One of the reasons behind wanting to become a Virtual CEO was to be able to do a little more travel. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve seen enough of the world – a lot more than most people will in their entire lifetime. However, here’s the thing – I simply LOVE to travel.
The older I get (you can see I have no hair!), the more I want to get out there and experience new things, meet new people and ‘get lost’, as the National Geographic Channel puts it! So, this year has begun, and in mid-March I got to go on the first mini-vacay of the year with my wife – to Singapore.
Losing My Singapore Virginity!
I’ve lived in Asia for ten years and I have never been there before. Insane, I know. So, a 4-day trip was planned, we left the little one with his grandparents and we were off. Above you can see a 5-min video diary of the trip, complete with a running commentary of the places we checked out (first time I’ve done this, let me know what you think!), a little humor, and the whole thing was shot entirely on my iPhone4, just to see how it came out.
I was pleasantly surprised on the quality. All edited in iMovie, too!
The Place Was Awesome!
I’m not going to go into a huge, long-winded review of Singapore and what its all about, but what I can say is that I was really impressed. The way the government there has set everything is with nothing but long-term in mind.
The people are very friendly, helpful and respectful towards each other. And the corporate way of life is great. It actually reminded me of a cross between Hong Kong and London – everyone rushing around with their suits and corporate attire, with not a minute to spend… Except for the fact that it was in nicer weather than London!
The streets – wide. The sidewalks – clean. The food – to die for. The climate – perfect. The cost – er, well, I’m a little spoilt, living in the Philippines, so it was costly – but, it was worth it nonetheless.
Next Up – The Good Old U S of A!
As you guys read this, I am currently in the US. It’s not entirely for pleasure, but, I’m making sure that we have plenty of fun here in San Francisco and Boston, too! It’s playoff time… Go Celtics!!! I’ll no doubt put together another, similar video for you of this trip.
Come to think of it… Let me ask – do you enjoy these videos? If not, why not, and if yes – what do you like about them the most…? Anything you’d like to see…? Let me know in the comments below.
A serial entrepreneur, virtual staffing expert, blogger, podcaster and author, Chris helps other entrepreneurs catapult their businesses into the 21st century utilizing what he calls the 'New Business' style of marketing. 
Chris is a serial entrepreneur, virtual staffing expert, blogger, podcaster and author who helps other entrepreneurs catapult their businesses into the 21st century utilizing what he calls the 'New Business' style of marketing.
{ 24 comments… read them below or add one }
Chris it was Great meeting you.
Thank you for your time and lunch along with the round table discussion, super.
This was an educational afternoon. Thanks
Likewise, Thomas.
It was a great pleasure to hook up with you and the rest of the mob that came out that afternoon.
I’ll be doing a little post on it soon!
All the best until next time…
C
Hey, Chris! Was also in Singapore early in March with my hubby and our eldest, and three of our good friends. The place rocks, big time! It was more memorable among our other trips because I finally got to ride a roller coaster – with eyes opened the whole time! Yeah, I’m a scaredy cat and would ride anything as long as I closed my eyes! LOL! Singapore is so lovely, more so when you’re up the Flyer! It was crazy! The food, well, I’m used to my hubby’s cooking, so I’m not gonna say more. LOL! Would love to go back there next year, this time around, I’m hoping to go with my sisters!
Nice post, nice vid diary!
Hi Ruzanne
Glad you enjoyed Singapore, too. It was a cool city to spend some time in.
My wife is also a bit of a scaredy cat when it comes to coasters. Glad you spent the time to check out the video. I had fun putting it all together.
C
Hey Chris.. another nice post about Singapore! @WanderingEarl from http://www.wanderingearl.com/sleep-eat-surf-in-singapore/ had a great one too.
I really loved the video in your post. Singapore is the place where I met my wife in 2001. It was my introduction to Asia. I think it is a great place for someone wanting to go to Asia for the first time. Not as much culture shock in Singapore as the Philippines might be.
The Philippines will always be my favorite by far but Singapore will always be special to me..
Thanks Chris..
I hear you, buddy.
Both countries offer their own unique ‘way of life’. The Philippines is obviously waaaaaay cheaper. But, Singapore does have a LOT going for it, thats for sure.
Glad you liked the video.
C
Wow Chris, thanks for sharing. Great that you get to chill out and go somewhere purely for pleasure (especially as a virtual businessman!)
I’ve heard that Singapore is an alternative to Hong Kong, that it provides less of the bustle and more peace; do you think this is true?
Hi Stu
I think that Singapore is actually a nicer place to go, than HK. It’s not ‘better’, just nicer. Cleaner, larger and more organized. I’ve also spent a lot of time in HK, over the last 13 years and have to say I also enjoy going there regularly.
Glad you liked the video, buddy!
C
OMG Chris, thanks soooooooooooooo much for sharing that with me. You really made me feel as if I was right there with you. How beautiful it is! Now I have to add Singapore to my Bucket List. BTW, I used to live in Los Angeles and Orlando, so I’ve been to both Universal Studios there. Never knew they had one in Singapore.
OMG, yes, this is truly the 4 Hour Work Week Life.. Love it!
Thanks again!
Hey Nicole
Glad to have you at the blog – this is your first comment, right..!?! Please do more!
The 4HWW is something that you can shape into your own aspirations and dreams. The way YOU live and work around the 4HWW concepts could be totally different to someone else.
The most important thing is that you are working around your life, not living around your work.
Thanks for the comment!
C
Loved the scenery and the music. Not sure I could get much work done among such beauty. I would love to see you interview fellow 4hww’ers in Singapore so I can hear how they manage to get some work in. Did you do any work when you were there?
By the way, read about you going to Boston. Hope you make it to Philadelphia too. Catch the best pitching lineup ever in baseball.
Hi Howard
Cool – yeah, the music worked perfectly… Very ‘relaxing’ – my wife picked it.
Boston is going to be cool. I’ve already got tickets for the first game in the first round of the playoffs for the Celtics, and also for a Sox game on Friday night. Can’t wait to check out Fenway Park for the first time.
And all those Irish pubs…………… Heaven!
C
Absolutely stunning Chris, such a beautiful diverse country WOW, thank you for sharing, video came out really well too lol.
I’m just re-reading 4 hour work week and it’s amazing how each time you find little nuggets in there that you missed the first time round – lovin it.
Take care
Tracy
Hi Tracy
Glad you enjoyed the video!
Yes, I was really surprised by the quality of the iPhone4 shot vids. I did NOTHING to enhance the images or anything… Turned out very clear and crisp for the most part.
The 4HWW is going to be one of the books, I feel, that will never go out of date. Its just such a cool read. Some of the resources will have to be updated from time to time, no doubt, though.
Stay tuned!
C
You asked about whether I like your videos. I am sure they are good, but what is more important is the secondary message, if your business can continue to run while you are traveling then why not enjoy that bonus. I’m still trying to get my head around the idea that I too can change the way I have been operating my business and take more advantage of my staff who can learn to cover so much of the work. Hope to have the conversion done by the Fall. Thanks Chris for keeping this blog going.
Hi Paul
Couldnt agree more with you, bud.
Keep your head down and work hard towards your goals. When I was on the ‘path’ myself I actually worked harder than I ever have done in my entire life. But, once that goal was met, it was an awesome feeling.
Keep us all up to date!
C
Fan-Dabbie-Dosie!! Thanks for sharing this Chris, what a beautiful place, I bet it won’t be 10 years before your next visit.
I haven’t heard that phrase for years!!!
No, I intend in going back next year and spending a month or so over there…
Glad you enjoyed it.
C
Great video Chris… Keep them coming.
After seeing that video Singapore is definitely on my list of places to visit. Judging by the size of it you probably need a few weeks to see the place properly…
Its a great place, Ian. It belongs on that list of yours, trust me.
I would say if you just wanted to do the ‘tourist’ stuff a week to 10 days is all you need. But, to get a little more into it, yes, probably a couple of weeks would be required.
C
hi Chris,
Was looking for your 5 minute video diary of the trip – you said ‘above’ – i was lost looking for it..sorry!
yeah ,your iphone 4 rocks! it’s time for me to upgrade..
keep up the good work with your awesome video blog ..somehow, it must be your presentation style- each time you blog i will tend to read / review it more than three times.pure info -tainment for me – fantastic stuff!
Hi Kim
Glad you like the blog and the videos, too!
Thanks for the kind comment, and I look forward to more in the future. Welcome to the VBL Tribe!
C
Awesome post Chris. Singapore is somewhere that is very high on my list of places to live. I’ve heard nothing but good things about it as a business hub for entrepreneurs as well as just plain awesome living conditions.
I’m open!
Unless of course you think the Philippines has more to offer
Keep the videos coming….and kudos to you that you’re a Celtics fan!
Hi Brian
Thanks for the kind words, bud.
Been a Celt’s fan since I was 12 years old. In fact, right now, I am sitting in the Business Class lounge in HK airport, on my way back to Cebu and have a signed framed poster of Larry Legend next to me, that I picked up at the TD Garden when I saw them beat the Knicks in G1 of the playoffs. Awesome night.
Glad you liked the video!
C