News Item: : Meet me in Shanghai!
(Category: News)
Posted by Ba
Friday 24 August 2007 - 16:24:47
Sometimes I wonder if my entire life is already written down somewhere. I'm reading the book of my life, except I can't turn the pages to read in advance what comes next. If not for my current project travel, it's possible that I might not have reunited with a couple of friends that I haven't seen for 30 years. Nicky on the left was my room mate in the U.K. when we studied together in the '70's. Boon Chai on the right was another U.K. bound student at the time we were there. I'm almost ashamed to admit I can hardly remember how I provided him with a place to sleep on his arrival, so he said. I left for Canada in 1978 while the 2 guys continued their education in the U.K. Some 30 years later, we would arrange to meet for dinner in Shanghai. Truly amazing.
Until now I have no idea that I have friends in high places. Not that I expect or hope my life will change in any shape or form. Boon Chai is an executive with B.P. in Shanghai, while Nicky runs his own consulting company in Singapore, specialising in corporate finance and corporate restructuring. Me? I'm just a worker bee. I live in a world of self service where I do everything myself, whereas these guys pick up the phone and things get done. As Nicky puts it, I live in a 3rd world country. Canada, a 3rd world country? Well, compare with Asia Pacific, yeah. These guys have it all, while we just grind things day-in day-out. In more ways than I can describe, Nicky is right, philosophically. In any event, I'm extremely proud of these guys and very happy to see them being so successful. I had the time of my life meeting them in Shanghai.
Shanghai is indeed out of this world. Signs of Capitalism are everywhere. As my friends put it, this is the place to be. Not sure if I can ever get used to it though. This is my first trip ever to China. I never thought of seeing palm trees in Shanghai (huh, is this Florida?). The modernization and life styles are unimaginable, if you've never been here. Forget what you see on TV in North America. Come here and see for yourself. You'll realize how advanced the place is, and how much freedom and luxury that people enjoy. I'm thinking ... I eat to live, while people in Shanghai live to eat. Watch out for traffic while you're on the street. Actually, taking a taxi gives you a ride of your life. The pedestrian is king in North America. Not here. Trust me, you don't want to drive. You'll be in awe by the number of luxury vehicles on the road. Gosh! This is the People's Republic of China, right? I wonder. Having seen this place, it seems China will continue to make progress while we continue to dig ourselves into a hole in North America.
Well, I have another week here, working but also enjoying my stay at the luxurious and heavenly Pudong Shangri-La. After that, I return to my 3rd world country that I love, come hell or high water!
Just for old time's sake, click here for a picture of Nicky and me when we were students in the UK.
This news item is from bkwon.net
( http://bkwon.net/news.php?extend.58 )
(Category: News)
Posted by Ba
Friday 24 August 2007 - 16:24:47
Sometimes I wonder if my entire life is already written down somewhere. I'm reading the book of my life, except I can't turn the pages to read in advance what comes next. If not for my current project travel, it's possible that I might not have reunited with a couple of friends that I haven't seen for 30 years. Nicky on the left was my room mate in the U.K. when we studied together in the '70's. Boon Chai on the right was another U.K. bound student at the time we were there. I'm almost ashamed to admit I can hardly remember how I provided him with a place to sleep on his arrival, so he said. I left for Canada in 1978 while the 2 guys continued their education in the U.K. Some 30 years later, we would arrange to meet for dinner in Shanghai. Truly amazing.Until now I have no idea that I have friends in high places. Not that I expect or hope my life will change in any shape or form. Boon Chai is an executive with B.P. in Shanghai, while Nicky runs his own consulting company in Singapore, specialising in corporate finance and corporate restructuring. Me? I'm just a worker bee. I live in a world of self service where I do everything myself, whereas these guys pick up the phone and things get done. As Nicky puts it, I live in a 3rd world country. Canada, a 3rd world country? Well, compare with Asia Pacific, yeah. These guys have it all, while we just grind things day-in day-out. In more ways than I can describe, Nicky is right, philosophically. In any event, I'm extremely proud of these guys and very happy to see them being so successful. I had the time of my life meeting them in Shanghai.
Shanghai is indeed out of this world. Signs of Capitalism are everywhere. As my friends put it, this is the place to be. Not sure if I can ever get used to it though. This is my first trip ever to China. I never thought of seeing palm trees in Shanghai (huh, is this Florida?). The modernization and life styles are unimaginable, if you've never been here. Forget what you see on TV in North America. Come here and see for yourself. You'll realize how advanced the place is, and how much freedom and luxury that people enjoy. I'm thinking ... I eat to live, while people in Shanghai live to eat. Watch out for traffic while you're on the street. Actually, taking a taxi gives you a ride of your life. The pedestrian is king in North America. Not here. Trust me, you don't want to drive. You'll be in awe by the number of luxury vehicles on the road. Gosh! This is the People's Republic of China, right? I wonder. Having seen this place, it seems China will continue to make progress while we continue to dig ourselves into a hole in North America.
Well, I have another week here, working but also enjoying my stay at the luxurious and heavenly Pudong Shangri-La. After that, I return to my 3rd world country that I love, come hell or high water!
Just for old time's sake, click here for a picture of Nicky and me when we were students in the UK.
This news item is from bkwon.net
( http://bkwon.net/news.php?extend.58 )