After the rough first day of training, I really wanted to be prepared for the second day, so I stayed up late and studied. I also had to wake up two hours earlier because the team was getting together for breakfast (dinner).I did not take a sleeping pill because I was so tired. I thought for sure I would be asleep right away. When I kept waking up, I remembered the hammering I had heard the last two night "days"and it was to late to take one. It did not bother me as much the other days because of the sleeping pills. But last night I slept very little.

So I call first thing in the morning. They were so kind and understanding. While I was at work the staff moved all my belongings and put them in the same place but in a room on the other side and a different floor. I am looking forward to a good long sleep tonight. Another bonus is the better view from this side. I think I can see the ocean. I will have to wait for the sun to come up to be sure.

I met with the team at the building at 7 PM. We walked a few blocks to a small restaurant that had a variety of food. I just mentioned to Lai, the supervisor of the group, that it was warm in the restaurant that it was warm. The next thing I knew we were all moving to another room that was cooler. They treated me like an honoured guest. I will have to be careful what I say.

We chatted around the table about the weather and the scenery. They asked where I thought was the best place to go to in Canada. Of course I said Calgary. We do have a lot to offer, with the mountains and the Stampede. Many of the team have relatives in Canada and US and are very interested. I was very encouraged with the training today. It went a lot better. I gave them each a Canada pin and they really loved it. After the class I passed out chocolate and it was a hit. As I was walking out of the room after saying goodbye, I turned and asked if I should bring some more chocolate tomorrow. They all laughed and said YES!!

Tomorrow is the quiz and then we split up and start studying the individual jobs. Check out the fruit and flowers in my new room.

First Day of Training

Today started with a phone call yanking me out of a wonderfully deep sleep. It was Michelle, my coworker who was supposed to lead the training sessions for the first two days. She had spent the night having medical care and was unable to do the training.

It took a few minuets to sink in. I had to do the training alone and I was unprepared. I got dressed and went to see Michelle. The Doctor said she had a stomach infection. I picked up the manuals that she was going to train on and then went downstairs to have breakfast.

Since is was Dinner time I tried the sushi and found it very good. My stomach is really wondering though, about what I am doing to it. The resturant had cultural dancers and singers. I would have liked to have watched more of it but I had to get to my ride.

It was dark out already and hot. At the building there is a guard and you have to go through a metal detector. I of course was nervous and dropped my hotel card. The nice guard picked it up for me and I drop it again. I go through and pick up my briefcase and drop my scarf. They could make a comedy of this and make millions. I was past frustrated by now.

I made it to the right floor but had to wait for a little while before any one came for me.

The rest of the day had problems with the printed manuals and systems access. The photocopier ran out of paper and then out of ink. I was so tired after that day.

Since I was late getting to my driver, he had to wait on the street. I had to run past the various people that are on the street at 4AM. Scary. I apologised for making him wait for 10 min and he said that it was nothing. Some people have made him wait for an hour.

Now I have to try and get ready for tomorrow. Michelle is on her way home today. She is going home to recuperate.

I will have to do this alone. The people are so kind and that really helps. I am looking forward to coming home though!!

The Long Plane Ride

The trip to Manila was long and bumpy but the service on the plane was great. The people were so kind and friendly. Both Michelle and I were given seats on our own. They did not have a lot of leg room but I survived.

As soon as we took off we were served supper. We were able to make choices from a menu. They covered the tray with a table cloth and used real plates and cutlery. The presentaion of the food was excellent.

After supper they turned out the lights. We did not get a lot of sleep because it was so bumpy. They would make an announcement and tell us to put on our seat belts and it would wake us up. Then there was one man that slept really well and his snoring kept us awake.

They served us breakfast and we were also able to choose from a menu. I felt well cared for.

We made it though customs and collected our luggage. There was a man waiting for us from the hotel. He took us from there to the van and then it was a 25 min drive to the hotel. It was 5 in the morning so we did not see much.

The hotel has gates all around it and there are guards with dogs at the gate and at the hotel doors. We also had to be scanned with a metal detector before we could walk through the doors. I feel pretty safe here though.

I unpacked and then went to have some food at the buffet here at the hotel. It is really nice. I am going to enjoy all the fresh fruit.

Then I went to sleep. I slept for over 12 hours. I think I need to sleep for another 12.

I am trying to get set up and settled in now. Tomorrow we start the traning.

First day - Vancouver

I made it to Vancouver and I could really get used to Business class. I had a whole row to myself. The flight was bumpy but OK. We had a fancy cheese plate for the snack and a real cloth napkin.

Michelle, my coworker is not feeling well. I hope it is just nerves.

We are now in a VIP lounge. Very nice. I have half an hour to go. Next is the really long trip.

Good night for now.

Welcome

Hi folks!

I thought I'd start a blog so that I can record my travel adventures.

The trip I'm currently getting ready for is job related. I'm going to Manila to train people to do what I do. I'm leaving June 13 and will be there for 3 weeks.

I hope you'll enjoy this trip with me!!