Ankara September 28, 1992
Dear Brother,
After we left you two in Klassis, we drove on E-5 to home. Haner slept in the car all way back home. It was 0300 hours we reached home. We have been stopped by the traffic policemen on the same spot. All other drivers were paying fines due to high alcoholic consumption. I was the only one without any drop of alcohol despite of the fact that I was in the marriage ceremony of my brother. Before our departure for Classis, your father-in-law was worried about Istanbul night time traffic, and said us to be very careful. I told him that I consumed no alcohol that night other than the liqueur which was recently brewed by your mother-in-law hanim at 1800 hours which I could not refuse. Policemen allowed me to go. I was not drunk but tired. next day till 0900 hours we all slept in the house. Then had our breakfast (or brunch lets call it). I left the house at 1200 hours, drove carefully, had my dinner at Filiz restaurant at around 1800 hours and arrived Ankara at 2100 hours. Highway was Ok but certain sections were not finished yet, and we had to drive with the same speed as the heavy truck at around 50 km per hour. Back home, Dilek and Aydin were in theater played by Kenters, and Mehmet was together with a neighbor family in Kurt swimming club. I was tired and slept.
Next day I went work quite late. That evening I was talking to a friend my mine, who is actually a client for further opportunities. he invited me to join him to visit Cerkezkoy plants the next day. I reluctantly agreed to join him. On Wednesday morning I drove to airport early in the morning at 0500 hours. Streets were empty. I left my car in airport parking place. Took the early flight to Istanbul at 0645 by Airbus 320. It was a pleasant flight. Plane landed at 800 hours. He was waiting for me to drive to Cerkezkoy. We drove 1 hour on the same E-5 which we used on Thursday.
I had a meeting in Cerkezkoy together with Mehmet Ozata, General manager of Aken (Aksa Autoproductive Energy Inc) on September 23, 1992 Wednesday between 0900-1600 hours. Dinckok and Altinyildiz Group of Companies had a board meeting on September 22, 1992, and there they fully authorized Mr.Ozata to execute the necessary measures for the investment for Combined Cycle plant in their plants situated in Cerkezkoy Organized Industrial Zone. Cerkezkoy Organized Industrial Zone is approximately 100 km far from Istanbul Ataturk International Airport. There are 3 factories which are Aksu (blankets, various wool products), Dinarsu (wall- to- wall carpet), Akkim (chemicals for the textile industry). There are also many industrial plants owned by other companies (AEG, VW, etc).
We met with upper management of these factories in Aksu meeting room, while I shared the same side of the table with Ozata. We have been informed that on the previous day Board of directors were not happy in truth of the electricity and steam estimations and they asked Ozata to investigate and finalize the actual requirements as required by 1994 without any safety margin. This combined cycle plant will have estimated 30 million DM overall cost, or approximately 300 billion TL equivalent in 1995. Aken is very profitable company and will finance the overall project from its own sources. Ozata explained that Turkey will have an critical energy shortage starting from 1995-96.
The plants in the European side of Turkey in Thrace will be effected most since it is very far from Hydraulic Dams all in the east, and moreover electricity transmission lines are not reliable. Therefore these plants need urgent self sufficiency in electricity before that shortage. After that long explanation of Ozata supported by my further explanation, the plant managers understood the vital importance of this investment. The initial requirement was 17 MW for Cerkezkoy plants, and 10 MW for Altinyildiz. Altinyildiz and Elboy (4) plants are situated in Yeni Bosna which are very near to airport. An assistant has visited these plants on behalf of Ozata on the same day. After explaining our purpose to be there, we understood that by the end of 1994 Aksu will need 6.4MW, Dinarsu 5.0 MW, and Akkim 2.0MW peak electricity demand. That gives us not 17MW but approximately 13.4 MW overall demand. He is aware of a package prepared by Mitsubishi for Turbomach which is identical to Aksa Gas Turbine. An identical AKSA Gas Turbine Mitsubishi MF111 may also cover Altinyildiz electricity requirement from Cerkezkoy. We also asked the plant managers where to locate the new combined cycle plant. They agreed to allocate an empty space on the open field which is very far from expected new plant (warehouse etc) extensions. They mutually agreed to give that empty space but only after approval from the big boss Omer Dinckok.
Ozata, in our informal talk during car drive, expressed his pleasure to be invited to Paris Cogen meeting where he had opportunity to meet competent and responsible people to work with. He thanks BWG for being informed. He also declared that he will be pleased to join any similar HRSG, Cogen seminar in USA if prepared by B&W. I assured him that there are similar seminars, and I will let him know the details.
Other than Dinckok group of companies, Boyner (plus 4 factories of Enboy) owned by Boyner group also interested in the project and joined to these board meetings which took place on September 22, 1992 Tuesday in Akhan, Aksa Istanbul head quarter. Dinckok and Boyner groups want to work together for joint effort to solve their energy problems in near future. Both groups have same individuals in their Board of directors with different percentages of company shares. Board members of both company groups have all agreed to initiate the investment and authorized AKEN (Ozata) to make all necessary actions for the combined cycle investment of both company groups. Overall steam requirement for all three plants is 40-45 tph with two different pressures 21 and 6 bar respectively. 6 bar steam output is required for the existing process and 21 bar(approx.15-17 tph) is needed for Steam Injection for higher electricity output as well as lower NOx emission.
It was calculated that the payback period would be less than 3 years in Aksa group and this fact is acceptable for the members of the Board of Directors. On the other hand, the other industrial group Altinyildiz consumes approximately 6.5 MW electricity and 15 tph steam.There may be one additional Combined cycle plant to be erected next to Altinyildiz plant for their individual energy consumption or alternatively its electricity requirement can be produced in Cerkezkoy and delivered to national grid and received from Altinyildiz through TEK's transmission lines. 25 bar natural gas pressure is required for the gas turbine firing whereby the existing natural gas pressure reducing station only delivers 20bar/and 4bar. Therefore pressure adjustment is necessary in near future. Ozata also asked plant managers their suggestions how to handle the man power requirements. He would like to have a number of local labours already working in Cerkezkoy plants to be transferred to Aksa for on- the- job training period then later to return to Cerkezkoy as qualified GT operators. In principle, plant managers agreed to give these boiler operators to Aksa for gas turbine operation training.
He left me at the airport at 1600 hours. I had my dinner there and booked for 1715 flight. I came to Ankara at 1800 hours, took my car from parking place, drove back home.
On Thursday our refrigerator was out of order. Motor has been replaced with renovated one. It cost us 450,000 TL. Yesterday we went to ODTU swimming pool for Mehmet. He is a very good swimmer. He has been selected for the team. It was a wonderfull facility. I will join them as graduate member soon.
Today at 1000 hours, I talked to energy coordinator of Koc Holding, about their new Combined Cycle plants to be erected in Otosan (Ford automobiles) and Tofas (Fiat autos) in order to reduce the energy dependency to national grid. He knows that Turkey will enter an energy shortage in 1995 and Koc Holding is making necessary preparation for energy investments. They will come to Ankara to meet the officials in TEK, Ministry of Energy and State Planning Organization to learn and carry out the necessary bureaucracies to implement such investment. Both plants need electricity plus process steam, they both can be furnished through combined cycle plants. He promised me to visit our head office during his time in Ankara to investigate our capabilities for HRSG's and further collaboration wherever possible.
Today at 1430 hours, I talked to project coordinator of Canakkale Cimento (Cement plant) for their new 60 MW cogeneration investment. He informed me that they secured 200,000 US$ from US Trade and Development Agency and the treaty has been signed recently both by Turkish Treasury and US Ambassador to Turkey. In accordance with AID Handbook-11 regulations, the invitation to prequalification for the feasibility will be advertised in the magazine "Business and Commerce Daily", a sort of unofficial periodical of AID procedures, then the applicants will be screened for to be prequalified. In order to receive this donation, the selected consultant company should be an US company or an affiliate or JVC in Turkey. Cogen plant will utilize nearby Can lignites which is very famous with its high sulphur content (7-8%). Boiler will be pulverized or fluid bed coal fired steam boiler (+lime injection to reduce SO2 emission) coupled with steam turbines. The price of the feasibility is fixed 200,000 US$. Mutual meetings by €anakkale and interested US parties in USA will be arranged within 2 months.
Your Colleague was here on Thursday. He had a feeling about working atmosphere in our office. I don't feel that he may come back to Turkey. All his activities are in USA, he has nothing to do here, not to mention any financial satisfaction. I explained him that a newcomer received not more than 1000 US$ whatever he has wonderful qualifications. We had a dinner in our Pink House. Its best time is lunch hour. He is Ankara TED 1974 graduate. Did you know that?
Dilek is very busy with Ankara Philharmonic concert Hall Architectural conquest. She is one of reporters who makes the necessary preparations for the jury. We go together even on Saturday and Sundays. I hope everything will be finalized by the end of this week. Aydin is very happy in his new school. He works hard, prepares his homeworks without any complaint.
My mother and father left for Bodrum on last Saturday night. They should now be in Odak summer house. They are going to call me later. I hope they like the place. In June time it is wonderful to stay, now I have no idea how it is. I hope they enjoy.
Today I received the official wedding pictures. You both are beautiful. Send the negatives so that we can have one complete set of photograghs for ourselves.
You may wonder why this English letter is all about. Please note that most of the part was prepared as interoffice memorandum and it was easy to merge all together to create a new English letter to you. It is not to prove how terrible I read and write English. The actual reason is very simple. Last weekend I borrowed the office laptop computer in order to work at home for preperation of latest marketing reports. This letter was also drafted there in English because there was no Turkish letter code in that laptop. You have to read this letter which was written in your brother's Pilgrim English. Be sure that next letter will be in Turkish. Keep this letter for yourselves.
Sincerely,
Your brother
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Greetings of the Season and Best Wishes for a Happy New Year
How do they celebrate Christmas in Turkey? Simply put, they/ We don't!
But the New Year is recognised with greetings, decorations, gifts, and parties, so you would be forgiven if you thought that it was Christmas that was being celebrated. Christmas Day is a normal workday in the office, so expatriates have to take vacation if they don't want to work that day. The only holiday is New Year's Day, but people do take an extra day or so to extend that.
However, there are quite a number of expatriates from Western countries in Ankara who do celebrate Christmas. Christmas trees are available for purchase, along with decorations to go on them. The bigger hotels have special Christmas menus, and Santa Claus has been known to visit. As St. Nicolas was a Bishop in Myra, Turkey, this seems appropriate. Children from the German School and the British School give carol concerts in the Hilton on successive Sunday afternoons, and the choir and band from the American High School sing and play in the Sheraton. These hotels, and others, have Christmas trees, and the Sheraton also has a gingerbread house six feet high.
The expatriate community holds parties, dinner dances, and celebrations large and small. The Anglican Church connected with the British Embassy (St. Nicolas again!)has a Nativity Play put on by the children. Also a Carol Service, followed by mince pies and mulled wine; a Midnight Communion on Christmas Eve; and a family Service on Christmas Day.
So, although there is no public or official recognition of Christmas, there is enough going on that it is not too different from home.
Finally, from all in Ankara, Turkey:
Saglik ve Mutluluk Dileklerimizle Yeni Yilinizi Kutlariz !
which means
Greetings of the Season and Best Wishes for a Happy New Year
But the New Year is recognised with greetings, decorations, gifts, and parties, so you would be forgiven if you thought that it was Christmas that was being celebrated. Christmas Day is a normal workday in the office, so expatriates have to take vacation if they don't want to work that day. The only holiday is New Year's Day, but people do take an extra day or so to extend that.
However, there are quite a number of expatriates from Western countries in Ankara who do celebrate Christmas. Christmas trees are available for purchase, along with decorations to go on them. The bigger hotels have special Christmas menus, and Santa Claus has been known to visit. As St. Nicolas was a Bishop in Myra, Turkey, this seems appropriate. Children from the German School and the British School give carol concerts in the Hilton on successive Sunday afternoons, and the choir and band from the American High School sing and play in the Sheraton. These hotels, and others, have Christmas trees, and the Sheraton also has a gingerbread house six feet high.
The expatriate community holds parties, dinner dances, and celebrations large and small. The Anglican Church connected with the British Embassy (St. Nicolas again!)has a Nativity Play put on by the children. Also a Carol Service, followed by mince pies and mulled wine; a Midnight Communion on Christmas Eve; and a family Service on Christmas Day.
So, although there is no public or official recognition of Christmas, there is enough going on that it is not too different from home.
Finally, from all in Ankara, Turkey:
Saglik ve Mutluluk Dileklerimizle Yeni Yilinizi Kutlariz !
which means
Greetings of the Season and Best Wishes for a Happy New Year
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
A Past Incident in Istanbul in 1996
Accident Report August 16, 1996 Friday
Istanbul Kempinski Hotel Ciragan Palace at 15:30.
This accident report is written for files only for future application if needed.
Our sales team departed from Akcakoca Diapolis Hotel at 11:00 hours. We had approximately 200 kilometres to reach Istanbul. Our driver local Mustafa Topal was on the driving steer.
JV Company General Manager, Mr. Don L. McKenzie, an American expatriate and his wife were at the back seat.
At about 01:00PM, we crossed the second Bosporus Bridge named Fatih (named after Sultan Mehmet II), to arrive Kempinski Hotel before our scheduled meetings with two different clients. We crossed the bridge, and followed the traffic signs to arrive (at a) parallel street on Bosporus. We turned right, first lost the road; (then) we made a circle to reach to the first place.
Then we asked a taxi driver how to reach the parallel road which leads to (the) hotel. He explained the right direction and (we) asked (if we could) follow him since he was going in the same direction. We followed him down (hill). (The) road was very narrow and steep. A private driver with a white Renault Flash car, with (a) mobile phone in his hand, (and was) probably talking at that time, was driving upwards, (and) accidentally lost control for a while, closing (the) left lane.
(The) taxi in front of us (had to brake immediately to avoid striking him.) We were just behind him, and our driver could not brake (in) time and we (collided with his rear bumper) We immediately stopped another taxi, and let our GM and his wife to leave the accident site to go to the Hotel.
Then we checked the damage. (The) taxi's rear bumper was broken, (and our) left light and radiator were damaged.
Since I had no mobile phone available, I hitchhiked to nearest police station to report the accident. (The) police said they (were) not responsible; we should (call) the nearest police car on duty. They called 155- toll-free, and explained the
situation and gave direction(s) (to) where the accident (had)happened. I took
another taxi and arrived (at the) accident point.
(The) white car driver called his colleagues by his mobile phone. Two cars arrived in 10-15 minutes to support and assist their friends. Then they started to complain that they (were) not guilty, (that) they have many things to do, and they (had) to leave. We insisted (that they) stayed until police car arrived and (examined) the site.
(The) police car arrived (within) half an hour, (and) they listened (to) all (the) parties; (the) white car driver, (the) taxi driver, (and) our driver. They concluded that (the) white car driver (was not) guilty since he (had) no (injuries, and) no damage (to) his car. There (was) no physical evidence. They fined him for dangerous driving, and collected 750,000TL, approximately 10 US Dollars, and let him go.
Then they (breathalysed) the other two drivers and explained (to) them that they (would) prepare and (give them a) copy of their accident report on the same day at 16:30 hours near Rumeli Castle, a popular meeting place to find their police car.
(The) taxi driver took (a) photocopy copy of our insurance papers to ask (the)insurance company to pay. We (also) took (a) photocopy of his insurance papers.
Next our driver took our car to nearest authorized repair shop to investigate the damage, and get (an) expert report for (the) insurance repayment. We have been told that (the) insurance expert in Istanbul (could not) be found immediately, since there (were) many accidents everyday,(there were not enough experts to cover the
situation.)
We were advised that we should transport our car by truck to Ankara on the same day and get the expert report in Ankara and start necessary repair work in Ankara. (The expert saw) the car in Ankara and prepared his report. (There wasn't a) problem, (the) damage (wasn't) much, (and the) insurance (paid). But if we (kept) our car
in Istanbul, we (couldn't) use our car for (a) week. Normally we don't drive our family cars for company purpose since we have other responsibilities to carry out. We needed (our) company car for company activities. (We were recommended that) our driver (should) negotiate with (a) truck driver to (transport) the car.
On Monday 19th August 1996, I (was) told that the driver (who told you?) found the transportation prices too high. He made (a) small repair to close the leaking radiator, (surprisingly with dry Turkish Fig) and had a test drive to Toll-gate of the main highway from Istanbul to Ankara. He checked 2-3 times if it was leaking. After having enough confidence that it (was) not leaking, he drove and arrived to Ankara in 5 hours.
The next day, (the) expert inspected the car, (and) prepared his accident report. Renault repair shop made the necessary repairs, and replacements in 3-4 hours. (The) car was ready on Monday.
We will keep mobile phone available at all times in Istanbul. We will ask our driver to be extremely cautious while driving down hills, (and insist that he) keep enough space between himself and the car in front.
Istanbul Kempinski Hotel Ciragan Palace at 15:30.
This accident report is written for files only for future application if needed.
Our sales team departed from Akcakoca Diapolis Hotel at 11:00 hours. We had approximately 200 kilometres to reach Istanbul. Our driver local Mustafa Topal was on the driving steer.
JV Company General Manager, Mr. Don L. McKenzie, an American expatriate and his wife were at the back seat.
At about 01:00PM, we crossed the second Bosporus Bridge named Fatih (named after Sultan Mehmet II), to arrive Kempinski Hotel before our scheduled meetings with two different clients. We crossed the bridge, and followed the traffic signs to arrive (at a) parallel street on Bosporus. We turned right, first lost the road; (then) we made a circle to reach to the first place.
Then we asked a taxi driver how to reach the parallel road which leads to (the) hotel. He explained the right direction and (we) asked (if we could) follow him since he was going in the same direction. We followed him down (hill). (The) road was very narrow and steep. A private driver with a white Renault Flash car, with (a) mobile phone in his hand, (and was) probably talking at that time, was driving upwards, (and) accidentally lost control for a while, closing (the) left lane.
(The) taxi in front of us (had to brake immediately to avoid striking him.) We were just behind him, and our driver could not brake (in) time and we (collided with his rear bumper) We immediately stopped another taxi, and let our GM and his wife to leave the accident site to go to the Hotel.
Then we checked the damage. (The) taxi's rear bumper was broken, (and our) left light and radiator were damaged.
Since I had no mobile phone available, I hitchhiked to nearest police station to report the accident. (The) police said they (were) not responsible; we should (call) the nearest police car on duty. They called 155- toll-free, and explained the
situation and gave direction(s) (to) where the accident (had)happened. I took
another taxi and arrived (at the) accident point.
(The) white car driver called his colleagues by his mobile phone. Two cars arrived in 10-15 minutes to support and assist their friends. Then they started to complain that they (were) not guilty, (that) they have many things to do, and they (had) to leave. We insisted (that they) stayed until police car arrived and (examined) the site.
(The) police car arrived (within) half an hour, (and) they listened (to) all (the) parties; (the) white car driver, (the) taxi driver, (and) our driver. They concluded that (the) white car driver (was not) guilty since he (had) no (injuries, and) no damage (to) his car. There (was) no physical evidence. They fined him for dangerous driving, and collected 750,000TL, approximately 10 US Dollars, and let him go.
Then they (breathalysed) the other two drivers and explained (to) them that they (would) prepare and (give them a) copy of their accident report on the same day at 16:30 hours near Rumeli Castle, a popular meeting place to find their police car.
(The) taxi driver took (a) photocopy copy of our insurance papers to ask (the)insurance company to pay. We (also) took (a) photocopy of his insurance papers.
Next our driver took our car to nearest authorized repair shop to investigate the damage, and get (an) expert report for (the) insurance repayment. We have been told that (the) insurance expert in Istanbul (could not) be found immediately, since there (were) many accidents everyday,(there were not enough experts to cover the
situation.)
We were advised that we should transport our car by truck to Ankara on the same day and get the expert report in Ankara and start necessary repair work in Ankara. (The expert saw) the car in Ankara and prepared his report. (There wasn't a) problem, (the) damage (wasn't) much, (and the) insurance (paid). But if we (kept) our car
in Istanbul, we (couldn't) use our car for (a) week. Normally we don't drive our family cars for company purpose since we have other responsibilities to carry out. We needed (our) company car for company activities. (We were recommended that) our driver (should) negotiate with (a) truck driver to (transport) the car.
On Monday 19th August 1996, I (was) told that the driver (who told you?) found the transportation prices too high. He made (a) small repair to close the leaking radiator, (surprisingly with dry Turkish Fig) and had a test drive to Toll-gate of the main highway from Istanbul to Ankara. He checked 2-3 times if it was leaking. After having enough confidence that it (was) not leaking, he drove and arrived to Ankara in 5 hours.
The next day, (the) expert inspected the car, (and) prepared his accident report. Renault repair shop made the necessary repairs, and replacements in 3-4 hours. (The) car was ready on Monday.
We will keep mobile phone available at all times in Istanbul. We will ask our driver to be extremely cautious while driving down hills, (and insist that he) keep enough space between himself and the car in front.
Trip Report, Italy 1996
Trip Report, Italy
between January 29 - February 2, 1996
Together with
Rich Killion, Department Chief of B&W HRSG Barberton Ohio USA,
Don L.McKenzie, Expatriate General Manager of BWG, Ankara Turkey
January 28,1996 Hotel Cavour in Milan at 18:00 hours
We gathered in the Hotel Cavour lobby in Milan on January 28,1996 evening together with Mr. PierFrancesco Rimbotti.
We planed our game plan how to respond to our hosts in the meetings scheduled throughout the following week in Italy. We agreed that initially Francesco should explain B&W and its Italian Rep Sepro in general, utility, HRSG and package boilers, past B&W experiences and references in Italy, relationship with licensee Ansaldo, broad perspective of B&W's future expectations in Italian market, B&W's new hot product HRSG, B&W design capabilities, six joint venture companies strategically located in the world, nearest one BWG in Ankara, its geographical closeness to the subject market, Turkey's new involvement to European Customs Union which creates B&W/BWG's keen interest to work in Italian and European market, all these to be accomplished by forming strategically sound partnerships. Rich was responsible to explain B&W Barberton design modular, horizontal gas flow, natural circulation HRSGs, past experience, third generation design and its recent references, design advantages, how to handle shorter erection. Then DLM with assistance of HD was responsible to explain the competitive advantage of utilizing nearest B&W joint venture in Ankara, how it was formed, how close it is to Italy, how competitive its prices would be etc.
We agreed that our marketing strategy has to emphasis advantages based primarily on location dictated, then technology dictated. HRSG's easy contractibility in the nearest joint venture facility in Ankara, latest design which allows short erection period at site, overall mechanical productivity. We had to emphasis importance of technical personnel to be located in Milan (in future), more PR, and confidence building, B&W's technical office in London/UK, contact office in Milan/ Sepro. B&W Barberton will provide technical support to BWG for Italian projects. This arrangement offers an economically priced HRSG with the latest technology, with each project optimized for the highest efficiency.
Meeting with Snamprogetti in their head office at "20097 S.Donato Milanese" on January 29,1996 between 10:00-12:00
We met in Snamprogetti with following persons, all in Energy Package Section, Packaged Systems & Furnaces
Ferruccio Frangi, Group Leader
Franco Grinzi, Manager
Giovanni Carbotti
Eugenio Nichelini,
In our meeting, we explained B&W and its nearest joint venture BWG capabilities, their advantages to work with us, our keen interest to cooperate with Snamprogetti in Italy and/or other parts of the world. In return, they explained that they are interested in B&W design HRSGs, other boilers and E/P. They have one project in Sardini island with El-Paso type boiler. They have limited interest in FGD since they have their own design to implement when needed. That is promoted by Topsoe of Holland which is 50% owned by Snam. They have one pilot FGD plant in Sicily island. Enel has a number of FGD projects, one of them installed in Brindisi. Snam estimated that a turnkey site erected HRSG scope for Frame-9 could cost 12 billion Liret, whereby shop assembled may cost 9 billion Liret. We expect HRSG scope fabricated and delivered by BWG, 4 billion Liret FOB, 6.6 billion Liret assembled. Snam recommends that similar project may cost 3.5 billion Liret. That is reasonable Market price in Italy. In North America it may cost 3 million USD, whereby BWG may deliver for 2.3 million US Dollar. Coen, John Zink duct burners are acceptable in Italy, and generally preferred. Rich explained that the one he explained site erection in detail, has been delivered in 4.5 month including delay in inlet duct. Right now, Snam explained that they are promoting one Frame-6 and one Siemens, two Frame-9E units (tar gasification with GE) in Italy. Furthermore we have been informed that there are following partnerships in Italy Standard Fasel/Vogt Maggi/Nooter Higgiotermeggi (has own design) Babcock Enterprise / France (own design) Belleli (financially insecure) Ansaldo (own design for Siemens V92, modular structure) They need HRSGs mostly for Frame-6 size. They had cooperated with FW in North America, and with ABB-CE in Pakistan in a number of projects. Our cooperation with Sondel is a very good opportunity to understand Italian market. They may need to source single drum boilers with 300,000 pph (136 tph) steam output capacity at 130 bar/ 520-530C. These projects are Ammonia and Urea Complexes firing primarily naturalgas. Wide range of chemical operation may be applicable in their projects. Snamprogetti has not been able to find single drum boilers at this capacity, but are familiar with two drum units from B&W and CE. They prefer single drum. Their application is a new or rare boiler requirement for high pressure industrial gas fired boilers. They have done several ammonia plants outside Italy and expect 4 to 5 per year. Boilers are included in their scope for such plants. They completed one in China and are bidding on one in Venezuela. We have a reference list.
Meeting with Sondel & engineering company Protecma in their Milan office on Monday
We met with
Roberto Tellarini, Direttore, Sondel Marketing Strategigo
Bruno Covili Faggioli, General Manager, Protecma
Dott.Ing.Giovanni Trombetti, Ingegneria Impiantistica, Protecma
Dott.Ing.Franco Meroni, Ingegneria Impiantistica, Protecma
We had same presentation. In return they explained that Protecma is an engineering company 100% owned by Sondel. In Italy they have two plants in operation, four plants in construction and two plants in project development stage.
Meeting with ENEL (in various instances three times in Milan and Roma).
We met with
Angelo Benanti, Manager Mechanical Design Group
Dott. Ing. Pietro Todisco
Mario Pastorino
Alberta Scerrati
After delivering our almost standard presentation, we have received following outcome from our hosts. A nearby B&W JVC, supported by parent B&W technology is a good opportunity to reduce overall costs and be competitive in Italian and Italian influenced markets. They have Repowering, revamping, retrofit projects whereby Environmental Impact Study of local administrations are very important in execution of the power projects. La Spezia Power Plant project. Existing coal fired B&W power boiler will be dismantled then new vertical forced circulation type HRSG will be installed into available space. HRSG with 3-pressure level. No condensate preheater. structural modifications are carried out at this time by ENEL design office. Boiler is top supported. GT will be Frame-9F. HRSGs will have two pressure levels. No additional foundation, or steel structure will be necessary since existing units will be used. Available space is the governing parameter. La Spezia plant will have 2x220MW GT coupled with 2XHRSG, plus 1 each steam turbine 320 MW MCR with reheater. There will be also an FGD project, for Units 3 & 4 expected to be tendered soon. Prequalification may be ended. Better to check in written, notice of tender. Trina plant is new, built by Ansaldo under Mitsubishi technology. 2X 120 MW GT plus 1x110MW ST, 2XHRSG 60 bar HP for HP, 6 bar for deaerator. Prequalified competitors in 1992 are Ansaldo (with Mitsubishi), Belleli (with NEM), F&W (Italian), Deutsche Babcock (with Turbotechnica). Pietrofiatta Project is coal firing FB design. It is on hold due to local administration regulations although project is feasible. They were talking about future projects Frame-9E, which could be ordered in 1996. In Vadolugira, FGD by Ansaldo with Mitsubishi technology received the order. We have been informed that all new tenders are to be announced in European Community Official Tender Journal (Bulletin) in order to give equal opportunity to all interested parties. Its Italian name is "Gazetta Ufficiale Della Comunita Europe". It will be good to review that journal continuously in order to find boiler opportunities in European Market. ENEL is in privatization scheme, and therefore they are interested in working together with all competitive parties. They are currently working in Ghana, Kampuchea, India as A/E company.
Meeting with Technimont in Milan on Monday at 17:00 hours
Participants on behalf of Technimont Francesco Ferrara, Heater Group Supervisor, Vessel & Heater Department Marco Blasioli, Engineer, They are specialized in turn-key construction of PTA plants around the world. They need process steam which is normally supplied by the client from existing power house.
TPL, Tecnologie Progetti Lavori Spa
with their partner IEMSA Company in Roma on Tuesday
TPL Participants were
Dott.Ing.Gaetano Zappulla, Vice- President Business Development
Dr.Ing.Riccardo Pascoli, Environmental Engineering Manager
Dott.Ing.Fernando Beghetto, Senior Quality Engineer
Lucis Flammini, Technipetrol (absent but should be contacted) 06/65985346
Ing.Vittorio Papagno, Amministratore Delegato IEMSA Impianti srl
We have been informed that Iemsa is a general contractor for site installation of power plants. They have many references in site installation of B&W design Ansaldo power plants in Italy for ENEL. They worked in Egypt for building power plants for Ansaldo then for Deutsche Babcock, UDE etc. Ansaldo plant in Tunis 2 x 170 MW with Russian and Portugal labours. We have evaluated our past joint proposal to Termica Cologno of Sepro, where Iemsa was general contractor, ENEL handling engineering, BWG was supplying HRSG for LM6000 gas turbine. Order is received by Nooter but that helped us to understand how to cooperate and work together in similar projects in future. TPL is formed in 1969 and restructured in 1995. TPL is an engineering and contractor company especially in building Refineries and similar Petrochemical installations. It is 95% owned by French Technip Group. TPL is building food, textile and light industrial installations. Moreover they work for infrastructures, state railways for High Speed Trains (We experienced, it is fantastic, fast, comfortable, and reasonable priced). They provide PM service for high speed railways construction, energy, environment and other infrastructure projects. They have detail engineering services. Certified to ISO-9001 by Bureau Veritas. In 1995 they were divided into two, TPL and Technipetro. Almost 800 personnel is working for Technipetro. TPL is active in South America, China and Middle East, Malaysia. They completed one PTA project with Amoco in Georgia USA. They have offices in Moscow and St.Petersburg. They look for strategical partnerships with competitive partners case by case basis.
Turbotechnica in Firenze on Wednesday
Participants were
Maurizio Amerini, Proposal Manager Power Plant & Cogeneration
Nicolo Gargini, Proposal Manager Power Plant & Cogeneration
Dino Catastini, Applications and Sales Manager, Power Plant & Cogeneration
Dr.Ing.Guelfo Gheri, Direttore Commerciale
Tarik Bayazit, GE Power Systems Istanbul
Dr.Peter Brown, GE Power Systems Istanbul
We generally reviewed ongoing important projects which we cooperate exclusively. Glassworks 2xPGT10 +2XGTWHRSG +2XGFWHRSG design is reviewed. GT and ST detail drawings received. Commercial issues reviewed. Bid date extension until March 11,1996. In the last period of our conversation, Dr.Ing.Guelfo Gheri, Direttore Commerciale joined us and expressed his positive expectations for future similar projects which we hope to cooperate. They indicated that they sell 8-10 GT projects per year, 4-5 of which require HRSG's in BWG's size range. They are looking for new partners.
Frene in Milano on Thursday
Participants were
Ing.Settimo Loforti, Direttore Technico e Attivita Operative
Ing.Fausto Ermolli, Responsabile Tecnologie e Sviluppo
Ing.Marco Gentili, Responsabile Processo e Coordinamento Produzione
They expressed their interest to work together in future if they install gas turbines into their plants. They had a rehabilitation study for a power plant in Sardine island. 4x600 tph steam boilers capable of firing oil and gas are installed but not operated until now. No steam turbines are installed. They need 4x70 MW steam turbines. Rich explained them that HRSGs can be FOB delivered in 10-12 months plus 2-5 months for site installation should be additionally considered. Normally Steam Turbine is on the critical path of a combined cycle power plant. ST needs special fabrication initiated only after order. They build Petrochemical plants. Steam is very important for their process. Low NOx emission regulations will be effective after January 1,1998. They will be in need of efficient Low- NOx burners. They want to demolish existing old steam boilers and install new Frame-9 plus HRSG + ST combined cycle power plants. They want to generate maximum energy and sell to national grid. (now 50 MW, 200MW in future). They are in ENI group, and under privatization. First boiler unit in Ravenna Petrochemical plant is out of operation due to irreparable cracks in the drum. They want to demolish the boiler and install new Combined Cycle power plant.
Edison in Milan on Friday
Participants were
Ing.Bruno Cavazzana, Coordinamento Investimenti Strategi
Ing.Enrico Malusardi, in charge of engineering
Ing Maurizio Malusardi, in charge of Electrical engineering
Ing.Luigi Orsenigo, in charge of purchasing
Cesare Antonini, Mechanical & Process Design Manager
Simone Simonetti, ILVA Servizi Energie
They are an IPP company in Italy, We explained our capabilities. They were interested in our presentation. We emphasized that we are available to serve them in their existing and new power plant projects, whichever arrangement would be suitable for them, by furnishing full design coverage from North America and available competitive overall prices created by utilizing nearby joint venture facilities. Edison has three following current projects, - Combined Cycle, 100MW, 2xLM6000, offers are received. In evaluation. - Combined cycle, 2 projects in development in Italy Frame-9, 140MW basic engineering ongoing, 1xGT + HRSG, no by-pass stack - River Po, 50 km far from Milan, waiting local authorization - Central Italy, Verona, waiting local authorization
Summary
In summary, we can conclude that there is general interest in B&W products in Italian market, and specific interest in more economical soulution for supplying the fabrication from JV in Ankara under B&W's engineering coverage. There are business potential in Italy for B&W and BWG's interest. We can work with and/or for Italian companies in or outside of Italy in a number of projects, together with other B&W JVs if necessary due to geographical position of the final destination. These meetings gave us an initial feeling that they are interested in our products, in our approach to deliver economically feasible final product, and we are ready to serve for them. Final evaluation is that we should have more emphasis on Italian market to promote B&W industrial products. That needs more contacts in the market, more support to Milan Sepro office. We need to bring together other follow-up ideas expected to be generated by B&W (R.Killion), and Sepro (P.F.Rimbotti).
Compiled on February 10, 1996
between January 29 - February 2, 1996
Together with
Rich Killion, Department Chief of B&W HRSG Barberton Ohio USA,
Don L.McKenzie, Expatriate General Manager of BWG, Ankara Turkey
January 28,1996 Hotel Cavour in Milan at 18:00 hours
We gathered in the Hotel Cavour lobby in Milan on January 28,1996 evening together with Mr. PierFrancesco Rimbotti.
We planed our game plan how to respond to our hosts in the meetings scheduled throughout the following week in Italy. We agreed that initially Francesco should explain B&W and its Italian Rep Sepro in general, utility, HRSG and package boilers, past B&W experiences and references in Italy, relationship with licensee Ansaldo, broad perspective of B&W's future expectations in Italian market, B&W's new hot product HRSG, B&W design capabilities, six joint venture companies strategically located in the world, nearest one BWG in Ankara, its geographical closeness to the subject market, Turkey's new involvement to European Customs Union which creates B&W/BWG's keen interest to work in Italian and European market, all these to be accomplished by forming strategically sound partnerships. Rich was responsible to explain B&W Barberton design modular, horizontal gas flow, natural circulation HRSGs, past experience, third generation design and its recent references, design advantages, how to handle shorter erection. Then DLM with assistance of HD was responsible to explain the competitive advantage of utilizing nearest B&W joint venture in Ankara, how it was formed, how close it is to Italy, how competitive its prices would be etc.
We agreed that our marketing strategy has to emphasis advantages based primarily on location dictated, then technology dictated. HRSG's easy contractibility in the nearest joint venture facility in Ankara, latest design which allows short erection period at site, overall mechanical productivity. We had to emphasis importance of technical personnel to be located in Milan (in future), more PR, and confidence building, B&W's technical office in London/UK, contact office in Milan/ Sepro. B&W Barberton will provide technical support to BWG for Italian projects. This arrangement offers an economically priced HRSG with the latest technology, with each project optimized for the highest efficiency.
Meeting with Snamprogetti in their head office at "20097 S.Donato Milanese" on January 29,1996 between 10:00-12:00
We met in Snamprogetti with following persons, all in Energy Package Section, Packaged Systems & Furnaces
Ferruccio Frangi, Group Leader
Franco Grinzi, Manager
Giovanni Carbotti
Eugenio Nichelini,
In our meeting, we explained B&W and its nearest joint venture BWG capabilities, their advantages to work with us, our keen interest to cooperate with Snamprogetti in Italy and/or other parts of the world. In return, they explained that they are interested in B&W design HRSGs, other boilers and E/P. They have one project in Sardini island with El-Paso type boiler. They have limited interest in FGD since they have their own design to implement when needed. That is promoted by Topsoe of Holland which is 50% owned by Snam. They have one pilot FGD plant in Sicily island. Enel has a number of FGD projects, one of them installed in Brindisi. Snam estimated that a turnkey site erected HRSG scope for Frame-9 could cost 12 billion Liret, whereby shop assembled may cost 9 billion Liret. We expect HRSG scope fabricated and delivered by BWG, 4 billion Liret FOB, 6.6 billion Liret assembled. Snam recommends that similar project may cost 3.5 billion Liret. That is reasonable Market price in Italy. In North America it may cost 3 million USD, whereby BWG may deliver for 2.3 million US Dollar. Coen, John Zink duct burners are acceptable in Italy, and generally preferred. Rich explained that the one he explained site erection in detail, has been delivered in 4.5 month including delay in inlet duct. Right now, Snam explained that they are promoting one Frame-6 and one Siemens, two Frame-9E units (tar gasification with GE) in Italy. Furthermore we have been informed that there are following partnerships in Italy Standard Fasel/Vogt Maggi/Nooter Higgiotermeggi (has own design) Babcock Enterprise / France (own design) Belleli (financially insecure) Ansaldo (own design for Siemens V92, modular structure) They need HRSGs mostly for Frame-6 size. They had cooperated with FW in North America, and with ABB-CE in Pakistan in a number of projects. Our cooperation with Sondel is a very good opportunity to understand Italian market. They may need to source single drum boilers with 300,000 pph (136 tph) steam output capacity at 130 bar/ 520-530C. These projects are Ammonia and Urea Complexes firing primarily naturalgas. Wide range of chemical operation may be applicable in their projects. Snamprogetti has not been able to find single drum boilers at this capacity, but are familiar with two drum units from B&W and CE. They prefer single drum. Their application is a new or rare boiler requirement for high pressure industrial gas fired boilers. They have done several ammonia plants outside Italy and expect 4 to 5 per year. Boilers are included in their scope for such plants. They completed one in China and are bidding on one in Venezuela. We have a reference list.
Meeting with Sondel & engineering company Protecma in their Milan office on Monday
We met with
Roberto Tellarini, Direttore, Sondel Marketing Strategigo
Bruno Covili Faggioli, General Manager, Protecma
Dott.Ing.Giovanni Trombetti, Ingegneria Impiantistica, Protecma
Dott.Ing.Franco Meroni, Ingegneria Impiantistica, Protecma
We had same presentation. In return they explained that Protecma is an engineering company 100% owned by Sondel. In Italy they have two plants in operation, four plants in construction and two plants in project development stage.
Meeting with ENEL (in various instances three times in Milan and Roma).
We met with
Angelo Benanti, Manager Mechanical Design Group
Dott. Ing. Pietro Todisco
Mario Pastorino
Alberta Scerrati
After delivering our almost standard presentation, we have received following outcome from our hosts. A nearby B&W JVC, supported by parent B&W technology is a good opportunity to reduce overall costs and be competitive in Italian and Italian influenced markets. They have Repowering, revamping, retrofit projects whereby Environmental Impact Study of local administrations are very important in execution of the power projects. La Spezia Power Plant project. Existing coal fired B&W power boiler will be dismantled then new vertical forced circulation type HRSG will be installed into available space. HRSG with 3-pressure level. No condensate preheater. structural modifications are carried out at this time by ENEL design office. Boiler is top supported. GT will be Frame-9F. HRSGs will have two pressure levels. No additional foundation, or steel structure will be necessary since existing units will be used. Available space is the governing parameter. La Spezia plant will have 2x220MW GT coupled with 2XHRSG, plus 1 each steam turbine 320 MW MCR with reheater. There will be also an FGD project, for Units 3 & 4 expected to be tendered soon. Prequalification may be ended. Better to check in written, notice of tender. Trina plant is new, built by Ansaldo under Mitsubishi technology. 2X 120 MW GT plus 1x110MW ST, 2XHRSG 60 bar HP for HP, 6 bar for deaerator. Prequalified competitors in 1992 are Ansaldo (with Mitsubishi), Belleli (with NEM), F&W (Italian), Deutsche Babcock (with Turbotechnica). Pietrofiatta Project is coal firing FB design. It is on hold due to local administration regulations although project is feasible. They were talking about future projects Frame-9E, which could be ordered in 1996. In Vadolugira, FGD by Ansaldo with Mitsubishi technology received the order. We have been informed that all new tenders are to be announced in European Community Official Tender Journal (Bulletin) in order to give equal opportunity to all interested parties. Its Italian name is "Gazetta Ufficiale Della Comunita Europe". It will be good to review that journal continuously in order to find boiler opportunities in European Market. ENEL is in privatization scheme, and therefore they are interested in working together with all competitive parties. They are currently working in Ghana, Kampuchea, India as A/E company.
Meeting with Technimont in Milan on Monday at 17:00 hours
Participants on behalf of Technimont Francesco Ferrara, Heater Group Supervisor, Vessel & Heater Department Marco Blasioli, Engineer, They are specialized in turn-key construction of PTA plants around the world. They need process steam which is normally supplied by the client from existing power house.
TPL, Tecnologie Progetti Lavori Spa
with their partner IEMSA Company in Roma on Tuesday
TPL Participants were
Dott.Ing.Gaetano Zappulla, Vice- President Business Development
Dr.Ing.Riccardo Pascoli, Environmental Engineering Manager
Dott.Ing.Fernando Beghetto, Senior Quality Engineer
Lucis Flammini, Technipetrol (absent but should be contacted) 06/65985346
Ing.Vittorio Papagno, Amministratore Delegato IEMSA Impianti srl
We have been informed that Iemsa is a general contractor for site installation of power plants. They have many references in site installation of B&W design Ansaldo power plants in Italy for ENEL. They worked in Egypt for building power plants for Ansaldo then for Deutsche Babcock, UDE etc. Ansaldo plant in Tunis 2 x 170 MW with Russian and Portugal labours. We have evaluated our past joint proposal to Termica Cologno of Sepro, where Iemsa was general contractor, ENEL handling engineering, BWG was supplying HRSG for LM6000 gas turbine. Order is received by Nooter but that helped us to understand how to cooperate and work together in similar projects in future. TPL is formed in 1969 and restructured in 1995. TPL is an engineering and contractor company especially in building Refineries and similar Petrochemical installations. It is 95% owned by French Technip Group. TPL is building food, textile and light industrial installations. Moreover they work for infrastructures, state railways for High Speed Trains (We experienced, it is fantastic, fast, comfortable, and reasonable priced). They provide PM service for high speed railways construction, energy, environment and other infrastructure projects. They have detail engineering services. Certified to ISO-9001 by Bureau Veritas. In 1995 they were divided into two, TPL and Technipetro. Almost 800 personnel is working for Technipetro. TPL is active in South America, China and Middle East, Malaysia. They completed one PTA project with Amoco in Georgia USA. They have offices in Moscow and St.Petersburg. They look for strategical partnerships with competitive partners case by case basis.
Turbotechnica in Firenze on Wednesday
Participants were
Maurizio Amerini, Proposal Manager Power Plant & Cogeneration
Nicolo Gargini, Proposal Manager Power Plant & Cogeneration
Dino Catastini, Applications and Sales Manager, Power Plant & Cogeneration
Dr.Ing.Guelfo Gheri, Direttore Commerciale
Tarik Bayazit, GE Power Systems Istanbul
Dr.Peter Brown, GE Power Systems Istanbul
We generally reviewed ongoing important projects which we cooperate exclusively. Glassworks 2xPGT10 +2XGTWHRSG +2XGFWHRSG design is reviewed. GT and ST detail drawings received. Commercial issues reviewed. Bid date extension until March 11,1996. In the last period of our conversation, Dr.Ing.Guelfo Gheri, Direttore Commerciale joined us and expressed his positive expectations for future similar projects which we hope to cooperate. They indicated that they sell 8-10 GT projects per year, 4-5 of which require HRSG's in BWG's size range. They are looking for new partners.
Frene in Milano on Thursday
Participants were
Ing.Settimo Loforti, Direttore Technico e Attivita Operative
Ing.Fausto Ermolli, Responsabile Tecnologie e Sviluppo
Ing.Marco Gentili, Responsabile Processo e Coordinamento Produzione
They expressed their interest to work together in future if they install gas turbines into their plants. They had a rehabilitation study for a power plant in Sardine island. 4x600 tph steam boilers capable of firing oil and gas are installed but not operated until now. No steam turbines are installed. They need 4x70 MW steam turbines. Rich explained them that HRSGs can be FOB delivered in 10-12 months plus 2-5 months for site installation should be additionally considered. Normally Steam Turbine is on the critical path of a combined cycle power plant. ST needs special fabrication initiated only after order. They build Petrochemical plants. Steam is very important for their process. Low NOx emission regulations will be effective after January 1,1998. They will be in need of efficient Low- NOx burners. They want to demolish existing old steam boilers and install new Frame-9 plus HRSG + ST combined cycle power plants. They want to generate maximum energy and sell to national grid. (now 50 MW, 200MW in future). They are in ENI group, and under privatization. First boiler unit in Ravenna Petrochemical plant is out of operation due to irreparable cracks in the drum. They want to demolish the boiler and install new Combined Cycle power plant.
Edison in Milan on Friday
Participants were
Ing.Bruno Cavazzana, Coordinamento Investimenti Strategi
Ing.Enrico Malusardi, in charge of engineering
Ing Maurizio Malusardi, in charge of Electrical engineering
Ing.Luigi Orsenigo, in charge of purchasing
Cesare Antonini, Mechanical & Process Design Manager
Simone Simonetti, ILVA Servizi Energie
They are an IPP company in Italy, We explained our capabilities. They were interested in our presentation. We emphasized that we are available to serve them in their existing and new power plant projects, whichever arrangement would be suitable for them, by furnishing full design coverage from North America and available competitive overall prices created by utilizing nearby joint venture facilities. Edison has three following current projects, - Combined Cycle, 100MW, 2xLM6000, offers are received. In evaluation. - Combined cycle, 2 projects in development in Italy Frame-9, 140MW basic engineering ongoing, 1xGT + HRSG, no by-pass stack - River Po, 50 km far from Milan, waiting local authorization - Central Italy, Verona, waiting local authorization
Summary
In summary, we can conclude that there is general interest in B&W products in Italian market, and specific interest in more economical soulution for supplying the fabrication from JV in Ankara under B&W's engineering coverage. There are business potential in Italy for B&W and BWG's interest. We can work with and/or for Italian companies in or outside of Italy in a number of projects, together with other B&W JVs if necessary due to geographical position of the final destination. These meetings gave us an initial feeling that they are interested in our products, in our approach to deliver economically feasible final product, and we are ready to serve for them. Final evaluation is that we should have more emphasis on Italian market to promote B&W industrial products. That needs more contacts in the market, more support to Milan Sepro office. We need to bring together other follow-up ideas expected to be generated by B&W (R.Killion), and Sepro (P.F.Rimbotti).
Compiled on February 10, 1996
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
On The Street
Last June, I had an office meeting with my school friend. We evaluated the current local market situation, how to create new opportunities, where to apply for new tenders etc
Then we completed the agenda items, I thanked and left the office. I returned to my car, loaded the back trunk with my hand bag, ready to get in and drive off.
A young man with decent clothing at his early 20s approached and said ”Sir I completed my military service and left army as of yesterday. Now I have to go home but I have no money. Could you care some money so that I buy my coach ticket to enable me to go back home??” I looked for some money, unfortunately I had none, I apologised. He murmured by himself and departed.
I was so unhappy afterwards. I wished to have some money to give him to help him to go home.
However after 2-3 months, my wife had some issues to handle at the downtown. I drove her to that point, parked my car waited for a while. I wanted to get some fresh air. At my backward, I heard the same story, the same voice tone, same young man, with same wording. This time in a very short period of time, I told him that he made me feel so displeased of myself a few months ago. But now I understood that his story is not true and I will not feel guilty this time. He got angry, murmured and left again
This month a young decent woman came to doorsteps of our house, said she had children, and need money to survive. Poor me again, I looked for some cash money and gave her. She later went to the other nearby houses and collected a reasonable amount of money.
Last year in London Underground entrance, a young school girl asked me some coin to pay ticket to go home. I gave her some coin, she then in the train, made fan of this activity with her friends.
Last week, a small boy was at the parking lot of our nearby supermarket. He asked some money to pay in-city bus ride to go home. After my shopping, I saw him again in the same parking lot, asking money from other newcomers.
Yesterday in our city downtown area, a man with decent clothing approached me and asked money for some reason,
I give money to the clerks working in cinema, showing our seats. I always keep some small cash for them. I always give tip to waiter in the restaurant. I always give some small tip to the boy cleaning my car, workers repairing my car, cleaning my car window, making pressure adjustment of my car tires, some money for our house cleaning assistant, I always try to make these working service people feel better if they make some service business, with some reasonable tips. I have some reasoning, but these requests are now different and getting more in number, and more in persuation.
Those asking at the street with no purpose, with some sad story, makes me so weird
And the number of these people are getting higher every day. We cannot walk free from these people. Do you feel the same??
Then we completed the agenda items, I thanked and left the office. I returned to my car, loaded the back trunk with my hand bag, ready to get in and drive off.
A young man with decent clothing at his early 20s approached and said ”Sir I completed my military service and left army as of yesterday. Now I have to go home but I have no money. Could you care some money so that I buy my coach ticket to enable me to go back home??” I looked for some money, unfortunately I had none, I apologised. He murmured by himself and departed.
I was so unhappy afterwards. I wished to have some money to give him to help him to go home.
However after 2-3 months, my wife had some issues to handle at the downtown. I drove her to that point, parked my car waited for a while. I wanted to get some fresh air. At my backward, I heard the same story, the same voice tone, same young man, with same wording. This time in a very short period of time, I told him that he made me feel so displeased of myself a few months ago. But now I understood that his story is not true and I will not feel guilty this time. He got angry, murmured and left again
This month a young decent woman came to doorsteps of our house, said she had children, and need money to survive. Poor me again, I looked for some cash money and gave her. She later went to the other nearby houses and collected a reasonable amount of money.
Last year in London Underground entrance, a young school girl asked me some coin to pay ticket to go home. I gave her some coin, she then in the train, made fan of this activity with her friends.
Last week, a small boy was at the parking lot of our nearby supermarket. He asked some money to pay in-city bus ride to go home. After my shopping, I saw him again in the same parking lot, asking money from other newcomers.
Yesterday in our city downtown area, a man with decent clothing approached me and asked money for some reason,
I give money to the clerks working in cinema, showing our seats. I always keep some small cash for them. I always give tip to waiter in the restaurant. I always give some small tip to the boy cleaning my car, workers repairing my car, cleaning my car window, making pressure adjustment of my car tires, some money for our house cleaning assistant, I always try to make these working service people feel better if they make some service business, with some reasonable tips. I have some reasoning, but these requests are now different and getting more in number, and more in persuation.
Those asking at the street with no purpose, with some sad story, makes me so weird
And the number of these people are getting higher every day. We cannot walk free from these people. Do you feel the same??
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