4x Back-to-back trips in 4 weeks

This has to be one of my craziest schedule since taking on this 2nd career. Had 4 back-to-back trips, each having its different group of engagements.

The first of these in the series was to Jakarta, Indonesia. On the invitation of our partner organization, we followed through with a presentation at a seminar held at the Ritz Carlton, Mega Kuningan. Having past experience of being caught in massive traffic jams whilst heading for the airport from there, decided to remain at the Mangga Dua area where the hotel is only a stone-throw away from the highway to the airport. Unlike previous trips where Novotel Hotel was the preferred choice, we ventured to a boutique hotel known as the Amaris Hotel, Mangga Dua. Not too bad. Clean but really down to the basics. Positive aspect of this is that its within the same familiar Shopping Mall.

Next was the Maritime Week at Manila, Philippines. Met up with previous staff from the Centre and meeting up with old friends. Also, unlike previous trips where it was within the Traders' Hotel/Pan Pacific Hotel/Diamond Hotel area, ventured to the Heritage Hotel, which was the very first hotel that I've stay when I first visited the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in 2006 to kick start the Focal Point. Also took the opportunity to visit the campsite at Mt Mckinley where I had my first first trip abroad as a schoolboy for a Boy Scout Jamboree in 1973. It has changed and its now a well developed, posh residential area, under the branded name of McKinley Hill.

It was a KPI that I was hoping for when I first visited New Delhi, India in 2006 but didn't had the time nor opportunity to fulfill. It was finally within sight when I learned that the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) had organized a visit to the TAJ MAHAL @ Agra as its social event for the delegates of the meeting. A 4-hr journey by coach to the historical site commencing at 0630 hrs in the morning. Also visited the Agra Fort and a carpet/art & craft outlet within the same tour package before the return 4-hr journey back to Delhi. Completed the long delayed KPI that was not a self-planned activity.

After 3 continuous weeks of being at Jakarta, Manila and New Delhi, it was preparations for the final leg of the 4th venue in the back-to-back schedule ..... The BIG APPLE. Rushing through all the last minute presentation requirements and re-packing for the long haul trip.  This was certainly an unplanned trip courtesy of the organizer that had organized the last conference at Perth in July 2012. Guess, its a sense of achievement  to meet the various back-to-back requirements. One more for the final leg in NEW YORK, NEW YORK, USA. Guess, its one of those ONE-OFF opportunity that came by. :p)