The Corona Diaries - Monique | Singapore Tours
Monique is one of our recent additions to the Hello! Singapore Tours team, joining in the last quarter of 2019. She oversees the administration and bookings of our Singapore business, so you might have encountered her name in one of your email exchanges with us.
Having worked in a private Aviation company, her administration skills are impeccable. She is also a fun person to be with that will always make you laugh. Since travel has come to a standstill what keeps her busy? Below is a short interview with her.
Monique spending quality time with her family on Mothers day, especially with her son Benjie
Pre-pandemic time, the admin team was busy answering inquiries, managing booking, coordinating with the customers and our tour guides. Now that this pandemic has put travel to a stop and we have more time on our hands, what keeps you busy?
Monday to Friday I am kept busy by my 7-year old's home school from 8:30 to 15:00; it has been an interesting experience, I have never wished to voluntarily home school but given the opportunity through our circumstances, I have been pleasantly surprised by how much I have enjoyed homeschooling; it was no doubt difficult in the beginning and it was not welcomed at first but I gradually enjoyed seeing how and what my son is learning.
I have had plenty of time to bake - as I am sure most have - and try out a lot of new recipes, I now know for certain I have not missed my calling, but thankfully improved.
We have been blessed with lots of family time, cleaning, reading, hiking, exercising, and of course, TV!
Even though you manage our Singapore business you are actually based in Hong Kong. Now that Hong Kong is observing social distancing measures, what is the place that you miss visiting the most and why?
I have missed the simple pleasures of taking my son to the park, riding our bicycles to school, and going to church; but in return, we have learned to enjoy other activities, explore different places and learn new skills. We have hiked a lot more this year than any other year; seeing areas and walking routes never walked before; we have been hiking, scooting, rollerblading, and mastering the skipping rope as a family. Prior to COVID not one of us made use of a skipping rope, now it is almost a daily activity.
We know that you also suffer from wanderlust. When this Pandemic is finally over, are you planning to go overseas? If so, Where?
Moving to Hong Kong 3 years ago has definitely awakened an interest in areas I never thought of visiting; what a loss this would have been!
First on my list is Singapore, I want to meet (in person) all the guides guiding for Hello! Singapore Tours and I want to experience this beautiful country with my family. Second, on my list is Bali.
What is your realization in the midst of this Pandemic?
Nothing in life is certain.
After months of resting, fine-tuning our tours and media platforms we are itching to get back to the work we enjoy, and the country we love to explore with guests from all over the world! See you soon!