That is a New One for Hotels!

Stayed in a 3-Star hotel. Booked breakfast with it as I had a long day ahead and didn't want to go hunt for food first thing. The restaurant had this sign on display. I am sure that they have their good reason. It was not for the place being not presentable. On the contrary. It was a nice space, well lit, nicely placed tables and all. Would have made for some good backdrop for the Gram (well, if you know me, you know that this sign did nothing to deter me). 

Asked. Three people from the hotel. Neither could tell me what the reason for this sign is. A mystery. Which made me wonder: don't the staff walk past this, thinking "Yeah, actually why?" I can't be the only one to have ever asked. Or are people just ignoring it / following instructions without asking?

Extra: Interesting

Had the opportunity to be an extra in a TV commercial. I will be somewhere in the back of a group of people, so don't go and watch TV all day. Filling the background essentially. The most interesting aspect of this might be what a "Studio" looks like. Spoiler alert: boring. 

A "Studio", as I have also seen it in Hong Kong interviewing the owners of a fabled one that was chosen for a Batman movie, is essentially a big empty space. One of the characteristics I found them to have in common is that they seem to be deliberately in remote-ish areas. Must have to do with the idea that one needs "quiet on set". 

When you have sat through a movie, reading the credits of a film, one can't help to wonder how many people it takes to produce one. Indeed, even for a TV commercial, there were about 50 people (incl us extras) on set. 

Get your Kickers in Ginza (or in other Places)

A tour of the Hakone prefecture makes for a perfect balance to the concrete jungle of Tokyo. However, there is always some more shopping that needs to be done. Arriving back from Hakone in the early evening, the day will be crowned by a visit to Ginza, famous for being a trendy hotspot. The downtown area with shops founded over a hundred years ago is brimming with department stores and luxury boutiques lining the route from Nihonbashi to Ginza. Here one can find less common high-end goods, such as Maybach branded sunglasses. It's a long-established tradition to shop and stroll while the road is closed to traffic. Those wanting to get their hands on the fabled Onituska Tiger shoes will find a galore of boutiques here. One of which is selling only limited-edition issues, while another one sells only the Nippon Made labelled sneakers. However, as Ginza is a shopping heaven, these shops tend to be overcrowded. Outlets of this shoe brand, as well as Uniqlo for example, can be found in other parts of town as well, offering the same ranges, sans the tour groups competing for the wares.

Have to say, the Cafe 75 by Onitsuka Tiger was a disappointment. The basement was cramped with dozens of people grabbing shoes, totally stressed staff (cos of the sheer volumes of shoppers) and the cafe was closed. Wait. What? The Cafe is supposed to be be the main gig, no? Naturally, both Jacqueline and I ended up with new Onitsuka Tiger shoes, which we purchased in Shinjuku, where the experience was a calmer, nicer one. 

Police PR Work

I like that the local police force is totally cool about doing some PR work. Taking a picture with officers of the law is one of the most normal things in Malaysia. We took the kids to the airport a while back to show them how that all works. Couple of heavily armed police staff were patrolling the arrivals hall (nothing wrong with that, great to see the force out in force to make sure we are all safe). Headed over with the kids, asked for a snap and, Tadaaaa, done. Complete with the weaponry, smiles and all. 

This I like because the idea of the friend and helper is still the foundation of their work. Instead of instilling fear, the police forces should be seen as approachable, friendly (Firm, yes) and resourceful. After all, these are the people you would want your kids to seek if there is a problem. 

The Sudden Arrival of Chinese Trucks in Europe

 

The new trucks launched by established European OEMs at this year’s IAA Transportation were anticipated, but what drew considerable attention was the entrance of Chinese truck brands. Taking up significant space, several Chinese brands were on display, including one that is becoming increasingly recognized due to the growing presence of its passenger cars on German roads.

The design of the Chinese trucks visibly differs from the European brands. However, their technological advancements have prompted quiet discussions among attendees. These trucks, once considered less refined compared to their European counterparts, have clearly progressed. The question now arises: have Chinese trucks reached a level where they can compete directly with European brands? Is this a new contender making a serious bid for market share in Europe?

In recent conversations, some have asked why Chinese trucks have taken so long to enter the European market. My response is that the domestic Chinese market is vast, reducing the need for earlier exports. By contrast, brands from smaller markets, like Sweden, quickly recognized that they needed to sell abroad due to limited local demand. Chinese-made trucks have been active in Southeast Asia for over a decade, particularly in countries like Malaysia. It’s possible that these markets served as testing grounds, helping to refine the trucks for more competitive regions like Europe.

Interestingly, a Tesla Semi was also showcased at IAA Transportation, yet it didn’t generate the same buzz as the Chinese trucks. The confidence displayed by these new arrivals suggests they are serious about establishing a foothold.

It’s worth noting that many European manufacturers have joint ventures with Chinese truck makers. These partnerships have facilitated knowledge sharing, blurring the lines between competition and collaboration. This exchange has likely contributed to the rapid advancement of Chinese brands. In some cases, there have been concerns about intellectual property issues, but the reality is that Chinese manufacturers now offer technologically advanced portfolios. One could argue that Europe’s collaborations helped fast-track the rise of these new players.

Another key factor aiding the entrance of Chinese trucks into Europe is the Belt and Road Initiative, which has extended into the continent. If Southeast Asian infrastructure projects, such as Malaysia’s East Coast Railway Link, are any indication, Chinese trucks could soon become a familiar sight on European construction sites, supported by Chinese infrastructure projects. There are concerns, however, that these projects may offer limited economic benefits to local economies, as Chinese conglomerates tend to supply not only the vehicles but also labor and expertise.

While I haven’t had the chance to extensively test-drive the trucks, my brief experiences indicate that Chinese trucks have made significant strides in both quality and capability. Shifts in political will also play a role in this transformation. For instance, when China aimed to clean up Beijing’s air quality ahead of the Olympics, it drove changes in the transport industry, leading to the widespread adoption of electric and hydrogen-powered trucks and buses. In comparison, countries like Germany may face more political obstacles in advancing similar green initiatives. The Chinese trucks now entering the market might offer solutions that align better with the growing demand for greener, more sustainable transportation.

Yucky Shopping

I don't know what it is that these plastic baskets in convenience stores don't seem to ever get cleaned. And don't people complain about that when they put their fresh produce in them? While this is one of the trolley bins in a shop, the same can be observed at night markets where I am being asked to put my fruits into a basket for the vendor to ring up the bill. Once a week under hot water should do the trick, right?

Yes, I could name the location of this mart, but no need. Ask me and I tell you, but I am not going to put this out here publicly. 

Reading Material - Asian Trucker Issue Sept / Oct