If Only
While I was going home after work today at chinatown mrt, this foreign family approached me on how to buy the MRT ticket to Orchard. I helped them press the machine as they looked as if whats in front of them is alien. Initially I thought they were Thai so I did attempt to ask them in my broken Thai where they r heading. Then after asking them, they said they are Vietnamese. Wow. I rarely see Vietnamese in Spore as tourists so I reckon they must be quite rich. At that instant, I felt this sense of familiarity once again, like Im back in Vietnam. So I led them into the train and told them to alight at Dhoby Got to change train. I made a very lame attempt to utter some vietnamese words, so I said Xin Chao(hello) to the father, whom I tink is surprised by it, then we started chatting and he says he lived near Ben Thern Market area in HCM city. Before they left, I even said Cam On (Thank you) to the father, whom then asked if I can speak Vietnamese. So hilarious! The fact is that other then knowing Mont Hai Ba... Xin CHao, Cam On and of cos Bao Neu Dien, thats about it. Im not even a beginner at the language. How I regret.
If only I was more hardworking in mastering the language like Chris back in Viet, I would be able to strike a decent conversation.
If only I've a greater flair in languages, I would be able to recommend him places to shop and visit in spore.
If only I can speak Vietnamese, I can relate to him how much I love Vietnam.
If only, if only, if only...
But still, I feel proud that I have done a small part in leaving a good impression of Sporeans in their mind, al least by being approachable.
My vietnam project is finally done last friday after being troubled by it since in Vietnam. The random meetings, group shuffling, researching, thinking, meetings... Really must thank my group, KX, Susan, Jess, Jasmine, CH for being so nice and understanding gp mates. U all have been so patient and tolerant. All of u worked hard! Hope we will fare well :)
