no, I thought…it’s going to rain… if it does, it would be most inconvenient for all the SHC members attending the gathering at Gillman Heights.

Fortunately, toward the afternoon, the dark clouds were blown away, and 17th September turned out to be a beautiful day…
To all who attended the monthly gathering at Gillman Heights:

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Thank you –  for making my last few days at Gillman Heights happy and memorable.

Dolly and Sam – thank you for organizing the event.

ALL THE HELPERS – thank you for helping.

If I miss mentioning one or two names, please forgive me… it was a very busy day, and my recall for names is not so great.

Terence, Rene, Oi Cheng, Kristin, Karen, Sockie, PatrickL, Mary, Sue Chan, Lily, Andrew, Dan, Freddie, and Tim.…

I hope that the 20 liters of pandang tea was enough to go round and that all 77 over guests managed to taste a small cup.  If not, please excuse me…

Thank you – to all the guests, who had made time from their busy schedule to attend this gathering.

Many guests expressed their concerns, asking me questions such as where I’d be moving off to… some guests thought that I am a millionaire….

To dispel misconception, here are the facts: The Gillman Heights owners received $870K to $930K. Yep – Gillman Heights owners are not millionaires. It was the Farrer Court owners who received $2million each.

For the Gillman Heights owners, it was a matter of poor timing. We simply have to accept reality, and move on with our lives.

We are sad to leave Gillman Heights…. Spacious, sprawling housing estates like Gillman Heights will no longer exist.

I hope that I did manage to greet each and every guest. If I missed some of you– again, please excuse me.

Many guests commented that you have not met me before. I must be “new member”, or that I must be “inactive member”.

Not really.  I registered more than two years ago. I have met many other members during these events which I have attended:

Self-development Talk (Intercontinental vault), The MacRitchie Walk, The monthly gathering at Han’s café (nonya parade), The Investment Talk (Bali Lane), The Barage Walk, The Pasir Ris Walk,  The Investment Talk at Raffles City Tower.

And, I have hosted Mahjong Beginners Lessons at my place, taught by MJ teacher Freddy Liew.  I was actively “promoting” Feztus’ Yunnan Health Rejuvenating trip, the first group went in Feb 2009. And I am also the EC for the laughter exercise at Hort Park.

Enuff “lee lee loh loh”. Enough said for my “credentials” as a SHC member.

I look forward to see all of you at some future gathering.

I will miss Gillman Heights. Thank you for sharing my memory of Gillman Heights.

With warmest regards

jacqueline

Handy-man? Mr Fix-it? Fix-it enthusiast? “Fixing stuff as a Hobby”?

Are you a “handy-man”? Are you a “fix-it enthusiast”? Do you enjoy the challenge of repairing household items and getting them to work again?

If you answer "yes" to any of the above questions, here is good news!

I have several household items that need to be repaired, and can be put to good use again.

If you are "Mr Fix-it", and you can repair TV, washing machine, stand-fan, microwave oven, please come and take them away. FREE.

OR – If you know someone who is connected to an old-folks’ home or orphanage, that has an in-house handy-man who could repair and put these items to good use, please ask him to come and take them away.

The external conditions of these household items are well-kept, and look better than the ones you’d find in second-hand dealer’s stores:

Washing machine, fully-auto, Samsung 5 litre load.

Problem: It moved very slowly and made a groaning sound as it tried to swirl clothes.

TV, 32 inch, Toshi, color.

Problem: Went blank. One small dot of white light.

Microwave oven, Farfella.

Problem: inside’s turntable and light work fine, but “no heat”.

Stand-fan, Mestar, has timer and speed control.

Problem: fan blades rotate slowly.

Please email jacqhan@gmail.com for “collection address” or queries.   

Check this out – Laughter Exercise

Hi Folks – Gong Xi Fa Cai! May all your wishes come true!

I meant to post this notice in Dec last year. But anticipating that SHC folks would be busy with preparing for the festivity of Christmas, I decided to wait a while. Then, came January, and again, I did not post this notice thinking that SHC folks would be busy preparing and celebrating CNY.
Then, in Feb, there will be the Yunnan trip led by Feztus, and come March/April there are other trips led by other SHC folks. If I don’t post the notice now, I guessed I never will.  I was aiming to have the maximum impact with this notice. That is – to reach as many SHC folks as possible.
Here is what I would like to share with you:

Subject: Laughter Exercise

  • Venue: Horticultural Park (Hort Park), 33 Hyderabad Road, Off Alexandra Road.  Go to the “Circle of Bamboo”.
  • (Buses to Alexandra Road: 51, 57, 93, 97, 100, 166, 175)
  • Date and Time: Every Tues 6.30p.m.
  • Dress code: comfortable footwear, casual ‘cool’ clothes.

Reminder: Those of you who are mosquito magnets, please remember to use insect repellant.
More info: Hort Park is a beautiful and peaceful garden. You may wish to take a stroll before or after the exercise. It starts promptly at 6.30p.m. If you are 15 minutes late, you’ve missed half the exercise.
This exercise is suitable for whom?

Any one – young or old, male or female, fat or thin. It is a light and fun exercise. There were families who came in three generations: grandparents, parents and their children. There was an elderly gentleman in a wheelchair pushed by his elderly loving wife. There were old retirees, and there were young adults coming in after work hours.

Because it is free and easy, (no registration required), sometimes the crowd was quite big. More than 30 people. Some Tuesdays, only a handful turned up – about 10 people.

Other info: We all know that “laughter is the best medicine”.
This laughter exercise originated in India, and has spread to the rest of the world.  Some business corporation paid big bucks to hire the trained laughter exercise facilitators, to teach their employees to laugh away their stress, and thereby, be more productive.

And guess what?
This lady, a trained laughter exercise facilitator, is conducting the exercises for FREE! Yes – FREE! FREE! FREE! She is in her sixties, very zesty, warm and friendly. I later learned that she started this free laughter exercise program in Sep 2008. Make time to check this out. You have “nothing to lose, all to gain”.

If you’d like me to show you where is the “Circle of Bamboo”, I can meet you at the lobby to lead you there. Email me jacqhan@gmail.com

Room within Condo – for rent

Hi Folks! I have a spare room in the house, to be rented out. If you have friends or relatives interested, please email me. Here are the details:

For rent: master bedroom in Gillman Heights Condo, junction of

Depot Rd/Alexandra Rd.

 

Walk to bus-stops, recreational park, shops, eateries, Ikea, Queensway Shopping Center. SP Jain, Hort Park.

Buses to Alexandra rd – 51, 57, 93, 97, 100, 166, 175

Buses to Depot rd – 57, 175, 195

Tenant can use condo facilities such as swimming pool, bbq pits, function room, gym, playground.

Room is bright and breezy. Simply furnished –

Queen size bed, dressing table, writing desk, full length mirror wardrobe. Aircon.

Working couple or students sharing room, welcome.

$1200 per month, includes utilities and wash your clothes!

Owner is a small Chinese family. Owner prefer tenant not to cook. If tenant requires, owner is willing to provide simple breakfast and dinner at nominal cost. Negotiable.

Email any queries to owner Jacqueline Han: jacqhan@gmail.com

26 Feb – Yunnan Health Rejuvenation, by Feztus

Hi Folks! Feztus is organising a trip to Yunnan on 26 Feb. Please register your interest with him directly.

South West China, Yunnan 10 days Health Rejuvenation Trip
Registration/Deposit of $110 (non-refundable if self initiated cancellation) must be paid by 20 January 2009 or before registration close, whichever comes first. Maximum 20 Persons.  Overland Cost: $500($110 registration included), personal expenses, opted out expenses and shopping not included. Kunming return airfare (Estimate $550) is also not included, depending on which airline and fuel tax.  Those who will be getting your own mileage ticket, please arrange to arrive earlier.

Itinery:  

Program
Day 1 Thurs 26 Feb
Depart Singapore at 8am. Arrive Kunming at 12pm and transfer into Sea Gulls hotel. Walk around Green Lake and watch the Siberian Sea Gulls flying around the lake. (They fly here every year in December and back to Siberia in March). Dinner at “Cross The Bridge Noodle” Restaurant. After dinner free and easy.

Day 2 Fri 27 Feb
Breakfast at hotel. Check out of hotel and proceed to Dali, transfer to 5 hours coach bus to go to Dali. Lunch on the road. Arrive Dali and transfer to ethnic Bai Guesthouse inside the old city. Walk around the Dali Old City, “The Great Walls of Yunnan”, eat and shop around “Foreigner’s Street”. Visit 2 old churches in Dali old city. The catholic church is built in the shape like an Ark, Noah’s Ark! Dinner at local ethnic Bai restaurant.

Day 3 Sat 28 Feb
Breakfast at local café. Last minute shopping at old city. After lunch, transfer to coach to go to Lijiang, 3 hours journey. Check into guesthouse and visit Lijiang Original Ancient Town. For dinner, eat Salmon grown in Lijiang and many other exotic herbal local dishes. After dinner continue to tour Lijiang Old City. You can shop for many herbal products here. Home of the ethnic Naxi folks.

Day 4 Sun 1 Mar
Breakfast at local cafe, roam around Lijiang old city and then go for Hot Spring Spa. It is more natural and has a bit of the sulphuric content. Lunch here. Those who don’t want to go for the spa can opt for going to Jade Snow Mountain a whole day trip as your own expense, rejoining group for dinner. Night free and easy.

Day 5 Mon 2 Mar
After local breakfast, check out of hotel and fly back to Kunming. Transfer to hotel. Walk around Flower Bird Street
Lunch at Chairman Mao Restaurant. Free and easy. Steamboat dinner.

Day 6 – 8, 3 to 5 Mar Tue to Thurs
Local noodle breakfast, check out and transfer to Olive Farm 3 nights Home Stay. Managed by 2 Singaporean couples who will be hosting and cooking for us. We have a Singapore certified nutritionist coming for the whole 3 days of our health rejuvenation program here. Great place for relaxation, reflection and rejuvenation! Program includes harvesting and eating fresh and nutritional vegetables grown at the farm with no pesticides, no chemicals, all natural vegetables, honey and fruits. There will be 3 short talks over the 3 mornings on Anti Aging Process With Healthy Lifestyle. Anyone who want to have half an hour of private consultation (chargeable) with him for personal dietary program therapy; Iridology can be arrange anytime during these 3 days stay with nutritionist.
On the final night we can have BBQ session on the open mountain, cold weather, gazing the millions of stars of the clear sky! We will organize some farming activities on the 10,000 olive trees farm during the 3 days stay!
The types of no pesticide vegetables grown and available on the farm are spinach, beet, radish, chards, beans, squashes, egg plant, basil, aragula, zucchini, chilies, herbs, cabbage, endives, lettuce of many varieties, cucumber, corn, broccoli, tomatoes, asparagus.

Day 9 Fri 6 Mar
After breakfast, return to Kunming city hotel. Check out Singapore’s very own “BreadTalk” in Kunming. Eat lunch at “Porridge Queen” restaurant. Free and easy. Dinner.

Day 10 Sat 7 Mar
Breakfast at nearby café. Free and easy, after lunch check out and flight return to Singapore

Yunnan Health Rejuvenation Dec 18, 2008

Hi everyone –

Feztus is organizing a trip to Yunnan, departure date 18 Dec, for 10 days.

Below is the itinerary. It can be customized or fine-tuned further.

Right now, I already have 4 “very keen to go” (including me). Any one else interested?

The overland package cost is $500. Airfare NOT included. It is approximately $600 includes taxes and surcharge, depending which airlines.

Feztus need a “critical number” of minimum 10.  The more the merrier. Please register your interest here.

Proposed Yunnan 10 days Health Rejuvenation Trip

Itinerary

Program

Day 1

 Arrive Kunming and check into hotel. Walk to Green Lake to see Siberian Seagulls. They flies to Yunnan every year in December and stay around the lake till March. After that for dinner walk to “Cross The Bridge Noodle” Restaurant. After dinner enjoy the cool night strolling or drinking tea by the roadside.
Day 2 – 4 After local breakfast and coffee transfer to Olive Farm 2 nights Home Stay. Managed by 2 Singaporean couples who will be hosting and cooking for us. Great place for relaxation and reflection! “Rejuvenation Program includes harvesting and eating fresh and nutritional vegetables grown at the farm with no preservatives, no chemicals, all natural vegetables and fruits. On the final night we can have BBQ session on the open mountain, cold weather, gazing the millions of stars of the clear sky! We can also organize some farming activities on the 10,000 olive trees farm!
The types of vegetables grown and available on the farm are spinach, beet, radish, chards, beans, squashes, egg plant, basil, aragula, zucchini, chillies, herbs, cabbage, endives, lettuce of many varieties, cucumber, corn, broccoli, tomatoes, asparagus, etc. all of these are available from march to sept but from Oct to Feb will have lesser leafy veggies, but squashes, leeks, broccoli etc are available. You can choose how you want it to be cooked or even raw! We also have honey on our farm and other seasonal fruits.
Day 5 After breakfast, return to Kunming from farm. Check into Service Apartment/Hotel. Lunch at Mao Ze Dong Restaurant. It has the dishes of Mao’s Butler. Mostly spicy dishes, good for cold weather. After lunch to the Hot Spring Spa. Spa has different type of pools to soak, rose petals, coffee, Guizhou Muotai Wine, etc., water temperature from 36 to 43 Deg C. There is even a volcanic stone floor bed for lying down. Back after dinner. Buffet dinner.
Day 6 After breakfast, check out and proceed to Dali/Lijiang/Shangrila.
To Dali, transfer to 5 hours coach bus to go to Dali, stay at Fu Chun He Bai Guesthouse. Walk around the Dali Old City, “The Great Walls of Yunnan”, eat and shop around “Foreigner’s Street”. Visit 2 old churches in Dali old city. The catholic church is built in the shape like an Ark, Noah’s Ark!
Day 7 After breakfast, go to Lijiang by bus, 3 hours journey. Check into guesthouse and visit Lijiang Original Ancient Town. For lunch, eat Salmon grown in Lijiang and many other exotic herbal local dishes. Stay either in Lijiang hotspring or regular guesthouse in old city. After lunch visit and tour Lijiang Old City. You can shop for San Qi flowers and roots, other herbs here.
There is this Jade Snow mountain, but not good to go. It is too cold, too high and oxygen level too low for some of you to go. Some people heart will palpitate in reaction.
Day 8 After breakfast, roam around Lijiang old city. After lunch, can check out the Hot Spring Spa here. It is more natural and has a bit of the sulphuric content. If not fly back to Kunming. Check into hotel.
Day 9 After breakfast, walk around city. Check out Singapore’s very own “BreadTalk” and Haagen Daz in Kunming. Eat lunch at “Porridge Queen” restaurant, visit the Flower & Bird Street and shopping area and dinner will be at the local steam boat restaurant.
Day 10 Morning last minute shopping after breakfast. After lunch, check out and take flight back to Singapore. All these at the cost of only $500!

Jacqueline Han – Profile

I am amazed at what one man can do. And I meant – the one man who had created and founded this silver hairs club. Terence Seah – please take a bow! You have founded this silver hairs club providing opportunities for people to connect and to learn from each other. More importantly, the opportunities to enjoy ourselves together.

Hi Everyone, I’d like to introduce myself, briefly – I am a practical and introspective person. I live my life in a minimalistic, no frills manner. That could be because my growing up years were frugal. I grew up in an attap hut built on stilts on swampy land. By some lucky twist of fortune – life’s events have somehow unfolded in my favour. Society uses material possessions as yardsticks of success. If I use the same yardsticks? I think I am not doing so badly…

I chose to retire early last year. I wanted a change of environment. I wanted to explore other opportunities. With that in mind – I had spent several months in Melbourne. While there, I had volunteered at a charitable organization, and had taken up a TEFL course. (TEFL stands for Teach English as a Foreign Language.) Yes – I am a recently certified TEFL teacher. I am toying around with the idea of teaching English in China. Or – I could volunteer to teach English to the underprivileged. I am excited at the prospect and the possibility. But I am not adamant about it. I go with the flow – depending on which way the river flows….

My “psycho-analyst” had told me that my “material success was not all just luck” – and that I should give myself credit for having clambered out of the poverty pit. That is the other thing about me – I don’t give myself enough credit. Generally, we tend to underestimate ourselves. This could be the result of our Asian upbringing: our parents usually do not approve of any “self praise”. Yep – we have been deeply ingrained to be modest about our achievements. So much so, that we forget to pat ourselves on our backs.

Career wise: my younger days were in the banking industry. In later years, I was an administrator with a MNC. At present, gainfully unemployed.
Interest wise: I enjoy keeping fit, reading, writing and travels.
I love to read – books on philosophy and psychology, and the mysteries of life – known scientifically or unknown as yet. For lighter reading, I love science fictions to tickle my imagination, books on self-development; or health and nutrition.
Travels – I love natural beautiful scenery rather than man-made buildings. Although I must say that I was quite impressed with several centuries old cathedrals and Egypt’s pyramids.
I enjoy my moments of solitude. I seem to need more “alone time” than many people I know.  I enjoy doing absolutely nothing. I could be seated on a bench in crowded Orchard Road, or seated on a swing in a quiet playground.

To keep fit and healthy – I exercise daily by climbing stairs to the 19th floor of a tall building. It is an easy way to exercise, no need to book a court (for tennis/badminton), rain or shine I can still climb the stairs. I also have a simple diet regime whenever the pounds creep up on me. If any one is interested, I’d be happy to share it with you.
I look forward to meeting like-minded members during the monthly get-together. Till then, I wish you all the best. May the rest of your life, be the best of your life.

Agnes Seow – Profile

My name is Agnes. I was introduced to SilverHairsClub by a student in my dance class and a friend whom I met at a social function recently.

I’m in my early fifties and am working in a publishing company which is a fast pace but interesting. To unwind, I love to dance and karaoke (more like croaking though). Country and evergreens are songs I’m familiar with and comfortable to sing.

I also enjoy outdoor activities and look forward to participate in the interesting activities that you have taken the time and effort to organise. I have read up your website faithfully and look forward to meeting the members.Thanks and best regards, Agnes

Emily Sim – Profile

Hi, my name is Emily.  I’ve been living in England for the last 30+ years however, ever since I discovered your wedsite a year ago, I’ve been a regular browser.  I valued the site as it is a very good way of keeping in touch and knowing what my compempories are doing at home.

 

 

I come home regular every year for the last 10 years as my children are now independent.  This is “me” time now and I’m enjoying every minute of it.  I’m semi retired, and will be retiring proper in March 2008.  My profession was a “Clinical Auditor”,  I think it is referred as “QA” in S’pore.

 

 

While I’m not able to take part in your activities, believe me I take a very keen interest in what’s going on.  I read a lot, my other hobbies are line dancing, gardening, visiting historic places cooking and entertaining.  For me  these activities are all governed by the weather.  In summer I’m outdoor making use of every minute of the sunshine while in winter I practically go into hibernation, it is a time that I would do nothing but curled up by the fireside and surf the net or read.

 

Being based in UK, I believe I have a lt to offer in so far travelling/holidaying in UK, culture exchange ect.,  I’m looking forward to attend some of the activites when I get back in 2008 and  have some new friends.

 

 

Emily Sim