Stuck in 2nd gear

In summary there is a gloom in US and UK that convinces me that they are stuck in post Covid 2^nd gear economically each with a depressed disappointed population.

A fresh and vibrant Batam in Indonesia was a pleasant change on the way home. The 85 shipyards and a huge engineering infrastructure on that little island pumping out world class products is impressive. But again they don't have Over The Top (OTT) militant unions, OTT green laws, OTT health and safety regulations but they do have cheap and abundant coal and gas energy. They also do have leadership that is focussed on the needs and wishes of the people.

But the refreshing success prize goes to Singapore, almost 6 million on this small island and they are so well organised. With no natural resources this trading nation is impressive from the time the plane door opens to any aspect of doing business, dining out or tourism. Even their local female population is dressed well, walk well, talk well without profanities and no sign of tattoos or piercings. Call me old fashioned, but I love that in a woman!

Harsh penalties for hate speech and the death penalty for a range of 33 crimes, and compulsory National Service keeps the locals in line. Australia could and should copy this success!

Singapore compared to Australia is like comparing Singapore Airlines with Qantas. There actually is no comparison as Singapore Airlines is almost faultless in every aspect of their terminals, planes, cabin staff, food it is indeed enjoyment to travel with them. On the other hand, Qantas, thanks to Alan Joyce sweating the assets and focussing on his personal campaigns pursuing 4% of the population via the LGBT gang instead of making a good airline great, has totally lost it. For me, they have turned enjoyment into endurement and despite being a Qantas Platinum member, I cannot hang around for years until they refleet and drag the staff up to Singapore Airline standards. Yes, the Chairman's lounge might be ok, but you would have to tolerate the extended Albanese family.

Australia is languishing poorly also with WFH abysmal productivity and a leadership that is focussed on the needs and wishes of the bedwetters at the UN and bullies of the union movement.

Thus endeth my trip report, the West is waist deep in self-made treacle! No need to go there, buy a boat and go sailing.