Early this week, Lynn contacted me about a Singaporeans meet with the minister. And the first thing that came to mind was, “Me? A minister wants to have lunch with a small fry like me?”
Regardless, the desire of meeting other Singaporeans living in Italy was very strong. So I made my confirmation to attend soon after. As Cart was working, I had to go on my own.
With the use of Atac and Google Maps, it made exploring much easier and with very few drama, I met up with Lynn and together we headed to Tullio restaurant, where there was a Singaporeans meet hosted by the Minister Lim Hwee Hua and Ambassador Loo Choon Yong.
This is Minister Lim Hwee Hua
When we both entered the area, I was so pleasantly shocked. I knew that there were more Singaporeans that were living in Italy, but to see so many Singaporeans in front of me was such a nice surprise anyway.
Our last Rome meet was already a good number.
But this meet was twice as large.
This is Ambassador Loo Choon Yong.
I met many interesting, charming and witty people. Some of them have been living here Italy for a long time – like 25 years. It felt a little unreal and also a little intimidating for me though, to be talking to successful people who really made it in life. There was a lawyer, jewellery maker, fine arts furniture maker … while I’m just a housewife.
Nevertheless, they were really nice and friendly. The minister herself seemed genuinely interested in what I thought, asking about life in Italy.
We also had such lovely food which I thoroughly enjoyed.
This was my Parmigiana di melanzane
This was my Mont Blanc
In any case, the meet was an initiative by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to keep Singaporeans in Italy to keep in contact with each other and should we need any help, they assured that we were free to approach them.
And there was a possibility that next year would have a Singaporeans day in Italy. I was rather upset for missing Singapore day some months back so this would be absolutely fantastic!
So us Singaporean in Italy facebook group could finally all meet up together yeah? Lynn and I to do that, but the logistics seems daunting but now that we have backup, I’m definitely looking forward to that.
OOOOOH THAT MONT BLANC LOOKS DEEEELISHIOUSSSSSSSS!
For Singaporeans to migrate to Italy, what is the easiest way? Investment? Need to learn Italian language?
i think it’s a very nice initiative by the Singapore embassy(? high commission?) to do this, because it makes u feel like u’re not forgotten even tho u’re far away from home, right?
*hugs* Looking forward to seeing you again in Dec babe! 😀 AND in the mean time… JIA YOU for your netbook competition! 😀
Awesome networking!! 😀 You could use this to open some doors for you 😉 Who knows, maybe can get a job thru one of these new contacts – embassy got job opening? 😀 And next Raya shouldn’t be too quiet too – now you have more people to Raya with 😉
Oh yea, you got my vote yesterday 😉 Hope u win a new netbook!!! All the best!
Alamak, almost forgot to say that the mont blanc looks absolutely delish!! I want one! *LOL*
So cool! Hey Marina, why dun you volunteer to be the proxy and ambassador for the Singaporean community in Rome? We will then have someone official to ‘disturb’ when we visit Rome! ;D
can I has your namecard? 🙂
Really looks cool!!
Oharlie
Oh and its very tasty too! I never tried it before, so I wanted to see how it tastes like and I like it. The bottom part is a very flaky pastry and then spread with chestnut cream and then sugar, if I’m not wrong. Mmm … Lurvely 😀
Daphne
So far, us regs has always known that there were other Singaporeans in Italy, its just that we have yet to find them. So there they were! At least some of them 🙂
Yey! I cant wait to see all of you guys! Countdown to December!
Yespecan
But she lives all the way in Milan! Hahaha. Lets see how it goes for next year 🙂
I’m not too confident of how much this would help to get a job though, I wouldnt keep my hopes up too high, but if I do have one, I’m grateful.
And thank you so much for the vote! Merdeka! Satu Negara!
Ruby
I suppose getting married to an Italian or to study or to work in Italy itself would be the easiest way.
And when you do, learning the Italian language is definitely a big advantage 🙂
Heyzanie
I am just a small fry … but I’ll help where ever I can lah. So far with the facebook group, is already a small group of Singaporeans 🙂
Unofficial only for now 😛
CC
Eh, tak boleh! Ini saya punya! 😛
Saya fotostep satu untuk awak baru boleh! 😀
WOW! What a wonderful opportunity for you! Must have been great to foster new friendships!!! 🙂
I read the “I totally made a man happy yesterday” entry… Totally hilarious! But heyhey~~~ Your Italian is improving nonetheless!!! *thumbs up*
I need that Mont Blanc by my side right now… beautiful white mountain indeed.
That’s truly awesome of the MFA. Did you tell them I want to work for the mfa in future? 🙂 (really really)
Feliza
The Rome-Group already had regular meets, but I’m sure that there are more Singaporeans lurking around … hehehehe
And yes, it was totally unreal to meet all the other Singaporeans – some flew all the way from Milan even!
I’m definitely looking forward to the next meet 🙂
Shabel
I hope you do get the job with MFA! What do you intend to work as there? That would be so cool! 🙂
My hubby was in Rome for work 2 days ago and had dinner at Tullio restaurant.
Very sad, missed out on free lunch 🙁
When I was a student in Paris, every year we would have at least one free meal with the Ambassador. And later as part of the Singapore Club France, we would have makan sessions – but of course not free. Still, once a year SIA sponsers one free SQ ticket for our raffle.
Anyway, hopefully there would be another time 🙂
Yet another corker of a post Ms Marina Noordin, some of your writings made me cry with laughter.
(I hope you don’t object the comments from someone you don’t know but I enjoy reading your posts)
Lovely photos and love the blog!
Radhiyah living in Paris