Last Saturday morning, I was walking along George Street going to a colleagues place for lunch,when I saw her walking towards me. At first I wondered whether it was her. She has not changed over the past 10 years. As we approach each other, I pretended not to see her, and she walked right past me.
Was it her? Was it not her?
I remembered the events from 10 years ago. My first girlfriend. The memories we shared. The hurt we caused. They are still as fresh today as they were 10 years ago.
10 years passed by so quickly. Alot has changed, alot hasn't changed. She may be married by now.
The last time I saw her was about 5 years ago, when I bumped into her and her boyfriend in a restaurant, where I was dining with my (then) girlfriend. We had a brief chat, introduced our partners, and that was that.
Then last night, I dreamt of bumping into her again and talking to her. I woke up with a really weird feeling. Maybe there is still things I have not dealt with from the past? Or maybe I am just too sentimental?
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Music Therapy
Music has a therapeutic power. This week I've been a bit more happier at work, all because of the power of music.
Last Saturday night, I spent rehearsing for the Sunday service, rearranging songs and determining the parts for instruments. After song leading on Sunday, some of the songs stay in my mind and I was reminded of God's grace and providence during the week.
Monday night, I taught piano, and I had a great time collaborating with my student, teaching him chords and composition basics.
Heard a worship CD last night which brightened my spirits.
Sometimes I wonder what if I pursued and developed deeper my interests in music. Maybe I could have been a music therapist, bring relief to others and myself.
Last Saturday night, I spent rehearsing for the Sunday service, rearranging songs and determining the parts for instruments. After song leading on Sunday, some of the songs stay in my mind and I was reminded of God's grace and providence during the week.
Monday night, I taught piano, and I had a great time collaborating with my student, teaching him chords and composition basics.
Heard a worship CD last night which brightened my spirits.
Sometimes I wonder what if I pursued and developed deeper my interests in music. Maybe I could have been a music therapist, bring relief to others and myself.
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Greater Good 2
Another person in my group is not happy about being overworked. What can I do to help this poor girl, who is only a graduate, having been in our group for less than 2 months, and already working endlessly weekdays and weekends, with no breaks. I feel sorry for her. In alot of respects, I understand her, as I am going through similar emotions.
Maybe it is time for me to do something, and speak out on behalf of the group. This can't last forever, and I just can't think of myself. Maybe I should do something for the greater good. I can't just hope things will change.
Maybe it is time for me to do something, and speak out on behalf of the group. This can't last forever, and I just can't think of myself. Maybe I should do something for the greater good. I can't just hope things will change.
Play! - A Video Game Symphony
Attending the show makes me realise how much work goes behind the music we take for granted in games. It also brings back memories from childhood, when I was playing games such as Super Mario Bros and Zelda, and made me appreciate how much my parents have given me when I was young. Listening to music from Final Fantasy and Halo reminds me of the explosion of the instant messaging and how this has changed our way of communication forever. While music from World of Warcraft and later games reminds me of my age.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
V-Tech Rampage
Recently, a game appeared on the internet, titled V-Tech Rampage, which uses the events of the Virginia Tech massacre earlier this year. The game involves the player playing the role of Cho, the perpetrator in the actual massacre. There are three stages in the game reflecting the events of the massacre - the killing of the girl he liked, the sending of the parcel to the media and the final shooting spree at the Norris Hill building.
The game is so realistic that it sends chills down my spine when playing it. Alot of debate has subsequently be made as to whether it is ethical for the creator to make such games, as the game seems to glorify such killings.
However, the same argument can apply to war games people play, such as Medal of Honour or Civilization. We are more insensitive to these games as the events happen in a different time period to our current age and time. But these games also seem to be glorifying killings with ultimate winner is the one who defeats the other side(s) by killing.
Should we think more about the games we play?
The game is so realistic that it sends chills down my spine when playing it. Alot of debate has subsequently be made as to whether it is ethical for the creator to make such games, as the game seems to glorify such killings.
However, the same argument can apply to war games people play, such as Medal of Honour or Civilization. We are more insensitive to these games as the events happen in a different time period to our current age and time. But these games also seem to be glorifying killings with ultimate winner is the one who defeats the other side(s) by killing.
Should we think more about the games we play?
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Gone
Everyone is gone....or will be going... why is God taking everyone away from me? These are people that I rely on and that I have a close bond with. I missed those who are already gone and I know I will miss those who will be going. There is also a risk that once people are gone, people change or I change, and the relationship will never be the same again.
But maybe for their happiness and well being, leaving is a good thing for them. Maybe all I should do is to show my support for them, in their pursuit of dreams and happiness.
Farewell... take care...
But maybe for their happiness and well being, leaving is a good thing for them. Maybe all I should do is to show my support for them, in their pursuit of dreams and happiness.
Farewell... take care...
Greater good?
The whole debacle with the bad boss blew up yesterday, with my secretary being involved and I was dragged into it. I am still too emotional to describe the event. It hurts me alot when my secretary is so upset. I also hurts me when graduate lawyers are so unhappy but they have no way to escape. They all come to me for help, but I am, in a way, in the same situation as them.
Maybe for the greater good, I have to complain to management, at the expense of my career, so that justice can be restored. The group is so disfunctional at the moment that it is not helping. The other boss in the group knows, but I question the extent of his involvement since there is a clear conflict of interest for him to be really involved.
I am more and more inclined to do the greater good. It will be a liberation for me. I think this is what it takes to be a leader?
Maybe for the greater good, I have to complain to management, at the expense of my career, so that justice can be restored. The group is so disfunctional at the moment that it is not helping. The other boss in the group knows, but I question the extent of his involvement since there is a clear conflict of interest for him to be really involved.
I am more and more inclined to do the greater good. It will be a liberation for me. I think this is what it takes to be a leader?
Friday, May 25, 2007
Endless work
Working later and later these days... physically and mentally tired...
Doesn't help that I am still working for that stupid boss, who 'tries' to be nice, but is rude in every respect...
A boss who emails me every minute to ask me whether I have done a task when he full well knows I am working on it...
A boss who promises clients ridiculous deadlines...
A boss who only wants me to do work for his clients, telling me to ignore other clients of other bosses (and even some of my own clients)...
A boss who gets upset as I had to attend a client function with another boss and he wasn't invited...
A boss who is petty...
If he continues in this way, I will not just blog, I will just walk out. I have gone through that scenario in my head and it will be an attractive alternative if I continue to suffer mental tortures from him.
Doesn't help that I am still working for that stupid boss, who 'tries' to be nice, but is rude in every respect...
A boss who emails me every minute to ask me whether I have done a task when he full well knows I am working on it...
A boss who promises clients ridiculous deadlines...
A boss who only wants me to do work for his clients, telling me to ignore other clients of other bosses (and even some of my own clients)...
A boss who gets upset as I had to attend a client function with another boss and he wasn't invited...
A boss who is petty...
If he continues in this way, I will not just blog, I will just walk out. I have gone through that scenario in my head and it will be an attractive alternative if I continue to suffer mental tortures from him.
Friday, May 18, 2007
Realisation
I sometimes wonder how young people nowadays can just stand there and do nothing while others do things around them.
Aren't they taught to help out when older people are doing things? How can they just stand there and continue chatting when they see older people trying to lift things and move things? Even if you ask them to do it, they pretend that they don't know you.
Now I realise why they do it. It is because their parents don't require them to do anything at home. Their parents do everything for them. So to them it is normal for older people to do things while they stand around and do nothing. They don't think they need to do something.
If their parents don't even ask them to do things at home, how can you ask them to do things outside of home?
Aren't they taught to help out when older people are doing things? How can they just stand there and continue chatting when they see older people trying to lift things and move things? Even if you ask them to do it, they pretend that they don't know you.
Now I realise why they do it. It is because their parents don't require them to do anything at home. Their parents do everything for them. So to them it is normal for older people to do things while they stand around and do nothing. They don't think they need to do something.
If their parents don't even ask them to do things at home, how can you ask them to do things outside of home?
God's work
Why are God's work being shoved around from person to person? Why are some people so burdened with everything, while others are not burdened at all?
People are so protective of themselves. They do not want to step out of their comfort zone. If they are offered a role in one ministry, they would only be concerned about that ministry. What about if their ministry is very narrow, and another person's ministry is very broad? Does that mean that everything is done by the other person, and that person does nothing, even though that person knows the other person has so much on?
Isn't it a privilege for us to serve God? Why don't people take things on even if they are in a leadership role? How can one influence others if our leaders are like that, trying to shove things to other leaders?
People are so protective of themselves. They do not want to step out of their comfort zone. If they are offered a role in one ministry, they would only be concerned about that ministry. What about if their ministry is very narrow, and another person's ministry is very broad? Does that mean that everything is done by the other person, and that person does nothing, even though that person knows the other person has so much on?
Isn't it a privilege for us to serve God? Why don't people take things on even if they are in a leadership role? How can one influence others if our leaders are like that, trying to shove things to other leaders?
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Father to son
Its rare to have a deep and meaningful with our parents, especially as we grow older and have our own life and its associated problems.
So it was great to have been able to talk to my dad that night, until 2:30am in the morning, about my current struggles with careers and work. The insight he gave me was invaluable. Although no answer came out of it, at least I can arm myself with a new perspective and the knowledge that my parents would probably support me in what I do because of their love for me.
Treasure our time with our parents, for these times won't last forever.
So it was great to have been able to talk to my dad that night, until 2:30am in the morning, about my current struggles with careers and work. The insight he gave me was invaluable. Although no answer came out of it, at least I can arm myself with a new perspective and the knowledge that my parents would probably support me in what I do because of their love for me.
Treasure our time with our parents, for these times won't last forever.
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Fighting over me...
My previous boss has left, and now three other bosses are fighting over me. Each one of them wants me to give priority to their work. This is the worse situation to be in - right in the midst of politics.
Do I feel a sense of importance? Do I feel happy? No. I just feel tired. Mentally tired. Tired of politics. Tired of work.
If I feel like this now, how can I survive in a more harsher environment such as law firms in the UK, HK or US?
Maybe I would be happier if three girls are fighting over me...
Do I feel a sense of importance? Do I feel happy? No. I just feel tired. Mentally tired. Tired of politics. Tired of work.
If I feel like this now, how can I survive in a more harsher environment such as law firms in the UK, HK or US?
Maybe I would be happier if three girls are fighting over me...
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Frustrations
Alot of issues we face in ministry are relationship based. It is so disheartening to always hear criticisms from others with no one truly showing their appreciation. And most criticisms seem to be based on personal preferences as opposed to true worthwhile issues.
There are so many things that I cannot tell others to protect others from being hurt or disappointed, and bottling them up eventually would take their toll on me. I think I have become more withdrawn than before, and it is ironic that some people still perceive me as not able to keep secrets - if they only knew what I know inside my head.
Frustrations also come from our sense of helplessness. We see people falling, but we don't know how to help. Even if we are willing, the fallen may not be willing to allow you to help them.
But we should look beyond the short term and focus on the glory of God in eternity. All the frustrations are paid off when I received the following message earlier this week from a long lost friend, who I have previously spent time to evangelise to a few years ago:
"Hey, do you know I have accepted Jesus Christ as my Saviour?"
Soldier on, everyone! Its worth it!
There are so many things that I cannot tell others to protect others from being hurt or disappointed, and bottling them up eventually would take their toll on me. I think I have become more withdrawn than before, and it is ironic that some people still perceive me as not able to keep secrets - if they only knew what I know inside my head.
Frustrations also come from our sense of helplessness. We see people falling, but we don't know how to help. Even if we are willing, the fallen may not be willing to allow you to help them.
But we should look beyond the short term and focus on the glory of God in eternity. All the frustrations are paid off when I received the following message earlier this week from a long lost friend, who I have previously spent time to evangelise to a few years ago:
"Hey, do you know I have accepted Jesus Christ as my Saviour?"
Soldier on, everyone! Its worth it!
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Friendships
How do we define friendships? How do we establish friendships?
Do you establish friends through networking? I went to a speed networking function organised by my firm recently. We had an "one-on-one" session with each person in the room for 3 minutes in which we discussed a pre-determined topic and exchange our personal information. By the end of the night, I had a number of business cards in my hands, none of which I would be contacting again. Although I went out with some of my new-found networks afterwards to more drinks and dinner, and I actually had a good time talking about the insignificant details of life, they were still just an acquaintance to me and a potential network for the future. I am sure they think the same. These kind of people may be described "one-night friends". "One-night friends" may also include those long lost friends who contacts you once every couple of years and updates you on things in their lives.
Do you establish friends through open invitation? Even if you open yourself to someone new, that person may not open themselves to you in the same way. Maybe to you that person is your friend, but to them, you may not be a friend. These kind of people may be described as "one-way friends".
How do you respect your friends? It is hard when you have an expectation of them, and they do not meet that expectation. We expect our good friends to inform us of their big events in life, and when they do not do that, do we respect their privacy? When we find out that they have informed others of their big events, and we are kept in the dark, do we have the understanding to accept that each person may have their reasons for doing what they do (and maybe we are too busy for them in the first place)?
How do you respect your friends? It is hard when they do not appreciate what you've done for them, and to them, their "one-night friends" are closer than you are, even though they can expect your friendship regularity, and their "one-night friends" will only give them unexpected friendship once in a blue moon.
How do you help and support your friends? Do you need to give them an answer every time? How do you tell a friend that they need professional help? How can you tell them that you feel their pain but you don't know how to help them.
And how do you cope and handle a dying friendship, a lost friendship, or a friend who you no longer connect or click with?
Do you establish friends through networking? I went to a speed networking function organised by my firm recently. We had an "one-on-one" session with each person in the room for 3 minutes in which we discussed a pre-determined topic and exchange our personal information. By the end of the night, I had a number of business cards in my hands, none of which I would be contacting again. Although I went out with some of my new-found networks afterwards to more drinks and dinner, and I actually had a good time talking about the insignificant details of life, they were still just an acquaintance to me and a potential network for the future. I am sure they think the same. These kind of people may be described "one-night friends". "One-night friends" may also include those long lost friends who contacts you once every couple of years and updates you on things in their lives.
Do you establish friends through open invitation? Even if you open yourself to someone new, that person may not open themselves to you in the same way. Maybe to you that person is your friend, but to them, you may not be a friend. These kind of people may be described as "one-way friends".
How do you respect your friends? It is hard when you have an expectation of them, and they do not meet that expectation. We expect our good friends to inform us of their big events in life, and when they do not do that, do we respect their privacy? When we find out that they have informed others of their big events, and we are kept in the dark, do we have the understanding to accept that each person may have their reasons for doing what they do (and maybe we are too busy for them in the first place)?
How do you respect your friends? It is hard when they do not appreciate what you've done for them, and to them, their "one-night friends" are closer than you are, even though they can expect your friendship regularity, and their "one-night friends" will only give them unexpected friendship once in a blue moon.
How do you help and support your friends? Do you need to give them an answer every time? How do you tell a friend that they need professional help? How can you tell them that you feel their pain but you don't know how to help them.
And how do you cope and handle a dying friendship, a lost friendship, or a friend who you no longer connect or click with?
Easter Church Camp
The first combined church camp occurred over the Easter long weekend.
Praise God that every thing went well. It was a good time for us to interact with people from another local church. I was surprised as to how well we were able to mix with them.
Being part of the committee again allowed me to see God at work. It was great to work with a great bunch of brothers and sisters, helping and supporting each other. Thank God that I have established a closer relationship with my counterpart at the other church and he was a great assistance to me throughout the camp.
It was very encouraging to receive support from people throughout the camp. Their encouragement showed their love and care for us. I was very also very touched by some comments for my workshop - all praise and glory to the Lord.
The only drawback was that there were meetings scheduled in my free time. But I did get some insights from those meetings, so it was not all that bad.
The only regret is that I did not spend enough time with certain people that I wanted to. But God did allow me to spend time with others that I did not expect to spend time with.
A thought which I have been pondering since the camp about is how I should invest my time, money and energy on matters in relation to heaven, since our future is in heaven. This may have implications on my current job situation.
Keep praying. Keep praising.
Praise God that every thing went well. It was a good time for us to interact with people from another local church. I was surprised as to how well we were able to mix with them.
Being part of the committee again allowed me to see God at work. It was great to work with a great bunch of brothers and sisters, helping and supporting each other. Thank God that I have established a closer relationship with my counterpart at the other church and he was a great assistance to me throughout the camp.
It was very encouraging to receive support from people throughout the camp. Their encouragement showed their love and care for us. I was very also very touched by some comments for my workshop - all praise and glory to the Lord.
The only drawback was that there were meetings scheduled in my free time. But I did get some insights from those meetings, so it was not all that bad.
The only regret is that I did not spend enough time with certain people that I wanted to. But God did allow me to spend time with others that I did not expect to spend time with.
A thought which I have been pondering since the camp about is how I should invest my time, money and energy on matters in relation to heaven, since our future is in heaven. This may have implications on my current job situation.
Keep praying. Keep praising.
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Crossroads
My boss has just resigned. She is someone that I have admired, as she has a good work ethic and has integrity. Her departure is a shock to me, although not unexpected, as I have sensed that she is very dissatisfied with management. Our firm is more and more focussed on profitability, at the expense of other important things. People's performance seems to be purely measured by how much profit you generate for the firm, and other contributions are not highly regarded. This was not the case one year ago.
What does her departure mean to me? Well, if I continue to stay on, I would be working under another boss who I do not like (see here, here and here) . Even though this boss and other bosses have been talking to me about supporting me and even hinting at the prospect of partnership in a few years time, these factors are not sufficient to lure me to stay, as I do not expect to be happy if I continue on. Furthermore, the size of our team has decreased so much in the past six months that I feel like I am in a sinking ship.
So what are my options?
1. Go to another firm. This is not one of my preferred options. I have been to a number of law firms already. I guess eventually they are all the same. If I do not have an aspiration for partnership, why should I continue to work in a law firm?
2. Go inhouse. A viable option, but there are not that many organisations I would enjoy working for, especially if the work is repetitive and boring. But I should look into this further.
3. Go overseas. I know my area of law is in great demand. But do I want to work those long hours overseas? If I am not here, there may even be a lower chance that my parents would be able to know Christ. So even if I go, it would be short term. Maybe I should do something for myself for once, and try doing something different.
4. Study. Bible college. Being a deacon at church has actually turned me off from studying at bible college. I would be unhappy if I am to be a pastor of a church (with the way most churches treat their pastors). What can I do when I come out of college? Maybe I don't have enough faith yet. Dunno.
5. Do something different. Cafe. Tutoring Centre. If there is a good business idea I may pursue it, but to date I have thought of nothing.
This is so hard. Do something that makes me happy? I don't even know what that is.
And among all this, what is the voice of God telling me to do? I need to listen.
What does her departure mean to me? Well, if I continue to stay on, I would be working under another boss who I do not like (see here, here and here) . Even though this boss and other bosses have been talking to me about supporting me and even hinting at the prospect of partnership in a few years time, these factors are not sufficient to lure me to stay, as I do not expect to be happy if I continue on. Furthermore, the size of our team has decreased so much in the past six months that I feel like I am in a sinking ship.
So what are my options?
1. Go to another firm. This is not one of my preferred options. I have been to a number of law firms already. I guess eventually they are all the same. If I do not have an aspiration for partnership, why should I continue to work in a law firm?
2. Go inhouse. A viable option, but there are not that many organisations I would enjoy working for, especially if the work is repetitive and boring. But I should look into this further.
3. Go overseas. I know my area of law is in great demand. But do I want to work those long hours overseas? If I am not here, there may even be a lower chance that my parents would be able to know Christ. So even if I go, it would be short term. Maybe I should do something for myself for once, and try doing something different.
4. Study. Bible college. Being a deacon at church has actually turned me off from studying at bible college. I would be unhappy if I am to be a pastor of a church (with the way most churches treat their pastors). What can I do when I come out of college? Maybe I don't have enough faith yet. Dunno.
5. Do something different. Cafe. Tutoring Centre. If there is a good business idea I may pursue it, but to date I have thought of nothing.
This is so hard. Do something that makes me happy? I don't even know what that is.
And among all this, what is the voice of God telling me to do? I need to listen.
Friday, March 16, 2007
A society of complaints
We live in a society where everyone complains.
People complain about their lives. They complain about their partner or ex partner or the fact that they do not have a partner. They complain about love being lost and noone appreciating their love. They complain about the fact that noone loves them.
But the more time we use to complain and the more time we think about this, the more time we neglect the people around us that really love us and want to care for us. We are so miserable that we do not realise that there are people around who really love us.
People complain about their jobs. They complain about the low salary they are earning, the long hours they are working and the lack of satisfaction they are having with their jobs.
But if suddenly, through some mishap, we are no longer able to work, and we are not eligible for any social benefits, would we still complain? We would be willing to do any kind of work to earn a living, and we would not be concerned about the long hours or job satisfaction as long as we are able to support ourselves.
People complain about the lack of money they have. They complain that they are not able to afford things in life.
But what are the necessities in life? That cup of coffee that we buy every morning? That shirt we bought on sale while walking past the shops at lunchtime? The brand new car we bought when our old car is still functioning? The large mansion we bought when in reality we only need a two room apartment? Alot of things we think are not affordable are not necessities.
Do complaints come about because of the excesses we have in society?
People complain about their lives. They complain about their partner or ex partner or the fact that they do not have a partner. They complain about love being lost and noone appreciating their love. They complain about the fact that noone loves them.
But the more time we use to complain and the more time we think about this, the more time we neglect the people around us that really love us and want to care for us. We are so miserable that we do not realise that there are people around who really love us.
People complain about their jobs. They complain about the low salary they are earning, the long hours they are working and the lack of satisfaction they are having with their jobs.
But if suddenly, through some mishap, we are no longer able to work, and we are not eligible for any social benefits, would we still complain? We would be willing to do any kind of work to earn a living, and we would not be concerned about the long hours or job satisfaction as long as we are able to support ourselves.
People complain about the lack of money they have. They complain that they are not able to afford things in life.
But what are the necessities in life? That cup of coffee that we buy every morning? That shirt we bought on sale while walking past the shops at lunchtime? The brand new car we bought when our old car is still functioning? The large mansion we bought when in reality we only need a two room apartment? Alot of things we think are not affordable are not necessities.
Do complaints come about because of the excesses we have in society?
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Priceless moments from Thailand trip
Not in any particular order...
1. Witnessing the devotion of Thais in worshiping their God, with statutes of Buddhas in the temples, shopping centres, hotels and homes; and realising that these people have a spiritual hunger that needs to be filled.
2. Experiencing the chaos on the roads, whether on roads in Bangkok or on highways in the countryside, where you can only overtaking by going onto oncoming traffic and where lanes and lines on the roads mean nothing at all and traffic rules are not followed in any way or form.
3. Having every inch of my body felt by a masseur during a body massage at a spa.
4. Enjoying the elephants performing at an elephant camp near Chiang Mai where they were able to play soccer and paint pictures, and at the same time, wondering how much sufferings these animals have endured for them to be trained in this way.
5. Witnessing the poor people of Myanmar (Burma) at the town of Mae Sot on the border of Myanmar and Thailand, and watching as a man took our left over foods from our table and placed them in a plastic bag for him to feed the family.
6. Worrying about malaria from mosquitoes, especially at Mae Sot, and spraying my body with insect repellent, only to realise that the mossies have bitten me in areas where I didn't spray any repellent, such as my nose and parts of my face and neck.
7. Seeing the CCTV cast and crew at our hotel in Chiang Mai and Sukothai where they were making a documentary about travels around the world.
8. Having a fantastic (and pricey) buffet lunch at Sukothai Hotel in Bangkok for Chinese New Year, and seeing Hong Kong celebrities dining at the same venue at the same time.
9. Seeing historical ruins in the country towns of Ayutthaya and Si Satchanalai Historical Park.
10. Going to the wonderful night bazaar in Chiang Mai.
11. Experiencing the modern world of Bangkok - new shopping complexes and the Skytrain.
12. Going to a hot springs near Chiang Mai, and realising that there were other insects in the same tub with me, then jumping out in fright and nearly slipped and fell over on the hard rocky floor.
13. Eating eggs boiled from hot springs.
14. Going up to the top of the mountain near Chiang Mai hoping to have a nice view of the city and discovering that Chiang Mai is too polluted with smog to see anything.
15. Being searched when entering into the airport and Central World Shopping Centre at one entrance, while there were no one conducting searches at the other entry points of these venues.
1. Witnessing the devotion of Thais in worshiping their God, with statutes of Buddhas in the temples, shopping centres, hotels and homes; and realising that these people have a spiritual hunger that needs to be filled.
2. Experiencing the chaos on the roads, whether on roads in Bangkok or on highways in the countryside, where you can only overtaking by going onto oncoming traffic and where lanes and lines on the roads mean nothing at all and traffic rules are not followed in any way or form.
3. Having every inch of my body felt by a masseur during a body massage at a spa.
4. Enjoying the elephants performing at an elephant camp near Chiang Mai where they were able to play soccer and paint pictures, and at the same time, wondering how much sufferings these animals have endured for them to be trained in this way.
5. Witnessing the poor people of Myanmar (Burma) at the town of Mae Sot on the border of Myanmar and Thailand, and watching as a man took our left over foods from our table and placed them in a plastic bag for him to feed the family.
6. Worrying about malaria from mosquitoes, especially at Mae Sot, and spraying my body with insect repellent, only to realise that the mossies have bitten me in areas where I didn't spray any repellent, such as my nose and parts of my face and neck.
7. Seeing the CCTV cast and crew at our hotel in Chiang Mai and Sukothai where they were making a documentary about travels around the world.
8. Having a fantastic (and pricey) buffet lunch at Sukothai Hotel in Bangkok for Chinese New Year, and seeing Hong Kong celebrities dining at the same venue at the same time.
9. Seeing historical ruins in the country towns of Ayutthaya and Si Satchanalai Historical Park.
10. Going to the wonderful night bazaar in Chiang Mai.
11. Experiencing the modern world of Bangkok - new shopping complexes and the Skytrain.
12. Going to a hot springs near Chiang Mai, and realising that there were other insects in the same tub with me, then jumping out in fright and nearly slipped and fell over on the hard rocky floor.
13. Eating eggs boiled from hot springs.
14. Going up to the top of the mountain near Chiang Mai hoping to have a nice view of the city and discovering that Chiang Mai is too polluted with smog to see anything.
15. Being searched when entering into the airport and Central World Shopping Centre at one entrance, while there were no one conducting searches at the other entry points of these venues.
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Trip Diary - Macau
I chose to spend my Valentines Day in Macau, alone, away from the constant reminders that I see all around me in Hong Kong.
I visited four new casinos that day, being Sands (where they offered a really fantastic seafood buffet lunch with lobsters, crabs, prawns, oysters, sashimi, sushi and more for the low price of AUD$30), Babylon (where the staff all dressed in costumes and their politeness in inviting visitors to sit down and gamble were first class), Wynn (where they offered free bottled water and food such as sandwiches and dim sims to all visitors) and Grand Lisboa (which was only opened for two days when I went there). It was interesting to see how they operated. The new casinos had a Las Vegas feel to them in terms of their decorations and structure but I did not bet at all mainly due to the fact that the other visitors there were rude and disgusting people from the mainland with a lack of manners in the way they gambled.
One interesting aspect I noticed is that all staff in these casinos are poor in English. Maybe I can get a job there if I want to escape from the normal life for a short while. But I think I would be disgusted by the actions of some of the gamblers there.
I visited four new casinos that day, being Sands (where they offered a really fantastic seafood buffet lunch with lobsters, crabs, prawns, oysters, sashimi, sushi and more for the low price of AUD$30), Babylon (where the staff all dressed in costumes and their politeness in inviting visitors to sit down and gamble were first class), Wynn (where they offered free bottled water and food such as sandwiches and dim sims to all visitors) and Grand Lisboa (which was only opened for two days when I went there). It was interesting to see how they operated. The new casinos had a Las Vegas feel to them in terms of their decorations and structure but I did not bet at all mainly due to the fact that the other visitors there were rude and disgusting people from the mainland with a lack of manners in the way they gambled.
One interesting aspect I noticed is that all staff in these casinos are poor in English. Maybe I can get a job there if I want to escape from the normal life for a short while. But I think I would be disgusted by the actions of some of the gamblers there.
Trip Diary - Valentines Day
Valentines Day is a big thing in Hong Kong. All forms of media are dedicated to that day. All cafes and restaurants have Valentines Day menu. There are sales at stores especially devoted for that day. On the day, there are many couples on the streets, with the girl holding a great big bunch of flowers.
For the single person with no girl friend, such bombardment of sight and sound can make one emotional.
Some people will say that businesses are out there to make a quick profit on that day. But if I have a partner that I love, I would be willing to be ripped off on the day, in exchange for the happiness and romance from my partner.
Who should be my partner? Someone I love or someone who loves me?
For the single person with no girl friend, such bombardment of sight and sound can make one emotional.
Some people will say that businesses are out there to make a quick profit on that day. But if I have a partner that I love, I would be willing to be ripped off on the day, in exchange for the happiness and romance from my partner.
Who should be my partner? Someone I love or someone who loves me?
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