27 Nov 2011 ~ Sun Yat-sen Museum

Listening to: Kenny Wayne Shepherd ~ Shame, Shame, Shame

Drama in the apartment building yesterday morning. A little boy, perhaps 4 or 5, decided to lock himself into the elevator on my floor. His poor mother was begging him to come out, until finally the fire truck arrived, and forced open the door. I only watched the episode through my peephole.

I bought a printer and a toaster on Friday. I'm almost set on all the essentials, although I still need a few more pieces of cookware, but I'm so hesitant to buy them.

I went to the Dr. Sun Yat-sen Museum today. The museum is housed in a beautifully preserved mansion built in 1914.

Born in Guangdong Province, he studied in Hawaii and practiced medicine in Hong Kong.

In 1911, Sun Yat-sen led a nationalist revolt that eventually toppled the Qing government and established the Republic of China in 1912. The Republic was in name only. Between 1917 and 1925 made 3 attempts to establish a government in Guangzhou, which had always served as a base where Dr Sun hoped to realize his vision of political progress, economic and social development and education.

Unfortunately, unable to take pictures within the exhibition halls, but here is one of a marble screen.

Tourists were invited into the Jamia Mosque today, so I stopped in on my way home. Not the most impressive of interiors as far as mosques go (but then again, I may be spoiled after seeing some of the great ones in Istanbul). When they asked me if I was Catholic, I said no, and when I asked them if they were Sunni, they were quite taken aback, but did not answer. So I was disappointed in that the invitation in was a means to get me to join a class to be taught the "true" teachings of Islam. Even after I mentioned I am quite familiar with Islam (having studied Religions and Middle Eastern/Central Asian History, and have read parts of the translated Koran), they told me what I learned in university and in books would not have been accurate, and I should come to their classes.

But it's not just one faith. I was also approached at the Baptist church today to be baptized. I honestly couldn't tell you the differences between a Baptist and a Catholic or a Lutheran.

I must look like I need religion. Or perhaps the Dead Head shirt I was wearing?

Can't we all just get along without the labels?

24 Nov 2011 ~ Lots to be Thankful For....

Listening to: Rolling Stones ~ Happy

Happy Happy Thanksgiving...

I am healthy, I have family and friends that love me, I am employed, I get to experience something new everyday...AND I have terabytes of music to listen to...I am Happy and Thankful.

All of the Workday HK office (including our 3 newest employees to double our office size) went out tonight in the Stanley district to a restaurant called Spiaggia for a traditional thanksgiving dinner...although I worked today and will tomorrow. The chef was very attentive.

The table was set with our welcoming plate of plenty of various nuts and mandarin oranges, which in Chinese are a sign of good fortune.

We also had an appetizer of vegetable lollipops.

To keep us occupied between courses, we were able to watch the Oregon Birds vs. Nebraska, much to the delight of my colleagues formerly from Bend, Oregon. (BTW...the NBA sucks. and I'm glad for every player that got to play in Europe instead.)

First course...squash/mushroom soup, with a side of pumpkin seeds and a cherry. The red flowers on the side were not edible.

Second course....Turkey with gravy, stuffing, cranberry sauce, variety of roasted vegetables.

Third course...pumpkin pie.

 Here is the team (and family members) from both ends of the table.

We also celebrated with a  bottle of champagne the signing of our first HK deal which the restaurant proudly displayed.

Have a great holiday everyone!!!

22 Nov 2011 ~ Power of Attorney (POA) - for a BIRD

Listening to: Bob Dylan ~ Idiot Wind ~ Blood on the Tracks

The saga of moving Skye here continues. Because she is a rare type of lovebird, I need to obtain a special USDA export permit, as I think I mentioned will take an additional 2 months. So instead of her arriving next week, it now looks like early February. In order to get this permit, I had to obtain a Power of Attorney so the Pet Relocation company can act on my behalf.

BTW...here's a really cute picture of Skye (and Zorro), but how cute!!!! Skye is the grey-faced and Zorro is the black-masked (who passed several years ago due to egg binding).

I cannot wait for Skye to be here and share my adventure, especially since I have lots of birds hanging out in the trees and plants around me. Although experience has shown me the other birds will be more interested in her than she is with them.


Which leads to the reason I went to the American Consulate today. I took off work for 2 hours to get this POA notarized. According to the map it was a 15 minute walk from my flat, which actually took 45 minutes for me to navigate (but did take me 15 minutes to get home).

After going through security, which for a citizen is just showing your passport, turning off and surrendering your phone (and Swiss army knife my case), you then stand in a short line to inform them of what you need. They call you to the window. For some reason, I needed an additional witness (which seems silly, since isn't that the purpose of the notary?), so I asked a random guy sitting in the lounge to be my witness. He was happy to oblige.

Then I had to pay, and then get my witness to watch the signature and stamp.

On the walk home, I saw this incredible tree growth...wow...they are actually growing out of the bricks! Nature is amazing.

20 Nov 2011 ~ Mosque & Temple

Listening to: 7 Walkers ~ Space > Sugaree, 2010-12-16, FTC Stage One, Fairfield, CT

I'm having quite the experience with purchasing cookware and learning how to use my Hibachi Induction Cooker. I bought a small fry pan last week -- perfect for frying an egg or quick scramble -- only to get a blinking E1 error message. I gave that pan to my co-worker assuming it was too small or too light.

Today I went shopping to find new cookware, and was very excited to find a Japanese store nearby so I didn't have to go to a big shopping mall. I bought a fry pan and a kettle (to make pasta, soup, etc.). Both are the same size. The fry pan works but the kettle does not. I got out the manual and it appears I must have not only a certain size but also suitable utensils that contain materials of magnetic conductivity. So I made rice in the frying pan....And I have to go shopping again...Ugh.

Today was my "place of worship" tour.

On the way to the shopping adventure, I took these pictures of the Jamia Mosque across from my flat.  It is surrounded by a tranquil, cool garden and the entrance has an elaborate wrought-iron gate.

It's painted a beautiful pale green which this picture does not do justice. The first mosque built on the site was in 1849. For decades most of the worshipers were Punjabi Muslims, many of whom served in Hong Kong's pre-World War II police force. There is not a muezzin who recites the call to prayer at prescribed times of the day.

The lights were on one night and the stained glass windows are spectacular. I hope to get a decent picture of that one night.

I then headed to Man Mo Temple. I love this temple...it is so peaceful and used regularly by locals. One is greeted at the entrance...

I had never seen such large incense spirals before visiting here for the first time in 2005. These can burn for weeks.

This temple was built around 1842. Man is the god of civil servants and of literature. Mo is the god of marital arts and war. Statues of the Eight Immortals stand guard outside the temple; inside, 2 solid brass deer (representing longevity) adorn the main chamber.

And in contrast, I passed this square, unadorned Baptist church....no need to go inside. The same is true of other Christian houses of worship I've seen...just more concrete.

19 Nov 2011 ~ WORK

Listening to: Anthem Facility ~ Left To Defend (from the album TRACE)

I like this band from NYC (aka Stephen Hermann and Melati Malay). Has a Mazzy Star reminiscence.

Snoop Dog, Dr. Dre and DJ Jazzy Jeff are coming to HK on November 30th, but I will be out of town.

I've completed 3 weeks of providing training to students and customers. BOY - it's exhausting. Hats off to all Teachers and Instructors. Always good to spend some time in others' shoes.

So today I took it easy...watched some Discovery Channel on TV (I did not know there was a breed of cat called "Turkish Van"). Read part of my book "The Disappearing Spoon", which provides interesting historical and anecdotal stories on the elements of the periodic table. Tonight I will be continuing with the movie series and watching the Girl Who Played with Fire.

In case you had not yet heard:

The Center for Disease Control in Atlanta has issued a medical alert about a highly, contagious, potentially dangerous virus that is transmitted orally, by hand, and even electronically.

This virus is called Weary Overload Recreational Killer (WORK). If you receive WORK from your boss, any of your colleagues or anyone else via any means whatsoever--DO NOT TOUCH IT. This virus will wipe out your private life completely.

If you should come into contact with WORK, you should immediately leave the premises. Take two good friends to the nearest grocery store and purchase one or both of the antidotes-- Work Isolation Neutralizer Extract (WINE) and Bothersome Employer Elimination Rebooter (BEER). Take the antidote repeatedly until WORK has been completely eliminated from your system. For those not able to take the above antidotes, rum and/or tequila (see below) work very well at fighting this virus as well.

You should immediately forward this medical alert to five friends. If you do not have five friends, you have already been infected and WORK is controlling your life.

17 Nov 2011 ~ Dragon Fruit

Listening to: Lucinda Williams ~ Make Me A Pallet On Your Floor
 
Just a quick note on the song: I first was exposed to Lucinda Williams after purchasing the Smithsonian's Classic Blues CD. I was greatly pleased to hear it recently revived by my friends Sandy, Joe and Andrea on their streaming Internet show, as well as a live performance by a warm-up band at a concert at the Fox Theatre in Oakland. [Apologies to the warm-up band for not remembering their name at the moment, but I've made a note to research this.]

Happy Birthay to you...here's a toast and special wishes...until we do so in person.

Sorry also for those of you have read my posts in the past on Dragon Fruit. Also known as the ‘strawberry pear’, ‘pitaya’ or ‘pitahaya’ it’s the fruit of a several species of cactus.

When I first arrived in Shanghai several years ago it was my first encounter with this fruit. I now have the opportunity to enjoy it every day! I really like it. When you cut through the flesh – it feels a little like cutting into the skin of a melon – you find the stark contrast of the flesh inside, an opaque white inner with dark seeds throughout ... similar to the seeds found inside a kiwi fruit.

Faced with such a strange looking fruit it may seem a bit intimidating to think how to eat it ... do you bite into it like a apple ... eat the centre like a pomegranate ... was it best raw or cooked? Just peel it  or cut it open as above and enjoy.

Rich in fibre, vitamin C and minerals the dragon fruit is also low in calories ... so an all round good fruit to eat! This fruit is also rich in phytoalbumins which have antioxidant properties. I've also read it helps control levels of glucose blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes.

Try one if you have the opportunity!

When I get tired of fruit...I can always order from Jack's Pizza which is right below my apartment (although I have not tried them yet). Here's the hot line number - do you think they have a delivery in 30 minutes or less policy...and if so, within what kilometer range?

Another interesting point....I never smell pizza. Do they have some magical air vent? Hmmm... all this writing about food is making me very hungry.

12 Nov 21011 ~ Macau

Listening to: Lena Meyer-Landru ~ Taken By A Stranger

My work permit finally came through, and in order to get it validated by Immigration I needed to leave Hong Kong. So, I took the ferry to Macau for the afternoon.

Macau was a Portuguese colony first settled by traders in the 16th century. The economy is largely based on gambling and tourism. Of the major casinos, there is a MGM Grand and Sands - I'm sure there are more but as a non-gambler, I didn't really pay attention.

The turbojet ferry takes an hour and costs $168 HK$, or about $24 USD.

Upon arrival, Macau Fisherman's Wharf is within walking distance, and you have the opportunity of entering an underground amusement park, which has a lava volcano on the top... I decided to skip it...

...as well as some ruins.

This is near the Babylon Casino.

Play it Mr. Tambourine Man!

This lighthouse was built in 1865, the first on the China coast and still operating. I ran out of time, so on a return trip I will check it out.

12 Nov 2011 ~ Moving Day

Listening to: Pink Floyd ~ Any Colour You Like (Dark Side of the Moon Studio Release)

I started moving into my apartment. My lease officially doesn't start until Tuesday (15th), but my landlord was worried about the plants getting watered, so gave me the keys on Monday. This is the beautiful garden I get to take care of and enjoy on my private terrace.

This is not a typical setup for flats in Hong Kong, but I live on quiet street, so I gave up the fantastic view opportunities for some quality outdoor space. It's Saturday morning at 8:30 and I'm enjoying a pot of tea out here. The temp is 70 F and it's party sunny.

The name of my street is Mosque Street, appropriately named because there is a mosque across from me. More on the mosque itself in another post. You can see the mosque (the green building between the trees) in this photo.

Additional views from my terrace. Where the man is walking is my street entrance to the travelator. It will take me about 15 minutes to get all the way to my initial customers office building. Not a bad commute!

Here is the inside of my apartment. It's only 500 sq. feet, but it's well planned. The apartment is partially furnished, in that it came with the major furniture items such as bed, sofa, tv/stand, and one set of dishes. But no pots/pans, floor mats, cooking utensils, etc. so I went shopping (ugh!) at IKEA last night to start getting a few things...at least a small kettle so I could make tea this morning.

I have a nice open kitchen with new appliances. Most kitchens here a like galleyways or closet size.

I've started to put up a few knick-knack items that I brought along.

The cable/Internet guy is coming this morning. I will get 35 "basic" tv channels, which of course as in the USA, worthless. And then I got to pick 3 extra channels, so I picked BBC World News, Discovery (which is actually a 6 channel package) and F/X.

I have a washer/dryer out back as well.

Until next time!

8 Nov 2011 ~ Hong Kong Park ~ Part III

Listening to: David Gilmour ~ Then I Close My Eyes ~ 3/11/06 Hamburg, Germany

It's been a busy week and it's only Tuesday evening! In between teaching my class, preparing and executing demonstrations for our new customer, I've managed to sign up for a Hiking Group, a Kayaking Group, sign a lease on an apartment, set up the gas, cable and Internet providers. Also, my visa came through yesterday (! yeah !). More on all of that to follow.

Back to HK Park....I really enjoyed the aviary. Especially with the delay of Skye's arrival here.

There are about 600 birds in the aviary representing 80 species indigenous to "Malesia", such as a Black-capped Lory

Maroon-breasted Crown Pigeon

Pinon Imperial Pigeon

But I apparently was the highlight, as some mainland China visitors came up to me with their camera, not for me to take a picture of them...but for them to have their picture taken with ME! This happened to me while I was traveling around China, but I was extremely surprised it happened here in Hong Kong, because there is large population of gweilo (foreign devils - although today it is not supposed to have a racially derogatory meaning, but simply refers to Caucasians without a negative connotation).

I also got bit by something on my arm that caused a huge golf-size bump, but after hydrocortizone and benedryl, mirrored a mosquito bite after 2 days. (Always something!)

6 Nov 2011 ~ Hong Kong Park - Part II

Listening to: Nine Inch Nails ~ Head Like A Hole

What's this song really about? "It's about the overwhelming obsession with money that capitalist societies end up developing, and the control that it has over PEOPLE once it does."  Reznor is basically saying "God Money is not going to be the driving force in my life." To think it was released in 1989....

Good luck all you Occupy participants. Be safe and don't resort to violence.

LORDY, LORDY, Look Who's 40!!!!

Hong Kong does not recognize Daylight Savings, so I am now 13 hours later than the East Coast, 14 hours later than Central, and 16 hours than Pacific time.

Back to HK Park...some interesting factoids I learned are that:
1. There have been 100 species of dragonflies identified here (I didn't see any...)
2. Of the 16,000 recorded species of butterflies in the world, 1300 are in China, of which 235 are in Hong Kong, 48 of which can be found in urban parks (I saw one...)

Ah well, maybe next time.

There is an interesting plant exhibit, where I saw various cacti and trees...

 including Golden Ball Cactus

Spiral Ginger

and Cacao.

Up next...the Aviary....