A New Adventure

The last time Dad came here for the weekend, he had a big surprise for us all...

He would be assigned to Budapest, Hungary for 2 years!!

It all started a few months back... he sent an email only to me, Pat and Anne, telling us that he got an informal invitation that he would be assigned as CFO in one of his company's ventures in Kiev, Ukraine. But until he got a final approval, he would only tell his family.

The dream of finally having a gateway to Europe, aka Ukraine, was overwhelming. For someone who has frequently traveled to only one or two countries, it was a dream to finally get out of Asia! ^_^ We were very excited when Dad became one of the 6 representatives to visit Kiev for an inspection and face-to-face meeting with their Ukrainian counterparts. The fact that he was the only manager with a background in finance was very promising.

It was that time when I was in Japan for a business trip. I was at the edge of my seat every time dad would update us. When I got back home on July 21, Dad told us he was coming home the next weekend from Ho Chih Minh City. When he arrived, he told us that he would be reassigned to Budapest instead of Kiev. And that his boss wanted him to be there mid-August! What a surprising turn of events! I blinked and stared for a good 3 seconds before screaming and hugging dad, congratulating him on this promotion. I was happy that he got what he wanted, and more! And we were happy too that a new adventure is about to start for all of us.

He showed us some winter clothing he bought at Changi airport, knowing that his new assignment would be a country that would terribly be cold during winter. He bought this kick-ass Burberry trenchcoat and sweater and looked very comfy even during a snowstorm. The price was ridiculously high but I guess it would be a good investment for him since he doesn't do well in the cold.

Anyway, we were all planning to take a vacation in Jakarta, for the last time, before Dad ships his stuff back home and then move to Hungary. We're planning to go there at least twice and then do some city-hopping along the way. I just can't wait!