I know I promised Nineo today but given Nineo is a significant part of what defined my NUS life and given I do not have the time right now to do justice to it, I will go on to another thing that is very close to my heart – FOOD!
Now, for some background – during my time at NUS, especially thanks to work, I’ve had the opportunity to taste many a cuisine. I always loved mediterranean and hence, the stall at the business school, Thai food(no good thai stalls on campus), Indonesian(Science, Engine) and absolutely love Sushi and Genki sushi..
Having said that, on a regular note, I am an Indian food guy. I’ve heard things change once work starts but I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the food experience in NUS and here are 3 big memories –
1) Double Rice: I may be on the thinner side but I do have a pretty healthy apetite. One of the highlights is the nickname I have at the Indian stall in the Non AC canteen at PGP. I am called ‘Double Rice’.. I’ve seen 8-10 staff come and go in the last 3 years and every one of them has eyed me suspiciously when I ask them to give me 2 cups of rice instead of the usual 1 cup but then, they’ve gone on to smile and joke about it since..
It’s a memory that’ll stay.. How many of us are called ‘Double Rice’ with lots of love, eh?
Learning: The Indian stall were the first sponsors of my talk show(coming soon in a post near you..) and it is amazing how much
I’ve felt love and care from them. I’ve heard a lot about them being slow, food not being good etc but I’ve always been a loyal customer.. :)
Thanks to Alice and the aunty and uncle who run the Indian stall.
2) The Science Canteen Indian stall: The next 2 memories come from the science canteen primarily because the Nineo office was at Science and I spent a significant part of my 4 years eating at Science. Here again, I have been touched by the love and affection. I am generally very happy with my rice, egg and yoghurt and so many many times, they’ve kept yoghurt aside just in case I came by..
I was especially thrilled when Alan Uncle and Anita aunty were blessed with a baby boy(Asher) recently..
Learning: It’s attention to small things that makes all the difference. The many times they’ve saved a yoghurt for me has made my day.. from time to time..
Thanks to Asha as well from the Science stall..
3) The Science Canteen Drinks stall and Mr.Wong: We were very regular customers at the drinks stall at the canteen as we would normally be up all night at the office and walk across for a curry puff, donut and some drinks. Mr.Wong became a GREAT friend.. he’s the person who runs the drink stall and overtime, we(the Nineo team) and him developed a very special friendship..
He was practically the caretaker of a board we had placed in the Science canteen on Nineo’s behalf and more so, just a great person who always spread joy and happiness. He always had his stories, about his kids, his basketball sessions on Wednesday. All in all, a great person!
Learning: This one comes from our mentor at Nineo. In my early days, I was amazed at the attention he gave to Mr.Wong, when normally, I would just pay the required amount and move. I realized that it is about how we treat EVERYBODY around us that defines us.. not just our obvious superiors/people we care.
Moreover, listening never hurts.. :)
A final special mention goes to Uncle Vincent from Sheares supper. Another fantastic person.. again, I enjoy the extra extra whipped cream the sheares team puts on my pancake just because I get thrilled to bits.. haha
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It is a close friend’s farewell dinner today and it is time to run. I’m sure I’ve not done justice to the whole food experience. As I’m a big food person, I’ll probably come back and edit it.. but these are a few memories that are sure to stay for a very very long time! :)
A Learning a Day 