After a whole year being away from business travels, I’m back on my feet or rather up in the air again. Leaving a six month old baby was not easy, but a mum’s gotta do what a mum’s gotta do. The 14-hour flight to DC was looong and boooring. After 4 movies, I was merely half way thru the flight. Watched Avatar, which I never got to watch in 3D, some other chick flicks, and it was totally impossible to doze off. Finally, we reached DC, only to be greeted by a terribly long winded queue of over 500 people. It is times like this that makes me appreciate the premium queue at Doha. Over 2 hours of standing and waiting, by the time we checked into our hotel I was just too exhausted that I could not sleep.
The meetings this time around were less tiring. We had our own meeting suite and all our partners came over. About 60 meetings over 3 days but at least no walking up and down like we did 2 years ago at the same event. On the first night, as all my colleagues were out partying (all male colleagues no doubt), I decided to get adventurous and hit the Pentagon mall. Cuci mata la sikit. On the second night I attended a private dinner party organized by our own telco from home, catching up with old friends and the ever so scandalous juicy news. And finally on the last day, I was fortunate to have met with my ex ex ex (brapa kali ex entah) boss who happened to be attending the same event. But best of all, he offered me a ride to the famous factory outlet mall. A rare opportunity becoz that place is not accessible through public transportation. So off I went along with his wife and daughter and had a shopping marathon in 4 hours. Tooo many good shops to go to so I had to cherry pick the best ones. American brands of course, from Gap to Levis to Nine West and Coach. The kids are top most priority so I was thrilled that their favorite Build A Bear Workshop was there too. Beli baju bear pun mengalahkan baju budak.
On the last day, I decided to take it easy. A slow walk to Hard Rock Cafe and buying small souvenirs for friends. While i was strolling around, I suddenly received a message from Apple Store – “your ipad is ready for collection”. Not mine actually, but my friend’s. This new gadget of Apple’s was selling like goreng pisang panas that none of the Apple stores had any stock! So bergegas la naik taxi ke Tyson Corner to pick up the ipad. And the one waiting in Doha probably smiled in her sleep in anticipation of her much awaited ipad.
At last, home sweet home, to the sweet smell of my baby.
