Xmas time again.

I know its been awhile but I will try to write as much whenever I have time. So its Xmas time again. The time of giving and helping and giving some more. What better way to help the economy. When people just forget all sense of reasoning and just do what they like. Don't get me wrong, I love Xmas. But sometimes the thought of Xmas shopping just scares me...a lot. Before when I was young, it was great. All I had to think of was what did I want. But now, the thought of what to get, and where, isn't as fun. Luckily I don't get many presents this year, as I didn't really plan so far ahead. The thought of what to get my gf on our first Xmas together was a much harder task.
For times like this, the first time, I know it had to be special, because this is one of those times when you know you have to 'produce the goods' otherwise you will never live it down. The thought of sharing conversations with friends about what gifts was exchanged on your first date, or anniversary, was running through my mind.'so, what did you get your gr on your first Xmas?'...'oh some bath lotion and some perfume,...actually they were some very nice perfume.' Looks of amusement rebounded around. The truth of the matter is, gfs usually don't want something nice or expensive as long as its memorable and special. A subject matter for your gf and her friends to giggle at over dinner or coffee. what better way to do that then to think of something creative. Something that you actually put effort and work into. It's not the price but the effort and thought. This is said easier than done.
After wrecking my brains over what shall I make her, I decided to do something that I was good at. It makes sense, dosen't it?
I love drawing, so I thought I would do a drawing of her. I found out after hours of drawing, being naturally talented was not enough, I needed practise. After several hours of drawing a face, which I thought was a acceptable. I decided to give myself more grief by thinking it was not enough. So to be safe, I some simple origami, (sounds fancy,but believe me the most easiest things to fold took me a while.) And to be be extra safe, I bought her a nice necklace from a local designer, which meant you cant get these everywhere. Now I was ready to face the music. As Xmas day dawned on me, the time of gift exchanging came. After she opened my gifts, she had a nice surprise as the picture I drew really did surprise her. I could tell that I had to persuade her that it was her. Now even I know that if a picture of someone needed to be convince it was that person, then it really wasn't any good. Gfs being gfs, always show support, even though they know it won't do any good.'that's really nice' somehow I think she forced those words....'look its this picture I drew from, I was really trying to show some sort of insane reasoning for the drawing. Once you knew it wasn't worth it, you can pretty much stop talking. Luckily the origami proved more successful and you really can't go wrong with jewellery.
She smiled and she knew the effort I had put into the presents. I feel that Xmas really isn't about gifts or pleasing people, instead its about thinking of other people and letting them know that. This Xmas may not be the most memorable in the great sense but hey at least I tried. So what did she get me? Not something expensive, not something pretty but something meaningful so I am now content.

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fancy a midnight walk?

It was a Saturday night. Just gone 10 and with the electric atmosphere buzzing around everyone. You can feel something exciting was going to happen. People dressed up as the old communist locals, or as characters from computer games, it seemed more like a comic convention rather than a charity walk. That's right, a charity walk, but it felt more like a party. That's one of the things that amazed me. I couldn't believe the amount of people participating, not only that but the atmosphere there was brilliant. To be honest, I never would have heard of the Moonwalker charity walk if it wasn't for my ever active girlfriend. Moonwalkers wad organised by Orbit, to help those with sight problems all over three world.

I have to admit I ashamed don't do more charity work than I want. So when the opportunity for something so simple as a walk came up, I couldn't refuse. I mean how hard can it be? Sure it was 20km, but hey it was just a walk. I can walk forever.

Wh

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The night started well, everyone was in the mood. It felt good. because of the amount of people, starting times had to be 5-10 minutes apart to avoid overcrowding. everyone was excited. we finally started our walk at about 11. The pace was good and slow. We followed each other like a class outing. chatting and enjoying the company we were in, not knowing what to expect later. After the first km, we reached a 7-11 store and people were already building up on energy and having a mid-night snack. After the 2nd km, we were. cheered by enthusiastic orbit volunteers. it was about midnight and already people were quietening down.5kms later. the thought that entered my mind was, "that was only 5kms after all this time???" It dawned on me that the night was going to be LONG. We reached our first checkpoint (in which there was 5) and there was a small relief, We decided to move on and trudge to our 2nd. Walking, how hard could it be? There was a section of the route that required us to wear blindfold and be led by our partner for a certain distance, and then we would swap. It was strange to say the least. We obviously wouldn't know how we make up for losing a sense, but it did make us think. So many things we take for granted, we don't know how important or how hard it is to live without it. After approaching our 2nd checkpoint, we decided we needed a rest. Funny how we think something is simple until you have done it. By the time we were half way there, the spirit seemed to have picked up. Everyone was feeling perked up again. My legs at this stage was getting stiff. We countdown the kms from here, and it was long. I wound go too much into it, just say, by the time we finished, my body was asleep, my legs tired, my feet saw and my mind confused as to how hard it became. We were ready to sleep anywhere. After everything, I had to ask myselff, would I do this again next year. YES!!, without a doubt. Why? because for something so simple for charity, why not? We are so lucky to be fully abled that we don't realise how bad or unlucky it can be for others. Hell, how much is next year going to be different? It's only walking. How hard can it be?

Happy in Japan

Recently I went to Japan. It was a long planned trip (my friend doing all the planning. But who am I to stand in the way of someone so determined.) When it comes to holidays, I usually don't planning so much so far ahead. It doesn't mean I don't plan, I just don't plan 6 months ahead. I'm not complaining, far from it. Just tell where to go and I'm happy. So this time we, (being. My friend, my girlfriend and I) went to the north of Japan, away from the local tourist places and aimed for the local areas. This meant no English and no picture pointing, pure Japanese. The place we went to was a place called Aomori. Gorgeous scenery but quite far from Tokyo. The weather was cool and dry. Our holiday lasted 7 days. I'm not going to go into each day as that would take too long and you, the reader would get tedious (I probably would just give up writing,anyway) but everytime I go to Japan, I am always amazed by the devotion and dedication to the health of their society, the cleaness and politeness of the people. no matter whether its the city or local small town, the response is the same. We visited lots of places, that was beauty in scenery and tasted the local delicacies available. The 7 days seemed like 3 days. There was a lot travelling but it was worth it. When it came to leaving we were quite reluctant but had no choice. Everytime I get back home, the comparisons I make are just too obvious, the people and the cleaness. It always seems like I have got off being high and have fallen back to earth. I suppose Japan is great and I would be satisfied with Japan all my life, but I doubt if I could find a better dim sum place or a place that serves curry fishballs the way Hong Kong does. Home indeed is home.

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Not on a weekend...

As I was surviving through my working week. I couldn't help but start to feel abit dizzy. I admit that prior to the start of the working week, I had gone on a very nice boat trip with some very nice people. To backpack it was the perfect day, not too hot, some breezes, great atmosphere and to top it off, a nice seafood dinner. So what went wrong? It was easy. The boat trip back. Little did I know that we were going for the Guinness book of records for the quickest time back to go from lamma island to hk. We must have been travelling at warp speed (if there is such a thing, and this would be it. I know it.
Even those sitting down had to hold onto anything they could get their hands on. It felt,like survival of the fittest. We made it back in what seemed like 15mins. a quarter of the time it usually tool. my dinner held down by the thought of getting back to my beloved tv.
Now back to now, and it felt like the dizziness of the boat trip had not gone as thought. The most obvious thing would be to get some rest and let my mind balance itself out. A few more days passed and still the dizziness was there. Weaving itself in and out of my mind. Wednesday. I decided to take another dose of parnadol and see if it would this time. Friday, this was no good.Though the dosage of paradox helped abit, I felt it would be better to see the doctor tomorrow. Now, Hong Kong is a place where things don't closed, unless it goes bankrupt. so my plan is simple. wake up amdd then breakfast then the doctor's. I realised that the times may be different then the weekday, So I would take things easy as there was no rush. After I had done my small things, I decided to go to see my Chinese doctor. I got there at just 1pm. To my astonishment, my doctor had just left, and wasn't back to Monday. Great. I had just missed him by a couple of minutes. But I found out that he had actually left 15mins before he was supposed to leave. So even if I got there 10 mins before, he still would have not been there. Great. No problem. I will just nick down to my western doctor round the corner. I got there and with the big closed sign outside, it was no problem because he would usually be back a few hours later. On closer inspection on the timetable. he would not be back till Monday. GREAT. Is this the efficiency of medical around here? To my amazement, other doctors had the same similar times."closed from 12" or
"1.30". At this stage I really didn't feel like chasing doctors all around town. It was back to my "Good old though sometimes not efficient Panadol" but at least I know I can count on it whenever I needed to. Now whenever I plan ahead, I also carry a copy of the doctor's timetable with me. both of them

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It's Hong Kong but not as I know it....

During the past few weeks, I have been able to travel to some parts of hong kong, that to me were unbelievable. The reason was not the polluted roads and the rudeness of the markets and the smell of street food on every corner. It was the beauty of the landscape and scenery that actually made me speechless, something my girlfriend finds a feat in itself. This my friends, was Hong Kong the way I would love it to be. Not to forget the gorgeous fresh air. Could I have really be in apart of Hong kong? This was the undiscovered world. The place or places I am mentioning is Tung lung island and a place called Wu Lai Teng. The first place was a little island. It was hard to remember that we were only a boat ride away from Sai Wan Ho. The weather that day was gorgeous which helped. But still you had to be there to experience it. We hiked what my girlfriend said was a short hike, in the book it looked quite small, but there is something to be said about referring to routes drawn in crayons with the child like style. Don't trust it. What should have been a 2 hour tour ended up being little bit more...and the weather? Sometimes too much of a good thing is not good for you. We found that the prices that the small stores there for drinks seemed extortionate but it made perfect sense, as the idea of ending up in hospital was something we didn't need and if we could avoid it we most definitely would. As we made our way round the hills taking photos and taking the fresh air. We couldn't help but notice the blazing sun getting much hotter. We only made a quarter of the way before we decided to try and get the early afternoon boat back. Somehow getting away from the island was our most important agenda. During the summer hiking is not really,something that you want to spend your time doing. But there are always a few daredevils, and it seemed some of them made there way here. Setting up camp right below the sun, is a recipe for something. We were happy walking round, enjoying the scenery, taking photos and taking in the fresh air, yes, all 4 hours of it. It seemed like we would have to come back in a. couple of months time to fully do the route suggested in he book. The book of pain, I am going to call it now. We got back to the flat, exhausted, tired and very tanned.

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East dragon island

Hong Kong is great for everything. shopping, eating, and the weather. Yes,

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summer already over?

it always seems like the older you get, the quicker time flies...

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How many?

How many newspapers do people need to read in the morning on the way to work?....In the morning, there are free newspapers for people to read. There is about 4 or 5 different types.
What amazes me is how people grab them like hot cakes. Being newspapers they must have the same content, so why do people grab them all?... hmmmm..

Do not sit next to me...!

The other day, I was on the bus going home. it was after rush hour, so there are seats unoccupied around. As the bus enters its 5th stop, a queue of people start to get on the bus. There is the old lady, the mother, the young couple, the young entrepreneur and then there is the man who had been out drinking with his buddies after work. Now I don't usually sit in the same seat on the bus, but it seems that no matter where I sit, the man who has drank 'alittle too much' manages to find me. I would usually put this down to a 'one-off' but it if not for the fact that it has happened more than once, actually more than 10 times, I don't think so. It seems I have this 'if you are drunk and smell incredibly full of alcohol then please sit next to me' sign stuck on my forehead, why can't I have the 'if you are sexy and very pretty sit next to me' sign? ....hhhhhmmmmmm

The Running Man

I have set a target for next year which is to participate in the annual Standard & Chartered Marathon which is very popular. Everytime I see it on tv, I've always said that I'd join...pretty much every time. And this year, I have finally put words into action and started taking my first steps to achieving this goal. I have bought the running shoes and have started jogging. Now, the only exercise I get is my weekly dose of football, which is great, enough to keep fit but not enough to lose weight, which is another reason for me to do more exercise.

I went for my first jog/run last night and didn't realise that even at 9pm, there are alot of runners and people around, somehow its quite inspiring to see other runners at this time. I was running with my friend who has actually done the marathon and obviously does alot more running than me (but then that wouldn't be too difficult, believe me).

The last time that I went jogging was about 1 or 2 years ago. As I started running, I was able to keep to a steady pace which lasted about 15mins....before I started to feel the stitches then I started to feel my knees, which I'm sure I could hear start to creak the longer I ran. 'Time to slow down' was now running through my head. Another 5mins down the path seemed like 20mins, I even had to double check my watch. It seems time was slowing down for me. Now I really was feeling my weight. From a steady pace to a very slow pace. I was getting taken over by runners, which is normal, but getting taken over by old ladies is a little bit intimidating...

After about 1 and a half hours of running and walking (most of the way), it was time to head back. Being the first run, I'm not really bothered about the time, as it was a marker for what sort of condition I'm in, and it seems my condition does not look very appealing... for anyone. The idea of preparing a year before the marathon seems like a genius idea (enough to win the nobel prize) now. As we walked back to my flat, I could feel the muscles in my legs expand tremendiously, now I know how those body builders in the Mr Universe competitions feel. I tried not to think how my legs was going to feel tomorrow morning.

I spent the day today walking around with 2 blocks of wood known as my legs. They don't bend, and they really are quite heavy, and pains from parts of my body I don't remember using suddenly slowly crept out. But as the day drew on, the muscles started to warm up and I was able to feel my own legs again and the pains weren't so painful. I know that the more practise I get, the easier it will be. So with my new fondness of endurance for the pain and aches awaiting, I look forward to the next run, and to which I say to myself in a small voice 'oh god, here I go again'

At the Cinema...

I went to the Cinema to see 'The Hurt Locker' on Sunday to see what the fuss was about. The Film was not bad, though I didn't realise that it had the 'Blair Witch element' (hand held movements with the camera...which didn't go down too well with me), but at least I enjoyed it more that 'Blair Witch'. But other things were on my mind anyway...now I'm quite a very laid back guy, so there really isn't much that bothers me. But the things that do, REALLY DO. For example, 1) People talking through the movie. Now, luckily I don't have much experience with this when I go to the movies, so when it does happen, I sit and think ''oh, the movie is just starting and they are probably abit excited about the movie', so I'il just leave it. Then 10mins into it, I start to think, they'il just quieten down, then 20, then 30, and then I realise, its not going to happen....so its time for 'the look', the one that kills. And its not the 'good flirty kill, its the 'please shut up, I am trying to watch the movie and you are buggering it up for me' look. Its amazing how effective this can be. No words, and no communication'. and then theres 2) People who insist on having there phone on through the movie. All I can say is' WTF?!' These people have the phone on and then when someone does call, they say 'I can't talk, I'm watching a movie...' WTF??!! whats the point in having it on in the first place then? And if they do talk, they tend to ignore the fact that everyone can hear them....AMAZING...truly AMAZING..that really does make me go .'HMMMM....!!'

ARTWALK 2010

I went to my first artwalk last night, and really enjoyed it. For those who don't know what it is, Artwalk is an event supported by galleries around HK and I think the arts council to give exposure to those Galleries for Chairty. So basically we pay a fee to walk all around the Galleries where there is free wine and food in aid (partly) for charity which is not a bad idea. Anything for a good cause is not a bad idea, also at the same time we get to see lots of different artist whom we may never have heard of, or know even. A good chance to broaden our knowledge of arts and artists..oh..did I mention the free booze and food?

When you have paid for a ticket, you get a badge, which you have to wear in order to enjoy the 'free things' and also a brouchure of the galleries involved and a map, showing you where they are, so you can choose your own little detour of fun. Think of it as a 'Pubcrawl' but instead you goto galleries, and even though there is wine and food, its not really the same...more like 'Artcrawl' The event starts at 5pm and ends at 12midnight. There are over 60 galleries in 7hours...that makes it...about 10 galleries an hour.. which doesn't sound alot but once you start drinking and eating from each gallery, it makes it more of a challenge to move onto the next one. A glass of iwine in each one makes it 60 glasses of wine...which is abit crazy for 1 night. But seriously, you are never going to make it to each one, so realistically speaking, you could probably make it to about 20-40 at a fast pace. So each gallery wants to show you their best pieces and want you to stay longer, so one of the ways to do that, is to prepare the best food and wine, to feed you into staying.Yes it does sound good...and yes, it IS GOOD...being pampered is not easy.

Artwalk is very very popular. Its yearly and this is its 10th Anniversary. Its a great thing to do with friends after work. . Its funny because as the night drags on, you get to see all these groups of people trying to cram into these small galleries (that is the typical gallery size in HK) so you are forever following a herd of people everywhere into galleries, and with the free flowing wine, it becomes a good chance to meet strangers and talk about how great this piece of art is and how we can understand what the artist IS actually saying. Face it, after a few glasses of wine, we begin to see art in a different light, after alot of glasses of wine, we become art critics extraordinaire.Having to try and be serous about something we totally don't get sounds like a good excuse to point and move our hands around in a artisitic manner, and another funny thing is, is that it makes us more believable. It really is fun. If this is the life of being a art reviewer or critic then it seems like a nice living.

We made our way through 10-12 galleries before the wine finally caught up with me, and my eyes were no longer under my control. Besides my lack of alcohol consumption was really not what it used to be. By about 10.30pm, I was heavily fed on snacks and finger food that really shouldn't be used as a ' fill you up'., I was also very very tired. If I was allowed to sleep in the galleries I would have.The stone pavements outside the galleries were looking very attractive and very relaxing, especially since my journey home took me an hour, and without knowing the frequency of the buses, it may take me even longer...that pavement was beginnig to look too comfortable. I slowly made myself home, luckily the bus arrived as soon as I got to the bus stop. I had a nap on the bus and it did wonders.

Only had a few hours rest before my work day started again, so the sofa was a quick option for a bed. Overall a good night out, lots to see, drink, eat and be merry , all for charity, which makes pretending to be someone who understands art but really who doesn't, that much more fun and worth it.

Whats that place called with all the books??

Why is it when I go for a coffee, either Starbucks or Pacific Coffee. Its full of students with their laptops "studying" there. I say "studying" because it what they seem to be doing but how can you study when people around you are chatting and enjoying themselves? There is so much that puts you off. It begs the question, 1) Surely a place like home or somewhere quiet is better suited for studying? 2) And how much space do they really NEED? and 3) can they really do any studying? I know that I probably couldn't.

To be honest I know if I go to a coffee shop to study, I'm actually just posing...looking intelligent, and saying 'hey, I'm very professional because I can work while I'm surrounded by all these people, and also I look good doing it, and one more last thing whatever I'm doing its important'.

Obviously my age is showing because I swear that there's a really good place, I know that not only is it quiet but also if you need answers, this place has it, This place is called a LIBRARY.
Are the days of going to spend a few hours in the library gone? Is the coffee shop the 'new' library now? or is it the new trend?

The next time I go to into one of those coffee shops I might have to bring a text book along so that I can look intelligent not to mention also also fashionable.

Wearing a mask sometimes isn't that bad...

Recently I have been ill. Its funny how I always seem to be ill at this time of the year...last year and the year before that...I'm beginning to think its part of my own health cycle, something I have to get through every year, just like clockwork. And each time takes a while to get better. though there is of course alot of disadvantages, there is also some advantages...1) You get to wear a cool mask ( well, I think its pretty cool...and look like you are going to do a bank job, though NOT a good idea to actually try this..2) when people think you are sick, you get your own personal space, no matter where you are...even if there is no more space..this is good for the MTR especially during rush hour, 3) Even though you probably get the 'evil' look from people nearby everytime you sneeze or cough, you can still have fun terriorising them by trying to stand next to them...then you can watch them squirm and try to move away as fast as they can...and 4) wearing a mask can help you hide all those bits you forgot to clear around the mouth when you were having your lunch/dinner(!).

So the next time you have to wear a mask, just enjoy the mischievous fun that comes with it!

Train packed full of crazy fed up commuters= normal rush hour

Every working morning I get up, do the same things, clean, brush, change, and leave the house facing the next hour that could determine how I feel for the whole day. Yes, that hour is the rush hour like so many hard and happy working commuters.

At first I actually enjoyed being in with the 'hard-working' lot, but after 2 years of shoving , pushing, and 'everyone' for themselves..it began to look not so pleasant.I still don't understand how people can think they can get onto the train when there is no room....I'm always amazed how even though they are at the front of the queue, they cannot wait 1 minute for the next train, which is not long but also they will be the first ones on...sounds like a win-win situation....but somehow there must be a 'special' challenge or initiation that everyone takes to be a 'proper' commuter. I've seen it happen so many times but it still amazes me. It really does like more ridiculous than those images you see of Japanese rush hour.

I believe that once you leave home for work, you catch a 'bug' that transforms your mind into believing and acting in a 'herd' like trance during the morning rush hour.You don't realise it but once you start to get close to fellow commuters, a strange thing happens, you become part of a herd, acting in the same way they do and that you all have one objective and one goal...to get 'green fields of home' on time, no matter what it takes.

Another thing I noticed is every time I go to work there seems to be more and more people, which is quite bizarre assuming that HK is in still in some sort of economic depression, nevertheless it makes it more and more of a challenge to push and fight my way to work .
I look at some of these commuters and think these are loving family members, fathers, brothers, mothers, and daughters who don't really want to be here more than me, so I always remember how commuters are like those people who are nice until they get behind the wheel of a car, and then they become complete raving nutters....especially the quiet ones...

So how has commuting affected me? I have to say I do push and shove my way through the jungle called the rush hour, not caring for everyone else except for myself, unashamedly, but thats only from monday to friday.

The days before CNY

wow...I mean WOW....I have actually gone online and decided to dust away the keyboard cobwebs....for now that is. Yes, its 2010, and February (already!) And what I am going to blog about?....not too sure..but about something anyway....maybe its just mindless typing at the keyboard until something comes into my head....ah HA!...my purpose of these blogs....my life! (what else is there??) But more about my life in HK and the funny things that happen here...well, not necessarily funny...but just odd, and things that make me go hmmm...

So January has ended (so fast) and February is getting underway...and with CNY so close (next week in fact) that can only mean 1 thing.....PREPARATION. Yep...CNY in HK can not get any bigger...(well...maybe China) So that means, buying new traditional Fei Chuns (greetings to greet new luck and health and all the good things into your home with) , Throwing away the old things and replace with the new and the endless craziness of cleaning your home. Crazy? Its crazy for people like me who just are stuck to their sofa and remote controls, and has hardly ever opened cupboards that don't contain food or books.It might abit extreme, but believe me, you don't really know how much mess a guy makes, especially in a place thats not that big. Don't get me wrong CNY is great, a happy time, a time to spend with the family, and a time to get some money. The tradition of receiving money from the elderly and couplesis always followed. I may sound cheap, but hey, I work and saving is not really a concept that goes well with me. So I suppose receiving money from people is no bad thing. I don't feel that ashamed when I receive money that kids get as well. Hell, its tradition, and people don't mind.

I have decided that this CNY, I won't go crazy with the cleaning, and just do cleaning that doesn't need me to rearrange the whole flat in a 'looking for the treasure' type of way. Also, to give myself more time, I have started early, and I'm pleased to say that, even with 1 week to go before the festivities start, I have managed to do some cleaning, which just leaves some small places to clean.

As with all jobs, we all have deadlines. today, tomorrow, next week, and all holidays...xmas, easter...etc..etc.. That list also includes CNY, but this one scares me....why? because, being in the print industry, printers have a crazy holiday of about 10days(thats more than some people get in 1 year!!) which really screws our schedule. Also CNY is on different days each year, February one year, January the next... So the workload can be bad or can be mad.

Anyway, back to the CNY rant, 1 week to go, and a few more things to do, but with work this week being mad, it looks like its going to be a hell of a week...