Tonight is the second last night I am in Hong Kong. This is the second time this week I came home at 3am in the morning, after visiting a bar opened by a friend named Backstage. Tonight, the new group, Vega, was performing there. They specialise in Classical Pop, but their combination of classical sounds and pop music was not really effective in my opinion. However, their own renditions of other songs were quite good. I guess I would not be rushing to HMV to get their CD tomorrow.
Had dinner with some old church friends tonight prior to going to Backstage. I am so happy for two couples who will be expecting babies soon. This is again a reminder to me that everyone else has moved on in life, and it seems like that I am still in the same life stageg as I was ten years ago.
I also had another trim of my hair today, to make it short, so that I can be all refreshed when I am back in Australia. So great for the hairdresser to give me a discount again.
So tired now... so I will post some more deeper thoughts tomorrow or when I return to Australia.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Friday, March 28, 2008
Trip 2008 (9)
I spent the past few days meeting up with friends and going to Macau.
I am continually amazed at the development of Macau. We stayed at MGM, one of the new casino hotel. The room was magnificent and the venue was very classy and nice. We also visited the Venetian, which looked great from the distance, with its imitation Venice canals, but on closer inspection, everything looked so "plastic".
I actually planned to play blackjack just for fun when I was there, but as soon as I got there, and watching other people play, I had no urge to play anymore. Maybe I think there is no real entertainment value from gambling, and that the return from such activities is not great enough for me to risk my money.
Last night, I went to drinks with three of my old law school friends. We talked about how the four of us were drinking at the place of one of them 8 years ago, and that one of my friend and me locked ourselves in separate rooms, as we couldn't drink anymore. That was also the year I came back to Hong Kong for a holiday. Time passes so quickly. But here we were again, drinking again, and chatting about old times.
Today, I visited my friend and her baby. It seems like only yesterday that we were at university today, and I could still recall driving her to university as if it happened yesterday. And now she is married and is a mother already, taking care of her own child.
So these few days is like a visit down memory lane.
I am continually amazed at the development of Macau. We stayed at MGM, one of the new casino hotel. The room was magnificent and the venue was very classy and nice. We also visited the Venetian, which looked great from the distance, with its imitation Venice canals, but on closer inspection, everything looked so "plastic".
I actually planned to play blackjack just for fun when I was there, but as soon as I got there, and watching other people play, I had no urge to play anymore. Maybe I think there is no real entertainment value from gambling, and that the return from such activities is not great enough for me to risk my money.
Last night, I went to drinks with three of my old law school friends. We talked about how the four of us were drinking at the place of one of them 8 years ago, and that one of my friend and me locked ourselves in separate rooms, as we couldn't drink anymore. That was also the year I came back to Hong Kong for a holiday. Time passes so quickly. But here we were again, drinking again, and chatting about old times.
Today, I visited my friend and her baby. It seems like only yesterday that we were at university today, and I could still recall driving her to university as if it happened yesterday. And now she is married and is a mother already, taking care of her own child.
So these few days is like a visit down memory lane.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Trip 2008 (8)
My last day in Tokyo was spent at the John Lennon Musuem. Looking through his life and the way he advocated for peace brings tears to my eyes as I walked into the "Imagine" room where they were showing footages of him making that song. It was one of the most moving museum I have seen. If only our world is a better place now, but the message of peace and love is still a foreign concept to the lives of many.
At night, I went to Ginza and walked around. Our final meal in Tokyo was at the Kirin Cafe in Ginza, where we drank different types of Kirin beer and had a filling Western meal.
It seems that I have been in Japan for longer than these 10-12 days as I felt that I have mastered their complicated transport system. It has been a ritual for me to go to the convenient store in the morning and at night to buy my breakfast and get bottled water for the night. Maybe I have also acquired their style of dress - the last night, I was asked by a Japanese person off the street in Japanese how to get to a specific place. When I talked to them in English, they looked shocked. So the fact that I have been able to submerge with the locals is an achievement in itself.
I have also learnt about my personality which I may write in my next blog.
Now back to Hong Kong for a few more days....
At night, I went to Ginza and walked around. Our final meal in Tokyo was at the Kirin Cafe in Ginza, where we drank different types of Kirin beer and had a filling Western meal.
It seems that I have been in Japan for longer than these 10-12 days as I felt that I have mastered their complicated transport system. It has been a ritual for me to go to the convenient store in the morning and at night to buy my breakfast and get bottled water for the night. Maybe I have also acquired their style of dress - the last night, I was asked by a Japanese person off the street in Japanese how to get to a specific place. When I talked to them in English, they looked shocked. So the fact that I have been able to submerge with the locals is an achievement in itself.
I have also learnt about my personality which I may write in my next blog.
Now back to Hong Kong for a few more days....
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Trip 2008 (7)
Today is Good Friday. There seems to be no hint of any celebration today in Tokyo. Life goes on as normal, with shops still open and just as much people on the streets.
Maybe in a way, there is a great need for the gospel here. I am constantly being reminded of this in my travels to Asia. Who is willing to be the messager in these parts of the world? I was thinking how ironic things are - we are more willing to learn a foreign language for travel than to learn one for the purpose of gospel.
The last two days were basically spent shopping in Shinjuku, Shinbuya and Harajuku. It is so funny that every time I walk into a shop, people think I am Japanese. Maybe it is because of the way I dress now - beannie and scarf - just like the other Jap guys. Also went to Rappoggi Hills today, and marvelled at the design of the LV building. While we were there, we went up to the observatory deck of the Mori Tower, and had a marvellous view of the whole of Tokyo.
My second travel buddy has been missing in action for two days. He probably went out himself with some of his friends. Well, given that he is not interested in shopping and stuff, maybe this is a good thing.
My travel buddy and I have been doing alot of 'chick spotting' during our time in Japan. We even tried to take photos, but at times was found out by others, resulting in the target turning away. This is something I would not do in Sydney. I wonder why I am doing it here.
Last day in Tokyo tomorrow - so much to do, so little time left.
Maybe in a way, there is a great need for the gospel here. I am constantly being reminded of this in my travels to Asia. Who is willing to be the messager in these parts of the world? I was thinking how ironic things are - we are more willing to learn a foreign language for travel than to learn one for the purpose of gospel.
The last two days were basically spent shopping in Shinjuku, Shinbuya and Harajuku. It is so funny that every time I walk into a shop, people think I am Japanese. Maybe it is because of the way I dress now - beannie and scarf - just like the other Jap guys. Also went to Rappoggi Hills today, and marvelled at the design of the LV building. While we were there, we went up to the observatory deck of the Mori Tower, and had a marvellous view of the whole of Tokyo.
My second travel buddy has been missing in action for two days. He probably went out himself with some of his friends. Well, given that he is not interested in shopping and stuff, maybe this is a good thing.
My travel buddy and I have been doing alot of 'chick spotting' during our time in Japan. We even tried to take photos, but at times was found out by others, resulting in the target turning away. This is something I would not do in Sydney. I wonder why I am doing it here.
Last day in Tokyo tomorrow - so much to do, so little time left.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Trip 2008 (6)
Today, we visited the Ghibli Museum, where the whole museum was devoted to the works of Ghibli, the creator of anime movies such as Laputa and Spirited Away. It was a very interesting exhibition, and we were able to see images from his works in the display. I only wished I was there with a friend who is also a Studio Ghibili fan. I am sure I could shared more with him than with my travel buddy who is not so familiar with the works of Ghibili.
I spent a fortune at the gift shop, getting mostly gifts for my sister and my nephew. How I wish I could bring the whole shop back.
The afternoon and night was spent in Odabah, and visiting the Fuji TV studios as well as the Venus Fort where it was decorated like an ancient Eurpoe architecture.
We are just so tired now, from walking around so much.
I spent a fortune at the gift shop, getting mostly gifts for my sister and my nephew. How I wish I could bring the whole shop back.
The afternoon and night was spent in Odabah, and visiting the Fuji TV studios as well as the Venus Fort where it was decorated like an ancient Eurpoe architecture.
We are just so tired now, from walking around so much.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Trip 2008 (5)
Having been in Japan for about a week now, I have made the following observations about the Japanese:
1. Japan is all about convenience. Toilets are fitted with heatable seats, and water can be used to flush your ass after you finish. You can get anything at convenient stores and vending machines, and the food they sell there is actually quite nice. For example, sushi rolls sold in convenient stores are wrapped in a way that separates the rice from the seaweed which is aimed to retain the crunchiness of the seaweed. It is so much better than the sushi roll being sold in Australia, where the seaweed is already soggy from the rice. I have been having this for breakfast for a few days now, and they are always nice and fresh.
2. Japanese people are polite and friendly. They will bow to you and say sorry when they bump into you. However, beyond this, they are like other Asians, who are only concerned about themselves. I have seen many young Japanese people on trains and buses not giving seats to eldery people even though they are seating in priority seats.
3. Japanese people seem to be more cultured than we expect. I went to the National Museum of Western Art in Tokyo today and they had a special exihibition of works deplicting Venus, the goddess of love, which have been sourced from all over the world, including Florence and Naples. Even though its a week day, there were many Japanese people there, and it was quite packed inside. The normal exhibitions in the museum was quite small in comparison with the Art Gallery in Sydney, but their section of works from Impressionist artists were very impression, with a few works from Monet (including a painting of the famed Water Lillies) and other artists such as Manet and Renoir. There is even a painting by Vincent van Gogh there.
So far, I do not really like Tokyo. Such a big busy city and people do not seem as warm as those in smaller cities like Kyoto. We went to a tour of the Imperial Palace grounds today which we had to pre-book. In the afternoon, I split up with my travel buddy and I went to the National Museum fo Western Art (as described above). Last night was spent in Shinjuku, where we went to a restaurant and you had to fish your own fish and lobsters and they cook it for you on the spot. It was really fun and we are planning to go there again tonight. My other travel buddy is arriving today (he was sick so did not arrive earlier) so hopefully we will have more fun in the next few days.
1. Japan is all about convenience. Toilets are fitted with heatable seats, and water can be used to flush your ass after you finish. You can get anything at convenient stores and vending machines, and the food they sell there is actually quite nice. For example, sushi rolls sold in convenient stores are wrapped in a way that separates the rice from the seaweed which is aimed to retain the crunchiness of the seaweed. It is so much better than the sushi roll being sold in Australia, where the seaweed is already soggy from the rice. I have been having this for breakfast for a few days now, and they are always nice and fresh.
2. Japanese people are polite and friendly. They will bow to you and say sorry when they bump into you. However, beyond this, they are like other Asians, who are only concerned about themselves. I have seen many young Japanese people on trains and buses not giving seats to eldery people even though they are seating in priority seats.
3. Japanese people seem to be more cultured than we expect. I went to the National Museum of Western Art in Tokyo today and they had a special exihibition of works deplicting Venus, the goddess of love, which have been sourced from all over the world, including Florence and Naples. Even though its a week day, there were many Japanese people there, and it was quite packed inside. The normal exhibitions in the museum was quite small in comparison with the Art Gallery in Sydney, but their section of works from Impressionist artists were very impression, with a few works from Monet (including a painting of the famed Water Lillies) and other artists such as Manet and Renoir. There is even a painting by Vincent van Gogh there.
So far, I do not really like Tokyo. Such a big busy city and people do not seem as warm as those in smaller cities like Kyoto. We went to a tour of the Imperial Palace grounds today which we had to pre-book. In the afternoon, I split up with my travel buddy and I went to the National Museum fo Western Art (as described above). Last night was spent in Shinjuku, where we went to a restaurant and you had to fish your own fish and lobsters and they cook it for you on the spot. It was really fun and we are planning to go there again tonight. My other travel buddy is arriving today (he was sick so did not arrive earlier) so hopefully we will have more fun in the next few days.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Trip 2008 (4)
Have been in Kyoto for the past three days. Most of these days were filled with temple visits during the day and at night. We went to around seven temples in these couple of days.
It was good that we got a volunteer tour guide on the first day, who showed us around several temples and explained the meaning of the differnet symbolisms used in the temples. These themes carry across to all other temples. It was interesting to learn about their fear of fire, and the significance of water in its effect on creating zen gardens and the like. The influence of China also plays a role in these temples, especially in some of the paintings on the walls inside the temple.
Seeing so many people visit these temples, buying charms and praying to the statute again makes me realise how spiritually hungry we all are. We all strive for something greater than ourselves to help us, and sometimes when we are at crossroads, we don't know who to turn to. Spening a few hundred yen on a charm gives them a sense of hope and asssurance that they may be blessed by higher beings. We, as Christians, should tell them the real hope we have found so that they too can experience the real joy and peace from this real hope.
The day trip to Hiroshima today was a major highlight of the trip so far. Walking through the memorial park and visiting the museum and looking at the effect of bombs and the things left behind made me so sad and brought a few tears to my eyes. How can human beings treat each other like this? After understanding the political factors in play for US to drop the bomb on Japan, I really feel sorry for the innocent civilians affected by this. While we can all advocate for world peace, we also realise that true peace will never come in this life, as long as selfish humans are in power. All we can long for and hope for is the true peace from the kingdom of God.
We tried some interesting foods in these few days (after my encounter with raw crab on the first night), including raw horse (which tasted quite nice, but the thought of eating horses made the experience more painful than necessary), tofu kaiseki (what a way to eat tofu but only eating the skin off a pot of boiling liquidify tofu), Hiroshima oysters (large, succulent and delicious, made using a variety of ways), Hiroshima yaki speciality (it was yummy, but I can't describe what it is) and onokomiyaki (so much better than the ones in Sydney). The food in Japan is so good that I am afraid that I will be a fat boy when I return.
Our night times were spent wandering around. We spend some time in the clubs and cafes areas, as well as the red light district. We also went to the small street and saw a few geishas walking around. Unfortuately we couldn't take any photos with them.
The weather in Japan has been so weird. In these three days, we experienced rain, sun, cold and heat. It is like four seasons in one day. I would be able to wear t-shirts during the day, but had to wear a large jacket at night. Global warming is getting out of control. Hopefully we can all play a part to reduce its effects.
Looking forward to going to Tokyo tomorrow, and hopefully will have internet access then.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Trip 2008 （３）
Finally arrived in Japan.
I had a haircut on my last day in ＨＫ. One of the most expensive haircuts I ever had. This stylist do the hairs for a lot of HK celebrity, and my friend introduced his services to me. He cut my hair really short and gave me a discount as well. Even with the discount, it is still excessive, but at least the atmosphere of the place (at IFC) makes it worthwhile. I also met up with my the mother of my friend, and had lunch at the famous Tai Ping Koon. The souflee was so massive that we did not even finish half of it. At night, met up with a friend and his partner at Soho, and we had a quick drink. It was interesting to see so many new bars and clubs opened in that area.
I was also confronted with some personal temptation this day. It shows how weak we are and that I really needed God to really help me.
The next morning, I had to catch the plane to Japan. I woke up later than expected, and instead of catching the bus to the airport, I caught the taxi to Tsing Yee and then the train to the airport. The food on the plane was really bad, again. I must lodge a complaint to Cathay for the quality of food they serve. The satay beef tasted like leftovers from three days ago. The plane food on Cathay used to be better than this. I wonder what happened.
Arrived in Osaka in the afternoon, and after taking a bus to the city, checked in at the hotel. My travel buddy and I went up to the Floating Observasation Garden and took in the splendid view of Osaka. Later that night, we headed down to Namba, and the famous Dotombouri, where we tasted the famous giant crab. The crab set dinner was very filling and was terrific. We also tried taking pictures of some of the nice girls, and I even got my picture taken with one. We walked around for quite a while, and we passed some strip clubs and brothel places, and it was so funny that they thought we were Japanese and invited us in, and once they found out we weren't, they were no longer interested in asking us.
The second day, we went to the Osaka Castle, and experienced the majestic nature of the castle, with the high moats and fortifications surrounding it. Saw some cherry blossom too, which was great. Then we headed off to lunch at Kobe and had the famous Kobe beef. The chef did so many variety with it, and cooked it in so many different ways. From the simple steak, to the use of fats in dishes and the use of other vegetables. Then off to Himeji we went. The bad thing about this day was that we had to carry our bags around, but it wasn't too bad. At Himeji station, there were lockers to put our bags in, and we thought at first they only had small lockers (and we tried to stuff our big bags into those at first) , only to find out that there were larger ones elsewhere in the station. It was disappointing that we couldn't go into the castle, since we were a bit too late. Hopefully, we can work around our plans and try to go to Himeji again, as the area is really one of the nicest areas I've been to in Japan.
At Himeji, we caught the bullet train to Kyoto. These trains were so fast that I couldn't believe it. Stand at a platform when they travel past, and I can assure you that you wouldn't never stand close to the edge of the platform ever again. We arrived in Kyoto early evening, and we wanted to see the temples being lit up at night (since they were going to do this). We had a hard time working out which bus to catch, and when we were on board, we did not know how to pay for the bus ride. Worse of all, the driver and the passengers did not speak English, and we missed our stop on the first night! What made it worse was that when we got off at the next stop, and tried to find those temples being lit up at night, we were told that we were one day too early. And so we got a bus back to Kyoto station, hoping to find something to eat. But alas, all the restaurants and cafes closed at 10pm. We ended up finding a bar, and we had bar food, which consisted of skewers and fried stuff. I did not know they had an English menu and was ordering from the Japanese menu, trying to guess the food with the Chinese characters used in the menu.
The trip so far has been good, but my impression of Japanese people so far was that they tended to mind their own business and do not really look after other people. However, we did meet some nice people along the way too, and when asking people for directions, most of them were too happy to assist. However, our experience with the bus was really bad, as none of the passengers attempted to help us.
I had a haircut on my last day in ＨＫ. One of the most expensive haircuts I ever had. This stylist do the hairs for a lot of HK celebrity, and my friend introduced his services to me. He cut my hair really short and gave me a discount as well. Even with the discount, it is still excessive, but at least the atmosphere of the place (at IFC) makes it worthwhile. I also met up with my the mother of my friend, and had lunch at the famous Tai Ping Koon. The souflee was so massive that we did not even finish half of it. At night, met up with a friend and his partner at Soho, and we had a quick drink. It was interesting to see so many new bars and clubs opened in that area.
I was also confronted with some personal temptation this day. It shows how weak we are and that I really needed God to really help me.
The next morning, I had to catch the plane to Japan. I woke up later than expected, and instead of catching the bus to the airport, I caught the taxi to Tsing Yee and then the train to the airport. The food on the plane was really bad, again. I must lodge a complaint to Cathay for the quality of food they serve. The satay beef tasted like leftovers from three days ago. The plane food on Cathay used to be better than this. I wonder what happened.
Arrived in Osaka in the afternoon, and after taking a bus to the city, checked in at the hotel. My travel buddy and I went up to the Floating Observasation Garden and took in the splendid view of Osaka. Later that night, we headed down to Namba, and the famous Dotombouri, where we tasted the famous giant crab. The crab set dinner was very filling and was terrific. We also tried taking pictures of some of the nice girls, and I even got my picture taken with one. We walked around for quite a while, and we passed some strip clubs and brothel places, and it was so funny that they thought we were Japanese and invited us in, and once they found out we weren't, they were no longer interested in asking us.
The second day, we went to the Osaka Castle, and experienced the majestic nature of the castle, with the high moats and fortifications surrounding it. Saw some cherry blossom too, which was great. Then we headed off to lunch at Kobe and had the famous Kobe beef. The chef did so many variety with it, and cooked it in so many different ways. From the simple steak, to the use of fats in dishes and the use of other vegetables. Then off to Himeji we went. The bad thing about this day was that we had to carry our bags around, but it wasn't too bad. At Himeji station, there were lockers to put our bags in, and we thought at first they only had small lockers (and we tried to stuff our big bags into those at first) , only to find out that there were larger ones elsewhere in the station. It was disappointing that we couldn't go into the castle, since we were a bit too late. Hopefully, we can work around our plans and try to go to Himeji again, as the area is really one of the nicest areas I've been to in Japan.
At Himeji, we caught the bullet train to Kyoto. These trains were so fast that I couldn't believe it. Stand at a platform when they travel past, and I can assure you that you wouldn't never stand close to the edge of the platform ever again. We arrived in Kyoto early evening, and we wanted to see the temples being lit up at night (since they were going to do this). We had a hard time working out which bus to catch, and when we were on board, we did not know how to pay for the bus ride. Worse of all, the driver and the passengers did not speak English, and we missed our stop on the first night! What made it worse was that when we got off at the next stop, and tried to find those temples being lit up at night, we were told that we were one day too early. And so we got a bus back to Kyoto station, hoping to find something to eat. But alas, all the restaurants and cafes closed at 10pm. We ended up finding a bar, and we had bar food, which consisted of skewers and fried stuff. I did not know they had an English menu and was ordering from the Japanese menu, trying to guess the food with the Chinese characters used in the menu.
The trip so far has been good, but my impression of Japanese people so far was that they tended to mind their own business and do not really look after other people. However, we did meet some nice people along the way too, and when asking people for directions, most of them were too happy to assist. However, our experience with the bus was really bad, as none of the passengers attempted to help us.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Trip 2008(2)
I have only been in Hong Kong for three days, but it seems like I have been here for much longer than this. Maybe it is because I go from place to place every day.
Went to morning yum cha again today and then to the island of Cheung Chau (by ferry) to see cherry blossoms with my relatives. It was disappointing, as there was only one large tree. Hopefully I will be able to see the real thing when I am in Japan in a few days time.
Later in the day, when I came back to Hong Kong, I met some friends for coffee. As I am chatting with them, I wonder what I would have been like if I actually came to Hong Kong to work. Maybe I would be so caught up by the culture of Hong Kong that I would be a different person to who I am now. Thinking back, I have gained so much perspective from staying in Australia. My faith in God has grown deeper these few years, and God has given me so much opportunity to experience him in different facets of my life.
At night, I met with an old friend for dinner. We talked about our relationship issues. We used to chat frequently when he was in Australia, and it has been a while since we last chatted. Talking about my own experience made me realise that I seem to have lost the passion or desire for relationship. I know I expect too much, but I can't help myself. Maybe I concentrate too much on the flaws of my potential partners and not on their good points. Maybe I am just a selfish guy, who is continuing to live in a fantasy land. The irony behind all this is a lack of urgency in this matter in my mind at the moment.
Went to morning yum cha again today and then to the island of Cheung Chau (by ferry) to see cherry blossoms with my relatives. It was disappointing, as there was only one large tree. Hopefully I will be able to see the real thing when I am in Japan in a few days time.
Later in the day, when I came back to Hong Kong, I met some friends for coffee. As I am chatting with them, I wonder what I would have been like if I actually came to Hong Kong to work. Maybe I would be so caught up by the culture of Hong Kong that I would be a different person to who I am now. Thinking back, I have gained so much perspective from staying in Australia. My faith in God has grown deeper these few years, and God has given me so much opportunity to experience him in different facets of my life.
At night, I met with an old friend for dinner. We talked about our relationship issues. We used to chat frequently when he was in Australia, and it has been a while since we last chatted. Talking about my own experience made me realise that I seem to have lost the passion or desire for relationship. I know I expect too much, but I can't help myself. Maybe I concentrate too much on the flaws of my potential partners and not on their good points. Maybe I am just a selfish guy, who is continuing to live in a fantasy land. The irony behind all this is a lack of urgency in this matter in my mind at the moment.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Trip 2008 (1)
My trip to HK and Japan came so quickly.
It seem only yesterday that my friend mention in passing of trip in March, and I told him I was interested as well, and here we are, several months later, blogging from Hong Kong.
It still doesn't feel so real yet, as I was still working until the last day, and getting on the flight at night doesn't give me time to settle and think.
The flight was pleasant, apart from the new Cathay seats, where you are not able to recline the back part of the seats. The food was the worse I've had. Its the first time in any trip that I did not eat breakfast. How can one swallow the watery scrabbled eggs?
The first day I was back, I spent half the day trying to renew my China travel documentation. The rest of the day I did alot of things - karaoke (Neway - songs were old, but they did have internet access in the room), buying a camera (considered Casio and Olympus, but eventually reverted back to the old favourite, Canon), eating street food (stinky tofu) and eating great food (baby lobster that have not grown yet - it looks cruel at first but the flesh is so tender, also had duck stuffed with scallops and other treasures). Apart from spending time with my relatives on the first day, it was also great spending a few hours with my friend from church, who was flying back to Sydney that night. It was great to be with a familiar face on the first day, and we chatted in English like we do in Australia, to the dismay of some people in the busy streets of Mong Kok.
Today is the second day, and being a Sunday, I went to a local church with my auntie. Similar to my experience in previous years, the sermon in local churches in Hong Kong is very shallow and did not contain any exegesis. The point about obeying God's law (based on a passage in Leviticus) was hammered for about an hour, but what the speaker did not mention is that most of us are not able to do so. The speaker did not explain the impact of Jesus and the NT on the law. The role of the law is to show us that we are sinners, and that we need Jesus, but this was not emphasised in the sermon. The face that I picked this up may yet be God talking to me again and trying to show me something in my life that I may not want to face at this point in time.
Went to yum cha with my relatives after church. My cousin asked me whether I have any plans of getting married or owning a property. This is so embarrassing. What can I say? That at this age, I am still so troubled in my relationships with others and that even if I have plans, they may not eventuate anyway? So sad.... =(
The afternoon was spent walking around the new shopping complex Elements with one of my travel buddies, and going into all those designer label stores. The service was extremely good (with special mention going to the IWC stores who spent a long time showing us the watches and allowing us to try them on, but no matter how nice they were, I think it is too excessive to spend $7,000 to $15,000 AUD on a watch). I also had a great time looking at the H&M store. It is the first time I've seen this brand (which is associated with Madonna) in Hong Kong. Had Japanese dinner with an old friend from church who has came back to Hong Kong with her husband a year ago, and it was great catching up. She is also working at the Hong Kong office of the firm I am working for in Sydney, and we were also talking about the various people that we know and the gossips that are associated with them.
It seem only yesterday that my friend mention in passing of trip in March, and I told him I was interested as well, and here we are, several months later, blogging from Hong Kong.
It still doesn't feel so real yet, as I was still working until the last day, and getting on the flight at night doesn't give me time to settle and think.
The flight was pleasant, apart from the new Cathay seats, where you are not able to recline the back part of the seats. The food was the worse I've had. Its the first time in any trip that I did not eat breakfast. How can one swallow the watery scrabbled eggs?
The first day I was back, I spent half the day trying to renew my China travel documentation. The rest of the day I did alot of things - karaoke (Neway - songs were old, but they did have internet access in the room), buying a camera (considered Casio and Olympus, but eventually reverted back to the old favourite, Canon), eating street food (stinky tofu) and eating great food (baby lobster that have not grown yet - it looks cruel at first but the flesh is so tender, also had duck stuffed with scallops and other treasures). Apart from spending time with my relatives on the first day, it was also great spending a few hours with my friend from church, who was flying back to Sydney that night. It was great to be with a familiar face on the first day, and we chatted in English like we do in Australia, to the dismay of some people in the busy streets of Mong Kok.
Today is the second day, and being a Sunday, I went to a local church with my auntie. Similar to my experience in previous years, the sermon in local churches in Hong Kong is very shallow and did not contain any exegesis. The point about obeying God's law (based on a passage in Leviticus) was hammered for about an hour, but what the speaker did not mention is that most of us are not able to do so. The speaker did not explain the impact of Jesus and the NT on the law. The role of the law is to show us that we are sinners, and that we need Jesus, but this was not emphasised in the sermon. The face that I picked this up may yet be God talking to me again and trying to show me something in my life that I may not want to face at this point in time.
Went to yum cha with my relatives after church. My cousin asked me whether I have any plans of getting married or owning a property. This is so embarrassing. What can I say? That at this age, I am still so troubled in my relationships with others and that even if I have plans, they may not eventuate anyway? So sad.... =(
The afternoon was spent walking around the new shopping complex Elements with one of my travel buddies, and going into all those designer label stores. The service was extremely good (with special mention going to the IWC stores who spent a long time showing us the watches and allowing us to try them on, but no matter how nice they were, I think it is too excessive to spend $7,000 to $15,000 AUD on a watch). I also had a great time looking at the H&M store. It is the first time I've seen this brand (which is associated with Madonna) in Hong Kong. Had Japanese dinner with an old friend from church who has came back to Hong Kong with her husband a year ago, and it was great catching up. She is also working at the Hong Kong office of the firm I am working for in Sydney, and we were also talking about the various people that we know and the gossips that are associated with them.
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