Reflections of another HK visit

Just got back from my Dinner and Dance party in Hong Kong and stayed at Happy Valley near the racecourse, where the event was held. I noticed on one of my cab ride, just located nearby is the Hong Kong Sanatorium. The rent in the shopping areas of Causeway Bay is known to be one of the highest in the world, near that of London's Sloane Street and New York's Fifth Avenue.

It was peculiar to me as in why did the Hong Kong Government build a Sanatorium in a prime area whereas in Singapore our Sanatorium otherwise popularly known as Woodbridge Hospital or IMH (Institute of Mental Health) is thrown as far as possible to a secluded area called Buangkok. If you are living in Singapore and have not heard of it, well SMRT build a subway station there but chose to keep it close for years until the population can support the cost of maintenance/operation there(try googling "White elephant cardboard Singapore") - Now we know how they made their millions.

Does the mentally ill have less rights of a normal person and they should be flung into far away, obscure places? Why is it so hard for Singaporeans to accept foreign workers dormitory around their neighbourhood or even a elder care facility in their void decks of public housing? Worried that their property prices will be affected? I guess this is what you call leading by example. I am slowly seeing the waterdown effect of our governing body to its people, where money and power is so important, we choose elitism over integrity. No wonder these days we hear of top civil servants or teachers and principals; educators who are suppose to lead, educate and protect our children; caught up in the web of deceit, sex and immoral activities. With a first world parliament taking days to debate over their million dollar salaries, while the real important issues take a backseat. Why did no one argue about where to locate a sanatorium? Or argue about the rights and subsidies for the less privileged classes of citizens?


 Yes, pay me first before we talk. Gone are the days of real passionate civil servants. We have MPs talking about being paid high or risk upholding their lavish lifestyles. I wonder how DISgracefuL one civil servant can be, and how their kids will grow up? This is a sick disease which came from the very top and is now seen fusing with our society today. Money and profits are more important than catering to the society, to the public. Why make a difference in the society, it's on its way down to hell anyway.

 I hope someday, somehow, our government can understand what they have created, and we pray that they have time to undo the damage they have created. Feeling sick (sniffles and coughs) after I got back from Hong Kong, not sure if was the weather or just the sick environment I am living in these days.

Happy Chinese New Year

Yes it is that time again for bah kwa, for pineapple tarts and for friendship...and not forgetting the time for weight gain. Just not too long ago we celebrated New Year and before that Christmas, hardly any chance for enjoying a break from good food and good company. As I get older, I am starting to realise that good company is hard to find. I am starting to get bored. Some reunions or gatherings started to become all too obligated. Not sure why I am feeling like that. Perhaps I am getting older and time is becoming a precious commodity? Or have I been filling my head with more info and out seeking for better advice or better conversations? Life is an every changing process. Some people are meant to drop off; we are suppose to make new friends, meet new people, learn new things. And every one of those experience can be a positive or negative experience. The most important thing is knowing which direction do you want to go. Because the journey is not over till "The Fat Lady sings". Like my driving in a foreign country, often I get lost, make a U-turn or reroute or find a new road to get to my destination and sometimes, it brings happy experiences perhaps a more scenic drive. All in all, you never know what you are going to get, till you make that journey. Good or bad, we have to take it all.

My drive towards Dufftown with my wife as we missed a turn but we saw snow-capped mountains!

Benchmark

All the talk about bench-marking ministerial salaries. Here's the new bench mark for MPs. Now step down disGRACEFUl, money driven civil servants!

Misunderstood

Everyone and anyone can get misunderstood. I wish people can take time to see things, smell the roses. I bet God has his little secrets and ways to show the world that there's hope, if we take our time to find it.

New Year resolutions

Was told I haven't been blogging much about myself lately and unlike previous years, I seem to have not made any New Year resolutions. What's different from previous year is that my resolutions will be closely tied with someone else. Looking back

2011 2009

Seems like I forgotten to write one in 2010. Now what happened in 2010? I guess this year, I resolute to talk less and think more as all married men should be. And also make more resolutions which is for couplehood and family. To get my new place up and running and also to ensure my whisky collection grows! That's all with keeping it simple and of course, not forgetting to love my wife and always keep a bag of tricks up my sleeves to surprise her and always there to make her laugh. That is what all married men should do as well. ;)