With everything that is going on this year, the words WORK & HOME has brought along a new meaning. Somehow or rather, these two words seemed to have made it to the chapel and decided to somewhat called it a marriage. Since then, it's been Work from Home and then Work at Residence and who knows what else.

Same with our favourite things; this list have also changed for many of us. In the past, travels and holidaying was probably in the top 5 for most people; but now, it has probably dropped right to the bottom. When I saw the post from @zord189 on the HIVE Creative Contest, I had to re-think again what was my favourite things. It never occurred to me that my list may have deferred because of the pandemic. I guess that's the change that everyone is facing too.

My 1st Favourite

Visiting the nail spa for a relaxing mani & pedi is something which I picked up when I arrived in Vietnam more than 18 months ago. Not only are the services excellent but also absolutely affordable. I've always looked forward to my bi-monthly visit to the nail spa; somehow it's a much needed therapy for my dull weekends. Not to mention, this is the one beauty treatment which I fancy tremendously.

Having said that, I only go back to the same lady to have my nails done. Though we have a language barrier, we managed to understand each other perfectly well - the greatness of hand & facial language 😘

My 2nd Favourite

I've never really been an extrovert or good at talking to strangers when I was younger. Thankfully because of my line of work, I've learned to open myself up and be the first to start a conversation. Very soon, I became very good at it and networking with people became very easy. I wouldn't call it a job or task but more of enjoying meeting people.

Especially now that I'm working in a foreign country, I have no familiar friends so it's really making new friends all together. Some may call this talent since not everyone enjoy networking and able to break the ice so naturally and confidently. Thinking back, it does take a lot of energy to hold a smart conversation. Since being in Vietnam, I've made many new friends; some trustworthy while others are just the ones I would consider as say hi and then bye kind of friends.

Are you the type that enjoy making new friends?

My 3rd Favourite

Food is glorious and for that I am 100% a true Malaysian 😆

I never stray far from the many cuisines that is available; even when I was back home. Then again, I had my entire kitchen complete with all utensils and kitchenware for both cooking, baking, roasting, steaming... you name it, I probably have it. I just love the experience of cooking and preparing dishes even if it wasn't for me to eat. It's my own version of therapy.

Moreover, with food, it always brings people together - a real good reason to celebrate or even if there is nothing to celebrate, it's still a good reason. Since I've been here, I've had the opportunity to enjoy many different cuisines and also the company of people whom I work with. What I have here is Indian Banana Leaf rice from a Malaysian who opened up his shop in Saigon. This is my first BLR ever since being in Vietnam and I can truly say it's as good as the ones back home or has my taste changed over the months.

Last but not least....

I learned to add this to my list of favourite things since the lock down in March. Not that I'm an alcoholic but it's nice to enjoy a glass of wine every now and then. And since the bars, entertainment centres and restaurants were closed, drinking at home was the only way, plus it was more affordable as well. Yeah.. strangely, wine & beer is really affordable in Vietnam and to make it easier, there is a wine shop near my apartment. I have thus far brought 4 bottles from this wine shop and am really happy with their variety and prices.

I'm very much an Australian, French & Italian wine person, though I don't mind trying wines from other regions. Some say it's all about the year and vineyard 😎 I do have several new friends here who also appreciate wine as much as me and sometimes we would catch up and have a bottle or two just to chill out and relax.

So, these are currently my favourite things - may not be my Top 4 in ascending order but is what I can think off during this moment.