Some things that I want to say before sharing what I have done over there,
some things that I have noticed. From a Singaporean POV
1. Escalators
They were thoughtful and everyone observes the rule of standing on the right side of the escalators, to allow people who are rushing to move via the left side. Something we have to learn. But i must say that we are improving too, I see more people here standing on the left here in SG now :)
2. On MRT
They have lesser seats on the train when compared to ours, and almost everyone gives up their seats when they see those in need, elderly, those with infants, etc.
3. Roads
Motorbikes in almost every lane, alley, road, pathways. The cars vs motorbikes ratio is almost 50:50. But it is kind of uncomfortable, and "annoying" when you get motorbikes squeezing their way past you in a pathway that is about 1m wide. In places somewhat similar to our Bugis street, motorbikes are behind you once every 10 mins.
What seems to be walkways also have cars travelling on it, so it is a bit dangerous and confusing.
Traffic jams every morning and evening, during peak hours.
So i think Singaporeans are way luckier in this aspect. :)
4. Korean-wave, Hallyu in Taiwan
Everyone knows that hallyu is taking over the world now, it is even more evident in Taiwan. Taiwan, a site for mandopop, has been hit by the kwave, which can be seen from their tv programmes, on the streets, way of dressing etc.
Their TV programmes are 50% korean. Complete with Inkigayo, Music Bank, Music Core, Strong Heart, Dreamteam, 4minute'steacherprogramme, Idol Anatomy, Runningman, Invincible Youth and many more.
and a handful of local programmes covering kpop news etc.
Though some of the programmes and news are lagged by a few weeks, due to subbing.
kpop songs are heard playing in stores on every street. With groups ranging from SuperJunior, Girls' Generation, 2pm, f(x), Infinite, Sistar, etc.
KPOP DAEBAK!
will update more on places i went, mainly for shopping, as the purpose of this trip was really just to shop. (Shilin Nightmarket, Zhongxiao Eastrd, Wufenpu, Taipei Mainstation, Ximending, etc)
meanwhile, for conclusion,
I realised recently, since last year,
I've gained more interest in what i did not enjoy doing in the past,
like reading the newspapers, watching news broadcast, watching documentaries, channel newsasia, channel 5 etc.
I think besides the fact that i am growing up, maturing, or in a stage whereby i am curious about the world, IH (integrated humanities) and LA (language arts) lessons caused this sudden growing interest. I find the topics covered interesting, and the way of learning and analyzing the situations and various case studies made it even more appealing and made me want to know more. Being more "knowledgable", i am then able to understand what those documentaries, world news on the tv are talking about.
It is really cool to see something on the tv and say "oh yes, i know, i've learnt it in school before" and you will start thinking "hey, i want to watch that and learn more about the issues," and naturally, the programme becomes more interesting to watch. in the past, i never understood why my father loved to watch channel news asia, or the news broadcast. i thought those shows were unnecessary and boring. but now, it's not.
heh. will post sometime soon. annyeong!
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taengoo at changi. so freaking cute!
