My Experience at Tivoli

Last night, I finally went to Tivoli. Tivoli is one of the amusement parks in Copenhagen. One of the most expensive and well-maintained. After making it through the entrance with the long queues of people buying tickets, I was greeted with a large stage and many benches. And forget not the many restaurants. As I walked further, many small stalls began to appear. They were selling ice-cream, candy floss, pop corn, drinks, slush ice, sweets and so on. Anything that reminds you of a childhood fill with sweetness and fun. And then you have the game stalls. Trying shooting a target, or hitting the weights so hard that the ball hits the bell. Try your hand at throwing balls at targets to smash them. Or just try a hand a Tivoli's jackpot to win some cash. If you are interested in giving yourself a "bodily" memory, have a dragon tattoo spray-painted on you. For the more adventurous, hop on to any of the rides at the park. There is the roller coaster, the ferries-wheel, the train ride through scary places etc.

I tried the Roller coaster. It was purely a 15-second thrill ride. I was standing in the queue for about half an hour before the guy let me through the gantry and onto the hot seat. Then I fumbled with the seat belt and the safety gear for quite a number of seconds before I finally managed to get it right. And there I was, waiting for the engine to start. That few seconds were really amazing, or should I say fascinating. Consciously, you know that the ride is going to begin in a few moments and you wonder how you will react during the exciting moments. That suspense and excitement fills you up so much that every atom in your body gets charged up.

Boom! Here it goes. The coaster ride started with a bang and it went up and down and through the double loops. It was over very soon. Just a short but thrilling 15-second ride. Then I had to go through the gruelling few more seconds to figure out how to get the seat belt off and release the safety gear. My head was in a mess with my adrenaline still pumping. I felt as if I was floating in the air. By the time I figured it out, I was the last to get off the roller coaster. It was so embarassing. The kids were looking at me with the mystified looks on their faces. What is this woman still doing there fumbling with the seat belt?

Well, at least it is over now. But there were some things that I observed while in the queue. Primarily, it is the behaviour of youths. There was this group of youths who were originally queueing behind me. They were talking loudly, smoking like nobody's business and spitting away. Naturally, it made me feel uncomfortable. But I know that they mean no harm. Just youths out to enjoy themselves and thinking that their behaviour makes them stronger. It dawned on me that they have chosen to destroy their body gradually. What caused this? Is it due to democracy and freedom? People here have the freedom to choose how they want to lead their lives (yes for sure) and what they want to do with it. Everyone else has this freedom. But here, they have a larger degree of choice. With easy access to drugs, alcohol and sex, one can choose to lead of life of such till their body stops functioning.

On the other hand, at the other side of the world, while some constitutions are crying out democracy, they are limiting such evils for the public good. Is this real democracy? Or do they have a valid reason to take the extreme move? What do u think?

What does teaching mean to me?

I have been thinking about this for a long time and I want to pen it down so that it gives me clarity.

1. TO develop the next generation in terms of character
2. To impart knowledge to them so that they may put it to good use
3. To show them how big the world is
4. To create positive impact in the students' lives
5. I know that students will become better persons because of me and I will become a better person because of them
6. I bring knowledge, dedication and enthusiasm, which is contagious.
7. I am happy sharing knowledge and experiences with the students
8. I want to be there for them when they struggle through their adolescent years discovering and identifying their identity.
9. I want to build long-lasting relationships with them and motivate them along the way as they sail through life's toughest storms.

The power of words...

One of my friends wrote about this topic in his blog. Words. We use words as a basis of communication with one another. Words exist in speech or sign language. Words express meanings that we want to transmit to another. We have been told that words are powerful tools. They are stronger than the almighty sword. Indeed they are.

I remember the many instances in my last job with a big multi-national company. Despite it being a multinational company, the local management was still very much Singaporean Chinese. Profit is the focus definitely. But like most Chinese management, they did not see the inter-relation between employee morale and profits.

And so, the typical daily work environment includes harsh remarks, authoritative instructions and hypocritical behaviour. One hardly is able to find the space to explore possible business and work opportunities. One could only do what is told.

Of course, you can easily guess the turnover rate there. Every other week at the minimum, you would hear someone has tendered their resignation. I did.

I believe that deep down inside each of us, we want to do a decent day's job and go home. We all want to be respected and we want to learn and develop while on the job. We appreciate it when our fellow colleagues help us and guide us along the way. But when the work environment does not provide these conditions, we face obstacles and feel discouraged. The vicious cycle starts, we feel de-moralised, we do not perform at our best and soon, we just tell ourselves that things are not working out and perhaps, we need a change of environment because, we cannot bring the best out of us.

Just a simple sentence or remark can do wonders. A simple "Thank You" spoken with sincerity can do a long way. But few people ever think of it. Most of us simple take things for granted, most of the time.

But, to think of it, what we say reflects what we feel. So it shows a lot simply just thinking about the words that come out of a person's mouth.

The role of Language...Why do I want to teach English?

What is language? Has anyone ever thought about it in depth other than the linguists?
Language is :

1. A means of communication
2. The channel through which we express our thoughts and emotions
3. Something which shapes the way we think? The grammar structures and vocabulary seems to have an impact on the way we behave. Or is it the other way?
4. A medium to another's culture and beliefs
5. A medium to see the world from a different perspective
6. A medium to advancement and development
7. A medium to self discovery through words
8. Enjoyment and reflection through words
9. To create an impact on others for social causes
10. To preserve one's culture and traditions
11. Language is one medium to knowledge as knowledge is often encapsulated in alphabets. Without the ability to comprehend words and its meaning or, in other words, syntax, we close the door to knowledge.

The Art of Failure

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/4707015.stm

THe link above leads us to an article about how we view "failure" nowadays. Failure, to many people, means the ability to perform a task. It also means depression, rejection, lack of self-esteem and the lack of confidence. We have at some points in our lives felt these emotions before. I have. And the process was not a sweet one. I posed questions to myself which I could not answer. I made statements about myself which fuelled my pessimism. Even today, the ghosts haunt me when I am alone. I plunged myself into an abyss of darkness. In the darkness dwells monsters which feed on negativity. The more negatively you think of yourself, the stronger the monsters grow. It is a vicious cycle. And if we do not keep this process in check, we end up harming ourselves.

Today, I still face rejections and failures. Instead of falling into the abyss of darkness, I talk myself out of it. I think of the positive. I try to understand and learn from the situations and circumstances.

It has been a week....

It has been a week since I submitted my application to MOE for the position of a teacher. They have just replied to inform me that they have received my application and will be processing it. As soon as the shortlisting is completed, they will inform me. So the waiting starts. Every minute, every hour, every day, every month. I have done what I could and waiting is the only thing I can do now.

I ask myself what is it that makes me so worried about not getting into MOE. The only answer I can derive is that I have decided on a career in teaching and that is the only thing I want to do at least for the next couple of years. Perhaps when something means a lot to you, you tend to worry and think about it so much that it really gets to you.

Dear Lord

I pray to thee. I pray that you allow me the opportunity to put my skills and knowledge to good use. I pray that you help me be a teacher to help other children and teenages through that particular phase in their lives so that they may be given the best. It is a calling and I know it.

In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Money money money.....

I met a friend for dinner today. She and her husband stopped by Copenhagen for a vacation and we had dinner together. During the meal, we talked about so many things that have been happening in our lives. Then we came to the topic of democracy and beliefs. Her husband is German and worked in Singapore for a period of time. He commented that the system in Singapore is very different in Europe, and it took his quite a bit to understand it.

The Europeans have a welfare system which takes care of their basic needs and everyone is more or less at about the same level. We are excluding the rich people here. Singaporeans on the other hand are in debt most of the time because they have to secure their own housing, education and so on. Hence, money becomes a very important component in their lives. Singaporeans are often very envious of their counterparts who own a car or live in a condominium. The Europeans, however, focus more on family and personal pursuits such as hobbies. They grow up in an environment which teaches them the importance of friendship and family.

Could it be an issue of choice? That the Singapore government has decided on inculcating the next generation with such ideas? Is it true meritocracy? When you need help, is the government there to help you? I wonder.... Is there anything wrong with our value system?

What is more important in life? What are your thoughts?

The wait...

I have sent in my application to MOE and also wrote them an email to explain my situation. I hope that everything goes well. For the past few days, I have been worrying if I would be able to go into teaching. ( This is me, the worrying kind of person.) But there is nothing I can do except wait and pray hard that things will run smoothly. So I thought, maybe I could put down my thoughts into writing.

Teaching is something which I want to do and do for life. I want to be a specialist rather than a generalist. Being someone who cares too much for the development of others, I think, I am more suited to be in the teaching industry.

My concern is that MOE may find me unsuitable or not good enough for them. Singapore's education system has come to such a stage that they are rich enough to "buy" teachers from the top universities. They need not employ people like me who is everywhere. Local graduates with a few years of working experience. And who do not possess a First Class honors.

I only hope that they see the benefits of my experience living overseas and my diplomas, and that I am keen on this profession to give me the opportunity.

Dear God,

I pray that I would be given the chance to make a difference in the lives of the young ones so that they may move on to be the best they can be. I pray that I may be off assistance to those who need it to progress through life's challenges. These I ask from the bottom of heart.

In the name of the Father, the son and the holy spirit, Amen.

Cold

The weather for the past few days have been erratic. One moment it is raining and the other moment, the sun is out shinning as brightly as it could be. I have not been feeling well for the past one week. Guess it is because I have caught a cold unknowingly. Gosh. How I wish the cough and other symptoms would go away. I plan to sign up for gym membership tomorrow and start using it as much as I can. I need to get my body moving and get fit!

:(

Train to Bornholm

Oops, I forgot about this. Remember the recent trip to Bornholm? We were supposed to take the 0625 train to Ystad and then transfer to ferry. We missed the train because we went to the wrong track. Boon Chuong bought the tickets and the person at the ticketing station told him to go to track 26. And so we did. We waited and waited. There was no stirring at all. No notice, no train. Finally, we decided to go back to the ticketing booth to check if anything was going on. Then we realised that the train was on track 5 and it has left. So, there you go, 4 adults and a little boy stranded. Hence we approached the lady at the ticketing booth for advice. We asked if she could help us and here is her response: "It is not my fault, you know. Hmmm....... There is another train at 1035. You can try but I am not sure."

There you go. We tried our luck and managed to get on the train although there were no seats. But it was alright because our main objective is to get to Bornholm! As for the rest of the story, you can read in my other Blog entry.....

What have I learnt so far?

I have lived in Copenhagen for the past three months. So much as happened on a personal basis. So what conclusions can I draw from this period of time?

1. I can sit in the part/by the lake and read a book, drink and snack without feeling uncomfortable because the climate is cool and dry. Of course, this does not take place in winter.
2. As I read my book, I can lift my head up occassionally and say "Hi!" to people who walk pass and they will response with a smile and a "Hi! How are you?"
3. You do not have to lift your hand to flag a bus because the bus will stop at each stop no matter what.
4. Babies, infants, mothers and the elderly are given a kind of status which puts them above all. Cars give way to them, people help them along the way with their luggage and stuff.
5. The less fortunate such as the handicapped do not have to worry about getting around because, there will always be facilities to help them such as elevators.
6. The blind need not worry because someone will step forward and help guide them towards their destination.
7. Everyone who walks through a door will hold it for the person behind them.
8. Ask and you shall get some form of assistance although not in the way that you will get it in Ritz-Carlton in Singapore.
9. Live with the basics and be contented with life. But at the same time, one should never be lazy.
10. Freedom to express yourself.
11. Go straight to the point whenever possible to avoid misunderstanding.
12. It is your responsiblity to be in the know. If somethings happens because you do not know the rules and regulations, it is your oversight. So here comes the consequences and you cannot complain.
13. Be friendly to people and smile and you shall experience the same.
14. You can call in sick without having to produce a medical certificate. Your boss would tell you to rest at home till you are well before coming back to work.
15. You need to make an appointment to see the doctor. That may take days or weeks.
16. If you are really not feeling well, you are to self-medicate either by resting at home or going to the Apotheke and buy medication off the shelf.
17. Getting married is as easy as getting divorced.
18. You have time to cook a decent meal and settle down to watch tv or read a book at the end of the day before going to bed.
19. Never think of doing much shopping on sundays.
20. Danish is the national language so give it as much respect as you can.
21. Cable tv is a norm here.

How language shapes the behaviour of people

I have heard people telling me that a particular group of people behave in a very different way. This group of people never get to the point when they speak but can be extremely blunt in some circumstances. Another group of people are so organized that when they speak, they make sure that their sentence structure is correct. Sometimes, I really wonder if the language that we speak actually has has impact on how we think and express ourselves and also how we behave.

The Germans are extremely organized in their linguistics rules and they are also very organized in terms of their lifestyle. They plan and execute in a structured and precise manner. So is linguistics and human behaviour related in some ways?

The Chinese speak very fast and like to slur and eat up their words. In terms of behaviour, they work fast and hard but they also like to take advantages and the short cuts available.

The English like to use many words to express a simple idea. They love beautiful words such as those in poetry. In reality, they are the ones who would decorate their houses with art pieces and ornaments which look beautiful.

Are we seeing a pattern here?

Think about it.... :)

Bornholm

What an experience we had at Bornholm last weekend!! Reviews of the place imply that it is a wonderful getaway where one can enjoy the waters of the Baltic sea and the warm and wonderful sun. Well, I did get a dip in the Baltic sea. The water was crystal clear and there were fishes swimming around me. Tiny, long green fishes. They look beautiful. The water, nevertheless, was cold. My feet felt numb after barely minutes in the water.

The sun was great. Everyone was out by the beach or on their balconies and verandas enjoying the good weather. The children were having so much fun at the beach building sand castles, and running in and out of the water. The adults, on the other hand, were contented to just sit or lie down on the sand and get the tan that they want.

Guess i was the weekend so most of the attractions were closed. Speaking of attractions, there were not much too. Some smoke houses, museums, and shops. The people there lead a very laid back life. Things move slowly, not that slowly though. People were friendly because we were all there for the only purpose of relaxation (die Entspannung). Most of the houses there are summer houses. Hence, I think Bornholm is quite lonely during winter.

We all stayed at SAS Radisson hotel. One of the higher rated ones. The rooms had no air-conditioning. There were cobwebs all over the balcony. One of the light bulbs in the bathroom was not working. The fridge was leaking because someone switched of the power. The pillows were so flat that I woke up with my neck and should aching. All these were beginning to build up on my list of dissatisfaction with the hotel. Then, we thought that maybe we could use the spa/jacuzzi to wind down after a day. We went down, got the key and stuff and started to fill the jacuzzi with water. Then we tried to swtich on the air jets to get the bubbles working. To our surprise, it wasn't working. We went up to the reception to get some help. And the reply was that it was already not working for some time and the receptionist was hoping that we could get it to work. Oh my goodness. Are we angels who could work miracles with the jacuzzi? We had to change out of our bathing suits and get back to our room. So much work for nothing... The only consolation was that we had supper. We had bought escargoes and some instant noodles. Halfway through our supper, there was a beeping sound in the room. Guess what! The smoke detector had run out of battery and is beeping away.... We called the receptionist and she sent someone up to take out the batteries. Then we asked if new batteries would be put in and the guy said, "Oh, you will have to get batteries from the receptionist and replace it." What an answer! We decided to leave it at that. (In my mind, I was thinking about the possible implications of the spoilt smoke detector. Questions such as whether one would survive any possible fires flashed in my mind).

Well, who cares. I went to bed, too tired and disappointed...

Fear continued....

Yesterday, I posted my thoughts about fear of the unknown. Today, let me talk a little bit about "Fear of the KNOWN." I have lived in Copenhagen for more than two months now. Like what Mr Johansen said, it is a cozy little city with the bare necessities. And of course you have the extremes of facilities for the rich.

Sometimes, I wonder if I would be able to get used to the life back in Singapore. I mean, with the pace of life, with the kind of people that you meet. It is daunting. I remember the people in Singapore as rude, demanding, unreasonable. Definitely, there will be exceptions. But exceptions are the minority. On the other hand, what I see here is exactly the opposite. The Danes are well-behaved, respectful, helpful and friendly. The opposites are the minority. While they have the freedom to express themselves in whichever way they deem fit, they respect the others and do not impose their ideals on others. Even if they want to protest against something, they do it the peaceful way. No agression, but with logic and intellect.

The message that I get here is that you are innocent until proven guilty. In Singapore, I seem to get the message that you are guilty until proven innocent. Sometimes, I am afraid to go back because of the people. But I know, I will need to. At least for the next few years. God help me!

Danes enjoy a happier and more fulfilling family life...

The following link has an article which talks about the Danes who enjoy a much happier and more fulfilling life than the other countries in Europe. Comparing the lifestyle in Denmark and Singapore, they are like two extremes to me. The Danes work much lesser hours and have more respect for their families than Singaporeans. Singaporeans work and slog their whole life without really understanding the meaning of life. We work amost twelve to sixteen hours a day with the objective of earning more money and getting that promotion. What happened to family life? What happened to love? What happened to more noble causes such as peace and education and people living in Ethiopia? There are other people who are less fortunate and need our help. Guess we are all too tired after all the work that we just want some time to chill out on our own.

It is sad. Everything I watch the news and they report sad issues, I want to help out so much. I feel sad for the people. But because we work so much, we just never do what means so much to us.

http://www.cphpost.dk/get/89025.html

Fear of the unknown

Many of us have probably heard of the phrase "Fear of the unknown." And many of us have perhaps experienced situations where they have been afraid to make decisions because of that fear in us.

Likewise, I just experienced it. I have been thinking about a gym membership for a long time. I feel sick when I do not exercise. I have tried jogging but my ankle and knees are giving me problems. THe other set of problems came with my neck and shoulders. For whatever reasons, I just cannot seem to get a good night's sleep ever since I arrived. I wake up every morning with neck and shoulder pains which would not go away till late in the afternoon. And because I haven't been sleeping well, I spend more time in bed.

Finally, I decided to give the gym a call to find out the details of a membership. I expected the person to respond to me in a cold manner. But what I heard on the other side of the line was a sweet voice telling me that it costs 899 DKK for a month. The voice was sweet and patient adn welcoming. She also invited me to take a look at the gym. While we were talking, I guess there were some people in front of her at the reception. She politely explained that she needs to attend to the customers and would get someone to call me back. Perhaps this is the standard procedure in the basics of customer service. But the way she did it, changed everything. She gave me the confidence and showed me that it is not that bad after all. That I need not be afraid.

Thanks to her, Sats gym is looking at a new customer....

Who should take responsibility for carbon dioxide emissions?

There was a report on BBC News today about a phenomena taking place in India. The glaciers are melting at a much faster rate and they are a potential threat to the people living near them. Floods could possibly occur. What is causing this? Apparantly, it is the "rich nations" which are causing this. The average carbon dioxide emission in India per person is estimated at one ton per person per year. In Europe, we are looking at figures of ten tonnes per person per year. And in other more industrialised countries such as America, we are looking at twenty tonnes per person per year. So I decided to check it out. And guess what I found! http://www.aneki.com/dioxide.html

Singapore is sixth on the list. Each person emits about seven tonnes of carbon dioxide per year. We are such a small country and yet we are emitting so much CO2. Something is definitely wrong.

Back to the point. So who is to blame? The rich countries enjoy the luxury while the poor countries suffer at the hands of Mother Nature. What can we do?