Impressions from China - I'm homesick

Yes, I miss my family, my friends.

But I also miss the efficiency of Singapore. There are so many procedures (many seemingly pointless) in place for the most simple things. Asking for a receipt (fapiao) here is a big deal especially for large items like furniture. Receipts here actually have a scratch off portion that tells you whether you have won money or not; it's the governments attempt at encouraging the public to ask for official receipts which retailers have to submit. This is their way of trying to stamp out under-declaring by the retailers.

I miss being able to look at road signs & know immediately what it says & where I am heading to.

I miss being able to say something to someone without having a puzzled look of incomprehension being returned to me.

I miss my vegetable seller in Holland V who helps me choose my veges for a great price.

I miss being able to drink water off the tap without wondering whether I am ingesting carcinogenic toxins into my system.

I miss being billed for gas & electricity. They use top up cards here for gas & electricity, for crying our loud!!! So if we forget to check the meter, we may end up sitting in the dark one night.

I know these are growing pains in the fledgling days of our time here. It will get better. It will.