| | Okay, start from the start  Team day finished earlier than we expected, so we went and hung out at Subway to read the magazines - quite relaxing actually  After re-packing again, in the evening we had dinner at the new Korean place downstairs, and then went to Pass By Bar near Houhai. David had read about it somewhere - its kind of famous -and wanted to check it out. It's famous with backpackers and kind of kitch (with t-shirts and stuff) but has great cosy cabin-like atmosphere, a library (incl heaps of travel books) that you can borrow from if you donate 3 books, and tasty drinks and food I also got presents again that evening (my luggage situation just kept getting worse!) which was lovely 
Friday we had lunch at one of my favourite restaurants, eating my fav dishes, with the MC, Leon and Nick  Then it was time to leave  But it was a gorgeous day to leave, sunny and warm, perfect last memories of Beijing! 
The trip back wasn't especially eventful. Vietnam Airlines was crap (again), Vietnam was boiling hot and humid (again), I was told by a random Taiwanese guy at Ho Chi Minh Airport that I was beautiful but I should lose some weight (what a cheek, he was much fatter than me!), and I was too tired, poor, and worried about my luggage to go shopping in Ho Chi Minh before going back to the airport from the hotel, so I really didn't get to enjoy it at all. BUT I did have a few interesting - thoughts, shall we say.
I think the last year has made me a lot more patient and accepting At the airport, this old couple in front of me at check-in had about 10 small bags to check in, an older relative that they'd temporarily misplaced, and generally just no idea what was going on. The chick behind me was swearing and cursing under her breath... what help was that gonna do? What was her rush anyway, the flight wouldn't board for a couple of hours yet! Later during the flight I could hear her moaning to the couple next to her about the poor service. On, and on, and on.... Jeez! Enough already!  Yep, I agree, the service was pretty bad. But since when did complaining loudly make things any better? Couldn't she just laugh about it, or find something else to think about? I actually found her complaining really, really irritating. Probably partly cos I was so tired, but she just sounded so spoilt and negative  I'm all for taking action to improve situations, but not just complaining when it won't change anything! I think she should live in Beijing and work in an office with crap infrastructure for a year.. might give her a different view 
Sydney airport - WOW! People were smiling, laughing with their workmates, and joking with customers. Everything was clearly signposted with people ready and willing to help you if you needed it (and knew the answers to questions!). Immigration asked if I enjoyed my trip, and customs actually exists - again, friendly, smiling people . Everyone called me "madam" or "love" or "miss" and asked how I was that day. So refreshing
Being back feels a little strange. It's great to see everyone again (everyone who's still here ) and nice to sleep in a BIG bed in a BIG room, lie on the COUCH and watch TV, walk on CLEAN streets with NO PEOPLE and FRESH AIR and SUNSHINE that's not filtered by smog! But it feels a little like being on a holiday... and I miss my life in Beijing, the people and places and food and my great job! Speaking of jobs, if anyone knows of anything part-time in Adelaide that I'd enjoy (or just be able to stand), let me know
So far I've been exercising a lot, just started job hunting, reading, sorting out uni, - and of course catching up with people! Drinks on Tues night with a few of the boys, The Event on Wednesday night with AIESEC SA, coffee later Wed night with Julia, coffee Thurs arvo with Lucy, drinks with Sims side of the family last night. Tonight I'll see the Nicholl side at a 60th. Busy busy!
Well, next week I'll sign up for dance classes (not sure which type yet!), get more serious about job hunting, start studying Japanese again, go out for Chinese food with the boys, catch up with Sharmini for her birthday, have lunch with Julia, and I need to call some ppl I have't run into yet! Should be a good week! I also will try to get up earlier.... I haven't seen many mornings yet since I returned - I think only yesterday! Jet-lag really isn't an excuse when you just go from North to South
Well, whereever you are in the world, best wishes for a great week! Especially to Chris, Leon, Delfy, TN & SN - our whole apartment I miss you guys! Best wishes for the trip home to Shanghai then to Rotterdam Chris!
Luv and hugs, Flic  |
