I will just make this short because I still have work tomorrow and I’m dead beat. I got back from my five-day stay in China today and well, it was a worthwhile experience. I missed a total of five events this weekend — Manila Fashion Festival, Tagcom, a feature writing class in Fully Booked, the E. Lockheart Booksigning, and Art in the Park — but hey, I don’t go to Guangzhou everyday and explore many places. No regrets here.
I learned many things both for work and for life. I have intentions of turning this post into some kind of pointers for me and for everyone out there going on business trips outside of their city and/or country. I’ll be posting other things throughout the week before I go on my short hiatus during the Holy Week so… now, here it goes:
TRAVELLING IN GENERAL
1. Break the language barrier. My trip to China was rather difficult since not everyone can speak English in the country and I can’t speak Chinese besides hello, thank you, and 1, 2, and 3. You have to break the barrier yourself and not expect them to break it for you. Life just doesn’t work that way.
2. Bring large bags even if you are packing lightly. You will definitely go shopping no matter how much you restrain yourself from buying anything. You are in a new city which you may or may not go back to again.
3. Don’t bring terribly old suitcases. More on this later on.
4. Pack neatly and flatly. This would save space in the luggage and make your stuff look neat. My sister rolled my clothes so I did that too but my other things remained bulky as ever. My boss actually helped me pack so I learned new techniques. Yes, I don’t pack my own things because I suck at it. I normally fold them as usual but recently, I roll them.
COMPANIONS
1. Always be considerate. I think this is a given for any situation but all the more when you’re travelling with someone. In my case, I traveled with my immediate superior and our Associate Vice President. Whoo. Rooming with my immediate superior was awkward but fun. I just ride along.
2. Listen attentively no matter how soup-y you are. Same reason as above. With my work, I need to be really be attentive. I know that I got it right but still, I can’t help but feel… scared, you know.
3. Always help out and keep yourself useful. Since I was there for work, I had to make sure I was worth the trip. I unofficially dubbed myself as pack mule throughout the day although my two bosses had always asked to carry stuff too since it is heavy and would hurt my shoulder blades in the end.
4. When sharing a room, make sure that everything private is in order. Your underwear should not be found on tables and have your things scattered on the floor.
SHOPPING
1. If you’re not buying, look like you’re considering to buy stuff. This would make your companions feel better about making you wait.
2. If you are buying, make sure that you still think of your companions and buy what you need at a fast pace. Best not to waste time waiting.
3. Explore new places but not alone. It is best to check out other places you and your companions have never been to. This will give you a sense of adventure and a new place to look at new stuff.
4. Decide on what you want to buy and look for the places where you can get them beforehand. I originally intended to buy wigs and other cosplay stuff but in all the places I went to, I didn’t find a single cosplay item except for that one place with pocketwatches. The pocketwatches are rather expensive so I did not buy it even though it’s for steampunk.
5. Buy now. Don’t wait for another moment to buy things. Buy it when you initially see it so that you don’t have to go back to the place anymore and do #3.
Yep, I think that’s what I can share with you right now. Must sleep. Nyaaa…
Yawn,
Anj