Busy....

I have a lot of things to do and other tasks fall me one after another. I barely catch up with all of them. The bad thing is that their deadlines are not very clear. All are "As soon as possible but not like 'by tomorrow!'", so it's hard to decide which one to do first.

And many of them require me to consult my colleagues so I have to adjust my schedule to theirs, which, sometimes, can be an obstacle for me to concentrate! :P

If you look at the bright side of being super busy, your salary will increase because you work overtime, time flies when you are always catching up the schedule, and you will have a good feeling of achievement when everything's done, hopefully.

hmm I need to talk to somebody to refresh my mind!

すっぽん

安心院（あじむ）地区で有名なすっぽんを食べに行ってみた。亀の一種？らしい。

味は魚みたいで、骨は鶏肉みたい…。生血をオレンジジュースでわったものも出てきたけど、においを嗅ぐだけで十分でした………。

いい経験になった、という感想(笑)。

Malay food

It's unusually hot and humid there days! I just cleaned my humidifier a week ago and I already need a dehumidifier this week.

This tropical weather reminds me of everything in Singapore.

General Election in SG

I happened to visit there at the time of general election which will be held for the first time in five years.

Currently Singapore is ruled by one political party; "People's Action Party". Nowadays several opposition parties are geining popularity among young citizens. Many of the older generations like those in their 40s and 50s, are supporters for PAP. The ruling party lead Singapore's development from the scratch after its independence in 1960s, my friend told me. As they saw the fast, progressive development from nothing, they trust PAP.

Young generations, on the other hand, think that PAP's regime is too strong and is not a healthy state of a government. If the only ruling party takes a wrong path, nobody will be able to stop them; that's what they are concerned about. In addition, they argue, there are so many things that need change, a drastic one. Increasing housing prices, shortage of job opportunities, congestion in public transportation, aging society, and military spendings which account for 6% of its GDP.

Although people have different political views, they are all concerned about the future of their country and thinking carefully which party to vote for. Unlike in Japan, everyone is paying close attention to the rallies and manifestos of each party. I'm just wondering what the voter turnout will be.. I suppose it will be higher than it is in Japan.

Talking politics with my Singaporean friends, I thought "oh no I don't know much about politics and Japan's system!" It's time to subscribe a newspaper and discuss current issues with other people!

Tomorrow is the polling day.

"Later go where?"

Typical Singlish (Singaporean English) is characterized by shortened and simplified sentences like Mandarin. They think that "Where are we going later?", the correct full sentence, is too long so they just make it like "Later go where?" probably because they are used to speaking Cantonese, which often lacks subjects and has flexible word orders.

It is sometimes hard for even other English-speaking citizens to understand what Singaporeans are talking about. A bit of knowledge about Mandarin will help. For those whose mother tongue is not English, though, getting used to Singlish too much might not be very good because it could confuse the proper English structure they learned.

I emphasize, however, that there are quite a few Singaporeans who try to speak correct English, to become more neutral. It would be easier for foreigners and at the same time, be beneficial for the Singaporeans too because it makes them competitive.

Chinese funeral

There are so many China-originated people in Singapore so many of the community is like a Chinatown. I saw residents display many kinds of lucky charms on the wall or the door, Chinese Buddhist temples and people practicing yoga thing in the community center.

In Chinese tradition when someone passes away, their family keeps the body for 3-5 days so that the friends and relatives can visit them. their friends and relatives attach many towels and blankets to make a big "banner" and put messages on it saying like "Rest In Peace", "You will never be forgotten". The banner is several meters long and they display it outside their flat. After the funeral, they can use take the towels and blankets apart and use them.

Quite interesting custom, totally different from what Japanese people do.

Trip to Singapore

Talking with fast-speaking Singaporeans, I think I got back some of my English. I was surprised how slowly the newscasters speak!

But I realized that learning a certain language in childhood is an advantage. Kids are so fast and efficient in acquiring a language or even two at the same time! My host daughter, nine years old, speaks excellent English and Chinese and she translated Chinese books for me. Using two different tongues is not a problem to her.

Especially because I stayed at my friend's house, not in a hotel, I can say that living in a foreign country is good. I enjoyed exploring new places. Encountering different customs, unfamiliar systems could be tiring or difficult, but overall I see them as a good experience. They will certainly broaden your mind and way of thinking.