Influenza A (H1N1)

H1N1... we can defeat you!

By now, I don't think anyone old enough to read or turn on the idiot box or radio would not know what the hell is H1N1. It has caught us off guard and spread like wildfire. I think basically the Health Ministry has conceded defeat and now urged the public to self monitor rather than rely too much on the government; which I think is the right thing to do. If we don't start to take care of ourselves, then who will? Just asking the Government to do all the job is unfair and it puts a lot of stress on the medical facilities.

I personally think our Government is actually doing 'too much' on this matter. I know, you might screw me but I do think over-reacting to this pandemic is causing more harm than good. Yes, the virus can spread easily but on the bright side, mortality rate is extremely low. What needs to be done is for the public to be educated, self monitor and SEEK medical attention IMMEDIATELY if even simple symptoms of flu and fever is suspected. Never be a hero....... hero die young!

What angers me today is the attitude of some very very kiasu, kiasi parents! Read here for more details. It is totally uncalled for! Asking the affected parents to issue a public apology? How stupid and selfish is that? Maybe they thought it's fun for the parents to have their children infected and have to suffer; not only physically but also mentally. Just imagine how tough it is for the children to go back to their class and don't be surprised if their friends' parents asked their children not to go near them. The stigma they will suffer will surely put a lot of mental stress in these young kids.

So for those parents who demanded apologies, go screw yourselves. Be ashamed of your stupidity and please never repeat such a moronic act again. You are setting a very bad example to your own children.

To those parents and children affected, be strong and get well soon! The H1N1 needs to do better to break us......

You'll Never Walk Alone!

Trip to Mauritius

The sunset view from my room

Last week, on the 3rd of Jun, I had the chance to travel to Mauritius for a short meeting with some Indian travel agents. The trip itself is short, just 3 days but the journey was a long one.

I travel with Eddie, and we book our flight from KLIA to Mauritius via Singapore. In total, the journey is about 9 hours; including a very short transit in Changi.

We landed in Mauritius around 4pm local time. They are 4 hours behind us, so you can imagine the time difference created havoc with our system. We practically had our lunch around 5pm (M'sian time) and dinner starts around 1am!

Mauritius is a very small island in the Indian Ocean, near to Madagascar. It's not quite developed and apart from the capital Port Louis, practically there are no high buildings. Even the capitol has no skyscraper, just a few buildings that's more than 30 storey high. From what I understand, the Mauritian are quite lazy. They work until 4 ~ 4:30pm and then go home and do nothing. In my short stay, I couldn't even find a place that sells souvenirs!

It was said that Mauritius will come alive during the weekends only......

Well, what did we do then? For a start, upon our arrival, we rushed to the safari park. Name only la! What safari when there's only a few lions and a few cheetahs.... in cages! I was hugely disappointed. Saw some ducks and a lone tiger. That's all! Then back to hotel to freshen up and dinner with the agents.

The second day was totally pointless. Eddie and the Indian agents had a meeting with the Mauritius Tourism Board and Mauritius Air when me and 2 other guys went loitering at the Waterfront shopping mall. Nothing to shop since we can get those stuffs here and much more cheaper. The meeting according to Eddie it pointless too!

3rd day is the most hectic, when we did hotel inspections. The hotels were very classy and nice and when you combine good hotels with nice ocean views, it makes a very good honeymoon destination. The food at the hotels are good too.

All in all, it was a tiring trip. We met with our Indian partners, talked about our business and then head straight back. Long trip but worth while.

Hope this trip can bring in business... soon!