Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Traffic Traffic Traffic Everywhere Everyday!

I know. Everyone complains about traffic and I am no different! 90mins to get home! That's not the first time it happened!

I drive pass 2 ERP gantries everyday, pay my roadtax, COE and I make an effort to leave home early, and yet, I am caught in traffic almost everyday. Seriously, ALL the measures to curb traffic FAIL BIG TIME! I continue to get penalized for policies that do not work!

And they recently announced 40-50% downpayment - depending on your OMV. What are they doing to solve the current traffic jams on the road? Having a car may not necessarily be a luxury for some people/ family. It's a necessity. I really pity the newly weds and those with young families - how can they now afford to buy a car in future? And the old folks who have been driving all their lives, they too probably can't afford to get a new car once the COE to their current car expires!

Everytime when I travel to Jakarta, Bangkok or even Malaysia, I keep telling myself that I should be thankful the roads in Singapore are a lot better - even with traffic we can still make it to work on time. I am beginning to think otherwise now. Recently I noticed that I use traffic as a reason for being late. I get SMS messages from staff telling me they will be in late because they are caught in traffic or they just cannot get a cab.




Thursday, February 07, 2013

Random Conversations - New Citizens, FT


Me: So, ABC have you been following the debate on Singapore 6.9m population

ABC: Yeah. So many people already.

Me: Did you get to vote?

ABC: Yes, Twice (and he said it proudly)

Me: Good, come 2016 you know who to vote

ABC: Are you crazy? If I do that, then my Singapore citizenship will be revoked!

See if a new citizen is so scared shit of our current government.

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Over lunch with an FT.

XYZ: have you taken our new company car?

Me: Yes, it's HUGE!

XYZ: did you have a conversation with Simon

Me: hmmm yes... why

XYZ: he has so much to say about your gahmen. If he is not happy, he can always migrate what

Me: Easier said. Singapore is not your home, he grew up here and has family. And at this age, he should be at home playing with his grandkids instead of working. But he needs the money... he said everything is so expensive how to survive.
Would you retire in Singapore? Will this be your home?

XYZ: no.

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In a car ride in a foreign country

Nano Nano: I think I can see myself retiring in this country. Maybe I should buy a property

Me: Yes, you should. You can definitely afford it.

Nano Nano owns property in SingaLand (3!) and in UK

Nano Nano: When its's winter in UK, I can always come down to this place, chill by the beach, go to the hills.

Me: Good life ah. No need to work. Got rental from Singapore to support your lifestyle.

Nano Nano:  :)

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