Thursday, October 30, 2008

Xiamen vs Singapore

One should never have a mindset that China is a backward country; many a times, their system works cleverly for control of their immense populations.


1. Public Buses. We were impressed with their transport system. Though without the Mass Rapid Transit, the public bus transport network was efficient and never over crowding, except during peak hours of 6-7 pm.

Their many bus service numbers overlaps each running routes meaning we don't have to wait for a specific bus number to board - there are more than 1 bus number for our destination, waiting time is therefore minimal.

For a net price of $1 Yuen per person, we could travel any distance.

Bus routes were clearly displayed (in Chinese only) and as tourist, you don't have to worry about missing a stop as the buses stopped at every stop. Yeah, you don't have to flag them down either :)

I kind of miss their buses while cramped on the MRT ride this morning.


2. Traffic Signals. There's the 'Countdown' display for both the pedestrians and motorists, which feels somewhat better than just having amber lighting which you may experience sudden brake to stop as it turns red.



3. Going Green. We were caught unprepared and forced to getting used to bringing our own bags for purchases made ranging from supermarkets, bread shops and even fashion outlets.

Their nation wide ban on use of plastic bags was truly commendable; everyone have their own recycle bags.

We really should step up our efforts here; limit 1 plastic bag to 1 customer perhaps - cos' it's really inconvenient when you buy a lot at the supermart and found your bags ran out.


4. Renaming of Bishan Rd (in Gulangyu Island) versus our 碧山路.


5. Service Charges. No +++ in restaurant dining!! It's such a breeze and rather not getting used to dining without paying for those extra charges. Even tea and serviettes are not separately charged - unbelievable!

Only a +4% above our hotel room charges.


6. Channel Surfing. There are 60 free-to-air channels from our hotel room, channels from Inner Mongolian, Beijing, Xingjiang and Chongqing the various China provinces.

Which channel are you on now? There are 6 on my guessing list :)


7. Bargain Hunting. Don't be too happy when the retailer finally gave way to your bargaining, the norms are that the weighing machines have already been calibrated to their advantage ;)

Buying from the Mega Marts is safer, but do note that items are priced by per 500 grams and not per kg. They've got Carrefour, Wal-mart, Trust-mart.


8. Train Spotting. Ric spotted this long truck; i don't suppose we have this in Singapore?

9. Cheers! The cost of China beer is about Y$3 a bottle here. They're light & smooth to drink; we share a bottle almost everyday :)

10. Watering. It's watering of the public road as this keeps the atmosphere cool and fresh from dust. Cute "Happy Birthday" tunes play from the water truck as it moves along.

All in all, it's still Home Sweet Home.

I was on a start with a flu and cough, and guess it's time to go home to mom's home cook goodness. And we were happy to be back after our tireless roaming in a strange land.

Our home coming was greeted with the coziness of the Changi Airport Arrival Terminal, hefty taxi charges and of course, a good home-cooked dinner i much missed.

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