If you're on time, you're late. If you're late, then forget you're even here. My first lesson in punctuality, however, took place during my first visit to Germany. Just as we were sitting down for a big German breakfast of fresh bread, schinken, and cheese, my friend Thomas showed up. He insisted that 9 am meant 9 am, and we should depart immediately for the Neuschwannstein - the famous fairy tale castle of Mad King Ludwig.
Time is, after all, money.
If it is ever late, the staff would apologise with great regret and remorse. Yesterday I became increasingly concerned when my Swiss friend didn't show up at 6 pm. This was a misunderstanding on both sides - quite forgiveable. Being Chinese, I felt ever so guilty for not being more specific about the meeting place.