Taiwan

Hi everyone ... I have been busy since I started getting back to work. I’ve got a little bit of time ... so here is the 411.

The first thing that I notice is that scooters (they call motorbikes) are everywhere ... sidewalks are meant for parking scooters, not for walking. Traffic conditions are crazy ... running red lights, left turn across 4 lanes with incoming traffic, riding on the sidewalks, etc. When I first got here, I thought the taxi driver was a bit rough ... but now I realize that she was the safest of them all. Unlike HK, everyone here rides something ... including little baby sitting in front or back of a parent on a scooter. There are hardly any motorcycles here ... a dirt bike here or there ... no big Harleys.

Maybe I should get myself a bike ... just to fit it =P

Food is about the same as HK ... a little bit different in variety... less malls, similar stores ... more outdoor patio food stands. Less English signs ... very few English speakers ... no Cantonese at all. I cannot read =( ... therefore ... there is a really big barrier between me and them ... even if I look like them.

I did not do much here since I have to work ... walked around on the first day to see what is out there ... took some pics ... I can share later =)

Departing to New Destination

It is about Sat 10pm EST (Sun 11am here) ... I’m here in airport lounge with complimentary food and internet access ... very cool 8)

Last day

Today is my last full day in HK ... that is until the next time I come visit. Right now is about Sat. 10am EST (11 pm here) ... I will probably not blog or call as much since I will not have the luxury of an international cell phone, free internet access and the freedom to wake as late as I wanted to ... time to go back to work ... on the other side of the earth =P

So, drop me an email if you wanna catch up with me =)

God, I pray that everyone at home is in good spirit ... and may I keep Your teachings close to my heart as I travel to a whole new place.

Rest day

Today, I rested a lot ... it is Friday about 7am EST (8pm here) ... I did not even get out of the house till 3pm (here) ... did some last minute shopping (was on the hunt for rare items) ... came back to house around 6pm (here) for a home cooked dinner with Joe’s family. I think this is the best meal of all that I had in HK ... this is what I wanted (and missed) ... a plain (“clear”) simple healthy dinner =)

Got some good news from old friends ... I wanna congrat KC & Lucy ... a baby is on the way!!! Lucy is starting to call us old folks ... “uncles and aunties” =P

I guess the Black Friday big rush back home is almost over. I wonder how many people have red eyes from lack of sleep (@_@)

I’m gonna do some packing before I go to sleep early??? Wow, that is a new since I got here in HK ... hehe =P

Homesick

It is Thursday, about 12:30pm EST (Friday 1:30am) ... just got back to the house after watching a late night movie in Mandarin ... subtitle regardless for this ABC.

It is Thanksgiving back home ... people are with friends and family ... I’m a little bit homesick. I’m not even 1/2 way there ... still 2 more weeks to go before I go home. I still remember last year’s Thanksgiving weekend ... it was special. This year, phone/net is the best I can do. Yea, I’m sad.

Oh ... I just found out today that Chica’s grandpa has travel the world ... almost everywhere you can think of with his best bud. I have to admit the traveling with someone with common interest or goal would be ideal ... otherwise, one can drive the other one insane. =P ... and that be taken as not a joke.

Did a lot of aimless walking today ... I found “a” chair in the mall ... It feels good to sit down after waking for hours. Tried to kill time after have lunch with Chica’s grandpa ... went to the park ... to mall ... back to the park ... to the food stands ... to the market ... to another mall ... and waited for friends at the theater ... watched a 2.5 hours long movie about killing and betrayal (with hope for peace) ... and back to the house.

Anyway ... I think I will rest tomorrow ... while everyone is going crazy over black Friday at home =P

Thanksgiving (not in HK)

It is about Wednesday 11am EST (Thurs midnight here) ... Happy Thanksgiving in the states =) ... here in HK is the same old, same old.

Tonight, I was trying to shop for ping pong paddles with my three buds ... however each gave me a different advice ... each of them were trying to ping pong their idea pass me ... oh boy!!! ... I got dizzy =P

The value buyer – get the cheapest (whatever is on sale) – argument is that if I got the “skill” then the paddle makes no diff.

Mid-grade – buy the high end pre-glued rubber paddle – argument is that it is the middle ground for an intermediate player. Price is not so steep.

Power user – get the best – buy the paddle and rubbers separately – argument is that the paddle with custom rubber makes a big difference ... pointless to buy pre made ones because it’s quality is not up to (at least his) stander. One can change to a new rubber anytime.

Other than that, I think I meet my quota for shopping for this and next year ... it is like having Black Friday everyday ... I’m all poop out =P

Rain day

It is about Tuesday 12:30 pm EST (Wed 1:30am here) ... yea ... I feel better after taking some meds ... I’m going to keep it short since I a little bit sleepy ... but just wanna jot downing some highlights. Today rained all day ... very heavy at time ... and my HKD $10 umbrella leaked a little bit ... just like the red one that mom brought many years when the whole fam was back in HK ... something never change. But, I thank God that I did buy an umbrella a few days back ... they jacked up the price today when it is in high demand.

Yep, I’m getting fatter ... I’m eating for two people =P Today, I got invited to hot pot with Joe’s and Vivi’s fam @ “little fat lamb” or the Little Lamb ... which describe me perfectly (^o^) This place is different from Flushing ... much more grand and established ... fresh seafood of all sorts ... and whole leg of lamb – fresh while no “funky” taste. Too much food the try out in 2 weeks ... everyday, there is something new.

Btw, I hate smoking in the mall ... I can not breath =(

Yea, I found out from last week that when you walk away from the street vender, they will try to call you back ... and I have also found out that some will lie and play hardball with you ... to be a wise shopper is to shop around and know your goods ... I’m learning something new everyday. Plus I got the feeling that they know that I’m from around here ... and they jacked the price sky high to play the bargain game ... some at least 4 fold the usual price ... even if I talked them by half, I bet they are making high profit from me ... hehe ... maybe I can do better if I don’t say a word =P

We also watched a Chinese movie ... don’t know the title ... but it is about an ex-gangster trying to make right of what is wrong because of a brief moment of light (or I should say lighting) ... a supernatural intervention ... the “sky” or in English subtitle – “God” help him to turn over a new leaf “to help others like helping oneself” ... even his enemy. I think I had seen the famous main actor before in lots of action movies.

Sick day

It is almost midnight Tuesday EST (about 1pm here) ... yea ... I kinda sick with sore throat ... so last night I came back early ... lol ... but when I got to front door of the house, I cannot get in ... haha ... I forgot to ask Joe for the key ... dummy me.

Yesterday, I did ok on some bargaining deals ... especially the ones that I’m willing to walk away. However, I spotted a head cushion that I wanted and he is the only vender that has it (I looked everywhere since I got here) ... so I got ripped off on this purchase ... he knew that I wanted it and he refused to go any lower ...hehe ... but I my vac and I got what I wanted ... so all is good =)

I probably spend more on eating everything in sight ... lycee ice cream ... bubble tea popsicle ... red bean pancake ... all sort of dry fruits ... and much more.

I wish everyone at home can try ... gtg ... ttyl

Back online!!!

It is about midnight EST (Monday 1pm here) ... I’m back online =) ... so feel free to email me =) I will try to call up people after I recharge my sim card ... after today’s conversation, I got only HKD 4 left ... which means a few minutes of talk time.

Btw ... take your time in reading the previous posts ... there is a lot to catch up (^o^)

Banquet deja vu

Now is Sunday ... about noon time in the states (Monday 1am here) ... just came back from the banquet ...

I want to go to sleep, but there is a line waiting to use the bathroom ... and so here I’m typing away ... trying to hold it in =P

The banquet yesterday is definitely better than today ... service wise. The first one was in a 5 stars hotel ... this one is lesser. After seeing all this, I think I have a better idea on what needs to be done for a wedding banquet.

Do you know that sleep is very important for me ... and how my mood will be??? Yea, if I sleep well, I’m usually in a good mood ... and vice versa. Therefore, it make sense to make me go to bed on time ... then I will be happy =) I need about 8-9 hours of sleep ... but usually get about 6-7 hours ... and so the weekend is for make up sleep. I wake up too easily ... any noise or movement ... especially when I’m jumpy (excited or worrying about something) ... and once I’m awake, sometimes (and especially this week) I cannot fall back to sleep easily ... I want my piggy =P

Today is a relaxing day ... a day of resting ... no roaming around. I wanted to checkout a church this week, but I was told that fellowship will not be meeting this week and therefore no one will be there expect for Sunday service ... and I still have no idea where it is ... it is in one of the office buildings and there are so many of them.

Actually, when people see me say grace at the dinner table ... or when ever I sit down for a meal, they start to ask question about God and Jesus. I keep on praying that I would not say anything stupid ... and sometimes I wonder if my sharing may help others. I hope the Big Guy (God) is watching over everyone I love ... including ones that have not come to place their faith in Him.

Ok ... time for me to sleep ... tomorrow, I hope the dsl modem will be fixed. I’m starting to run out of minutes on my sim card ... gotta go recharge it. Good nite =)

Banquet

It is Sunday 1:30am EST (2:30pm here) ... I just woke up not too long ago ... over 12 hours of sleep. Yep, I needed lots of rest ... plus I think I’m getting sick sick from all the running around.

It has been over 2 days without internet connection ... so no communication via blog or email for the time being. I still keep a back log ... and I will post them as soon as I get a chance.

A short recap ... the service of the banquet is definitely high class ... much better than in the states ... they will wait on you without you asking for anything. Food is better ... and different ... less greasy ... and would not give me the usual aftertaste.

I realize I don’t belong here in HK ... I was hoping that I can fit in with little or no effort, but that is silly since I have been in HK for a lifetime grand total of only a few months. Besides, I’m an ABC ... “twinkey” in the states, and a “foreigner” here in HK. Right now, I’m having great difficulty in communicating with everyone ... and lingo is different and fast ... I simply need to reprogram myself, but that would take some time ... back to kindergarten for me =P

Plus reading ... now, I understand how my mom feels like in the states ... cannot read nor speak clearly. When I got here, I only knew how to read a few words that Chica taught me ... such as “heart” ... then I started to read the signs on the buildings ... such as “busy nation center heart”. Then I started to learn to read the names of the subway stops ... picking up a word here and there ...such as “exit mouth”... learning a few simply patterns.

Do you know the favor past time here is MJ (Chinese card game) ... I wanted to join in ... to fit in ... but because it is consider to be gambling ... well, they are gambling ... so ... I did not play. And same goes for drinking in the banquet ... I was supposed to “push back alcohol” for Joe ... but I cannot drink ... and therefore I did not ... and I feel bad because he had done so much for me.

Anyway, I believe I tend to lean more in favor for living in the state ... since I lived there since I was born.

It is raining heavily here right now ... it stop and goes.

I spoke with Chica last night ... I’m home sick ... I did dream about her ... giving her a big squeeze ... and she’s holding me tight ... I think we are at Ocean Park ... up by the top over looking everything. Dream ... that will have to do for the next 3 weeks.

Ocean Park

Right now is about Fri 11:30am (Sat 12:30 here) ... yes, I know it late at night here, but I have some stuff in my mind (and no, it is not cobwebs =P ) that I want to put down on paper ... or hehe ... soft paper. Plus I was told that the 2 wedding banquet that I’m attending for the next 2 days are going to be late in the evening ... and therefore I should not wake up too early.

Today, Joe, Vivi, Sisi, and I went to Ocean Park, HK ... I was here about 17 years ago ... and the only memory of this place is the cable car and bird sanctuary ... which feel totally different now. We went on the spinning top to get a bird’s eye view ... saw the shark tank, the aquarium, dolphin & seal show ... took the cable car over to the main site (waited on a very long line ... lots of school kids) ... saw the pandas (got some great vids and pics) ... and finally raced around the track on a pretty fast go-cart (lets say that you can “drift” a little if you step on the breaks hard enough on a sharp turn).

Went back to shopping in Mong Kok ... I started to pick up stuff after checking out all of the best price ... one can save 30 to 40% if you shop around ... then you can even bargain for more saving ;) In watching Joe hop from one store to another on the hunt for the best deal ... I’ve learned a lot from him ... how to ask/bargain in Cantonese ... and checking out all sorts of places ... from the expensive to the cheap basement bargains.

I did have several profound thoughts ... but only a few survive ... read below ...

One ... I thank God for all good that come from this trip ... He made me realize that no matter where I am, I am safe with Him ... and He continues to show me more about myself ... my strength and weakness ... and where I lack, He fills in the void. I wish I have my big old fat study bible with me ...

Some people have been asking me why I believe in Jesus Christ ... my answer may vary from case to case, but the main reason is freedom. Yea, many think that there are too many rules and restriction ... but that is quite the opposite. If you want to talk about rules and restriction ... then let’s talk about the rules of following a culture ... here in HK, everyone walks on the left ... there are signs in the hallways and stairways telling people to walk on the left ... it is a rule that everybody live by ... a habit ... and it not really a hassle to everyday life for the locals. But for me, as an outsider, if feels weird ... there is no signs in NY to tell me to walk on which side ... everyday, I have to tell my self to consciously walk on the left. So the same principle applies to believers and non-believers ... it depends on how you look at everything. For me, Christ is freedom ... freedom from my burden ... freedom for my sole ... and the freedom to choose to follow His way.

Next ... on the subway coming back to from Ocean Park ... I looked at an old lady in front of me and started to wonder what would I be like when I’m that old ... fat? ... bald? ... and pain in the but? =P Then I started to think of home ... my fam ... what to buy for my sis who wants to here but not. I saw lots of stuff that my sis may like, but I wanted to pick the best for the best value ... just the way she likes it. And finally, I started to day dream about Chica on the subway ... I miss her a lot ... I wish she can be right there with me at that moment ... yea, I can dream, can I??? =P ... sadly, I really miss her.

Malls and Food

Right now is Thursday, about 7:30am EST (8:30pm here) ... sry I did not get a chance to upload this morning ... everyone was waiting for me when I was replying my email. So, here is scope for yesterday and today...

One thing I notice is that there are a lot of malls ... everywhere!!! (in every town!!!) and all intercontinental with easy to access corridors and sky bridges. The odd thing is that there are not benches to sit down ... so I walk ... and stand ... and walk ... and stand. Even on the MTR, there are limited amount of seats. I got really, really tire yesterday after roaming around all the malls in 3 different towns ... it was raining hard for the first time since I got here. But I did go to the harbor in the misty rain ... ducking from one over hang to another (nope, I did not buy an umbrella ... I was too lazy =P ... anyway) ... and saw the light and sound show ... where many of the skyscrapers on Honk Kong Island synchronize there unique building lights/lasers with the music ... I got some video clips ... just ask and I will send to you.

Today, I hanged with Joe’s family ... showing me the “cool” place to see and eat ... yep, it is all about the food. =) It is cool to have a car in HK ... however hard to park ... but easier when you got a lot of stuff with you ... me and Joe picked up our suits ... among other stuff for the wedding banquet and sale items (90% off!!! ... crazy sales ... hehe ... but only for the ladies). BTW, food is cheap too ... dinner is around $10USD per head for dinner in a grand restaurant ... and we cannot finish all the food. Definitely a different taste ... better??? ... I do not know ... I’m not a food critic ... just place in front of me and I will eat it ... and no I will not eat everything =P NO stinky tofu for me ... haha ... I thought the sewer manhole was open when I first took a sniff around the area that is selling it ... yuck ... and I was told that some places actually add crap to make even stinker @_@

Also for the first time, I rode on the train (it is called KCP ... I think???) ... it is the same as the subway (MTR), but it is older and goes further to main land China ... it even got “first class” sitting area ... but of course it cost more $$$. I finally understand what Chica was talking about.

Yesterday was all about shopping malls ... today was all about food ... if I change to a fat shopperholic monkey, I hope Chica still loves me =P ... I’m not much a shopper ... I only like to buy what I need ... no need to add crap in the house. Food, on the other hand is what I like ... just like my father, I like to munch on snacks ... hard to control myself since it is so easy to buy on the street ... and so much to try out.

HK is very similar to Manhattan, but cleaner ... especially the subway. I love the octopus card ... it is a debt card without signing anything ... just run up to a 7-11 (everywhere in HK) and paid with your card ... just tap it and you are done.

There is one thing that I notice ... the city is made for the blinded and handicap ... there are special tiles with bumps for the blinds to walk on ...it’s on the sidewalks, in the subway stations and even on hallways of the malls ... moreover, there is a beeping sound for crossing the road and escalators (oh yea, escalators are everywhere ... and they run at a much faster pace then the ones to at home ... and also, for some people, it is still no fast enough and so they step with it ... so, keep to your right and let them pass). The beeping sound can get annoying if you are not use to it.

HK is made for waking ... the “11” car as the local calls it (translation for the non-Chinese ... your 2 legs) ... side walk is wide ... very wide ... and even the cross walks are about 3 car length wide. They would even close off a road for people to walk and shop. Oh, manholes are square, not round. Hmmm ... that is all for now ... I’m going to bed =)

If you have any question, please comment or email ... and btw, since I will be posting this for 2 days, I probably will not post here tmrw morning ... I’m going to the amusement park early tmrw ... I think??? ... nitey nite (^o^)

to the Top

Good morning =) ... and good night to other side of the world =P

Right now is Tuesday 11:00pm EST (Wednesday noon here) ... just got of the shower ... and after a lovely call from Chica ... hehe ... I love hearing her sweet gentile voice too =) I’m feeling great after 10 hours of sleep ... I needed it since this jet lag started.

Recap: yesterday, I went solo during the morning ... became one of those typical tourists going sight seeing. I went to Central on Hong Kong Island (yea, yea, I know that Hong Kong Island is “Hong Kong” =P anyway) ... lots of parks – some green in the concrete jungle ... and tons of malls interconnected by skyways – and all brand name such as LV, Tiffany, Giorgio Armani, etc – very high class and expensive. No, I did not shop around here.

I was in Central for a good part of day ... got really tire from walking everywhere ... I actually walked from one subway station to another and back ... and the hills in the park made it a really good hike.

I realize that I not a fast pace thinker when it comes to $$$ ... not like the people here. I used to great in math when I was kid ... now, I can barely count my fingers and toes =P Plus I’m not use to listing Cantonese at a high pace ... when I asked for direction, I only pick up 2/3 of what the guy said ... not because I don’t understand (but sometimes yes) ... it is that because they talk sooooo fast ... unlike speaking Cantonese at home.

Meet up with the Joe, Vivi, Sisi (Joe’s sis), and Lam sir at around 3pm to got up to the peak ... wow ... you can see everything ... well ... almost since there is always a layer of fog/haze. We also went to the wax museum got some pics. By night fall, the light from the city was great.

On the way back down that mountain, the bus driver was very rough on the brakes ... back and forth, right and left as he do some tight turns on the mountain roads ... I was about to be sick ... and yet I’m tire enough to fall asleep – and I did while with the feeling of throwing up ... that was really weird (@x@)

For dinner, we meet up with our long lost friend Eric ... he is doing well ... did not change much on how he talks ... but he is a believer in Christ =) ... and he not punch me in that arms like he used to =P Everyone was goofing around ... Eric catching on what had happen over the past 5 years. We went to Pizza Hut for dinner ... hehe ... HK has a lot more chooses ... and taste different ... softer, thicker bread.

Yesterday, I wish I can read Chinese ... I wanna try out new things, but I do not know where to start ... cannot read. Being on my own is not as much fun ... sure, I can talk to my self, but that looks weird =P

This is what I believe ... if I travel with a significant other, it can be romantic/spontaneous/bonding moments ... if I travel with a couple (3 person total), one is usually an outcast as the other 2 talk ... or (on the other side) one gets to much attention ... if I travel with 4 or more, then can be great ... act as a group ... split into 2 group ... mix and match in conversations ... good for round, squire or rectangular table =P

Ok ... gtg ... ttyl

Much Better =)

It is around Monday 5:30 pm EST (Tuesday 6:30 am here) ... Thank you God for answering my prayer and needs ... I feel much better yesterday. I don’t know if you would call it a 180 flip, but it was close. I lighten up =)

It is funny that I can still function with only 4 to 5 hours of sleep ... but I don’t feel like sleeping if I’m not dead tire ... actually I cannot fall back to sleep. I have not check my mail yet as I’m typing this in my room with no windows ... and no wifi access =( ... I will try to upload this morning if I can get past the 2 dogs =P

I thank everyone who has been praying for me and wishing me the best. =)

Recap yesterday:

Bargaining is a must have skill in HK ... price can drop by 30% or more if you good ... but it takes work and a lot of BSing. I got a BS and MS in computer science, but if you talk binary with the merchants, it does not work =P If you do not know you stuff and lingo, you will get ripped off ... aka me ... haha ... I’m very thankful that Joe and Vivi is there to show me the ropes of the trade.

Everywhere I go, I see stuff that I can buy for my sis ... but I just don’t know which are the best ... what I can fit on the plane ... there are so much to buy around here ... everything you can think of ... it is like one big eBay store =P I even got yelled at for trying to take pics so sis can see her options =)

Here, you can go the mall where all the prices are marked and brand name are sold ... or you can take your chances in the market and bargain for everything ... and lots of aftermarket stuff ... and rejected stuff. Yesterday, I went to a district that sells all electronics and PC goods ... wow ... it is like one big Flushing computer show back in the states. You can go to the high end store front with glass display or ... the very creepy gangster like areas ... where you look up the pictures and codes on a white wall ... tell them the number and they will phone it to “the guy” ... and then it will be delivery to a “drop off point” at a “certain time” ... hehe ... very criminal like =P

Once again lots off food ... for example ... sticky rice in a drum stick ... or golden mushroom wrapped /w pig skin.

lol ... I finally get where Chica gets her “need for speed” (driving wise) ... she also talks and acts like the natives here ... everyone here talk, eat, walk and drive fast ... not a moment to loss, not a moment wasted. If I never come back to HK (yea, I was here on vacation many, many years ago) ... I would never fully appreciate the culture ... her roots grew deep here in HK ... I’m only an island boy =P ... moreover, for my other Asian friends ... I finally understand what they were talking about.

I miss Chica ... I really do ... I will call her later ... that would really make a good start for my day (^o^)

Upload

I finally got a chance to upload many entries ... (internet access in a different house) ... you may want to go back and read some ... enjoy =)

More Shopping with Mr. Kranky

Good morning =) ... or should I say good evening ... it is about Sunday 8pm EST (Monday 9am here) ... man, I’m this trying go get over this jet lag. My body really don’t know when to sleep or to wake up ... (@_@) I slept around 2 am (yes, a lot of shop are still open) and woke up around 6am ... I cannot fall asleep, no matter what I do. Plus, I hungry at the wrong time ...

I did a lot shopping today ... bought a suit that fits me best ... I like the slim fit that they sell here as “regular.” If you like shopping cheap stuff or bargaining, this is the place to be.

Several unique things in HK that are not like the states...

1) You do not throw away your garbage after eating a McDonald ... I was told that you get yelled at if you try to talk away they “job”. Oh ... McD unique dish ... “rice”-tastic (say it in Cantonese) ... which is a sandwich with sticky rice as buns ... hehe. Or you can have the pepper sauces 2x patter burger – spicy.

2) People are always in a rush ... stick to the right side on the escalator if you are “slow mo” ... like me =P ... or else you get run over.

3) Subway platform has glass wall/doors to prevent you from falling (or pushed) on to the tracks. All the subway cars are interconnected with each other to form a long tube (yes, you can walk from one end of the train to another without opening a single door.)

4) Joe and Vivi keep pointing out gals that look like guys ... I think they are guys.

Btw ... I was “Mr. Kranky” ... cranky at the beginning and the end of the day ... the lack of sleep, overwhelming atmosphere and with Joe bugging me every so often ... man, I’m really showing the bad side of my nature ... I keep praying to God to allow me to have some peace ... but Joe pushes my buttons ... the “do not touch” button =P and I get all nutty on him every times I tell him to stop and he would not ... he does not know the meaning of the word “NO!!!”. =(

He has not changed since I meet him ... same exact thing in the past ... but this time, the guys are not here to distract him and I’m his main focus ... haha ... you can say he is the only friend that can drive me this crazy ... he is definitely a unique friend. I wish I can keep a lighter mood ... actually, this is as serious and stress out as I can get ... lol ... and I’m on vacation =P ... with God’s help, I will do better ... happier and relax. I can be that happy person ... just watch ... I pop a 180 on Joe and get rid of this old grouchy self.

Oh ... I did not take any pics yet ... to afraid to put myself as target as a “tourist” in the market area ... too many stories about pick pockets and other crimes. But I will try to do some later when I get the hang of the layout of the land.

Good morning =)

Got a call from my sweet Chica (^o^) ... it is about her bedtime (10pm EST) ... and around 11am here. After some sleep and weird dreams ... I feel great!!! Chica was in my dream ... but not a sweet one ... you can guess what happen in my dream (@_@)

It is nice and sunny with some haze (normal in HK) around mid 70s ... depending if you get the cool water breeze or the hot city breeze ;)

Joe and Viv are still asleep ... so I have some time for quiet time with God and to recap last night ...

Recap:

• My first time in a privately owned car in HK ... Joe’s parent drop us off from the airport to Mong Kok.
  
• Octopus card (aka metro card) can be used anywhere ... including shopping in a 7-11
  
• You have to bargain for everything ... that is if you want to get a crazy bargain
  
• Food ... food is everywhere ... food is at every corner ... I thought it was dejavu ... but yep ... it is another one. I tried spicy “fish ball” and waffle with everything – butter, sweeten condense mike, peanut butter, something “do not ask, just eat”, more something, and sugar topping. It is hmmm good =) ... and I will get fat =P Moreover, I tried out a dessert with durian ... a fruit that most people would call it stinky ... it tasted like staled popcorn with a touch of stinky tofu ... sry, I HATE it =P j/k ... I don’t like it, but I can still eat it.
  
• Finally, the mini bus ... (MTR close around midnight) ... make sure you tell the drive when to stop or else you will be going for a loooong ride.
  

Oh!!! ... I just find out that all the outlets in this house is multi-voltage ... ya!!! I can charge everything ... it has a weird looking holes and fits everything ... ah ... just look at the pics.

It is going to a another long day ... ttyl =)

Crash and burn

Right now is 1:20 pm EST (2:20 am in HK) ... I had been up since I woke to the flight ... and I just took a shower and about to do a “crash and burn” sleep cycle. Yikes!!! I have been up since when??? You do the math because I think I left my brain on the 747 =P

Got here ... non-stop action ... Joe and Viv is ready to bounce of the shopping center and eatery ... and yes ... nonstop eating. If you know what goes into this food ... you will think I’m crazy for putting into my mouth.

Hong Kong

I’m here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (^o^)

Want Sleep

I’m back again ... one last time before HK ... we are getting close ... it is around 2 AM EST. I keep on eating to keep awake ... tried out everything they offered ... even the sodium/MSG filled bowl of noodle.

Also, I got a chance to talk to one of the flight attendant ... a friendly gal from HK ... she is very open in sharing stories and good tips ... such as wifi in an airport ... go to a Starbuck in the airport for free wifi ... haha ... ding - that is an idea!!! ...

Ah ... only about 2.5 hours away ... I cannot wait till we land ... thank God for this trip =)

747

I’m back ... now it is midnight back home ... we are about 2500 miles away ... just flew over Siberia. I wanna take a look outside, but everyone is sleeping and I’m here typing in the dark.

Earlier, I went and walked around the plane ... here is the math diff between all the classes ... it goes by the butt size =P If coach seat is size 1, then business is 1.5 and first is 2 ... even the isle is bigger as you go up the food chain. Going back to coach brought back some mem ... even if it was from about 17 years ago. Now ... I’m one of those grown up in business class with a laptop ... hehe ... someone who I wanted to be when I was younger???

Just finish watching a movie ... the “The Lake House” ... very romantic ... =,)

Get ready ... Go!!!

This is my first time flying business class ... wow ... the service and the room is great. I can almost lie all the way down ... but I don’t want to sleep because I wanna get over the jet lag asap. lol ... I was so tourist like with I took pics of almost everything ... you can check them out your self when I post them.

Right now (as I’m typing) is about 7:30pm EST and I flying over the North Pole at about 34000 feet @ 509 mph in -65 deg F ... yep, I got the map in front of me ... great tech ... live gps feed to my personal LCD. The cabin crew made an announcement earlier that we should keep all the widows closed because “we will be flying with the sun and we don’t want to wake anyone” ... well, I’m the naughty one and took a peek ... haha ... no sun ... just a faint glow over the horizon. That made sense ... this is the north pole. We are 4850 miles from HK ... oops I, mean 4849 miles away =P

I wish I have my Bible with me ... now is a great to some quite time since everyone is sleeping ... well, my neighbored David just woke up and started to read his novel just as I typing type line ... hehe ... note to self ... must but travel Bible if I’m to travel more. ;)

Ok ... I will take some rest now ... signing off

Cya Later

Finally, the time has come for me leave the nest ... well, only for a month =P
If I have access to the internet, I will try to keep you up to date here on this blogger or via email ... if not, then I will tell you all about it when I get back ... just like Joe ... hehe ;)

I pray to God that all my love ones are happy and safe while I’m on my journey =)

The One

What do you give to a girl that you love?