Chinese Carabao and a Glimpse of Singapore through the eyes of Mr Nice-Taxi-Driver
My five hour transit to Singapore let me explore Gardens by the Bay and The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands. On the way, Mr Nice-taxi-driver was very warm and gracious enough to converse with me about anything from my purpose of visiting; suggestions on what to do or where to go; differences of work and lifestyle between his country and Dubai, he was quite surprised to learn that I get to have 30 days leave every year (according to him, the longest they can get is 2 weeks and it's very unlikely for them to obtain unpaid leave or be absent) and cringed when I told him the temperature reaches 45 °C or more during summer; their diverse culture; up to each of our family roots. Back home, we call it english carabao, when somebody speaks butchered english. Thanks to his relaxed demeanor and good communication skills, I didn't have to try to use my chinese carabao. He was kind, though, to say that my fayin was just fine. He explained that they learned english and mandarin in schoo...