Up in Penang

So, the MSH Scientific Meeting was up and running. And with that, there would be no Haematologist in Subang - and in fact, most of Lembah Kelang for the weekend. Me? Equipped with my 7D and 70-200mm, I was snapping away as the photographer it was almost economic a tradition.

Anyhow, the journey up to Penang last night was smooth. Since Anita had pharyngitis, she decided not to come along. Instead, I brought my Mum along and I had dinner with my Aunt after dropping her there.

I then checked-in at around 9, dumped my bags in the room and had coffee with a few old friends until close to midnight.

I started early this morning although the event proper only started at 9. I must say that the program looked excellent and the talks had been good this far.

Better get back to the lectures then.

The Next Morning

Talking about timing. Even the weather turned dull this morning, as planned. I was heading to the Conference Centre after breakfast. A quick coffee there before setting off again. This time for a morning of indoor shopping!

The thing was, the afternoon program looked really good on paper. I was just bringing my camera, minus the conference bag today. Looking forward for some proper shopping. Hmmm! What to do first ....

More on my Kyoto trip.

Saturday Came and Went

This would be the second talk I did this year. I used to do a lot more talks at conference during my time at Universiti Malaya. Now that I have moved on, the demand on my time was a bit different. But I still said yes every time I was approached. I had another three engagements on the cards by June. Most of them would be in town, the other in Penang in April.

But for the talk yesterday, the timing was a bit off. It was a post-call day, and initially, I planned to close my clinic that morning. I changed my mind a few weeks back and limited the clinic until 11. It turned out that I only managed to sort out my ward patients by 10.30. I could only finish the clinic at 12 noon. That was followed by some other review and referrals. I had to forget about making this a short morning.

I rushed to my apartment for a quick lunch, and then rushed to KL Sentral where the talk was being held. Made it there in plenty of time. I fuelled myself up with coffee, and went through with my session. The council meeting came next and by the time I reached home at 7, I was completely spent.

I ended up sleeping in front of the TV while waiting for United to play QPR last night - United won and went 15 points clear at the top. A long day indeed ....

Close to Goodbye

It had been a nice five days in Atlanta. And finally it was time to head for home tomorrow. Yet to do my packing as I had just returned from dinner - some sushi. Great company again.

To be honest, I could do with another session of packing. Even though I have bought the essentials, I have yet to get the gifts for NY parents and sister. The session starts early again tomorrow morning. We planned to meet up at the lobby by 6.45. I would then have a gap of a couple of hours until noon. I'll probably check out then, and maybe have another trip to the mall.

My pick up for airport would at 2 pm. Flight out would be at 5, landing at Heathrow the next morning. I would then transit for about 3 and a half hour there before catching the A380 to KLIA. I should arrive home on Thursday morning. After a day's rest, I would then be on call on Friday. Hopefully in would recover in time.

OK. Time to get organised then. Good night!

More on the Atlanta trip here.

Day Two

My sponsor had been looking after me very well. And that included making sure that I was well fed. After all, looking for food could be tricky, but so far I had enjoyed then food here. The dinner last night was at a seafood bar. Fresh food although my salmon steak was over glazed. But the company was good.

After dinner - last evening being a Saturday night - we strolled at the Centenary Olympic Park. It was lit up with the Xmas decor, although I made the mistake of not bringing my camera. It was mild and cosy, although rather crowded. Enjoyed the walk never the less, followed by a good night sleep, the best one I had thus far since arriving here.

7 straight hours, waking up this morning at 6, headed down to the lobby by 6.30, followed by breakfast at a diner before attending the first session at 7.30. They do start early down here. While I was blogging this entry, I was well into the second session. Anita and Alan were doing a good job in updating me with the scores for the Manchester derby. They don't show then on TV here unfortunately.

Right. Another long day today ......

More on the Atlanta trip here.