Now... I've been thinking in the last few months. We've spent so much on drinking water, drinking bottled water to be exact. In a week, it cost us $13.00. Yes, we drink a lot of water. My baby consumes almost 600ml a day, my other daughters are the same. I consume more. Hubby too. Well, put together everybody in the house consumes a lot. It's far expensive compared to the estimated 50 cubic metre monthly usage at $5.50 (based on our water bill) for sanitation. That is $624 a year minimum of bottled water compared to $66 of tap water.
I spoke to hubby, we've to cut down on this. Not just it's uneconomical, but:
1. No evidence it's healthier than tap water. We're drinking reverse osmosis water with no nutritional value in any sense.
2. It's contained in plastic bottles. That's unfriendly to the environment. The bottles are non-biodegradable. Re-cycling can be costly. Re-using can be toxic for kids. It'd be better to avoid consuming them.
3. It's delivered to supermarkets or mini-marts via dieselled-run lorries/vehicles. Every green endeavors of ours seems futile. Worst if they're produced overseas, shipped or flown aggravates the eco-system.
But, my effort to cut down is not really working. All because we're unsure if it's really the right move. At times we get "muddy water," especially after heavy downpours. At other times we get "milky water." But yes, most times our tap water looks alright. We do have cheap filtration in the kitchen, but we're not that interested to buy those expensive system, we've been highly recommended. We hate sale-pitches, they don't work for us.
I've tried checking on-line if our water is REALLY safe for consumption. I'm concerned for my baby and my young kids. At safewateronline, they rated our water at 4 droplets (highest rating is 5 droplets, Singapore is rated at that level), meaning " Main cities have generally safe water supplies, which are monitored and regularly tested by an independent board, but level of service of rural and small towns systems could be substandard. Prevalence of waterborne diseases is low." But they did indicate "The Water Services Department carries out daily monitoring of water quality produced at the treatment works as well as conducts routine monitoring of water quality at its storage reservoirs and at strategic locations of the distribution system. Both chemical tests and bacteriological tests are conducted to ensure the water supply is within permissible levels. In addition, separate tests are carried out by the Health Department." Sounds assuring, but the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests travelers to bring iodine tablets or portable water purifier to Brunei.
Nothing mentioned in the Ministry of Development's website. We hear them saying it's okay. But can they print that in black and white. I'm still alive. Having drank tap water during my childhood. We didn't even boil the tap water then. But to compare our childhood with our kids' these days is a bit short. We live at a time where the environment (the rivers and lakes) were much much cleaner. Now we got all sorts of things dumped into our water sources.
A friend who's an economist advocated bottled waters (he'd be the one trying to be economical), all because he heard our water is not fit for consumption. I don't know where he got that from. He's also mentioned even after boiling, our water isn't totally safe. Since today's kettle automatically stops as it reaches boiling point. So yes, I'm concern. And, I'm unsure of my next move. To be economical, to be healthy, to be eco-friendly, or to be extremely cautious and safe. Questions I need to answer, and need deep thinking. Or maybe we've fallen into marketers traps. Along with bottle water manufacturers, they are just good at creating wants, which didn't exist.
So, on World Water Day - today, I'm requesting for confirmation by the Department of Water Services in the Public Works Department under the Min. of Development if our water is fit for consumption - especially for babies and young kids. The confirmation will SAVE us a lot. Save our money and our environment.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Friday, March 21, 2008
Saigon
We got in late on Tuesday night. Hubby e-mailed and called corporate hotels on their list prior to leaving, all fully booked accordingly. We thought, we'd just try our luck. Got a cab, and she took us to a hotel, at US$40 (B$56) a night. We weren't fussy, just wanted somewhere to sleep for the night. Plus, the cabbie was out to cheat us, so we better just okayed the hotel rather than being driven around town looking for the perfect room. We didn't exactly know where we were, but it was near the central market (Ben Tanh). The hotel was livable, but we felt it was still a rip off. So, we browse around the market for hotels the next day, and found a better one at US$2 cheaper. Most of the corporate hotels are by Saigon River, and if you're looking for something posh, they'd be good for you. I think hubby got a surprise; he always took me to luxury hotels, and never thought that I'm okay with 2 stars ones. 
He doesn't really know me yet. We've only been married for 4 years, and I don't blame him. He didn't know I've stayed in US$10 rooms while in Chonju, Korea once. But I must say, the earlier hotel got better breakfast buffet. I don't take heavy breakfast, so it didn't really matter. But hubby loves bubur with talur masin, and I had to stop him after eating so much of the salted eggs. Cholestrol, I reminded him. Anyway, we were told that we'd be charged 10% tax on top of the rate. When we checked out, they didn't include it. We kept quiet. How unethical can we be, but would you tell them if you were us?
We started the next day going to Ben Tanh Market (see left picture). Got some good deals. All because we were the first customers. They are pretty superstitious. Tip: Go very early in the morning, and bargain like hell. If you're the first they can't let you go without a purchase. Bad luck. Don't worry, you will never go broke. Well, hubby and I didn't really go bonkers at the market, it's nothing compared to Chatuchak (Bangkok). 
Just got things for the house at really low low low prices. We had a taste of the Department Store in the afternoon (Diamond Plaza), and tried a few local cuisine. Nice. If you like vegetarian and seafood (picture on right). Didn't buy anything at the Plaza, except our kids clothes which were as cheap as in Singapore. Sports attires in Saigon is quite dear, dearer than in Brunei. That's not something you'd like to bring home.
The good thing in Saigon, everywhere is close by. All walking distance. Saves you on transportation. But even if you were to take a cab, it'll cost you the most US$2 to get around. But we didn't bother. It's more interesting to walk around. Of course, its polluted, but at least you are not the one who contributes to that. Went sightseeing after the shopping. Well, we didn't really shop, so our backpacks weren't totally filled up, making it easier to go around. First stop the Presidential Palace, a few hundred metres from the Plaza. Then a few blocks away to the left of the palace was the War Remnant Museum. The Palace didn't look much from the outside, but exploring it inside is worthwhile. Go underground, there are bunkers used during the war as operating rooms. I got goosebumps seeing photos of the war. Nice view of central Saigon from second floor of Presidential Palace (see left picture)
The Presidential Palace - worth an exploration, especially its underground. Pictures gave me goosebumps.
We got 30 minutes left before it closes when we arrived at the War Remnant Museum. Showcasing not just arm artilleries left by the Americans, but the SCARS from the war. Also, hundreds of photos of and from the War and its remnants. My heart sank further and further, and we went speechless as we view more and more pictures. Can't totally describe the emotion we felt. Sad, disheartened, fear, sorrow, wretched, dismayed, anger... all not good. When we finished, we sat down by the entrance stairs to console our feelings. We didn't understand why a lot of people sat down quietly when we first got there. Then we knew. It was too much to absorb. Overwhelming.
Next day, we went for a half day trip to Cu Chi Tunnel. A site you should never miss, if in Saigon they say.
Tunnels of the Vietcongs, sprawling for hundreds of metres underground. Amazing structures, and I admire their war skills andstrategies. You wonder less how they won the war, observing their technology , intelligence, and spirit. (Right picture: various booby traps). I was amazed. Somewhat, the experience made you more patriotic.
One entrance to tunnel. So tiny, I didn't attempt to go down. I know I'd get stuck.Highlights of the trip for us: trying the AK47 (see picture), and the finale - going underground. You have to try the tunnel. The one opened to tourists. It's wider than the other tunnels. If you can't cope with it, there are exists at every 30m. 
Hubby and I made it till the end. But it was one of the scariest experience of my life. I have tried a few extreme sports, and contemplated caving (spelunking) once upon a time. But considering I am claustrophobic, I ditched the idea (as it may involved crawling and squeezing in tight tunnels). But being in Cu Chi Tunnel, we didn't want to loose the opportunity. At it's entrance, I was a bit daunted. The smell of musty clay, darkness ahead, and thoughts of suffocation, I was tempted to forgo it. But there were plenty of people behind us, it would have been embarrassing to back out. I made sure we were among the first, I didn't want to get stuck behind a lot of people. Too afraid that I wouldn't be able to breath underground. We were behind 8 people, and infront of over 30 people. As we enter, tunnel was wide enough for us to walk. 
Nope, we ran it - of course bending slightly (see picture on the right hs). I ran not trying to show off but it was SCARY. I didn't want to be left behind, it was TOO DARK. I couldn't see infront. I thought I lost people in front of me, and kept yelling to them of where to go. There were smaller tunnels on the sides, I didn't want to get lost. NO WAY. I heard shouts from the front telling where to go, but weren't sure where they were coming from. Especially when there were tunnels on the side, they seem to come from the smaller tunnels. "Straight.. straight.." I heard them, and I followed on. At some points, I wondered why the guys in front of me kept changing. Their faces were different. I didn't bother. I just wanted to move on and get out of the place. There were exits, but I didn't want to give up yet. But as we went further, the tunnel gets smaller. After certain points, you either have to climb up, or go further down. We started from running (bended) to squatting to finally crawling. When we got out, hubby was far behind, there were two tourists in front of me with the guide. That came as a surprise. I asked them, "where are we?" They said, "I think we made it all the way." We smiled. And felt a lot of relieve. Then I heard, "B, where are you? where are you?" In my fear, I left my husband way behind. So much for the "we're in this together" bit. I shouted into the tunnel, "just go straight.. straight...". "Where, where?" I can hear fear in his voice (and perhaps, sadness, that his wife left him). "Straight, straight." I was a little worried, cause there was a smaller tunnel not far off, but was relieved to see his head bopping out of the tunnel. Few minutes later, there were a few other people. Then it stopped. Outside there were others walking towards us. Those who had given up. In fact out of almost 40 of us, only less than 10 of us made it to the end. It was definitely a scary experience: not knowing where you are going, in the darkness, sometimes alone. I salute the Vietcongs for their bravery. I will never forget Cu Chi Tunnel. Not only it left me admiring the Vietcongs, but got me reflecting and soul-searching. I won't leave my husband again even if I am that afraid.
Hubby and I made it till the end. But it was one of the scariest experience of my life. I have tried a few extreme sports, and contemplated caving (spelunking) once upon a time. But considering I am claustrophobic, I ditched the idea (as it may involved crawling and squeezing in tight tunnels). But being in Cu Chi Tunnel, we didn't want to loose the opportunity. At it's entrance, I was a bit daunted. The smell of musty clay, darkness ahead, and thoughts of suffocation, I was tempted to forgo it. But there were plenty of people behind us, it would have been embarrassing to back out. I made sure we were among the first, I didn't want to get stuck behind a lot of people. Too afraid that I wouldn't be able to breath underground. We were behind 8 people, and infront of over 30 people. As we enter, tunnel was wide enough for us to walk. 
Nope, we ran it - of course bending slightly (see picture on the right hs). I ran not trying to show off but it was SCARY. I didn't want to be left behind, it was TOO DARK. I couldn't see infront. I thought I lost people in front of me, and kept yelling to them of where to go. There were smaller tunnels on the sides, I didn't want to get lost. NO WAY. I heard shouts from the front telling where to go, but weren't sure where they were coming from. Especially when there were tunnels on the side, they seem to come from the smaller tunnels. "Straight.. straight.." I heard them, and I followed on. At some points, I wondered why the guys in front of me kept changing. Their faces were different. I didn't bother. I just wanted to move on and get out of the place. There were exits, but I didn't want to give up yet. But as we went further, the tunnel gets smaller. After certain points, you either have to climb up, or go further down. We started from running (bended) to squatting to finally crawling. When we got out, hubby was far behind, there were two tourists in front of me with the guide. That came as a surprise. I asked them, "where are we?" They said, "I think we made it all the way." We smiled. And felt a lot of relieve. Then I heard, "B, where are you? where are you?" In my fear, I left my husband way behind. So much for the "we're in this together" bit. I shouted into the tunnel, "just go straight.. straight...". "Where, where?" I can hear fear in his voice (and perhaps, sadness, that his wife left him). "Straight, straight." I was a little worried, cause there was a smaller tunnel not far off, but was relieved to see his head bopping out of the tunnel. Few minutes later, there were a few other people. Then it stopped. Outside there were others walking towards us. Those who had given up. In fact out of almost 40 of us, only less than 10 of us made it to the end. It was definitely a scary experience: not knowing where you are going, in the darkness, sometimes alone. I salute the Vietcongs for their bravery. I will never forget Cu Chi Tunnel. Not only it left me admiring the Vietcongs, but got me reflecting and soul-searching. I won't leave my husband again even if I am that afraid.
Squatting point. Light in front indicating an exit point. If you can't take it, go out now.
.... (more later)...
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
I'm Grateful
Time flies too fast when you are having a good time. Saigon was great, and I'd highly recommend it. It was a short break for me. I was afraid that I'd lose the momentum with work prior to leaving. Wasn't really that excited to go, at the last minute. Had so much on my desk. Boss didn't want to sign my leave initially, but he gave in. I had had 2 projects with deadline last Tuesday. Handed them over, and that evening I left for Ho Chi Minh feeling a little relieved. Reported back for duty yesterday, I was surprised I had the enthusiasm to work again. I guess seeing the various documents on my desk turned me on. Got a few tasks done. This week is challenging; holiday on thursday, outside meetings tomorrow and saturday, and all day out of the office today meant I could only work on a few things. Trying to get a lot work done I called for a meeting on thursday, only to get e-mails reminding me that it's a holiday. It's funny that I forgotten that, I guessed I had my holiday and was all charged up for the week.
Today was nice, meeting people again, outside of my work environment. It was an interesting seminar, more like a refresher's course for me. I missed most of the afternoon session. In an effort to kill two birds with one stone. I know I won't get the chance to organize further meetings with these people, so I took that opportunity. It's usually difficult to get people to answer phones (they are usually in meetings or otherwise overseas), so why not - if you are in the same building. I had to sort that business of ours soon. This saved time and effort.
Yesterday, I had the chance to say hello to a colleague of mine. I learnt the news prior to leaving last week. He's diagnosed with cancer. It came a bit of a shock to him, let alone us. I didn't expect it that bad, but I've witnessed him over the months losing the weight. He came to my office once telling me he felt sick. But, I was indifferent. I wasn't sure if he was telling the truth or trying to evade work. I feel really bad now. I don't know how to apologize to him. I don't know if I should. I'm trying to help where I possibly can, maybe that's my way of apologizing. Yet, it's not subduing my guilt feelings.
He's had his first chemo at RIPAS last week, and thought it was excellent. I agree. We've got great medical facilities, we've got great medical and support teams. Sometimes it's amazing that we forgot how the government spends so much on each of us (as oppose to the yearly budgets) to ensure our health is in great condition. From birth till the end, I suppose. I call this the Medical Life Cylce (MLC), more like the Product Life Cyle (PLC). As we mature, our medical cost gets higher. Even when you're at a decline stage, you need to pump in more funds to get you going further.
Yes, the government has spent maybe tens of thousands (or more?) on me - myself, over my life so far on medical alone. I was born at the old rumah sakit (name?) in Bandar, well, not really. I was born in our neighbour's car. But it's there at that old rumah sakit I got my first jab I think, and tasted government funds. Then over my life, moved from that old place to RIPAS. I had had operations with general anesthetics 3 times now: for growths in various places. One when I was 17, then the other 2 in my 30s. Gosh, I sound so ancient. All benign, I'm grateful to God. I lost an eye due to retinal detachment, the other eye was laser-treated for its retinal tear. Discovered when I was 24. Hence I got bad headaches most times. I'm not supposed to read books or look at computer screens more than 8 hours a day. This aggravates the migraine. I usually forgot that. I'm not supposed to carry heavy objects, afraid that'll affect the tear. Specialists at the labour ward worried my insistence of having natural labours. Both times, I came out fine. Yes, I had 2 au naturalle labours, and spent a few nights prior to and after giving birth at the wards. I had specialist treatments for other things at various stage of my life. Indeed, I've spent a lot of government money to get sorted.
I'm thankful to God, I'm in Brunei. I'm thankful to the government for free medical. I don't know how I'd repay that generosity. I know for a fact I'll give my best on my job. Every sen I earn comes with that mission to ensure those going through me will have a better life. Perhaps, a lot lot lot better life than me. It satisfies me to see that. They have to put their effort too. I can only assist so much.
P.S. I would like to thank everyone at the Ministry of Health then and now, RIPAS and the old Rumah Sakit for taking care of me, all this while. God bless you all. You guys don't know how much you've saved my life since I was born. Thanks again from the bottom of my heart.
Today was nice, meeting people again, outside of my work environment. It was an interesting seminar, more like a refresher's course for me. I missed most of the afternoon session. In an effort to kill two birds with one stone. I know I won't get the chance to organize further meetings with these people, so I took that opportunity. It's usually difficult to get people to answer phones (they are usually in meetings or otherwise overseas), so why not - if you are in the same building. I had to sort that business of ours soon. This saved time and effort.
Yesterday, I had the chance to say hello to a colleague of mine. I learnt the news prior to leaving last week. He's diagnosed with cancer. It came a bit of a shock to him, let alone us. I didn't expect it that bad, but I've witnessed him over the months losing the weight. He came to my office once telling me he felt sick. But, I was indifferent. I wasn't sure if he was telling the truth or trying to evade work. I feel really bad now. I don't know how to apologize to him. I don't know if I should. I'm trying to help where I possibly can, maybe that's my way of apologizing. Yet, it's not subduing my guilt feelings.
He's had his first chemo at RIPAS last week, and thought it was excellent. I agree. We've got great medical facilities, we've got great medical and support teams. Sometimes it's amazing that we forgot how the government spends so much on each of us (as oppose to the yearly budgets) to ensure our health is in great condition. From birth till the end, I suppose. I call this the Medical Life Cylce (MLC), more like the Product Life Cyle (PLC). As we mature, our medical cost gets higher. Even when you're at a decline stage, you need to pump in more funds to get you going further.
Yes, the government has spent maybe tens of thousands (or more?) on me - myself, over my life so far on medical alone. I was born at the old rumah sakit (name?) in Bandar, well, not really. I was born in our neighbour's car. But it's there at that old rumah sakit I got my first jab I think, and tasted government funds. Then over my life, moved from that old place to RIPAS. I had had operations with general anesthetics 3 times now: for growths in various places. One when I was 17, then the other 2 in my 30s. Gosh, I sound so ancient. All benign, I'm grateful to God. I lost an eye due to retinal detachment, the other eye was laser-treated for its retinal tear. Discovered when I was 24. Hence I got bad headaches most times. I'm not supposed to read books or look at computer screens more than 8 hours a day. This aggravates the migraine. I usually forgot that. I'm not supposed to carry heavy objects, afraid that'll affect the tear. Specialists at the labour ward worried my insistence of having natural labours. Both times, I came out fine. Yes, I had 2 au naturalle labours, and spent a few nights prior to and after giving birth at the wards. I had specialist treatments for other things at various stage of my life. Indeed, I've spent a lot of government money to get sorted.
I'm thankful to God, I'm in Brunei. I'm thankful to the government for free medical. I don't know how I'd repay that generosity. I know for a fact I'll give my best on my job. Every sen I earn comes with that mission to ensure those going through me will have a better life. Perhaps, a lot lot lot better life than me. It satisfies me to see that. They have to put their effort too. I can only assist so much.
P.S. I would like to thank everyone at the Ministry of Health then and now, RIPAS and the old Rumah Sakit for taking care of me, all this while. God bless you all. You guys don't know how much you've saved my life since I was born. Thanks again from the bottom of my heart.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Holiday...
Am away on holiday...
It's been great so far. Same same but different. A bit of cultural shock when crossing the busy streets. I've blend in now.
Been visiting. Most times the atmosphere got us emotional. Sometime dumbfounded. Various feelings. They've been enjoyable.
But i miss my kids. Dearly. I need the break, though. From home and work.
Will talk more about this trip when i get home.
It's been great so far. Same same but different. A bit of cultural shock when crossing the busy streets. I've blend in now.
Been visiting. Most times the atmosphere got us emotional. Sometime dumbfounded. Various feelings. They've been enjoyable.
But i miss my kids. Dearly. I need the break, though. From home and work.
Will talk more about this trip when i get home.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Dear neighbour...
We have a problem when you decide to 'be-unun.' I understand that keeps the mosquitoes away, well... they enter our house instead. The smoke from your unun smells dreadful, and it gives us headaches. Maybe my baby too. She can't speak yet, but she does cry. We really like you as our neighbour, but how we wish you can tone it down, or find alternative means to shoo away those mosquitoes. I hope you'll understand.
Regards,
your neighbour
P.S. Not a threat, but for your kind thought.
Under the Emergency Order 1998 (Penal Code Amendment), Section 278 open burning is punishable with fines up to B$2,000, if causing pollution to the atmosphere.
Minor Offence Act (1972, c 77): under section 6, setting fire to any material to the annoyance to the public is an offence.
(source: http://www.env.gov.bn/link/domestic/case%20studies/national%20haze%20action%20plan%20of%20brunei%20darussalam.htm)
****
I wonder how we be honest and tell our neighbour without causing any ill feelings. I'm asking for help from the Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation along with Radio Television Brunei to remind the public how a nuisance be-unun can be to neighbours and the environment. Tell them too (again), it's punishable by law. If there's evidence of health effect, by all mean bring the Health Department along in the promo team. Please please pretty please.
Regards,
your neighbour
P.S. Not a threat, but for your kind thought.
Under the Emergency Order 1998 (Penal Code Amendment), Section 278 open burning is punishable with fines up to B$2,000, if causing pollution to the atmosphere.
Minor Offence Act (1972, c 77): under section 6, setting fire to any material to the annoyance to the public is an offence.
(source: http://www.env.gov.bn/link/domestic/case%20studies/national%20haze%20action%20plan%20of%20brunei%20darussalam.htm)
****
I wonder how we be honest and tell our neighbour without causing any ill feelings. I'm asking for help from the Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation along with Radio Television Brunei to remind the public how a nuisance be-unun can be to neighbours and the environment. Tell them too (again), it's punishable by law. If there's evidence of health effect, by all mean bring the Health Department along in the promo team. Please please pretty please.
The things when you're down...
I've been down, for almost 2 weeks. So were the kids and the hubby. With the daughters' temperatures unstable, there is no opportunity to rest in the nights. Yes, for the last 2 weeks.
Hubby asked how do I do it; being awake every other hour, and still get to work. I really don't know. Do we women have a choice, really? If he had his way, he'd like me to just get the kids to be looked after by the maid in the evening, so I'll have a rest. I'd feel really guilty, if I do. I don't go back for lunch (hardly do), then come home at 5, sometimes later, and expect me to just leave my kids to the maid again in the evening? I can't do that. Well, I tried once. But at 2am, I gave up and took the baby back. I guess it's those things we do as mothers. I'm thankful that my partner appreciates that. I pray to God, that he'd continue to appreciate me, and all the things that go with this marriage.
Oh, okay.... am not just down, but soppy. Defence is too weak. Ain't it funny.
Hubby asked how do I do it; being awake every other hour, and still get to work. I really don't know. Do we women have a choice, really? If he had his way, he'd like me to just get the kids to be looked after by the maid in the evening, so I'll have a rest. I'd feel really guilty, if I do. I don't go back for lunch (hardly do), then come home at 5, sometimes later, and expect me to just leave my kids to the maid again in the evening? I can't do that. Well, I tried once. But at 2am, I gave up and took the baby back. I guess it's those things we do as mothers. I'm thankful that my partner appreciates that. I pray to God, that he'd continue to appreciate me, and all the things that go with this marriage.
Oh, okay.... am not just down, but soppy. Defence is too weak. Ain't it funny.
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