Sunday, November 11, 2012

Sydney Confidential

I will be making a quick trip to Sydney, flying off tonight. It was kinda last minute as I had not planned to do so. However, my closest auntie just had a minor operation so I thought it was best to make the trip with the stretch of holidays this coming week. 

I used to go to Sydney every year but haven't been doing so as my last trip was some 3 years ago. The majority of my relatives are in Sydney and most do come back to visit anyway. 

Another reason to get away was that I can sense too many things happening around me all at once, most of them good stuff. Its good to get away and stand back and refresh, to look at things anew. Things couldn't be better at Murasaki ts, while its hectic, and while waiting for the office to be fully renovated, its my last chance to get away for sometime as I will be pouring myself back into the mix later on.

I thought I will try to do a travel blog for the next 7 days for this trip, see whether I can cut it as a travel blogger for a change. I kinda know Sydney very well as I was driving a taxi during my university days, all in I studied and worked there for almost 10 years. 


Yes, the first question everyone ask when I say that is why did I come back. I was too young and while I love Sydney, its not my backyard. I like the transparent and incisive newspapers, but most of the news articles were not about the people I really cared about. Maybe in my naive ways, I wanted to see what I can do for my country. 

Realistically, the bulk of the businesses in developed countries like Australia belonged to the big corporations. It is not entrepreneurial enough. In Malaysia, you can come up with a good idea and find funding relatively easily. Heck, you may even get to have an appointment with the CEO of most top 100 companies in Malaysia after just one or two layers of contact and networking, something you cannot possibly dream of doing in Australia.

So, in my rush, I packed packs of heong paeng (from Ipoh) and two packs of freshly ground almond powder. Its my second time bringing over the powder, I always like the look on the faces of the Customs and Immigration officers when I show them the packets of powder, so blatant, looking so much like cocaine...lol.

4 comments:

bruno said...

Dali,once in a while when we get the slightest chance to take a break,take it.The markets and trading is a very stressful way to make a living.

One needs to take a break and recharge the batteries,at least a few time a year.Or you will be screaming crazy and pulling the hair off your scalp.Or throwing that stupid tv and computer out the window.

Hope that your auntie will recover well and fast.Enjoy your vacation.All the best.

bruno said...

Dali,once in a while when we get the slightest chance to take a break,take it.The markets and trading is a very stressful way to make a living.

One needs to take a break and recharge the batteries,at least a few time a year.Or you will be screaming crazy and pulling the hair off your scalp.Or throwing that stupid tv and computer out the window.

Hope that your auntie will recover well and fast.Enjoy your vacation.All the best.

Unknown said...

I agree on the funding part in Malaysia. The only problem here is the consumers. They are not really receptive to new ideas/ products/ services which inevtibaly leads to the demise of these small businesses. That said, I see that it has started to change over the last few years (unemployment, insipred by their heroes like Job's, etc). Probably with proper branding & social media exposure this may change

Ivan said...

Have a wonderful trip . .