To Hell and Back

It seemed to be decades that I am finally back in Singapore. In one piece. War battered and scarred. These few days, I have been throwing my arms wildly around and banging tables to create a dramatic impact while relating to mates about my traumatic experiences in Kuala Lumpur- thus I will not elaborate much about the worst nightmare I ever have here.

Just don’t get me started.

I was not cruising around in KL... I was sloughing my guts and breath out for work over there. The local operator has planned an Amazing Race for the 300 delegates from China in KL. But seriously, the ‘planning’ have only been on his lips and flimsy and totally useless papers. There was nothing like what was communicated- on the Race day, the game marshals have no inkling about their roles and where they supposed to be stationed.

When things went haywire, my heart seemed to be complaining bitterly about the tremendous stress I have inflicted on it, my stomach started churning- nothing, as there was simply no time for breakfast and lunch – not even a toilet break.

I tried my best to salvage the Race… but at 3rd stage of the game, we abandoned the entire Race as the marshals were nowhere in sight, everything was madly out of control and delegates were protesting with all their might.

And all the time I have to act, to the confused delegates that EVERYTHING WAS SO GODAMNED FINE. THE COMPLICATIONS WERE EXACTLY AS PLANNED.

I am amazed. I survived it. All.

I wonder whichever was worst- 1) you screwed up your event with own negligence or 2) someone failed to perform his part causing you to endure stern scolding from clients- where you can’t possibly tell them that IT WAS NOT YOUR FAULT.

I have thought tears will be lurking around at the back of my eyes…. Trying to break in whenever there is a chance. But, apparently I’m so freaking busy, trying to cope with the crisis on hand~ Ms Brain actually formed a sturdy wall to prevent tears from flooding into my eyes.

After the crisis, I saw the man who failed his promise, duty and trust. I could no longer bring myself to say anything. He kept silent too; as if beseeching a confrontation from me.
Not that I have damned sixth sense- but there was already bad premonition about the Race before it even get started- but it have been my wrong ‘character’ judgment that persuaded me to trust this ‘experienced’ Race planner.

Mich and Ben wondered aloud that they were impressed about the way I handled the grumbling, rude Chinese delegates- that I can bring myself to pacify them when they were bombarding me with loud protests and complaints. Well, my attitude astonished myself too. I seemed to be a totally different person- can almost see that patient self pacifying the group as a third person.

Maybe it was the way I see it- it’s understandable they were unhappy and angry. It was the organisers’ fault that things turned out to be a disaster- even though it was something beyond our control. We are supposed to bring them enjoyable memories for this incentive trip and I felt terribly guilty that things turned out this way too.

It was only after this trip, I truly appreciated how mistakes and problems helped me to grow. How do I react in face of impending crisis, how do I deal with pressure and stress….. Nightmarish experiences it may be, but it sure pump up my passion for events management. I just love it, those ups and downs………….!

However, on a last note, the most ultimate moral of this tale:
Don’t ever trust someone so completely