One week in Perth

On Monday 5th July 2010, I took a flight to Perth, Western Australia for business trip.

The flight left at about 10am and touches down in Perth at about 3pm. In which a colleague of mine was kind enough to pick me up from the airport. Having met him at about 4pm we did not go to the hotel but we went to a supplier's place to discuss some details of some work we wanted him to quote.

After the discussion, he took me to check into a hotel which is quite near to his house. This is one of the cheapest hotel I have stayed in Australia. It is only AUD99 per night and basic amenities are available there with heater and warm shower.

Then on Tuesday, we went for a customer's appointment and from there we drove down south of Perth to a place known as Bunbury. The drive was about 2.5 hours and on the way, we drop and made a sales call with another prospect before reaching our hotel about 3 hours later in Bunbury.

The hotel we checked in was known as "Lighthouse Hotel" due to the fact that it had a light house near to it as it was near a sea side.

On Wednesday morning, as schedule we visited a customer which have 2 dairy factories in Bunbury area. The first visit was good, we manage to achieve what we intended to. However, on the 2nd factory, we were very annoyed with the Electrical Supervisor which held us up for more than 1.5 hours just to make us wait for him and for simple task, instead of just picking up the phone for clarifications, he made us wait for him to browse through his e-mails and note book pages after pages trying to find the information for us. He did not manage to find it after the ordeal and ended up having to call the person in-charge as well. He could have saved us the 1 hour or so of waiting time for it.

However, the positive thing that happened was we manage to meet their General Manager and happens that the CEO of the company was also inside the GM's room having discussion when we requested to meet. At least a consolation.

We drove our way back from Bunbury to Perth again and initially of planning to reach sometime at 3pm, we ended up reaching at about 5.30pm instead.

On Thursday morning, there was an early flight for us to catch from Perth to Kalgoorlie, which is about 600km east of Perth. My colleague was suppose to pick me up from the hotel and together we will go the air port. The flight is at 0620am and we were suppose to meet up at 0500. However, my colleague overslept and we were very close to missing the flight. The airline lady was kind enough to allow us to check in, but because we were late, our luggage did not come through when we arrived in Kalgoorlie.

Since we knew the reason is late check in, we were not too worried and allowed it to come in via the next flight which will arrive at 1pm. We proceeded to the customer's meeting and the meeting ended only at about 5pm before we called the airport to confirm the luggage had arrived and we went to the airport to collect it. What a relieve when I saw my bag coming through the door as if the luggage did not come through, I would not have any cloths to change for the whole night and worse is we are going to leave Kalgoorlie the next day.

Today, our flight from Kalgoorlie was suppose to be at 1.50pm and arrive in Perth at 2.50pm, leaving me with adequate time to check-in to my connecting flight back to Malaysia.

However, due to some reason, the flight was delayed by 30 minutes and hence, I missed the connecting flight back. I have to book and pay for another different flight back which instead of me reaching at 10pm in Malaysia, but at 10pm, I had just left my colleague's house to the Perth airport.

Good thing the have seats available for this flight and I have to transit in Singapore instead of getting a direct flight.

Anyway, the whole week was good. Manage to confirm an official order and the customer did told us that he will send across their company's Terms & Conditions of purchase to us for review and approval before we seal the contract.

Well, now here I am sitting down in Perth International Airport, using the WiFi posting on this blog and the time now its 1215am on the 10th of July 2010.

I will touch down in Malaysia in 0930 hrs in the morning.

What a week!!

Trip to Singapore

Yesterday (28th June 2010 - Monday) I took a flight to Singapore for a working assignment. My company participated in the Singapore International Water Week (SIWW) exhibition held here in Suntec City.

Flew in with the 1450 hrs budget airline and checked into a nice hotel in just behind Orchard Road. Due to most of the hotels are full, the office had booked me into the Executive Room in which I get to enjoy the Executive Lounge, get free internet access and also breakfast and evening tea inclusive in the package.

Checked in the hotel at about 5pm, then at about 6.30pm, my ex-housemates back in Liverpool came over and we went for dinner and drinks together to catch up. Both of the doctors are working here. It is kinda a nice feeling meeting and catching up on their latest updates.

Today (29th June 2010 - Tuesday) after breakfast, I had a tele-con together with my direct manager from 9.30am until about 10am. Then, I left for Suntec City for the exhibition. I was suppose to be the exhibitor together with some other colleagues. The exhibition starts from 9am until 5.30pm.

I myself took a long walk and visiting other exhibitor's booth the learn the latest technology on the offer in the water treatment industry.

Spend the whole day in at the exhibition center and had lunch with my fellow colleagues and after the exhibition, we went for some drinks and dinner before reaching back the hotel at 8pm.

Took my shower and then went to Marina Bay Sands Casino. No, I didn't even spend a single cents gambling, just a visit to see the environment and setup they have. Drinks are free flowing there where soft drinks, coffee and tea and bottled water are served unlimitedly to everyone in the casino, regardless if you are gambling or not.

Just got back and now the TV is showing the live world cup game between Paraguay vs. Japan and later at 2.30am, Spain will play against Portugal. I hope I can keep awake to watch the match.

Day 9 in Whyalla

Today (15th June 2010 - Tuesday) is my 2nd day in Whyalla, but the 9th day of this trip.

Had breakfast in this hotel as another colleague of mine is coming to pick me up at 8am. Had poached eggs on toast and some mushroom and a flat white coffee.

As schedule, the colleague of mine came at 8am. She took me to the steel mill and got me induced to the safety induction there to allow me to go into site.

Spend the whole day at site looking at various water circuits and also did a presentation to the customer who are championing this water recycling initiatives at the mill.

This colleague of mine was kind enough to buy me packed lunch from the popular burger franchise. She got me a tortilla wrapped with crispy fried chicken with salad and mayonnaise of course with some French fries and a large carbonated drinks.

Worked all the way until about 6pm before leaving site to head back to hotel. Ordered from the restaurant in the motor inn again. This time, I got myself a seafood chowder soup and also chicken stir fried noodles in soy sauce. The soup was good, but the noodles was a bit too salty.

Tomorrow I will be flying out from here back to Sydney in the evening with late arrival.

Guess tonight I will again sleep with World Cup soccer in middle of the play.

Day 8 in Whyalla

Today (14th June 2010 - Monday) I took an early flight from Adelaide to Whyalla. The flight was via a Saab 340 3 seater per row turbo propeller plane.

The flight took about 45 minutes. Landed in Whyalla and a colleague of mine came and pick me up from the airport. Not difficult for him to pick me out from the crowd. I am the only Asian in the flight and in the airport.

He first took me to give me a preview of the steel mill that I will working on tomorrow. He showed me the various sites / factories where different process takes place. Then, he took me round a scenic drive where you can get to see the town below.

Checked into the hotel after that at about 11am. As he drove near the hotel, he showed me a botanic garden next to the motor inn. Then, he told me there is a couple of kangaroos locked in the cage at the park. I was delighted and just after checking in, I went to look for the kangaroos and true enough, after so many trip here to Australia, I finally get to see real kangaroos in front of my very own eyes.

After taking a few photos of the kangaroos, I walk along the beach behind the garden and then stopped at a cafe there to have my lunch - good old fish and chips with a glass of flat white coffee.

After lunch, I came back to the hotel and started working on a couple of New Zealand's prospect until evening.

Then, ordered a room service for dinner, had lamb with lots of vegetable. Very unique and tasty too. Called it a day after half way watching the World Cup.

Tomorrow will be a long long day. Will be at the site the whole day to investigate if we are able to make the difference by looking into water recycling potential in the steel mill.

Stay tuned... more to come..

Day 7 in Adelaide

Today (13th June 2010 -Sunday) is my 7th day in this 2 weeks working tour.

This morning I flew from Sydney to Adelaide with the 1245 hrs flight. Arrived and checked into the hotel at about 1430 hrs.

I arrived at the hotel at about 1030 hrs, which then I had my brunch. As typical me, I had "Mee Goreng Mamak" with Pork. It tasted sweet, which is a little annoying. The stall that sells this uses a kind of a devise where when you order and pay, they will give you some kind of a pager.

Because all the food is to be cooked or fry fresh and hence you need to wait, the waiter will give you this device in which when your food is ready, this device will beep and vibrate to inform you to collect your food from the counter. Cool device and nice idea. I bet it is not cheap to install such a system.

Adelaide is half an hour behind Sydney. Right after check in, I went down to the city center - Rundle Mall off the King William Street.

Finally after 2 days of shopping for a proper winter clothing, I bought a flee which is on bargain. It cost me only AUD30 (approx RM90) for it. The colour is Navy Blue. Good enough for the coming winter and I just tested it earlier by just wearing a simple T-shirt and put on the flee, I went to the street behind my hotel to pack my dinner. It was able to keep me warm. Good buy I would say.

Bought Japanese Teriyaki Chicken Set (again) but this time it is with Miso Sup and Salad as the package. One thing I realize is that where ever you go (well at least those countries which I had travelled before), Japanese cuisine is the only cuisine which the food tasted nearly 100% the original food in Japan.

Well, it might be wrong for me to say 100% as per Japan as I have not been to Japan to savor the food there, but based on those I have tasted, be it in economical sushi shops up to real high end Japanese Restaurant, they always tasted the same all over. Perhaps I am not sensitive enough to spot the difference, but good enough for me to get back the Japanese food taste which I am used to.

Last night or perhaps early this morning, when I called my lovely gf, I was surprise to hear that she is waiting for the World Cup 2010 kick off for the match between England vs US. Now at least I know that in future, when I want to watch any football matches, I got a good company, which is my lovely wife to watch together with me. Isn't that great or what?

Well, tomorrow I will be flying to Whyalla. It is another place where I am suppose to meet up with the customer on Tuesday as tomorrow (14th June 2010) is a Public Holiday here in Australia. Perhaps more window shopping again?

Stay tuned....

Day 6 in Sydney

This morning (12. June 2010 - Saturday) started early at 5am. I went to the airport by a cab and checked in for my 7am flight. A tour group of Korean tourist is lined just ahead of me and they are also flew into Sydney.

Perhaps due to being too tired from staying awake the whole night, I slept over the 3 hours flight. In fact, I slept over the Transformer 2 movie, which I had not watch it myself.

Checked into a different hotel that I use to stay when I come to Sydney. I use to stay in Brighton Beach and this time, after so many recommendations, I checked into Coogee Beach.

Upon checking in, I use the phone card to call my gf for a short conversation. Will be calling her again later tonight.

Went to the Sydney Paddy Market - located in Hay Street / George Street. There were lots of stalls selling all sorts of items. You name they got it there. Bought some macadamia nuts of various flavor - plain, honey coated, wasabi and abalone.

Then had lunch there in the food court above the Paddy market. Had curry laksa, which taste not quite nice actually exceed my expectation.

Initially wanted to look for a jacket and found one. However, after many rounds of thought, I guess I should make use of what I have now - a leather jacket.

Did lots of walking today. Now my legs are really tired. Just packed some Japanese food take away and some green tea from the shop just below the hotel. Will eat it and go to bed. Tomorrow I will need to catch a flight to Adelaide at about noon time.

Will post the happenings tomorrow.

Day 5 in New Zealand

Today its Day 5 (11.June 2010) in New Zealand and its the last day on this New Zealand tour of duty.

This morning we went to the Palmerston North airport to meet a colleague which flew in from Nelson. Then we drove for about 30 mins to meet up with a customer.

The meeting was good. We manage to get across the message we want to present and got a good positive feedback from them.

The evening, me and my colleague flew back from Palmerston North to Christchurch. I have to come back to Christchurch because my plane was book Sydney - Christchurch return. My colleague came into Christchurch because his house and family is here.

I check into the same motel as I stayed on Monday. The owner of this motel was helpful. He suggested me to get some Italian food delivery. I took the menu and ordered Chicken & Cream Pasta. Also in the order I included a green vegetable salad with cheese and balsamic vinegar dressing. The delivery came on time, 30 minutes on the dot.

The food was also good. No complaints.

Tonight happens to the opening ceremony of the FIFA 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Initially I wanted to catch an early rest, but then perhaps due to the coffee that I had taken during dinner, it kept me awake all night long. I also manage to stay awake until 5am when the cab came to my hotel to take me to the airport to catch the 7am flight to Sydney.

By staying awake, I manage to see the first goal for the world cup which is scored by the host nation - South Africa. By the way, it was South Africa vs. Mexico. However, Mexico manage equalize.

At 5am, the cab came and took me to the airport. I am flying to Australia to begin my Australia tour this week.