Company Trip 2014

We've just returned from our company trip, well a combined trip for teams weddings-malaysia and That Special Occasion. To Ho Chi Minh City we went, and as always, had a good time, albeit with a little stress thrown in for good measure.

Travelling in a group is seldom a piece of cake, but over the years, we've learnt to compromise and regardless of whatever stressful situations that may arise, we tend to end up having an enjoyable experience. So for four days and three nights, we ate, we shopped, we saw the sights, but most importantly we communed.

 

Till the next trip, here's to working hard and meeting those targets we've set ourselves to achieve this year.

 

 

Photo shot at KL International Airport, prior to leaving for Ho Chi Minh City.

Trip With Godparents

I try to go on an annual holiday with my godparents. Actually we missed last year but were in Ho Chi Minh City for Christmas in 2010. This time round, we headed to Seoul, right smack in winter no less. I normally don't go on winter holidays despite having spent four years in Adelaide, South Australia and almost two in Le Bouveret and Leysin, Switzerland. I very much prefer the warmth of summer. But this holiday was planned last year and coincided with my godparents' trip from Adelaide, so headed to Seoul we did, with bags filled to the brim with warm clothing.

Seoul was cold! Temperatures rarely above freezing did not prevent us from seeing the sights and shopping the streets. We even made it to the demilitarised zone for a half day look see. When faced with freezing weather, one takes the opportunity to indulge in food. Street food, family run restaurants, cafes, tea houses, intimate joints to more fanciful establishments, we made it a point to sample as much Korean cuisine as we could, some we enjoyed more, others less, but nevertheless all interesting experiences.

I had actually been to Seoul before in the warmer months and whilst I am no fan of the cold, it did give me an opportunity to experience the city from a different perspective. Barren trees, frozen ponds, lakes and rivers, remnants of snow, Koreans and visitors alike dressed in winter finery, all made for a different Seoul, but one that still warms the heart and urges a return visit in the future.

Photo of mum and my godparents at Hanok Village in Seoul, Korea.

Mixed?

I've been asked this question twice in the last few days, 'Are you mixed?' One a client, another a new acquaintance. 'Not that I know of' is my answer. I find this quite funny. This always happens to me too when I visit Bali. The locals always ask if I am Japanese.

The only possible reason that I can think of as to why some may think that I am of mixed parentage is perhaps of my tan. I've been swimming a lot lately in preparation for the Bali triathlon, and I often do so during lunch time under the blazing sun. Similarly when on holiday in Bali, I am usually red as a lobster.

Whatever the case may be, I am Malaysian first, of Chinese origin second.

Photo shot in Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam last Christmas.

One Of Those Moods

I am in one of those moods, actually, I have been in one of those moods for quite a while now. I gather everyone goes through such moments from time to time, except the super-perky ones I suppose. I belong to the former.

My long time friends, and I mean those who have known me for more than a decade, would readily acknowledge that I have my moods. In fact, I have been rather infamous for them in the past. My friend Shirley insists that she can sense a scowl by the way I answer the phone. She says I have improved, but that's only because I make the extra effort when I see her name appear on my phone! And I have been in need of such extra effort of late. For many reasons, some personal, others professional, I haven't been in the best frame of mind the past couple of weeks. I deal with it as I best know how and I am sure it'll soon pass.

In the meantime, I surround myself with positive vibes. Exercise. Good food with friends. Indulging my sweet tooth. Wisdom from wise words. And a reflexology and massage are definitely long overdue.

Notre Dame Cathedral in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Cafes

I like visiting cafes, be it in town or when I am traveling. Thing is, I don't drink coffee but that hasn't stopped me from enjoying a chocolate or tea. I sometimes work in a cafe, writing, answering emails, but most times, I am happy just to have some solitude, reading a magazine amid pleasant surrounds.

Lately, I have had a craving for cakes, don't ask me why, the result of which is that I am finding myself being drawn towards spending more time in such establishments. Looks like the calories are inevitable and are a foregone conclusion.

I guess what this means is that I'll have to swim more. The sacrifices one has to make to indulge.

Photo of Bitter Sweet in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Solitude

Sometimes it is good to have some solitude. Some time alone to ponder over things, to clear one's mind of clutter, to think of new ideas, to strategise, to enjoy one's own company.

I am rather busy most days meeting with brides-to-be, dealing with industry colleagues on their ad materials and the like. So when the opportunity arises for me to have some time out alone, I jump at it. Doing laps in a pool all to myself during lunch, a reflexology session at the hands of a brutal Chinese therapist, a hot chocolate in a cafe, even a one night stay in a hotel should I be so lucky to have a complimentary-stay voucher every once in a while.

I've noticed that solitude in a nice, relaxing environment helps me in my writing. I also tend to be more productive when editing text, I am more gung-ho in initiating meetings with potential advertisers via email, more gets done. A little time to oneself does wonders.

Photo of the interior of Notre Dame Cathedral in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Thanks 2010

2010 has been a year that made me realise the important things in life. I lost my father in January to cancer and his passing reinforced some of the lessons he taught me - the importance of family ties and kinship, integrity and to live my life as I deem fit as long as I am happy.

2010 has also been one where I have traveled much. Bali twice! Hong Kong, Singapore, Penang, Kuching, Ho Chi Minh City and the most significant, my solo trip to Turkey for my birthday. To see the world is something I always find inspiring and I hope to see more in the year ahead.

2010 also made me understand that some friends are more worth having than others. I appreciate the good ones, and I will certainly discard the ones that have done me wrong. It's the time of year to say 'good riddance to bad rubbish' and to be truly thankful for those in my inner circle who accept me for who I am and who put up with my nonsense.

2010 has made me a stronger person, one who faces challenges head on, who embraces the opportunities to scale new heights, who relishes new experiences, who tries a little harder to find the missing pieces in life.

2010 has been a milestone in more ways than one. Thanks for the good times and the not so good.

2011 beckons!

Photo of Suk Harn, mum and I at Pho 2000 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam over the Christmas holidays.

Spoil Yourself

We deserve to spoil ourselves sometimes. We work hard, we suffer from stress, we take on challenges that life throws at us. So, we certainly deserve some spoiling every once in a while.

Spoiling oneself does not need to be extravagant, although extravagant indulgences from time to time ain't too bad either. Hanging out in a nice cafe for a couple of hours with a good book or magazine; a shopping spree; a weekend getaway; it's all about being relative. As long as you feel pampered, that's all that matters.

I've spoilt myself quite a bit this past year, particularly in the traveling department. And I do intend to continue to do so come 2011! So go on, indulge a bit, appreciate yourself more!

I had chocolate at Emporio Armani Caffe in Ho Chi Minh City a couple of days ago.

Christmas And New Year Lights In Saigon

The festive lights have been shining bright in Saigon. This is a photo of the Christmas and New Year decor on Dong Khoi street, the main shopping thoroughfare in the city. The lights definitely add a festive dimension to the atmosphere and for visitors like us who are spending the festive season on holiday here, it very much contributes to our experience of the city.

One can see many whipping out their cameras, posing on the streets, snapping pictures. Not only tourists, the Vietnamese too seem to get caught up in the euphoria of the celebrations. I guess it is a season that generates happy vibes, a sense of hope and faith. A positive mindset for all of us to take into the new year.

This is my last night in Saigon and the experience has been a pretty good one. I am sure I will return at some point and there is certainly much more to see and do.

Photo shot on Boxing Day in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Christmas In Saigon

I wasn't particularly in the Christmas mood before leaving KL earlier in the week but am definitely in the spirit here in Saigon. The streets have been dressed up, the restaurants have been fully booked and the people have been coming out to celebrate.

I would say that witnessing the Saigonese come out onto the streets and celebrate with such gusto has been a highlight of my visit. Horns blaring, the chaos of people on motorcycles jostling with people on foot, the way they party with reckless abandon, is an experience not easily forgotten.

We had a seafood Christmas lunch at Ngoc Suong, recommended by Leticia and Tjun Hong, and then a Christmas dinner of Hue cuisine at Mitau, the professed choice of Eileen's and Richard's when in Saigon. I ended the evening with a hot cocoa at the rooftop bar of the Rex Hotel, enjoying the retro songs crooned by the resident band, backed by the sounds of horns as well as the hustle and bustle of the surrounding streets below. As I took a slow walk back to my hotel, I marveled at the colonial architecture of City Hall, beautifully lit up, a perfect backdrop for photos of both the locals and tourists alike. And I said a little thanks for the opportunity to be here at this time of year. Merry Christmas Ho Chi Minh City!

Photo shot at the lobby of the Rex Hotel in Saigon, Vietnam.

Saigon

I am spending this Christmas in Ho Chi Minh City, or as the locals still affec-tionately call it, Saigon. It is indeed a bustling city, in fact, bustling does not even begin to describe this metropolis in the south of Vietnam.

The first thing one has to learn when in Saigon is how to cross the street. The sheer number of motorcycles as well as a myriad of other vehicles make it a challenge and it is definitely not for the faint hearted. Once such a skill is mastered however, Saigon is pretty easy to navigate, in particular District 1, where most of the pertinent historical and architectural monuments are located as well as shopping, cafes and restaurants. Even a casino, not that I gamble.

Having been in the city only a day and a half, there is lots more to explore and experience, and even much more to sample with regards to food. There is certainly a buzz here in Saigon, and I hear that Christmas Eve will see jam-packed streets in District 1. That's something to look forward to this evening.

Photo of Rex Hotel and the traffic at the intersection in front of the property, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.