Gracy Bee

Culture shocks~

Posted on April 26th, 2007 by GracyBee.
Categories: Everyday life.

I’m surprised that I’m writing this because I never dreamt I would face such culture shocks in Singapore. Well, I did, and after a break away from Singapore for 7 years, I realised that I have lost touch with the local culture that I forgot how to handle! This is what happened.

While at work

I was looking at the documents while waiting for the aircraft to arrive. Then I come across in the telex this term C.I.P along with ‘a director of certain company’ at ’seat no.’ This means this person was on the plane. Well, obviously this term means someone important in the business world, but what does CIP actually stands for?

My kaypo trait appeared again, and I happily asked the police what that term means.

Me: eh..what CIP means ah?
Police: eh…..

Before the police can answer, this particular duty manager came.

She: aiyoh…u don’t know what this is? You should know that! Did you go for training? What training have you done? How long have you been here? Who are your trainers? Have you done staff training? Have you done line training? the questions went on….

Me: trying to answer all the questions shooting at me.

She: so what you know about CIP?

Me: well, I would assume Company Important Person.

She walked away.

HEY, YOU HAVEN’T EVEN ANSWER MY QUESTION!!!

Darn it! It is so rude not to answer when I asked a question ok? Esp when I’m new there and might not know such jargons! MOREOVER, we are not trained to handle VIPs and CIPs because it is not part of our job scope. SO go ahead and ask our trainers la….still wanna threaten me somemore. Waste your time only la!

Well, I told myself that the reason she didn’t answer my question is because maybe she don’t even know what CIP is. HAHAHAHA….possible right?

^^^^^^

Thinking about it again, I think that it is about the comfort zone (UK in this case) that I’m comfortable with and for the length of 7 years, make such incidents ‘culture shocks’. In fact, that was also the case when I first arrived in the UK, that after being in Spore for 13 years, I’m so used to Asian style that sometimes I can’t handle UK life!

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Facing such incident in UK, the culture there would handle such somehow differently. For once, they don’t shun failure and new trainees when they don’t know anything about the company. Rather, they would encourage and help you whenever they can. It is only when you know about it and yet make serious mistakes then they reprimand you. Generally speaking, the culture is like that. Of course, not all companies are like that. It still depends on the person you worked with. Having worked in 3 different places in UK, only one place are kind enough to help you. The other 2……*eyes roll*, that I still believe is down to what I am because they are all right with their own people.

Even that applied to Malaysia too. I faced more culture shocks in Malaysia than in Singapore, and that is because I’m not used to live such practices and don’t know how to adapt to local cultures.

Hence a simple list to show what I like and don’t like about different countries so far in my life.

UNITED KINGDOM

Likes

-Relaxing lifestyle
-Proper road structures and well organised maps
-Public transport (though many would argue that)
-Generally friendly people who helped, gave way, queued and smiled at people with no questions asked.
-Bank systems to a certain extent
-Good choice of free mobile phone contracts!
-The four seasons climate
-The sales!

Dislikes

-Free healthcare (yuks!)
-Strikes of all kinds: tuition fees, pay etc- can get very annoying at times esp when it affect you.
-Discrimination faced on certain occasions
-Old and dirty at some places
-They need a longer time to do certain things that in Asia can be done in a jiffy.
-Rigid and inflexible at certain ocassions.
-there are certain people who can get rowdy.
-the alcohol drinking culture - too much in pubs!
-The gloomy rainy weather
-Reasoning ideals are different

Singapore

Likes

-Public transportation
-Efficiency in most areas
-Safe
-Clean

Dislikes

-The mobile phones tariff - so stiff and expensive!
-Phone bills: why cannot itemised for free leh? Other countries do it for free and DETAILED.
-KIASU - everything must be listed out NO MATTER WHAT
-People’s mentality afraid to lose not only at work wise but on social level too, for eg…queuing
-Show off for seniority
-Do not accept ‘don’t know what this is’ mentality at work.
-Complains, complains
-The banks: changing personal details can take a week.

Malaysia

Likes

-local Pasar malam
-Food

Dislikes

-the education system
-the high cost of living
-traffic jams
-Public transport
-Poor drainage system
-Litters and rubbish when there are not enough bins!
-Expensive cars and tolls
-There are a lot more!

^^^^^^

Having lived in different countries for some point in life, I’m able to compare things here and there. And my point of view: there is no one really perfect place on earth, hence UK and Spore have their own good and bad points. So in time, I hope to adapt slowly and blend into the local culture whenever possible.

While I’m still musing with that particular ‘woman’, there is something that can cheer up my day. While I was waiting for my company’s bus at the roadside in the wee hours of one morning, this man came towards me.

He: Are you going to the airport?
Me: Yes
He: Do you need a taxi?
Me: No, thank you sir, I have transporatation arranged already.
He: Ah..I see, I thought you are late and need a taxi and thinking to call for you.
Me: surprised!

I really do not expect such to happen, at least from the last time I was in spore. Then, I don’t really count on people to be helpful etc. Now, after I have returned, I have noticed some little changes around. It is really nice to see such changes. The above is one example. I’m also starting to see people giving way at the escalators, MRT stations. More people are smiling these days. Of course, old habits die hard, and still see those kiasu pple la. Nonetheless, that is a good start, and hopefully more will come in the future.

As for the mgr, well, I see that as one of my jokes: something to cheer me up when I’m down at work….hahahaha

^^^^^^

UPDATE: today I met that woman again. Dang, is my officer for the flight. There she started her lecture again. *eyeroll*

And I finally know what CIP stands for. Nope, not from that lady but from other nice senior, who spent extra effort to explain all.

0 comments.

The flights

Posted on April 20th, 2007 by GracyBee.
Categories: General.

I’m now in the 2nd module of my training.

Today is my 4th day of OJT, with A as my departure mentor for the 5 days. He has been very helpful to teach me all the ropes to handle departure flights, and all the time telling me to relax and take things easy. Thanks to him, I’m ok with handling basics and simpler requests. He even let me do the flights all on my own for the last 2 days. Everyday is different. Even doing the same flights for 3 days also mean 3 different incidents and thus I’m learning everyday!

Tomorrow will be the last day I’m with him. Hence I do hope to learn more from him so that when I go solo on Mon, all is well.

I’m enjoying my job at the moment. Typically I’ll be handling 4 flights a day. Each day there will be different officers to be with us. Well, working with one another is not too much of a problem. I understand the fact that while working it is normal and inevitable to face difficult people. Well, that was what happened at work today. I have met with this offier J. And I don ‘t understand one thing. Why did she has to pull such a long face and be rude  for that 1hr and 20 min. I mean, c’mon, we have to face nearly 300 passengers at one go per flight and it is vital to be happy so that I can get through the flight confidently. With her around, the mood can be dampen and hey, she even get frustrated with passengers for something they don’t know….J, you didn’t go for training issit??

Geez…..officers……some are nice, I have to say, but some……………………

0 comments.

My Job Part II

Posted on April 17th, 2007 by GracyBee.
Categories: General.

Shawn wrote in my comment that why don’t tell other people about what my job is. Thinking about it, yeah hor….why not?? What is so secretive right?? hahha, ok la….giving face to Shawn being my ‘younger’ brother, then here I am!

^^^^^^

I currently work as Customer Service Agent in Changi Airport. Not a great pay job, and I have said earlier, this has caused some dismay amongst my friends and family, but I’m enjoying it at the moment.

I’m lucky to get together with my group members!! We are certainly a crazy and happy lot of people that bring me joy to work everyday! So much that even before you all can see us, you can hear us coming down from the corridor already Love all of you!

^^^^^^

Being a new trainee, we are trained to do arrivals and departures duties. So far so good. Didn’t even realise there are so much into arrival and departure of aircraft! Hence must be more careful at work!

As it is a mega corporation with thousands of staffs, there are inevitably some people that are difficult to deal with. Needless to say, I enjoy working with my fellow group members! We truly help each other wherever possible to help cope with the environment.Hopefully in the future, things get easier as we get to familiarise ourselves. Overall, I enjoy meeting thousands of people thronging thru Changi Airport, and meeting different VIPs and guests!

2 comments.

Liverpool

Posted on April 15th, 2007 by GracyBee.
Categories: Places.

I have promised Arlita and her husband Sherhan some while ago while I was still in UK last year that I will help them buy Liverpool football Club mechandises. And after some donkey months, I finally make my way there with T .

We planned a day trip there since both of us have to be back at work the next day. Off we went, at *forget-what-date*.

^^^^^^

As usual, we went there by train. Trains, it seemed are the only transportation we took to ‘faraway’ places. Coaches were cheaper but the timing were way too weird.

We reached there in the morning at 10am I remembered and it was a cloudy morning. Though we were kinda used to the gloomy weather, but heck what a bore when the day started with threatening dark clouds during summer period! We had KFC for breakfast and off we went to Liverpool Football Club before we set off to sight seeing.

aaah…….that man(Gerrad?) scored important goals in the World Cup for England!

After much debate what to buy, I decided to make long distance calls to Sherhan to confirm what he actually liked. Finally settled at 2 sunshades and 1 mini scarf. All for the car. Yeah, shopping done!

^^^^^^

We decided to start from the Wharf…aiyah…forget that name again.

The Wharf has quite a few attractions. One of which, was the Beatles shop; the art gallery; maritime museum etc.

While we were there, apparently there was a yacht competition that has just ended. The yachts were docked there to prepare to leave.

The yachts. I’m surprised to see Singapore Yacht there!

We took a short visit to the art gallery called Tates and the Beatles shop. But they don’t interest us though, so we left after spending a few minutes there.

The museum

 

Overlooking River Mersey

 

The cannon

^^^^^^

After the riverside visit, we decided to visit the city area. We took a long walk from the river to the Cathedral and Chinatown.

The Chinatown. The altar( is that what u called?) is the biggest in the UK

Not far from the Chinatown, there is the largest Anglican Cathedral in the UK. Wow. It is huge.

The Cathedral.

The Cathedral look like any other cathedrals from afar. But when you are at it, this is what

and how you will feel:

At the bottom. It looms over your head.

Very impressive in there, and the interior is unlike any other cathedrals I have seen. At least something new.

^^^^^^

On our way to another church, we came by these on the pavement.

Fake suitcases!

gasps! why are they there?!

Actually there is an explanation but forgot what it is la….:P

^^^^^^

Now we have reached another church, this time the mother of catholic churchs in the UK. It has a very modern design so much that, I don’t quite get used to it.

The mother of all Catholic churches.

^^^^^^

As the day went on, it started to get warmer and the sun is out!!!

After long walks to different places, before we set off, we wanted to go see this ‘Super Lamb Banana’. Strange huh, what is it…and we rushed to this place and we found it.

It is now situated in the financial district of Liverpool. Hmm…what a strange place to be in.

aarghhh….very heavy!

Finally it is time to go. We did managed to visit all the important places of interest, but we don’t have time for shopping!!!

One thing we realised about this city, there were throngs of people walking all over the place, but there were not much noises and clutters! People are actually whispering to each other!

A good day overall for both T & me. Way to go, Liverpool!

2 comments.

Stonehedge

Posted on April 14th, 2007 by GracyBee.
Categories: Places.

Towards the end of my stay in UK, I have been trying to arrange for trips that I wanted to go whenever time allows. This time, our Uni’s English department arranged a group heritage trip to the Stone hedge and off I went, on a Saturday!!

^^^^^^

I like archeology since I’m young. Stone hedge as I have read in books fascinated me and hence very curious to see how it is really like in real life.

^^^^^^

Before Stonehedge, our English Department also arranged to go 3 other places not far from the Stonehedge. Our first stop was Malborough (sound like the cigarettes name right? :P)

At the first glance, this little town is like no different from other towns in UK. However deep history lies here. This town is in existence since 1600s. Wow, and not only that, the buildings of 1600s are still around and SITLL in use. OOh…that is impressive.

The widest street

Malborough I heard used to be a big one- stop marketplace for trading. Hence this town has the widest road in the UK. See the pix? Not only that, the town is old, very very old. Evidence?

Evidence #1: The history

 

 

Evidence #2: Another history. See the date? Omigod!

^^^^^^

Next we arrived in Avebury. Here, we can find a circle of standing stones. Not sure what they are actually and not even sure why they are there in the 1st place. (oopss….supposed to learn heritage leh!)

The row of standing stones

 

With Felix

 

 

Somehow I like to take pix with stone to show how ‘tall’ I am.

^^^^^^

For the last 2 years’ summer in UK was a bit abnormal. When I first arrived in UK, the summer’s max temp was like 25 degrees. Now, the minimum is 32 degree and can shoot up to 38 degrees! Eh…at that point, I always wonder: am I in Asia or UK.

So that day, I remembered it was a very hot day and I started to get dizzy. Short nap in bus does help a bit, but the broken down air con doesn’t help. Alas…no air con in UK can be the worst thing that can happen cos the ventilation in buildings and vehicles are different from Asian ones and so can get pretty stuffy and hot.

^^^^^^

Stonehedge was our 3rd stop. I was quite excited when I reached the site. Stonehedge is at other side of the road and have to go there via underpass. Finally it loomed in front of me.

Seriously, I’m quite disappointed that there are barriers now that we can’t go into the site. rather, we have to circle round the Stonehedge. We have each a pre-recorded tape to provide more information of the Stonehedge.

Maybe because of that, I can’t feel and share the same sentiments and pride as the pre-recorded introductory tape of Stonehedge. I mean, they must have spent a lot of effort based on their enthusiatic voices. But sorry, I can’t relate to myself how Stonehedge was built, and imagined myself in there. Somehow, they are like normal stones to me.

Nonetheless, it still provide a good background for photograhy.

The Stonehedge.

^^^^^^

After Stonehedge, we set off to another place called Salisbury. Here is another historical site. We visited the Cathedral and the town.

This Salisbury Cathedral is unique due to their weak foundation of the building. Still, the building managed to stand firmly for few hundred years. Wow!

Salisbury Cathedral

AH……..world’s oldest clock mechanism?

The world’s oldest clock mechanism

Didn’t even know such thing exist!

Woah…what is this? U mean this dropped to earth 1 billion years ago?

As we walked out of the cathedral, we came by this. A sundial.

I don’t understand how come this is at somebody’s house?The below note is for the sundial

The error …ooops

And, a final note:

See how old this building is!

This end our journey for the day. Quite a tiring day. Ok la…not too bad for £13.

1 comment.