NZ best kept secret

It started with scratchy throat and I was in agony for weeks. This was after few week when I arrived back from Manila.

And I cannot believe that I have another flight scheduled in two weeks time. Did my best to stay healthy and recoup all the energy spent from my last travel. 

Long story short, made it. Not as fit and healthy as I would want to be but I made it. Nothing's too different now that I'm in my 40s. I can still hike, walk and do what I do best. Travel escape. But no more alcohol and staying late though. 

Queenstown is a place I was totally surprised. For one, the winter chills still happen in October. Nature's beauty at its best. I can never get tired of taking photos of the lake, the snowcapped mountains and the flora during the hike. My feet took me to endless path until I can no longer walk. Thankfully, I was able to get uber on the way back. Glenorchy doesnt have a public transport and no cabs in sight. Was thankful to my uber that he came running to my rescue.

Lake Hayes is a good one. Perfection in every angle and it was well worth the trip to Arrowtown. The Skyline is worth my 50 bucks and got to see the scenic QT. And finally, I loved the place I stayed. Lakeside is the best 👌. Hop on and hop off to my pod and I'm within the peaceful and scenic escape. 

next level begins

Finally the milestone has arrived and I never thought I would be in Manila tbh. The pandemic really made it bit cloudy but we managed to go to Baguio. And you wouldnt believe it was my first time. My mom was happy and so is the rest of the Bonuses. Although I did not see much of the place, the real thing is being with the bunch for the rest of our little escapade planned.

The storm did not ruin our plans, we went to Pangasinan shortly after. We saw the rice fields and got it surveyed. Now I need to start planning for the future, as I certainly can see something here.

In between the local travels, I worked. Stayed with my family. We did few but still its a lot. And I cant wait until I see them again in a few months.

I cannot deny there is a sense of responsibility and maturity that comes with the age. Definitely need to live life that builds legacy and doing what I was born to do. Live the dream. Count your blessings. And do good things to those who deserves it.

need a verdict

Not knowing what happens is not what I was expecting. I thought I had it all figured out. But it seems to have evaporated just like that. Now the uncertainty boils. Fate stirs me to a different direction. Not what I wanted but it is practical. Should I dare defy the flow? I am not sure. If its worth it, then yes! Indeed, I reckon it is.

Fly SQ Biz Post Covid

Flying business class in Singapore airlines post the pandemic peak seems to have shifted far away from how I got used to be pampered.

That is the meal I had which was quick to arrive since I chose it in advance few weeks ahead of my flight. A "Matt Moran creation". Doesn't look perfection but taste good. Orange and Duck - mindblowing rocket science!

Never had a proper bread service cos the Flight Attendant kept on passing by me without offering. I felt it was really rude but cant be bothered with additional carbs really. 

There was no amenity kit even on more than 6 hour flight. I remember back pre covid we were at least offered socks!

Heres my sad little dessert. Even on business for crying out loud! Used to have nice tubs of ice cream even in Economy way back when.

For $$$ i spend for revenue ticket. The value has gone out the window. 

Ps, still waiting for my espresso i asked for 20 mins ago. Hence my sad tiny tiny sliver of choc still untouched. 😆 

The Ordeal

As you know, I started AirBnb for about 3 years now but then after a year of success, Covid-19 pandemic hit me oh so badly. 2 years of no revenue stream to fund this project. I was bleeding money.

Then when a small window hope has crept in. It was soon taken away from me by Asia Affinity who manages the building management. Can you believe it, initially they blame it on Covid, now they say the House Rules doesn't allow short term stay as it is construed as commercial undertakings. No matter what angle I see, the reasoning is flawed.

Anyway, they did allow to honour guest that have booked in the next few months. So all is good. So it seems...

Then this Russian bloke who appears to have angelic face 🙄 completely is the exact opposite. They were being Supremely pedantic about the way the condo was cleaned. To be fair, I talked to her pinay girlfriend who talks with a fake accent whilst still has Filo passport (go figure!) And she was utterly frustrated as they travelled like 24hours+ only to see stains in the sink faucet and toilet that is not sparkling clean. Totally understand their concern. As gesture of goodwill, I told them they can leave and I will provide full refund. Also refunded them the cleaning fee charged, too easy! But thats not the end of the story.

They went on and on about how the internet was slow and they couldn't work remotely. For crying out loud, they should have told me that before so I could have warned them about the internet speed. Hey you guys are in the Philippines so what do you expect? Also refunded them the internect cost, too easy! They were not too happy and told me that £1.50 doesn't help at all. 

They then took other photos of the premises that were "not clean" even when it was obviously fault finding. Oven stains, really? No one touched those ever since. And fridge moisted stains, far out! are they for real?

Again, I told them to leave and will provide them with refund after deducting consumed nights. But they said that it was unacceptable that they move because the prices elsewhere now are too expensive for them. (Only means that my place is low value but great location, proves ny point that they have "5-star hotel expectation" since the onset...)

The way I see it. They were just being too rude, condescending and lacking respect in the manner they took the issue. Had they been courteous, calm and collected, I would have been generous to them and even offer to fix all their issues right then and there. It just shows that some people lacks empathy and nobility that they choose to take low blows.

Nuff said. Now its cold war. They still are staying as we speak. Beggers can't be choosers,  right? So hopefully, the days passby quickly and... let them eat cake!

2021

What happened in 2021? We were so deep into the pandemic that year and I remember working long hours trying to recoup all monies paid to airline, hospitality and travel industries. Trying to get them either to pay a refund back, convert to future travel credit or worse total writeoff.

During this time, I setup my work from home office and mental health was an issue for everyone. So there were lots of virtual games and meetings. And how many times do you remind your colleagues that they are on mute!

Travel was slow. Although I was able to go to Adelaide and Tasmania.

Adelaide was the first domestic flight I took and given slowness in returning to new normal it meant that my tour got cancelled. I had to bike uphill of the vineyards half drunk carrying 3 to 4 sample bottles of wine from the tasting. Hell of an experience.

Tasmania was refreshing. Hike uphill was good. Getting to Bruny Island meeting friends from India and Colombia. Then our tour bus ran out of fuel. We got stuck in the island. It was one hell of a tour but managed to survive.

Finally end of 2021 I was lucky to do my first travel back to Manila in the height of Omicron. I was meant to visit Europe particularly Santa Claus. But got a major health dilemma so decided to recoup in the lovely Philippines. 

So yeah that's 2021 in a nutshell..

Xs, some events might be in 2020 but yeah let's pretend its in 2021.

Bridge Making Story

After seems like forever. The long pause has finally ceased. We begin the resume to a new horizon after the long dead night crept and stole more than 2 years of normality.

Slowly realising that this doesnt make any sense. We begin to paint a new colour and build a different bridge to take us to something we dont know.