Survived the clock moving forward

We were in Belgium more than a month ago.  It was cool in Ghent, our hotel was cool. So were the artworks in the walls in our lodgings in Brussels.  The days were short and I forgot socks and tights for the  little one which made us walk the length of the streets looking for socks and tights shops.  Which reminds me that we should now consume the chocolates purchased at the time.  

The essence of travel is observation.  It's hard to walk pass thoroughfares. But there's always something new to learn.  Leaving the confines of school in the nineties and working in a different country, even with contemporaries who finished the same tertiary education, was such an eye-opener on schools and upbringing.  I couldn't relate to the colleagues and roommates.  We had the same degrees and yet something's amiss. I gravitated towards the libraries, in those days, 19 years ago in Singapore just to trawl the web.  Or just to read books.

  I didn't know what the roommates liked doing -- small talk?  Until now, I reckon it's still talking about nothing and everything -- discussing about investments? Boyfriends? 

It's hard to relate from my end, it's even harder with people from other cultures.  From those who have not seen and experienced the epitome of slums, the gap is wider.  What I've  noticed is that in RP,  the lower your income, the more obsequious you are to the higher strata of society.  In the British isles, it's more even-toned.  The workers need not fear raising their voices.  

But then all these gaps in work ethic, culture shifts, generational trends, don't really change the quest for our pursuits.  Others like to collect shoes or bags, I still enjoy writing.

spring and winter discourse

It has been cold from October to now.  It's hard to function in the outside world despite the many layers of clothing. Or inside, our energy bill makes me cry.  I really like some free time to do all the ironing. The pile of papers and laundry would make a stellar exhibit for Tate Modern.  

During the previous summer, I had an online argument with a Brexiter.  The US elections gave the chills.  I was disappointed that my so-called friend thinks Hillary is a worshipper of Satan and the world biggest crook.  But the majority and the electoral college deserve the result of every referendum and election.  I believe in the mantra of the reigning Miss Universe from Lille, diversity beats inclusivity. We should widen our beliefs and our views.  Then there wouldn't be hatred or just a mere blame culture. 

The terrorist attack in one of the world's most calming site at the Palace of Westminster may have ruined my sked of visiting the Tower of London or Westminster Abbey. It hurts every time there are atrocities occurring anywhere in the world.  People are so selfish in their mind sets.  Power is not be all.  

But maybe we could still head to Hampton Court. I've  been fascinated by Tudor History since the summer in Dona Maria street, nearly three decades ago.   I miss that street, we'll never be able to afford from that very commercial space ever again.  

Speaking of reading and history, my parents read a lot in their lifetime and yet my younger brothers never seem to get the knack for reading.  My mom should have had worked more with enhancing their school work and extra curriculars, never should she have gotten bored with parenting, inculcated in their system the love of academics. Maybe it was too hard to push those boys. I know having multiple children makes you one feel accomplished.  But what is Prince Harry going to do now that Prince William has kids who are nearest in line to the throne? Ok, there was Prince Arthur Tudor and Henry VIII and some other examples.  But it would have been nicer if my mom used flash cards for all children not just for me.