Archive for February, 2008

Why we like Singapore

Posted in Uncategorized on February 19, 2008 by Bhaskar

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The ‘we’ refers to us Indians.  Lots of expats living in Singapore describe it as a ‘regime’ led by ‘control freaks’. Everything is so bloody organized, controlled and planned in this nice land. So is it bad? There is less chaos, well visibly less, I’m sure they have their problems, but they manage to keep it hush hush. To the visiting tourist this place seems so nice and peaceful.

Lots of Indian tourists prefer to head towards Singapore. Seriously Singapore flights are full with families looking for a ‘nice’ fun holiday.

So why is it that tons and tons of Indians love Singapore? Is ‘our definition of fun different? Is it because it’s got everything we haven’t but desperately want.

 Like -  

It’s safe

It’s clean

It’s small [tiny]

It’s organized [ok regulated]

Good public transport

The bus stops at the bus stop

Cars stop when the traffic lights turn red

People aren’t out to cheat or kill you

You can walk around in this city!! [So what if it’s humid]

Cabbies don’t go round and round before dropping you off in the same block!

You don’t get mugged or manhandled [at least that’s the perception]

People are more interested in white collar crimes

English isn’t their first and only language.

They grant us a visa in the first go!!!!! Ha ha ha 

This brings me back to our definition of fun. I think we are desperately seeking ‘certainty’ in our lives.  We want to be able to know that we won’t get left behind if we miss the 10.05 bus. We want to know that the missus can go out on her own, or with the men and no one will get drunk and try and act smart.

I think we’re desperately seeking security and certainty in our surroundings.

What if ……

Posted in Uncategorized on February 15, 2008 by Bhaskar

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I was traveling by train recently and the compartment I was seated in was occupied by an Indian couple and a Japanese family3. [Parents and a young girl of say around 10]. The Indian’s smiled and made nice friendly gestures and so did the Japanese  

What I noticed was that the young Japanese girl was wrestles and wanted to ask the Indians questions. So she started off in Japanese and the Indian lady in English, both looked puzzled for a while and I really don’t know what happen but they started using sign language, visuals and well gestures and got their messages across.  

After traveling for 6 hours they parted with each others address and telephone number. I was really amazed at what I had witnessed. Like in most cases people would juts smile and go there separate ways [not talk at all]. Here the Japanese family let their kid change seats and constantly ask the Indian lady what certain things were [ by pointing at them ].  

In short I like what I saw.  

It left me wondering what would happen if all of us spoke the same language.

Think about it !! Just think

What happen to ‘Namaste’

Posted in Uncategorized on February 11, 2008 by Bhaskar

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In Thailand, Ronald folds his hands and does ‘Swadeekha’ in true thai styel. How come He doesn’t do ‘namaste’ [ Folding you hands and greeting someone]  in India? I’ve been to a lot Of McDonalds but haven’t seen him say ‘namaste’. Sad

We did ‘Indianize’ the menue, i guess we forgot the culture part! Yup sounds like us.