Every time I had the chance to go overseas, normally I would not miss an opportunity to take as many pictures as possible, and not to mention going out, sight seeing, shopping. I would make the most of it. Strange that this time, after the previous one day visit to Saigon, I had a week, but I stayed in the hotel most of the time.
There are a lot of advantages for me this time. Apart from the relatively generous allowance, they also put me on the Executive Floor. Which means: express & personalized check in and check out; nice room on the high rise floor (12th floor), access to the Executive Lounge for drinks & snacks every day; separate breakfast and internet in the room. The New World Saigon Hotel by far has the friendliest staff ever! After the Guest Service Agent took me to the Executive Floor, they sat me down in the lounge, get me my welcome drink and asked if I wanted any snacks. Meanwhile, another staff came and asked for my credit card and preference of room (smoking, of course!). So, while the check me in and put my luggage in the room, I was there in the terrace, enjoying drinks and snacks and the view of Saigon. That is what I call "Premium Service".
When I get into my room, it was huge! A nice & comfy big bed, a sitting area, a big flat LCD TV, a closet with amenities including iron, ironing board & hair dryer (VERY important!) and a spectacular view of the city. I literally sleep with my big window open so I could see the city lights! I could stay the whole day in my room and feeling okay! The hotel is also located strategically near Benh Thanh Market and across the park. Sadly, I had no chance to re-visit Benh Thanh Market as the meeting was full and I was always worn out afterwards.
The first night I stayed there, it was raining very hard and I couldn't go out. So, I decided to order room service. Japanese Bento Box. And I'm telling you, the food in this hotel is fantastic! It's not cheap, but it's worth it!
The only time I went out for food was the second and the last night I stayed in Saigon. The first night Katya, Nick, David, Rob, Karyn and me went out to a French Bistro called The Refinery. We met Simon there and had a nice dinner. The place was used to be a wine refinery in Saigon. It was packed with locals and foreigners. On the way, we passed many beautiful buildings with French architecture. We passed the Benh Thanh Market, the old post office building and the Opera House. The city is buzzing busy and many tourists were spotted on the streets. The last night Nick, Rob, Geoff, Frank and me went out to dine in a nice Italian restaurant called Pomodoro. The hotel staff pointed that out and we had to give credits to him because it was an excellent choice.
So, there was a time when I went somewhere and did not go out because there was no chance. This time, it was my decision to stay in. I don't know whether it was because the room and the hotel was so nice, or because I was too worn out by the meeting every day. Either way, I did not regret my decision.
I joined other Indonesians to go to the airport and shared taxi. One of the women said that on that day (November 11), everyone in this world would have the same luck because when you put your age and your last 2 digits of your birth year, the result would be 111. For everyone! And we tried it and it was true! Amazing! And then she said that she already had her luck, when she checked out, the hotel did not charge the Evian water in the room, which was VND200,000! So, I was wondering what would my luck be...
On the way back to Jakarta, after a couple of hours on transit in KLIA, I found out that my boarding pass was failed. It seemed like somebody had taken my seat, which was strange because I checked in in Viet Nam and had my seat number. But then, there came my luck for the day.... The Malaysia Airlines staff at the boarding gate, said that he would change my seat, because my initial seat was taken by the delegates of SEA Games from Cambodia. He quickly ran something on the computer, grabbed a marker pen and put "GCCL" and wrote a new seat number for me: 3F. I stared at my boarding pass when he said, "This is your new seat, ma'am. It's still a window seat, enjoy the flight" He handed back my boarding pass. And as I walked into the aircraft, I tried to figure out the whole thing. I know for a fact that for MH regional flight, the economy class seats start at number 5, because I used to request that row. So, if my seat now is 3F, it means..... Could it...????? A Business Class seat!!!! And as I walked in, I found my answer. Yes!!! I was upgraded to Business Class. Usually people got upgraded for a short flight that is less than 2 hours. In my case, the flight was 2 hours. So, cool...!!!! I didn't mind it when the flight was delayed for almost an hour because we had to wait for 45 late connecting passengers. Later on I found out that the staff in Viet Nam had put a "Golden Class Club" tag on my luggage and my remark on the computer, even though my actual membership is Silver. I presume that they had no hesitance in upgrading a GCCL member, whose seat had been stolen, to Business Class. Hahaha... So, I guess people do have luck on that day! I know I had my share... and I know that other Indonesian woman did too.... =) So, I had the best delayed flight ever! Hahahaha...
And for the first time in my life.... I feel the most unforgettable memories are best kept in my head instead... =)
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