Chill Out Time~~~

September 03, 2010

Chill Out Time~~~

Yiyi has came back from China after a long trip back home. She returned last Saturday, and gave me a call on Sunday, and I was so happy to hear from her again! On Tuesday she came over to Sozai with Vivian and Vivian's parents. I was working in the bar, and having started at 5pm, I finished work at 9pm. Vivian's parents urged me to sit down and have a drink with them, so I did. Her father was such a conversationalist. He talked a lot about traveling (much to my interest - apparently he has travelled almost everywhere in the world, and have even been to France about 10 times already), and I learnt a lot from him. He also talked a lot about Chinese culture and travel in China. At that moment, I wished I have read a lot more than I have had. So many things that were mentioned - so many things I actually KNOW, but not in-depth. As a result, I cannot talk much during a conversation. I felt defeated then....

Thursday - was my day off. I proposed to chill at Frankie's cafe because I haven't been there in ages.... Everytime I talk to Frankie I told him I'd drop by soon without knowing how I'm gonna get there. Yiyi has a car, therefore we can drive there. His place is really inconvenient by public transport. If it's near any tram/train stop, I will definitely visit more often. Cafe Ciliegio looks very much the same, yet a lot of things have been added - e.g. flowers and other deco. The menu has been changed. The coffee beans have also been changed. But the whole place still feels so familiar to me.

Frankie's coffee-making skills is just one of the best. In fact, he is the best barista I've ever met. Part of my coffee-making skills came from him, which I am glad to have been taught by him. We ordered our coffees, as well as a vegetable wrap, chilli prawn pizza and chicken katsu rice. All lovely. Sat there for about 4 hours before I got to leave (for dinner appointments). Frankie sat with us when there weren't any customers. Loved the chit-chat. It was fantastic.

Frankie's coffee art. I wish I can make them! I still cannot accomplish the leaf or tree shape one! And although I can do the heart shape, mine's never as nice as this!

Food we ordered...

Frankie - best barista ever!
He co-owns Cafe Ciliegio with our bosses from Sozai.

Vivian, Yiyi and me.
Vivian is going back Shanghai for good in October! sigh... Another friend gone. But I am actually intending to visit Shanghai, and Vivian insists I go soon and I can put up at her place. I am seriously considering!

Photos together...

Now there's a whole new change at work again, and I am really frustrated with the way the younger boss decides on things. We do not trust his judgements, and we do not like his opinions either. But we have no choice but to listen, because he's THE boss. Now, I am back in the bar again, after such a long absence... Probably about 9 months ago he made the decision that Benise and I should not take the bar position because 1) Benise is the senior and she is involved in training and supervising, so she shouldn't be stuck in the bar; 2) I am a lot more better at service because apparently I am the only one there who has a strong command in English. Plus, I am quick and I can converse well with customers. When I was in the bar, I am as quick, but I lost my accuracy a little, especially when it comes to money. However, for some reason, now both bosses wanted me back in the bar. Benise is no longer training, but she will oversee everything. Jassie is now the trainer (not me, even though I am second senior, but I can't teach, seriously). I am the second pair of eyes silently observing and do the control as well. Dumbfounded. I felt clumsy in the bar the first few times I stepped in, since I haven't been in there for such a long time. Everything there has changed, and I hated the feeling of it. It was a much happier place to work at before. Even when the horrifying Mr. M was around, it was actually more fun to work then. Mr. M made things very much in control, and only he has the authority. Even the bosses do not question his authorities, neither do they interfere. I prefer it that way. Now, without a manager, the bosses intervene so much, it gets so messed up. Just do your sushi, bosses! Such a nuisance!

However, I am really really happy Yiyi is coming back to work with us again! Now at least I have someone who I am close to and to talk with working with me. Plus, Yiyi is one of the best we have had. I am glad....

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Just saw some photos uploaded by Jay... She took it on the last day of her work, and it's with some of us in it. YAY!