A Masterpiece! As early as months back when the audit schedule was released I found my birthday fall on the week of field week. It brought me to some thinking state whether to actually fly off and celebrate my birthday on the plane or fly the day after my birthday. It was quite challenging since my birthday usually landed during vacation time and flying on my birthday would mean no celebrations with family and friends back home. I finally decided to fly out because I didn't want to delay any work that could be done. I looked at it in a different light. Convincing myself to try out what it would be like to celebrate ones birthday twice given 2 time zones and across multiple parts of the globe starting off with Manila followed by Japan and then the US. Decision was made. I had a bit of regret at that point just because I realized I won't be receiving any birthday messages on my mobile because I was on air flying. I'm the type who would save them for memories. :) Because April 9 (Friday) was a Manila Holiday, and I was set to fly off on the 11th (Sunday), Allen and I had our unexpected early birthday lunch with GIA-IDS Manila folks. I suppose Liza knew of my love for Japanese food and so we ended up in Jipan. When we got back to the office we were busy preparing some birthday stints for Allen as he celebrates on the 10th. It was a good BEERday Surprise. While I was working, I had GIA Manila folks sing for me in advance with a super yum caramel cake having my name plus a crown on top. :) April 9 was a holiday so I watched How to Train your Dragon (which I loved!) I had an advance birthday treat for my family at Aubergine, great French food. This was timely since I was heading for the US in the next couple of days. This was followed off with my all time favourite, Omakase on April 10. Then I had to cram with all the packing (not a personal favourite). April 11 - Headed out of the house at 4am then off to the airport. I was at the check-in counter and found Marianne there. I could already sense that it was going to be fun with loads of people heading for Cincinnati. Jo and I were the official travel buddies for this flight. Yes, my dear office mates wanted the best birthday on the plane adventure for me. They had all the amazing ideas. PA system singing for me. Lights out. Sitting beside the pilot. HAHAHA Amazing how these people had all the best ideas. Joan and I had great wine and food. I did a lot of sleeping. Imagine, I only got to watch one movie, Sherlock Homes since I was very much updated with the movies! I stopped over Narita then Detroit. And finally after 20++ hours on the plane, destination reached. The stewardess greeted me upon landing. I heard it was your birthday today! Happy Birthday! :) Thanks to Joan for that sudden surprise! My phone ran out of battery while on the plane. I only got 3 b-day text messages when I arrived. Thanks for all those who texted. I apologize for not having the chance to respond. Cincinnati welcomed us with great weather and perfect blooms! When I landed it was another April 11 for me! It was my birthday once again. I reached the front desk of the Westin and the person in charge told me. You are to go to Cecilia's Room because there's a very important package. I figured that Ces wasn't in her room since no one was picking up the phone. Wonder where she was? Suddenly someone came knocking on the door - It was Ces! She was carrying 4 little bouquets of origami lilies!!! Truly one of a kind! It was touching to know how my GIA-IDS pals have been folding origami flowers as practice late at night after work! I didn't even notice! Thanks guys! Each flower was personally folded by Ces which contained letters from great people I love. I am extremely grateful guys! Thank you for taking the time to write! :) Ces was so sweet. She talked to the Westin people about wanting to go inside the room to set up the flowers on the bed. They didn't allow for privacy reasons haha! Just the thought alone was perfect. Wells and Ces planned the best place for dinner. Prima Vista which was located in Queen's Tower! (how ironic) It had such spectacular view! Wells was so sweet he brought me Lilacs! It was lovely! Cake from Keith I had another celebration with Keith on April 14. I was very touched. I honestly didn’t expect this birthday to keep going day after day. He got me a really good cake! It was fun spending bonding time with fellow GIA-ers. Just sit and chat all evening. On April 15, we had another great night at Bob's place. Amy had made me ice cream cake! It was super yum. I love these guys. They made me feel at home despite how far I was from it. Before Ces left on Friday, she gave me Obama as a present. :) I was very much overwhelmed with all the preparation done by these people. Planning began late March while I was in Guangzhou. Execution from Manila, on air, up to Cincinnati will always be a memory I'll forever cherish. Who said a birthday on the plane was boring or corny? I thought it was going to be. But I was wrong. I had the longest birthday ever across several countries. Truly was a birthday like no other. :) [ TRAVEL INFO ]
Primavista - Cincinnati's Premier Italian Restaurant is located at 810 Matson Place, Cincinnati, OH 45204 "Primavista was named "Best Italian" by Cincinnati Magazine's Reader's Choice, and continues each year to win numerous public popularity categories such as "Best Dining with a View," "Best Date Spot," "Most Romantic," and many more by CityBeat and CiN Weekly." http://pvista.com/menu.html
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Welcome!All about the traveling Queen who wanted to share with the world the little and great discoveries that have brought her joy.
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