Singapore celebrates its 44th birthday today.
Today is the first time in my life I am celebrating National Day as a Singaporean, instead of a S'pore PR. Somehow, I just do not feel anything special about it.
Went to JB for a shopping trip in the morning, and here are some of the first that I've experienced in JB after absence from JB for 10 months.
1. With the new Malaysian Custom, Immigration and Quuarantine Checkpoint opens to the public, it is no doubt that the old checkpoint has walked into the history. Beautiful water fountains were added to enhance the feel and the look of the new checkpoint, but getting to the checkpoint has overshadowed the beauty the checkpoint created.
A large detour takes you to the new checkpoint, which takes you about 15mins to drive up there, if the traffic is in favor of you. If not, be prepared to get your patience worn out, with minimum of 45mins waiting time throwing in on your journey to JB. Yes, my patience were almost worn out when the bus was stuck hanging high up in the overhead bridge leading to the checkpoint.
2. I took a bus to Aeon Tebrau City at RM2.50. This is a far cry from my usual experience of getting a cab at City Square, and paying RM20 for the journey. It is faster than taking the cab, amazingly.
I do agree with my cousin for the comment: Malaysians are good drivers. Yes, they are fast and furious on the road.
3. Pay more for what you get in Malaysia Mega Sale. Apparently, you do not pay the old price for the same item now, compared to about 10 months ago. Inflation and the low exchange rate between Malaysia ringgit and US Dollars has lead to S'porean getting more than usual when it comes to money exchange. As such, we are paying more for the same item we wanted.
This is the list of what I've bought in JB:
High cut Converse Chuck Taylor sneakers: RM 105.90 (usual price: RM99.90)
Nivea oil control facial wash: RM16.90 (usual price: RM14.90)
Movie ticket at TGV Aeon Tebrau City: RM12 (usual price: RM11)
While the purpose of the sale is pay less for more, it is the opposite over here.
I can't imagine what is going to happen next.