My airtickets are purchased, my visas are validated. Now what left is to exchange currencies and pack my bag within limits (23kg). Then I am set to go

I am blessed to have understanding bosses, who pretty much kept to their promises and allowing me to grab opportunities despite the hectic workload. I wish I could be around to deliver my tasks however when it comes to timing and client’s decisions, schedules could change at the last moment and my staying back may end out fruitless. So it is best to send me off. 

I have a colleague who lived at Calgary almost all his entire life. He was more excited than me for able to visit Calgary and suggested places-to-visit such as Banff, Ice Field, Drumheller (for dinosaurs) and etc. On top of this, he has arranged a gathering with his buddies to meet me. OK. WHile another colleague told me to visit our local colleagues to build networking (yup yup…that I shall do).

After this training, I shall fly to meet my twin at Rochester, NY. We have been planning my 2-weeks holiday, going across boundaries of Canada and USA. Our itineraries:

18 – 19 May 2008: Rochester – Niagara Falls – Toronto – Rochester

24 – 28 May 2008: Rochester – 1000 islands – Montreal – New York City – Philadelphia – Rochester

Yipee!

Other days I would laze at home while Jo goes to work. Definitely should masak-masak for her lah. And hang out with her friends. Take pictures. Burn some cash. Gasp!

Can’t wait *clasp & rub hands*

It has been weeks I had to tolerate with the ineffeciency of my office’s traveldesks. I cannot believe we consultants had to bear the consequences of the previous blur agents and the horrible handover process. Last week, I found myself with a more expensive airflight fare – double, to be exact – because the previous agent didn’t confirm my reservation. So the airline decided to hike the price. How can like that?! She didn’t give a care once she announced her resignation….and unlucky me got caught in a spot.

Another problem was the visa application. I had to contact people from other region/ timezone to produce letters supporting my application. Fortunately they were kind enough to respond quickly. And I was thankful for my local HR for their speedy action in preparing my document.

So now I left to deal with the traveldesk again, confirm my tickets and finalize the visa application. This includes contacting other region’s traveldesk since tickets from country-of-origin are cheaper than elsewhere. Sigh, the waiting game goes on. Bummer.

I hope by next week I can finally process my visa application and get things DONE.

OoOo..plus I hope my other stressful matter is supported by my old boss. If not, major damage on my side.

Trust in God loh. Time like this is when prayer works best.

Prov 16:9 A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.

My dive instructor is one heck of a cool lady. She’s funny, strict and made my lessons worth every penny. She’s presently pregnant and way into her 7th month.

L3M: So does PS know the gender of her baby?

HN: Sure lah. 2 fishballs and a hotdog.

L3M: …. !!

HN: hahahaahahahaha

L3M: …what?

HN: You don’t get it?

L3M: I think I know what you mean with the hotdog….but 2 fishballs? What in the world <bulb flashed> oh my goodness….!

HN: hahahaahahahaha

L3M: You terrible lah. Why say like that!

HN: She sms me that lah! Hahahahaha!

Had a bad episode of indigestion today, thanks to sushi dinner I had yesterday.

Seaweed and strains of meat came out of my top ends (nostrils and mouth) and big amounts of fluids. Felt better after that. Doctor advised me to replenish myself with bland drinks and food like porridge. I had grapes, mango and coffee instead.

Well in a good way, I managed to catch up with my sleep. I’ve been looking like a zombie with heavy eyebags past few days.

My first mistake was to catch it from the hotel lobby. It was waiting for suckers like me to approach them at nights.

Second, hopping in without clarifying the taxi must be metered.

Third, not getting a reliable person (like a busboy) to advise the fair fare and route before even entering the taxi.

Fourth mistake – should have given a “wth” glare and dump the fair fare without giving the driver any face!

Hmmrph. I need to be more bia*chy.

   My journey started on a beautiful, sunny and cool Sunday, captivating everyone to be out and about. I took my colleague, a first-timer to Vietnam, out to the streets in search of lunch. We ended up at La Salsa, devoured a variety of tapas and watched the Malaysian F1 race. This was followed by a stroll at Hoan Kiem Lake and a stop at Fanny’s for some ice cream.

   We continued to wander around Old Quarters, eased our way through chaos of motorcyclists towards Pho Ta Hien, the joint of cheap bia hoi and tourist-watching.  We had a couple of glasses, took leave and scouted a hair saloon for Dave. 

   Dinnertime arrived and with my trusted, handy guidebook, we navigated to Cha Ca La Vong for the grilled fish and a fresh bowl of rice noodle. Heavenly I say (oops, forgot to take photos). 

   Last night, we had a satisfying dinner of eel springrolls, stir fried eel with chillies, grilled pork ribs and a plate of kailan. I finished my meal with an iced coffee, pretty bad decision as it affected my latter sleep. 

   A further walk brought us at Pho Ta Hien again for the last round of beer sipping.

   We spent the next morning venturing into the nearby streets of Dong Da. We found a shackplace selling hot rice noodle with chicken broth, helped ourselves with a bowl each. 

We then lazed at a cafe for some solid, thick coffee and french bread. Dave had his with all fillings and mine innocently plain.

   Indeed Hanoi never fails to impress me with its people, rich history and glorious food. It will be great to return here and tour further to the outskirts and moutains.