My last business trip in 2024 was in early December and I was super happy to take a break. Traveling for holiday is a different story altogether.
2025 has started and so have the business trips. The 1st one is to Shanghai and once again, I got invited to the annual celebration. It is a short trip bcos it is right smack of a busy work period.
The trip was only confirmed last week. I flew early Tuesday morning to Shanghai and back on Thursday night, red-eye flight. It was so rush that I forgot several things but God sent angels. A colleague, who is also attending the event asked if I am staying in the same hotel on Sunday afternoon. That was when I realised that I had forgotten to book the hotel. Lol. Then another one asked on Monday if it would be super cold in Shanghai and I got reminded to bring my winter jacket. Hohoho. Otherwise, I would be in Shanghai but no hotel and no winter jacket.
While I had always enjoyed winter holidays, I didn’t look forward to Shanghai winter as much bcos I haven’t forgotten about Beijing bitter winter cold. The good thing is that Shanghai is less cold and we would really be shuttling between hotel and office and literally not much time to experience the winter cold.
My flight was at 7.20am on Tuesday morning and I was up at 4ish. Even Mochi was still sleeping in Nana’s room. The strays accompanied me. This is “Blackie”. I duno why he is in the middle of the road.
My usual routine would be to shop and buy something for myself from DFS. I wasn’t short on any of my comestic or skincare but I wanted to buy something and got myself perfume. Hoho.
Then, it was too sad not to have a hot drink.
Bcos I took such a long time to decide what to buy, I ended up arriving at the gate shortly before boarding. I am so glad that I still have my Krisflyer Elite Silver status for 2025. I barely clocked enough miles to maintain my status. It was shorter Qs both at the checkin and also boarding. Nice!
By the time bfast was served, I was hungry.
The flight was uneventful and comfortable. It was fairly empty and I was seated in the centre block with the middle seat empty. I caught a movie and then tried to nap in prep of the long day ahead.
Hello Shanghai! The pilot announced that it was 15 degrees! Super nice!
While collecting luggage, I realised how they strategically placed each luggage for easy retrieval. So thoughtful.
I got out of the airport smoothly and took a taxi to the hotel. My China colleague had wanted to arrange for a car for me but I assured them that I will be fine after the Beijing training. All good. I hand carried the winter jacket but I didn’t even need it. It was airport - taxi - hotel. The little bit of exposure to the winter chill was enjoyable.
The hotel is about 1 hour’s drive from the airport and recommended by the China colleague. MGM Shanghai West Bund feels like an atas hotel. Even the door cards are blink blink.
The room is huge!
The original plan was to head to the office but a few meetings came up in the day and there wasn’t time. I started my meetings the moment I got into the car and didn’t stop until the sun started to set. The beautiful view from my room.
Nearing dinner, the hotel sent me these sweet treats.
I was peckish during dinner but the in-room dining selection was so sad. I almost 点外卖 until I realised that the hotel is too atas and 外卖 may not be able to deliver. So I made it through with snacks, coffee and the airplane bun. Hoho.
My last meeting finally ended at 10pm and I was fully dead. The hotel bed was so big and nice. I had 4 fluffy pillows to myself and the linen was so silky smooth. Of course I was knocked out. Good night!
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