September 2019:
After arriving to Ho Chi Mhinh City airport things turned to be easier than expected. Changed some Swiss Francs to Vietnamese Dong and got me a SIM card first thing before exiting the terminal. Although the crowds at the arrival portal was a bit intimidating, the taxi was booked rather fast through Grab and arrived at the apartment in good time.
The trip from Switzerland to Vietnam took quite a while - just because the trip was from Zürich through Amsterdam and through Bangkok to Ho Chi Mhinh City. Total duration from door to door: 24 hours. Luckily the extra booked leg room was helpful although I did not sleep well.... By Sunday the sleep depravation was caught up and I felt OK to start my first working day in Vietnam on Monday 2nd September at 3 AM Swiss time.
My first working day was also the a home-office day, due to my colleagues having an extended weekend for the Vietnamese Independence Day. Office were closed and therefore I made me comfortable in the apartment. Tweaked the Wi-Fi for better performance (geeky) and I was all set (modern workplace). It felt like home-office in Switzerland - only needed to remember the time difference of -5 hours.
Tuesday, I walked to the office (about 2 Km) and quickly and hurtfully was reminded to use longer socks with the new shoes. Anyway, I was eager to see how busy but elegant all traffic members were driving, aligning and crossing streets. I felt mesmerized.
I arrived at the office building and searched me into it. Going through a bank reception hall to get to the office elevators isn't common to me. 6th floor and I new by our enterprise logo I was on the correct level.
Meeting with Thinh was pleasant and he welcomed me kindly. My workplace was thoughtfully prepared with screens and cables and I quickly installed my equipment. The office is well organised, clean and rather quiet. All important facilities are within useful range. I felt comfortable. Second working day ended rather fast and we decided to have dinner together.