Ok. I did some mental accounts today.
The total amount spent, on rent, food, travelling for 30 days.
$3000 - rent. (till end of May)
$400 - food. (Till end of May)
$1400 - travel for 30 days.
Total,
$4800.

That is shit amazing.

NUS estimate: Rent + food = $1700/month.
5 Months = $8500.

My food + rent for 5 months = $3400.
I saved - $5100. Shit Amazing. Shit Shit amazing.
That's for all the efforts.

I know of a group of Singaporeans, from a friend of mine. Who said that they spent $15,000 travelling. And, so far, I have travelled for 30 days (I suppose the same as them? since I have not met anyone who pon sch for 2 months like me) already. And I spent $1400.

I tell you. All the investment books I read, always have this advice at the end "to be wise with money, is to spend wisely, and learn to get good deals."

Im not too proud. Cos I have not reached that stage.
After every travel, I would feel upset when I realise I could have spent less, with cheaper hostel/transport tickets/food. Hence, it is utterly possible to spend lesser than that $1400. And I am all the more proud, because I research everything myself, (with God by my side of cos), hence, I spend so much more time and stress and couldnt possibly delegate "this city to friend A and this city to friend B" to plan.
But then, Im glad that I spent lesser than other Sgreans who travel in groups (its suppose to be cheaper to travel in grps!! cos you can get cheaper deals as a group).

Then again, if my ex-Japanese neighbour who lived here for 1 year was right, Singaporeans in Europe have a bad reputation of being unwise with their travelling expenses, at least based on her personal experience.

Yes, I lived in the most expensive country in the world, Norway, and the capital of Norway, the most expensive city in the world, with an expenditure way lesser than everyone other Sgrean in other parts of US & Europe. IT IS POSSIBLE DEAR FRIENDS.

I remember telling a Taiwanese, 60 year old (approx) traveller. (whom I met in Florence and was travelling alone, hence we travelled tgt for 2 days). When she was shock at how little I spent in Italy, I told her "one of my objective travelling on a budget, is to prove to friends that it can be done. I know some close friends, who arent so rich, who haven seen the world much, because they have not so much money. But this would show myself, and show them, that they still can see the world, without much money. And my main objective, is to learn to be responsible with my money and expenditure. To learn." All in all, I was inspired, by people on tv and on newspapers who said they managed to travel Europe in very little money, citing the amount they spent.

Oh hell yeah! With my maximum budget of $17,000 (compared to $25,000 of other sgreans) I have only spent $4800. The other Sgreans expenditure is already nearing 10,000 I suppose. And so far, I have been travelling so much more than any Singaporean in SEP in Europe. :))

While showering, I comforted myself that I could ease a little and spend abit more for my UK + Ireland trip. Then, I caught myself and realise how dangerous this thought can be. Its like what they say "if you give sin an inch, it would take you a mile". Well, this thought isnt sinful, but the effects are the same. Im tempted to ease myself a little really.

Well, budget for UK in 16 days - $1000. I wonder if this is possible, esp since I am covering a few countries, and more cities, than the Italy trip. And UK is more pricey than Italy.

I have already set another budget for my June trip around Europe - $3000. If all things go well, I should keep it below $2000 (if I get to live with those pple I plan to live with in the countries and cities, hence saving me ALOT on accomodation). And because I probably have a buddy for France and Spain and wherever (old Japanese neighbour, Mayuko), I would ease myself a little for 1/3 of my round Europe trip. Since, I dont expect anyone else to be crazily budget conscious like me. Living with her for 1 month, I learnt that she got fed up with budgets, so for the travel partnership sake, and to make my time more enjoyable (as my dad says), I will spend, if she spends. After France, she'll leave for Japan, her hometown.

So eventually, my SEP would conclude at $8800, maximum.
SHIT AMAZING. I proved NUS's calculation of $25,000 wrong. Saving myself $16,000.
I am $16,000 RICHER, because Jesus is my God, and I put in effort to cut, cut, cut costs, and maximize utility.
I hope, this experience would pave the way, for me to be wiser with money, and reinforce the desire, to do my investment wisely, carefully, in the future.

For the first time in my whole SEP. Im beginning to question whether its all worth it.
I see my friends doing SEP in other places, having uglier pictures, but more fun with friends. I know for sure, my beautiful pictures do not entirely reflect my joy. Travelling alone is tough job.
This question came into my mind, when alfred talked to me.
tesuvah says:
but I alone, so quite scared la
tesuvah says:
kena rob is shit man
Alfred the Great says:
u slept alone in a cave... u sibei dare

Alfred the Great says:
siao u slept alone at the beach?
tesuvah says:
ya
Alfred the Great says:
sibei dare

tesuvah says:
pisa airport
tesuvah says:
i sleep outside the airport
tesuvah says:
sibei scared
Alfred the Great says:
alone?
tesuvah says:
ya
Alfred the Great says:
u r the authetic globe trotter
tesuvah says:
no lah
Alfred the Great says:
true blue lonely planeteer

tesuvah says:
but for once, Im grateful that tiongs are all over the world
tesuvah says:
u know ah, in Milan, NO ONE speaks english
Alfred the Great says:
thats serious shit

tesuvah says:
anw ah
tesuvah says:
i learn from u one
tesuvah says:
from ur blog
tesuvah says:
inspiration
tesuvah says:
im not the true blue lonely planet globe trekker
tesuvah says:
I read ur China adventure
tesuvah says:
tot u kam zai
Alfred the Great says:
no loh
Alfred the Great says:
this time u surpass me alr
Alfred the Great says:
you chiong to arctic... and slept in a cave

Hence, for once, I realise. Im kinda crazy. Bcos even the globetrekket that I know, aka my buddy Alfred Lau Yong Fu, who travelled alone in China, thinks I am crazy. Hence, I must really really been crazy.

And,
a 2nd friend..

tesuvah says:
and travelling alone is tough job
[i]xiuqing: The core of the human spirit, comes from new experiences. says:
ja
[i]xiuqing: The core of the human spirit, comes from new experiences. says:
definitely
[i]xiuqing: The core of the human spirit, comes from new experiences. says:
dun so hard core
[i]xiuqing: The core of the human spirit, comes from new experiences. says:
if not there wont be joy in it anymore

Plus, after Italy, I feel that Im completely dead. I mean, my spirit is dead. If you know what I mean. Its hard to describe. There's nothing to do, nothing to look forward to, and just, u can feel it STARING at you. This EMPTINESS in your heart. It stares at you. I wonder how it would be like, if I walk out of my door, and a Singaporean SEP student greets me. I wonder. I wonder.

But, I made the decision not to join the 4 Sg girls. It was a crazy decision met with disapproval from my family and friends.
But. Is it worth it?
I saved a whole lot of money compared to them. I hate a greater adventure, but less joyful one.
And the orignial reason why I didnt join them, was bcos, I really really really REALLY did not like them.
I guess, preparty in NUS did not help to bond me with them, rather, made it worse.

So, now that I am completely drained, waking up to emptiness and ending my day with emptiness, I wonder. Completely spiritually and emotionally drained.


My consolation is. That I plan my summer trip round Europe, to stay with friends who are already living there. Even if they dont tour with me, at least, I have a shelther to go home to at the end of the day, with them.

Hopefully, I pray.
Copenhagen with Peter - the authentic native Copenhagen guy.
London with Heather Chi - Nus wonder girl.
Munich with Xiuqing - jc favourite junior.
Barcelona with Nerea - native Barcelona girl.
Switzerland with Sandra - native Swiss girl
Helsinki with Anna - native Finnish girl
Prague with Ludek - native Czech guy.
Amsterdam - alone.
Paris - alone.
Scotland - alone.

Each time I type alone, my heart cringes. No joke, literally. I never realise, how much damage it had taken. Sorry heart. It used to feel good and proud at the challenge to travelling alone. After Italy, it cringes. I have never felt it this way before.

I need someone to pull me along. I really cant anymore.
As much as I hate to admit it, and as much as I could legitimately boast that I survived Italy alone. I did not.
With all honestly, Italy, you son of a bitch, you killed me. My spirit died in Italy. Halfway thru Italy, and all I can think of is going back.
19 days in the arctic and all I want is to stay longer.
First day, first night in Italy and all I want is to go home.
And I endure 16 days with that thought.
Yes, Italy, you killed me. My spirit died there.

One of the phenomenon is that.. I cant speak the proper English anymore. Ludek came over, and I cannot make myself talk in another accent. I just speak in Singlish, until halfway, I realise he probably doesnt understand.. Sigh. I just want to talk like this.

I cant study, no motivation to study (Im so screwed for wednesday exam). I spend my time watching Anime. No mood to blog what I am suppose to blog, which is my travel diary. No mood to plan for UK trip (Im so screwed, im leaving this sat).

And all I want is to sleep.

And I dont even want to worship God.

Have mercy on me. I did my best in all that I do. I just dont have it in me anymore.

What's the point of communication when its only 1 way?
Dont communicate.
Some people keep saying "I dont talk over email or online", even family members.
Then, you wonder why they have email and they are always online.
And then, when you get fedup with them, that your messages, IMPORTANT messages, not random talk cock, are not getting reply, or they reply with some cynism, you give them a 1X good lecture of your thoughts.
They reply with things like "we are still a family".

Ok seriously. I had enough of this jargon.
Is there something wrong with Asian families, or I think its only my own.
Oh my gosh. They send me endless amount of money, but really, I do not need anymore money, neither do I want anymore money.

I have no problems with my parents. Just some relatives and cousins that seems to me like "pretend to care" but dont.
It irks me that people can dont reply your mail.
They say things like "as long as we know u're ok".
But then, people on the other end, needs to know that you ACTUALLY READ THE MAIL, and needs some affirmation and confirmation.

And even friends, Close friends in Sg give u answers like "I can be nonchalent online. I dont like to talk online. I have problems expressing myself. I dont take initiative."
THen, you wonder WHY THEY ARE ALWAYS ONLINE.

Look at your reply before you reply. Psychology says that it is several times more important to do that across mails than face-to-face, bcos ur reply is eternally written there. So, I have quarrelled with more "best friends" and family, then ever, that gives me half-hearted reply, and completely wrong replies, that sounds like they cant be bothered whether I live or die, and that Im a nuisance, and so on.
And strangely, when you tell them so, they reply "no, no. thats not what I mean" When, there's a million other ways, they could have replied you, to make it sound less so.

These are the very same people, that are suppose to be very close to me, that when I was in Sg, chose not to communicate with them online, but face-to-face. Bcos back then in Sg, communicating with them online or sms, already UPSET ME TREMENDOUSLY. Now, for 4 months, they literally pissed me off non-stop. So people like them, its impossible to maintain a relationship if you're abroad. Hence, perhaps one more criteria to look at is how one communicates.

Despite several attempts to tell them and help them understand... they repeat the same thing. And I reply "srsly, im done with u", then they make more effort to elaborate.
Hence, psychology talks about learned helplessness. Which is me.

God, I give up. Not gonna talk to them anymore, if that's how they stubbornly stick to communicating. Words are extremely important, especially when u cant read the other person's nonverbal cues, and their actions can never reach you this far. (Unless they send a package :>> ) And months later, u actually forget their nonverbal cues totally. So since they dont bother, to put in any effort in making their sentences clearly, then Im done with them.

With all of Singapore's superiority in work ethics and technology over Europe, I think that Singaporeans are tremedously backward in their ability to communicate.
I have not met a single problem communicating with any of these Europeans students, despite the fact that some of them cant master a single proper sentence without grammatical error. And I see them once a month, most of the time, communicate through the internet. They are just, perfect in their communication ethics and etiquette.
Or, they are not perfect (which no one is), just that Singaporeans, are really really really really so backward in their communication etiquettecy.

A Malaysian friend said to me 1 month ago "Singaporeans really cannot communicate huh. I heard that Lee Kuan Yew hired some expats to train Singaporeans how to communicate and present themselves"
As much as my initial feeling was a defensive tone, and felt insulted, nevertheless, I know that that is somewhat true.
The Japanese I met are great. The Singaporeans.... Even the European students find the Sg girls here, really really strange in their communication manners.

Seriously, I always make an effort to reply to all msn, no matter how busy. Some people have nothing to do, dont care about their cap, 2.0 cap also dont care, and dont reply.
And then, out of a sudden, when they see you again in real life, they say how much they care about u and miss u. OMG.
I have a few case studies. It would amaze you reading this.

Hence, my conclusion. My completely warped understanding of human emotions, is contributed by this completely screwed up Singaporean society's way of expressing themselves. Westerners and Japanese/Koreans are very consistent in their expression of emotions. I have no problems understanding their emotions, even if language barrier exists. Its been really comfortable. Singaporeans, on the other hand, confuses me endlessly, hence, contributing to my "strangeness" as some friends say I am, in Singapore. My "Strangeness" is simply a manifestation and reaction mechanism to the utter confusion, and frustration I face, in understanding Singaporeans. As such, I resorted to fill this emotional void, by studying psychology, choosing the easier way of understanding people from books instead, even dropping architecture for it.
Should I have been born in somewhere else, I may choose a different path, bcos their emotions are SO easy to read and understand.

Hence, also, I am still happily single in Singapore. Bcos the Singaporean girls, are an utter emotional mess to dwindle with. They hardly talk to you, and then suddenly, burst out in songs of concern, love, and, and then disappear.

Girl A to me b4 I left Norway: I will definitely bug u and keep bugging u online.
Me: Ok.

Until now, never once talked to me online. Then, once, I clicked on her.. and "I miss you" and tons of other words of concern. To make me less confused, I deleted her on msn, despite once being a close friend.

Girl B, started to follow me during the exam period last sem. I dont know why. Then everytime Im on msn, would instantaneously talk to me. And then, after exam, ask me out, and make xmas gift, and insist on delivering to my house at night. And then, when Im in Norway, disappeared. Only once, with a weird msn msg and I replied "why". And then no reply.

And, when I thought that Westeners are easy with their words, I think, Sgreans are way worse.
At least, when Westerners say it, they remember it. And do it. (Anne woke up one morning, and screamed: OMG I FORGOT TO WRITE TO JOHN LAST NIGHT. I FELL ASLEEP EARLY. WAS HE WAITING FOR MY MESSAGE ON FB? then frantically texted me to apologise.) And several other instances, with other people. They say they would, they would.

Hence, as a result, I still refuse to believe any Singaporean girls.
Bcos, as much as they are able to meet deadlines, keep schedules for their work, they seem unable to be consistent in their words and deeds of relationship.

Hence, when I say 'words dont mean anything to me'. It started long ago, in Sunny island of Singapore.

And, no thanks to Singaporean boys and girls' strange way of expressing emotions. And maybe, no thanks to their parents' and elder generations' strange way of expressing emotions.

Disclaimer: if you can read this, I am ok with you.

19 days in the arctic Part 6

I stayed with Tomas, the Nomad.
In between, a Latvian guy and Jewish girl came and stayed together with us. Initially, they were ok. The Latvian guy was great, just that they were always talking about why they are depressed. After the Latvian guy left, I kept quarrelling with the Jewish girl.

But then, Arctic adventure was good. I'll let the videos do the talking.

In a nutshell. A huge Nutshell.

I need to mug like shit. Can you believe it, the rest of the Norwegian students received the exam questions 2 months ago. Me, the only international student in English, knew nothing about it. And the prof still has not sent me the exam questions, 4 days b4 exam. And its 10 Essay question. How the fuck u expect me to prepare in such a short time. But anyway, Im actually confident I'll pull this one off. Cos the prof praised my midterm essay, which I spent 1 hour writing, before my flight to Lofoten. In Nus, I would have spent days. I rmb another time, I spent 1 hour reading a whole research article + writing the answer, a czech guy read my answer and said " I have never read such a brilliant answer". So I conclude. Singaporeans are way smarter .

Today.

Today I went to church. Pastor was extremely glad to see me again. I feel so good. Im just new here and pastor has invited me to his house, with the other leaders, for good, real good food and movie. I wouldnt think that people would really give a damn about me there, cos they know that im here for only 6 months, and would on and off, travel, and so my church attendance is really really really low. But Pastor was so hospitable to me. He expressed how much he wish I could stay. He really love Asians, and he chose to live in Thailand for 8 years. I spent 5 years in my church in Singapore, and no pastor ever even initiated to talk to me.



I was really worried about my party that night. Cos its the first time I organised a party and hosting one. I know that I changed the dates once, so most people probably forgot about the event. And it is true. I topped up my phone, and texted Nerea, Carmen, Valentina, Moe. Only Valentina and Moe replied, but they did not turn up. Cos they forgot about the event and were too busy. In the evening, online, I read that Thomas cldnt come, cos he had to go Stockholm with his gf, and Chase said he wasnt attending. Then Ludek dropped a bomb, by saying that he had to rush his report last minute, but he could drop by to pass me the shaver for my hair. So I thought "That's it. Whatever, I cant cancel the party last min, and even if only 1 or 2 person turned up, I will put in my best effort to host them". Even Ganesh MIA-ed, till I called him.


I was just glooming over my laptop. I could not study. It really needs some emotional push. And here, I just couldnt get it. Away from friends and family, it feels like I cant find an intuitive reason to study. I just could not make myself sit down and mug. I gloomed over the man utd VS everton match. Then my phone rang, and it was a number I did not store. I picked it up. It took me a long time to understand. "Who are u?" It sounded like "France" So I went: France? France? Then I realised, it was "Hans". What do you know. The last person I invited turned out to be the first person that arrived. So I said "its the tallest building beside Rema. And then u take the lift up to the highest floor, turn right, press the door bell. But, no one's here yet. So..." (And in my mind, I was thinking.. will anyone ever be here? poor Hans.) I was preparing the table and chairs in the balcony. And had my expensive Norwegian chocolate laid out, the biscuits, and the orange juice. The next door bell that rang, I was expecting Ganseh. Then I opened, and was a little surprised, but really glad and relieved to see Anne, Anna, and Peter. So now we have 4. Plus me thats 5. In psychology, we learn that the ideal size for group cohesion was 5-7. So it was good. They were impressed with the view, but then as Anne rightly pointed out, the sunset could not be seen from the balcony. It was blocked by the wall. And well, as she cruelly pointed out (I expected it from the her already), that was bad planning by me, esp since I wrote on fb that there would be sunset. And it was kinda cold today, cos of the wind. And today was, in general, unfortunately cold. Then Ganesh came, and I was asking for table, and chair. Well, it would be better to ask my China neighbour really. But then I didnt want to bother him so much, cos Im not close to him, but he helped me so much already.

Im so glad that I managed to tidy my horrible room so quickly today, dumping all my dirty clothes, managing to dry them last minute. All the dirty clothes and socks from Italy (have not washed for 2-3 weeks stinking stuff) Cos they wanted to come into my room. And in my room, they talked. I was so glad, bcos the last time Anne and Peter visited my old room, it was completely messed up. Completely and stinking. This time, it was sparkling clean :). And Im glad Hans is here. Sometimes, God makes u meet someone last minute, and he turns out so well for your party. They had beer, chips and they loved my chocolate. They had so much fun, choosing which to eat on my luxurious and exotic looking chocolate. And its kinda cool, cos the top of the box has explanations and descriptions of the chocolates. So we were having some fun with it. Of cos I could not understand Norwegian, but they can.

The chocolate I bought (aftermath). At the top, you can see the description of the different types, and what it contains.

Then I offered them pizza. And Anna helped to cook it in the oven. Its nice, bcos the group of us sticks together. You know the averge party are full of scattered groups, you get sian of this group, u go to the next one. It gets kind of shallow and dry and drained at the end when u go home. When Anna and I went into the kitchen, 10 seconds later, the rest followed into the kitchen. So it feels close. Like a group. A real group. Then we chatted in the kitchen, waiting for the pizza. And, as people always think that I am super poor, I just dont like to spend too much money on myself alone. But I really really do enjoy spending money on other people, and making others happy around me. It makes me super happy. So pizza, chocolate, juice, on me. I dont even think about the cost. In fact, I bought so much more pizza for them. But they only had one.

And I opened my parcel :)) THANK YOU!! (More of the parcel and me, in subsequent posts I promise!)



The topics we chat. As usual, I was trying to catch 70% of them. Cos they have their jargons and terms which I could not understand. Just as when me and Ganesh chatted, they were really quiet, cos they find it so hard to understand the Asian accent and jargon. Even though its english. But then the one, the MOST interesting one, at least to me, but they were so entertained as well, was my neighbour.

Let me introduce to you my horrible neighbour, in this perfectly clean stretch of rooms. Was a german girl, by the name of Nora. She's obsessively clean. She scolds everyone for not being clean. And she hates it when I have guests. And among the neighbours, I have the most guests. My guests were complaining about her, that she entered the kitchen, and looked at them with the "WHAT ARE YOU PEOPLE DOING IN MY KITCHEN" stare. Well, I told them not to give a shit about her, bcos I dont give a shit about her as well. She knocks on my door, and I completely ignores it. I only talk to her in front of guests, so as not to make things hard for my guests. And I showed them all around the kitchen, and toilet, and bathroom all the notes that she writes. And we were laughing and laughing over it. I dont even care if she heard that we are talking about her.
Everyone notice this:
Nora writes in the bathroom -
"B4 u leave, pls check: Hair removed, windows open, radiator off, (and a whole bunch of other stuff)...
(here comes the highlight).. IF not, fungus grows, and... GLOBAL WARMING"
How ridiculous can this german neighbour get. Global Warming. Wow. Well, for once Im glad I have this neighbour. Bcos the party at my house was so spiced up laughing over her "global warming" note. She's so desperate to get this house perfectly clean, she even resorts to using "global warming" as a reason why we should clean our house.

Anne "John, u should write something funny in ur house. Like 'please leave the refrigerator door OPEN, just to piss her off"
Me "I would, b4 I move out for good. I'll just write over her notes. Like Global Warming --> Haha, you are a complete Joke".

Ganesh left early, citing he needs to reply a mail. I realised b4 that, he wasnt enjoying the party so much, bcos it was my group of friends which he didnt know. So, perhaps, he was also reluctant to share his curry with us, although he's reason was that he added extra spice and that the europeans would not be able to take it. And he added extra spice, bcos he thought it was a Singaporean party. Well. I trust him, so give him a benefit of doubt. Nevertheless, since when I actually had Sg friends here. Like real friends. And I think, it would be pointless to organise a Singaporean party, bcos I can do that in Singapore. A better one in Singapore, with closer friends.

See on my wall, I stick the cards that you guys made for me :). And introduced you guys to them :).

Then, Ludek came, dropped by the shaver, and chatted w Anne. He was asking for Anne. If she's there, I'll go up and chat w her, he says. I wasnt surprised. Everyone lusts after her. Cos she's damn pretty, and hot, and intellectual. But then, I cant be bothered really. No playing politics, jealousy, childish friendship stuff for me here. Im just here to enjoy people, and have a good time. No strings attached. And just to make life easy for myself. (Well, I tend not to make it easy, but overloading myself with activities, like organising a party during my psychology exam period. And all the guests are political science students whose exams are 1 month later. But then, I enjoy it really.)

At night, at my room, they finally saw some sunset, and took some pictures. After the sun has set, it was pink clouds with blue sky. But the one that I was really glad, was that Anna attempted to cut my hair for me. Which was what I wanted, and God answered. Although I kinda hoped they can shave my hair behind for me, cos I cant see behind. But it was really nice of her, and I cant ask for more. The results were completely bad, but I really appreciated the effort. It brings people closer, doing things like that, cutting one another's hair. In my room.
Ludek spends 400Kr (almost 100 sing) on a hair cutting box. Looks more like a safe, with all the special haircut tools, but all he wants and does, is shave his hair completely bald.

With a beer bottle at the top right corner, and a scissors in her hand, you need to pray.

There in the top right hand corner, is the card that you guys wrote me. I had everything that you guys made for me sticking on the wall :)). (And notice the right side of the picture, that's Ludek's haircut box. Looks damn professional)



That concludes the day. Great party. I loved it. :D.
It was not the typical western booze and random chat party. I expected it that way, it didnt turn out to be so, but I am way glad that it turned out completely differently.













Well. almost concludes the day. After the left, I was left with garbage to throw. And I quarrelled with my congo black neighbour. I am not one to enter into an argument quick, and make sure I collect the facts well. This one is so damn obvious. The congo neighbour did not do his job of clearing the rubbish. I was pissed, cos now I had no space to throw the beer bottles. The China neighbour agreed with me, and we tried to talk sense into the Congo neighbour. But then, the China neighbour gave up, and it was not his business anyway. I was left to quarrel with the congo neighbour alone. He kept using the fact that I was travelling to put the blame on me that I had not been doing house cleaning, and that he had done me a favour. (WOW, he turned himself from a devil into an Angel!) OF cos, he was just plain lazy, and tried to find some excuse. I DID NOT exchange my duty with him. Im doing the China neighbour's week to make up for my absent week. Its so dumb. He admitted that he forgot to clear the rubbish, then said that every cleaning he did, he did it for me to help me, so I should clear the rubbish instead. what rubbish indeed. You would not find me raising my voice, but this time, I really really did. Loud. With my finger in his face. Sometimes, people come up with ridiculous reason, and insists on it, and then put ridiculous blame on you, for his mistake, and you need the garbage cleared, you really really have no other choice, but to RAISE YOUR VOICE and finger in his bloody black face. IT IS ONE THING TO ADMIT UR MISTAKE. IT IS ANOTHER THING TO ADMIT IT, AND THEN PUT THE MISTAKE ON YOU. COS THAT WOULD MEAN HE'S PUTTING DOUBLE BLAME ON YOU. if you can understand. rather, its one thing to blame me from the start. Do not say u made a mistake, but ur mistake was made bcos of my mistake. fuck you black boy. Im not racist. I swear Im not. I attend a church full of Africans, and I enjoy them.

I hate my neighbour.

In the end, I realised that his black brain is too stubborn to give in. And I said I will clear the garbage. And I lowered my voice. So I decided to try another method, make friends with him, and offer him chips (which he gladly takes, which shows how cheap he is, eating my chips, while quarrelling and putting nonsense blame on me, and eating my chips). Ok, I soften my voice, speak to him in an extremely nice manner, so nice, you will never see this side of me I swear. So nice, that if you are smart enough, you'll probably soon realise its completely fake and you would be manipulated if you believe. I did that once in the army in sembawang airbase, to get my ass out of trouble. It worked. This time, it didnt. He still refuse to throw the rubbish. I said I would throw. Then the China guy said its obvious its his job. So I knocked on his door again, and acted stupid. "Erm. Just a question, since Im new here. Like cos the China guy said u are suppose to throw, so im really confused, can you, oh experienced and smart congo guy, please enlighten me". He got pissed, but he cant be pissed with me since I said it so nicely. So he said "You know what, enough of you. Just leave it at the door. I'll throw it tmr. Just 2 mins walk down and throw and u cant do that"
Me: "Well, that's really nice of you. And yes, if its only 2 mins walk down and throw, it seems like you can do it just as well as I can. I wonder why push it to me. But u're a great guy"

Fuck. While being nice, I inserted so much subtle jabs in my sentences, he must be an idiot not to realise. But then, culturally differences, it would be hard to realise for him. Esp since he's dumb. Can u believe it, he still dont know my name. I gave him a superficial hug, shook his hands several times. With my neighbours, I have no choice, but to play the politics game.
Damn it. In Europe, I learnt, handshakes and hugs are free, superficial, and easy. Just a few instance, when it's really really real, with a few close friends, you can feel it. And that felt so good & warm.

I feel justified being a hypocrite to get myself out of this mess. Like I did, in the last 2 months of NS. At that time, I tried every method, right methods, to make things right, but everything was unfairly against me. And I needed to get things done. So I tried it. It worked. Now, it worked as well. And since I couldnt care about my neighbour, I cant be bothered putting on a mask to them. They dont know me, never knew me, never bothered. I gave nothing of myself to them, and I would leave them soon, forever, so I guess, its a blessing, that all they know about me, is a mask that I wear in front of them. And I am glad, that since I dont like them, they will never get a chance to know me. All they would ever rmb of me, is a mask that I wear in front of them. And I am happy not sharing myself, with people out of make life hard for me. Of cos, I avoid them as much as possible. Can you believe it, I open my door, see them walking around, and I close my door shut. Not so much of guilt of showing a masked self (it actually takes alot of effort and rehearsal), but to avoid irritating confrontation of "u should this, u should that," Everyday. Gosh.

This afternoon, I think back. My old house, was noisy, and noisy. But the people actually talk to one another, and party together. I moved out, to save money and to have a peaceful time. I do think to myself, at the moment when I was about to move out, that I would sacrifice some good friends for peace and money saved, and better facilities. But then, when I moved out, I actually wanted to go back. I knew that, whichever my new place would be, it would definitely be quieter, better facilities, but the people might not gel as well. I mean, in my old house, they kinda hate me as well, but, it was a different kind of hate. There was conflict, they bitch about me, I know it, but we learn to compromise and learn to live together. We hate each other, but we endure and cognitive dissonance theory would tell u that this would make u like each other more. It is true. Cos once, my old house had a party, I was invited to it, they welcomed me with such joy and love. They actually missed me like shit, and did many things for me, and took tons of pictures of me. Martha even carried me on her back, cos my leg was painful. And even the czech girl, tessa, who hated me then, added me on fb and took tons of pictures of me when I returned. Now in this new place, cheaper, better facilities, quiet. but you have to follow all these rules of the house, its irritating. Everyone's hostile and no one talks to one another. Though, I dont want to go into whether it was a right thing to do to move out of the old noisy party place, where I could not even sleep well. There's nothing I can do now. Just few more weeks. Done with 2 papers, and Im going UK to visit Heather, Sanjay, Sanjiv, maybe Kelvin, Scotland, and hopefully see Man U vs Arsenal. Then back for 1 more week to take another paper, then my contract ends. Great. Maybe crash Ganesh's room for a while or Pastor's house (which wld be more ideal, cos his house is da bomb. And he has a guest room and guest bed). Then visit Sandra in Switzerland, and Anna in Finland, Ludek in Prague. I'll definitely cut the number of cities im gonna visit in Europe. Especially in France and Spain. Cos France and Spain is very poor, dirty country which doesnt speak English, like Italy.



Dont ask me to blog about Italy. I'll tell u in person. Italy is best forgotten. Though it was a learning experince. As pastor said to me "u learn most when u travel alone" I think so. In short, Italians are worse than 3rd world country people. In Italy, u see relics of Christ everywhere. Jesus on the cross, churches everywhere. Everyone's catholic. The whole country is catholic. The Vatican City is there. But the country is messed up. No one gives a shit about God. No one is God-fearing. No one honours God in their heart. They are babarians, uncivilised, liars. They pee on MRT escalators (I SAW IT MYSELF). Everywhere smells of urine and shit. Venice's water is fucking dirty, I didnt even want to pay for the boat ride. Italy is disgusting, far worse than Indonesia and Thailand. 95% of the time, life in Italy sucks. It was terribly hard. I quarrelled with Italian service people. They are racists, and they obviously admit it. I asked them "You told me 10mins was a rule. You gave the Americans 20mins. Why". The service women did not even look back at me. Eventually, I said "well, u have a problem with colour. I'll tell u what. Im not going anywhere with this luggage. Obviously the 10mins rule was your own. You are unable to show me on paper, proof that this rule exist. I have read other rules on paper, but not this one. And anyway, it doesnt exist, bcos u broke the rule by giving the American 20mins. Which means there is no such rule. So either u give me 20mins, or I can stand here and scold u for the next 10 mins, and by then that would be 10mins as u told me, and u would have to deposit my luggage anyway by then. Now, its 5 mins I spent scolding u. U can endure the next 5 mins with this pissed off face of yours trying to ignore me, or u can make life better for the both of us, by depositing my luggage. Cos whether u like it or not, Im ASIAN. And I am a tourist with my rights, and I paid for the Pisa ticket which allows me to drop my luggage here. I will not subject myself to your ridiculous self-made rules for people that you dont like, like Asians." She got bloody pissed, snatched my ticket and deposited my luggage. I was rather afraid she'll tear my ticket and call security. But I feel god-damn proud, I got my way. They hate yellow pple, yellow foreigners, tourists. Some of these individualistic jerks think that they are superior to Asians. That Asians are so submissive idiots. Not this one. I spend 95% of the time, quarrelling, trying to find my way in a country that speaks no english, hours lost, cheated of money, accomodation and food money, and finally, I reached their famous Coloseum/Pisa Tower/Piazza. I get awed for a while, and then Im so tired and emotionally + mentally +physically drained, I spend the rest of my time looking at pictures of friends and family, which cheered me up more than the Coloseum/Pisa Tower/Piazza (which was just beside me, and I rather look at pictures of love ones). I met no great Italians in Italy. The best people I met while travelling, a Chinese girl, a Taiwanese women, an Argentinian man, 2 Americans, No Italians. Hence, Italy, best forgotten. I learnt the country in 2 weeks. I learn the people. I learnt experienced it, I experienced them. I had enough.


Today, I got the news, that Juling (a fellow SEP nus girl in oslo), got robbed in Hamburg. She was robbed of her whole handbag, including her passport. Which means, she's might get deported back to Sg. I sent a mail to Heather telling her to becareful, since she travels alone as well. Having travelled alone, I fully know how it feels to travel alone. Not good. She replied that her friend got robbed in Stockholm. And Hamburg and Stockholm are suppose to be safe cities. It just made my idea of travelling alone, worse.



I was never fond of beer in Sg. But here, i feel so dry and empty, beer actually tastes so good to me. I believe there's an emotional component to it. I wasnt really aware of it myself. I wake up everyday, function the same. No emotional breakdown or mental distortion. In fact, on the surface, I looked like Im doing extremely well. Travelling, hosting parties, eating well. Until today, I realised the first 3 months abroad, I did not like beer. It started in Italy where I loved the wine. Wine rejuvenated me. Brought comfort to my soul. Now I like the left over beer of my party. And then I started to think, and I realised, Im dying inside. Im running low & out. I really really really only, want to be home, comforted, rested.

From Milan to Venice to Florence. I am now in florence. Will leave tmr morning for Rome.

Milan was a culture shock. Nobody in Milan speaks English. I was at the train station, queued up for 40 mins. Then, all the counter staff said "No English", the moment I opened my mouth.

At the hostel, I could not ask for anything. It was so bad. I almost thought I should just shut myself up in the Milan hostel. Eating my packed lunch, and taking my own time, I heard some Mandarin. To my utter relieve, the hostel receptionist was actually an Italian Chinese. So she helped me solve my ticket problem, and told me how to get around Milan. Some other places I thought of going, but then since no one speaks English here, and its raining heavily, I decided not to. Lest I dont make it back to the hostel.

Venice - better forgotten instead really. Update next time.

Florence. Florence was good, because I had a good host.

Next stop is rome. I kinda dont feel like going. Bcos florence, I finally had proper food, GOOD food to say the least, to eat. And a good place to return to, with quite good company. Then again, I know that Im done with Florence already. And the faster I get to rome, the faster I learn the ropes and cheap ways there. So I should get to rome, tmr morning, and spend one day, looking for a supermarket, and learning the transport system. And just planning my days from thurs to sun.

I hope to get to Pisa, then back to Oslo. Im done with Italy already. Italy is an ugly country. Dirty, rubbish all over the floor, bad roads, bad streets, full of gangs here and there. Full of beggars and poor people. Its just the old relics that draws thousands of visitors every day.

Ok Damn tired. Need to sleep. Nite.

Milan, Italy - the culture shock of culture shocks

Flight to Milan reached the Milan airport at 11 plus pm. I figured I would put the night in the airport. In norway, I have slept in 2 different airports and it was fine. Moreover, at 11 plus pm, getting into the city of Milan would end up after midnight, and the Italian streets are pretty dangerous. It would not be wise, looking for a hostel, in streets and signs that has no english. So I put the night in Milan airport.

The aiport is a crazy mess. People all over, sitting a black row of concrete bench in the middle. The whole place didnt look safe to me. Italians look hostile and dangerous. So I decided to put the night lock in the toilet, which smelt like crap. After scouting for a bigger cubicle, I was delighted to find one for mothers to do their baby stuff. It had a small bed, and it was clean and didnt smell like crap. Perfect I thought. And I could charge my hp there.

So I slept there, but couldnt get to sleep at all, because the noise from the ceiling that sounded like luggage shifting, was too loud. Halfway through, someone tried to open and knock on the door, but I refuse to open. At 230am, when I was half-asleep, I heard the keys and the door opened. To my horror, a policeman had opened the door. Angry and hostile looking. WTF I thought. He yelled at me to get the shit out. I didnt know what to expect, and was prepared to be deported back. So I followed him out, in my socks and sleepwear. He pointed at my bag and said "out". So I packed my stuff and when I went out, he pointed at the row of sleepers on the floor. I tried to ask him some stuff, but realise, he could not understand nor speak anymore english. Hence, I put the night beside the throng of people sleeping on the floor. It was to my surprised that there were so many people sleeping there, like a slum. As I put the floor, I had to endure gazes from others. Worried that my things might get stolen, I tied everything to my body and slept. At 330am, the police came again, and got all of us out of the floor. WTF I thought. You said on the floor, now no floor. It seems to me like the rest already knew what to expect. Most of them werent sleeping on the floor in the first place. They were just resting and chatting. And the minute before the police came, they were off the floor already. So I was left confused, being the last person on the floor, I packed my bag again, and tried to look for a place to sleep. The concrete bench by now, was packed with people, and I recognised that some of them were those who put the floor amongst me. I found a seat and sat there, and saw that most people were trying to sleep as well. However, to prevent people from sleeping there, the Milano airport had metal grates that makes it impossible to lie down, only for sitting. Nevertheless, I was too tired and no matter how uncomfortably painful, I slept.

Woke up the next morning, and bought a bus ticket to the Milan city. Bus ticket costs 8 euros, one way. Which was pretty expensive. And when I found the bus and boarded the bus, I realised I was the only one on the bus, and hence, the driver actually drove me only, 1.5 hours into the city. Which made me think that they actually factored in the possibility of driving only 1 passenger into the cost. 8 euro it seems, still profitted them much.

Eventually, I reached the Milano Centrale (Milan Central). I had already booked a hostel near the train station, but when I reached there, I realised it was harder to find than I thought. North, South, East or West? No Italians on the streets spoke English. I decided to ask the train station staff, but observed that they neither spoke english as well. I asked a White woman, who was a foreigner as well. She didnt know, because she wasnt local. Feeling increasingly lost, I walked the streets and asked an Asian mending a roadside stall. He didnt speak english either. "God save me". Before I came to Italy, I knew these people dont speak much English and was mentally prepared. But being mentally prepared and the reality itself can be so different. The immense pressure went straight into my mind. I felt.. felt.. like an alien. When I look up to heaven, it seems as if, even the skies could not understand me. An utter sense of isolation. An atmosphere of alientaion. Every molecule in the air seems to say to me "Stranger stranger stranger" - nothing else. I tried to ask God "what is going on? how to i get there" But for the first time in my life, the sheer atmosphere alone is so overwhelming, it felt like God didnt understand what I was saying as well, and ignored me completely, like everyone else on the streets did. I could not believe it. That the omnipotent God couldnt tell you what to do, how to get there, because nothing is in english, and everyone looks at u like an alien, and nobody bother could know what you are saying. The feeling of loneliness was never never greater. The sense of being alone awakens every cell in me. ALONE ALONE ALONE ALONE ALONE. Seems to drill in my mind. STRANGER, ALONE. For a moment, I hallucinated that a Malaysian friend was there. And I smiled at him. And he said "bro what are we gonna do" I smiled & replied "dunno sia". Moments later, I realised, I was hallucinating. I realised that the repercussions of this loneliness is greater than what I thought. Being the only child, I am used to being alone. In Singapore, many times, I prefer to be alone. Friends would know that I have no problems eating alone in the canteen, eating alone in the hawker. I do it very often, several times a week and actually enjoys doing it. But this... this... this is driving me insane. Every second that passes, confusion grows and my mind starts to hurt literally, exponentially. I look around, but all I see is signs that I could not understand. Passerbys brush pass, some bumping into me and staring at me, uttered in what I could not understand. Soon, they all start to look like aliens to me.

It was maybe only 30mins. But it felt like the longest period of my life. longest ever. Every minute felt like I am banished into eternity. Lost eternity. Soon, I realise I had to get my mind back and walk. Walk. In whichever direction. So I walked. Walked. Walked. Walked. The mail says "200 metres behind the train station" "It couldnt be so hard" - I tell myself. For once, I am glad, that I picked an expensive hostel with good location. Usually, I would prefer further cheaper ones. Problem now is, which is the front and back of the train station? There are 2 entrances. So I walk. Walk walk. 45mins later, I was lost. Standing at a traffic junction, I hallucinated that a friend was there to help me look for it. By now, I realised that this friend wasnt really there. I walk more, and it rained. Soon, I saw a man and asked "Do you speak English?"
Him "Yes, some"
Me (SO HAPPY) "Can you tell me where this street is"
Him "Im not from Milano. Im a foreigner. You can ask the hotel staff"
So I went in, and was glad that the hotel receptionist spoke English. He gave me a map and showed me the way.

I reached that street. Raining. For 1 hour, I walk up and down that street, unable to find that building. Non of them looked like a hostel to me. I walked up to the end of the street, asked a woman. Soon, I realised non of them speaks English. So I simply had to point the name of the street on a paper and they point the direction to me. Problem is, they could not tell me how far, how long, or if I needed to turn left or turn after this junction. They can only point the direction to me. Another problem is, the Italians seems to give different directions. All of them point different directions to me. Even those shop owners who work in that street was unable to tell me where that building was. Moreover, they didnt like me asking them directions. All of them, were very impatient and replied to me in bad tone. And when I asked for clarifications, they soon give up, shrug their shoulder and give me the "its not my problem if u cant find it" look. Soon, I give up.

(That street. Via Luguinie)

Sick of that street in the rain, I decided to cross the road. There I stood, opposite the street and looked back. "That building looks kinda familiar" And I realised, it could be one of the many hostels that I saw on the internet. So I walked near that building and standing at its door, I saw the number. Number 4. Yes the correct one. And to my horror as well, the numbers are all faded, and camoflouged to the building colour, which explains why, I thought this street had no building number.

The building door could not open. So I pressed every button on the door until one of them opens the door for me. I went in. A guy greeted me in Italian. He pointed a door to me. I went in. An Asian girl came out. As usual, I assume that all Asians abroad spoke English. But no. She didnt. I asked her for a spoon for my meal and she didnt understand at all. Even sign language was tough. Next, she said "No breakfast".
Me "What! It says on the net there's breakfast."
She "No breakfast"
Me "You have to explain this. I paid 25 euro inclusive of the breakfast"
She "No breakfast"
.....
After a few other sentences that I speak, she only replied "no breakfast"
Soon, I realise, she could not understand what Im saying in english.

I went into the room. Ate my pre-packed lunch box with a plastic stick, and was prepared to spend the whole day in the room. What could I do? No one, not even the bus or train staff understand english. How to buy ticket even.
Reminding myself that God loves me, I composed myself and ate, as slowly as I could to pass time.

View from hostel

Then came some voices from outside. It was the reception. It sounded familiar. It sounded, sounded, sounded..... like...... Mandarin!!!! I felt a sense of joy, but was wary not to get my hopes up too high. So I continued eating and peered my ear to listen. Yes, it was Mandarin. Im 70% sure. Finishing half the pack, and keeping the other half for dinner, I walked out to the reception. I stood in front of her and said "你会讲中文?" (u can speak Mandarin?). She looked surprised and happy "ah"
Me "简单多了" (much simpler)
"我刚才是要汤匙" (I wanted a spoon just now)
And we carried on talking and talking and talking.
She told me where to visit in Milan, how to get ticket.
She said the only way to buy transport ticket is from cigarette store near the train station. I WOULD SERIOUSLY NEVER HAVE FIGURED THAT OUT MYSELF.

We talked and talked, and me especially much, because this sense of being able to communicate was overwhelming. Being able to communicate has been so taken for granted, as a human being in Singapore.
Soon I took my way to the train station.


The road to the train station. It was horribly dirty and smelly with huge puddles of water - Testament to how uneven the road is. Few times, I almost sprained my ankle. Once, I was 3 metres away from the road, a car went by, and the water splashed onto my face. Also, See carefully how the cars are parked. On the concrete pavement, straight or diagonally. They simply drive their car up to onto the pavement wherever there's space, whichever orientation. Click on the picture and notice that some metal railings (the one foremost left in the picture) have been knocked bent pressumably by the car (what else can u think of?). I could not even walk straight properly on this street.


Train station. Milano Centrale.

tbc

Milan, going around

At the train station, I could not find where to buy the tickets. I could not even find the metro. I searched and searched. It was huge. I asked 2 person. But as soon as I start talking, they replied "No English". I wonder how they even know that I am speaking english if they could not understand. I give up. I searched, I failed again. Soon, I saw a young girl. Looks like a uni student to me. And I remembered that Vallentina, a Italian exchange student in oslo, was able to speak basic english to me. So I approached that girl, and to my delight, she says she speaks a little english. However, her directions were to good. She points right and says turn left. Eventually, I was to find out that her directions brought me to nowhere, even after I tried turning both left and right. So I walked walked walked to a queue that looks like people are asking for information. I got a map of the metro from the hostel. And finally, I asked the staff, who also could not speak english. Hence, I showed him the map and he pointed outside the door and below the ground. So its an escalator outside the door to the underground. Yes, I found it. The only escalator that goes underground.

Underground, I was in for more culture shock. It was so busy, so many people. So many stalls. But everyone is queueing at a yellow cigarette store and the boss is so busy shouting. I figured this must be the queue to buy ticket. I queued. Behind me queued a few China middle woman who spoke in Mandarin. I heard them say this is the queue. And clarified. As usual, Asians always look shock when you talk to them, like you are some bad guy. I bought my ticket. Didnt know which to buy, so I bought the cheapest for 1 euro. For the first time in my life, I was to learn that the ticket was only valid for 1 metro trip. For buses, you can take more trip within 90mins. Well, I did manage to get to the right stop, after enduring the warm, stuffy, smelly, dirty, packed train, while clutching to my bag tightly for fear of robbers.

I alighted. And tried to get to my place, but didnt know where to exit. I wanted to ask, but figured that I would not start a sentence with english, because they would just ignore me. So I approached a stall owner at the metro and said "San Siro?" while pointing at a random direction. He replied "San Siro _ _ _ _ " and pointed somewhere else. I followed that direction. Glad, I realised that not opening a sentence with English helps.
Along the way, I did the same.

The walk to San Siro, internet tip says follow the row of trees.

After 20 mins of walking, I stopped at a junction. A woman saw me and asked me "where are you going?" I was shocked. But at the same time, I was really careful of being approached on the streets. Too many real stories of friends of friends who got robbed because they trusted the strangers who approach them and let their guard down.

And after 30 mins of walking, I saw San Siro.
But nearest to me, was a horse-racing stadium. I could not help but notice the huge horse.

Had to do this shot.

Burnt down buildings beside San Siro.

San Siro - home to AC Milan and Inter Milan.

I simply walked and walked round the stadium without a plan, trying to see if I could get in. Eventually, I saw a queue of people waiting to get in. I walked further out to catch a view of the stadium and here, I saw 2 Malay looking people talking photos. I asked the man to help me take and he replied in a purely authentic SEA Malay tone. He was Malaysian with his wife and we did the stadium tour together.

He took this shot for me. The buldge on the side is my waist pouch, hidden inside my jacket to prevent pickpockets and robbers. It might seem exaggerated, but its Milan. No joke at all.

At this point, I realised that the rain had gotten into my camera lens, hence the blur.
I walked in, only to realise that it costs 12.50 euro. As I hesitated, the counter was pissed and shouted at me to hurry up. I thought it was so rude to be pissed at a customer. They offered me a discounted price of 10 euro because they thought I was the Malaysian couple's son & I was under-18. (Nevertheless, student ticket should cost 10 euros anw). So I bought it.

First steps into the San Siro was refreshing, almost breath-taking. I could hardly believe that Im stepping into one of the most famous football stadiums in the world, with an unbelievable history, and house of 2 unbelievable clubs. The grass looks amazing, unlike any pitch I have ever seen, not even that of Singapore Sports School. The seats look awesome, so evenly coloured, tidy, neat, yet most importantly is the knowledge that these seats are sat by the most fervent supporters and VIPS, who gave their heart and soul for the club and matches.

You have to give credit to his wife. He's the obsessed soccer fan, she isnt. And she has followed him from Manchester, liverpool (both in England) to Madrid, Barcelona (both in Spain) to Milan, Italy - just to fulfill his dream and take pictures + video of him alone.

Going into the dressing rooms

Inter Milan's dressing room.

Quite a lousy equipped dressing room. No wonder got wacked by Man Utd.

AC Milan's dressing room.

The guide and I. He's a fan of AC, not inter.

One of the many seats for the AC players. Each has their own. The crowd was quiet most of the time, until David Beckham's name is mentioned, and then lots of commotion among the teens. All in Italian, but I assume they are talking about Beckham. (I wonder how he find this city & live here without Italian)

His name is Jalul. A Malaysian banker. At the AC Milan team talk table.

The store. This you must see. Look at how angry the counter woman (right) is? Staring at me and folding her arms, just because Im trying to take a shot. I really must say, Italians are not the most hospitable people on planet earth. This is a visitor place, where photos are expected. Imagine what kind of hard treatment I suffered at less touristy places. Sometimes, I wonder whether Im seeing true blue b@rbar|an5, or it@lian5 are simply their descendants. Undeveloped in their mind, behaviour, attitude, manners, streets, buildings, city.

After San Siro, Jalul's plan was the same as mine. We wanted to visit Duomo. However, our methods of getting there was different. Jalul wanted to take cab, because he says he has no time. After talking to him, I realise he had been using cab as his mode of transport, neglecting the cost completely. Since he offered to pay, I decided to help him get a cab. However, we crossed the streets countless times and countless cabs passed without stopping. Tomorrow I was to discover on a tourist newspaper, that it is impossible to get a cab off the streets in Milan, because their drivers weirdly (whats new) refuse to stop on the road side (how to do business like that? no wonder undev3loped & poor lah)
Hence, we give up and decided to take the tram there. Jalul met an old Italian man on the tram stop, who talked to him. Surprised that he spoke english, we were to discover that the old man travelled to Malaysia before. We could not buy ticket as there was no cigarette store nearby. The old man offered to sell us tickets. I wonder why he had so many extras. Jalul bought 3 from him, 1 for me. I didnt like it, because I had intended to hop onto the tram for free. But since he bought it already, and spent another 1 euro.

Jalul and wife.

We alighted, Jalul got hungry and decided to eat at Macs. Being Muslim, the only Halal food in italy is mac's fish burger.

At macs, I would receive another culture shock. They needed to pay for their ketchup and chilla sauce. And it costs too much for a sauce. We chatted. They thought I was "brave" (I interpret it as crazy) to go to Italy alone. I know, it was unwise and I regret it. After that, we walked to Duomo.

Inside Duomo

Inside Duomo

After that, we went to the arcade shopping beside Duomo. It looks really great.

At the center of the shopping arcade. There are 4 shops that face the center, the most prime position, which should also be the most expensive. And rightly so, when I saw Prada and Louis Vuitton.

When I saw this I was laughing like shit. The top 4 most expensive shops include McDonalds. Looks like Macs is on the bar with Prada and Louis Vuitton.