Trishaw tours in Chinatown

Ever thought getting around town in a three-wheeler?
You can explore Singapore’s historical and cultural districts like Chinatown and Little India in a trishaw.
But which one to choose? You want get around in business class or coach? I can tell you they are not all alike. You will find the ‘ordinary’ trishaw that most probably has been manufactured in China, but you can also find many custom made vehicles now a days.
Some enthusiasts are spending hours after hours to design and assemble their trishaw to stand out among their peers.
Last night I saw a new beauty passing Erich’s that got all the attention from locals and tourists. I spoke to the owner and designer of this trishaw:

“The Bat mobile”
Mr. Ong Ee Hin a real trishaw freak has spent besides a lot of money over 700 hours (!!!) in designing and customizing his vehicle.
Everything besides the basic frame is handmade.
The parts he either made by himself or some were even bought in toy stores.

Bright neon lights are giving the final touch but are as power consuming as are the HiFi speakers and the 600 watts amplifier. The car battery only lasts for 2.5 hours. Since Mr. Ong wants to add more speakers he also needs another battery.
Uncle Ee Hin is an enthusiast and customizing trishaws is a hobby for him, so he is only able to offer his trishaw service after work. If you want to book a ride with him you call him directly after 6:30 at: HP 9431 1375. Of course this is not his last one: He mentioned there is already another one in the pipeline. The design: A secret, he won’t even give me a hint.


To get the most out of your trishaw experience, I recommend booking the tour with one of the licensed trishaw operators. You can call them directly or go to their ticketing kiosks.
The trishaw riders will take you along designated routes in Little India and Chinatown that promise the most interesting and enjoyable sights and sounds in these districts.


Trishaw History
The three-wheeled vehicle existed in its earlier form as the "Jinricksha" in Shanghai in 1880 and was manually pulled by a rider in front of a seat attached to two big wheels. The trishaw made its debut in Singapore in the 1940s and was a common means of transport in these olden days. Although you don’t see many trishaws on the roads now, it remains a strong icon of Singapore’s rich cultural history.





The cycle rickshaw, being a small-scale local means of transport, is also known by a variety of other names such as rickshaw, pedicab, bugbug, cyclo, or trishaw. Cycle rickshaws are human-powered, equipped with one or more seats for carrying passengers in addition to the driver. Many cycle rickshaws have replaced less-efficient rickshaws that are pulled by a person on foot.

Soccer Euro 2008 Aftermath

The big event is finally over but did it pay for the host nations?
Although the Austrian team did not even proceed to the quarterfinals (which actually no one expected) the Austrian economy in general and sponsors are definitely winners.
The biggest winner definitely is UEFA who will be able to cash in estimated 900 Million Euros. But the Austrian economy cannot complain they are cashing in as well. The worlds third biggest sport event has been a million Euro business for Austria too.
“Following latest calculations the 3 weeks of Euro 2008 will add at least 0.15 % to the GDP", Heinz Palme, Euro Chief coordinator of the Austrian government said.
Also sponsors are displaying smiley faces like the Austrian Mobilkom. The mobile phone roaming charges increased by 60 percent (to other countries).
It was also great business for retailers. Supermarkets, department stores, sports shops, and Euro fan shops increased their business by two digits in percentage. It goes without saying that beer sales were a hit among soccer enthusiasts as well.
For some restaurants, coffee shops, bars and pubs business was so so only, but others especially those with fair prices did score well, where as ventures trying to rip-off customers where shown the “red cards” by them. Same applied to hotels.
Sponsor McDonald's, who invited a total of 682 kids for escorting the players into the stadium has a two figure plus in its cash register.

Tyrol & Salzburg are crowing
Tyrol and Salzburg (remember “Sound of Music?”} two of the pre-round stadium cities can draw a very successful interim balance. Hotels, restaurants and retail made the biggest profit. Thousands of fans and countless TV reports worldwide should have a great advertising value and bring future visitors into the region. They counted 40 TV Stations that broadcasted Salzburg’s most beautiful and scenic views from Germany to the USA.

Felicitaciones por su victoria

Spanish victory sets off frenzied celebration in Madrid across nation. Joyous fans lit flares and waved Spain's red and yellow flag after the victory over Germany in the European Championship final on Sunday.

Fireworks and car horns rang out across the Spanish capital after the final whistle blew. Similar scenes played out in viewing squares across the country - from Seville to Valencia to Murcia.

Sangria and Paella it is! Eviva Espania!

"Die Sonne scheint bei Tag und Nacht, Deutschland ist nur Vize!!!!!"

Quoting the first line of an all time German summer hit that translated means: "Sun is shining day and night, Germany is vice (champion)!"
A bit adjusted because the original says: Eviva Espania ( instead of Germany is vice).
The day before the final Germany's most read newspaper already had this proclaimed as "the hym" to sing the whole night in the after party when they have defeated the Spanish team!!! Yes, you do read right this song was already prerecorded in Germany before the match even started with words in the Germans favor: Spain is vice (champion)!
No further explanation needed..................

CONGRATUALTION TO THE SPANISH EURO 2008 CHAMPIONS

BRATWURST OR PAELLLA

What will be served on the final Euro 2008 Menu as a main dish? Are we gonna drink Beer or Sangria?

The chances are for sure higher for beer lovers, but this Championship brought us already some surprises, so we'll see who will be on top of the menu Sunday night European time.

Both team managers are very confident to be able to succeed, but are also pushing the role as favorites towards the other team.

The Spanish coach Luis Aragones used a very true quote from Gary Lineker (a former English international football striker who scored ten goals in two World Cups for the England national team and is currently a sports broadcaster for the BBC):

"Football is a simple game: 22 men chase a ball for 90 minutes and at the end, the Germans win."

We'll soon know if Lineker was right again.

.................................The fans are ready

Are there similarities between F1 and Euro Soccer 2008?

Well definitely not in the sport itself as there is quite a difference between “horse” power and “man” power, however I dare say that the fan base or spectators are very similar.
Why do I bring this topic up now you might ask? The Euro soccer is into the quarter finals , pages of reports in the papers and just check the Friday, 20th Straits Times issue and you’ll see what I’m talking about:
“F1 hotels still have lots of room!!”,
“Trackside hotels: Only one out of 11 checked is fully booked”,
“Non-trackside hotels: Some are less than half full for race period”,
“Rates lowered: Expect to pay about $200 to $500 less!!”

Here we go. That’s what I was worried about in my post on April 24 (Exorbitant hotel rates during F1 race).
But back to my initial comparison of F1 fans and soccer fans. Check it out and do some simple calculations. The fan base of both sports are made up of (I would say) about 90%!!! Blue color workers and middle class income fans. Are they able and willing to spend big bucks for a stay in highly overpriced hotels? I don’t think so.
Singapore wants to attract 100,000 visitors for this event, they need masses not only a few millionaires, ‘well to do’ or corporate spectators. You can't rely on these people because are moving around wherever there is a newer or more spectacular venue or wherever companies are inviting them to.

Let me give you an example as what the host countries are doing to provide affordable accommodation for budget fans. In Austria as well as in Switzerland, during this Euro 2008 soccer event, ten thousands of fans DRIVE thousands of kilometers in their cars, camper vans, RV’s and stay on camping grounds or budget hotels to save money. In Vienna the authorities adapted a parking area for camper vans and tents calling it “Fan Camping Vienna” which was more than fully booked.
They also built ‘The Fan Camp Vienna’ which is like a giant youth hostel - 3,000 beds in one space: Affordable accommodation for Euro 2008 fans. It's an adapted exhibition hall only 700m to the Ernst Happel soccer stadium, providing shelter: Euro 38 a night (and 0, 5 liter of beer at the price of EUR 2, 90). A nice sheetrock space! These aren't office cubicles.As I said before we need to build a base of faithful F1 fans here who love to come to Singapore more than just for a “one night stand” and a big chunk of getting there is establishing trust of not being ripped off and being welcome a tourist, a visitor, a friend and not as a “cow you milk to the last drop”.

Austrian Schnapps: A new kid in town

Let me tell you guys, it pays visiting Erich's Wuerstelstand frequently, not only because of the best sausages and bread in town, but there is a always a chance to meet interesting people there.

The night before the German match was such day. First Donny Osmond (in town for his concert) and his family strolled peacefully, because unrecognized around Chinatown and passed Erich's Kiosk as well. However the sharp and observing eyes of Frank N. Furter spotted him and welcomed him in Singapore. We didn't want to distrub his privacy therefore no photos.


Then there was this "new" guy at Erich's with a back bag full of samples. Daniel is here to stay for a few years to market the best Austrian Schnapps products. Lucky the few who were able to taste them all. Deeb & Co uses the best fruits for Schnapps production and no chemicals are added. Some of the delicious and very tasty samples we consumed were: Raspberry, Plum, Apricot, Beer, Rowan Berry, a single Malt Whisky and a clear Banana Schnapps.
And "Yes" we were still able to watch the soccer match later this night!!!!

If I got you interested you can check it out at their website (which has to be updated though): Best Of Schnapps
Daniel told us that email orders are available. We'll keep you posted on our blog when there are new developments.

Miracles hardly happen

CONGRATULATIONS Germany for your win against Austria. However after some years I am a little proud of the Austrian team again, because the fought, ran and were committed to give all they had. It is just not good enough to win against millionaire super star Michael Ballack and his team mates.

Ready for the big match

Singapore, Monday, June 16th 20:45h : 6 hours before kick off, Erich is all dressed up and ready for the big match.

The Cordoba T-Shirt displayed behind him. A real Austria fan!

The Heat Is On!

If you had asked the soccer fans before the start of the Euro 2008 it would have been a no-brainer to predict a German win over Austria. However that one bad result against Croatia changed a lot.
Reading German news papers shows a sign of nervousness within the team. Older players are accusing younger ones having been complacent, hanging around the pool and having fun the day after their defeat, and so on.
But reading the German "BILD" as well as the new Austrian newspaper "Oesterreich" makes me vomit. These 2 are a perfect match! I am sick of this kind of verbal abuses. Bild and Oesterreich are writing about the upcoming match as if we are going into a war!
And to me it proves again that the level of soccer is one of the lowest in sports, where no responsible parents should actually send young kids to watch. They only can learn vulgarities and brutal behaviour (from Hooligans) there. Sorry guys!
Please mind it is just sport, it should be entertaining, a fun afternoon or evening!!
IT IS NOT A WAR between countries or teams!!!
I can't think of any other sport where fans behave like these soccer fans! It is embarrassing that even many educated fans fall into this trap.
Let's hope the best and the highly paid players use their brains and concentrate on soccer and nothing but soccer to entertain us and may the best team (that day and match) win!
And let us shake hands after the match, sip a beer together, after all we are civilized neighbours, aren't we?
Check out the following funny video clip (in German only) and don't hesitate laugh about it:

Watch this old clip about Cordoba (in German only)

There is still hope!

Optimistic Austria fans before the match against Poland.

An injury-time penalty by Ivica Vastic earned Austria a dramatic 1-1 draw with Poland. Austria came out firing, should have been 3-0 up inside 20 minutes after Poland's ramshackle defence was repeatedly split wide open for Austrian players to run through, but couldn't convert one of these excellent opportunities. As wise people say: Goals you can't score you will receive!

In the other match of that day Croatia beat pre-tournament favorite Germany 2-1 to reach the quarterfinals at soccer's European Championship for the first time since its tournament debut in 1996.

So we are back to the crucial, brotherly rivalry Austria : Germany on Monday where both teams need to win to stay in the tournament.

Swiss-Turkey: The Gods are crying

Midnight and 2:30 in the morning that's the Euro broadcast time for us living in Singapore. So we do not really experience a Euro fever here. Only really die-hard soccer fans will stay up and watch the matches or they take leave next day.

All European F1 fans should praise and thank Bernie Ecclestone for having asked Singapore to start our race at night for you guys to enjoy it at a convenient time in the afternoon.

But back to soccer: The gods have opened the sky to mourn another loss of one of the host nations team. I don't want to be pessimistic but most probably tomorrow the other host nation Austria will follow suit against Poland. However as people say the ball is round..... so we hope for the best!

Immer wieder, immer wieder, immer wieder Oesterreich!!!

Euro 2008: The race is on

Millions of soccer fans are hogging their TV sets the next few weeks to find out if their favorites will be crowned Euro Soccer Champion 2008. Hopefully for their spouses there is a second TV set in their home......

Unfortunately the play times don't fit into our Singapore timezone at all.

To take the wind out of your sails: We know Austrians soccer sucks, but there are so many other great teams to watch an to cheer for, so it's fine with us. Soccer is not our cup of tea and the pool to pick a good soccer team is just not big enough. However we've got world class sportsmen and women in other sports where some nations only can dream of. So let's put it that way "God is just"
Anyway we want to wish all participating teams good luck! (and a better referee as we had last night! ....just kidding)

ERDOMO SPEZIAL: SOMMERFEST, DONNERSTAG 5. JUNI

Liebe Freunde des ERDOMO. Den naechsten und womoeglich letzten groesseren ERDOMO, wegen der bevorstehenden Urlaubsmonate, will das ERDOMO Praesidium in einem groesseren Rahmen begehen.

Alle Freunde und Interessenten sind herzlichst eingeladen gemeinsam mit dem ERDOMO Praesidium den Sommer einzulaeuten.
Besonders eingeladen sind diesmal auch die Gattinnen, Lebensgefaehrtinnen oder Freundinnen. Fuer sie wurde auch diese spezielle Umgebung gewaehlt:

Die Location: Bodegas Y Tapas, 442 Orchard Rd. #01-29, im Orchard Hotel
Zeit: wie immer ab 20:00 Uhr

Also nicht vergessen eure Liebsten sind herzlich dazu eingeladen!

Auf euer zahlreiches Erscheinen freut sich

Der Praesident

The King Is Back In Town

Dear friends and all the others familiar with our "King of Chinatown".


KING HARALD is back in town!........and residing again at the WS!

Anyone who needs advice or consultation can immediately submit the application form for 'his excellencies' audiences at Erich's. Please mind the king is leaving already Sunday morning.

Some might think having seen this face before> correct! King Harald was in Singapore till last September.

Has he changed since? ......Well not really, but judge yourself:

..........face: a few more wrinkles ( but that's normal with a stressful lifestyle); maybe a bit closer to full moon (well, Mum is cooking again...)

.........this thing around the waist (he said he's hiding the match ball for the European Soccer Championship...so it will disappear soon)

The rest: Still smoking, maybe some Tigers, and there are still "Stupid Kangaroos" around.

Anyway welcome back King and enjoy your stay!

1st Anniversary of Erich’s Wuerstelstand Blog

A few days late with this post due to computer problems but I finally managed to get it going again! Here’s the blog story:
It was a fun night out end of April 2007 at the Wuerstelstand. We actually had a farewell party for our Austrian Kathy who was about to leave us for another job assignment this time unfortunately based in Dubai.
Where else to celebrate for this “Stammtisch” crowd as at Erich’s with lots of delicious sausages, Leberkaese (meat loaf), the tasty onion bread, Semmel and Pretzels . To add liquid we ordered the best and freshest fruit juices in town from Stanely the neighbor stall and last but probably the most important ingredient to a successful party “Erdinger Weissbier” from the Thai coffee shop.
It was a perfect night besides the thought of Kathi leaving Singapore. But as an Expat you see so many people come and go, so many welcome and farewell parties that you lose count.
And suddenly we found us in midst of a discussion how to stay in contact with the ones that left Singapore, how to spread all the gossip and ramblings, to keep them updated about events, happenings, changes and so forth. But also for people in Singapore it would be nice to keep informed about things not always told in news or papers.
The idea of a website was born!!! We knew it wouldn’t be easy since it was only a niche and mainly insiders would be interested in our postings. However we tried to diversify and wrote various stories from outside the Chinatown Night Market and Erich’s. It was great to see the very positive responds.
After 130 (!!) postings and 5500 visitors – which exceeded our expectations by far- we are very proud of our product and will try to bring you more interesting posts.
Thank you all so much for your blog and Wuerstelstand visits as well.
Anything you think we should cover please let us know.

ERICH im Deutschen TV: KABEL 1

Eine wichtige Info fuer alle die deutsche Sender empfangen. Laut unseren Informationen wird in der Sendung: "Abenteuer Leben - täglich Wissen" am Freitag, 9. Mai 17:45 ein Bericht ueber Erich ausgestrahlt!
Wer Zeit und Lust hat kann da ja mal reinschauen. Wuerden auch gerne Kommentare von euch hoeren wie und worueber die Sendung genau war, da sehr viel gedreht wurde, wir aber uber die Endfassung nichts genaues wissen.

German TV Channel: Kabel 1 Friday, May 9 broadcasts a report about Erich's Wuerstelstand.

5th Austrian- International Daemmerschoppen

Another Daemmerschoppen last Sunday can only mean one thing: Helmut is back in town!
Even welcome signs were put up to appreciate his return!!!

Welcome back Buddy, it's always good to see you.

Exorbitant Hotel Rates During F1 race !

It's a very thin ice Singapore hotels are walking at with their (way) overpriced hotel rates during the Formula One period. Of course they can argue using the demand and supply marketing rule, however hotel managers should make a quick research during the F1 races in Europe who are the majority of visitors.

And I beg to differ and not use Monaco as an example. Singapore is slowly becoming a world class city, no doubt, and to aim becoming like them is probably not bad as well, but Monte Carlo is still light years ahead in terms of being a fun city, night life and glamour.
Check it out how many celebrities do have second (3rd, 4th) homes in or around Monaco on this southern coastline of France! How many are visiting on a regular basis for summer holidays there that includes a visit -to be seen- during the race days. These guys are booking five and six star hotels and don't care about rates.

But think about it, do they come in thousands? Definitely not they are actually a minority.

So who is making the bulk of visitors, the tens of thousands needed? It's the 'ordinary' sports fan! But they do want or cannot afford these hotels, so they stay in Budget Hotels, B&B's, Pensions, etc. and in camper vans or tents around the Grand Prix cities.

This unfortunately is impossible in Singapore because there are no such facilities.

As a result many of that specific group of fans, may give Singapore a miss, maybe not in the first year since it's a new venue and the first F1 night race ever!

Therefore I fully understand the concern about soaring hotel rates by Senior Minister of State (Trade and Industry) S. Iswaran.

This F1 race is not a "One Night Stand" it should become a "long term relationship" for visitors, so the first impression counts most. Don't shy them away being 'Kiasu' and rip them off at their first visit.

Please them, give them more than they expect and receive from other F1 sites. Show Singapore from it's best side ever, on and off the race track, create a memorable impression of our wonderful city state and they will return the following years and spread the positive message among their friends.