Well, I wanted to give you all an update regarding my Asia trip.
Singapore – Started my trip in S’pore last Monday and it was more like a resort type city.. very clean and didn’t have the feel of Malaysia as the City had more high rises than Seattle and Portland combined. The building architecture was tremendous and one of the coolest buildings I have ever seen was in the heart of the city. It was a hotel/casino that had 3 high rise towers that were all connected with sky bridges. Then on the top they had build what looks like a cruise ship that spans across all of the towers. They charge the tourists $100 US to enter the monstrosity. The weather there was very hot (90’s) and the humidity was probably 80%+. I ate Asian Fusion while I was there which was a little tough/chewy and not very good. Didn’t realize how close it was to Australia (probably a 2-3 hour flight). The airport in S’pore was the best as all of the security is located at each and every gate. So you check in, and make your way to the gate without any delay. And then each gate has glass doors and windows that opens once your flight is ready to board. At this time you go through the security line. Pretty slick but I’m sure expensive to do.
Penang – Its about an hour flight from S’pore. I took a day trip to see customers (its kind of like a trip to Spokane). It’s amazing what a one hour flight can do to the scenery. Penang is what I would call “real living”. Very busy with people, but our Molex people were very willing to accommodate. The weather there was even hotter than S’pore and more humid. I was drenched all day and every time I would enter a building I would start freezing because of the air conditioning and wet clothes. I went across a bridge that connects the main land of Penang to the Island which was about 2.5-3 miles long. It was huge. I was glad to fly back to S’pore that night only to have Pigeon for dinner with my colleagues.
Hong Kong – I flew from S’pore to HK (3.5hour flight). I got to the airport and low and behold my driver was nowhere to be found. Then I called the Sheraton and they said my reservation had been cancelled. At that point I didn’t know where I was supposed to go. So I called our admin in HK and she explained that they put me in a different hotel. Nice if someone would tell me. After I found out where I was supposed to stay I went to the hotel counter at the airport and requested limo transport. They told me that they were backed up and I should take a cab. So I took a cab and all was good until I got dropped off at the hotel and was told by the hotel concierge that I was ripped off. Evidentially I paid the cabby double what I was supposed to. They told me I should call the police and report it but I was way too tired. Once checked in it was all good. I was upgraded to the lounge floor where they treat you like kings and the food is very western and very good. The next day I had meetings all day at HK Cisco and the day was a success. After that I was taken to a local place to get a suit. Needless to say I stood out like a tall fat white guy that was going to get ripped off. But what they didn’t know is that I was with my local posse. I (they) negotiated a wool suit for $185.00 custom fit. All I did is pick out my material and color and they made it in 2 days. When I showed back up they had another suit that just happened to fit the same as the other one. So I negotiated to buy it for around $80.00. So I got two suites for cheap, did I mention that their custom fit, pretty cool. Friday night I went out with my colleagues and we had some fun. New York on steroids is how I would describe HK. Light when it’s really dark and people everywhere. There are so many people, cars, buildings, etc… Then I was taken to the local market. I got a bunch of knick knacks for friends and family and had fun negotiating with the locals. Again I was with my local posse and had them translating for me.
Chengdu – took a flight from HK to Chengdu China Sunday morning and I’m now here for 2 days. I’m sure I will see some interesting local food. I’m going to walk through our plant there tomorrow which is 1 million square feet in size. The hotel is beautiful and probably the nicest one so far, right behind S’pore. After this I’m on my way to Shanghai to finish off my trip where I will look to buy movies, and more gadgets. I miss all of you and especially my babies (including my lovely wife and sweetheart) Hope everyone is doing well. Love ya..
Ryan is on a plane as I write…only 11 hours…finally!
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