written way back: December 24, 2004
5:30 pm
Just arrived at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Shenzhen, China after crossing the border from Hongkong. I've realized that the economic state of a country can be judged from the cars rolling along its streets. I spent the 2-hour car ride from Honkong's international airport to the border just staring out the window at the blurring cars and highways. I never caught sight of a dilapidated pick-up or a worn-out sedan. I did see dozens of BMW's and Mercedes-Benz's though. Upon crossing the two suspensions bridges in Hongkong, I couldn't help but frown slightly. They were magnificent indeed, more like art than transportation infrastructure, but they made me feel even worse about the current conditions of the roads in the Philippines. It's hard to believe that we used to be on top when you look at the way things are today. But it's the truth, we were once on top. Now, we're on rock bottom. Bedrock. Fred Flinstone compared to George Jetson. (What an analogy! =)) But you get my drift.)
Anyway, housekeeping just came by to turn the beddings for the evening. She started talking in really fast Mandarin and all I could do was smile and point at the only bed that needed fixing. It's a bit embarrassing to have to tell the people who speak to us in Mandarin here that I can't understand what they're saying. (I do understand some parts, but then, I can't communicate what I want to say back in return.) I fit in so well here looks-wise, the same way I did in Taiwan. I don't even know if it's more embarrassing for them to have mistaken me for a local, or for me to be Chinese and not know the language.
Still, you can't really blame me, blame the education. It's sad but I probably learned the most Chinese in my last year of high school than I did in my other 12 years in ICA. (Sorry Sr. Dina if by some strange twist of fate you decide to surf the net and find this.)
Now, before my stomach starts making any sounds that the person sitting beside me might hear *thinks of something and laughs* I think I should go grab something to eat. I know I put that Ritter Sport somewhere here. *rummages through my bag*
5:30 pm
Just arrived at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Shenzhen, China after crossing the border from Hongkong. I've realized that the economic state of a country can be judged from the cars rolling along its streets. I spent the 2-hour car ride from Honkong's international airport to the border just staring out the window at the blurring cars and highways. I never caught sight of a dilapidated pick-up or a worn-out sedan. I did see dozens of BMW's and Mercedes-Benz's though. Upon crossing the two suspensions bridges in Hongkong, I couldn't help but frown slightly. They were magnificent indeed, more like art than transportation infrastructure, but they made me feel even worse about the current conditions of the roads in the Philippines. It's hard to believe that we used to be on top when you look at the way things are today. But it's the truth, we were once on top. Now, we're on rock bottom. Bedrock. Fred Flinstone compared to George Jetson. (What an analogy! =)) But you get my drift.)
Anyway, housekeeping just came by to turn the beddings for the evening. She started talking in really fast Mandarin and all I could do was smile and point at the only bed that needed fixing. It's a bit embarrassing to have to tell the people who speak to us in Mandarin here that I can't understand what they're saying. (I do understand some parts, but then, I can't communicate what I want to say back in return.) I fit in so well here looks-wise, the same way I did in Taiwan. I don't even know if it's more embarrassing for them to have mistaken me for a local, or for me to be Chinese and not know the language.
Still, you can't really blame me, blame the education. It's sad but I probably learned the most Chinese in my last year of high school than I did in my other 12 years in ICA. (Sorry Sr. Dina if by some strange twist of fate you decide to surf the net and find this.)
Now, before my stomach starts making any sounds that the person sitting beside me might hear *thinks of something and laughs* I think I should go grab something to eat. I know I put that Ritter Sport somewhere here. *rummages through my bag*
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