19 April 2009 – 5 May 2009

After 2 weeks of hectic travelling and meetings, finally, I’m back in Xi’an.

There was hardly any chance for me to sit down and have some quiet time to myself during these 2 weeks. There were countless meetings, one after another, back-to-back. During some evenings, there were work-related dinners which I cannot escape. Two weeks, I thought I have time for friends in London, but I was wrong. Though I did spent a couple of dinners with friends, I don’t have much quality time with each of them. That’s the problem of having too many people around. At the end, nothing in depth was shared. Just common chats.

Many things have changed. Though expected and prepared, I still felt helpless. Nothing is forever, I know. I am glad I still have many good friends in London. Our lives have changed: Angie is uncertain about her job and where next; Isabelle is happily married and expecting her second baby; Kennie is getting married very soon (I think); Joe Peng is going to be a British citizen; Sandro too, is getting married (I think) and getting her citizenship soon; Patrick busy is doing PhD; Benson and Jia Nee are working towards their goals and wants…. We still have time for each other!

Oh, Kaitlyn is such a lovely girl. She is so smart! And the best thing is she does not make lots of noise. She can play with anyone, not crying and very obedient. Playing with her make me have the “chong dong” of have my own kid. :p It’s a blessing for Belle to have her and of course, without Belle’s patient and love, Kaitlyn can’t be such lovely. What a wonderful mummy and lovely little girl!!!

To all my dearest and precious friends, I am sorry that I don’t have much time for all of you. I should have good hours of chat with each of you but I did. Sorry!

Angie, I’m sorry for keeping you awake till late. I missed the time we spent together. We can have endless talks, everyday! I missed your smile and your support. Next time, I should allocate one day – just booked as “catching up with Angie”. Oh, thank you for the lovely dinner. It’s full of “ai-xin” (爱心). I am ashamed that I did help up at all. No matter what excuses, there are all irrelevant.

Sandro, you are the one I spent most time with. Lately, we have talked a lot. Well, you almost break Angie’s record of chatting on the phone with me! Thanks for helping and researching on tax refund, houses and bank borrowings. I don’t think any good dinner can pay for it. I should seriously consider remunerating you an “advisor’s fee”. Emm… of course this has to be on success… hehehe… Also, you are a good counsel

Joe Peng, I am happy to know that you are okay with your job. Though longer hours, I can see you are happier.

Lastly, I still cannot break my tradition of leaving things behind wherever I go. This time’s what again??? My mobile phone! At the airport! Gosh! Still cannot escape the same old faith, even at the very last minute!

My schedule:

Sunday, 19 April

Evening flight from Xi’an to Shanghai

Monday, 20 April

3 meetings in Shanghai; evening flight from Shanghai to Hong Kong

Tuesday, 21 April

4 meetings in Hong Kong; evening flight from Hong Kong to London

Wednesday, 22 April

Arrived at London early in the morning and meeting started on the same afternoon; Board meeting and dinner in the evening

Thursday, 23 April

Meetings in London; dinner with friends

SANDRO went to the wrong restaurant! Hahaha…

Friday, 24 April

Meetings in Manchester

Dinner with friends; Vic, thanks for coming

Saturday, 25 April

Rest day – Cambridge leisure walk with friends. It’s a beautiful sunny day!

Sunday, 26 April

Rest day – Drinks with Benson and Sandro; lots to catch up

SANDRO missed her last train home!

Monday, 27 April

Meetings in Birmingham

Tuesday - Friday, 28 April – 1 May

Countless meetings in London!!!

Dinner with Anthony and Stephanie on Tuesday; dinner with Chinese official on Thursday

Friday 28 April

Lovely dinner organized and prepared by Angie.

Saturday, 2 May

Sayonara to London and friends

Sunday, 3 May

Arrival at Hong Kong

Monday, 4 May

Run errands; evening flight from Hong Kong to Xi’an

Lousy, super inefficient and no brain custom at Xi’an!!!