Urbanisation is so 1980s

When I was in school, 20 years ago, we would read and learn about Urbanisation. The concept being that (big) cities would be more attractive as there is more work, higher salaries and wages, generally more opportunities. People living on farmlands would migrate to the nearby / far cities to try their luck, hoping for a better, brighter future. While this worked for some, it did not for all. Unpleasant side effects are huge cities with traffic congestion, slums as not everyone would find work etc.

I think today this effect has escalated to something that I would call "Countrification". It is not the bigger, more wealthy city that attracts people, but a richer country. Whole populations are on the move to countries that offer a new perspective. Take the "Amah" or domestic helper. Half of the female population of Manila must be working in Malaysia, Singapore or Hong Kong as hired help around the house. Most waiters in restaurants here are from Burma. And I know a whole bundle of Malaysians that move to Singapore as they have better chances there.

One interesting and negative side effect: I cannot understand the waiters anymore. They know how to get to work, but no English... Ordering food becomes a lottery, but we are all happier with more money we make and a busy travel industry, shipping folks around the planet for new employments.

Do you miss the food from home?

Interestingly, I get asked a lot of times if I am missing the food from home or if I can get the same food as "back home". Yes, you can. Thanks to globalisation. Found this really great Confiture. Grabbed the strawberry and was overwhelmed by the taste.

Exactly what a Confiture should be: Not too sweet, yes with fruits, but not the entire fruit, making it hard to eat it. No sugary taste or traces of any preservatives etc. Just great strawberry taste. Haven't seen this in Germany though, which proves that "out here" you will sometimes some real gems.

Some information from their website (http://www.albertmenes.fr/confitures.html):

Albert Ménès jams are slow-cooked with high fruit content but not any strawberry makes the Albert Ménès mark.  Le premier critère de qualité est la variété du fruit : notre confiture de fraise utilise des fraises senga sengana, petites et au goût très concentré, les roses du confit sont des Centifolia en provenance de la région de Grasse.The first criterion in choosing fine, natural ingredients is about the fruit variety. Albert Ménès Strawberry Jam is made only with strawberries of the Senga Sengana species, chosen for their small size, flavour, strong taste and outstanding crunchiness. The strawberries are sorted and selected before being preserved whole in pure cane sugar to give a jam easily spreadable with the enjoyment of full strawberries.

Bon appetit!

House-sitting

We are currently watching over a friend's dog and apartment...Relaxing at the pool and making use of the gym.

New year will start with a trip to Hong Kong on the 3rd January.
Seeing Marcel and his family.

Let there be light

This is on the way to my first meeting this morning. Love the way the sun shines right onto the Sincere Building in the center. And then there is the guy in the rear view mirror...

Look what the wife brought home!

The wife leaves early in the morning for some errants. Then I get this call from her 'I have this huge probelm'. And I am thinking there could have been an accident, people being hurt, the car broke down in the middle of a 3-lane highway or some serious issues in the family. Nope. The missus rescued a stray kitten and now Spike is a dad for a day until we find a new home.

Obviously, not much work got done between sheparding these 2 jokers and finding a new home.

In Germany with Xeralife

Just got back from a trip to Germany with Xeralife (www.xeralife.com). The weather was absolutely phantastic. Cold, yes maybe a bit too cold, but bright sun and cleasr skies. Got some running done in the forest.

Stayed in Dormagen, which in my books, now ranks as the most boring town I have ever seen. The most happening Pub had some 3 people in it besides us. On a Friday evening. What happened to Germany?

It was also great to see Inke, who returned from Chile to live in Frankfurt (Why?).

Personally, I did not like Frankfurt. Hey, I have problems buying tickets for the trains and I should know as I grew up with that stuff. Too complicated and people in Germany too unfriendly. Or just suspicious?

Xeralife just sent a note, we are going back for Compamed 2012, so I'll be back in November 2012.

Business Trip to Germany

In Germany for the third time this year. Xeralife is attendind the Compamed and we have come over to help the German distributor with the exhibition.
Arrived yesterday after an uneventful flight and trip. The weather is nice. Cold but very sunny, just perfect November weather. Forecast says it is to stay that way.

Got over teh time difference pretty good too. Only woke up at 6:30 this morning after a night out with some frineds. Ended up in Hameln, at least there are some vibrant places left. Later going to work a bit and going for a run. Gotta keep fit, no?