Posts: 2,314
Threads: 59
Joined: Jun 2003
My apologies to those who sent me e-mails (or publicly asked questions) for not replying. I was on vacation in Japan, Taiwan and Malaysia, and I was "Internet free" for three weeks ] While I don't want to post a trip report, one observation I should share, the service in Asia is far superior to the service in Hawaii.
Aloha,
John S. Rabi ABR,CM,CRB,FHS,PB,RB
808.989.1314
http://www.JohnRabi.com
Typically Tropical Properties
"The Next Level of Service!"
Posts: 100
Threads: 10
Joined: Apr 2008
Sounds amazing! I sure wouldn't mind hearing more about the trip...[8D]
~ Rachael
Posts: 2,314
Threads: 59
Joined: Jun 2003
It sure was an amazing trip, a well deserved vacation! I especially loved Penang in Malaysia. I have been to Taiwan several times before, but this was my first trip to Malaysia.
Aloha,
John S. Rabi ABR,CM,CRB,FHS,PB,RB
808.989.1314
http://www.JohnRabi.com
Typically Tropical Properties
"The Next Level of Service!"
Posts: 83
Threads: 2
Joined: Aug 2006
aloha john,
glad you made it back safe and sound. just curious, what "services," are your referring to? just curious...
malama pono,
brad
Posts: 2,314
Threads: 59
Joined: Jun 2003
Everything. As soon as I stepped out of the elevator at the hotel the doorman 100 yards away already grabbed the handle of the hotel door to open it. An hour after I checked in I called housekeeping for something and they greeted me by name. When I was leaving the hotel one day I had a small carry-on suitcase with me and the bellman wasn't around, a female front desk employee was running to me to take my suitcase. When I turned on the TV a sign said "Mr. Rabi, thank you for staying with us. (No, I was not staying at the Ritz-Carlton, it was a local hotel.) The rent-a-car company people were waiting for me with a sign AT THE GATE and the car was right at curbside. All the restaurants I went to had outstandingly attentive service. The same for all the shops. My headset wasn't working on Air China, they apologized and gave me 5,000 free miles! I got a foot massage one day, it cost like $3 and the owner of the shop thanked me for the business. I could go on. The service industry has a lot to learn here in the US.
Aloha,
John S. Rabi ABR,CM,CRB,FHS,PB,RB
808.989.1314
http://www.JohnRabi.com
Typically Tropical Properties
"The Next Level of Service!"
Posts: 2,979
Threads: 177
Joined: Aug 2006
We do better lomi-lomi though, and if you want a burger you can get it your way, as long as it is pretty similar to the way everyone else wants it.
Not to worry. I think America is in training to become a better service economy. We won't make anything. And we won't grow much beyond corn and soy. But we will be better trained to serve --and perhaps even to service-- foreign visitors, probably Chinese.
Posts: 83
Threads: 2
Joined: Aug 2006
john,
i totally agree. since i'm living and working in china presently, i see it every day. yeah, the foot massages, they're amazing! one hour foot massage is about $3 US.
because of the large population of china, there are alot of people who need jobs, so there is always someone picking up trash, opening doors for you and ALWAYS greeting you when you enter a restaurant or shop.
the haircuts here are the best i've ever had. they start with a scalp massage for 15-20 minutes. you always get a shampoo and rinse. even a neck massage if you want it. my hair takes 10 minutes in the states to cut, they only use the electric trimmers and charge $20. in china, they use scissors and it's amazing how much time and effort they'll spend on your hair, all for a little over $2 US. the hair care industry in china is an artform.
food too. at our favorite restaurant we eat 5-6 delicious dishes with drinks and a 40 oz beer for about $7 US.
of course, not everything is perfect or quality, but for the most part, service is king in most parts of asia.
i think if the US doesn't get it's act together and figure things out, we'll be serving the good folks in china very soon. they put a premium on education (school is not free here) and they definitely stress learning english. the government is cash positive and i see HARD working people every day who have nothing compared to what we "demand" and expect in the states and never complain.
i think we've gotten a bit spoiled in the states and forgotten what got us their...
just my 2 cents...
aloha!
Posts: 83
Threads: 2
Joined: Aug 2006
aloha all,
actually carey, i'm getting paid "chinese wages," comparable to my level of experience and background. of course there are those making alot of money in china compared with a vast majority not making great salaries.
what i'm really comparing, and i think john is too, is the remarkable service that goes along with the average purchase. that is what is truly memorable. service is something that is provided regardless of the price you pay. you expect great service in the US when you spend top dollar. you receive great service in asia regardless.
most of the very affordable things that i've mentioned (foot massage, food, haircut) would be "affordable" expenditures for the average citizen. in-line with what you might spend in the US based upon your salary to the purchase.
i think some of it is cultural too. giving is a way of life in china. there is no social security or retirement for the most part, so it is expected that most children will be the ones providing for their parents when they are older. of course most chinese want to make money and be successful and prosper, but culturally there is alot of importance put upon giving and sharing even when you don't have much. i liken it very much to the "hawai'ian way," of giving that i've experienced with my hawai'ian friends. very similar. they may have close to nothing, but they'll gladly give you half of it...
on a side note, i thought i'd mention that gasoline in china is under $1 US. (about 75 cents actually) it is extremely affordable but automobile ownership is still pretty much a luxury, unlike the US where it is a given. again, as i stated previously, i think people in the US are a bit spoiled and would be amazed with how little we all truly need to survive and be happy with...
aloha!
Posts: 2,314
Threads: 59
Joined: Jun 2003
holahan, I didn't mention China since I didn't go there this time. However, I went to Shanghai (and other nearby towns) two-three years ago and I certainly agree with you. I still remember when we got back to the hotel at 11PM and called a massage service. Two girls were there in 15 minutes and we got a two-hour massage for $12!
Aloha,
John S. Rabi ABR,CM,CRB,FHS,PB,RB
808.989.1314
http://www.JohnRabi.com
Typically Tropical Properties
"The Next Level of Service!"
Posts: 6,214
Threads: 354
Joined: Feb 2006
Holahan, actually the lack of retirement & elder care HAS gotten alot of play here since the earthquake, as many of the families that obeyed the one child policy had their only child killed in school building collapses, and their parents whole life is now totally shattered....
|
