Daerah Khusus Ibu Kota Jakarta

During the late 1990s, I was often put up in hotels in southern Jakarta so that the journey to Beksi Industrial Park was more bearable in the traffic. This is perhaps my first time staying in the special region of Jakarta, thanks to the complimentary nights with Accor.

Heavy Traffic

Bike City

View of South Jakarta

Branding

Finishing Touches

I am completing four years as External Examiner here. It is great to attend another graduation ceremony - the singing of the National Anthem and then of course, the post ceremony food.

Going Home

After a while, all the regional airports seemed the same. Or maybe, the optimal design has been achieved and it is just a matter of replication.

The distance mountains

Size matters

The view from the Cafe

The View from the Gate

Night Market

This was the night market which I went alone looking for dinner after the Brits decided to have beer and nuts.

Old French cars from the colonial past

Start of the night market

Toys paradise

Modern Business Model - Ice Cream: Luxury no more

Waiting for dinner

Carbohydrates and Protein!

Around the lake

Tradition and Rich

 Hanoi - A city where there is still tradition and the newly rich.

Road Side Cafe

Rolls rolling down Hanoi

Airport at HCMC

After a whirlwind introduction to Ho Chi Minh City, it was off to Hanoi.

Noodles with Sweet and Sour Pork

View from the gate

Waiting

Ho Chi Minh City Street Scenes

It was after two full day of meetings, networking session and pitching. It was time to move out of Ho Chi Minh City just before the evening peak hour.

Street Cafe in HCMC

Motorbikes Racing

Party Branch

The dash to go home

Family of four on a bike

Modern Street

First Time in Vietnam

Arriving in Ho Chi Minh City that has a huge recent history for this country and South-east Asia. The people here have demonstrated that commitment and passion wins over technology. Motorcycles rule right now.

The tank that changed Saigon's history

Motorbikes

More Motorbikes

Cafe scene from the coach to the hotel

Taxi #6837

View from the Carvelle Hotel. Feels like Paris with humidity.

Early Evening

I was trying very hard to get an early evening shot on my compact Sony and on my Sony smartphone. Both were not very satisfactory. The one from the smartphone turned out to be the better shot. It was only later that I realised that I could have done a HDR on my smartphone.

Hong Kong Island

Through the Glass Window

I had club access at the hotel. This was taken on a compact Sony that had been sitting in the dry cabinet for too long. I remembered it took great looking pictures.  I decided to take it out on this trip to see if I could get some nice images from it.

At dusk

At dusk too

Early in the morning

At dusk on the last evening

Great Way to Hong Kong

I used up my mileage and paid for some more for this ticket. The price is almost equivalent to the budget airline - with food and free check-in luggage. It was not a full flight as I chose the B777 over the A380.

Morning Flight

Waiting

Hong Kong Island - Kwoloon

Approaching the Airport

Last Shop Standing

This is a bookstore-like shop that is still standing in Holland Village. Reminds of my childhood bookstore that has now gone out of fashion. Their neighbours have mostly become banks, restaurants, fast food and cafe. How long more? I wonder.

Holding out