... Karachi-Dhaka 2010 ...

It was a new experience again this year - going to Karachi, Pakistan. It was a 2 days trip, 1 - 3 February and stayed at Karachi Marriott Hotel at Karachi. People were telling me on the danger that we might encounter because of the political instability and all but I just shook it off saying that we never know our fate, we may die anytime, anywhere. True as said, we were lucky, just one day we left Karachi, there were shooting and bombing incidents in Karachi, 37 died. Things went well during the interview, we managed to interview qualified and highly potential candidates. Just hope that they will accept our offer. Our competitor is only the Emirates. With same currency exchanges, they offer triple what we can offer them and it is closer to their home. But many people may not know, from what people relate to me, money is good but minus the living, especially for family and women. That is our only hope.

Back to my story. It was a problem managing the budget and visa. Almost give up. Even in the last minute, one member nearly missed the trip because he was not properly informed, as what he claimed. Well, on my part, I've done all what was required. The flight to Karachi took 6 hours and time zone is 3 hours behind. Tiring, no private LCD as what can be found in MAS flight from my last trip to Dhaka last year. The weather was supposed to be cold at that time but didn't feel the chill, maybe only at night.

Did my homework before traveling to Karachi, what else, things to buy and places. From the net, Zainab Market was great place to shop but we just past by since the tour guide didn't recommend for us to go there. The place looks like Bangabazar in Dhaka though. The left pix was taken at the first stop we were meant to buy things but when we reached there, they were closing, or as what they said, winding up, the owner died and the children were fighting over the properties. Darn, just like in bollywood movie. Karachi is famous for its leather products. So I bought two leather jackets from a boutique, just to know later that it was much more cheaper at the airport. Ripped me about USD60 per piece, whereas at the airport it was as as cheap as RM50 per piece! How would I know that the shops were open at 3am! Well, I did check, the quality was different, but bought another one. Did not have much time to spend at Karachi. Traveling with man, they don't appreciate shopping ... It was a good experience, in Karachi.

We then took the budget GMC Airline from Karachi to Dhaka. My second time to Dhaka (when can I get the chance to see the sunrise & sunset in Chittagong?) 3 hours flight and then reached Dhaka at about 10 am and then some little horror began ... no room ready yet at Dhaka Regency Hotel & Resort, and some miscommunication regarding the interview room. Arrgh .. as if my vertigo is not enough ......

We had another two deans joining us in Dhaka and managed to interview 38 candidates altogether in 1 and half days. What I like about Dhaka at this time of season is the weather. It was cold and at night, the temperature was like in Kundasang, chill ..... We checked out at 5pm coz our flight is 11.30pm, suggested by Tabung Haji Travel coz it saves a lot. And fortunately the big guns say its okay (depan aku la)...

One funny incident that I want to highlight. Our meal was not included with the mineral water or any juice or beverages, so I was asked to pay for what we had during the checkout. After lengthly discussions with he supervisor and the FB manager, he then agreed that I need not to pay the bill but with one condition, they will not serve single water during our last dinner at the hotel. Well, I said fair enough, at that time the medical and engineering deans were not with us, so I just sms them. But unfortunately they didn't recieved my sms and later told us the experience they had from the hotel of not serving them water and asked them to pay first for the drinks they ordered. I just hope that this bad experience doesn't reflect on me later .... knowing them .....


Left pix taken when we arrived at Zia Airport, Dhaka at 11pm. Everyone seems exhausted. Me, feeling homesick .... 2 more days interview in KL before I can again, home sweet home, and to continue for another 3 days of interview in KK. Going to pasar malam at TAR tomorrow after interview, and to SOGO for shopping spree ....