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May 27, 2005
Something from Germany
Finally in Germany, finally a computer. Finally some time to blog (not sure when I have another chance). I am at my sister´s place. My family and I stay at my mum´s place in Frankfurt. My mum is 80 years old and doesn´t have a computer.
We arrived here on Thursday morning, after a 12 hours flight. The plane was full - what is good for MAS, but challenging for those who cannot sleep that well in a sitting position.
Anyways - I totally forgot that Germany is a country of giants. Man, I am tall in Asia, but in Germany, I am just a tiny guy, despite my 1.75 meters.
There are plenty of old people in Germany, no kidding. Germany is aging rapidly and since I am used to the young people of Malaysia, this comes quite as a shock - memory cheats when one is coming for a visit every couple of years only.
Germany is damn expensive. A liter of fuel costs Euro 1.10 - times it with 5 and you know how much it is in Ringgit. This is just one of the examples of things that are expensive here.
Germany´s unemployment rate stands at 11% - about 5 million people are unemployed. There is a feeling of uncertainy in the air. I heard that people don´t shop anymore, because of this uncertainty. Think about the cycle that is created through this. One is threatened to get unemployed and doesn´t shop anymore. Thus, consumption level declines and less investment is undertaken ..... and so on.
People (in general) are angry and may be they want change. The ruling party SPD just lost a round of local elections in one of Germany´s states. They lost election in the state that they ruled for 40 years or so. They lost the support especially amongst the blue collar workforce. Those people are scared to lose their jobs. And they are angry with politicians - who are seen as somewhat less concerned and not competent to take care of for the well-being of those in need of change.
It is warm here - apparently the hottest days of the year. 30 degrees, after a period of cold and rain. Lucky us, really, since this was one of our worries. Food-like, well, I am not yet missing the Nasi Lemak or mý Tandori Chicken, but this might come soon.
I am happy to be here. To see my 80 year old mum, my sister, and her two kids, her new life partner. To hear old stories and new ones. To see what happened to places that I used to frequent. To realise that not much has changed around certain places, but that new development takes places elsewhere.
And to just enjoy to be to my old home. Because I have a new home, that is called Malaysia.
Posted by Andreas at May 27, 2005 11:06 PM
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Comments
".......And they are angry with politicians - who are seen as somewhat less concerned and not competent to take care of for the well-being of those in need of change......"
You have to tell me which country has politicians who ACTUALLY care for the citizens, except that they pay their taxes on time?
Posted by: susmayrosep at June 4, 2005 06:34 PM
i went to Germany (Hannover to be precised) somewhere in March last year. Yeah, I was 24weeks pregnant by then. Still remember one thing, to pee is much expensive than to drink a Coke. Hehehehe.
Have a great time anyway!
Posted by: hazel at June 2, 2005 03:47 PM
hope you're having a great time!
lilian: only one kid? Quite a few of my British friends have two or more kids!
Posted by: elb at June 2, 2005 12:07 PM
I hope to go back to UK this year aswell, when all these damn projects finish!
Posted by: ShaolinTiger at May 31, 2005 02:51 PM
If I'm not mistaken, Germany is the #1 graying society.
You're only 175cm? I swore ur taller. My dad is 176cm.. u look taller than my dad. hmm..
not shopping is just fufilling the speculation of a declining economy. they should spend so the economy won't die out.
have fun in Germany!
i don't know where my home is... let's just say planet Earth for now.
Posted by: Ivy at May 31, 2005 02:13 PM
Heya old friend! Have a good trip and can I expect some German sausages as souvenirs? =)
Posted by: ah pink at May 30, 2005 04:52 PM
eh, take some Germany pics and post it here lah. take care bro. :)
Posted by: belacan at May 30, 2005 02:19 PM
glad you've touched down safely. have a great trip!
Posted by: kimberlycun at May 30, 2005 04:50 AM
Enjoy your trip! My best friend, VF, is based in Frankfurt (he had been there for the longest time since graduation) & I've visited him 3 times & am saving up for a summer trip next year. Have fun! Germany is such a nice place.
Posted by: mystic at May 28, 2005 08:35 PM
Have a great time back home, Andreas!
I noticed that other European countries have lots of old folks too. Unlike over here in Malaysia, it is the old folks that hang around town squares. My theories:
1) They are more independent than people over here, so they go out and have a good time, bone aches, blurred vision, bad memory and all.
2) They live longer 'cos they ate so much olives (Italians)
3) They have only one kid and hence no need to take care of grandkids
But I must say that the very old ladies there take care of their selves pretty well. Something I must remember when I am 80 years old!
Posted by: lilian at May 28, 2005 11:07 AM
Nice having more than one home, eh? It's great, because when you leave your home, you're still going home. Does that make sense?
Posted by: Jordan at May 28, 2005 09:46 AM