Cultural Exchange
Was in KL from 17 Nov till 19 Nov. No particular reason. Did the usual shopping and eating at the usual places. Yup, my diet (see previous post) had to take a backseat these 3 days. Caught the movie 'Chicken Little' there, it was hilarious! One of the best movies I had seen this year. Kept me entertained and laughing from beginning till end. Unfortunately, it opens here in Singapore only in December. Do catch it when it comes.
I have always like visiting Malaysia (or at least the states that I had been to). Its near and convenient. Due to the physical proximity, I am comfortable enough to feel at home yet its different enough for me to feel like a tourist.
I think Malaysia has a lot to offer us which we had taken for granted. As it is so near to us, somehow we tend to forget that there are still intrinsic differences between us. Cheap shopping and eating are not everything. When we visit countries like Europe, China, America or closer ones like Vietnam, Taiwan or even Hong Kong, we tend to take more time and effort to explore and appreciate the people and their lifestyles. We try to understand their idiosyncracies and peculiarities. Although ultimately we don't fully understand them, we accept them. Somehow, we don't apply this in Malaysia.
I witnessed this unfortunate incident in my hotel lobby.
A Singaporean car drove up to the hotel entrance and a guy went up to the concierge. His disposition was not pleasant at all. Initially, I thought that the hotel had probably done him a disservice. But upon closer observation, he was complaining that there were no parking facilities in the hotel. And when the concierge and the bellboy were trying to give him directions on the nearest parking available, he bellowed at them saying it was just "so lecheh". Without even saying thank you, he walked away muttering to himself.
The hotel I was staying is a medium size one surrounded closely by other buildings with no parking facilities. Now, if you are driving up from Singapore, don't take for granted that like Singapore, almost all buildings come attached with parking or at least has some nearby. Do some research or call in advance to make sure. If you want to be darn sure, pay more for a more prestigious hotel where you are guaranteed to have parking facilities.
Above all, you have no right to complain and shout at the staff for your own bad luck and ignorance. And what were the staff trying to do? Doing their utmost best to appease you and direct you to the nearest carpark. I know that not all Singaporeans are this rude and unreasonable but when you are travelling, you represent your country. If I am a foreigner, unfamiliar with Singapore, my thoughts after witnessing this incident will be:
The hotel staff's graciousness and patience in making a visitor feel welcomed. Truly Asia.
The guy's ugly and arrogant behaviour in a foreign land. Uniquely Singapore.
I have always like visiting Malaysia (or at least the states that I had been to). Its near and convenient. Due to the physical proximity, I am comfortable enough to feel at home yet its different enough for me to feel like a tourist.
I think Malaysia has a lot to offer us which we had taken for granted. As it is so near to us, somehow we tend to forget that there are still intrinsic differences between us. Cheap shopping and eating are not everything. When we visit countries like Europe, China, America or closer ones like Vietnam, Taiwan or even Hong Kong, we tend to take more time and effort to explore and appreciate the people and their lifestyles. We try to understand their idiosyncracies and peculiarities. Although ultimately we don't fully understand them, we accept them. Somehow, we don't apply this in Malaysia.
I witnessed this unfortunate incident in my hotel lobby.
A Singaporean car drove up to the hotel entrance and a guy went up to the concierge. His disposition was not pleasant at all. Initially, I thought that the hotel had probably done him a disservice. But upon closer observation, he was complaining that there were no parking facilities in the hotel. And when the concierge and the bellboy were trying to give him directions on the nearest parking available, he bellowed at them saying it was just "so lecheh". Without even saying thank you, he walked away muttering to himself.
The hotel I was staying is a medium size one surrounded closely by other buildings with no parking facilities. Now, if you are driving up from Singapore, don't take for granted that like Singapore, almost all buildings come attached with parking or at least has some nearby. Do some research or call in advance to make sure. If you want to be darn sure, pay more for a more prestigious hotel where you are guaranteed to have parking facilities.
Above all, you have no right to complain and shout at the staff for your own bad luck and ignorance. And what were the staff trying to do? Doing their utmost best to appease you and direct you to the nearest carpark. I know that not all Singaporeans are this rude and unreasonable but when you are travelling, you represent your country. If I am a foreigner, unfamiliar with Singapore, my thoughts after witnessing this incident will be:
The hotel staff's graciousness and patience in making a visitor feel welcomed. Truly Asia.
The guy's ugly and arrogant behaviour in a foreign land. Uniquely Singapore.
posted by Wee Cher at 9:15 PM
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