Daily Lessons from Life 20 February 2011 - 5 March 2011

I was not able to blog from 20 February 2011 to 4 March 2011 as I was in China!! It is a shame as it has the world largest number of people on the internet.

A few key observations over these 2 weeks:

1. China is BIG! I travelled by car from Shanghai to Huaiying City (2.5-3hrs), Huaiying City to Huaian City (2.5-3hrs), Huaian City to Shanghai (5.5-6hrs)!! Then to Suzhou from Shanghai in about 1.5hrs, without traffic jam! And it can be tiring!;

2. The Chinese government is very cautious. It is fearful of what they had seen happening in Tunisia, Egypt, and other Middle Eastern and North Africa countries where long time dictatorship got overthrown in a matter of weeks! The root cause is always about the cost of living, jobs and bread and butter issues! China is experiencing massive housing inflation and increasingly demanding bread and butter inflation too. The government has the power to take out any activists that try to stir up the same 'Jasmine Revolution' in Tunisia! Total BLOCKAGE!!;

3. The Chinese journalists and press media CAN BE adventurous in documenting corruptions and other crimes. Of course, those relating to corruptions are normally 'sanctioned by certain authorities' to be revealed. e.g. the sensational take down of the all powerful National Railway Minister for corruption - the highest government and Chinese Communist Party official in recent decades!;

4. Some of Suzhou Singapore Industrial Park have the look and feel of Shanghai new financial district in Lujiajui! The gleaming highrise and sculptured lakes and parks around the Suzhou IFC area. There are plans to invest another Rmb70B in this tiny place in the next 5 years!! At the same time, I DO see vacant offices and private housing estates. A scary scenario for the pessimits?;

5. Finally, I did a 75mins jog at Suzhou middle of my 2 weeks trip. I did another 75 mins jog this morning AFTER reaching home at round 7.15 a.m. It was good. I was glad I did it despite feeling a bit tire. I am ready for another 3 weeks of travelling in and out of Singapore.

I am glad that the next 3 weeks of travelling are to countries where the governments DO NOT block blogging. I shall continue my blogging daily - again!! Wow!!