Myra & Me Connection Month

21-Sep-2024

Morning from Bangkok

Myra has been under my full supervision as Pallavi is away for a month since start of September. It is a good opportunity for daughter - father bonding, as usually Pallavi handles her. She may be missing her mom as my way of handling things are bit different. She may not be liking it, but she doesn't have much of a choice here.

Normally, I don't have to plan ahead for her, but this time I have to think what to give her to eat a day ahead, her school dress is washed and whether I will be late from office etc. My office schedule has to be managed as we are going to office almost every day now. She can stay for few hours alone, so for some days if I am coming back late, it is not an issue. In case, I have to go somewhere at night, either I have to take her with me or find a place to stay. Below is the picture from a local wedding we attended together where she joined me. She found it very boring though except for the photo booths. 

On a good side, the morning routine she is managing mostly herself making things easy for me. I just have to wake her up on time. Weekends are anyway busy as she has to wash her hairs, she has started to wash her necessary clothing, and since we have started going for badminton on Sunday it's passes usually very fast and get tiring. 

We are already pass 20 days, and 2 more weeks to go. It is also an opportunity for Pallavi to spend some time alone. It is probably the first time she has stayed away from her since birth. I don't know how it feels like but much required break for her. Hope she is making best of it. 

Another weekend has started, she is still sleeping, and I am cooking breakfast and preparing for lunch for her. I do appreciate how many things mothers have to do and think ahead. Men may be at times don't realize this. 

Have a good weekend!

vA

Vietnam, Hanoi and Ho Chin Minh

08-Sep-2024

Last month, I had the opportunity to visit Vietnam two cities Hanoi (the capital) and the Ho Chin Minh city on a business trip. The schedule was very tight so we couldn't explore any of the city, but it was a good touch experience. The currency denominations in Vietnam Dong made us millionaires (1 USD -- 25400 VND, 1 THB - 730 VND). It's doesn't look cheaper though.

28-Aug

We took a noon flight to Hanoi (approx. 2 hrs flight), reached hotel by 3pm, went to office to check setup for client meetings etc. Had a dine in the busiest area of Hanoi, and at 10pm it was still fully alive. No real time for any clicks. The city looked like Delhi, but much cleaner. 

29-Aug

We had the morning meeting with the client and post that we took a flight to Ho Chin Minh. The city looked modern, bit of European flavor (Vietnam being a French colony). We had the dinner at the hotel and went to bed as we all were fully exhausted. 

30-Aug

Decided to hit the gym a bit and later we did a quick morning walk with Ngoc and Deepak to get a local coffee. 

We attended a client meeting in the morning and departed for airport in the afternoon. Landed back at Bangkok around 7 pm (it was an hour flight from Ho Chin Minh to Bangkok). 

In crux, it was a good trip and an ice breaker with my top boss. I believe, every step in a new unknown direction can be an opportunity so you should welcome it with open hands. OfCourse, it comes with its own risks. In case, we get some business in Vietnam, I may have to fly back again but so far it looks like this is the one. 

On a side note, Ho Chin Minh is just one hour flight and can be a good vacation destination. 

vA