Yesterday, we went to check out a new supermarket in town. I love to visit new supermarket. This is to check out their products and also to compare prices. With so many fakes, it is always good to check out new products in the city. This supermarket is located in a mega mall. It is very new, some shops are still not opened. This is a city of many new things. So many malls are still new, so many empty shops, so many have also come and gone. The most recent one is a Breadtalk outlet which have vacated spot at a popular mall. There was once a Sake Sushi outlet at a popular hang-out place, it has also left.
I have been to a couple of new malls located in prime areas but they are often half occupied.
This mall is situated in a developed (matured) area
Everyone just want to come here to have a share of the big pie. At the end of the day, whether one gets to have a taste of it, is really anyone's guess.
Back to the new mall. While walking and observing the new mall, we came to a corner where they were having a "decorate a cupcake" session for children. It was a free session (anyway, nothing is for free, there must be some gimmick). All you need to do was to register (ah…personal information given out) and collect a big cupcake (they were bigger than those which I baked). The child would then take the cupcake to a mini table, together with all the other kids, they would decorate the cupcake with everything that was available on the table. There were Pocky sticks, colourful sprinkles, chocolates, cookies etc…. Yes, basically using food as toys. I have no idea what did they do with their cupcakes after the playtime. I was too disgusted to stay for long. Of course, I did not allow Kai and Ann to participate. I would gladly allow them to eat their own decorated homemade cupcakes!
As for the new supermarket, sorry, it has been strike off from my list. Reason? Let's put it this way, I would prefer to bring my money to somewhere more deserving *wink*
After the visit to the new mall, we headed for our usual book supplier. We were surprised to see his wife instead of him. She was carrying two babies in her hands. One on each hand and at the same time running the book business. We knew she was pregnant but didn't know that she was having a twin. Was very happy to see her. The twin was a boy and a girl. Asked her where was her husband, she said he had gone to collect more books to sell.
They are people from the poorer province who have come over to the big city to work hard and hopefully to have a better life.
I asked dh, how much could they earn to support themselves and now with the twins? He said and I agree, we really do not know. Will their kids be given the opportunity to be educated and thus, break away from poverty? What really sadden me a lot is when I see those who live a comfortable life bargaining with them over 5 RMB (S$1). Oh, come on, give these people a break. I also cannot imagine if the officials come at that moment…would she be able to save her wares with two babies in tow?
Franklin D Roosevelt the 32nd US President, said it so well…
"The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have enough. It is whether we provide enough for those who have little."
Yes, CHANGE must take place!
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