Third day was spent walking the whole length of Beach Road. I have been to many beach resorts including the famous Surfers Paradise on the east coast of Australia and the beach in Marbella. I must say the Beach Road in Pattaya is second to none. One can see it is specifically designed for tourist comfort and entertainment. The deck chairs lining the beach are only a few feet away from the crytal clear water. Ten feet out into the sea, one is about chest high in water. Speed boats line the beach only a few feet away from the water edge. These speed boats take tourists out for a spin along the coast and also to the nearby islands. There are glass bottom boats for fish viewing around coral islands for hire to those who are interested. The whole stretch of the coast along this road is always crowed with tourists from many countries.
The Thai people are a very enterprising lot. They line the whole stretch of the beach selling ice cold drinks from soft drinks to beer. Chilled coconuts are also on sale. There are some who go around selling BBQ prawns, crabs and cuttlefish.
The whole strech of Beach Road is approximately 2 kilometers in length. It is impressive and I am sure for those who come here for the sea, sun, beer and sex will not be disappointed.
On the other side of Beach Road are shops, bars, restaurants and coffee houses.
We enjoyed our day out in this area and we have decided to visit the Beach Road agan before we leave.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Pattaya - second day
Carrefour in Pattaya turns out to be another large shopping mall. This was where we went the second day. It was a massive shopping complex with food, groceries and everyday requirements. We had a good day wandering around the place and enjoying the food and coffee. The complex was very crowded and vibrant with lots of tourists and also many expats who have decided to settle in Pattaya. What is indeed evident in Pattaya is the many European men in their 60+ and older who have decided to make Pattaya their place of retirement. Here the norm is for a European retiree to find a young Thai girl, mostly in her 20s, either marrying her or if that is not convenient, just live with her. Everywhere you look you can see old European men hand in hand with young Thai girls. This is very accepted here in Pattaya. The young Thai girl quite likely come from very poor family. Offering themselves to live with or even marrying old European retirees give them the only way out of poverty.
I do not really condone this arrangement but I do understand the reason why these girls have to degrade themselves this way. Pattaya is a very tourist oriented place with bars everywhere. This is not a place for family vacation because it is geared totally for tourists with alcohol and sex in mind.
Tomorrow we will visit the beach. We have been told it is quite a nice place.
I do not really condone this arrangement but I do understand the reason why these girls have to degrade themselves this way. Pattaya is a very tourist oriented place with bars everywhere. This is not a place for family vacation because it is geared totally for tourists with alcohol and sex in mind.
Tomorrow we will visit the beach. We have been told it is quite a nice place.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Pattaya - first day
Pattaya Hill Resort has been aptly named, it is situated on top of a hill. It is in the southern part of Pattaya. In Pattaya there are no taxi or buses or trains. The only mode of public transport for people traveling from one part of the city to another is by the Baht Buses. They are actually pickup trucks with a cover over the open back. It can comfortably accommodate about 10 passengers, but often you can see overflow passengers hanging out or standing on a ledge at the back of the truck. To get on one, you just flag it down and get on. They go along a specific route and when you get to your destination you just ring the bell, get off and pay the fares. Tourist usually pay 10 baht while the locals pay 5 baht. However, to get back after a day in downtown Pattaya we usually have to pay 100 baht for the journey to the hotels. These baht bus drivers are pretty shrewd and know exactly how to fleece the tourists.
Today, our first day in Pattaya we went to a shopping mall called the Big C. It is quite an up market place with branded shops and expensive restaurants. After spending a few hours walking around the mall we decided to lunch at MK. This is a very famous chain of restaurants in Thailand. They specialize in steamboats. You have to pick the raw uncooked food you want, from vegetables, meat, dumplings, fish balls and fish cakes and stuffed baby squids. You then cook your food in a pot of boiling stock in the middle of the table. We had some dim sum with our lunch. It ws good and it cost about 7 GBP for the whole meal.
We then decided to do a little shopping to stock up our fridge in the hotel room. Our groceries included some pears, mangoes, orange juice and also some Pringles.
We got back to the resort just before it got dark. Had to pay 80 baht for the hire of a bart bus for the journey. It was an interesting day and we enjoyed ourselves. Tomorrow we plan to visit Carrefour, another shopping centre.
Today, our first day in Pattaya we went to a shopping mall called the Big C. It is quite an up market place with branded shops and expensive restaurants. After spending a few hours walking around the mall we decided to lunch at MK. This is a very famous chain of restaurants in Thailand. They specialize in steamboats. You have to pick the raw uncooked food you want, from vegetables, meat, dumplings, fish balls and fish cakes and stuffed baby squids. You then cook your food in a pot of boiling stock in the middle of the table. We had some dim sum with our lunch. It ws good and it cost about 7 GBP for the whole meal.
We then decided to do a little shopping to stock up our fridge in the hotel room. Our groceries included some pears, mangoes, orange juice and also some Pringles.
We got back to the resort just before it got dark. Had to pay 80 baht for the hire of a bart bus for the journey. It was an interesting day and we enjoyed ourselves. Tomorrow we plan to visit Carrefour, another shopping centre.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Pattaya Hill Resort
I am at this moment on the 9th floor of this Pattaya Hill Rsort. We arrived this evening and we are now settled in our room. The room is pretty spacious and clean. The shower room / toilet is not too bad. I have seen worse, but it is not 5 star standard like the hotel website claim to be. Well, it is relatively inexpensive and by Thai standard it is quite good.
We have been for a walk around the resort. The roads leading to and from the resort are pretty dark so we did not venture too far. We visited 2 garden restaurants next to the hotel, not to dine but just to find out what is available. The menus look ordinary and quite inexpensive. We might give them a try later in the week.
We have decided to go to town tomorrow to do a little shopping and sight seeing. Unfortunately we have damaged out digital camera and it has gone away for repair. No photographs on this trip I am afraid. Will write more about Pattaya when I have seen more of it.
We have been for a walk around the resort. The roads leading to and from the resort are pretty dark so we did not venture too far. We visited 2 garden restaurants next to the hotel, not to dine but just to find out what is available. The menus look ordinary and quite inexpensive. We might give them a try later in the week.
We have decided to go to town tomorrow to do a little shopping and sight seeing. Unfortunately we have damaged out digital camera and it has gone away for repair. No photographs on this trip I am afraid. Will write more about Pattaya when I have seen more of it.
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
Jason - my nephew
When I left Segamat many years ago Jason was just a baby. Jason is the youngest child of my youngest brother. On my visit last week to Segamat I met Jason again. He is now 13 years old and what a fine boy he has become. A very polite boy, soft spoken and very well mannered. He was rather shy when we met but we very quickly became friends. I think the box of chocolates made things easier. I must remember to bring him more from UK when I visit Segamat again.
I was rather sorry our visit to Segamat was such a short one, but I am glad we made it. It has been too long since our last visit. First mother is getting older and very few uncles and aunts are left. Those who are left are also getting on in age. Siblings and cousins who are still in Segamat are like me getting older and it would be a shame to stay away for too long. Nephews and nieces are all grown and most have departed either for work or studies in KL or overseas. Very soon there will be very few left in Segamat.
I will return for another visit soon. Segamat will always be home to me. You can take me out of Segamat, but you will never take Segamat out of me.
I was rather sorry our visit to Segamat was such a short one, but I am glad we made it. It has been too long since our last visit. First mother is getting older and very few uncles and aunts are left. Those who are left are also getting on in age. Siblings and cousins who are still in Segamat are like me getting older and it would be a shame to stay away for too long. Nephews and nieces are all grown and most have departed either for work or studies in KL or overseas. Very soon there will be very few left in Segamat.
I will return for another visit soon. Segamat will always be home to me. You can take me out of Segamat, but you will never take Segamat out of me.
Saturday, November 03, 2007
Trip to Segamat
It was exciting driving to Segamat on November 1. Started the journey at 6.30 am and we were in Segamat by 9.30 am. Driving into Segamat gave me a feeling of coming home again, especially after a month living in Singapore. Segamat gives me a sense of belonging. Although having been away from this little sleepy town for 41 years, I still consider this place my home. Each time I return I get this thrill and nostalgia. Memories of bygone days come floating back. Each street corner, the playfields infront of the old school, the old buildings in the old part of town, all bring back fond memories. They all look so small!
A wander into the wet market brings back memories of the days when grandfather and I would go each morning to buy my fish for lunch. The old coffee shop where one gets fresh toasts spread lavishly with butter and kaya ( coconut jam ) still stand at the corner of the market. The stone steps leading up to the coffe shop and the five-foot way in front are exactly the same as when I left it many years ago. Life on the whole in Segamat has not changed much over the few decades I have been away. I hope it will never change, because I would like to return often to this little town and get this same feeling of nostalgia and the feeling that I have come a full circle and home again.
The family are all well. First mother, 94 on her next birthday is still very alert and independent. Long may she remain so. We spent a good few hours chatting to her and her only complaint was that we did not inform her of our visit before we arrived. She would have gone to the trouble of preparing carrot cakes for us. I love her carrot cakes, but thought I should not put her through all the work.
The night we spent in Segamat we had a family dinner at one of the many restaurants in the new part of town. The food was good and cheap compared to Singapore where one would have to pay at least 3 times for the same dinner. We had a good time, good food amongst good company.
The next morning Phyl my cousin invited us for breakfast at a local Indian restaurant. We had roti pratas and curry. It was delicious and again brought back lovely memories of long ago breakfasts. After breakfast, we said goodbyes and started on our journey back to Singapore. Heavy was my heart as I drove out of the town. I said a fond farewell to my beloved place of birth, promising I will return again soon.
A wander into the wet market brings back memories of the days when grandfather and I would go each morning to buy my fish for lunch. The old coffee shop where one gets fresh toasts spread lavishly with butter and kaya ( coconut jam ) still stand at the corner of the market. The stone steps leading up to the coffe shop and the five-foot way in front are exactly the same as when I left it many years ago. Life on the whole in Segamat has not changed much over the few decades I have been away. I hope it will never change, because I would like to return often to this little town and get this same feeling of nostalgia and the feeling that I have come a full circle and home again.
The family are all well. First mother, 94 on her next birthday is still very alert and independent. Long may she remain so. We spent a good few hours chatting to her and her only complaint was that we did not inform her of our visit before we arrived. She would have gone to the trouble of preparing carrot cakes for us. I love her carrot cakes, but thought I should not put her through all the work.
The night we spent in Segamat we had a family dinner at one of the many restaurants in the new part of town. The food was good and cheap compared to Singapore where one would have to pay at least 3 times for the same dinner. We had a good time, good food amongst good company.
The next morning Phyl my cousin invited us for breakfast at a local Indian restaurant. We had roti pratas and curry. It was delicious and again brought back lovely memories of long ago breakfasts. After breakfast, we said goodbyes and started on our journey back to Singapore. Heavy was my heart as I drove out of the town. I said a fond farewell to my beloved place of birth, promising I will return again soon.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Losses
The loss of a friend or a family member through illness is always a traumatic experience. At times like these we become aware that life is very fragile and unpredictable. Our hectic lifestyle and our constant pursue of material gains and other creature comfort often blinds us to the fact that there are other more important things in life. Only when such losses happen that we are temporarily brought down to earth. Suddenly we become aware that relationships between friends and family members have often been neglected in our now very hectic and unfriendly way of life. We realize too late that we could have been closer to someone. We regret that we could have done more to show affection or we could have said something to bring a little more happiness in someone’s life. We regret not being there to help in times of need or for being away too long without contact or simply taking someone for granted. As Frank Sinatra said in his song My Way, “ Regrets, I’ve had a few “, - no one can go through life without having regrets.
Unfortunately, when the time comes for us to have regrets, it is often too late to put things right. I was with this friend of mine in April when she organized a reunion for our Class of ’62. She was undergoing chemotherapy for her illness. In spite of her ailment, and with the anxiety she must have been experiencing, she almost single handedly took on the responsibilities of the coordination, catering and making sure all who wish to attend were well informed. Little did I realize then that that was to be our last get-together. On reflection, I could have given her a few more words of encouragement. I should have told her how much I appreciated her for organizing the reunion party. I could have told her I value her friendship and that I still remember the happy childhood years we spent together in school. These are all the regrets I now have, but it is too late for me to tell her or show her that I valued her friendship. All that I have left is the hope that she knew I was a good friend.
Very often, our resolution to be more caring towards our friends and loved one cools as the pain of our loss subsides. We tend to forget quickly and return to our less caring ways. The loss of this friend has made me more aware that we are all extremely vulnerable and we are here only for a very short while. With this thought, I sincerely hope that I would be able to look at life through more compassionate eyes. I like to think that I have become a more caring and humble person than I have been before.
So to all who read this, just take a few moment off your busy schedule to reflect. Is there someone who would welcome a few words from you? Is there a friend who needs a helping hand? Is there someone who you have taken for granted for too long? A kind word, a smile, a helping hand, a simple greeting to someone you meet along the way, all these go a long way to brighten someone’s day.
We must from time to time stop and reflect and re-calibrate our lives. We must never take things for granted. Tomorrow may be too late to say the kind words we like to say to someone we care about. Time is precious and once gone will never return.
Unfortunately, when the time comes for us to have regrets, it is often too late to put things right. I was with this friend of mine in April when she organized a reunion for our Class of ’62. She was undergoing chemotherapy for her illness. In spite of her ailment, and with the anxiety she must have been experiencing, she almost single handedly took on the responsibilities of the coordination, catering and making sure all who wish to attend were well informed. Little did I realize then that that was to be our last get-together. On reflection, I could have given her a few more words of encouragement. I should have told her how much I appreciated her for organizing the reunion party. I could have told her I value her friendship and that I still remember the happy childhood years we spent together in school. These are all the regrets I now have, but it is too late for me to tell her or show her that I valued her friendship. All that I have left is the hope that she knew I was a good friend.
Very often, our resolution to be more caring towards our friends and loved one cools as the pain of our loss subsides. We tend to forget quickly and return to our less caring ways. The loss of this friend has made me more aware that we are all extremely vulnerable and we are here only for a very short while. With this thought, I sincerely hope that I would be able to look at life through more compassionate eyes. I like to think that I have become a more caring and humble person than I have been before.
So to all who read this, just take a few moment off your busy schedule to reflect. Is there someone who would welcome a few words from you? Is there a friend who needs a helping hand? Is there someone who you have taken for granted for too long? A kind word, a smile, a helping hand, a simple greeting to someone you meet along the way, all these go a long way to brighten someone’s day.
We must from time to time stop and reflect and re-calibrate our lives. We must never take things for granted. Tomorrow may be too late to say the kind words we like to say to someone we care about. Time is precious and once gone will never return.
Monday, October 22, 2007
A sad day
I have just received the sad news that our dear friend who has been inflicted with cancer has departed from us this morning. She passed away peacefully. Let us take comfort knowing that she is now at peace with God.
The Class of '62 had a reunion in Kuala Lumpur earlier this year. She was the organiser and thanks to her, old friends were able to meet to renew friendship. It was a joyous occasion. She will be sadly missed and we will all remember her with fondness and as a very special friend, always happy and generous.
Farewell dear friend. Rest in Peace.
The Class of '62 had a reunion in Kuala Lumpur earlier this year. She was the organiser and thanks to her, old friends were able to meet to renew friendship. It was a joyous occasion. She will be sadly missed and we will all remember her with fondness and as a very special friend, always happy and generous.
Farewell dear friend. Rest in Peace.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Segamat
We have decided to travel to Segamat for an overnight stay on October 25th. Have not been back for more than a year. It would be nice to see the family again. I am really looking forward to savouring the famous Segamat durians again. I have it all planned. When we get to Segamat, the first thing we do would be to go for our koon-lo-mee for lunch. I usually have double helpings.
I guess I better call my brother to book dinner at that famous new restaurant in Segamat. Have to tell them to get me some soon-hock fish. I am really looking forward to this trip. I have been to many countries, seen many cities, but Segamat my little hometown still hold a very special place in my heart.
On a sadder note, a classmate of mine from Segamat has been suffering from stage IV cancer. I have been told she is getting weaker and she wants her remaining time with her family. She is in KL. We are planning a KL trip in early November. Maybe we will pay her a visit then.
I guess I better call my brother to book dinner at that famous new restaurant in Segamat. Have to tell them to get me some soon-hock fish. I am really looking forward to this trip. I have been to many countries, seen many cities, but Segamat my little hometown still hold a very special place in my heart.
On a sadder note, a classmate of mine from Segamat has been suffering from stage IV cancer. I have been told she is getting weaker and she wants her remaining time with her family. She is in KL. We are planning a KL trip in early November. Maybe we will pay her a visit then.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Travel Agenda
The next two and a half months is going to be rather busy for us. We are planning a trip to Segamat to see the family and another to Kuala Lumpur to meet up with some school friends and also for some shopping. KL has always been a place where we can literally shop till we drop. Things are cheap and the ringgits go a long way. Hotels are first class. We always pamper ourselves staying in 5 star hotels for around 50 GBP per night. The last hotel we stayed at was the Royale Bintang adjacent to the Curve in Petaling Jaya. It is a top class hotel with a hugh shopping mall next to it. Another part of the complex houses all the restaurants serving cuisines from many different countries. It is a convenient hotel and I think we will return to stay there on our next visit.
After KL we will be spending a week in Pattaya, Thailand. We have been to other cities in Thailand but this will be our first to Pattaya. On the return trip we might spend a night or two in Bangkok. After Thailand we are considering a few days in Hong Kong and Macau before Christmas. Christmas and the New Year will be spent in Singapore. We return to UK in early January.
After KL we will be spending a week in Pattaya, Thailand. We have been to other cities in Thailand but this will be our first to Pattaya. On the return trip we might spend a night or two in Bangkok. After Thailand we are considering a few days in Hong Kong and Macau before Christmas. Christmas and the New Year will be spent in Singapore. We return to UK in early January.
Garden Renovation - The Saga
The garden renovation promised by the contractor to take no more than 4 days has gone into its 6th day with no end in sight. Bad weather was blamed for the delay, but if you ask me it is just bad planning and management. Over the last few days they have been on the project, I have noticed that the 2 Bangladeshi workers were not putting in their share of the labour. One of them was sleeping on one of our garden chairs most of yesterday afternoon when the contractor was away. I guess one should not expect work dedication from the imported labour force. As they say, if you pay peanuts, you get monkeys.
I will be glad to see the back of this lot and get my life back to normality. The floor of the house is filthy with sand and mud and I have to walk around in shoes in the living and dining room.
It has been raining all morning - another day delay on the card ?
I will be glad to see the back of this lot and get my life back to normality. The floor of the house is filthy with sand and mud and I have to walk around in shoes in the living and dining room.
It has been raining all morning - another day delay on the card ?
Monday, October 15, 2007
Garden Renovation
We have decided that our garden here in Singapore needed a facelift. The mango tree at the centre of the garden has stopped producing fruits and we have decided that the leaves that accumulate on the ground while we are away could become a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
It has taken them 2 days to remove the tree with a chain saw that broke the first time out of the box, (made in China), and with lots of screaming and shouting the only remain is the hugh stump protruding from the ground. The plasterer has been busy cladding the wall but it rained heavily and some of his effort has been washed away. The concrete slabs that are to be laid have not even made their appearance. Completion has been promised for Wednesday night. At this rate of progress I would be pleasantly surprised if it is half complete by then. Thursday is my day in JB so they will not be able to work.
The team of workers on the job is made up of 2 Bangladeshis and 1 mainland Chinese. The Chinese has done his share of the work all morning but the other 2 took time off as soon as the contractor was absent.
We have decided to have a mosaic of concrete slabs seperated by 2 inch gaps filled with granite chips. It will be quite nice. We hope that we will not have to spend hours removing the weeds and fallen leaves each time we return to Singapore.
The plasterer has just completed plastering the walls - it is going to rain again and by the look of the sky it is going to be a heavy downpour. Poor fellow, he has to replaster the washout bits again.
It has taken them 2 days to remove the tree with a chain saw that broke the first time out of the box, (made in China), and with lots of screaming and shouting the only remain is the hugh stump protruding from the ground. The plasterer has been busy cladding the wall but it rained heavily and some of his effort has been washed away. The concrete slabs that are to be laid have not even made their appearance. Completion has been promised for Wednesday night. At this rate of progress I would be pleasantly surprised if it is half complete by then. Thursday is my day in JB so they will not be able to work.
The team of workers on the job is made up of 2 Bangladeshis and 1 mainland Chinese. The Chinese has done his share of the work all morning but the other 2 took time off as soon as the contractor was absent.
We have decided to have a mosaic of concrete slabs seperated by 2 inch gaps filled with granite chips. It will be quite nice. We hope that we will not have to spend hours removing the weeds and fallen leaves each time we return to Singapore.
The plasterer has just completed plastering the walls - it is going to rain again and by the look of the sky it is going to be a heavy downpour. Poor fellow, he has to replaster the washout bits again.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Trip To Johor Baru
On Thursday 4th October we journeyed to JB for some shopping and to check on the house. Not much have change to the house and the neighbourhood. Although situated near the Senai International Airport, the area is still not quite developed as expected. When the government of Johor announced the development of the Iskandar Development Region, a 900 sq km site, we envisaged a great transformation to the region. Our house is well within this region, so we had great expectation for the regeneration of the whole region. A year has passed since the announcement, but nothing noticeable has happened. We wait and see what the next few years would bring to the region.
Our house in JB is still the same, except maybe the grass in the yard has grown taller and more overgrown. Our watchman still makes his daily round, so we expect no damage to the property. The Indian lady across the road keeps a watchful eye over the property. For this I have always shown my gratitude. She has a mentally handicap son who stays home. Each time we visit JB I would bring him breakfast of roti prata, some sweets, cakes and drinks. He has become a great friend of mine. From a very shy and reserve boy during the early days, he has become a very smilely person and always rushes to the door to greet us on our arrival. Good to see a smile on his face on each of our visit. We visited the usual spots to shop, buy hooky DVDs and lunch. We decided on fish head curry which was very good as always.
My 2 weeks visa ends on Thursday 14th October. Looking forward to another trip.
Our house in JB is still the same, except maybe the grass in the yard has grown taller and more overgrown. Our watchman still makes his daily round, so we expect no damage to the property. The Indian lady across the road keeps a watchful eye over the property. For this I have always shown my gratitude. She has a mentally handicap son who stays home. Each time we visit JB I would bring him breakfast of roti prata, some sweets, cakes and drinks. He has become a great friend of mine. From a very shy and reserve boy during the early days, he has become a very smilely person and always rushes to the door to greet us on our arrival. Good to see a smile on his face on each of our visit. We visited the usual spots to shop, buy hooky DVDs and lunch. We decided on fish head curry which was very good as always.
My 2 weeks visa ends on Thursday 14th October. Looking forward to another trip.
Friday, September 28, 2007
Singaporean drivers
Our first night in Singapore and we were invited out for dinner. Having been in the UK for the last 4 months I have almost forgotten the Singaporean drivers’ manners when they get behind the wheel. It was a rainy night and the roads were all wet and slippery. From home to destination was no more than 10 kilometers. It took us about 40 minutes and I was bullied no less than 5 times along the way. I must say I do not enjoying driving in Singapore. Singaporean drivers have manners from the gutter.
Singapore is trying very hard to becoming a first world country. I have no doubt that they will achieve that with the way the Singapore government is going about it. However, when Singapore finally attain first world status, the mentality of Singaporean drivers must also be upgraded.
First world status with a population of third world mentality is futile.
When driving in Singapore I have to constantly remind myself that I am in Singapore and I have to expect the unexpected.
Singapore is trying very hard to becoming a first world country. I have no doubt that they will achieve that with the way the Singapore government is going about it. However, when Singapore finally attain first world status, the mentality of Singaporean drivers must also be upgraded.
First world status with a population of third world mentality is futile.
When driving in Singapore I have to constantly remind myself that I am in Singapore and I have to expect the unexpected.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Singapore again
We are now back in Singapore again. It has been 4 months since we left. Nothing has changed while we were away. The drive back home on the west coast from Changi Airport was as normal except for that there was a little more traffic on the road.
Four months away and the house was covered with dust. The floor was dirty and covered with a thin layer of black dust/soot from vehicle exhausts. Walking with bare feet resulted is black soles on the feet. The first job on the priority list was mopping of the floor. We then went to the local supermarket for our essentials and a little dinner at the foodcourt.
This morning I went out for my morning paper and my coffee at the local market. Sitting down at a table for my coffee and read my papers an old man in his 70s struck up a conversation by pointing to the headline on the paper and saying that there will be more trouble in Myanmar. To my great surprise he continued by saying that the same thing should happen in Singapore. From him I found out what COE and ERP stand for. They should stand for Certificate of Entitlement for car ownership and Electronic Road Pricing. He said they should stand for Certificate of Extortion and Everyday Rob People. He was a very unhappy man. I made a hurried departure from him as I was not prepared to be marked by any government agent who might be lurking nearby. I cannot afford to be marked as one who asks too many questions or who is too outspoken. I need my visa to stay in Singapore.
My next stop was to my vegetable seller friend. I greeted him by asking how he is and about his business. He too indicated a great downturn in his business since our last encounter 4 months ago. Things are getting harder by the day for ordinary people in the street he said.
Singapore is an economical miracle. The stock market is at a high peak and as a country it is doing extremely well. However, from the marketplace, people are whinging and grumbling at high costs, price hikes on daily essentials and transport. One comment often heard is that the great Singapore miracle is only good for a small percentage of the population. For the majority of Singaporeans things are getting tougher.
It is going to be an interesting 3 month stay here in Singapore. Who knows, things might change for the poor Singaporeans. It is changing elsewhere, why not in Singapore?
Four months away and the house was covered with dust. The floor was dirty and covered with a thin layer of black dust/soot from vehicle exhausts. Walking with bare feet resulted is black soles on the feet. The first job on the priority list was mopping of the floor. We then went to the local supermarket for our essentials and a little dinner at the foodcourt.
This morning I went out for my morning paper and my coffee at the local market. Sitting down at a table for my coffee and read my papers an old man in his 70s struck up a conversation by pointing to the headline on the paper and saying that there will be more trouble in Myanmar. To my great surprise he continued by saying that the same thing should happen in Singapore. From him I found out what COE and ERP stand for. They should stand for Certificate of Entitlement for car ownership and Electronic Road Pricing. He said they should stand for Certificate of Extortion and Everyday Rob People. He was a very unhappy man. I made a hurried departure from him as I was not prepared to be marked by any government agent who might be lurking nearby. I cannot afford to be marked as one who asks too many questions or who is too outspoken. I need my visa to stay in Singapore.
My next stop was to my vegetable seller friend. I greeted him by asking how he is and about his business. He too indicated a great downturn in his business since our last encounter 4 months ago. Things are getting harder by the day for ordinary people in the street he said.
Singapore is an economical miracle. The stock market is at a high peak and as a country it is doing extremely well. However, from the marketplace, people are whinging and grumbling at high costs, price hikes on daily essentials and transport. One comment often heard is that the great Singapore miracle is only good for a small percentage of the population. For the majority of Singaporeans things are getting tougher.
It is going to be an interesting 3 month stay here in Singapore. Who knows, things might change for the poor Singaporeans. It is changing elsewhere, why not in Singapore?
Saturday, September 08, 2007
Returning to Singapore/Malaysia
Another three weeks or so and we will be returning to Singapore and Malaysia. Just as well, summer is almost over and weather hasn't been too warm lately. Life has been pretty quiet over the last 4 months we have been here. Apart from the occasional visit to see Alexa our grand daughter we hardly have any contact with anyone else. Our 3 UK boys are all independent and hardly have time for us these days. Guess that is to be expected. They are all busy with their own lives and us old folks should not expect too much. I guess parents are not too high on children's priority lists in this modern time.
Back in Singapore and Malaysia we are closer to family and relatives. Looking forward to our regular visits to JB and the occasional trips to Segamat. Singapore isn't too bad, if one accepts the Singaporean way of life - impersonal and unfriendly.
I am really looking forward to visiting Segamat and KL in October. It would be good to return to Segamat to see Wee Ching and hopefully to KL to see Peng Yan again. Segamat has always been the place I call home. That is where my roots are.
Back in Singapore and Malaysia we are closer to family and relatives. Looking forward to our regular visits to JB and the occasional trips to Segamat. Singapore isn't too bad, if one accepts the Singaporean way of life - impersonal and unfriendly.
I am really looking forward to visiting Segamat and KL in October. It would be good to return to Segamat to see Wee Ching and hopefully to KL to see Peng Yan again. Segamat has always been the place I call home. That is where my roots are.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Just in time for visitors
No sooner have the renovations of bathroom, shower room and cloakroom been completed, we hear news of family members coming to stay with us. Next week we have relatives from London coming over to stay while their flat undergo a kitchen renewal. It is only a small kichen so I guess the fitting of their new kitchen will only take a few days. Our recent bathroom and toilet renovation took a total of 2 weeks. During that period we felt that it was better for us to rough it out rather than to impose on relatives. In order to complete the work as quickly as possible I had to work approximately 12 hours a day. During that fortnight I really felt my age. Made me realise that I am not as nimble as I was in my younger days. I am just now slowly recovering from my aching arms, knees, fingers and back. Next project on the card will be the renovation of our kitchen.
After the departure of our London "guests", I shall be looking forward to having my sister-in-law and daughter from KL for a few days in mid September. It would be lovely to have them stay with us for a few days.
Then in October we will have to return to Singapore. I cannot honestly say that I am eagerly looking forward to my trip to Singapore, but one bright spark in this trip will be I will get to visit Kl and Segamat. Really looking forward to that.
After the departure of our London "guests", I shall be looking forward to having my sister-in-law and daughter from KL for a few days in mid September. It would be lovely to have them stay with us for a few days.
Then in October we will have to return to Singapore. I cannot honestly say that I am eagerly looking forward to my trip to Singapore, but one bright spark in this trip will be I will get to visit Kl and Segamat. Really looking forward to that.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Back to old routine
We had Alexa for 3 days over the Bank Holiday weekend. Yesterday we had to send her back to her daddy at their home in Cobham. I must admit that I do miss her this morning. During the days she was with us, she brought back memories of the time when my 3 boys were her age. It doesn't seem so long ago when my own 3 boys needed me the way Alexa did when she was with us. Now my 3 sons are all grown-ups and independent. Contacts with them are rare. Well, I guess that I should not expect too much, lest I get disappointed.
Alexa is with her daddy and her nanny now. Looking forward to her next visit which I hope will be in a fortnight's time.
Alexa is with her daddy and her nanny now. Looking forward to her next visit which I hope will be in a fortnight's time.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Our grand daughter
We have Alexa our grand daughter staying with us for a few days. This is a very special girl, loving and a pleasure to have around. Ofcourse all grand parents say this about their grand children. Alexa is our only grand child and we love her dearly. We are hoping to have many more grand children, but for the time being, Alexa has given us all the pleasure any grand parents could wish for. Thank you Alexa.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Summer in Welwyn Garden City
More than a month has gone by since our return to the UK. It has been a busy month. There was much to do in the garden. The lawn was in a terrible state with grass and weeds about knee high. On top of that nearly half the lawn was covered with moss. It took me nearly 3 days to mow the grass, apply weed and moss killer and weeding the flower beds. Now the garden is in a more presentable state but the lawn is still not right. I guess it will need time to recuperate.
We have decided to renovate the bathroom, the ensuite shower room and the cloakroom downstairs. Much of the last couple of weeks have been devoted to the selection of bathroom furniture plus all the purchase of all the bits and pieces that go with such a project. The actual work has not started but the garage is slowly filling up with what will be installed. I will be glad when we finally complete the renovation.
The weather has not been too good. The promised hot summer has not materialized and so far we have had more than rain than the norm. The floods in the northern counties have affected many but here in Welwyn Garden City we have been spared.
Unfortunately owing to the wet weather we have not been able to organize our traditional summer BBQ. Instead, we have had a few steamboat dinners. However, we are still hoping the weather would allow us to hold at least one BBQ this summer.
Life in Welwyn Garden City is rather quiet and peaceful the way I like it. Unlike Singapore, Welwyn Garden City is calm and uneventful. We go for our daily walk, sometime stopping at the supermarket on the way for our essentials. Most days we just stay home, doing a bit of gardening, paint a little and follow the news to keep track of what is happening in the world. Lately I have spent many hours watching a 70 episode Korean story on DVD. It is all about the going ons in the royal kitchen in old Korea. I am on the 68th episode!!
I am looking forward to the next 2 and a half months here in UK. Singapore is fine for short periods. It gets boring after a while there. However I am looking forward to our October return to Singapore. I am anxious to get back to Segamat to see the family again.
We have decided to renovate the bathroom, the ensuite shower room and the cloakroom downstairs. Much of the last couple of weeks have been devoted to the selection of bathroom furniture plus all the purchase of all the bits and pieces that go with such a project. The actual work has not started but the garage is slowly filling up with what will be installed. I will be glad when we finally complete the renovation.
The weather has not been too good. The promised hot summer has not materialized and so far we have had more than rain than the norm. The floods in the northern counties have affected many but here in Welwyn Garden City we have been spared.
Unfortunately owing to the wet weather we have not been able to organize our traditional summer BBQ. Instead, we have had a few steamboat dinners. However, we are still hoping the weather would allow us to hold at least one BBQ this summer.
Life in Welwyn Garden City is rather quiet and peaceful the way I like it. Unlike Singapore, Welwyn Garden City is calm and uneventful. We go for our daily walk, sometime stopping at the supermarket on the way for our essentials. Most days we just stay home, doing a bit of gardening, paint a little and follow the news to keep track of what is happening in the world. Lately I have spent many hours watching a 70 episode Korean story on DVD. It is all about the going ons in the royal kitchen in old Korea. I am on the 68th episode!!
I am looking forward to the next 2 and a half months here in UK. Singapore is fine for short periods. It gets boring after a while there. However I am looking forward to our October return to Singapore. I am anxious to get back to Segamat to see the family again.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
