Though the One-Child policy in China managed to control the population growth of the country (I hope it did), it has spawned a new problem for its citizens - a generation of spoilt brats. Before I illustrate their doings, I must emphasis that not all of them are spoilt. I personally have chinese friends who did not display such behaviours to the slightest bit and too are irked by the ugly behaviours of their countrymen.
Incident 1
It was part of the orientation programme to visit the Royal Palace in Munich. As a picnic is expected, many brought their own food along. This incident happened between my taiwanese friend and a you know who.
My Taiwanese male friend prepared a sumptuous sandwich meal for himself and another Taiwanese girl in the group. When the chinese girl(about 18 or 19 years old) saw the delicious sandwiches, she approached the guy who was sitting with me.
(Translated from mandarin)
Spoilt girl: Wow, your sandwiches look delicious
Guy: I just made them with whatever I had.
Spoilt girl: Can I have one?
Guy: Sorry, but I only made enough for myself and the other girl.
Spoilt girl: How about you give me yours?
Guy: (gives a awkward smile) Sorry, I can't.
Spoilt girl: (She brought some normal bun from the supermarket) How about I exchange my bun with your sandwich?
Guy: Sorry, but there's not enough.
At this point in time, the spoilt girl was giving a pitiful look hoping for the taiwanese guy to relent while he continues to give an awkward smile. Then she finally relents after a couple of minutes and buy something from the cafe.
Apparently on another trip a week later, she approached the taiwanese guy again to ask for some lettuce, which I have no interest in finding out the details.
Incident 2
It was also part of the orientation that there was a welcome party at a club near one of the dorms. My Singaporean friend bought drinks on behalf of a few of us and apparently the girl from the previous incident was one of them. After 2 cocktails, the girl appears to be drunk and slumps onto a chair outside. As we were also about to leave, we were discussing about some stuff next to them. Then out of nowhere....
Spoilt girl (18 or 19 yrs old): Hello... (Pointing to my friend) hey you!
Singaporean guy (23 or 24 yrs old): yes?
Spoilt girl: (gesturing with her index finger) Come here!
Singaporean guy: (walks over)
Spoilt girl: Here's the money for the drinks just now for me and the other girl. (hands the money and slumps back to her chair)
Singaporean guy: Takes the money and continue talking to me.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
The spoilt brats of China
Monday, April 20, 2009
Living in Munich
Munich has one of the World's highest standards of living. In fact most western European cities are expensive when compared to places in Asia. But how expensive are things here?
The expensive list (1 euro is approx = S$2)
1. Frozen chicken (whole): 2.19 euros
2. Ice cream with cone/cup: 0.6-1.2 euros/scoop
3. Durian (yes they do sell it here): 15.99 euros / 0.5kg
4. Fresh seafood: from 1.29 euros/100g
5. Watermelon: 1.99 euros/ quarter
6. Transportation: 1.2 euros for 2 stops on the S/U-bahn. Travelling in groups of 5 is most cost saving at 9 euros/day for all 5 people. Ticket for one from airport to city centre will cost 9.20 euros for just 1 trip, again the day ticket makes more sense.
A typical meal(main dish only) here in Munich would set you back by at least 5 euros in cafes, and about 8 euros in restaurants. For the ill-informed, there is NO hawker centres or kopi-tiam here.
Not everything here is expensive, there must still be stuff that is cheaper than anywhere else. Local products are indeed cheaper than imported goods, in fact some can be so cheap, its unbelievable.
The cheap list
1. Potatoes: can go as cheap as 0.99 euros/ 5kg
2. Dairy products: e.g. ice cream (tub): 1.2 euros for 1 liter tub
3. Alcohol products: Beer can go as cheap as 0.5 euros/ 500ml bottle (pfand not included)
4. Mineral water: 0.19 euros/ 1.5L bottle
Some people may lament at the high cost of Eurail passes, but if you have the time, its well-worth to learn about the Deutsche Bahn(DB) system.
The Happy-weekend ticket entitles up to 5 people on unlimited travel for either Saturday/Sunday from 00.00-03.00 the next day throughout Germany by regional trains. (37 euros)
The lander ticket is a state ticket which entitles up to 5 people on unlimited travel on DB, metros and buses within the state for the day by regional trains (weekdays 09.00-03.00, weekends 00.00-06.00 the next day). (28 euros)
My recent trip to Northern Bavaria with 4 other exchange students only cost me 15 euros for transport for 4 days and 5 cities. Some planning in advance and getting to know the DB system will save you a lot of money while in Germany, of course the Eurail passes allows you to take the superfast Inter-City Express trains.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Saturday, April 11, 2009
The short-lived spring
When I first arrived in Munich on 24 March, it was snowing. Before I left for Spain on 25, it was still snowing in the afternoon.
When I returned from Spain on 2 April, clutching the same thick jacket I was wearing when I left Munich, it was all shiny revealing the arrival of Spring. Leaves started emerging from the buds and flowers started blooming this week.
Yesterday temperature starting soaring past 20 degrees Celcius, the sun was up with no clouds across the sky. It certainly has a hint of Summer that couldn't wait for Spring to be over.
The main difference in weather here is that though its sunny, its still cooling and slightly drier than Singapore. You do not sweat after just walking for 5mins under the sun. The dry weather creates static on the clothing where you can hear the short-circuiting by just running your arms over the blankets. Its a eye-opener at night when the lights are off and it just seemed like lightning has descended upon you.