Special Day-2

THERE were other reason why I could say yesterday was a special day. MPC able to convince KIA to sign preliminary cease fire agreement with 7 points content. As we know, KIA is latest insurgency yet to sign such agreement among other fellow rebel group. Anyhow reason for fighting with government, the victims are the locals who live in that area. So it is good news for all of our people to know that finally the meeting bear a fruitful outcome which will benefit the locals most. I am sure that the government's image also will be seen better than before. It would be perfect if the authority could control current spreading communal violence across the country.

Another reason to happy is that my eldest sister called me through free line, viber service. She updated her normal simcard to get access internet few days back. And she tested by calling me last night and we are amazed to see the quality of free call service. It is amazing to taste world's latest technology and no doubt technology has made our life easier with comfort. My sister told me that it cost her only Ks 2.00 per minute to call me. Compare to the cost I pay (S$1.20 a min), it is extremely cheap and quality of sound is surprise. We thought it is late to begin just now. My childcare going daughter shared me how she enjoys her first day in class. She said she got to clap after her classmates finished singing song. When I asked if she is singing as well, she replied, no Dad, I am just joining and yet to know the song by heart, that's why I am cheering my classmates by clapping upon finished. She is eager to go class and I am pleased to know that she had no problem with first day so far.

A good day has come and hope to see it'll continue.

Special day

TODAY is a bit special day for my family. First, my wife's employment pass extension is approved by this morning. If her application is not approved by today, she got to arrange air ticket for return home at least by temporarily. Second, my daughter joins a nursery class at home town in central Myanmar. As she is still less than 3 years old, her guardian aunts are worrying about her if she can stay the whole day away from home properly. The nursing service includes ferry for pick up and return to home. The headmaster asked my sister not to accompany our daughter on very first days and we let her go alone by the help of ferry car. The teacher said that she'll inform through mobile if there is any irregularities arisen. Until afternoon, my sister does not receive a call and she is happy to realize our daughter seem happy in the very first day at nursery. She always wanted to go school since 2 years old. My sister is a teacher and every morning my daughter sees her go to school. She always asked my sister when she could able to follow to school and my sister pledged her to bring school when age is right. Then she would ask for a snack when my sister come back home at evening. She is such a girl and now her dream of going school has become true.

Two days ago, my sister told me that she has registered our daughter at local nursery class. When I shared the news to my wife when she get back home, she felt sad as she cannot send her own daughter in registration. I consoled her as it is just for nursery and promise to send her when she go school at 5. This night, we got to give a call to my sister so that we could enjoy what have happened in this special day with our daughter. I am hopeful that she'll find no problem to attend school since her father and mother had no adverse records with school-going. We are not comfortable to know she is playing with much older friends at home before. Now, she can play with the same age and she is going to learn new lessons which are packed with fun, such as, poem reading, singing, playing new games, computing, and more importantly she'll learn how to cooperate with others in class. I am excited to see her again and guess what she will tell me when we go back home to join her 3 years Birthday in mid July.

Oh dear, try to be happy child life at your class. Learn new game and share good things with your new friends. Please forgive us for failing to accompany you at very early days of your nursery time. Your journey of education has been lunched today and we are committed to provide you the best possible supporting environment to the best of our knowledge and wealth. We sincerely seek your kind understanding. Happy nursery day, honey.

Who is responsible?

MYANMAR is best known for its natural resources. It is true that Myanmar is rich in natural resources. Top exporter country in oil, gas, precious stones, timber, etc. But  country is still in the status of least developed nation and its people are extremely poor. Everybody know that mismanagement for few decades has led us upside down from once most potential nation within a region to region's bottom most one. The military leaders systematically destroyed our education to kill people's thinking and rule by oppression. As a result, our country lack capacity on human resource and it make a handful of people become extra-ordinary rich and most of people driven to extreme poor. As middle class disappear, the iron fist ruler find its job easier to control people. They are talented on such bloody bad thing. But never hesitate to keep saying how much they are loyalty to the nation. Shamefully declared through public media that no civilian is better than army men in the ground of loyalty.

In the wake of government changes and wave of reforms, western sanction has been lifted and a lot of assistance flow in through NGO from donor countries. Country looks so pity toward outsiders and we are sorrowfully judged as a nation of war time. We are seeing that some country waived their loan on country and offer fresh loans to build badly need sector like infrastructure. The government is apparently proud to make some progress which is not visibly affect on ordinary citizen. The needy of poor become consistent and the government failing to address them. NGOs are performing to ease our people's plight. I read Clinton foundation's country access to help people get clean water. It is not something to proud of for the government despite we should welcome such manner. As an independent nation, we should take responsible for our people and take minimum assistance from others. But in reality, the government keep asking helps to outsides world. On the same time, they're not doing their part to help ease our people's plight. Instead, they put some harsh law in order to press people. Recent irregular appreciation of local currency is a good example to justify the policy maker's ability. It effectively hit bottom most people rock and make rich cronies and their relatives more richer. As long as the power is not given to a real capable person who love country most, such problem will continue happen to our country. I am sorry to seeing that but nothing I could do.

Rumors make us crazy

THEY said, if you have an internet access and able to write, you could easily become a writer. It is apparent true for nowadays people. Whatever government do, there would be some people voice to show their concern and give unlimited unasked advices on matter. So does opposition party leader, ASSK. As nobody perfect, we got to understand it. The more they are working, the more likely to make a mistake. We should judge a person by what he/she has done for society or country, not what they have spoken. It is obvious, some people are trying to defame somebody else to gain political status. We may not identify all mushrooming patrons. We cannot protect fellow online users writing nonsense comments and statements. But we could convince ourselves that the written articles are groundless or not and got the right to accept and reject it with immediate effect. Otherwise it is very likely to headache ourselves by reading rubbish news that make us bullshit.

May you able to protect yourself from online rumors.

144 headache

SOON after ASSK questioned on debating the usage of public security act 144 in parliament, another similar problem arisen on Lashio township. Another 144 forced out to restore peace in town and prevent spreading to other region. It's good purpose to issue 144 to prevent public interest and understandable. But people's concern is that why people violence keep happening after 144 was put in action. The security force are present across the town and some gangster like people are visibly making problem on road. They look like licensed problem-makers and security seem distraught with what they should do with the criminals. 

It make our people distrust in authority's act. It make us suspect on the ruling party's democratic process. Without insider's help, those out of law people cannot survive so far. If the authority keep closing the eyes on such criminal people, we are very likely to see series of 144 act all over the country. We definitely do not want to see such sectarian violence on our mother land. This is time to unite within people to resist potential fire makers. Otherwise, our country is at risk to return previous status.

Fire at the backyard

MPC (Myanmar Peace Center) is holding a meeting with Myanmar last stand rebel, KIO/KIA now. First ever in a series of meeting, this time venue was chosen on home soil at Kachin's capital city. Usually, both sides meet on either China or Thailand. This time, third parties like UN and other rebels group are attending the meeting with the request of KIA's side. In fact, KIA proposed government side to let US and EU observer attend meeting. The requisition was publicly rejected by government side by citing China's disagreement. We are so disgusting to learn that because the objective of meeting is about our internal affair, not belong to Chinese government. It clearly show that China influence on Myanmar's ruling party more than it should be. Let it be.

In fact, KIA and another strong rebel party, UWSA are Chinese backed insurgencies. Everybody who has a common sense know this true story. The question is that who is providing the weapon and bullets to these inland rebels? Without strong supporter behind, they can't stand that long enough to against government. But China keep saying they are not interfering other country's internal affairs on the other hand. But their action and statements are not matched on so many occasions. Recently, I read a bomb blasting news happened in India's western state. The bomb was set up by Maoist rebels who stay in the border with China. My Indian colleague said the Maoist's final destination is separate from India and combine with China. How come such thing happening between neighboring countries. No wonder India and China never have a fruitful tie in history. In the blast, 28 ruling party members and leaders were killed and wounded 37. India responded with 32,000 troops to hunt the offenders.

It show that China is not only interfere Myanmar's internal affairs but India's to generate maximum profit for them. Look at scenario, I do not understand why our leaders keep saying China is very good neighbor and we are grateful for their deeds. I think only a handful of people thank China. Most of citizen's hatred on Chinese dominance become silently bigger day after day. Our people will never say we are thankful to China for its activities on our soil.

Stop doing nonsense

THESE days, the day hacking of British soldier by two Muslim in central London has been world's headline. We are interestingly following how the British authority is responding the devastating case and prevent potential anti-Muslim strikes on road. Days after the case, there was another similar case happened on Paris's central shopping area, in which a Muslim man stabbed an on duty policeman and ran away. French police is still hunting the offender and keep saying the two cases are not related. Anyway, public anxiety are not something they can't prevent due to this two cases within a relatively short time frame. Some activists commented cautiously that two terrorist like criminals cases have been committed in public on the countries that respect human right. We are seeing problem solving by a wise authority without creating unnecessary public unrest.

Unlike in Europe, my countrymen are apparent no tolerance when they are seeing religious link case. Myanmar newly reformist government have been struggling with handling communal unrest, mostly between minority Muslim and majority Buddhists. As the problem come frequently, we begin to doubt if the hard liners within administration are involving in the series of unrest. While central town unrest has yet to settled, another flash case came in yesterday. This time in north eastern Myanmar town. The media said a visiting Muslim trying to kill a local woman with gasoline and firing. The victim was lucky to be escaped by locals people. The angry mob started to fire religious building and Muslim owned shops to express their angry against authority. We hate seeing such case one after another. But it keep coming. Why our authority cannot stop such nonsense case happening on our land? They should step down if they are unable to govern the country with the proper way for capable person I think. But it is always easier than done. As people see such case frequently, anti-Muslim behavior will become stronger among people and it won't help our leaders to build the nation they're trying to.

Murder or Suicide

EVERYBODY has their own standard based on where they're living on. I recently notice a news of American scientist's suicide case which is on-going at court following family's complain. The case was happened on one year ago. US scientist was found hanged himself against the wall of bathroom. There was a handwriting note by himself. If he is a citizen of developing country or poor country, the case would have been closed easily. But he is a US citizen and his family did not accept police report easily. They hired a profession to conduct the case. And issue statement that their son wasn't suicide and they insist it was murder instead by citing what they are finding.

Few days ago in Singapore court, the family suddenly boycott the court hearing in the middle of the day. Once media approach them for their act, they said, they are no longer confident in Singapore's court system'. They added that they felt the outcome are predetermine. What a dare saying against island state's well known system is it? The hearing ongoing and judge is hearing all witness before making final verdict. The Tod's parent also accused that police has not been doing their work properly since initial stage. They pointed some discrepancies between police report and their finding. The case has been followed by wide media coverage both local and international. Even some rumor said some producers approach victim family to make a film deal about the case. If the film become realistic, I think republic's image would be affected somewhat. For the time being, I am interesting to see what would be the final outcome from the serial investigation.

This crime case teaches me that US citizens are not easily surrender and their government officials are always ready to help their citizen in crisis regardless of the place across the world.

Stop power abusive

THERE is a concrete expressway in our country that link commercial city and newly crowned capital city. From the technical point of view, it is not appropriate to build a highway road by concrete and it is widely recommended. Though the reason uncertain for using concrete to build highway, it is apparent that former Junta wanted to build it quickly. Since opening that special road, there have been frequent road accidents on it. At first, people thought it is because road user are not familiar with the new 6 lanes road and drive over limited speed. Later after witnessing frequent fatal accidents, some technical experts started to voice the faulty road condition. The authority however keep blaming the careless drivers, lacking maintenance and old vehicles, among others. They always silent on the weak point of concrete road and also seem not to admit their fault on doing improper way.

Few days ago, there was latest fatal accident which claim 11 dead of passengers and one local daily highlight the series of accidents and suggested to review flaws on road and find possible solution with experts. Almost immediately, presidential office spokesperson defend the quality of highway by citing some technical article. It went wild and almost become viral online. A lot readership left comments to voice their opinions which mostly come to support private daily. One day after online fighting, the authority urged private daily run company not to use the highway by their delivery vans. Sound so ugly and I am shocked to read the news. I am sure my fellow citizens will also feel the same as me.

We all know that the private daily newspaper didn't write on editorial section regarding highway road quality for any wrong reason. It is media's duty to highlight wrong doing things among public and administration. As a republic, this is not strange and our officials should have expected critisim for their act. The papers are doing their jobs and they got to amend if they have made wrong. They got to defend if they are confident with their act. But using power/authority to ban those who are not going against their wills is not something right I think. Perhaps a group of officials are trying to create another unrest among people by generating another scandal. Hopefully, this unwise issues by official would be quickly addressed by higher authority or president.

May our young democracy nation able to move forward and free from any possible pitfalls.

No double standard please

ONE famous writer said mature democratic countries rely on tax rather than natural resources. It is obvious that a city state like Singapore has no natural resource to rely on like big states. But they can stand as a success nation. What made them real different among others? Perhaps, they are lucky to have a statesman in their early independent days. They tried to nurse a meritocracy based society and emphasis on human resource. Once their system starts work, they don't need to worry about success. It seem keep going and sustainable success for the nation of educated people.

I read a tax related article written by local writer with interest. He highlighted how a handful of people got privileged to avoid income tax or trade tax legally while others are paying their hard earn money. The parliament is now trying to amend prevailing tax regularities. Uncertain on whether widening tax base society or increasing the percentage of income tax. The writer wisely pointed out that the government should address the real problem attached to current bureaucracy which allow cronies and their relatives get special chances through their power. He added these people are a handful and approximately 10% of population and the remaining 90% are struggling to earn their daily necessities. He said, making those privileged people pay tax according to the la would generate more than squeeze 90% of poor and will earn the state more.

As long as lack of transparency exist, we, people, will refuse to pay their tax regardless of amount. The authorities should lead by setting themselves as an ideal people. What people thinking now is that if cronies can evade tax, why not us? If we pay tax, it will easily drain to the authority's personal account. Such mindset will keep discourage them paying tax. We got to change it by acting. We got to see rule of law against all offenders who evade taxes. Otherwise it is always easier said than done. The law should be level played for all individual if we are supposed to pay income tax, as a part of helping building our nation.

Fall in love with FB

THROUGH social media website like Facebook, it is very easy to spread news worldwide almost instantly. We're following news regardless of good and bad. We would be happy when we see good. Likewise we are angry when we see bad. Some people would leave their opinion on the comment boxes to release pressure built up on them from reading. We all must be wise to realize them and classify between fake and real news. It is most likely some articles are uploaded online in order to gain some political advantages. Some put the same thing to defame their rivals. 

If we allow ourselves to happy and angry easily, we're likely to affect our health in the long run. We got to take care our health especially while we are away from home. In frank, there is very less we could do with the things we see online. I am upset to see some people fought non-sense each other. They may not know where their comment goes. For side viewers, they are sometime ugly and when it come in foreign language, it even seem worse. Let it be, I just need to overlook when I am not comfortable with their comments. As a social people, we got the right to follow updated news so that we could know what's happening on our planet, especially on our homeland. Things are happening very quickly in our nation and we keep busy chasing with the things that are not feeding us. But we keep chasing one after another. In fact, we all have been addicted and already trapped in the social media world incautiously.

May all being able to free from virtual world.

Win-Win Game

FINALLY Japanese PM and its top business men are coming to Myanmar to encourage Japanese firms investing in the land of pagodas. We have been long reading news with regard to Japan's interests to counter Chinese dominance on Burma. But it was nothing more than speculation. Now it appears rumor finally going to bear some fruits. As Japanese economy downward for recent decades and Japanese are trying to find right formula to adverse the negative trend. Current disputes with Chinese severely affected Japanese firms working in China and it is apparent that Japan must find alternative place with urgent basis.

As a newly Asia's frontier market with 60 millions people, there has been no better time to invest in Myanmar now than before. Due to recently economic and political reforms, the western nations has positively response toward Myanmar, noticeably by lifting sanction against Myanmar. It pave the way for FDI who are waiting for lifting sanction. Japanese was one of few exceptional nations who haven't put sanction against our country during military regime era. As such, there were slim relationship between two countries during difficult time. It seem help Japan to quickly assess Myanmar's position right after changing system. It is apparent make Japanese firms one step ahead of its counterparts from western countries.

Amid Chinese dominance, our people are happy to witness constructive relationship with Japanese firms. We all are confident in Japanese technology and their environmental caring manner. In brief, it is going to be win-win game between Japan and Myanmar. Because Japan may able to access Myanmar's untapped natural resources while Myanmar will gain some jobs for its people. With the combination of newly firms from western countries, I believe Myanmar will achieve its goal within relatively short time if our authority wisely use the opportunities that come and knock at our doorsteps. I'm starting to count down for my return home permanently.

Dispute Culture

Nowadays, maritime dispute has been surfaced quite often on media online. South China Sea dispute between China and South East Asian countries, East China Sea dispute between China and Japan are most noticeable among others. Currently, Taiwan and Philippine case is the hottest affair and the world is watching the escalation of the matter. Taiwan yesterday showed their muscles by exercising open fire navy conduct closed to Philippine's border where recent incident has occurred. It started last week between Taiwanese fish boat and Philippine coastal guard in which 65 years old Taiwanese fisherman died by shot.

Philippine claimed it is self-defense to protect attempt of ramming by fishing boat. Taiwan demanded official apology and compensation to victim family. As Philippine side looks hesitant, Taiwan threaten to cut diplomatic tie and immediately freeze Filipino's seek for work pass in their territory. Once an apology issued by Phillippine, Taiwan see it insincere and insufficient. Hence, Taiwan continue to send their navy battleships and conduct exercise to show their anger. The US issued their concern and encourage both sides to exercise restrain. Why such things keep happening to Asia pacific region? We, Asian are conventionally considered peaceful race with gentle religion teaching. But we see more and more aggression among nations regarding maritime disputes. Fortunately, my country has no major issue with our long standing coastal line.

We say 'One people One World' and how do we achieve such goal without eternal peace in mind? Last year, ASEAN summit has failed to generate common statement in Cambodia due to different opinion among member states. Hopefully, world's citizen able to appreciate peaceful lives rather than conflict here there. In order to achieve that common goal, we must behave our considerate manner individually. Lets start peaceful act from ourselves rather than pointing finger to each other.

Save our environment

Residents of Kunming, China are protesting for the S$ 4bn oil refinery project at their home town, today newspaper's China & India section published and I read it interestingly. The factory will be designed to produce 10 million tons of refined oil annually and residents see it hell at their green environment. One said, we love blue skies with clouds as well as fresh air. They are demanding their government to reveal the plan to public before go ahead. Now provincial authority and developer company are holding meeting to address people's concern. What make me immediate concern is that what if the said refinery factory would be moved to our land. I am not sure if our authority would protect our environment which is already put under harm by trans-border oil & natural gas pipe line projects.

The news also reveal that the refinery factory project is part of Myanmar-China pipe line which is meant to open soon. It added the displeasure of people from both sides of border against the project and Myanmar side has announced for potential delay due to certain reason. As a Myanmar citizen, I perfectly know that my fellow citizens are extremely unhappy with Chinese development. On our map, Chinese's pipe line run across diagonally through our heartland. It look ugly and make our people heart broken. Some forest area has been cut to pave the way for pipeline project. Some farmers are yet to receive their compensation amount despite the project is closed to open soon. Some environmentalists highlight the environmental effect by the project. We knew that there would be some refinery factories developed by China before they pump out to China. Our authority see such development to create jobs rather than environment perspective. We should look for next generations to come rather than short term solving problems. Hopefully, our authorities will resist any development attached to danger with our environment.

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Honesty is best policy

Being new republic country, our citizens start to enjoy freedom of expression. More and more public protest/ demonstration are surfacing nowadays. Understandable that there are a lot of areas to be reformed for a country ruled by military junta for several decades. The problem is people who can't immediately change their way of thinking and working, especially at government service staffs. They are thinking that people must follow at their will. People are thinking that the system make their lives difficult so that corruption couldn't be avoidable wherever they go for government service. By 2010 GE, our country name instantly change as a new republic state. Question is "Are we really deserve to say so for the time being?". So many similar questions get unanswered.

There were visibly improvement in some policies to ease people's lives, car and mobile phone policy changed for instance. Reconciliation process seem progressed. Some burden of public press law removed. Censorship department dismantled and boost press freedom. All are welcoming moves. US & EU countries withdrew most of sanction and offered assistance we never got before in history. Our president's reputation up immediately and some awards were asides for him. Our president will go state visit to Washington to make another milestone. As the schedule is in sight, a committee is reviewing balanced political prisoner to be freed. It is noticeable that amnesty come whenever he goes outside country. I don't think it is something right to do. Our politicians are our assets and we should address them as a part of building our country. Instead, we are apparent freeing them as a bargaining strip against western communities. I am hopeful to see another amnesty to come shortly while Mr president is in US. Regardless of the reason, it is great to see real politicians escape from prison in order to take part the reform process. It is time to honest if we are about to catch up our neighboring countries.

May our President able to bring back home some fruitful outcomes.

Reflection

SHE joined our company soon after one MNCs bought our local firm. She was almost zero with the field we are doing at business. As new boss came in, system they prefer also bring in to exercise. We all are struggling with the new form of frequent reports at initial months. As a result, we made mistakes and disappointed to senior management. She however seem not affected by those mistakes and even make her seat firmer at the expense of existing long serving account staffs. Soon after she used to the system, she began to intervene other departments as well. HR, Engineering, QS departments staffs are not pleasing with her instruction. She act like a real boss. We previously needless to afraid anybody at work, even former boss.

She makes noises and demand by citing HQ's instruction. We all know that she is overacting and abusing her authority toward inferiors. As days gone, she also interrupt at other areas such as refreshment. Before, we could enjoy office sponsor lunch once a month at least. Since she joined, she cut them. Before there are so many foods and drink at pantry. She also cut them. Some staffs working at her disposal are fired by citing inefficiency. We never seen before our company fire its staff unless resignation. She is such a woman. But there is one man she take over care who is director of Asia pacific region. She would turn very hard working staff when he visits office. I hate such manner indeed. Press inferior and over respect superior is not a way all management staff should apply at work, I think. Yesterday, one insider news leakage that she is going to resign from our company. I don't want to think of reason. But I believe that in the long run, we all get what we deserve. Wish her find a good job in next stop with the best of endeavor.

Let people choose their future

GE2013 Malaysia has been done a week ago with a lot of stories. It has been recorded the most challenging election for ruling party. People are eagerly waiting to see result and it went the same as before infamously. Opposition party keep saying their seats were stolen by election frauds and demanding for investigation with their reports. First time in the history, ruling party has lost popular votes through main cities against opposition. It was people from rural areas who has saved ruling party for their seat. For sure it is not land slide win for BN and Malaysia seem divided between ruling and opposition parties.

There were serial public protests to show their unhappiness with results. Malaysia ruling party's mouth piece paper make situation bad to worse by publishing headline news entitled "What do Chinese want else?" The sound look racist and PM subsequently need to clarify with the publish. Malaysia's best known PM, Dr M also gave bold comment as "Ungrateful Chinese and Greedy Malay". I don't know why say so exactly. But I think it is everybody's right to vote their favorite party in general election for democratic country. Otherwise, we have to question with the degree of democracy on that particular country. 2015 is around the corner and Myanmar is going to brace with the general election again. Inevitably, we will see good fight in 2015 between ruling party and opposition party led by famous noble peace winner. Hopefully, our GE2015 will be held democratically and avoid the dirty tricks to protect our country's image.

culture reflects mindset

THERE is one Malay colleague at work who is working at safety department. He one day invited me to attend wedding of his sister. We all thought wedding of his own rather than his sister and surprised. It become more when I open the invitation card. First time in my life, I saw father of groom together with two wife in place on the card. I know that Malay men are privileged to marry up to 4 wives according to their religion permission. But I never knew it is also allowed that they can publish their wives together on their social cards. I respect the tolerance of Malay women who forgive their greedy husband. Let it be. It is part of their culture.

Recently I read a Malay news on strait time webpage with disgusting. I really can't understand with their culture. It is about a rape case against minor. The offender is 50 years old restaurant manager and victim is just 13 years old girl. After police report and put the accuse in custody, the man proposed to marry the victim in court and the girl's side agreed. The case closed. How come like that? Just wondering. If it is the case, where is the rule of law for minors? The man would be more than happy to marry daughter age bride. At the same time, he would have avoided the prison term. What if he later divorce the girl. I don't want to continue thinking. Let it be. It is their culture. 

I always concern for my country women who are working in that country. I myself have worked in Malaysia for 3 years in past and know the situation. I relay the message to discourage parents who want to send their daughters to such country. That is what I can do and hopefully they will give second think before they show green light to mouth-watering agents who can do nothing when our fellow citizens fall their trap. May all innocent person able to free from offenders and get prevention by the rule of law wherever they are.

Last Minute Shock

AS our flight back home will depart on 9:15 AM local time, we depart our hotel on 7:30am to ensure we are in time. We made appointment with the driver of yesterday sight seeing to pick us and bring to airport. We straight away went to check in counter. Before we reach there, our luggage need to be gone through scanner for safety. After we clear it, proceed with check in procedure to get boarding pass. When we reach the gate, it yet to open due to a bit early. We felt a bit relax and enjoy some breakfast on the seats nearby. Knowing some Indonesia money in hand, we decided to shop some presents and made some purchasing with our balanced cash.

After we passed the gate scanner, we were greeted by some counters which block outgoing passengers for collecting airport tax. We really didn't expect such thing in the last minutes. When I asked staff whether our air ticket price already included for airport tax, she replied, no, air asia passengers need to pay tax. She also proving me by showing other passengers who pay tax just like me. The problem is that we do not have enough local money. They charge Rp 150,000.00 per head and we need to pay for 5 person in total. Luckily, my wife brings some S$ for emergency use and paid by S$. In fact, Rp150000 is equivalent to S$20 but they charged us S$25 per head. We got no choice but to pay S$125 to clear the gates. After that there is one more gate for immigration check point and finally we reach waiting lobby to board our plane. Bali family holiday trip has given me several lesson and I got to value it. Thankfully, my daughter is fine and we could able to return home without much problem/trouble during our stay in Indonesia's famous resort island.

Sight Seeing

ON Saturday, we hired a car with driver to explore the island and it cost us 450,000 Rp for 8 operating hours including petrol. The hotel front-desk staff helped me find one through their link. I told driver the places we want to visit. We went Nusa Dua area first to witness famous beach where we took some photos. After that we continue to a batik workshop and whole-sale center for present. We got a chance to see how batik are made by hands. The price are not so cheap though they claim it is original place to buy batik. The price tag are as good as its quality. I liked a batik shirt and read price tag to see 500,000Rp (S$67). My sisters and wife bought a lot batik for them and relatives back home. 

Next, we continued to drive toward a beautiful Hindu temple. The driver asked us to donate some in the donation box which is placed on the pavilion. All guesses are needed to wear longyi like clothes which is provided by temple administrative staff. The longyi shape is tied by attached rope with the help of staff there. We are happy to witness ancient temple and took so many photos there. Later we realized that temple visiting is the most worth for our money for the whole day visit. Then, we moved to a restaurant for lunch. The restaurant seems expensive one and full of Westerner tourists. We feel hungry and enjoy some foods for 4 adults and 1 kid. In Bali, restaurants charge 20% servicing fees and we felt that it is not fair for us. Because restaurant staffs we encounters are paying more attention to European customers. We pay same for different service is totally unfair for us. Perhaps the restaurant staffs know by experience that European customers are more likely to pay tip for their service. My eldest comment at one point that I don't want to eat at restaurant with full of Europeans visitors. She might feel inferiors when she visit such restaurants.

After having lunch, we continue to go coffee plantation. It wasn't in our wish list. The driver recommends the place as a beautiful and we get nods. We reached there to upset only. There are several front staffs awaiting visitors in front of their nursery artificial park. One of their staff will lead each group to explain how does a plant used in making coffee or chocolate. We then reach a stop where visitors would be introduced with paid coffee. Once we refused to drink, the guide started to agitate us and asked if we are interested in chocolate, citing a baby. Then we are led to chocolate selling shop which is located inside their man made park. We find chocolate in display with expensive price compare to their quality. As we are hesitate, we bought one small pack of chocolate for 100,000Rp. We doubt driver and coffee shop are linked for certain reason. We quickly went back to the car and asked driver to go capital city of Bali, Denpasar Town. We go through city area and driver explained on the way. We look at them from the car only. The time is already up for 8 hours and we urged him to get back hotel. Otherwise we may have to pay additional 100,000Rp per hour. My family felt tiresome and wanted to swim in the sea that evening. It was about 4:30pm when we get back our room.

Crowdy Beach

AS Bali is known for its beautiful beaches, it is first priority for all incoming visitors I think. Other than beaches, there are other attraction that make Bali a popular tourist destination in the world. Bali has so many centuries old Hindu temples to be appreciated for all visitors. The night life are heaven for those who love clubbing and always packed with westerners. I asked driver how long do we need to explore the whole Bali island and he replied minimum a week. We got 2 nights 3 days from which only Saturday can be used the whole day for sight seeing. Hence, I need to carefully study and decide where should we go visit as time is extremely limit for us.

On Friday, it was evening around 5:00pm when we check in our hotel at Legian. Luckily our hotel is just 200m away from Legian beach and it took us about 10min to walk down there. We took a rest for a few minute and get out of room for beach. It is relatively crowd on beach. People going here and there. Some are playing on the beach while some are sipping their cups of beer. Some enjoy makeshift on-stage holo guitar show on beach. Some keep busy with taking photograph while some looking at surfer who are riding on the waves. Waves are sometime relatively big and make Legian beach turn wild. Some playing in the water while others swimming in and out. As we reach sunset time, we had no time to swim and we only took some photo and take a walk along the beach until we feel tiresome.

It was dark when we feel tired and hungry on the beach. There are a lot restaurants along the beach and most of them are crowd with customers who enjoy their drinks. The wind are cool and fresh coming across the sea. The neon light started to light the beach up. We decided to back road to avoid unnecessary accident by robbery. We don't feel secure on beach because beach light are not adequate to see clearly. As we feel hungry, we tried to find a good restaurant with local foods. We find it difficult to find because most of them are selling beers and related foods. Finally, we chose one to feed our hungry stomach. The shop is crowded with Westerners and a staff gave us a painting set for our baby girl. We ordered some local foods that look delicious. First time in Indonesia, we are not sure if the foods are as good as its price. We're waiting for our foods come in but it took longer than we think.

Going to the Hotel

I understand from online reading that there are 3 options to get a taxi in Bali, ask hotel service, use airport transfer and walk out of airport compound and get private taxi there. Despite I know airport transfer is monopoly and a bit over market price, I have no choice but to get its service. I have gained two unexpected lessons in the airport and don't want to create another. My family is just following me and I can't expect them to help me somewhat. A regular price in mind through my friend, I approached to a taxi counter to query.

Staff: Hello, where do you want to go?
Me : Legian (I tried to talk steadily to be looked like a person who is friendly with Bali)
Staff: One Hundred and Twenty Thousand Rupeer
(I tried to understand his speaking and counting myself that may look a stranger for him)
Me : Can you make it 100,000 Rp, Sir?
Staff: Nop, it is regular price. (he seem very confident with his demand)
I stepped backward and think a bit of opting walk outside premise and find a taxi. After short chat with my wife and consequence of unexpected cases, we decided to hire taxi from airport service. I need to pay cash down at counter and he return me a coupon and a driver come out of room to send us our hotel on Legian.

We followed driver to reach his taxi which is parked some distance away. He cannot speak English so much and we tried to enjoy Bali's road side view with full of statues. It was Friday evening and peak hour as people back home from their works. Roads are small and traffic start to jam and driver tried to avoid Kuta area to reach our Hotel. About half an hour driving, we reached the hotel we're going to stay during our holiday in Bali. We could able to sight a bit and hopefully there would be no problem with our online hotel booking next.

Luggage Headache

WE finally cleared immigration check after about 1 hour in queuing. Luckily, we were not asked anything about visa by officer. It is not easy move with a toddler in our group. After passing immigration, next task for me is to go collect our luggage at moving conveyor. I checked the monitor on the top of column so that I can wait in the correct conveyor for our luggage. I wait and see for 15 minutes and still our luggage haven't come out. I doubt the system and started to go around to check if somebody has wrongly pulled down our luggage. Also check if other conveyor line belong to our flight. There are few conveyor lines and I am sure we have waited in the correct lane.

In the small room, there are a lot tourists, visibly Chinese tourists from Hong Kong flight are busying with their luggage collection. The gathered their luggage in a specific area to counter check their belonging before moving toward custom check. I was going around the small room and unable to find our luggage. Ask some locals and airport staffs for help but no seeing ours. It took me about another half an hour and I decided to approach airline desk to report our missing. I asked one staff where is Air Asia office and follow his direction to reach the small office. When I reach there, I found my luggage in front of their office. I immediately realized why they have collected because we have been wasting a lot of our time at immigration check point.

When I talked to airline staff, he checked my luggage claim slip & passed it to me back. I noticed our luggage lock has been opened and hope nothing miss inside. I haven't check anything inside as the room is crowd with tourists and local agents. We tried to move toward custom clearance through green channel. I am not comfortable with Bali's exposure and a bit exciting with what's next for us waiting ahead. Soon after walking, we're finally reaching out of airport premise where a lot people waiting for their customers. Just like in Yangon airport, some are holding the placard with their guess names. Some taxi drivers are trying to get potential customers to the city. As I have read airport transport article through online, I walk with purpose to avoid their approach. My destination for that moment is of course, airport taxi counter.

Unexpected Queue

AS a part of family holiday, we went to Bali, Indonesia this year. Our daughter was sick when we went to KL, Malaysia last year and we took extra care this year not to repeat. Unfortunately, I was sick on the eve-day of departure. As air ticket and hotel are already booked, we went ahead thought I am not feeling well. It was really tiresome trip. We started to feel annoyed as soon as we arrive to Bali's international airport. I thought of better airport building to be greeted. It was a simple building with outdated structure. Compare to Singapore's Changi, Bali airport building look much inferior. 

As my friend told me that there is a counter for ASEAN citizen, I am looking forward that counter for the ease of troublesome by long snake queue. As indoor directory signage are poor, I need to ask several time to apparent locals and officers. I asked my family to wait for me return and looking around to find ASEAN counter which I never found. The closest sign pertaining ASEAN is for Apec delegates and diplomatic holders. After realizing I couldn't find it, I started to queue in the line of foreigners just beside local lane. 

When we are queuing up, I see some people shouting "express, express" and approaching queuing visitors. I gave attention to them and understood that they're insiders/ agents who is linked to immigration counters. When fellow passengers asked how much they charge for their service, one said, "50,000 Rupee per head". I saw some western couple agreed with them in order to save time. As we are group of 5, I can't afford to pay and no choice but long queue until our turn. I noticed that there is only one counter taking care of visitors that make thing more difficult and jump. I am seeing other passengers from next plane joining us. A female officer from a single counter is also speaking at her mobile and making her duty further delay. I think of my country's immigration officer and realized why Indonesia is known for its corruption. The first lesson I learn from Bali make me really sweat.

Glaxy Girl

APRIL is a special month for my family at least. Because my daughter visit us month long holiday here and we got family time to enjoy together. She has been quite different from last year visit this time. As a two and half years old girl, she is curious with almost everything she is seeing and hearing. The nearby adult would be busy to keep answering her serial questions. She learned quicker than we thought. We bought a tablet for her in advance and downloaded some educational app to convince her. She seem happy playing game on her tablet. She will never complain whenever she is playing something. Last time, she would cry if there is no adult around. Now, she keep busy with learning new things on her tablet.

One day, my eldest sister who is a teacher and guardian to our daughter back home said, "I must learn basic thing on how to use tablet before we went back home". I asked, why and she replied that "I don't want to be taught by your little daughter". Another younger sister joked by saying, "don't bother child's words". Eldest sister claimed, "No,no, no, whatever she told me is right on tablet and I have to accept it". I am pleased to listening their conversation. Everyday, my wife and I are going to work and we are leaving them at our room together for the whole day. My daughter keep playing with her tablet and know by heart what app is for what. Some app we even don't know how to play. We're amazing with her learning skill and hopefully our invest in the Glaxy Tab-2 is worth for her education. Now, she can play angry-bird game, paint several things, learn vocabulary, match broken things, read story, listen ABC songs, try 123 games by herself. I initially worry of her eyes due to long using tablet. I am hopeful, she could able to access latest technology and it will help her somewhat in the early days of her education life.