Writing this flying at 35000 feet over Iran. 7 hours have passed since departure from Singapore and we have another 6 hours to go before arrival at London Heathrow. The flight so far has been comfortable. The flight attendants have been marvelous and we have been well looked after. I guess that you get a little special TLC when you fly first class. We were originally scheduled to depart Singapore on BA012. On arrival at the airport we were informed that there were 2 vacant first class seats on a slightly later BA016. We chose the latter. This is a Boeing 777 with a capacity for around 240 passengers. A smaller plane which also means quicker embarkation and disembarkation. Well, here I am, in complete luxury as far as air travel goes, on a flat bed writing this for my next posting.
This will be almost a turn-around trip. We will be in UK until March 20 when we will return to Singapore. Spring is just beginning in UK and I would like to tidy up the garden before the new growth. As the weather this winter has been rather warm, I guess the daffodils must be in bloom. We have been in Singapore since December 10 2006 and we miss Alexa our darling grand daughter. I will be good to see her again.
After nearly 3 months of Singapore I have this urgent need to get out and be somewhere else. The tidiness and the regimental culture of Singapore can be quite suffocating after a while. They mentality of the Singaporeans is rather unique. They are so kiasu and kiasi. For those who are unfamiliar with these two description, kiasu means “ afraid to lose to others, always must be on the winning side “ and kiasi with a literal translation of “ afraid to die “. This means the Singaporeans are not risk takers. They would rather others take to plunge and they will follow if they find profit at the end. Everything in life becomes a competition with the Singaporeans, from education for their children to jumping queues.
Life in Singapore can be good and can be bad. The good side of it is one generally feel quite safe. As long as you abide by the rules you will not fall foul of the law. The bad side of living in Singapore is that you always have this feeling that big brother is watching. Of course you will have to learn to accept the Singaporean way with all their bad habits. If you can live with all that, then life in Singapore can be quite pleasant.
I am rather looking forward to UK. The weather would be quite good and with spring in the air it will be a good 3 weeks break from Singapore. Seeing Alexa again will be great too. Another 5 hours of flight and we will be in UK. Great!!
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4 comments:
Hi, Human beings in every parts of the world are so kiasu and kiasi & not just singaporean, u got it.
You are right, kiasu and kiasi behavious can be found in all nationalities, but in Singaporeans these are more pronounce.
In other countries, some people may choose to be kiasu and kiasi. In Singapore, it is inherently programmed into the minds and psyche of the citizen population until it becomes second nature. You got that, TuraiKiller ?
I agree with anon 9.16
Singaporeans from a very early age have been taught to compete fiecely. From start of school to university and through their working lives have to compete or their rice bowls will be broken. Now with the inflow of FTs mainly from China and India the Singaporeans have to be doubly kiasu and kiasi.
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