Living in Dubai is absolutely wonderful. Here, we get to mingle with nationalities from all over the world, sometimes even from countries we never knew existed (such as Azerbaijan) or countries which we (or at least 'I') thought was a city of another country (such as Luxembourg).
Most of the time, whenever someone mentions their countries, I'd wonder in silence, 'Umm... where on earth is that?'. After each conversation, I'd rush back to my trusty Google Map and check out the location of countries like Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Bulgaria, Syria, Jordan and Palestine and ... ... a whole lot of other superb places!
As much as I love flipping through the newspapers, after getting to know citizens from these countries, I realize that the media often portrays stories that are skewed to one side. They have a high tendency to magnify small, unique, localized events and explode it into stories that are larger than real life. So, to get the real story, I love 'interviewing' my colleagues on their view points. After all, they're speaking from their hearts, and not trying to paint a colourful story because their words are weighed in gold.
So, here's what I learnt thus far:
France - from the French:
Q: Why do blue collared workers always go on strike?
A: The law is too relaxed. People who rob and rape get a jail sentence of only two to three years. Hence, people are not afraid of the law. Besides, most workers work for about 30-40 hours a day. Their salary may be low, but they never realize that if they want pay rise, they'd have to work for longer durations.
Japan - from the Y-Generation:
Q: Why does the Prime Minister of Japan changes every year?
A: In Japan, our leaders are accountable for the problems that occur in our country. So, whenever a major catastrophe happens, we need someone to take the blame and responsibility. Our Prime Minister is indirectly the head of everything. So, naturally he's the one who has to step down.
Q: Is there any impact on such a philosophy?
A: Yes. Because each time we have a new leader, we have new policies. But because they don't stay on long enough, and their policies are revamped when the new person takes over, the policies never really get implemented, so we'll never get to see the results and effectiveness of these frequently revised recommendations. Hence, the Japanese economy is still staying at the same place it was, ten, twenty years ago, not really moving up, and we're all afraid it's gonna get worse at this stage.
Sudan - from North Sudanese:
Q: Is it true that people still practise genocide in North Sudan?
A: This issue of genocide has been going on for a long time. But in reality, it does not happen everyday, nor is it a wide spread event. As you know, Sudan has many tribes. Those who live in the extreme North are nomads. They travel from one place to another. Each place has their own tribe. Sometimes, when one tribe trespasses into another tribe's region, or the member of one tribe falls in love with a member from another tribe, they get into a squabble, quarrel, have a feud and get killed. That's all. The journalists however, like these sort of news and love to blow it out of proportion, making it sound like the tribes or nations are culling one another, when in fact it involves just one or two individuals.
Q: Has the US embargo been lifted since the split between North and South Sudan?
A: Never! It will be there until we agree to let them invest in our country. Everything is about money and resources these days. Would fair trade ever exist? Never. So does the US embargo in Sudan. We must protect the interests of our country, not let it be exploited.
Tunisia - The New Generation:
Q: What's the latest news about Tunisia?
A: Ahh! Have you heard about the latest uprising in Tunisia? Well, before this, it was a socialist country. Now, after we marched and protested in the streets, it has now turned into a democratic country. This weekend, is the first time I am going to vote. I've never, ever voted before, so I can't wait to cast my first ballot. I can't go back all the way to Tunisia. It'd be too expensive. So, I'm going to the Tunisia Embassy and I'll be meeting a lot of Tunisians there too! It's so exciting! Then, next week, I'll be following news of the results closely on the Internet and TV!
Q: So, how do you decide who you'd like to vote for?
A: I read about every candidate, learn their political views, and opinions on various subject matters before deciding who to vote for. I may be far, but thank God for the media and Internet. These are very useful tools in conveying fast information!
Morocco - a Patriot:
Q: Where's the best place to visit in Morroco?
A: Casablanca! You've heard the song? It's the most romantic place on earth! If you want to go for honeymoon, that's the best place!
Algeria - Passionate Nation:
Q: What's famous in Algeria?
A: Ooooh! Algeria is a beautiful country! It has a lot of nice sceneries and it's one of the countries with the most UNESCO World Heritage sites! Give me a call any time, and I'd be glad to bring you around!
Switzerland - Thankful Tourist in Dubai:
Q: Is Switzerland cold now?
A: Yes! It's winter time. Do you like winter? Do you like snow? Do you like skiing? Then, It's the perfect time to visit!
Q: Oh! Does Switzerland have summer time too?
A: Of course! Visiting in summer time, you will find that Switzerland is a beautiful country! The temperature can reach up to 30 degrees Celsius! Just like Dubai!
Yes! I've got a new resolution. I will visit at least 2-3 countries in each region before I return to M'sia!
(Rubs the magic Aladdin lamp)
"Genie, grant my wish!"
Puff! White smoke appears and surrounds my room 'til I cough and splutter.
The Genie laughs gleefully, claps his hand dramatically, thrice and announces, "Done. Your wish has been granted."
Hahahahaha!
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