The guys and girls waiting outside the ICC.

The idea was inspired by Three Cities, who recruited IHS students to do something fun and different, that would make an impact at the kickoff of Indaba 2012.

And what a show!

Students hijacked the floor and wowed Indaba guests with their moves, ending with a grand finale, throwing brightly coloured beach balls into the crowd. A few people in the crowd got involved and threw them back, starting an impromptu game of volleyball mid-flash mob!

Act like nothing happened

IHS students from left to right: Precious Mtolo, Zamazulu Makaula, Bongiwe Thusi, Ntokozo Ngcobo, Noxolo Mathe, Amanda Mazibuko, Sinenhlanhla Maseko.

The students were bussed in and sneaked into the ICC under the guise of International Hotel School delegates.

Excitement was high, with everyone looking forward to their five minutes of fame, as well as what security would do!

All first-time flash mobbers, the students were apprehensive of Indaba’s tight security measures. Although, said one student, “I’m excited about going to jail for the first time!” Hopefully they were being sarcastic…

Luckily the flash mob happened so quickly that no-one knew quite how to react. The plan was for students to quickly disperse into the crowd, pretending like nothing had happened, and hoping like hell that they weren’t ‘detained’.

Mum’s the word

The guys and girls had three weeks to learn the choreographed routine, fitting in practices after classes and work, all while keeping the exercise TOP SECRET. They were told it was a dance for a big event, but not that the event was Indaba 2012.

David the gymnast was recruited to create the initial diversion with flic flacs across the floor as the music started. He was feeling hyped but nervous as IHS snuck him into the ICC.

Speaking with Shanelle Mahaden and Samir Ramdiar after the flash mob, they said it was an adrenaline rush! Rehearsals were more playful, but the energy was high during the actual performance. They had been waiting by another stand, acting like they didn’t know what was going on, before rushing onto the ‘dance floor’.

The general consensus was that it was a lot of fun and the students would love to do it again. Who knows, maybe later this year…

If you missed it, here’s the official video:

Thanks for reading International Hotel School student flash mob surprises Indaba 2012 For more articles like this, visit The International Hotel School

IHS Quiz [Infographic] – An infographic by the team at Digitlab

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1. The One Penthouse (One&Only Cape Town)

In the words of One&Only Cape Town, “The One is resplendent living at its absolute finest.” With suite features like this, who would disagree?

Suite features

Encompassing an impressive 1,300m² of prime real estate, The One features four spectacular en-suite bedrooms, several lounges with atmospheric fireplaces, a stylish study, glamorous dining room, state-of-the-art kitchen, wine wall, fully equipped gym and large sauna. Two pools and outside entertainment areas create the perfect setting for indulgent evenings enjoying the 360 degree views of one of the world’s most beautiful cities. With a singular collection of South African art combined with truly captivating interior design, The One is resplendent living at its absolute finest.”

Other features include:

• Multimedia entertainment system
• In-room business services
• Nespresso machine
• Pillow menu
• Scent menu
• Complimentary access to the Spa Thermal Suite and Fitness Centre
• 24 hour butler service.

Unique attractions

• Overlooks Cape Town and two World Heritage sites: Table Mountain and Robben Island
• Japanese Master Chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa
• Famous SA chef Reuben Reiffel.

Size: 1300sqm
Per night price tag: High season R155 000, low season R115 000
Famous guests: Bill Clinton and U2

2. Cape Grace Hotel Penthouses

Do you find unpacking your bags a bit of a drag? A luggage unpacking service is just one of the things that makes the Cape Grace special…

Suite features

Absolute privacy, sumptuous luxury and spectacular views seduce all who stay in either of the two Penthouse Suites, where lavish details abound at every turn. From a luggage unpacking service to a complimentary full mini bar as well as personalised meal planning with the hotel’s Executive Chef, no stone is left unturned to provide the ultimate hotel experience for our Penthouse Suite guests.

Each of our Penthouses consists of a spacious room with generous lounge and dining areas and a walk-in closet, while the large top floor terrace ensures breathtaking views of the Waterfront and the city. A private Jacuzzi and outdoor dining area on the terrace creates the perfect setting for romantic dinners for two. Ideal for honeymoon couples or those wishing to indulge in an utterly unforgettable experience, you’re bound to leave feeling on top of the world.”

Unique attractions

• Views of yacht marina or the working harbour.

Size: room size 80sqm, terrace size 45sqm
Per night price tag: R14 276 to R15 862

3. Cape Royale Luxury Hotel Presidential Suite

Is a rooftop sky bar overlooking Cape Town’s finest sights your idea of a good time? Look no further than Cape Royale’s Presidential Suite.

Suite features

Our 4 Bedroom Presidential Suite offers panoramic views over the city and the Atlantic Ocean and include:

• Main Bedroom with queen bed with silk-fitted duvet and 300 thread Egyptian cotton percale linen, en-suite bathroom and bath and separate shower.
• 2nd Bedroom with queen bed, en-suite bathroom and bath and separate shower.
• 3rd Bedroom with twin beds, en-suite bathroom and bath and separate shower.
• 4th Bedroom with twin beds, en-suite bathroom and bath and separate shower.
• A separate lounge and dining area as well as a CD player and DVD machine for in-suite entertainment. These spacious suites open out onto Juliette balconies overlooking Signal Hill and Table Mountain – the perfect setting for a private dining experience.
• Granite and porcelain bathrooms offering deep baths in separate free-standing shower with extra large shower heads.

All suites at Cape Royale Luxury Hotel offers facilities such as satellite TV, secure room safes and an iron and ironing board which are standard in every Penthouse Suite.”

Unique attractions

• Rooftop sky bar with 360 degree panoramic views of Table Mountain, V&A Waterfront and Table Bay Harbour.

Per night price tag: R7 560 to R10 260

4. The Westin Cape Town

Incredible views of Table Mountain, the Hottentots Holland Mountains and Cape Town City come standard.

Suite features

The Presidential Suite offers an entrance lobby, entertainment room, lounge, butler’s kitchen, dressing room, walk-in wardrobe and en suite. The floor to ceiling windows reveal stunning views of the Hottentots Holland Mountains, Cape Town Cityscape and Table Mountain.”

Unique attractions

• According to sa-venues.com, “The elegant bathrooms at The Westin Cape Town hotel feature under-floor heating as well as the Westin Heavenly Shower®. With double shower heads, extra wide jet radius, and various spray settings, they guarantee an exceptional shower experience.”

Size: 292sqm
Per night price tag: from R40 000
Famous guests: Heads of state, high profile VIPs and Hollywood stars

5. Mount Nelson Hotel

The Mount Nelson is a historical Cape Town gem. More than just a luxury hotel, Mount Nelson is an experience in itself.

Suite features

The luxurious Presidential Suite encompasses a stylish marbled entrance hall, a private dining room, master bedroom with en-suite bathroom and a large lounge leading onto a balcony with stunning views of Table Mountain. There is also a wet bar, complete with a microwave, stove, sink and kitchen utensils.

Decorated by leading interior designer Graham Viney in soft hues and silky luxurious fabrics, the suite features 1930s light fittings with baccarat crystal drops and an original Louis-style desk dating from when the hotel first opened in 1899.”

Unique attractions

• The history of this grand old dame and the experience of staying at the distinguished Mount Nelson.

Size: 55sqm
Per night price tag: R15 500
Famous guests: Morgan Freeman, Oprah Winfrey, Bono, Snow Patrol, Kate Moss, Tiger Woods, Sir Winston Churchill, Jamie Oliver and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, to name a few.

6. Arabella Hotel & Spa

Keen to get away from the buzz of the city? Arabella is just the place for peace, quiet and open space.

Suite features

The Presidential Suites, North Star and Southern Cross, offer unsurpassed luxury and comfort in a superbly appointed private setting, complete with a 24-hour butler service to attend to your requirements. The dining area, lounge, bedroom, bathroom, and expansive terrace all face out onto magnificent views of the golf course and the Bot River lagoon. The entrance lobby affords access to the guest bathroom and a comfortable, beautifully appointed lounge furnished with a fireplace, double sleeper couch, four plush armchairs and sofas, coffee table, television, and DVD.

The spacious dining area seats up to 10 while the adjoining kitchenette – with its own separate entrance from the hotel hallway – is equipped with every modern convenience. A study, accessible through the lounge, ensures a quiet area to work or conduct business. The bedroom offers superior comforts, including a seating area, a four-poster bed, television, and a walk-in dressing room.

A large, luxurious bathroom has expansive views across the lagoon from the bath itself. Appointments include a sauna, vanity area with double basin, makeup mirror, television, shower, spa bath, and a separate toilet area. The long, adjoining terrace area is ideal for breakfast, soaking in the sun, or relaxing in quiet privacy. Those who require accommodation for additional guests may wish to use the adjoining suite, which is accessible via an inter-leading door from the dining room.”

Unique attractions

• Views of Kogelberg Mountains and Bot River Lagoon.

Per night price tag: From R6 045.00

7. Pezula Resort Hotel and Spa Presidential Suites

The awe-inspiring beauty of Knysna awaits. Care to absorb the magnificent Indian Ocean views or sharpen your skills on the championship golf course?

Suite features

Mufaro & Kufara Suites are Pezula’s ultra luxurious and spacious Presidential Suites. Each suite is 137m² (1 475 square feet) in size and boasts a generous bedroom, king-size bed and seating area, reception area, guest toilet, separate lounge and dining area, real log fireplaces in the bedroom and lounge and a wellequipped kitchen.

Ground floor Mufaro has private patios off the bedroom and lounge and upstairs Kufara has two private balconies. Both have breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean and Pezula Championship Course. A dedicated butler adds to the outstanding level of service.”

Suite features include:

• En-suite bathroom with underfloor heating
• Oval-shaped calabash bath
• Twin vanities
• Wet room
• Separate toilet with bidet
• Walk-in wardrobe.

Unique attractions

• Location on the stunning Garden Route
• Sailing on the lagoon
• Views of the Indian Ocean.

Size: 137sqm
Per night price tag: R12 410 to R 15 810
Famous guests: During 2010 FIFA World Cup, French team made basecamp here and it was the honeymoon destination for ABC’s ‘The Bachelor’ newlyweds, Jason Mesnick and Molly Malaney in 2009.

8. The Palace of the Lost City

The Lost City is surely the place of magical African opulence. If you’ve ever longed for hand carved walls, frescos on your ceiling and a baby grand in your suite, here it is!

Suite features

The King Suite offers 2 king bedded rooms and en-suite bathrooms with a separate shower and twin marble topped vanities. There is also a separate entrance foyer, cloakroom, lounge area with a fold out sleeper couch, dining area for 8, study, sauna, bar and butlers service.

The King Suite epitomises regal luxury with hand-carved walls, frescoed ceilings and hundreds of custom designed objects.”

More features:

• Two bedrooms both with King Size beds
• Entrance hall
• Lounge
• Guest powder room
• Butler’s pantry
• Study
• Butler service
• Private balcony
• Dining Area can accommodate a party of eight
• Two en-suite bathrooms with Spa Bath, twin vanities, large walk in shower
• Sauna in the main bathroom
• Baby Grand Piano.

Unique attractions

• Valley of the waves
• Designer golf courses.

Size: 243sqm
Per night price tag: R41 468 to R44 197

9. The Westcliff

The Westcliff is a Joburg jewel. A haven of peace and quiet in a fast-paced city, the Westcliff suite is located at the top the Westcliff Estate with views of the rim-flow pool and Magaliesberg Mountains.

Suite features

The hotel’s most impressive, spacious and sophisticated suite is located in prime position at the top of the Westcliff Estate and boasts a generous terrace with views that cover the hotel’s spectacular rim-flow pool below and the Magaliesberg mountains beyond.

In addition to a separate bedroom and dining area, this luxuriously decorated apartment features a lounge and fireplace, wet bar (complete with microwave and conventional oven) guest cloakroom and vestibule).

The suite may be reserved with either one or two bedrooms. Butler service is available.”

Unique attractions

• Views of the Magaliesberg.

Size: 110sqm
Per night price tag: R17 000 to R18 000

10. Michaelangelo Towers

Love the city lights? Try Michaelangelo Towers’ Cupola Suite, perched 143m above Johannesburg.

Suite features

Towering 143 metres above the Sandton skyline, the Michelangelo Towers offers panoramic views of the Magaliesberg, the Johannesburg CBD and the Sandton cityscape below.

Cupola Suite: This opulent 3 storey 600m2 suite’s features include 3 en-suite bedrooms, a 12 seater dining room and lounge, fully equipped kitchen, fully stocked skyline bar, spacious lounge area, private pool and pool deck, private gym, steam shower, 7 x 42 inch plasma screens throughout the suite, 360 degree balcony with panoramic views of the Johannesburg skyline, internal elevator, 12 seater boardroom equipped with video/telephone conferencing facility and 58 inch plasma television, 24-hour private butler service and high-speed internet wireless connectivity.”

Unique attractions

• Third tallest building in Johannesburg (146m above street level)
• Luxury chauffeur service including transfers to and from O.R. Tambo International Airport
• Direct access to Michelangelo Towers Shopping Mall and Sandton City Shopping Centre with restaurants, boutiques and jewellery emporiums
• Doctor and dentist on call
• Pre-arrival shopping.

Size: 600sqm
Per night price tag: R45 000
Famous guests: heads of state, Jane Seymour, Clint Eastwood, Matt Damon

11. The Oyster Box

The Oyster Box is one of Durban’s hidden pearls situated along the Umhlanga beachfront and offers the highest standards and luxury.

Suite features

Offering the finest of stylish suite accommodation the Presidential Suite is truly remarkable. Split over two levels with a private lift the Suite offers guests the joy of a grand master bedroom with its own calm, exceptionally comfortable seating area and an intimate personal study.

Two lavish marble bathrooms – his and hers – offer unsurpassed sea views for luxury and tranquility beyond compare. And of course there is the magnificent private rimflow swimming pool, a tastefully tailored private lounge, a gracious diningroom with seating for 10 guests with a private bar and a well equipped kitchen for intimate insuite dining. And for that even greater feeling of space, the Suite offers an additional bedroom.”

Unique attractions

• Deluxe Occitaine bath amenities, luxurious bathrobes and slippers
• Housekeeping service twice daily
• Extensive 24 hour room service menu
• Complimentary transfers to the nearby shopping centres
• A 24-seater cinema
• Special accommodation and menus for pets

Size: 450sqm
Per night price tag: R50 000
Famous guests: High profile VIPS and celebrities, including Princess Charlene

12. The Palazzo, MonteCasino

The Palazzo is found in the heart of Joburg’s famous MonteCasino and yet the remarkable Tuscan-style ambience truly propels their guests into the streets of Italy and beyond …

Suite features

The three-bedroomed Penthouse Suite is the entire 6th floor, completely private with panoramic views to south and north. Hand made 10m high doors lead into large foyer canopied by a domed painted ceiling with guest toilet. Extensive lounge with flat screen TV, Satellite TV and VCR. Dining area for 10 guests with private bar, separate kitchen and butler service. Separate book-lined study with cordless phone, data connection and fax.

Main bedroom with king bed and large bathroom with separate bath and large walk in shower, toilet and bidet. Walk in dressing room with velvet robes, trouser press and safe. Two spacious en suite guest bedrooms with own seating areas and TV. Own terrace with cane furniture that can seat 10 guests. Tea/coffee making facility, mini bar, hairdryer and bathrobe in all rooms. Free morning newspaper delivered to the room.”

Unique attractions

• On-site Thai Wellness treatments offered in gazebos at the pool or in the comfort of your room

Per night price tag: From R30 000
Famous guests: High profile celebrities

So which one would you choose?

Thanks for reading Top 12 hotel penthouses and presidential suites in South Africa For more articles like this, visit The International Hotel School

Of course my folks supported me all the way, and said this might be an opportunity that will not necessarily cross my path again. My principal liked the idea of an international chef inviting me to come work at a renowned school. He agreed to excuse me from the lectures that I will miss, since I insisted that I will work hard and do extra to catch up.

On top of all this excitement, I had to think of my six months’ Experiential Learning. I had already applied at a Resort in the Northern Drakensburg, South Africa, and got the job. I’m a loyal person, and thought it would be in bad taste to drop them at that stage. So I’ve decided to split my Experiential Learning into two parts.

The devil’s in the details

I started planning and doing research, and I found out that I don’t need a visa to go to Ireland. This was a huge relief! I realised though that my passport had expired, so down to Home Affairs I went, and received a big surprise – it didn’t even take an hour, and within a month I had my new passport!

Then I started looking around for air tickets, and it hit me smack in the face that my student budget was not going to like these prices… Well I wasn’t going to let that stop me. Tickets booked and paid for.

Now I’m a very paranoid person, so I started double-checking everything. Accommodation? Food? Taxi from Cork International Airport to Ballymaloe, which is in Shanagarry?

Dear Pam assured me that my accommodation at the school is secured, and that I won’t go to bed on an empty stomach. She also asked me for my details so that the taxi driver would wait at the right place. In other words, they are taking very good care of me! I can’t wait to meet Pam and give her a big hug to say “thank you” for everything she has helped me with!

A big ball of nerves

So now I am lying in bed, a big ball of nerves, and it’s a couple of days before I leave for Ireland, so I’m thinking back on everything. Hard work does pay off. Speaking to all my friends, they are all so proud and supportive, but they don’t realise I would not have been able to do this without them.

Ballymaloe Cookery School

Support from your loved ones is the key to success. Success is a big word though – I don’t see myself as a success…yet!

This coming week, we’re traveling around to say goodbye to all of my family. I hope I’ll have time to write about my actual journey to Ireland – the almost 24 hour trip there, and about my first impression of the place and people.

Wish me luck!

Thanks for reading Planning, Planning, Planning For more articles like this, visit The International Hotel School

For my first blog post, I would like to give more information about me, and where I come from. The one thing that I hate is following a blogger and not knowing how that person got to that position to actually write about that topic.

Passion for hospitality

I have always had a passion for the Hospitality Industry (although I will add that I never knew it would be such intensive hard labour, but I still do love it!)

If you go into this industry and you don’t have a passion for it, I can almost guarantee that you will not enjoy it to the extent that I do – I live, breathe and eat hospitality.

Coming closer to the end of my High School career, I started looking around for possible institutes to study at. When The International Hotel School crossed my path, I knew immediately that this is where I wanted to be.

I entered their Bursary Competition, not with the intent to win, but to get an idea of what IHS is about, and to start making friends in the industry. I unfortunately did not win the bursary, but when I registered at The International Hotel School, I never realised what doors it would open for me.

First year of hospitality studies

Within the first year of my studies, my outlook on life changed; I realised you need to work your limbs off to get what you want, and you need truckloads of dedication and patience. I am not here to soft-soap everything; I am a realist and will always be one. That is probably why I got the opportunities that I have.

The opportunities started rolling in; my first year was 2010, so of course at that time South Africa was obsessed with the FIFA World Cup. I had the opportunity and I grabbed it with both hands, and killed my feet. We worked an average 16 hours every second day!

Rachell Allen and Pierre

In my second year, The Good Food and Wine Show crossed my path. Two students were placed with each Chef who appeared in the Chefs in Action Theatre. Casey and myself were placed with Rachel Allen.

We didn’t know what to expect, and were so nervous that we would make a fool of ourselves. Luckily this didn’t happen and Rachel was so friendly and appreciative.

An offer you can’t refuse

During the progress of the show, Rachel started asking about what we wanted to do after we graduate. I told her that I am going to work until I’m in a position one day to be able to train or fund training for people that are not fortunate enough to supply that themselves. She immediately replied with, “Aaah that is nice, you should come work in Ireland with me…”

I was shocked and thought she was just being nice.

So I drove all my friends insane obsessing about this opportunity – none of them believed that it would become a reality.

So the time to find a job for my 6 month Experiential Learning came creeping closer, and I decided I was going to email Ballymaloe Cookery School (this is where Rachel invited me to come work, and her mother-in-law, Darina Allen, is the owner of this School) and see if Rachel was serious.

Within a couple of hours after emailing, a dear lady named Pam came back to me and said Rachel speaks very fondly about me and IHS, and I can most certainly come over and work there. My next post will be more about the actual planning and negotiating on getting there!

One final though: self-motivation is very important in my life, and should be in yours as well.

Thanks for reading Live, breathe and eat hospitality For more articles like this, visit The International Hotel School

Pierre is 22 years old and is currently in his third and final year studying Professional Cookery and Kitchen Management at IHS. A Durban boy, he just finished his Experiential Learning at Little Switzerland Resort, and is off to Ballymaloe Cookery School in Ireland soon to gain extra experience.

Pierre

We spoke to Pierre to find out a bit more about him…

1. What made you decide to study at The International Hotel School?

I browsed around, and IHS gave me more value for money than any other establishment, and I knew that IHS could open more doors than any other establishment in South Africa.

I would never have been where I am now, or have experienced what I have, without IHS – royal weddings, the Good Food and Wine show, the FIFA World Cup, and that’s just to name a few.

2. When / where did you discover your passion for the hospitality industry?

This is always the hardest question to answer – since I can remember, I’ve wanted to do it. My mother used to bake, and my mother’s food is the best! Every man says it, but I believe it. Thus I probably got that skill from her.

3. What are your passions / interests?

Expanding my knowledge and gaining more experience, and passing that experience on to others. I’m also fascinated with organice food and wish that SA would switch over to 100% organic living!

4. Tell us one interesting thing about you!

At first glance, I look like a bit arrogant … but after you get to know me, you would know that I am a very hardworking, friendly and caring person!

5. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I’m planning on experiencing the globe for the next couple of years after completing my studies, and then I see myself coming back to South Africa, bringing back that knowledge and hopefully starting up my own place. What it will be is still not decided, seeing as I have too many ideas!

6. Motto for life?

I live day to day; of course I do think of the future, but I don’t place my heart on anything, because life doesn’t happen the way you plan it. Just look at this opportunity I have at Ballymaloe Cookery School in Ireland – I never planned for this to happen.

I also believe if you are negative and see everything out of a negative view, you will pull negative stuff closer to you.

Thanks for reading Introducing Pierre van Heerden For more articles like this, visit The International Hotel School

Depending on where you are in the world, you might be in a country that has certain tipping expectations. A service tip might be required, appreciated but not expected, or completely unnecessary. And it can vary depending on the service i.e. your restaurant server might not expect a tip, but housekeeping might! We found this great infographic which breaks down tipping etiquette in a few places around the world…

Mint.com Personal Finances

Have they got it wrong? Let us know if youʼve lived or worked in a country where people might need a few ʻtipping 101 tipsʼ!

Thanks for reading What to tip when youʼre travelling [infographic] For more articles like this, visit The International Hotel School

“Working in the serving industry is gritty work, yet a lot of people are in it. In fact, more than 13.5 million people had jobs in hospitality last year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Photo © xeeliz on Flickr

For years, I have detoured into the world of restaurants and hotels starting as a hostess to becoming a manager.

Since my serving days, I have come to realize that hospitality jobs are not just a great way to earn money, but also a great way to develop a work ethic and various other skills that come in handy in any line of work one might choose to pursue afterwards.

Here is what I’ve learned:

1  You actually have to work for your money

I don’t think money grows on trees, but working in a restaurant is by no means an easy job. Servers spend the entirety of their shift on their feet often carrying heavy trays loaded with drinks. Since most of the income for those working in the hospitality industry comes from their tips, they really earn every dollar they make.

2  There is no “I” in restaurant

No one person in the restaurant can do anything on their own. Servers depend on hosts to seat their sections, cooks to prepare the food, bussers to help clean the tables, and runners to bring out the food. The entire experience is a team effort and I quickly learned that if I wanted to do a good job, I had to be a part of the team.

3  You have to learn to be fair

When working in a restaurant, I learned not only how to be a part of the team but also how to give everyone credit for the work they do. In this case, that meant giving everyone who helped me throughout my shift a fair share of my tips.

4  Ask the right questions

This leads to satisfying results. If I knew the customer wanted his steak rare, I could make sure his needs are met. Similarly, knowing exactly what my client or boss expect from me helps me perform my job better. I also quickly learned that communication is a two-way street.

5  Find a healthy balance between work and play

After hours is a lot of fun until it affects your work performance. This lifestyle is common in the hospitality industry. More than once I showed up for the morning shift only to find the closing staff still enjoying their last beer. There were also times that I have been the one to linger into the wee hours of the morning. And while that was completely acceptable, not being 100 percent ready for my next shift because I partied too hard after work was not.”

Has working in hospitality helped prepare you in any way for your career outside of the hospitality industry? Let us know!

You can read the original article here.

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An infographic by The International Hotel School – Hospitality Courses

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An infographic by the team at Hospitality Courses

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Selamat siang (good afternoon) from Kuala Lumpur! A lot has happened since my last post; for starters, I got a job … and an apartment!

Just to give you an idea of what I do...

After settling into KL life, Kim and I both had a few interviews lined up. I scored on my third interview with a hotel close to the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) – letʼs call it Hotel Bintang*. Youʼre ʻlookingʼ at their new Housekeeping Attendant! Itʼs a pretty swanky business hotel and I just have to clean the guest rooms. Itʼs not glamorous, but itʼs pretty much the only job available which didnʼt require learning Malay!

Fun times

The people here are unbelievably friendly. They have the biggest smiles and itʼs impossible not to smile back when they turn on the charm – I come home with sore cheeks, for real. There are a few other foreigners in housekeeping with me – Martin from Germany, Ashley from the States, and Jess from Ireland. Thereʼs also Sofea and Ahmad, who are locals. Itʼs been great having a few friendly faces to trade jokes with, and the days have just been flying by.

Our home away from home!

Kim and I now live in the PWTC area, which is super convenient for me since I can walk to work. Kim got an Assistant Kitchen Helper job in the KLCC, which is the Kuala Lumpur City Centre, so she takes public transport to work – the KTM Commuter or the Rapid KL Light Rail Transit (LRT). Luckily theyʼre practically on our doorstep, so she doesnʼt have to travel far either.

The area weʼre in has quite a young vibe – lots of students and young foreigners like ourselves, probably because the universityʼs nearby, so there are lots of affordable condos around here. Weʼve got quite a good deal – we each rent a room (itʼs a three bedroom condo) and our flatmate is a local, Chris. Heʼs really cool, and has been showing us around in our free time.

Putra World Trade Centre

Getting settled

Whatʼs awesome about the condominium is that it has a shared swimming pool, a small gym, and a tiny convenience store (a bit like a tuck shop). Weʼre not far from the shopping mall either though, so weʼre really sorted.

We were sad to say goodbye to Hotel KL* but you can only eat so many buffet breakfasts… Plus itʼs nice having my own space. Iʼve got my room all set up, and have been spending a lot of time in Chinatown doing some budget shopping!

The Petronas Twin Towers

Iʼm slowly getting the hang of finding my way around. I mostly use public transport or walk everywhere. KLʼs quite a green city with lots of parks, which I hadnʼt expected. In every spare moment we get, weʼve been on a sightseeing mission – MUST SEE EVERYTHING!!!

So far Iʼve ticked off the Petronas Twin Towers and skybridge, the KLCC park, the Suria KLCC mall, the Petrosains Science Centre, Chinatown, Kampung Baru, the Batu Caves, and lots lots more. But thatʼs a story for another time…

* Not its real name

Thanks for reading Settling into Malaysian life For more articles like this, visit The International Hotel School