You don't know how strong you are until......

22-27 July 2013

Bangkok, Thailand

This was a most opportune trip in many ways. But it was also very very heavy going.

The 11 days since my previous trip to Hua Hin had been very emotionally tumultuous  and work-wise had been nothing short of crazy-- and the 21st in particular had been particularly tumultuous.

That week, I had difficulty sleeping (I was now the first to arrive in the office when I would normally have been one of the stragglers-- and...no taxi either!) and barely ate. Food has always been important to me, but now I could not finish half a plate. The plus side was that I lost enough weight in that week to be able to feel svelte again and part of my brain was pleased about that. But I was literally fearful that I would not be able to physically get through what promised to be an intensive week of stand-up facilitation, which I had been experiencing great anxiety about already even before the emotional drama.

Fortunately or unfortunately, I had my monthly tour to conduct at the museum on the 21st, which I worried I would not be able to deliver coherently. As it turned out, I was able to hold it together that hour, and was able to entertain the group, which included some trainee tour guides from some tourism academy. When I overheard them say that I had given a great tour, I realised that I would be alright in Bangkok after all.

Bangkok was tough, no question about it. The participants had a really great week with short training days, and plenty of time to shop in the City of Angels, but I was definitely put through my paces with 14 hour days, 10 of which invariably involved me standing in 3 inch heels (By Day 4, I was training people barefoot). Nights were then spent working on emails and trying to resolve some of the emotional upheavals, so sleep was sorely lacking. By now, my body was so exhausted that I did at least manage to fall asleep without much difficulty, although I would wake at 5 every morning to worry about the day's facilitation. For the first time ever, I made it to breakfast every single day of the trip (usually I average zero).

It was really difficult to stay switched on, keep my game face on, but I guess I did alright given the circumstances. I even managed to reach out and counsel a colleague going through a rough time at work.

For the first time in a long time, I felt proud of myself and of what I was capable of. And that's something not to be sniffed at.

Yes, sometime, work really can take your mind off things.

This was actually the first trip that I prioritized people over what I wanted to do. Typically when I travel alone or for business, I would make sure that I have enough time to do what I want ( if I plan anything at all) before I even think about meeting up with friends in those countries. But this time, I did actually plan ahead to meet with some ex-colleagues. Sadly, I had to cancel on one due to work, but I managed to meet with B at Siam Paragon (where I did my only shopping-- spicy peanuts for CK and some crackers for the folks).

Pretty amazing that only having known each other for a couple of weeks in the summer of 2011, we still had loads to talk about, and I even was able to pour out my angst to her (sorry B!).

The Saturday, I changed my flight to an earlier one so that I could see M sooner. This is turning into a SOP for each trip. What happened next is another story...

In anticipation of sadness and in need of moral support, I snuck baby into my luggage. She hasn't travelled since UK 1999. Here she is with a Thai aromatherapy pot.

1st time in a long time!

7-11 July 2013

Hua Hin, Thailand

Its been a long time since I've been to a new place for the first time. I hate to admit it, but it does say something that I've increasingly realised about myself-- with age, I just get more comfortable going back to the same places over and over again. Its much easier to plan, I know what to expect, its comfortable! (But then again, haven't been travelling much for leisure, its been all work trips-- so no choice-- although to be honest with myself, I have been getting cozy with going back to Hong Kong, Taiwan, Bangkok etc rather than taking the plunge with Cuba, Africa or other places.)

Anyway, so Hua Hin for work!

I never really understand the lure of beach resorts. Lying on a deck chair under the blazing sun to roast is nowhere near my bucket list, and I could never abide by cheap massages that everyone always hankers after. Pedicures done abroad never fail to disappoint, so just about the only think about beach holidays have been swimming and eating. Nonetheless, I always enjoy Thailand so yay!

Now I wish I could work ON a beach resort. Even though Singapore is sunny 365 days a week, I would never be in a mood to rock up to work in fancy sandals and a sundress, which I could conceivably do during this 1 week business meeting. Work felt so breezy-- to look out of the canteen and see a gorgeous pool, or the horizon....beautiful!

Resortwear!

First thing I did-- have  water melon juice right next to the beach! Weather was a little gloomy but it was still nice and hot (not humid). All the stress of a 3 hour car ride to the resort disintegrated right there. Now, if only I could appreciate massages....

Natural high from my non-alcoholic water-melon freeze!

Another great part of the trip was reliving the memories of all the time I spent in Thailand 2 years ago. From the Kao Soi Gai to the Amazon cafe yen at the rest stops along the highway to the choc-and-banana prata-crepes at the nightmarket...SO MANY GOOD MEMORIES! Even some of my Thai was coming back to me.
OK I lie. I never had any Thai in the first place.

The first time I had this was in a tiny coffeeshop off central Chiangmai. I  had never even see the Northern Thai Curry Chicken Noodle Dish before but had been enticed when I saw some customers wolfing it down. Now my favorite Thai dish (well, one of my favorites anyway!) or perhaps it is just the memories of Chiangmai that I love.

Definitely enjoyed the travel-and-leisure element of this trip very much. I swam most days before breakfast! (When I had breakfast) Even though I was too shy to be seen in my bikini knowing that colleagues would be all around, and had to wear top and shorts to the pool-- so no tan!, that couldn't detract from the peacefulness of the swim.

Infinity Pool

I think as I get older, I learn to appreciate everything more.
Being able to take a dip in a beautiful pool in the morning.
Enjoying a cold drink by a not-so-photogenic beach (even though hell would be starting soon).
Having a bubble bath while watching BBC (No HBO!)
Life is really good!

I couldn't resist another watermelon juice to go with my soak!

Long journeys

Travelling brings out the impatience in me. Airports are the worst. I thought one is supposed to mellow with age but I think my impatience is now compounded by neuroticism now.

Usually I limit the effect airports have on me by timing travel time so that I spend minimum time waiting. I try to reach the airport one hour before flight time.

Couldnt do that this time because I had to share transport from Huahin to BKK. Its been 6 hours of sitting and waiting and not yet time to board.

This is a test!