tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62298620756839165292024-03-19T10:42:59.437-07:00Emerging Market Field StudyPanama & Other DestinationsJun Hsienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11131899038160371948noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229862075683916529.post-86075426717253638692012-04-12T10:42:00.001-07:002012-04-12T10:42:27.960-07:00Info Session #1<p>Don’t miss our very first info session tomorrow. Find out about deadlines, fees and most importantly, the experience that you’ll get by participating in this program. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ETs2dXeuCNY/T4cUADibdVI/AAAAAAAAHcM/gMF40WSguGQ/s1600-h/Captures_thumb%25255B4%25255D%25255B5%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Captures_thumb[4]" border="0" alt="Captures_thumb[4]" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Vq7ckgZB41M/T4cUAm-J8VI/AAAAAAAAHcU/RxnPQqsdVx4/Captures_thumb%25255B4%25255D_thumb%25255B3%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="555" height="495" /></a></p> Jun Hsienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11131899038160371948noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229862075683916529.post-81193920136957625202012-04-03T16:22:00.005-07:002012-04-03T17:16:21.305-07:00Cómo estás?<div style="text-align: center"> </div> <p><span style="line-height: normal; font-variant: normal; font-size: 100%"><strong><font size="3">Hola</font></strong>! Here’s a big welcome from our bus driver, Aribas with his charismatic and slightly cheeky smile to you readers out there!   </span></p> <p><span style="line-height: normal; font-variant: normal; font-size: 100%"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-34rka_-_EwU/T3uSs60BHvI/AAAAAAAAHaM/V_JgxrVR6Ac/s1600-h/IMG_2086_thumb%25255B2%25255D%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2086_thumb[2]" border="0" alt="IMG_2086_thumb[2]" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-e3ABapmNQf0/T3uSthPZRII/AAAAAAAAHaU/utQDXrobUQM/IMG_2086_thumb%25255B2%25255D_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="473" height="293" /></a></span></p> <p><span style="line-height: normal; font-variant: normal; font-size: 100%">If there was one certain thing about time - it's its apparitional and uncanny ability of making time transcend beyond that of human standards. Panama seems nothing but a distant and faint memory, albeit one that is forever etched into my list of "Top 3 trips I've been to", and even that would be a severe understatement.</span></p> <div> <div style="font: 100% georgia, serif">For those of you who stumbled upon this blog because you received a flyer from our booth, welcome and thanks for reading. If you haven't yet noticed, this blog holds my somewhat nonchalant and to many extend, casual recount of what happened before, during and after Panama. </div> <div style="text-align: center; font: 100% georgia, serif"> </div> <div style="text-align: center; font: 100% georgia, serif"></div> <div style="line-height: normal; font-variant: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 100%" align="center"><font size="4"><font style="background-color: #ffff00"><b><span>Here's why you should apply </span></b><span>:</span></font></font></div> <div style="text-align: center"> </div> <div style="font: 100% georgia, serif"> </div> <div style="line-height: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 100%">1. Times rated "Panama" as the #1 place to visit in 2012</span> <br /><i style="font-family: georgia, serif"><span><a href="http://travel.nytimes.com/2012/01/08/travel/45-places-to-go-in-2012.html?pagewanted=all">http://travel.nytimes.com/2012/01/08/travel/45-places-to-go-in-2012.html?pagewanted=all</a></span></i> <div style="text-align: center; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 16px"></div> <i><span> <br /></span></i></div> <div style="line-height: normal; font-variant: normal; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-weight: normal">2. Of the ten most populous countries in 2010, <i>4 of the top 5 are emerging markets</i>.</div> <div></div> <div style="text-align: center"> </div> <span><span style="margin-left: auto; font-size: 100%; margin-right: auto"><img style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; display: block; height: 167px; cursor: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727325228705861650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghukanBqUiDOmTipcdURtd54EcyomagIZU7Wo5kaI3kohT5ytu7vtutWdy39O0-C7ZT0ZRw8UXe8GLCMtTql3N1BfnqHZ6JPJ4st6lBJ4kHh_XGLHKHnXEsMMUUlaLkN5A1NAyuvTDPRAq/s320/Capture.PNG" /></span></span> <div style="text-align: center; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 100%"></div> <div></div> <div style="text-align: center"> </div> <span><i style="font-size: medium"></i></span> <div style="line-height: normal; font-variant: normal; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-weight: normal">3. The BRIC Nation (Brazil, Russia, India & China) is said to dictate where our global markets will be heading in the near future. Panama, albeit not in BRIC, is a leader in Latin America in terms of standing out as an emerging market. Info taken from : <a href="http://www.ft.com/home/us">http://www.ft.com/home/us</a></div> <div style="line-height: normal; font-variant: normal; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-weight: normal"> </div> <div style="line-height: normal; font-variant: normal; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-weight: normal"> <div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DyJTWgJOrfk/T3uStwm9HnI/AAAAAAAAHac/sQnwQdt359A/s1600-h/Untitled%25255B7%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Untitled" border="0" alt="Untitled" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nhMJUUtjZKo/T3uSuRsf3RI/AAAAAAAAHak/ZJYBJ0e7zsU/Untitled_thumb%25255B5%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="445" height="328" /></a></div> <div> </div> <div> <br /></div> </div> <div style="line-height: normal; font-variant: normal; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-weight: normal">4. This will look GOOD on your resume - companies now are increasingly seeking employees with some international experience. Among a survey conducted by pwc, employees rank international experience as the #2 growth priority. (Click to enlarge) <br /> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 16px"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 481px; display: block; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; height: 353px; color: rgb(0,0,238); font-size: medium; cursor: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727325566740431714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBbKV-wxMcS6RFUvgK-hG4iWU9OATXmgkXRXcBrP9sh1sD7hyLR0ruJgZwZ2B9dSiYQAYggsogqsLVlu11Sn1hK3m_End-QESi7OOLP82Q5gS-eYDIxWv24FZUbXN7ceK_xG7wBsH8WNph/s320/Picture1.jpg" /> <div style="text-align: left; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium"></div> </div> <div style="line-height: normal; font-variant: normal; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-weight: normal">5. You will have a TON of fun – from cultural visits (Indian tribe) to swimming at the waterfall to practicing that new line “estás bonita” you learnt from your Mexican friend. More than anything else that I’ve got off this trip is some solid friendship (till today our cozy little group still hangs out and keeps in touch!)</div> <div style="line-height: normal; font-variant: normal; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-weight: normal"> </div> <div style="line-height: normal; font-variant: normal; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-weight: normal"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_SV1-xB-ddU/T3uSuvmRlEI/AAAAAAAAHas/qC98rpey3vM/s1600-h/IMG_2078_thumb%25255B5%25255D%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2078_thumb[5]" border="0" alt="IMG_2078_thumb[5]" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9jaqCzMLwuI/T3uSvs-ikuI/AAAAAAAAHa0/ke1sOkWA5Io/IMG_2078_thumb%25255B5%25255D_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="417" height="304" /></a></div> <div style="line-height: normal; font-variant: normal; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-weight: normal"> </div> <div style="line-height: normal; font-variant: normal; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-weight: normal">6. You will have an in-depth knowledge of the way companies operate in emerging markets – how it differs from the U.S., with more ambiguity and challenges (not exactly a bad thing as you’d learn later). Best thing is you get to speak to industry professionals during your visit to companies in Panama (we visited Copa Airlines, The railway company, Banco General and Industrias Panama Boston – all industry leaders in their respective field). </div> <div style="line-height: normal; font-variant: normal; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-weight: normal"> </div> <div style="line-height: normal; font-variant: normal; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-weight: normal"> </div> <div style="line-height: normal; font-variant: normal; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-weight: normal"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KBYtHGFFfdk/T3uSwCd5uoI/AAAAAAAAHa8/M2BeY2qqw4k/s1600-h/copa-airlines-panama%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="copa-airlines-panama" border="0" alt="copa-airlines-panama" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Wme3jUi6h7s/T3uSwuNXFsI/AAAAAAAAHbE/VkzD0h7DQNU/copa-airlines-panama_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="188" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MeMbWyCwV_8/T3uSxLe6MHI/AAAAAAAAHbM/qusqr6gm8Gw/s1600-h/1692.1235608933%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="1692.1235608933" border="0" alt="1692.1235608933" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-h3kHvrsmgP4/T3uSxgALGwI/AAAAAAAAHbU/rIvs77C6oGM/1692.1235608933_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="188" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-aeE1n8K1q-E/T3uSyHadkyI/AAAAAAAAHbc/BZkSpqc01sU/s1600-h/2010101517302090_1%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="2010101517302090_1" border="0" alt="2010101517302090_1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-TT4Z7e_44zo/T3uSyXTcwbI/AAAAAAAAHbk/CeD0a_gk68E/2010101517302090_1_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="148" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XOkGFP4xQv0/T3uSy3JyTfI/AAAAAAAAHbs/xY88m1XLujg/s1600-h/logg%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="logg" border="0" alt="logg" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gAmr3IqVA1w/T3uSzTQP9vI/AAAAAAAAHb0/Y4B2sMP-NJs/logg_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="144" /></a></div> <div style="line-height: normal; font-variant: normal; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-weight: normal">*Companies are subjected to change. </div> <div style="line-height: normal; font-variant: normal; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-weight: normal"> </div> <div style="line-height: normal; font-variant: normal; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-weight: normal"> </div> <div style="line-height: normal; font-variant: normal; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-weight: normal">For those of you who are interested in finding out more information, swing by our info session, or send me an e-mail (<a href="mailto:lee.4706@osu.edu">lee.4706@osu.edu</a>), I’ll be glad to answer any of your questions!</div> <div style="line-height: normal; font-variant: normal; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-weight: normal"> </div> <div style="line-height: normal; font-variant: normal; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-weight: normal"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FXPl2YpJrf0/T3uSz5Y-HlI/AAAAAAAAHb8/xwPNbDpFyzs/s1600-h/Captures%25255B6%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Captures" border="0" alt="Captures" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-boxMPztn4NU/T3uS0wd-BPI/AAAAAAAAHcE/orr37O2czLE/Captures_thumb%25255B4%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="570" height="454" /></a></div> <div style="line-height: normal; font-variant: normal; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-weight: normal"> </div> </div> <p>Adiós! </p> Jun Hsienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11131899038160371948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229862075683916529.post-80059121045720180002012-01-08T15:05:00.000-08:002012-01-17T15:07:48.409-08:00DAY 7– Banco General, Industrias Panama Boston & Farewell Dinner<p align="left">If there was one thing about time, it was that it flies by unmercifully when you’re just having the time of your life. In the blink of an eye, we have came to the end of our short yet happening trip. </p> <p align="left">Last day was basically company visits – first to Industrias Panama Boston, then Banco General & ending with a blast at the Miraflores Restaurant overlooking the locks at the Canal. </p> <p align="center"><u><strong><font size="4">Industrias Panama Boston </font></strong></u></p> <p align="center">From afar the bus, Panama Boston Industrias (PABO) was unrecognizable, blending in well with other factories, making it hard to tell them apart. Only on a closer inspection did we find the slightly rusted signboard hidden behind some parked cars, written in Spanish. We strolled through the rather worn out tarmac road of the front, avoiding puddles of water formed in some of the depressions. There, standing at the front gate, was a young man who introduced himself as Eduardo, our contact for PABO.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Sn_7Itzsc_A/TxX-MJ-WRiI/AAAAAAAAHWA/Rr8WaE9_pL8/s1600-h/IMG_2109%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2109" border="0" alt="IMG_2109" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FmkHXJBPnyM/TxX-MdNxpTI/AAAAAAAAHWI/Y7SFmGh6XuU/IMG_2109_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="394" height="259" /></a></p> <p align="center">Despite the worn out appearance of the building, one ought to not shallowly judge the company as we later learnt - by the overwhelming kind hospitality of the company. Sure, the temperature inside the factory was soaring to above bearable levels, and the noise and smell wasn’t at all pleasant to begin with, but just seeing the passion and pride in which Eduardo presented the manufacturing process made everything so much more bearable. </p> <p align="center"> <br /></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XbwWHMRUwus/TxX-MqyBy5I/AAAAAAAAHWQ/p1u4MJCAfAA/s1600-h/2011-12-15_09-59-07_912%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="2011-12-15_09-59-07_912" border="0" alt="2011-12-15_09-59-07_912" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_HTav-Hiieg/TxX-MztS29I/AAAAAAAAHWY/mAquzghalEA/2011-12-15_09-59-07_912_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="428" height="281" /></a><em>                       The young and curious engineers of the day with Mr. Eduardo on the right</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6rWC556yGss/TxX-Ne7YE-I/AAAAAAAAHWg/wp14VfhGapM/s1600-h/DSC00707%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC00707" border="0" alt="DSC00707" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-EdmJwVHZMNs/TxX-NgviUbI/AAAAAAAAHWo/O5R-xcKyHLU/DSC00707_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="356" height="252" /></a></p> <p>The company’s two main products – Margarine (above) and detergent (below). A rather odd combination if you’d ask me.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-eYYqJrVUH1k/TxX-N2VViII/AAAAAAAAHWw/WF15S42Dpk4/s1600-h/2011-12-15_10-51-07_319%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="2011-12-15_10-51-07_319" border="0" alt="2011-12-15_10-51-07_319" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XPdD_Ms9LDM/TxX-OAjLyVI/AAAAAAAAHW4/11UrFBB_gGU/2011-12-15_10-51-07_319_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="449" height="261" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Ie8iFkNcWDI/TxX-ObVilHI/AAAAAAAAHXA/PL0LHedD-08/s1600-h/IMG_2125%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2125" border="0" alt="IMG_2125" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Wt9ZtajBuJE/TxX-Ou_dKrI/AAAAAAAAHXI/WUhAoyCFuDU/IMG_2125_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="433" height="285" /></a></p> <p>Ironic almost, seeing that a month ago before the trip, my team had difficulties soliciting simple answers from Eduardo – which took a long time before he got back to us with almost irrelevant answers. This, was essentially a different Eduardo that we would have envisioned. He made sure that everyone of us heard him, occasionally even repeating himself twice since the group was rather large. He gladly took questions, answered them with an air of confidence and meticulously explained some technical processes to the core, even when he really needn’t to. Later, we were even given a box of detergent and provided with decent refreshments and snacks – a pleasant surprise.In less than a week, Eduardo sent us the promised materials during his presentation.</p> <p>               <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-n9c4avv8iu8/TxX-O9xCZ8I/AAAAAAAAHXM/Z4LKZ-C5GPs/s1600-h/2011-12-15_10-35-23_249%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="2011-12-15_10-35-23_249" border="0" alt="2011-12-15_10-35-23_249" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QA4uErM34iY/TxX-PD7o74I/AAAAAAAAHXY/U6XkRh3annI/2011-12-15_10-35-23_249_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cMqEdPAIttA/TxX-PqW-SgI/AAAAAAAAHXg/QLPu1-U60jI/s1600-h/DSC00728%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC00728" border="0" alt="DSC00728" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-c7vDJg54k_Y/TxX-P0CkSaI/AAAAAAAAHXo/zQjsOtmdjBs/DSC00728_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="247" /></a> <br />                                            <em>Cathy & Aaron, future engineers</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-iiL3R-d54R4/TxX-QE0i7oI/AAAAAAAAHXw/E4kbmtRjiQk/s1600-h/IMG_2135%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2135" border="0" alt="IMG_2135" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VQJPPUKyJPE/TxX-Qa7qlUI/AAAAAAAAHX4/h9y7WMH2ZJg/IMG_2135_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="471" height="295" /></a><em>         We even got free detergent. Thankfully no one got stopped at the customs, just imagine <br />                      the complexity that would arise simply trying to explain what is in the box.</em></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="4"><u>BANCO GENERAL </u></font></strong></p> <p>We were pleasantly anticipating the visit to the Bank – for despite the great hospitality at Panama Industrias Boston, we simply needed a break away from the heat and lingering odor of sweat, chemicals and margarine. The Bank would also be our very last ‘formal’ visit, after which we are technically allowed to let our hairs down. </p> <p>We were given a presentation on what the bank does, where it stands in the international market, its main industry clients etc. Ross, a finance major, wasted no time in asking smart questions. Before we left, the manager of the bank, a long time liaison, commented on the great impression Fisher students make every visit with our sleek dressing and professionalism. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nGq_bypKKjk/TxX-R-XmUfI/AAAAAAAAHYA/NBhoCH34nrY/s1600-h/IMG_2136%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2136" border="0" alt="IMG_2136" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XmRpPkAw89o/TxX-SNHrHBI/AAAAAAAAHYI/02XKxtcaWNY/IMG_2136_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="295" height="231" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2n0SvYiagEs/TxX-SQPC9pI/AAAAAAAAHYQ/F-7swyANVtw/s1600-h/IMG_2137%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2137" border="0" alt="IMG_2137" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-giBffKWydB0/TxX-SilMoYI/AAAAAAAAHYY/iuS2SnJNqBA/IMG_2137_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="299" height="227" /></a></p> <p>A point that is interesting to note that out of the three representatives who presented, two were educated in the U.S. Even Mr. Edwin and Ms. Shirley from the Panama Canal and Copa Airlines respectively received their degrees in the states. Seeing that these people who were educated from the states are currently in important leadership roles, the question that arises here is: Does being educated abroad, specifically the U.S. gives these people a hiring advantage? Does it imply that the education system in Panama is somewhat lacking in competitiveness?</p> <p align="center"><font size="4"><strong><u>Cultural Dinner at Miraflores Restaurant </u></strong></font></p> <p>Later at night, we had dinner at the balcony of the Miraflores restaurant, overseeing the locks. Having seen the magnificent canal in the day light, its night view wasn’t any less charming – the dimly lit lamp post casted silhouettes of weird figures on the sparkling waters. The highlight however, must have been the lavish spread of food, eat-all-you-can style. As we sink our teeth into tender juicy seafood and meat, some performers came from nowhere and started putting a spectacular display of cultural dances. </p> <p>Vocabulary constipated, I’ll let the pictures and video do the talking. </p> <blockquote> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-k6gaMommF0Y/TxX-S8qAMjI/AAAAAAAAHYg/O-idhPRna60/s1600-h/IMG_2145%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2145" border="0" alt="IMG_2145" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--RkWw9RxW7A/TxX-TYjcycI/AAAAAAAAHYo/-VH703f5SV8/IMG_2145_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="482" height="276" /></a><em>Our table – note the canal at the background <br /> <br /></em><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YU-5aijZrGE/TxX-T0EtcfI/AAAAAAAAHYw/FBKzCNBWrrU/s1600-h/IMG_2143%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2143" border="0" alt="IMG_2143" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-43Q77XncWRY/TxX-UNpVJRI/AAAAAAAAHY4/eQZ-NtWyfHQ/IMG_2143_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="485" height="279" /></a> <br /> <br /> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; width: 448px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:c2da18f2-3be8-456b-87da-0cc7d3f84e0a" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="34aebcaf-1854-4b47-8f4e-d3dbb7142ef6" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JCGA_aNn3s" target="_new"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZUsCx-HFxM0/TxX-URZSqbI/AAAAAAAAHZY/Us_lbmgAcso/videoecbba0fafa27%25255B16%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('34aebcaf-1854-4b47-8f4e-d3dbb7142ef6'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"448\" height=\"277\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/4JCGA_aNn3s?hl=en&hd=1\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/4JCGA_aNn3s?hl=en&hd=1\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"448\" height=\"277\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div></p></blockquote> Jun Hsienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11131899038160371948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229862075683916529.post-91976131512663876382012-01-04T00:15:00.000-08:002012-01-13T00:35:27.976-08:00Video from Embera Indian TribeA long overdue video that I promised to post up. <div><br /></div><div>Here you can see the lovely waterfall, parts of the native tribe dance and me making a fool of myself. </div><div><br /></div><div>Enjoy and pardon the not-so-fancy dance moves, it's high time that I take dance lessons, I know. Free lessons, anyone? <div><br /></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/J0hw1QpmrX0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>Jun Hsienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11131899038160371948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229862075683916529.post-8354891475178395402011-12-31T08:36:00.001-08:002011-12-31T08:36:46.198-08:00Happy New YearHere's to wishing everyone a happy new year. <br />
<br />
For the first time ever, celebrating it with 400 other delegates from more than 20 different countries and 20 odd universities at a national conference. <br />
<br />
New year, new outlook. Time to push pass that mundane horizons and exceed your own boundaries. <br />
<br />
Thanks for reading once again. Wherever you are, drive safe and be safe! Jun Hsienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11131899038160371948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229862075683916529.post-6994975799361032542011-12-30T09:34:00.001-08:002011-12-30T09:34:51.348-08:00DAY 6– Embera Indian Tribe & Waterfall<p align="center"> </p> <p align="left">On a balmy, sunny midmorning away from the hustle bustle of the city, a traditional wooden canoe modified to fit 2 powerful Yamaha motors propelled its curious and excited passengers across the Chagrin river, light glittering across the water like diamonds. Only this wasn’t any usual canoe – instead of a captain of the ship, there were two indigenous tribe members skillfully steering the somewhat 10 feet wooden structure, with lush greeneries on the both sides, stretching to the horizon to as far as one’s eyes could see. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-b1qBFizR6RE/Tv31xPG_kUI/AAAAAAAAHRA/cYiGp4663s0/s1600-h/2011-12-14_10-54-57_645%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="2011-12-14_10-54-57_645" border="0" alt="2011-12-14_10-54-57_645" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_1m2o4VSY-0/Tv31xuF2slI/AAAAAAAAHRI/oxUGwj_obHo/2011-12-14_10-54-57_645_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="377" height="270" /></a></p> <p align="center">The 40 minute odd boat ride felt shorter than it ought to be, and before we knew it, we reached a rocky corner and was told the boat could go no further. From a distance, one could hear, irrefutably, the thunderous rush of millions of water plunging down into the never ending abyss of water. <br /> <br /> <img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2078" border="0" alt="IMG_2078" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ctCrAvX4eAw/Tv31yaGwkaI/AAAAAAAAHRQ/acAc9zs6LSc/IMG_2078_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="377" height="279" /></p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-w016-VfR48Y/Tv31znknNvI/AAAAAAAAHRY/fOhb_ClVtMo/s1600-h/IMG_2079%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2079" border="0" alt="IMG_2079" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-yM4T-wUKnTQ/Tv31z0AIxgI/AAAAAAAAHRg/WgmrksJqWVg/IMG_2079_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="384" height="284" /> <p align="center"></p> <em>Juan Carlos and Ariba doing the thumbs-up! </em></a> <p>We get only knee-deep, bravely navigating our ways through the slippery rocks to edge closer to the waterfall. Cold, the water was, but no hindrance to the courageous buckeyes. Professor Dickstein wasted almost no time and was the first to dive into the falls, emerging head-first for some oxygen, almost like from a scene of James Bond. (Professor Bond?)</p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qeAMjhprySk/Tv310ndXpkI/AAAAAAAAHRo/Fypyo4T7S3M/s1600-h/102_7400%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="102_7400" border="0" alt="102_7400" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-g80qFLckEZM/Tv3106eVO4I/AAAAAAAAHRw/lVWvGAXr9Tk/102_7400_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="318" height="234" /></a><em>Eric the poser, okay just kidding! <br /></em> <br /><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2TTMZR62Abk/Tv312ce5R5I/AAAAAAAAHR4/q7ZM8oTUEzg/s1600-h/102_7399%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="102_7399" border="0" alt="102_7399" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vE83wCUnFFU/Tv313REFbTI/AAAAAAAAHSA/j4w5RedHq3g/102_7399_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="324" height="251" /></a></p> <p>AT where the pool of water plunges down onto the rocks below, we were told there was an opening where one is able to be directly under the fall and yet still breathe. Skeptical at first, Erik and I decided to check it out – we took a deep breathe and with a mighty push, swam directly to under the fall. At first, it seemed almost impossible to find an opening, and as we were about to give up, there, beneath a huge rock, was the opening the guide was talking about. There, for a moment we were simply dumbstruck by the magnificence of mother nature, of how insignificantly small we were – simply lost in our thoughts.</p> <p>               <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-796y002lhpQ/Tv314CpjHDI/AAAAAAAAHSI/GlMnHnTpbvE/s1600-h/IMG_2076%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2076" border="0" alt="IMG_2076" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-r5nIsizmgvg/Tv314QkzjmI/AAAAAAAAHSQ/l1VtOpC8QFA/IMG_2076_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="183" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pW58_WE9rDI/Tv314xDw-sI/AAAAAAAAHSY/Lu8YVyUEkTs/s1600-h/IMG_2075%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2075" border="0" alt="IMG_2075" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LyWiVRTins4/Tv315wbABKI/AAAAAAAAHSg/H8izWyXiT9o/IMG_2075_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="183" /></a></p> <p>After a good hour of swimming and water-splashing, we headed back to our means of transport – set to departure to the infamous Embera Indian Tribe of Parara Puru. </p> <p>Our destination, the village, is located at a lovely corner of the driver, with steps carved out of the hilly slope leading to the main hut. As our boats pulled closer to the shore, a drum sounded – then accompanied by more drums, and before we know it, the whole village came out to welcome us as we walked up the stairs, feeling like a star walking down the red carpet. Such, was a telltale of the great hospitality we were to receive in the next two hours. </p> <p>          <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-UdmiXqScu9c/Tv316df9yiI/AAAAAAAAHSo/-EUe8EIVazI/s1600-h/2011-12-14_12-27-02_128%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="2011-12-14_12-27-02_128" border="0" alt="2011-12-14_12-27-02_128" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4o71TMLQw2Y/Tv316p-NEYI/AAAAAAAAHSw/-vQmjUBIDas/2011-12-14_12-27-02_128_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VmQxAVA8-1I/Tv317fH7m5I/AAAAAAAAHS4/xwUXMBw0PtU/s1600-h/IMG_2081%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2081" border="0" alt="IMG_2081" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hw98BYge9cM/Tv317j9nR5I/AAAAAAAAHTA/1b5lGzSS3CY/IMG_2081_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="183" /></a></p> <p align="left">Immediately after we were seated, the chief introduced himself, with our knowledgeable guide Juan Carlos as his translator. Knowing very well that us, a bunch of college kids with monstrous appetite, home-made food was served shortly – deep fried fish (bought fresh from a local community market) and plantain (deep fried banana mixed with flour), which was well deliciously satisfying. While we were working our way up to satisfy our appetite, the women and kids put up some spectacular traditional dance performances, one of which was oddly name – Monkey dance. Men, on the other hand, were the beat makers – using bamboo flutes and drums to guide the flamboyant dancers. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UKJB91qZlbs/Tv318rX7L7I/AAAAAAAAHTI/7qmfDLYbSnI/s1600-h/IMG_2088%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2088" border="0" alt="IMG_2088" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_1OEjMs70HM/Tv31-daHnTI/AAAAAAAAHTQ/kYVyT2KJ5P8/IMG_2088_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="315" height="250" /></a><em>Lunch is served! <br /></em> <br /><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cdbDA5P2Q74/Tv31-uW7aVI/AAAAAAAAHTY/_I9GaTwQl04/s1600-h/IMG_2087%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2087" border="0" alt="IMG_2087" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9KlZugFKdsw/Tv31_HDUZuI/AAAAAAAAHTg/hbwL1SEL0mw/IMG_2087_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="213" height="302" /></a><em>Cathy enjoying her lunch <br /></em> <br /><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gF18iSRG1LU/Tv31_4ngrlI/AAAAAAAAHTo/qlkC8f3txNE/s1600-h/IMG_2090%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2090" border="0" alt="IMG_2090" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nDOopuwhdrw/Tv32AAM2rzI/AAAAAAAAHTw/EWrjThkz1Bc/IMG_2090_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="295" height="228" /></a><em>The monkey dance</em></p> <p>After the monkey dance, the beat changed drastically – a somewhat waltz feeling, and that’s when the women and kids paired up randomly and started doing their version of waltz. As we were comfortably sited and simply awe by the performance, what happened next was beyond our guess – the remaining women and kids and men each dragged all of us to the dance floor – and hola, we were in the spotlight. Long story cut short, everyone did extremely well except I, who stuck out like a soar thumb as an awkward turkey. (Anyone kind enough to offer some lessons?) </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-J2SMCm0g6jc/Tv32ArouDzI/AAAAAAAAHT4/refMWG74Q0Y/s1600-h/IMG_2096%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2096" border="0" alt="IMG_2096" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-08GejFauEaU/Tv32Bp_fg3I/AAAAAAAAHUA/MCBYa1i-lOo/IMG_2096_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="302" height="226" /></a></p> <p>After the dance, we were given time to browse through some of the local handicrafts made by the villagers displayed on different tables (every different table represents a different family). </p> <p>Yet the village isn’t just another tropical getaway for the stylish and well-heeled to experience a different culture, it was by itself, an example of an emerging ‘economy’. The village has gone through some changes, albeit maintaining its customs to cater to tourism – and is now so successful that it is world renown and with the profits from tourism – the tribe kids gets the privilege of attending a nearby school, with one of them even in the process of getting a bachelor’s degree. This goes a long way to show how just change is inevitable in this ever-changing world, and the only thing that is permanent is change itself, which calls for a great deal of innovation. </p> <p>A summary and visual for Day’s 6 happenings – also us dancing, you don’t wanna miss this out! </p> <p align="center">(To be posted in the following post)</p> <p>Exhausted, we dozed off on the journey back home – with Aaron and Cathy being the exception who managed to get a few heads and thumbs up in their direction. Why, you’d find out just below. <br /> <br /></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DjBq55Zdzxw/Tv32CMUiDoI/AAAAAAAAHUI/vaCT5t7ptJQ/s1600-h/102_7433%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="102_7433" border="0" alt="102_7433" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6hy8XRhQRME/Tv32CvaK3jI/AAAAAAAAHUQ/yNax5eoE4h0/102_7433_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="342" height="228" /></a><em>A souvenir from the tribe <br /></em></p> <p align="center"><em>Here are some pictures to fuel your imagination: </em></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zEHtL5h_LWE/Tv32C6dP54I/AAAAAAAAHUY/GD8rVCR3L7o/s1600-h/102_7429%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="102_7429" border="0" alt="102_7429" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-k0p2h4_opCQ/Tv32DjeInUI/AAAAAAAAHUg/Im4aecIEwwU/102_7429_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-UZGLwySVHuI/Tv32E4m4Q6I/AAAAAAAAHUo/d6h51C_PVX0/s1600-h/394235_2520363088911_1248300335_32456211_1086556760_n%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="394235_2520363088911_1248300335_32456211_1086556760_n" border="0" alt="394235_2520363088911_1248300335_32456211_1086556760_n" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1XNWFUkzZDA/Tv32FMhle3I/AAAAAAAAHUw/aIAvwvyh4to/394235_2520363088911_1248300335_32456211_1086556760_n_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="398" height="257" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vwiB2Rur39g/Tv32Hs_xkuI/AAAAAAAAHU4/-847d7wGU84/s1600-h/393784_2520364288941_1248300335_32456213_875487613_n%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="393784_2520364288941_1248300335_32456213_875487613_n" border="0" alt="393784_2520364288941_1248300335_32456213_875487613_n" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8lHazgl8qqQ/Tv32ILBOH2I/AAAAAAAAHVA/T9x-JuL4GnI/393784_2520364288941_1248300335_32456213_875487613_n_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="531" height="399" /></a></p> <p>           <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-U6g_sMvRaWA/Tv32IxCNivI/AAAAAAAAHVI/ibTLP9DLq0s/s1600-h/IMG_2101%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2101" border="0" alt="IMG_2101" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xAgkMrJczSI/Tv32J605_FI/AAAAAAAAHVQ/3OyOAGhvXAs/IMG_2101_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="183" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rBkQ4rzHAr4/Tv32LrAwQfI/AAAAAAAAHVY/kIkTLkBpVZQ/s1600-h/IMG_2105%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2105" border="0" alt="IMG_2105" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dwfU9xdh5PM/Tv32L5-E-kI/AAAAAAAAHVg/xLj3dkaVdv4/IMG_2105_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="183" /></a></p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2086" border="0" alt="IMG_2086" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TcL15PolwbM/Tv32MUA0jzI/AAAAAAAAHVo/MJWWUf4NrQI/IMG_2086_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="370" height="257" /><em>                                              Our never-stop-smiling guide, Aribas. </em></p> <p><em>***********************************************************************************************************************</em></p> <p align="center">Tomorrow : Industrias Boston Panama (a detergent and margarine manufacturing company), banco general (leading local bank) and our farewell dinner at Gatun Locks! </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-oaUAVjo85vw/Tv32Nh5U_iI/AAAAAAAAHVw/b8-nuACZxo8/s1600-h/102_7413%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="102_7413" border="0" alt="102_7413" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DPeKy0jg9aI/Tv32OrNnrYI/AAAAAAAAHV4/ffSGHY4GrNg/102_7413_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="352" height="270" /></a><em>Guess who was present too? </em></p> Jun Hsienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11131899038160371948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229862075683916529.post-18513483726718597992011-12-21T08:12:00.001-08:002011-12-21T08:12:25.341-08:00Of gators, wizards and Disney charactersHey lovely readers, <br />
<br />
Sorry for the hiatus in updating, am currently out in the sun in Florida chasing gators, princesses, Mickey and watching sunset at daytona beach - without any form of Internet besides my faithful 3G equipped iPhone. <br />
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Have you heard of trip blues? Well I'm sure feeling it. Missing the shine (inside joke)of our bus driver, Ariba; the familiarity of the wonderful company of professor Dickstein, Jane and Juan Carlos, our knowledgeable tour guide; and of course the ardent energy that radiates from everyone who made the trip memorable in so many unique ways. <br />
<br />
I'll promise to update once I get connection, which unfortunately wouldn't be till Christmas. To be in the loop, simply stay subscribed to us (insert your e-mail to the box in the right)! <br />
<br />
Lots more interesting post on our visit to the native tribe and waterfall, visit to Banco General and a local detergent and margarine factory, so stay tuned! <br />
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Before I sign off, here's a quote that I got off from Disneyland while watching the spectacular fireworks illuminating the night skies with its myriad colors. <br />
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'Christmas is the time to come together, to be merry, forgive and live again. Home is where the heart belongs - so go home, or remind loved ones how much you treasure them'<br />
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Be grateful, be thankful, forgive and forget. <br />
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Regardless of whether you celebrate christmas or not, here's to wishing you a merry Christmas. <br />
:)<br />
<br />
P.s : Santa, all i want for Christmas is an ATV, thank you! <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijagrBf29Krrj2l7-dBStKhwXOtArMw34ScbQ7sBrL9Jvai8UXKEq-Q5uZ9uKHrOEBeW9Thk9zTSFGzr59qVRvDd9A9QhqdrTNMSoihcsZ7duNBW0fOV9ecMg8V0CdPvF3lAqv0hdnmyng/s640/blogger-image-969528108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijagrBf29Krrj2l7-dBStKhwXOtArMw34ScbQ7sBrL9Jvai8UXKEq-Q5uZ9uKHrOEBeW9Thk9zTSFGzr59qVRvDd9A9QhqdrTNMSoihcsZ7duNBW0fOV9ecMg8V0CdPvF3lAqv0hdnmyng/s640/blogger-image-969528108.jpg" /></a></div>Jun Hsienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11131899038160371948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229862075683916529.post-9008181134460777382011-12-15T15:44:00.001-08:002011-12-15T15:44:48.959-08:00Day 5– Copa Airlines<p> </p> <p>Hola!</p> <p>For those of you who are following this blog and were expecting more frequent updates – I sincerely apologize for the frequency in which this blog is updated. Firstly, it’s really been one heck of a trip – one of my best even on a conservative measure and definitely a weighted compliment as I’ve been to more than 10 countries prior to this trip. As such, at the end of most days, I’m pretty much exhausted (in a good way of course) and would rather sit back, relax and enjoy the night scenery from my hotel room with a glass of well, fruit juice. Secondly, Marriott, a 5-star hotel if I’m not mistaken, decides that its customers are too well-off to provide them with free Wi-Fi internet connection, and instead charges them $13 for a 24hr access, and as such, for coming online I’m forking out my own pocket money which unfortunately, has been depleting a little (sorry dad!). </p> <p>Anyway, without further ado, I present you DAY 5, where we visited Copa Airline’s HQ and subsequently the airport. At the HQ, we were given a presentation of Copa Airline’s marketing strategy – how successfully they have integrated social media – Facebook & Twitter into branding and generating sales. </p> <p>It is interesting how a small company operating in Panama developed into one of the region’s top player, even known as the hub of the Americas. From its inception in 1992 with just 12 cities in 10 countries, it is now the leader in connecting the Americas – connecting 57 cities in 28 countries. It is in the process of expanding its hub, adding two more hubs to the now four hubs – forever changing the skyline of the Americas. Obviously, a company in an emerging market is not to be taken lightly! In fact, in-line with the theme of this whole course, companies operating in emerging markets tend to be more innovative and adaptive, given their circumstances (lack of transparency, lack of infrastructure etc.), giving them an added ‘advantage’. </p> <p>Later at the airport, we were greeted by Sherly, a cheerful and energetic lady who now is the supervisor of Copa Airlines in the airport. She meticulously explained to us their day-to-day operations, took us onto the tarmac grounds where we witnessed for ourselves the refilling of the plane etc. and even let us in into the President’s club – reserved only for their exclusive cardholders. It was certainly an eye-opener for all of us. </p> <p>Anyway, I’m sure everyone is more excited about looking at the pictures, so here we go : </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9YfsoIuI5yE/TuqGSdXj3mI/AAAAAAAAHO4/sdk0WlFo0Lk/s1600-h/IMG_20425.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2042" border="0" alt="IMG_2042" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0Mc_DEOk9VA/TuqGS1rEmvI/AAAAAAAAHPA/7iUYbUFshDw/IMG_2042_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="386" height="260" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-087sK-MHTZc/TuqGToVYaxI/AAAAAAAAHPI/ZDTw9JSV8zY/s1600-h/IMG_20445.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2044" border="0" alt="IMG_2044" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-eth2SJLcht8/TuqGUCfv6pI/AAAAAAAAHPQ/QGtpOJT6aGg/IMG_2044_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="394" height="261" /></a> <br /><em>Presentation at Copa’s HQ on their social media strategy</em></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_LsaD2dDBh0/TuqGU8jKcjI/AAAAAAAAHPY/brZxYV995IQ/s1600-h/IMG_20455.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2045" border="0" alt="IMG_2045" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ydawTJlTm3g/TuqGVtVnRWI/AAAAAAAAHPg/2APC_JkNi1c/IMG_2045_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="398" height="268" /></a> <br /><em>Participants giving their full attention to Sherly</em></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4UcBXQmy-HE/TuqGWBgTBlI/AAAAAAAAHPo/F-sPbmYeieI/s1600-h/IMG_20495.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2049" border="0" alt="IMG_2049" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-iDVVZ0I_uA0/TuqGW4KaLcI/AAAAAAAAHPw/m3UxDQ2rBIo/IMG_2049_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="262" /></a> <br /><em>Why can’t the U.S. have that many check-in counters? Taking Customer’s satisfaction into consideration, Copa has through the years, increased its check-in counters</em></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-YKEQQ9wcIA8/TuqGXUr9gGI/AAAAAAAAHP4/TfCre0jgmk4/s1600-h/IMG_20535.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2053" border="0" alt="IMG_2053" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KfbBMrvO_28/TuqGYI3fWKI/AAAAAAAAHQA/UXScRLKlxhU/IMG_2053_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="348" height="247" /></a> <br /><em>Exclusive access to the tarmac ground </em></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TNL16kEbi88/TuqGYweIvWI/AAAAAAAAHQI/rYHwYXwQZXE/s1600-h/IMG_20555.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2055" border="0" alt="IMG_2055" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qTbbDeePLDo/TuqGZeWOeKI/AAAAAAAAHQQ/K-9PvYeHRb8/IMG_2055_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="252" /></a> <br /><em>Jane and I having a little fun with the baggage buggy</em></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GIYB-JL4kE8/TuqGaHYsMII/AAAAAAAAHQY/TJT-aTCKf9o/s1600-h/IMG_20596.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2059" border="0" alt="IMG_2059" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bd19xISfbQg/TuqGao5lCoI/AAAAAAAAHQg/MD7T-D72Dys/IMG_2059_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="336" height="256" /></a> <br /><em>President’s club – look at those oh-so-comfy chairs</em></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p>Anyway, nothing is complete with a video – the closest way for you to experience what we experienced. As we were split up into 2 different groups, the credits to this video goes to Juan Carlos, our university-going tour guide. </p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; width: 448px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:0de937dc-663a-47c4-b6a3-e6446d6e4c31" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="da89b3d8-af16-4d4e-923e-bbdb36273c6c" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3ojRj6V5No" target="_new"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QsPqBNqpA-s/TuqGbI3aCvI/AAAAAAAAHQo/PBDt16TmkxA/video942451aac940%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('da89b3d8-af16-4d4e-923e-bbdb36273c6c'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"448\" height=\"277\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/U3ojRj6V5No?hl=en&hd=1\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/U3ojRj6V5No?hl=en&hd=1\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"448\" height=\"277\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> <p>Next up : Best experience ever! Visited the Embera Indian Village and the waterfall – wasn’t told until afterwards that we were sharing waters with crocodiles – so definitely look out for my next post! To just give you a little sneak peak, here’s a video of the lovely waterfalls! </p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; width: 448px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:9fbbef4a-e66a-4e4e-903e-be1d903eaa15" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="d253de91-28eb-40cf-838e-bfa60456e871" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7JQBA86uS0" target="_new"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-iK3j4EazUaI/TuqGbzmsLcI/AAAAAAAAHQw/0lJh_S6F-DQ/videobe3fa89e9623%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('d253de91-28eb-40cf-838e-bfa60456e871'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"448\" height=\"277\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/P7JQBA86uS0?hl=en&hd=1\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/P7JQBA86uS0?hl=en&hd=1\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"448\" height=\"277\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> Jun Hsienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11131899038160371948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229862075683916529.post-90687962423975188792011-12-15T15:37:00.001-08:002012-01-12T23:27:30.837-08:00DAY 4–Panama Railway Company, Gatun Locks & Colon<p style="text-align: center;"> </p> <p>Currently tuned into Paradise City by Guns and Roses</p> <p><em>Take me down to the paradise city <br />Where the grass is green <br />And the girls are pretty <br />Take me home <br />(Oh, won't you please take me home?)</em></p> <p>Only that the lyrics would be (<em>Oh, won’t you please let me stay?)</em></p> <p>It’s almost hard to believe that we’re halfway through this amazing trip – almost surreal how time just passes so quickly. <em> </em></p> <p>Day 4 – Started off the day with the usual Champion breakfast at the hotel lobby, complete with eat all-you-can Continental breakfast buffet spread, egg station, cereals and fruits. Usually, this is the time when everyone looks their ‘best’, with their semi-combed hair and barely opened eyes, but today, ‘classy’ would be irrefutably the most appropriate word I could use to describe ourselves. The guys donned ties with suave-looking suits while the girls, well, looked gorgeous, as usual of course with their office attire (my apologies, just bad when it comes to describing the opposite gender’s outfit)! </p> <p>For today, we were visiting the Panama Canal Railway Company. Arrived 10 min ahead of schedule before 8 only be told that the executive in-charge had some last minute plans so we were told to return at 9 a.m. – something I remember studying about emerging markets with the different perspective when it comes to time. In Latin America, being way too early could be seen as being somewhat rude, and most of the time being late is somewhat acceptable – a huge contrary compared to the states. Spontaneous as we were, we headed to one of the hilltops where we had a wonderful view where all the containers were stored.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wjiT0DC9-M4/TuqEWcaFGWI/AAAAAAAAHLo/Lhnh9mp79O0/s1600-h/IMG_1944.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1944" border="0" alt="IMG_1944" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gWCxmCeViVY/TuqEXQRqUDI/AAAAAAAAHLw/Gbw-mOkcghc/IMG_1944_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="452" height="316" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Q9h2tv9PD8Y/TuqEXx7iWUI/AAAAAAAAHL4/8N8147cioIM/s1600-h/IMG_19421%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1942" border="0" alt="IMG_1942" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7YW8NYZvyZ8/TuqEYjgWcaI/AAAAAAAAHMA/BxBA5qOciwE/IMG_1942_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="461" height="272" /></a><br /><em>Panoramic view of the containers from the hilltop </em></p> <p>Headed back and was given a presentation by the operations manager, Mr. Eduardo followed by a facility tour. When asked what happens when the train ever goes off track, Mr. Eduardo simply replied : “We just can’t let that happen”. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hVjOENrXMC8/TuqEZE7B-2I/AAAAAAAAHMI/2ouD2MiBae4/s1600-h/IMG_19583.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1958" border="0" alt="IMG_1958" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3culhrZFA2k/TuqEZ-VMPnI/AAAAAAAAHMQ/9Mq5Zn0FAgE/IMG_1958_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="383" height="276" /></a><em>The railway controller explaining the complicated process of monitoring the train’s whereabouts</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sKRn4gdid24/TuqEacHeXHI/AAAAAAAAHMY/RqMPFc0kfWw/s1600-h/IMG_19555.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1955" border="0" alt="IMG_1955" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--AI6FcvRnYg/TuqEbC3vCXI/AAAAAAAAHMg/7repw4crbEM/IMG_1955_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="414" height="292" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p>Here’s when the whole, if I may, highlight of the trip comes in – our visit to Gatun Locks, one of the locks located in the Panama Canal. Here, we were greeted by our guide, the operations manager of the canal, Mr. Edwin who is a big fan of the buckeyes and who has been leading this tour since the first time the Ohio State University organized its visit to the canal. </p> <p>Guess what? We were granted exclusive access to the canal operations room. Mind you, this is the place where only top diplomats and presidents of countries visit, and here we are, a bunch of young, ambitious teenagers given such privileged access to the control room. We even had the opportunity to walk on the lock gates (which was the only way to get to the access room) – simply breathtaking and definitely a money can’t buy experience. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fNdhMI_gEFE/TuqEbx_6vCI/AAAAAAAAHMo/-Xfu9gBDq_s/s1600-h/IMG_20186.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2018" border="0" alt="IMG_2018" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-q0SCAkA0MB0/TuqEca813-I/AAAAAAAAHMw/0iTj-RpXb5Q/IMG_2018_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="381" height="263" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-29MsWMYuhho/TuqEdCmwUMI/AAAAAAAAHM4/8Gm_9ZzncvY/s1600-h/IMG_19735.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1973" border="0" alt="IMG_1973" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-iTFcuSvEFmw/TuqEd-1iXDI/AAAAAAAAHNA/cUpjGkiVuPo/IMG_1973_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="382" height="245" /></a><br /><em>The millions of gallons of water flushed out into the ocean from the locks. To put that into perspective, it’s 52 million of gallons of water per ship, 35 ships on average a day – you do the math. This is one of the incentives as to why the new canal expansion plans are taking shape – to conserve water (60% of the water used by the locks will be recycled).</em></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fR8XG5lSbfo/TuqEeuSSqQI/AAAAAAAAHNI/1aW1Q_ul3gs/s1600-h/IMG_19945.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1994" border="0" alt="IMG_1994" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wKch-eB3dsA/TuqEfMoUIDI/AAAAAAAAHNQ/KrbAiJ3M4yI/IMG_1994_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="366" height="261" /></a><br /><em>Mr. Edwin showing us the traditional way the locks are controlled</em></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4_LySC86p14/TuqEf4rxVxI/AAAAAAAAHNY/2r-axYtKM_Q/s1600-h/IMG_20055.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2005" border="0" alt="IMG_2005" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bL4jtNJXWKQ/TuqEg6LnHCI/AAAAAAAAHNg/7LxfptHcxtA/IMG_2005_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="252" /></a><br /><em>This is where all the action takes place : The controlling of the locks. Ross, Erik and Professor Dickstein were privileged to be given the opportunity of opening the locks – with the click of mouse, of course.</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-POQ6gFUz2zY/TuqEhnQMrWI/AAAAAAAAHNo/VB8-OQRumDY/s1600-h/IMG_20176.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2017" border="0" alt="IMG_2017" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-c6M4wP9KECY/TuqEiJXI5VI/AAAAAAAAHNw/OSZa3JsPSGY/IMG_2017_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="363" height="258" /></a></p> <p>And what’s a better way than to show you our amazing experience crossing the locks than a video itself? </p> <p> </p><div style="padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; width: 448px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:3e071a83-9b08-4290-8648-1a817c9bdf9f" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="6623f837-6058-4ed7-b379-f51b6f552749" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Di-C9ybY08" target="_new"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-28O0Mu6FA5Q/TuqEi6qO6wI/AAAAAAAAHN4/lIdoP3GnB7Q/videoae8f30919d5d%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" alt="" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('6623f837-6058-4ed7-b379-f51b6f552749'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"448\" height=\"277\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/6Di-C9ybY08?hl=en&hd=1\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/6Di-C9ybY08?hl=en&hd=1\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"448\" height=\"277\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" /></a></div></div></div> After the locks, we were driven to Colon – a duty free zone located close to the ports. Due to time constraint, we didn’t spend too much time here as we had a train to catch. <p></p> <p align="left">Other than transporting goods by the TEUs (measurement of a 20 feet container), the railway company also has a passenger train service. Before the new Amador causeway was opened, according to Mr. Edwin the passenger train was always crowded – with executives, that is. That is because a two way ticket cost $48 – a price not many blue-collar workers could afford. The train is decorated in a very cozy, with dim orange lights and train ladies patrolling the corridors serving drinks. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LLbjZa8RoE0/TuqEjrvGM3I/AAAAAAAAHOA/q7US9ns5NpM/s1600-h/IMG_20285.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2028" border="0" alt="IMG_2028" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4RqKo-I3S3Y/TuqEkftpPgI/AAAAAAAAHOI/qKsmBKLAviA/IMG_2028_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="342" height="258" /></a><br /><em>Aaron & Dan with a scenic background</em></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-F17nxyn3bTQ/TuqEky3dMDI/AAAAAAAAHOQ/S1degb9Yep0/s1600-h/IMG_20245.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2024" border="0" alt="IMG_2024" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zs3GTgBLhTk/TuqElkf9hgI/AAAAAAAAHOY/OG435cZhTZY/IMG_2024_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="347" height="266" /></a><br /><em>Lily, Andi & Mallory with a view of the containers at the background</em></p> <p align="center">There was also a section in the train compartment where one could take in some fresh air, or simply admire the lush rainforest on the left and right of the rail tracks. We watched as the sun gradually goes down the horizon, casting a lovely orange silhouette on our surroundings, basking in that serenity away from the hustle bustle of the city life.</p><p align="center"><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Wwi9DbCgoVw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br /></p> <p align="center"> </p><div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:7396fb0b-d0e6-4bb4-bcc9-4d29dd2c4144" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="89665702-7dc5-432a-a23f-d0f9f6c29ddb" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3RlIVOyS_Wo/TuqEmmIS4eI/AAAAAAAAHOo/ME2ZXcMRybU/s1600-h/IMG_20265.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_2026" border="0" alt="IMG_2026" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ApWSG2DX5gU/TuqEnWM4kyI/AAAAAAAAHOw/xnhoxVxMa8U/IMG_2026_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="350" height="273" /></a></div></div></div><p></p> <p align="left">Tomorrow : Visit to Copa Airlines, Panama homegrown airline that is expanding internationally – bigger and better! </p>Jun Hsienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11131899038160371948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229862075683916529.post-73078430493390446502011-12-12T18:55:00.001-08:002012-01-12T23:32:29.340-08:00Day 3– Boat, Beach & Historic Fort<p> </p> <p>Hola Amigo! Como esta?</p> <p>Day 3 – dragged ourselves reluctantly out the bed at 7.15 a.m. this morning to the scrumptious buffet spread.</p> <p>Managed to catch up on some precious sleep while we transit through the city to the coast port of Portobello. As we moved deeper into the suburbs, the skyscrapers gradually turn into basic wooden structure, with poor and narrow road conditions. Stocked up at one the nearby local market before pulling up into a discrete plot of property where our pier was located at. </p> <p>The next 20 minutes – well, I’ll let you experience it for yourself by watching the video below. </p> <p align="center"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/CuANqEKc0cU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br /></p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:2a088129-a4c0-4fd7-9a1a-1f0b75161726" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="373c0c31-9929-429e-888a-a1ff7c456477" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i>We hit turbulence! </i></div></div></div> <p>With that godlike motorboat speed, we pulled into a wide plot of green land with lazy beach chairs on the front and a cozy, mid-size house in the middle – equipped with everything from the kitchen to living room, dining hall, television and even a pool table.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-swtKk5giOH0/Tua-pDzprwI/AAAAAAAAHKg/YeqN9DaeOww/s1600-h/IMG_19287.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1928" border="0" alt="IMG_1928" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mpJeGdMHfvs/Tua-p4aVviI/AAAAAAAAHKo/ykDI5YukRMU/IMG_1928_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="309" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-11sPp1MDsak/Tua-qjISdcI/AAAAAAAAHKw/aWBN2oVTb40/s1600-h/IMG_19296.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1929" border="0" alt="IMG_1929" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JqxpFOKY_B0/Tua-rXdK82I/AAAAAAAAHK4/oLSkZBVgzuo/IMG_1929_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="412" height="278" /></a></p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; width: 448px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:575706ee-7322-4ecb-a065-08adef8135c8" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="49e1089c-e39f-4b25-99f9-672e790b6a59" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhPrbZgHA1s" target="_new"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-OxI0kVtFtG4/Tua-r_pW4tI/AAAAAAAAHLA/qloWuhpHJRc/videodd54fa02c3d8%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" alt="" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('49e1089c-e39f-4b25-99f9-672e790b6a59'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"448\" height=\"277\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/WhPrbZgHA1s?hl=en&hd=1\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/WhPrbZgHA1s?hl=en&hd=1\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"448\" height=\"277\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" /></a></div></div><div style="width:448px;clear:both;font-size:.8em">Lovely beach house</div></div> <p>By then it was already drizzling a little, nevertheless we move forward with the excitement of a child at the beach for the first time. Tracked a little from the backyard of the house and viola, we arrived at a lovely beach opening. Professor Dickstein wasted no further time and dived straight in while we the Gen-Y were timidly threading water at the edge. While everyone was in the water, Ross (aka Ross Boss) was busy hatching a plan on getting some coconuts down. ‘Determined’ was his middle name for that day as despite many unsuccessful attempts, he persevere and finally, there was a tree low enough for him to climb halfway through and get some coconuts down. Now, that’s the Fisher spirit! If any of you are from Fisher and ever walked through Fisher Hall, you’d notice on the concrete-marble bench there is a quote that says (of what I remember) : It’s not about so much of your luck that determines success, it’s hardwork that pave the road to it. </p> <p>It wasn’t long before everyone’s stomach was aching for food, and food we had prepared for us – BBQ chicken and hamburgers waiting for us back home. We stayed on a little pass an hour from lunch, just sitting on lazy armchairs chatting about everything under the sun, enjoying the moment. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GrnFE-3pXvY/Tua-s8nnP9I/AAAAAAAAHLI/P3UwP-3Z6xI/s1600-h/IMG_19356.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1935" border="0" alt="IMG_1935" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zvOO4O8Zez4/Tua-toeTdxI/AAAAAAAAHLQ/pqgZdj3e6qI/IMG_1935_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="367" height="256" /></a></p> <p>On the way back from Portobello, we visited a few different forts used to defend the coast from pirate attacks (Portobello then was loaded with gold and the word got out of the coast and as many as seven major pirate attacks occurred there). </p> <p>Had dinner at a nearby local restaurant and called it a day.</p> <p>Now, you must be asking yourself – wait, is this a Fisher Business of College official class or a fun excursion? Here’s your answer – it’s both because that’s what we do best. Play hard, work harder. Come tomorrow, we will be visiting the railway company and would have the opportunity to speak to some of their top executives, asking questions about their operations based on the extensive research we have done about their company. </p> <p>As again, stay subscribed! </p> <p>P.s : This picture below is the public transportation here in Panama, an equivalent to our COTA – only cooler. Now, why don’t our party bus don’t even come close to looking as fancy as this?</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1O2p79TQyTs/Tua-uD9uILI/AAAAAAAAHLY/iYCL_2zaPuY/s1600-h/IMG_19365.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1936" border="0" alt="IMG_1936" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-CfD2A7cwe5w/Tua-uxBfRSI/AAAAAAAAHLg/O3BHWlBbpTw/IMG_1936_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="419" height="295" /></a></p>Jun Hsienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11131899038160371948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229862075683916529.post-66782869256132849162011-12-12T18:47:00.001-08:002011-12-12T18:47:50.911-08:002nd day–Canal, Church and Local Cuisine!<p> </p> <p>Second day…was a blast. </p> <p>After studying so extensively about the Panama Canal, today for once, we experienced the canal for ourselves – and immediately get absorbed into its magnificence. Maybe magnificence might even be an understatement. To just see how the Canal, built more than 100 years ago, still standing and operating till today is simply marvelous. Hats off to the engineers who transcended beyond their time, beating all odds – given their then technology and equipment. To see how the application of simple physics of buoyancy – the filling of the locks of the canal to raise the ship to the same sea level so it passes through the locks is simply mind-blowing. The lush greenery that runs parallel to the canal, and the vast pool of water is simply indescribable. </p> <p>Simply refreshing…breeze brushing through your face, warm Panamaian sunlight (Oops, sorry folks in Columbus, heard it started snowing!) , spread of eat-all-you-can breakfast and lunch on the cruise ship, seeing the President of Panama, savoring some local cuisines. Heading to the Beach tomorrow, stay tuned! </p> <p align="left">Vocabulary constipated, I’ll leave you with some pictures for you to comprehend for yourself. </p> <p align="center"> <br /><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--erurxR9p_Q/TuagZduwGgI/AAAAAAAAHEs/F-BJSzkg53Q/s1600-h/PC090052_renamed_151436.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="PC090052_renamed_15143" border="0" alt="PC090052_renamed_15143" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xspcGJ-Z9H4/Tuai0Pka5KI/AAAAAAAAHE0/qTc_69YY5rc/PC090052_renamed_15143_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="366" height="281" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NrdKkElSdF0/Tua8DhbTsaI/AAAAAAAAHKQ/F_7tFY0yApg/s1600-h/IMG_1854_renamed_7622.jpg"><em></em></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NrdKkElSdF0/Tua8DhbTsaI/AAAAAAAAHKU/lvlwaVuhZRc/s1600-h/IMG_1854_renamed_7626.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1854_renamed_762" border="0" alt="IMG_1854_renamed_762" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GwDnze2eYz4/Tuak7obgYnI/AAAAAAAAHFU/FVJZ-uPq7Eg/IMG_1854_renamed_762_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="382" height="271" /></a></a></a> <br /><em>Professor Dickstein with some of the ladies</em></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-p5drCF5htTg/Tua8F9vqByI/AAAAAAAAHFw/wK5OkWTV3cY/IMG_1856_renamed_51925.jpg?imgmax=800"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1856_renamed_5192" border="0" alt="IMG_1856_renamed_5192" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Vrcs5-2Wjxw/Tua8GXMYAXI/AAAAAAAAHF4/LW1eLMZrdyA/IMG_1856_renamed_5192_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="374" height="256" /></a> <br /><em>O-H-I-O!</em></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-d0X71dd1Sns/Tua8HEBKI6I/AAAAAAAAHGA/InZhNLd5s78/IMG_1871_renamed_317875.jpg?imgmax=800"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1871_renamed_31787" border="0" alt="IMG_1871_renamed_31787" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-amy_fRy-Uhc/Tua8H_pQTdI/AAAAAAAAHGI/1plxe0ynwFU/IMG_1871_renamed_31787_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="378" height="253" /></a> <br /><em>Observation tower on the right and the white tower is the control tower</em></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-29gR64pK0kQ/Tua8IZfTDgI/AAAAAAAAHGQ/M0yvb3QmFRc/IMG_1877_renamed_105172.jpg?imgmax=800"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1877_renamed_10517" border="0" alt="IMG_1877_renamed_10517" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tWQJrr5OCW0/Tua8JNuTyYI/AAAAAAAAHGY/ptW41rJF7j4/IMG_1877_renamed_10517_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="183" /></a> <br /><em>Mighty "flood” gates</em> </p> <p align="center">Notice the following pictures – all are taken from the same place, observe carefully how the water level rises in just a few minutes. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vKn7jRVUcHo/Tua8J27EPkI/AAAAAAAAHGg/8RKS7SZJQRE/IMG_1882_renamed_196082.jpg?imgmax=800"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1882_renamed_19608" border="0" alt="IMG_1882_renamed_19608" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-E59TX0EFwYU/Tua8KbDPbII/AAAAAAAAHGo/U1rkzf81KlI/IMG_1882_renamed_19608_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="183" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-npsq0Ea1aI8/Tua8LK3p5iI/AAAAAAAAHGw/AkU0iIhR6y8/IMG_1884_renamed_233782.jpg?imgmax=800"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1884_renamed_23378" border="0" alt="IMG_1884_renamed_23378" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qfbsnxHjy50/Tua8Lk_T4rI/AAAAAAAAHG4/MZTzyDirh8s/IMG_1884_renamed_23378_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="183" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-D-AdWhsWjSY/Tua8MecOUbI/AAAAAAAAHHA/RMsxcfzpdVk/IMG_1886_renamed_233772.jpg?imgmax=800"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1886_renamed_23377" border="0" alt="IMG_1886_renamed_23377" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-aREMBa0lVLU/Tua8NF7xyrI/AAAAAAAAHHI/tm17Tb8na-w/IMG_1886_renamed_23377_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="183" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-K89OxSS1YBk/Tua8NltVuAI/AAAAAAAAHHQ/WO3asIIfa9o/IMG_1889_renamed_37882.jpg?imgmax=800"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1889_renamed_3788" border="0" alt="IMG_1889_renamed_3788" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-svqDT2kD68w/Tua8OdFO_MI/AAAAAAAAHHY/8U2iZsWCC9U/IMG_1889_renamed_3788_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="183" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Fite-MOa0hE/Tua8PPE6KNI/AAAAAAAAHHg/IqXCWK4_U8o/IMG_1890_renamed_127957.jpg?imgmax=800"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1890_renamed_12795" border="0" alt="IMG_1890_renamed_12795" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HMX8x5vphHQ/Tua8PgfjSiI/AAAAAAAAHHo/HKa0iKNRhXo/IMG_1890_renamed_12795_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="294" height="326" /></a> <br /><em>Our lunch for the day – delicious is but an understatement. </em></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9lz32voVgyY/Tua8QX54WWI/AAAAAAAAHHw/VD79PK5sWyE/PC090019_renamed_26694.jpg?imgmax=800"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="PC090019_renamed_2669" border="0" alt="PC090019_renamed_2669" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_L89PL_ags0/Tua8REfAuWI/AAAAAAAAHH4/v8gqd9lbKQs/PC090019_renamed_2669_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="370" height="249" /></a> <br /><em>Group picture with our wonderful tour guide in white, center</em></p> <p>After the Canal, we did a little city walk – visited the most important church in Panama, stop at local traditional handicraft stores and went into the Presidential office – the equivalent of the white house in D.C. – and even saw the President himself stepping out of his 4WD into this office.  </p> <p align="center">I mean, how often could you boast that you actually went into the Presidential Office (Okay, not the office, I admit – but the compound) and that you were actually standing less than 20 meters from a country’s President? Make no mistake – this is the most important man in the whole of Panama, the one that calls the shot, runs the country etc. Everything was somewhat surreal that instant – there were suddenly a handful of armed soldiers showing up from nowhere (one was on the balcony with a sniper), and then three 4WD pulled in – the first and last with fully armed soldiers (the SWOT forces kind) and the 4WD in the center was the president’s. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-W63ASyrti7k/Tua8Rice7_I/AAAAAAAAHIA/4a9sxl67rdI/PC090144_renamed_69737.jpg?imgmax=800"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="PC090144_renamed_6973" border="0" alt="PC090144_renamed_6973" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Z2kzSvWBEKg/Tua8SZTGhaI/AAAAAAAAHII/JF6eIP_QFQ4/PC090144_renamed_6973_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="409" height="283" /></a> <br /><em>Us with the city’s skyline as our background</em></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_esEM3JQ_ZM/Tua8S2T7jgI/AAAAAAAAHIQ/dGYUnwunjRw/PC090152_renamed_120977.jpg?imgmax=800"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="PC090152_renamed_12097" border="0" alt="PC090152_renamed_12097" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TDVGugEul2k/Tua8Tbu_PsI/AAAAAAAAHIY/n3icj4_Oqxw/PC090152_renamed_12097_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="401" height="280" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3sQR-70f70A/Tua8UC6uwJI/AAAAAAAAHIg/UwDYGXhN2Lk/PC090154_renamed_20424.jpg?imgmax=800"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="PC090154_renamed_2042" border="0" alt="PC090154_renamed_2042" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Z18vuRQodYU/Tua8U3CMpJI/AAAAAAAAHIo/A3HQw7q7uNg/PC090154_renamed_2042_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="359" height="253" /></a> <br /><em>The President's office – where we saw him stepped out of his 4WD and enter the gate</em></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lDLTgN5M_Co/Tua8VrmIToI/AAAAAAAAHIw/D2YuOF0-Wfg/PC090155_renamed_223994.jpg?imgmax=800"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="PC090155_renamed_22399" border="0" alt="PC090155_renamed_22399" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4EwcVn4w7zc/Tua8WcqcviI/AAAAAAAAHI4/0erRK8yObec/PC090155_renamed_22399_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="258" /></a> <br /><em>Wasn’t sure if pictures were allowed but that’s the sniper that appeared nowhere moments before the president showed up</em></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-z6Kk7tJSspk/Tua8XAGbSiI/AAAAAAAAHJA/-M8GEJGzZuQ/IMG_1911_renamed_249247.jpg?imgmax=800"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1911_renamed_24924" border="0" alt="IMG_1911_renamed_24924" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--2NjmF10FPk/Tua8X5jW1PI/AAAAAAAAHJI/muor214wGRw/IMG_1911_renamed_24924_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="378" height="292" /></a> <br /><em>Family, as we know is a big part of Latin culture. Lovely clay souvenirs depicting the whole family gathering at a newborn ceremony</em></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--JeUhvU00OI/Tua8ZJ2otOI/AAAAAAAAHJQ/oxfVZcCVXIU/PC090106_renamed_299165.jpg?imgmax=800"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="PC090106_renamed_29916" border="0" alt="PC090106_renamed_29916" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-IIA5QwWBj4I/Tua8ZwEPF4I/AAAAAAAAHJY/rnswmUv6aXs/PC090106_renamed_29916_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="361" height="274" /></a> <br /><em>That’s Erik, showing a little of his swag. </em></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KHl5BrGmMBk/Tua8atwkWHI/AAAAAAAAHJg/i8xB7Bz0YR4/PC090111_renamed_52065.jpg?imgmax=800"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="PC090111_renamed_5206" border="0" alt="PC090111_renamed_5206" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Rn3cV4nUT0k/Tua8bbhpC7I/AAAAAAAAHJo/mNtzXKWFxzg/PC090111_renamed_5206_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="366" height="290" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Tk44tErMAww/Tua8b47t9dI/AAAAAAAAHJw/z9Q_hSlgiso/PC090118_renamed_252984.jpg?imgmax=800"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="PC090118_renamed_25298" border="0" alt="PC090118_renamed_25298" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WMyrG5OCTr0/Tua8coOIKHI/AAAAAAAAHJ4/mKmPDnu3YFI/PC090118_renamed_25298_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="372" height="289" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-eti-8xVaaPE/Tua8dHxDUJI/AAAAAAAAHKA/sqyDVoetzFI/PC090121_renamed_22189.jpg?imgmax=800"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="PC090121_renamed_2218" border="0" alt="PC090121_renamed_2218" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Riiyq3HfX1k/Tua8dykgb8I/AAAAAAAAHKI/CTm-Rnrl7ZA/PC090121_renamed_2218_thumb7.jpg?imgmax=800" width="306" height="394" /></a> <br /><em>Missionary of St. Jose</em></p> <p>At night, we went to Las Tinajas, a lovely restaurant serving local traditional cuisines. Witnessed some folk dance with the colorful costumes and flamboyant dancers. </p> <p>Simply refreshing…breeze brushing through your face, warm Panamaian sunlight (Oops, sorry folks in Columbus, heard it started snowing!) , spread of eat-all-you-can breakfast and lunch on the cruise ship, seeing the President of Panama, savoring some local cuisines. Heading to the Beach tomorrow, stay tuned! </p> Jun Hsienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11131899038160371948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229862075683916529.post-66013102263546046122011-12-09T17:04:00.001-08:002011-12-09T17:04:15.166-08:00Meantime here in PanamaHi peeps! <br />
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We just successfully touched down here in panama without any major obstacles. <br />
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Lovely country to say the least. Do you know the Panamanian government provides free travel insurance to visitors for up to 30 days? Now, that's dedication. <br />
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Well something you might be interesting in knowing as well. Beer here is cheapest in the world,$0.39 - just saying. <br />
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Currently don't have a fixed Internet connection but don't worry will keep you guys posted on our happenings. <br />
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Basically what we did today is explore our hotel's surroundings and had dinner at a posh Lebanon restaurant. <br />
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Visiting the canal tomorrow! Stay tuned for some wonderful pics. <br />
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<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJgFNWvxv_A6pWFVaEkmOVQWfZD1y9e0g8-Dxkt8js95I11kCH5ibKInw0o7r7G5ol6E5CmiMjdI4aj3uvdgHTebwmDhHTmKTPwEXEtiEPVADfJMvEtPkVo3Y_noRjGPGfYznybo_b1BG/s640/blogger-image-646813749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJgFNWvxv_A6pWFVaEkmOVQWfZD1y9e0g8-Dxkt8js95I11kCH5ibKInw0o7r7G5ol6E5CmiMjdI4aj3uvdgHTebwmDhHTmKTPwEXEtiEPVADfJMvEtPkVo3Y_noRjGPGfYznybo_b1BG/s640/blogger-image-646813749.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh94I06vSaXdanPnviSwCjczVnpIUUKzR-wwnw2MEwW4f4B-muNIAgQxvDjxjTJj2HOUFZ5QYi8JBnb1jS2fthl4nAkuFP9E83ProHE49waIU5LKMuCt1ou7Qzc-pUKa2FSYa1kDjkD0mjI/s640/blogger-image-414476464.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh94I06vSaXdanPnviSwCjczVnpIUUKzR-wwnw2MEwW4f4B-muNIAgQxvDjxjTJj2HOUFZ5QYi8JBnb1jS2fthl4nAkuFP9E83ProHE49waIU5LKMuCt1ou7Qzc-pUKa2FSYa1kDjkD0mjI/s640/blogger-image-414476464.jpg" /></a></div>Jun Hsienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11131899038160371948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229862075683916529.post-15881315738829501062011-12-09T02:51:00.001-08:002011-12-09T02:51:56.777-08:00On the wayI don't know about you but I'm extremely excited about setting foot in panama, despite the fact that my already caffeine-overloaded brain is up running at this super ungodly hour just to catch the plane. Things one would do to be thrifty. Oh well. <br />
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Took me awhile to pack just trying to figure out what to put in and not. <br />
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Gonna catch up on some precious sleep on the plane. Cheers, till then stay subscribed! Jun Hsienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11131899038160371948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229862075683916529.post-62540890822250645522011-12-06T15:56:00.001-08:002011-12-06T17:10:27.382-08:00Finals…Finally! <p>So here I am, finding myself trapped within four walls of solid confinement, the walls getting narrower with every passing minute – or so it seems. </p> <p>Yes, the much dreaded finals are here. A week where everything you have learnt comes back to haunt you, a week when libraries are packed to the brim, sales of coffee and energy drinks peak, a week when it’s hitting the sack vs. camping all night in the library. A week when it’s Facebook vs. that thick, possibly unopened statistic book of yours. A week where it comes down to running the last mile vs. messing with your GPA score. </p> <p>So technically, I’m down to one paper tomorrow – and that’s it – I’m done for the quarter! That’s when I will rejoice having a heavy burden lifted off my shoulders, when walking seems like flying or when discarding those thick stack of notes feels so…satisfying. (Anyone feels the same?) That’s tomorrow, but tonight, there is a battle yet to be won. </p> <p>For those of you who are probably at SEL/Thompson/random corner at the union studying, all the best to you. Here’s a quote that I find extremely motivating regardless of how many times I read it. Before you give up or throw the towel, remember this quote. </p> <p>"<span><font size="6" face="Batang">I hated every minute of training, but I said, 'Don't quit, suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion</font></span>" - <span><em>Muhammad Ali</em></span>. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qamPSY-Nz7E/Tt6rpJLj5fI/AAAAAAAAHD8/8P2afPtpiUU/s1600-h/AAHC019_8x10-No11%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="AAHC019_8x10-No11" border="0" alt="AAHC019_8x10-No11" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DuHdNk8ZTTM/Tt6rpa1GmFI/AAAAAAAAHEE/sgX_Iq99lYI/AAHC019_8x10-No11_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="200" height="244" /></a></p> <p align="center">Okay so maybe this isn’t the most motivating picture, so here’s another better one. <br /> <br /></p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-oLSgy6RoZUw/Tt6rpgEyCRI/AAAAAAAAHEM/a_VmgKDq78Y/s1600-h/muhammad-ali-2%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="muhammad-ali-2" border="0" alt="muhammad-ali-2" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pKKA4Mq_EgA/Tt6rqAqE-8I/AAAAAAAAHEU/CdgCShpmRG4/muhammad-ali-2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="194" /></a> <p>Visualize that battle when you’re done with finals – and emerge victorious. Now go get it peeps! Suffer now and live like a boss, in our Gen Y’s terms. </p> <p>Can’t wait till this Friday for Panama. Remember to stay subscribed to this blog to receive day to day updates during the time we’re in Panama! </p> <p><span><em>Pictures taken from : </em></span><a href="http://www.allposters.com/IMAGES/PHO/AAHC019_8x10-No11.jpg"><span><em>http://www.allposters.com/IMAGES/PHO/AAHC019_8x10-No11.jpg</em></span></a><span><em> & </em></span><a href="http://www3.picturepush.com/photo/a/3007811/img/Boxing-MMA/muhammad-ali-2.jpg"><span><em>http://www3.picturepush.com/photo/a/3007811/img/Boxing-MMA/muhammad-ali-2.jpg</em></span></a></p> Jun Hsienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11131899038160371948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229862075683916529.post-42628060402663395312011-11-23T23:38:00.000-08:002011-11-27T12:28:54.591-08:00Feast on that Turkey and Foreign-Made Shirt<p>Firstly, Happy Thanksgiving everyone! </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NkaOCzYXvKI/TtHolZ2YSmI/AAAAAAAAHDE/b0TrKuf1k3Y/s1600-h/thanksgiving-turkey-dinner%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="thanksgiving-turkey-dinner" border="0" alt="thanksgiving-turkey-dinner" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RchCWYFIFt4/TtHol_eY9SI/AAAAAAAAHDM/bT4wBXEGMS8/thanksgiving-turkey-dinner_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="491" height="313" /></a></p> <p>Hopefully, you have feasted on the juiciest and fattest turkey in town and shopped till you drop in some outlet mall – I surely did. (Feeling the guilt now) Alas, it’s once a year and what’s the best way to be thankful for one’s mere existence than by rewarding oneself with good food and insane bargains? </p> <p>Jokes aside, there’s something interesting that I noticed this past Black Friday that I didn’t notice previously. Have you ever noticed where most of the branded goods (particularly clothing) are made? Yes, that’s right – mainly China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand and India – mostly developing Asian countries. Now, some of that might already be common knowledge to you – labor cost here in the U.S. is expensive, whereas outsourcing it to a developing country, China for example, would cut overhead cost significantly. Couple that up with lax enforcement and less stringent rules (environmental or business regulations) – developing countries definitely seem to be a much better place to do business, or at least, manufacture goods. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lAatAjqLAwc/TtHomF632oI/AAAAAAAAHDU/nMm4vt_V4k4/s1600-h/Picture%252520525%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Picture 525" border="0" alt="Picture 525" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ic5eDsxuX7M/TtHomixAKKI/AAAAAAAAHDc/7_quezGvwA8/Picture%252520525_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="314" height="249" /></a></p> <p>Of course, things are not always what they seem – at least after studying this course. Companies operating in developing countries often have to deal with issues such as institutional void,lack of modern physical infrastructure,information problems, misguided regulations and inefficient judicial systems – just to name a few.<br /><br /><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pHtK1MsbnXI/TtHonEpn8mI/AAAAAAAAHDk/LrXArA2ag4s/s1600-h/f21_mapa_flagi%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="f21_mapa_flagi" border="0" alt="f21_mapa_flagi" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SRPJZqnvJgY/TtHonv8jvBI/AAAAAAAAHDs/rb-kC6ASVo0/f21_mapa_flagi_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="518" height="300" /></a></p> <p align="left"><em>Examples of emerging markets (varies according to different definition and measures) Taken from : </em><a href="http://www.compensa.pl/Portals/0/prod_indywidualne/f21_mapa_flagi.jpg"><em>http://www.compensa.pl/Portals/0/prod_indywidualne/f21_mapa_flagi.jpg</em></a> <br /><br />In fact, there are lots of factors that one company has to take into account before deciding to go abroad. For those of you who are interested : Harvard Business Review, a publishing affiliate of Harvard Business School recently published a case study titled : <a href="http://blogs.hbr.org/hbsfaculty/2011/10/case-study-play-it-safe-at-hom.html?cm_mmc=email-_-newsletter-_-strategy-_-strategy111711&referral=00210&utm_source=newsletter_strategy&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=strategy111711">Play It Safe at Home, or Take a Risk Abroad?</a></p> <p>However, this is really not the point I’m trying to drive home. In line with this whole “emerging market” theme, have you ever thought of how big an influence emerging market plays in the world economy? How vital a role it plays? Emerging market’s GDP growth is 3x that of developed markets, and despite the recent economic downturn, most emerging markets continued to growth, with only little slowdown. </p> <p>Take a moment to ponder upon that. </p> <p>Okay, so not getting into too much academic details, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank some of the people who has made a significant impact in my life : </p> <p>My family – Mum and dad for working hard to support my education, ensuring that I get nothing but the best, providing me with support and encouragement along the way.</p> <p>My sisters – Annoying would normally be a word to describe them, but thousand of miles away, one can’t help but miss them. Thanks also for reminding me what “home” feels like every time we Skype.</p> <p>My friends from home, from around the world – Thanks for being apart of my 20 years of existence. Without you all, l won’t be who I am today.</p> <p><u>Related to this class</u>,</p> <p>My wonderful BUSADM 698.02 classmates, who has made classes every Friday so much more colorful and interesting. Thank you also for submitting a profile to be added to this blog. I’m looking forward to our Panama trip! </p> <p>Professor Dickstein, for being such an amazing lecturer with your interesting teaching and travelling experience and for providing great insights into meticulous things that wouldn’t have otherwise caught our attention. </p> <p>Miranda – Who helps coordinate and provides great advice relating to marketing this class.</p> <p>Once again, enjoy the remaining of your thanksgiving weekend! Thanks for reading! </p>Jun Hsienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11131899038160371948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229862075683916529.post-53049170461832425402011-11-17T18:39:00.000-08:002011-11-25T18:45:14.412-08:00The Mighty Panama Canal<a href="http://www.prycom.com/Cruise5/PanamaCanal/Photos/PanamaCanal05.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 450px;" src="http://www.prycom.com/Cruise5/PanamaCanal/Photos/PanamaCanal05.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-size: x-small; ">Image above taken </i><i style="font-size: x-small; ">from </i><a href="http://www.prycom.com/Cruise5/PanamaCanal/Photos/PanamaCanal05.jpg" style="font-size: x-small; "><i>http://www.prycom.com/Cruise5/PanamaCanal/Photos/PanamaCanal05.jp</i>g</a></div></div><p> </p> <p>Some called it plain insanity, others called it the test of mankind’s ability. </p> <p>Some shook their head with disbelief, others marched on and kept faith.</p> <p>For a long time, the Panama Canal was shrouded with a long troubled history until its official opening in 1914 – it faced problems from malaria to yellow fever to lack of funding to unforgiving geography terrains – taking almost 30 years and more than 20,000 lives to be completed.</p> <p>Today, it is considered as one of the most marvelous engineering achievement of its time, given the limited tools and machinery back then. A timeless achievement connecting the Atlantic and the Pacific Ocean together – cutting down shipping time via the old route of Cape Horn by at least half (including waiting time at the Canal).</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rnX7vXz2ZTY/TtBRfbiY0LI/AAAAAAAAHCU/1Rd3EAFhaCg/s1600-h/download%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="download" border="0" alt="download" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8w0wIx8AjBA/TtBRfnvyn1I/AAAAAAAAHCc/p40wnOgA1I8/download_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" height="447" /></a></p> <p><em>Picture above taken from </em><a href="http://www.vacationstogo.com/cruise_port/Cape_Horn.cfm"><em>http://www.vacationstogo.com/cruise_port/Cape_Horn.cfm</em></a><em> depicting the whereabouts of Cape Horn and the Canal to illustrate the cut in time taken to get from the Atlantic to Pacific. </em></p> <p><em>The below image depicts the route which the Canal runs through Panama. Image taken from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Panama_Canal_Rough_Diagram.png">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Panama_Canal_Rough_Diagram.png</a>.</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DGUw5yx2Vt8/TtBRgMMQNOI/AAAAAAAAHCk/fqINJ0gRkSo/s1600-h/622px-Panama_Canal_Rough_Diagram%25255B5%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="622px-Panama_Canal_Rough_Diagram" border="0" alt="622px-Panama_Canal_Rough_Diagram" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_RcZ_qOK75c/TtBRgVSAbiI/AAAAAAAAHCs/T9Ir3hWIQZI/622px-Panama_Canal_Rough_Diagram_thumb%25255B3%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="509" height="437" /></a></p> <p>Without getting into too much detail (Knowing how much love we have for History), here’s a short timeline of the History of Canal that I created myself, adapted from <a href="http://www.eclipse.co.uk/~sl5763/panama.htm">http://www.eclipse.co.uk/~sl5763/panama.htm</a>.</p> <p align="center"><strong>A timeline history of the building of the Panama Canal </strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xVmxz_RPzBo/TtBRghPbQGI/AAAAAAAAHC0/KQsIPbyxurI/s1600-h/Capture%25255B13%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Capture" border="0" alt="Capture" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fQ3O6611-EY/TtBRhG36w1I/AAAAAAAAHC8/A3HfDUlajEM/Capture_thumb%25255B9%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="535" height="572" /></a></p> <p>The U.S. controlled the canal and the surrounding zones until 1977 when the Torrijos–Carter Treaties was signed – giving the Canal back to the Panama government. For almost 20 years from 1979-1999, the canal was under joint operations between the U.S. and Panama government, before it was handed to the Panama Canal Authority in December 1999, an agency under the Panama government. </p> <p>Today, the Panama canal is running at its full capacity – almost never taking a break from the hustle bustle of ships passing through it. In fact, its currently undergoing an expansion plan to build a third set of locks that is estimated to cost about $15-25 billion USD. The new lock would efficiently double the Canal’s holding capacity as well as become more environmental friendly – saving billions of tons of water as a result from the mechanism of the locks. </p> <p>Today, we have to thank the visionaries who saw the potential of the “shortcut” through Panama, saving us precious time. Today, we have to thank the persevering leaders, the brilliant engineers, the brave young men that dug through the canal, battling all sorts of tropical diseases and home-sickness. For without them, the Canal would not be a reality today. For because of them, we know no limits of mankind’s ability. </p> <p>I know not everyone is a passive learner (I’m certainly not), so here’s a time-lapse video I found from YouTube that shows a cruise ship crossing the Canal. Notice how the lock works - amazing simply yet fascinating. Don’t worry it won’t take you 10 hours! </p> <iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/fA-pnN54uPw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><p> </p> <p>Approximately a month before I experience the Grand Canal with my own eyes, can’t tell you how excited I am! Share with me what you think of the Canal, what do you think of the locks (would a sea-level canal worked?) or better still some images that you might have taken shall you visited the Canal! </p><p><br /></p>Jun Hsienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11131899038160371948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229862075683916529.post-65706876735017019072011-11-10T13:45:00.000-08:002011-11-25T13:43:56.439-08:00Why...Panama?<p>The one question that pops up time after time is: Why Panama?</p> <p>For starters, I am not the person who could always accurately justify my actions. That purchase of a brand new set of speakers when I have a perfectly functional one? That hasty decision to purchase “NAKED” brand juice just because it is green (and green, according to mum is healthy) only to find out that a bottle each costs $8? That habit of mine to reverse park into a parking spot as opposed to sliding right into one?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2azoat4F9bfKBdJoAI4jVsTA5UEztIbfUZptV8gEZWFFEsPEo0zgYg9Ch5iIEOdAIWWzRx3Nv3i8RgtLB66IRYvWSkgdy2RiLE7HkaEZGKfGR4MEpmExC6tzNif0dnozR9jsCk_7Pr7hd/s1600/naked_single_green_pic+%2528125+x+200%2529.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="clip_image001" border="0" alt="clip_image001" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-toVNIsKGV9o/TtAL5RYi9jI/AAAAAAAAHBk/N556MY_xSTs/clip_image001%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="129" height="204" /></a></p> <p align="center"><i>The delicious yet rather pricey naked green lean machine</i></p> <p>Yes, “spontaneous” is my middle name. Last summer, I accepted an internship in Timisoara, a small town in Romania without really knowing what I was getting myself into. My only knowledge of Romania was based on stereotyped descriptions of the country as a whole from friends and family alike and it wasn't pretty: Gypsy paradise. Vampires. Communist country. Food poisoning.</p> <p>It turned out later to be a more than just an amazing experience, and I ended up making friends from more than 30 countries and even got free accommodation in some countries I travelled to after my internship. </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2azoat4F9bfKBdJoAI4jVsTA5UEztIbfUZptV8gEZWFFEsPEo0zgYg9Ch5iIEOdAIWWzRx3Nv3i8RgtLB66IRYvWSkgdy2RiLE7HkaEZGKfGR4MEpmExC6tzNif0dnozR9jsCk_7Pr7hd/s1600/naked_single_green_pic+%2528125+x+200%2529.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="clip_image002" border="0" alt="clip_image002" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-aEyLmQe7BeI/TtAL5jP6JkI/AAAAAAAAHBs/uwGXmv04PYk/clip_image002%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a><i>Friends from all over the world in front of Peles Castle, Romania. </i></p> <p>So back to the golden question, “Why Panama”, or more generally, why did you take this emerging market field study class?</p> <p>Coming from an emerging market myself – Malaysia, I find it relevant to study about something that relates back to my country. Especially with more big players looking into expanding their operations into Latin America and Asia – be it to cut operation cost or expand into a whole new different market, this class would certainly benefit me in many ways, not necessarily apparent today. </p> <p>Secondly, I’ve never been to a Latin American country. After watching Fast Five, visiting parts of Latin America became part of my bucket list. Images of white sandy beaches, party goers sipping margaritas on a hot sunny day – you get what I mean.</p> <p>Thirdly, I’ve always been fascinated with economics – more specifically, the way in the market works. Since young, daddy has always instilled in me a sense of curiosity the way the rafflesia lures its poor victim into its absorptive organ. </p> <p>With the new talks of China being the new global superpower, emerging markets that continually shows growth despite the recession – make no mistake, emerging markets are on the rise, and they’re not about to slow down anytime soon. In fact, European Central Bank Governing Council member Ewald Nowotny claims it’s not so much of the slowdown in economy in the U.S. that he is concerned about, it’s the fast-growing developing markets that he is concerned about. </p> <p>Last but not least, my intentions of witnessing with my own eyes the majestic, mighty Panama Canal that transcended beyond its own time, dubbed an “engineering marvel”. It connects the Pacific Ocean with the Atlantic Ocean, saving ships a long trip using the old route through Cape Horn by at least half the time. </p> <p>What more to describe the canal than show you a picture of it? </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hAJx_nul5QE/TtAL6J0OVVI/AAAAAAAAHB0/-44gwP56XwM/s1600-h/clip_image004%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="clip_image004" border="0" alt="clip_image004" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZxMZuT5Bn0k/TtAL6z8KjbI/AAAAAAAAHB8/F4YL7miHi-M/clip_image004_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="217" height="341" /></a></p> <p align="center"><i>Picture of the mighty canal taken from : </i><a href="http://www.marineinsight.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/panama_canal_04.jpg"><i>http://www.marineinsight.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/panama_canal_04.jpg</i></a></p> <p>More updates on the canal up next! </p> Jun Hsienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11131899038160371948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229862075683916529.post-89718996894881673942011-11-03T22:48:00.000-07:002011-11-17T20:01:25.355-08:00Up & Running<a href="http://www.magiclub.com/magiclub/visuals/panama_circuit_empreinte_du_panama_canal.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 459px; height: 317px;" src="http://www.magiclub.com/magiclub/visuals/panama_circuit_empreinte_du_panama_canal.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><i>An aerial view of the magnificent canal </i><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div>Ladies and Gentlemen, <div><br /></div><div>Without further ado, I'd like to present to you - the unofficial <i>Emerging Market Field Study to Panama</i> Blog. </div><div><br /></div><div>This blog would serve a myriad purpose - a <span class="Apple-style-span"><i>blog</i></span>, where we update you on a weekly basis on interesting happenings; a one-stop <i><span class="Apple-style-span">info</span></i> page for interested participants and a get-together <span class="Apple-style-span"><i>discussion</i></span> page for the current participants. </div><div><br /></div><div>Be sure to be subscribed to us to receive updates from our trips!<br /><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">Image taken from :<a href="http://andre-beladina.blogspot.com/"> <span class="Apple-style-span"><i>Flying Over Panama</i></span></a> by Andre Beladina</span></div></div>Jun Hsienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11131899038160371948noreply@blogger.com0