Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Chankrisna
We all make mistakes one day or another. But you know what? Experience is what people call their mistakes. The choices we make may not always turn out as hoped. Everything is a learning experience, though the lessons of life are not always easy to accept, especially those that we have no control over. All we can do is learn from our mistakes and the wrong choices made, and aspire for a better tomorrow. For the rest, enjoy and appreciate each moment in its own sweet time.
Life has its cycles, like the spring, summer, autumn, and winter seasons that pass us by regularly during the course of a year. Like a tree, we must withstand the heavy rain, harsh wind, and chilling temperatures that we may encounter. Only through such adversities can a tree become stronger and survive to see the spring, and blossom to its full potential during the summer time.
Chankrisna means tree in Cambodian. Humanius est deridere vitam quam deplorare (from Seneca in Latin, it's better to laugh at life than cry over it). So courage in yourself, and keep smiling and laughing!
Monday, March 26, 2007
True Colors
In many Western countries, it is quite in vogue to be tanned. To Westerners, people who are tanned like myself represent a population from one of those exotic islands. We also represent those who seem fortunate to vacation and travel often to sunny destinations. There are numerous Westerners who spend quite a bit of their precious time attempting to look tan. Some Westerners have had great success in getting nice tans, while others, well, let's just say not everyone was created equal.
On the other hand, Asians in general, especially in Asia, prefer white people or light skinned Asians. To many Asians, being white is a sign of great beauty, high class, and elite. That's why we see so many white Asians on TV for instance. Even if a white Asian was not more handsome than a tanned person, the white Asian would nevertheless be considered more handsome. It is such a trend to be white, that in Cambodia, although this not healthy in the long run, many girls would regularly peel of their skins in an attempt to look white.
In the West, people try to look tanned, while Asians who are tanned try to look white. My friend from Senegal says it's the same thing with African girls. Hey, like Sting sings in his song "Englishman in New York", "be yourself, no matter what they (people) say." People who are truly sincere will see and accept our true colors shining through. So we shouldn't be afraid to show our true colors, like a rainbow ...
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Public Opinion
Recently, whether it be stress or something else, I lost my cool and got mad. I mean, who are these people to judge us? Of course my reaction was uncalled for. People only see what we portray to them. For those of us who are discreet, people will always have a misconception about us. Sometimes I feel I have to prove to people or justify what I do due to all the misunderstandings and misconceptions. It is tiresome at times, and now it really does not matter anymore. I suppose that goes back to my post with regards to the Wickhams and Darcies of the world. We live in a superficial and materialistic world, and people will always look at the surface of a person, and not into them.
Dr. Seuss once said the following: "Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." It is true that we should never be enflamed with public opinion. With what people may say, some hold water, and some don't. Only those that really know us can truly understand and be of good judgement.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Running Out of Time
This reminds me of last year when I had returned from Cambodia via Singapore. I had to transit at Singapore, and retrieve my boarding pass for my final destination. In order to retrieve my boarding pass, I had to take a number and wait to be called. Patiently sitting and waiting for my number to be called for over 2 hours, I see on the TV screen that my flight is boarding! I was running out of time! So I rushed to the counter in front of everyone to announce that I had to get on my plane and board. Immediately, I got my boarding pass and rode a golf cart with an Indian employee from Air Singapore. The man zigzagged the golf cart like Ralph Schumacher throughout the airport for over 1 km, while honking and screaming at everybody to get out of the way! "Hello!" "People!" "Excuse me!"
When I had first arrived to Cambodia, a cousin of mine had just passed away on the very same day. For those that believe in superstition, absolutely not a good omen for the rest of my vacation. So it was only fitting that my trip would end on a stressful note as well. My last trip to Cambodia is by all means one to forget. Although difficult at times, I have learned my lessons now, and so has the Airport of Singapore. It now seems that people are given their boarding pass right away upon transit. Upon my next trip to Copenhagen, I'll be sitting right next to the boarding gate ...
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Upside down
Friday, March 16, 2007
So Different?!
Yet, as we get to know one another, we are not so different after all. We all enjoy eating exotic food like sushi, Thai, and Indian food. In fact, I have come to learn that many of us have travelled and worked in Hong Kong. Consequently, we have alot in common when it comes to talking about travelling and Hong Kong. I always knew that "momentai" meant no problem in Cantonese. Now I have learned from one of my colleagues that "yaomentai" means big problem in Cantonese!
If we look deep enough and take the time to understand one another, we come to find that although we all are unique in this world, we do have many things in common. So regardless of what religion or country we may come from, we have so many similarities to build on. We should respect our differences, but use our common bonds and interests to build a better tomorrow for the common good.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Sushitarian
I have finally found her!
For the past three months, I have been to Copenhagen seven times already. Rarely did I ever see the sun shine as much as this week. According to the kind and gentile taxi driver I met yesterday, he informed me that the little mermaid was not far off from where I was staying. Upon sunrise, I set out on foot with my camera in search of the little mermaid. On my way, I encountered numerous beautiful white swans, also immortalized by Hans Christian Andersen’s tale "The Ugly Duckling". After walking 20 minutes, and inquiring a kind Danish jogger, I finally found the little mermaid, seating upon a rock ...
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
I've Got Sunshine
More photos here.
Monday, March 12, 2007
Zen
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Travels
I remember visiting Brazil not long ago. Leaving the airport of Sao Paulo, everything was green and a jungle. I'd see the local police upon my arrival, but they looked more equipped than your local reserve guards or militia. Many of the apartment buildings were surrounded by walls that looked like prisons. Yet inside, people never lock their cars ... The people there were quite warm and friendly, despite the high crime rate. Everywhere you went and met someone, you'd see someone giving you a thumb up. I was like, me number one? But really, it was their way of greeting you and saying hi. Eating at a grill restaurant was even more interesting. The waiters would bring an entire piece of meat for you. Every 5 minutes, they would bring another meat before you could even finish. Sometimes, even an entire roasted animal! In America, we often talk about the melting pot. I can tell you one thing, Brazil is also definitely one big melting pot. Many of the married couples there are interracial marriages between the local Indians, Europeans, Africans, and Asians.
Hong Kong was interesting as well. Based on all the movies I have watched, I always envisioned Hong Kong as a city full of skyscrapers. Upon my arrival, what I saw were beautiful green mountains. The transportation is quite efficient, and simple since there aren't too many stations. The must see sight is Victoria Peak. It is not bad, but the most beautiful view is from one of those tall skyscrapers. The view from one of those buildings is simply and absolutely breathtaking. There's so much to say about Hong Kong, the nightlife, the food, the people ... once in a while you run into some celebrities. Supposedly, I once was eating desert next to some famous DJ, and ran into some TV host at a local restaurant. Cool huh? What impresses me the most about Hong Kong, is not so much the touristic aspect, but the cultural or camaraderie among friends. My friend there had a network of friends everywhere. We had someone to tour us in Shenzhen, and another person who specifically took the time to show us Macau! Wow, I felt quite special la. And in Hong Kong, friends are always fighting to pay over the bills, even when they’re broke or unemployed! Absolutely unbelievable.
Cambodia is different though since I had no expectations at all. When visiting a developing country, it is better to not have any, and just appreciate and enjoy each moment as they come. If anything, travelling to a developing country is an experience no book can teach you. One thing that really shocked me in Cambodia, is the camaraderie among men. I mean, men would hold hands or put their hands on your lap! If those things were to happen in the west, I’m sure I’d be running as fast as I can! You say crazy right? If we recall ancient history, it was very common for Greek men to be intimate then.
Ah, the joy of travelling and discovering other cultures.
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Free at last ... Almost
Friday, March 9, 2007
Listen and Communicate
Alas, the dating game and dealing with relationships is far from being a sport's game. So you can forget what all those romantic movies have inspired us guys. There will always be those that are attracted to the really famous, handsome, rich or powerful. What's essential to most people is communication, being a good listener, and gaining another's trust. Those are the basis for any good relationship.
It is easy to make the mistake of being a macho man, or do whatever may seem cool and romantic as in those movies. The truth is, no matter how sincere or genuine one may be, it can send the wrong message. Once things get started on the wrong foot, it is rather difficult to make ammends and correct the foolish things that were done, unfortunately. So listen and communicate well, for real life stories like "Pride & Prejudice" do not really exist. First impressions are like egg shells, once they are broken, it is almost impossible to put them back together, regardless of your good heart and soul.
Thursday, March 8, 2007
Dream Team
I onced worked on an extremely strenuous project, where I had the chance to meet some really great personalities. In the team, each one of us had his or her own skills, and we were all complementary to one another. Our egos were always held in check, and we got along extremely well. So well, we now refer to ourselves as the "Dream Team". Through good and bad times, we supported each other no matter what.
But as with every mission, there comes an end. When my time had come, I never realized how much I was appreciated by my colleagues, and other peers within the same project. After several years of work, it is nice to hear sincere and honest compliments from your peers. It really does mean alot.
Life is full of surprises, some not so good, while others memorable ones. Upon my last day, my colleagues had offered me several gifts. I was really surprised by their gesture, and was quite moved by this! And when the time came to walk the line and leave, they even accompanied me all the way to the exit, and see me walk away into the sunset.
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Thank You
Travelling on several occasions to Cambodia, I noticed how people there seldom say thank you among themselves. I found this to be quite odd coming from the west. In Cambodia, there's such a huge gap between the haves and have-nots. It seems as if being sincere and polite is a sign of weakness. Gratitude or courtesy to the have-nots appears as if a person lowers his or herself to the same status. It is as if those who are less fortunate are completely meaningless. Perhaps I am completely wrong, but it is my observations and interpretations on what I have seen and experienced. And when you do say thank you for a service or out of gratitude, people would ask why you say thank you to them???
Several years ago, while a friend and I were touring Paris, we met this really charming Korean girl with curly hair, who was touring by herself. We asked if she wanted to tag along, and she agreed. She tagged along with us the entire day, and truly enjoyed herself, as she was able to discover other parts of Paris she would not have seen otherwise. By the end of the day, she was quite grateful and said "thank you", and offered me a necklace from Insadong market in Seoul, South Korea. It was the first time that someone I barely knew, was this nice to me.
For a long time now, I have always been a big fan of HK and Korean movies. So it was natural that when I had the chance to visit HK that same year, that I would stop at Seoul as well. I had kept in touch with my Korean friend, and for a couple of days, she in turn gave me an absolutely wonderful tour guide of Seoul. I say "thank you" Sue for being such a great host!
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
For we have come from so far
With a whole new package ready to be tested and installed, it is my responsibility to install an entire system! Let's do it! So everyone is waiting patiently, constantly inquiring on the process throughout the whole day: "is it ready yet?" This version is absolutely crucial, for it will be the version used for the site acceptance test by the client. More importantly, it is one of those milestones in a project where you here the ching ching melodies chiming. You hear me, pay time. Ah, but with such pressure, one can only feel like the Titan Atlas, who carries the heavens on his shoulders.
As with work, it seems I've been like Atlas throughout my life, with so much weight on one's shoulder. But at what price? You say it is a choice? Yes, it is a choice, but a choice of morality, compassion, and responsibility. Yet, after carrying and handling so much on one's shoulders, life still appears empty and unfulfilled. Certainly, it is better to live each day as if it were your last, with no regrets.
Corneillie, a Canadian singer originally from Rwanda, best sings it in his French song "For we have come from so far":
We are our own fathers
So young, yet so old, it makes me think you know
We are our own mothers
So young and serious, but this will change
We spend our time making plans for tomorrow
While the beautiful weather passes and leaves us empty and uncertain
We spend so much time working and exhausting ourselves
What good is it if we are not certain to see tomorrow
None
(chorus)
So we must live everyday as our last day
And you should do the same if only you knew
How many times did the world nearly come to an end
So we must live everyday as our last day
For we have come from so far away
When the times are hard and the tough gets going
We say to ourselves: " Stories worse than ours do not exist"
And when the winter arrives
We simply say the warm weather will come back
And it's easy like that
Day after day
We see how everything is transitory
So even when it comes to love
I will love each queen
As my last one
The wind is too heavy
When we only live on prayers
I cherish every moment
Before the light disappears
(chorus)
Day after day
We see how everything is transitory
So let's live while we still can
My dears
As my friend always said, we work to live, and not live to work. So enjoy each moment as it will be your last.
Sunday, March 4, 2007
Kindness in Another's Trouble
Life is mostly froth and bubbles,
Two things stand like stone,
Kindness in another's trouble,
Courage in your own.
In the movie "Battle of Wits", Andy Lau portraits a great strategist who defends cities from invaders. He is a hero among heroes who helps those in dire need with his wit and tactfulness. Indeed, he successfully defends an entire city of 4000 people from an overwhelming army of invaders. Yet, it seems, the people whom he has helped are never content with his efforts, nor do they fully appreciate all that he has done and sacrificed.
As the saying goes, "Give a man a fish and he has food for a day; teach a man to fish and you have fed him for a lifetime." This is what organizations such as DDD (Digital Divide Data) have accomplished in Cambodia. Teaching people, otherwise rejected by everyday society, new skills to survive in this global economy. It is an absolutely great feat.
Saturday, March 3, 2007
Pride & Prejudice
Contrary to M. Wickham, M. Darcy lacks the charismatic persona. He seems cold and unfriendly initially, yet mysterious. But like a gift with a not so impressive wrapping, we find out that M. Darcy is someone who is an absolutely sincere person. A gift full of good surprises. Not out to impress everyone with his wealth and with what he does to help others, M. Darcy is a genuine person, reflecting today's nice guys.
Regularly at work, we often are reviewed annually by management. My management claims that I am hard-working, trust-worthy, and a highly competent person??? Humanly speaking they say, never change, for I am a sincerely appreciated for my personality? However, they say, I lack communicative and assertive skills to be in the spotlight, and should improve on that.
I have seen many assertive and communicative people throughout my career. Many have indeed evolve quite rapidly, and many of them, quite deservingly. It is true that with the flattening of the world, many of us need to acquire new skills to survive all the outsourcing and offshoring that is happening today. Does that mean we need to be self-promoting and show-offs to evolve in this constantly changing world? For all the Wickhams of the world, people eventually find out the truth one day, and come to appreciate all the Darcies around.
In the end, our dear Elizabeth, in Jane Austen's famous novel "Pride & Prejudice", chooses the sincere and romantic guy over convenience and illusion. Who says nice guys never win?
Knockin on Heaven's Door
While growing up, I never paid attention to the lyrics of the song. Little did I know, until recently, that the song's theme was about war. It is about soldiers, unwilling to go with the killing of innocent people, and hoping to avoid opening heaven's door prematurely.
People have often asked me, how in the world did the Khmer Rouge killed over 1.8 million of its own people? They say to me, Cambodians seem so friendly and kind. During the Holocaust they say, the Germans took the lives of 6 million Jews. Over 10 years ago in Rwanda, about 800 000 were killed in 100 days. The genocide in Rwanda involved the Hutsi doing an ethnic cleansing of the Hutu. People of different origins.
To be honest, I have no answer to that question. Really, how can anyone justify any genocide?
Friday, March 2, 2007
The World is Flat
One of the companies I used to work for had been outsourcing its development long before Friedman's chronicles. As a result, the transition period and efficiency with its outsourcing has been exemplary. So should everyone follow in order to save money? Not so fast my friend. Other companies that have been recently adapting this strategy are struggling mightily.
The company I am working for has outsourced part of its development in China. China is a country rich in culture, with hard working and smart people. China is everywhere, even in Africa now. Yet, in the Chinese culture, people are afraid to lose face. Well, at least in this Chinese branch of my current company.
When an engineer of that branch has any question or problem, instead of asking their Chinese colleagues for answers and lose face and look like complete idiots, they rather get stuck and bogged down with their problem until it becomes urgent. When that stage has been reached, they request for information back to Europe or America. But by the time the information is found in Europe or America, several weeks or months have gone by. Eventually, the European and American management discovers that the answer was back in its Chinese branch.
This has been going on for over a year. Many of the questions the Chinese engineers have, can be found right next to his or her neighbor. But because they are afraid to lose face ... So now it has come down to where my company needs to deliver an entire system in time. As a result, the development that was being outsourced is coming back to its roots.
Of course, this is probably an exception to the successful outsourcing so many international companies have accomplished. It just takes time to obtain the efficiency and quality work anticipated. Like wine, things only get better with time.