DCDayTripper

13 Feb 2012 ~ Skye is a Movie Star

2012-02-14T04:48:00.002+08:00

Listening to: AC/DC ~ Shoot to Thrill (Iron Man 2)

Happy Birthday!

The Bay Area Bird Hospital that took care of Skye put her in their "Movie". She only has a small part. Here is the link. It is the small video on the bottom of the web page.

http://www.bayareabirdhospital.com/

10 Feb 2010 ~ CNY Parade Hi-Lites ~ Part I

2012-02-10T21:48:00.001+08:00

Listening to: Andrew Tosh (with the Peter Tosh Band) ~ Rastafari Is (8-30-89 : The Grand Emporium, KC, MO)

I've finally been able to go through a few of the videos/photos I took at the Chinese New Year Parade.

This first shot is of the Thailand float.

In December 2011, the King of Thailand celebrated his 84th birthday, so this float represented a combination of Chinese and Thai golden dragons for symbolize prestige, fortune and protection.

As a footnote, the King of Thailand was born on a Thursday, so as I recall from my visit there in 2006, people tend to wear yellow shirts on Thursdays.

We were then entertained by the Jeollanamdo Provincial Institute for Korea Traditional Performing Art from South Korea. For some reason it reminded me of the gymnasts with the twirling thing.

http://youtu.be/9wmn3RgqNUY

I enjoyed the China National Tourism Administration group as well.

http://youtu.be/3de9yT62yh8

Remember in my previous post, I mentioned trying to find the bottle of wine, and at the deli ran into a parade participation group from Italy? Well, here they are performing in the parade.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_Ap-lG6gD8

My comment which you may hear about the scissors...I was very surprised to see a scissors cymbol as I have been told in Chinese culture you do not give or represent scissors on festive occassions as it means the severing of ties between relationships. Hmmm..guess those Italians need to do a little cultural research and less drinking.
I will leave you with a vidoe you cannot really see, but you should hear me, being very overwhelmed at being at street level and the performers being too close to video or photograph.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJdcUh7dgRY
More on that next time...

8 Feb 2012 ~ Reunion Day!

2012-02-08T20:26:00.006+08:00

Listening to: FloRida ~ Good Feeling

Skye arrived today!

Her flight touched down at 6:45am and she was with the PetRelocation Agent by 7:22am.

I got a call at 8:05 saying she was well and chirping happily.

So I got her cage all ready.

I hope she likes her view. Lots of "outside" birds come and sit on the terrace wall outside the window.

She had to go quarentine for one final check, and just arrived home at 6:50pm. Yes, it was a long 12 hours for me to wait.

She made herself right at home.

She immediately gravitated towards the stereo speaker after checking out the couch....

I had to remind myself she just got off a 15 hour airplane journey (boy, do I know that feeling!) so I let you go back to her cage after a few moments of exploration.

I haven't had time to get her a real nesting box, so I made a make-shift one out of a kleenix box, which she is already chewing apart.

http://youtu.be/Sv9JlFvVuTE

She looks great and we are very happy together on this reunion day.

I haven't stopped smiling since she arrived.

4 Feb 2012 ~ Yuen Po Street Bird Garden

2012-02-04T20:40:00.000+08:00

Listening to: The Beatles ~ Paperback Writer

Great news! Skye has been cleared on all her avian tests and is scheduled to leave the USA on Monday night for arrival here on Wednesday!!

After a 3 month delay, I realized I must get prepared. So today I went to the Yuen Po Street Bird Garden.

The Yuen Po Street Bird Garden was built in 1997. The Garden has traditional "pai lou" (gateway) designs with courtyards flanked by rows of trees and bird stalls.

It is a place where people can bring their pet birds to show off...

and to buy any kind of bird... such as peach-faced lovebirds...

or a Double-Yellowhead Amazon parrot...

or a wide-range of bird supply, including live crickets.

Today is also the 13th day of the Chinese New Year Festivities ~ The Death Anniversary of General Kuan Yu.

Kuan Yu was a general in Three Kingdom period, (2211-263 AD), after late Han Dynasty. He killed a bad guy and disguised himself with a red face when young. He helped his friend and tried to recover Han Dynasty. People remembered his brave and skillful in fighting, righteousness, loyalty to friends, faith and act of justice. But he ended a beheaded general. After his death, his spirit wouldn't die and his divine image appeared on the sky several times. People worship General Kuan Yu to repel evil spirit away. Also, some Chinese treat General Kuan as a God of Wealth. This is because General Kuan won hundreds of battles and business people want to won the battle on the business deals. Some Chinese will visit the temple of General Kuan to pray for safety and money luck.

31 Jan 2012 ~ Day 9 of the Chinese New Year Festival

2012-01-31T22:00:00.000+08:00

Listening to: Steely Dan ~ Monkey in Your Soul

Day 9 ~ Happy Birthday to the King of Heaven ~ Jade Emperor

According to Daoism, the Jade Emperor lives in the 33rd heaven and governs 33 heavens; so he is the king of heavens. Jade Emperor is a vegetarian. To celebrate his birthday, Chinese often mix six different kinds of dry vegetables to worship him: celery, shepherd's purse spinach, green onion, garlic, mugwort and colewort). This is believed to repel the evil spirits and sickness away.

Tyson may have witnessed this event at Starbucks today... the actual hanging of the vegetables, and he was kind enough to share this photo. [And he gave me permission to use his name in this blog post.]

I was also fortunate to receive a visit and Blessing from God of Wealth at the office today. (No, the card did not actually have any money in it.)

Just to look ahead to the upcoming days of the Chinese New Year Festival:

Day 10 - Eating Day: On the next day of the Jade Emperor's birthday, there are many food left from the birthday's ceremony. People have to take care all the vegetable, animal scarifies, cakes and fruit on the 10th lunar day of the year.

Day 11 - There is no special event on the 11th lunar day. Some families will invite daughter and son-in-law back to the house to enjoy the final meal left from Jade Emperor's birthday feast. {The following is a symbol for welcome money. Do we pay our parents? Or do they pay us for leaving the house?}

Day 12 - Get Ready - The Diarrhea Day

Many people keep eating greasy food from Chinese New Year Eve for 11 days. They might have a trouble for diarrhea on this day.

So this is the symbol for Red Luck.

Also, some people have to begin to prepare the Lantern Festival, which is on the 15th lunar day.

Can't wait!!!

30 Jan 2012 ~ Parade Part 2 ~ Big Red Fish

2012-01-30T21:35:00.002+08:00

Listening to: Desmond Dekker ~ Fu Manchu

Double Birthday Wishes Day!

This giant red fish -- Kunchi Sea Bream -- was brought in for the parade from the city of Karatsu, in the Saga prefecture in Japan. This float was constructed in 1845.

There was a big contingency crowd from Japan in our seating section. Of the 15 floats, I think this was the coolest. (It's a short clip, about 1.30 minutes).

http://youtu.be/kUMmgeN9z90

29 Jan 2012 ~ Parade ~ Part I ~Waiting

2012-01-29T20:04:00.002+08:00

Listening to: Barna Howard ~ Promise I Won't Laugh
The parade was held on the evening of Monday 23 January.

The weather was cool, with only a slight mist before it started, but we were fortunate to not have rain during the parade itself.

My coworker and I went out for a quick dinner. I had spaghetti carbonara and we split a nice bottle of wine. We wanted to get a bottle of wine for the parade itself, but all the roads were blocked off, so we thought our 15 minute search was futile...but then...just as we were about to enter...a sign beckoned....Wine & Deli. Yeah. They sold bottles. It was a funny deli, and we got to meet the Italian parade participants who were also enjoying lots of wine.

Along with my Workday coworker,

2 team members from our customer also went with us.

Here are the decorations all lit up at the clock tower (remember...these were what I posted from the morning I waited in line for the tickets.)

And some cool night shots of Hong Kong Island.

The wine kept us warm.

Next up...parade performers...

23 Jan 2012 ~ Lunar New Year Fair ~ Part 3

2012-01-23T09:29:00.002+08:00

Listening to: S.O.S. Band ~ Just Be Good To Me

恭喜發財 !!

Gong Hei Fat Choy! [Happy New Year!]

On the eve of the Chinese New Year it is customary to visit with relatives and partake in a large dinner where a number of specific foods are served. Typically families do eight or nine dishes because they are lucky numbers. The Chinese word for eight is baat [in Cantonese], which rhymes with faat, the word for prosperity." The word for nine means "long-lasting."

A lot of the foods are very symbolic and some popular foods include: dumplings (because they look like golden nuggets), oranges (because they are perfectly round, symbolizing completeness and wholeness), and long noodles (served to symbolize long life).

Sticky rice cakes and sweets are also served and are tied to a story about the Kitchen God-- a Santa Claus-like figure who reports to the Jade Emperor in heaven on whether families have been good or bad through the course of the year. According to legend, when families serve the Kitchen God sticky, delicious foods, his mouth gets stuck together and therefore he cannot report any bad things about the family to the Jade Emperor.

What's a Fair without Food? Here women are cutting rice and sesame treats for sample.

I chose this one for tasting and it was quite delicious.

Fruit sticks also are available.

I did a walk around the Food Stand. How many foods can you recognize?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXuTLyBF75Y

22 Jan 2012 ~ Lunar New Year Fair ~ Part 2

2012-01-22T14:29:00.003+08:00

Listening to: Willie Nelson ~ Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain

I setup a YouTube page, so I can now upload videos there. To join me in my walk through the fair, please use this link. Please forgive the sound quality, the parts that are out of focus and the close-ups of the back of someones head. (It's about 10 minutes).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CT_eC8X2Z7I

The other highlight of the Fair is the Flower Market. Buying flowers for the home symbolizes the coming of spring and a new beginning.

I ended up buying an orchid and tried to take a picture of myself in the market - hence the funny smile/smirk I have on my face. [Note, I bought new glasses with transition lenses.]

The orchid made it home safely on the metro and alongside my Dragon decoration I am prepared for New Beginnings in the year of my Dragon sign.

21 Jan 2012 ~ Lunar New Year Fair ~ Part 1

2012-01-21T22:26:00.000+08:00

Listening to: Peter Rowan & Crucial Reggae ~ Little Maggie, 10/20/2001, Live Oak, FL

I asked several co-workers yesterday what they would be doing to prepare for the Chinese New Year Festivities. Almost everyone aswered "Cleaning my house." I thought it was just part of the fact of having guests coming over, but in fact, prior to the first day of the New Year it is customary for families to thoroughly clean their homes from top to bottom. Doing this is said to clear out any back luck from the previous year and to ready the house to accept good luck for the coming year.
All cleaning must be finished before New Year's Day so there is no chance of accidentally throwing out the good fortune of the new year.

So I also spent my morning cleaning the apartment and sweeping up the terrace.

I then headed off to Victoria Park where the Lunar New Year Fair is held annually.

I didn't think pictures could do this one justice, so I made a video as I started my journey. I'm trying to find out how to upload it since it's 10 minutes. Stay tuned.

20 Jan 2012 ~ Time Ball, Cyclone Warnings & Gas Lamps

2012-01-20T20:49:00.003+08:00

Listening to: Grateful Dead ~ Scarlet>Fire (1/17/1979 New Haven CT)

A time ball is a large painted wooden or metal ball that drops at a predetermined time, principally to enable sailors to check their marine chronometers from their boats offshore. Accurate timekeeping is one way of enabling mariners to determine their longitude at sea. Time balls are usually dropped at 1 p.m. (although in the USA they were dropped at noon - because Americans have to be different about everything.)

Damn Ronald Reagan for nixing the metric system...my life would be so much easier if I knew what 330 mL represented....by the way, it's equal to 12 oz.

This is a Signal Mast replica. Mariners subject to dangerous typhoons (season here is May - September) needed detailed information of storm direction, severity and location in order to avert disaster. Signals on the mast would provide crucial information. In 1917 the first numbered system was introduced geared to the warnings of wind conditions.

These are the descriptions to be used on the mast representing typical Tropical Cyclone Warning Signals and their meanings.

These three original gas lamps have been de-rusted, cleaned, preserved and reconnected to actually utilize gas to fuel their illumination. Gas street lighting was introduced in Hong Kong in 1865.

19 Jan 2012 ~ The Flying Frenchman and 2 Other Sculptures

2012-01-19T19:30:00.000+08:00

Listening to: Lissy Trullie ~ Madeleine (Lissy Trullie)

Outside of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre in Tsim Sha Tsui are a few large-scale sculptures.

The Flying Frenchman is by French sculptor César Baldaccini.

Searching for Position is by Lau Sui Hong, Freeman, and Sculpture 1 by Cheung Yee.

18 Jan 2012 ~ Mong Kok Flower Market

2012-01-18T22:59:00.001+08:00

Listening to: Dev ~ Dancing in the Dark (TBA)
I love the Monk Kok Flower Market.

It has a fascinating selection of cut flowers, house plants and feng shui flora.

It was especially busy in preparation for the Chinese New Year festivities. (And this picture does not do justice for actually how crowded it is further down the street.)

The two flowers most associated with the New Year are the plum blossom and the water narcissus.

The plum blossom stands for courage and hope. The blossoms burst forth at the end of winter on a seemingly lifeless branch. In Chinese art, plum blossoms are associated with the entire season of winter and not just the New Year.

Water narcissus signifies good luck and fortune as it is a flower that blossom at New Year's time. If the white flowers blossom exactly on the day of the New Year, it is believed to indicate good fortune for the ensuing twelve months.

Additionally, tangerines and oranges are frequently displayed in homes and stores. Tangerines are symbolic of good luck, and oranges are symbolic of wealth. These Chinese New Year symbols have developed through a language pun, the word for tangerine having the same sound as "luck" in Chinese, and the word for orange having the same sound as "wealth". Pomelos are large pear-shaped grapefruits.

15 Jan 2012 ~ Waiting for Parade Tickets

2012-01-15T12:12:00.002+08:00

Listening to: Van Morrison ~ (Astral Weeks)

I got up early on Saturday (6am) to go to the Tourism Board office to get in line to buy Chinese New Year Parade tickets. I was on the Star Ferry by 6:40 and in line by 7am (an hour before the office opened).

At 7:30 they handed out our ticket # and the time we were supposed to come back to actually purchase the tickets. I got ticket #63!!! Tickets usually sell out within the day (as only 1000 are available to the general public and there is no limit to the number you can buy.)

My ticket purchase time was 8:55, so I had some time to kill. Victoria Harbour looking at Hong Kong Island.

Starting to assemble decorations in the square.

Successfully purchased 4 tickets! One of my Workday colleagues is going as well as 2 of my customer team members. Got first row seats in section C1 along the parade route. The parade is on 23 Jan, and I'm planning on taking lots of pictures and hopefully some video for posting.

13 Jan 2012 ~ Still Got Nice Pork Belly

2012-01-13T19:37:00.004+08:00

Listening to: Tell Me, Tell Me ~ Kevin Hearn (Cloud Maintenance)

The newest attraction on the Avenue of the Stars is McDull, the first animated character to receive the honor. It's extremely hard to get a picture of just the statue.

McDull (麥兜) is a cartoon pig character, distinguished by a birthmark on his right eye, was created in Hong Kong by Alice Mak and Brian Tse. He has a heart of gold, but he isn't very smart and ordinary in every way; nevertheless, he has many dreams. However, every time he tries, he fails; he is disappointed, but tries again, exploring other dreams. In this way he creates his own colourful world. He lives his life simply and naturally. He is not perfect, but his attitude towards life, namely of never giving up, makes him a popular character.

McDull's theme song is "Turkish Rondo" by Mozart set with Cantonese lyrics. Here are the notes if you care to whistle a tune.

So I got quite curious as to what this cartoon really consisted of, so did a major search and decided...I just don't get it. Judge for yourself.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pwppQBBzUA&feature=related

10 Jan 2012 ~ Buddy Bears

2012-01-10T11:44:00.000+08:00

Listening to: La Grande ~ Laura Gibson

Happy Birthday!!!

United Buddy Bears were created in 2002 by a German couple Eva and Klaus Herlitz to promote love, diversity and harmony. They invited 120 artists from different countries to design the bears - each shows a particular art style of each country.

Jackie Chan got to know these adorable bears when he was filming in Germany. He was so impressed by the message it delivers and decided to bring some to Hong Kong.

The United Buddy Bears have raised over HK$4,800,000 in donation in Hong Kong. Beneficiaries include UNICEF, Community Chest and Jackie Chan Charitable Foundation.

7 Jan 2012 ~ Avenue of the Stars

2012-01-07T19:32:00.003+08:00

Listening to: Dire Straits ~ So Far Away (Brothers in Arms)

Visited the Avenue of the Stars.

This is located along the Tsim Sha Tsui Waterfront Promenade and was opened in 2004 to pay tribute to outstanding professionals of Hong Kong's film industry.

The 4.5-meter tall Hong Kong Film Awards sculpture is located at the entrance of the Avenue of Stars.

There is a series of movie-related sculptures displayed. Gotta love Bruce Lee.

7 cutely-designed mobile carts sell refreshments. Here is a sample.

Step right up!! Get your Cuttle Fish or Fish Cakes here. Only HK$25!

Entertainment can be found day by day...

and night.

5 Jan 2012 ~ Happy New Year

2012-01-05T19:21:00.002+08:00

Listening to: 1999 ~ Phish (12/31/1998, Madison Square Garden, NYC)
Hope everyone enjoyed the holiday season.

There was a big Barbie doll exhibit outside my work office building. Very interesting stuff.

It was surprising though to see how many adults got into visiting and having their pictures taken.

Each hut had a different display.

This is riding the escalator to the mall/office building entrance with various Barbie paraphernalia overhead.

At the top was another exhibit that had pictures and dolls and other stuff.

I remember playing the Barbie board game growing up and having to select or "win" the prom dress, the date, and such. I gave away the game to Tao...I wonder if she still has it? Otherwise, I had one Barbie doll and the camper growing up. I don't think I had a Ken doll; probably used my brother's GI Joe doll instead.

How do you think I'd look in this dress? HaHa...doesn't really go with my wardrobe.

24 Dec 2011 ~ Xmas in HK

2011-12-23T21:40:00.002+08:00

Listening to: Sun Showers ~ Arrange (Five Years from the Sun)

Merry Merry Everyone!!!

No worries that I may be missing Xmas - the season is alive and well in HK.

Santas gathering in the park...

Lions guarding the shopping mall entrances with tree reflections in the window...

Carriages abound....

Carolers in the IFC mall (which is the building my customer is in)...

22 Dec 2011 ~ Winter Solstice

2011-12-22T19:41:00.000+08:00

Listening to: The Difference ~ The Wallflowers (Bringing Down the House)

The Dong Zhi (冬至) or Winter Solstice Festival is one of the most significant festivals celebrated.

This is the day when daylight is the shortest and has the longest night.

How do people celebrate winter solstice? My co-workers said "winter solstice is more important than the Chinese New Year". Nowadays, the whole family will get together to have dinner on that night. It was likened to US Thanksgiving.

Sweet glutinous balls with peanut or sesame filling may be eaten afterwards because the name of the dessert "tong yuan" implies gathering.

There were lines outside the butcher stores, as unfortunately the bird flu warning was raised to serious and 17,000 birds will be culled. About 15,000 live chickens are sold on an average day. The price has sky-rocketed, with prices going from HK$50 last week to HK$130 today. (1 US$ = 7.78 HK$).

The concept of the festival traces back to the Yin and Yang philosophy of balance and harmony. After this celebration, it is said that there will be days with longer daylight hours, also an indication of the increase of positive flow of energy.

Historically, the winter solstice may have been immensely important because communities were not certain of living through the winter, and had to be prepared during the previous nine months. Most cattle were slaughtered so they would not have to be fed during the winter, so it was almost the only time of year when a supply of fresh meat was available. The majority of wine and beer made during the year was finally fermented and ready for drinking at this time.

For some Native American tribes, as the Hopi, the main purpose of the Winter Solstice ritual is to ceremonially bring the sun back from its long winter slumber. It also marks the beginning of another cycle of the Wheel of the Year, and is a time for purification. Pahos (prayer sticks) are made prior to the ceremony, to bless all the community, including their homes, animals, and plants.

19 Dec 2011 ~ Star Ferry

2011-12-19T21:37:00.000+08:00

Listening to: Yellowman ~ 8-28-1986

Got a good dose of the Christmas shopping experience in HK on Saturday afternoon. I took the Star Ferry across Victoria Harbor to over to Tsim Sha Tsui.

The Star Ferry service dates back more than a 100 years, with the maiden voyage occurring in 1898. The ferries have whimsical names such as Celestial Star, Twinkling Star, Morning Star and Electric Star. The trip takes about 8 minutes to cross the harbor; all for about $2.50 USD. About the same cost as the metro bus running underneath the harbor but much more scenic.

The upper deck has better views of the city. (And this is not a very good picture, but it was a hazy day, so I'll post better scenic city views at a later date).

Tsim Sha Tsui is the "tourists' Hong Kong". A tightly packed and frenetic pocket of shops, hotels, bars, restaurants, camera and electric outlets (but buyer beware), fast food stores, neon signs, street hustlers, and masses of people.

The clock tower, looking distinctively out of place, was built in 1915 and is topped with a gracefully colonnaded cupola. This is the final vestige of the Kowloon-Canton Railway Station, once running all the way to Europe.

On the way home I spotted this Apple Store in the IFC 2 building. Got a picture of the bus underneath to give perspective on the size of the store, which is packed with as many as 1000 people at any time.

17 Dec 2011 ~ Rivalries

2011-12-17T14:14:00.000+08:00

Listening to: Wharf Rat ~ Grateful Dead, 3/14/1971, Camp Randall Field House, UofW, Madison, WI

I heard the Badgers will play in the Rose Bowl against the Oregon Ducks. I think the Badgers can take on some ducks...(btw, my co-worker is from Oregon, so just some healthy trash-talking).

Again, just a coincidence I'm listening to a show from the home of the Badgers...

I heard this news not by watching or reading any sports updates. Supposedly there is a rivalry going on between Michigan and Wisconsin as reported in News of the Weird.

MI took offense WI is using a Mitten theme for tourism, as MI insists it is the Mitten State (as the lower peninsula looks like a mitten?)

You be the judge.

Whew - that is weird.

Well, I'm off to explore for the afternoon.

13 Dec 2011 ~ Just Another Day?

2011-12-13T23:57:00.000+08:00

Listening to: Caithlin de Marrais ~ Hot Day (Red Coats album).

It's not just another day...it's a BIRTHDAY!!! Happy Happy!!!

Not much happening this week but working long hours. So, I'll leave you with a short video from the trip to Alaska this past summer. I was trying to get a video of a moose across the road who was happily eating some leaves, when all of sudden he starts heading my way...

10 Dec 2011 ~ Lunar Eclipse

2011-12-11T09:22:00.001+08:00

Listening to: Alyssa Graham ~ Watching the Sky (Lock, Stock, and Soul album)

I know is might seem rigged, but honestly that is the song that came on as I sat down to write this blog, which is about the lunar eclipse that I got to experience.

The timing was perfect here as the eclipse occurred between 10:06 pm and 10:58 pm.

A lunar eclipse occurs when the moon enters the earth's shadow. This shadow has two parts: the total shadow called the umbra and the partial shadow termed the penumbra. This diagram is courtesy of the Hong Kong Observatory.

I had a great view from my terrace so set up an observatory deck around 8:30pm, when the moon was between penumbra and umbra.

I thought I brought my tripod, but alas could not find it, so these pictures did not turn out as well as they could have.

During totality, the moon is not completely invisible. This is due to the fact that some sunlight is refracted by the earth's thin atmosphere into the umbra and illuminates the moon, making it coppery-red in colour.

This is the official HK Observatory Picture:

The next lunar eclipse potentially observable in Hong Kong will occur on June 4, 2012, which will be a partial eclipse. Also in 2012, an annular solar eclipse will be potentially observable in Hong Kong on May 21, and a transit of Venus on June 6. Both are rare astronomical phenomena.

8 Dec 2011 ~ Singapore

2011-12-08T20:41:00.001+08:00

Listening to: Ricki Lee Jones ~ Nobody Knows My Name, Harmony Music Festival, Sonoma County Fairgrounds, Santa Rosa, CA, 2007-06-09

Hard to believe it was just a week ago I was in Singapore. The only other time I was there was February 2007.

The flight got in from Malaysia around 8:30pm and then I waited for my colleagues to all take a car to the hotel. Although this trip did not leave much time for being a tourist, except a bit for one night, luckily I had a GREAT view from my Mandarin Oriental hotel room.

This is the view and the Largest Ferris Wheel in the world at 42 stories. It takes 37 minutes to make a complete rotation. I think there was a Discovery Channel show on it's construction, as it needs to withstand typhoon strength winds.

My co-worker and I tried to ride the Singapore Flyer ferris wheel, but we got there too late and it was closed. This portrays our sentiment.

This is the view in the other direction of the Marina Bay Sands hotel, with a SkyPark shaped like a ship on the top.

Went out for dinner at the Long Beach, a premium seafood restaurant known for their chili crab. Although I'm not much of a crab eater, this dish was superb, but messy, as the crab legs are bathed in a chili sauce. Also ate steamed Sea Bass, baby kailan with garlic, and Malay Noodle Fish Sotong. Sorry, by time I got to the restaurant I was starving and forgot to take pictures!

Headed to the SkyPark of the Marina Sands and enjoyed an after dinner Black Russian (that's a drink for those of you who may be confused) while taking in this spectacular view of Singapore (with a light show even).

Happily returned to my hotel room. It's actually bigger then my HK flat. (Oh, yes, I'm learning to speak British English...it's a flat not an apartment, a lift and not an elevator). Unfortunately I had no time to enjoy the bath.

Here are some Xmas decorations. It's hard to be in the Christmas spirit when it's 70 degrees.

6 Dec 2011 ~ Kuala Lumpur Part II

2011-12-06T19:33:00.001+08:00

Listening to: Good Ole' Mountain Dew, Lester Flatts & Earl Scruggs, The Martha White Show, 9/6/1953

Today was a good day...I found a saucepan/kettle my stove "approves of" so I can now make soup, rice, boil pasta, etc.

After a busy day of work last week in Kuala Lumpur, we went out to dinner in the Petronas Towers, the second tallest buildings in the world. PETRONAS is short for Petroliam Nasional Berhad, the Malaysian oil and gas company wholly owned by the Government of Malaysia.

Here is a view from the inside looking up.

Shopping is big in Asia and even the Christmas spirit is alive and well in this predominately Muslim country. I see Gucci stores everywhere (on the middle level on the right), but can't quite figure out who has the money to actually shop in one...

Here is the famous view of the towers from the "perfect picture taking spot", which is actually a placard in the park. The lighting used is so fabulous it appears as an animation even in real life.

What I found cool was the sky bridge between the two towers on 41st and 42nd floors is not attached to the main structure, but is instead designed to slide in and out of the towers to prevent it from breaking as the towers sway several feet in towards and away from each other during high winds. Visitors are allowed to the 41st floor, so maybe I'll have another opportunity to go up there.

My co-worker did not want to lay down to get the full tower picture in with me, so you'll have to suffice with just the lower half (of the towers that is).

The Kuala Lumpur Tower is used for communication purposes and features an antenna that reaches 421 m (1,381 ft), which currently makes it the second tallest freestanding tower in the world. The rest of the tower below has a stairwell and an elevator to reach the upper area, which also contains a revolving restaurant. Races are organised yearly where participants race up the stairs to the top. The tower also acts as the Islamic falak observatory to observe the crescent moon (which actually you can see equal to the building on the left).

The next day was again meetings, and I headed to the airport by myself to catch an earlier flight to Singapore. The customer arranged a car for me, but I did not realize it would be direct billed, so when I got to the airport I had no Malaysian Ringit to pay!!! The driver was very nice and trustworthy and waited while I went in to exchange money.

4 Dec 2011 ~ Kuala Lumpur Part I

2011-12-04T09:00:00.001+08:00

Listening to: Vusi Mahlasela & Friends (Micky Hart, David Hidalgo, and Taj Mahal) ~ One Love (People Get Ready), Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco, CA - March 29, 2007

This past week was a whirlwind of flights / hotels / taxis / and all day meetings.

On Monday morning I picked up my Hong Kong ID Card (now I am officially a resident), which allows some perks such as zipping through the immigration lane at the airport by inserting your card and having a fingerprint scan.

Hong Kong provides superior airport train transportation, and if you have bags to check (which I did not for this short trip), you can check them in at Airport Express and they are transported for you.

Going through security at the airport I was stopped because I foolishly forgot to remove my Swiss Army Knife (again !!) from my purse. I was devastated at the thought of losing another one, as I've lost 2 to security guards previously. But much to my surprise, the security officers said they could hold it, provided me a receipt, as long as I could pick it up within 2 weeks! They were so nice and accommodating. So that's a trip I need to take back to the airport this coming week (my flight home was delayed and I missed the pick-up window).

This was my first trip to Malaysia.

Flight to from Hong Kong to KL is about 3.5 hours. We stayed at a Shangri-la Hotel.

I got a room with a great view. (Night and sunrise).

Our meeting workshop was held at the customer's Training Facility...we all wish we had brought our swimming suits.

Kuala Lumpur has a tropical rainforest climate which is warm and sunny, along with abundant rainfall, especially during the monsoon season from October to March. We did have rain every day, and it was very humid. Temperatures tend to remain constant, with the maximums hovering between 31 and 33 °C (88 and 91 °F) while minimums hover between 22 and 23.5 °C (72 and 74 °F).

1 Dec 2011 ~ Another Birthday Wish

2011-12-01T17:41:00.001+08:00

Listening to: Been All Around This World ~ Joe, Andrea & Sandy: Second Life Broadcast, 18 January 2011

I'm actually in Singapore today, but was in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for the past 2 days, for work.

I will post post some pics of both places when I'm back in Hong Kong on Saturday, but just wanted to say....

Happy Birthday to You!!!

27 Nov 2011 ~ Sun Yat-sen Museum

2011-11-27T17:32:00.001+08:00

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....

2011-11-24T22:11:00.001+08:00

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

2011-11-22T21:09:00.001+08:00

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

2011-11-20T19:11:00.001+08:00

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

2011-11-19T20:20:00.001+08:00

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

2011-11-17T18:57:00.001+08:00

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

2011-11-13T19:51:00.001+08:00

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

2011-11-12T08:24:00.001+08:00

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

2011-11-08T21:14:00.003+08:00

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

2011-11-06T18:46:00.000+08:00

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....

5 Nov 2011 ~ Hong Kong Park ~ Part I

2011-11-05T17:27:00.003+08:00

Listening to: Pizzicato Five ~ Twiggy Twiggy (Twiggy vs. James Bond)

Hong Kong Park is a collection of gardens, man-made waterfalls, greenhouses, a tea museum, and aviary. It is Central district's only large open space.

Can you see the live turtles on the right?

This is an Orchid Tree. And then with close-up of the flowers.

I learned a lot about tea at the museum. From various methods of tea preparation throughout history to exquisite tea sets. Here is a teapot from the Qing Dynasty (1736-95).

Ancient Chinese texts attribute the discovery of tea to Emperor Shen Nung, believed to have ruled about 2737 B.C. According to legend, he was sipping hot, boiled water in his garden when a leaf from a tea bush nearby fell into his cup. He smelled and tasted the infusion and reckoned it was a big improvement over hot water. Tea drinking was born.

I decided to google this Emperor, and came up with another interesting tidbit.

The “Lu Shi,” a Chinese work of the Sung dynasty, about 500 A.D., contains a statement that the Emperor Shen Nung, in the twenty-eighth century B.C., first taught the people of China to cultivate “ma” (hemp) for making hempen cloth and using for it's medicinal purposes.

3 Nov 2011 ~ Food & Games

2011-11-03T20:10:00.002+08:00

Listening to: Johnny Cash & Bob Dylan ~ Just A Closer Walk With Thee ~ 2/18/60, Studio Recordings, Nashville, TN

Found a great local place for lunch. My co-worker Danny took me there. I took pictures of my lunches on my cell phone so I can go by myself and order what I want. One of my favorites is Singapore Noodles (it's spicy with hot red peppers):

Another is Chinese Beef (add a little chili pepper and it's perfect):

It may seem lame, but I've been playing my own version of the game Bananagrams. It's a good way for me to stay out of trouble (ha ha) and not look at a computer monitor or TV screen. Instead of "peeling"one new letter when I've used mine up, I take 10 new letters. I can't draw again until I've used up those 10. It's a high-end scrabble game, except you can move letters around. I've played twice and both times I've been able to use all 214 letters. Here are the outcomes:

I brought a few jigsaw puzzles along as well.

I signed a lease for an apartment today so more on that once it is stamped and finalized.

Moving Skye here is proving to be quite the ordeal. Now I'm told the USDA requires an export permit because she is a rare type of lovebird which will take 2 months!!! For such a little bird, she's causing elephant size problems. But we will persevere.

31 Oct 2011 ~ Spooky Halloween

2011-10-31T20:51:00.002+08:00

Listening to: UB40 ~ Here I Am

Just because it's Halloween doesn't mean you have to be afraid of the shadows and the darkness. Just as All Hallows Eve fades away, so will all your worries.

Halloween is celebrated here in Hong Kong, but for some reason they took down all the decorations at the mall yesterday (?) I did catch this picture over the weekend of some ghouls and goblins hanging from the eave of a British pub.

I'm sorry to be missing the big Halloween party back at hq - they do it up right every year, with teams getting quite creative. But in the "spirit" of the event, here's my costume from last year. Can you tell what I am?

A Deviled Egg!! HaHa. (That likes beer...)

I did not dress up this year, but did wear a black skirt and blouse, with orange earrings. Yes, a little more subtle -- and comfortable -- the right choice indeed.

30 Oct 2011 ~ Travelator

2011-10-30T09:02:00.000+08:00

Listening to: Viola Lee Blues ~ Phil Lesh & Friends, Bill Graham Civic Center, SF, 12-30-2008

Yesterday I spent exploring Central and Mid-Levels area of Hong Kong Island. Streets in between are narrow and winding, with some so steep that steps replace roads.

The highlight is the Escalator [or Travelator as the signs indicate]. It consists of twenty escalators and three moving side-walks. According to Guinness World Records, these escalators together form the longest outdoor covered escalator system at 2600 ft/800 m. It runs downhill from 6am-10am and uphill from 10:30am - midnight. The total travel time is twenty minutes, but most people walk while the escalator moves to shorten their trip.

It was built in 1993 to ease the passage of residents getting home via taxi and minubus through the winding streets. Expected passenger usage was 27,000 people per day, but daily traffic exceeds 55,000 per day.

Along the way, there are restaurants and shops, especially in the lower sections, making fun and easy to enjoy the surrounding areas.

This is getting ready to head up the escalator.

Here is a view of an alley way with lots of markets.

And here is the view from midway up and you can see all the covered sections.

I'm offically boycotting the NBA season this year, even if they start in Dec or Feb. Sorry folks, I won't be the commish for our fantasy league. Maybe next year.

25 Oct 2011 ~ Training

2011-10-25T21:05:00.000+08:00

Listening to: Gang of Four ~ Never Pay For The Farm

I am leading a training class this week of 12 students. Of note is the fact that we are teaching this on the 85^th floor of the ICC – which is the fourth tallest building in the world. The elevators are super secure - I have to get a badge that is coded and will only allow me to get off on the designated floor. The same is true at my apartment. I have a code reader that I use when I get in the elevator that will only activate the floor I live on.

Here's me teaching a a view from the 85th floor.

22 Oct 2011 ~ Sai Kung

2011-10-22T22:44:00.001+08:00

Listening to: Doc Watson & Friends ~ Make Me A Pallet On Your Floor ~ 6/22/86 Telluride Bluegrass Festival

Went to the bustling fishing town of Sai Kung tonight with my co-worker Tyson, wife Kami and daughter Baronie.

After about a 30 minute taxi ride we were dropped off near the New Public Pier.

This is a great place to soak up the atmosphere of the fishing village, breathe some "fresh" air, and dine an renowned seafood restaurants.

Boats pull up along the along the quayside to hawk their catches of the day.

You can actually purchase your dinner off this boat, and the worker will hand the catch up to you in the fishing net in a bag, and you can pay him directly back by putting your money in the net. Or you can walk past several restaurants to view the options.

We let Tyson choose our entrees, all of which were delicious. We started off with sea urchin - a first for me. Then we were served steamed crab, shrimp in soy/ginger/scallion sauce, scallops (for the first time ever I actually liked it!), and a whole grouper. Also had bok choy and broccoli and rice. This went well with the Bordeaux wine's we picked up from the local vino shop.

We selected our dishes and ate at the Cheun Kee Seafood restaurant on the recommendation of our co-worker Danny.

You have to be careful when walking, because you never know when a horseshoe crab will start ambling towards you.

A fun and tasty night indeed!

19 October 2011 ~ Settling In

2011-10-19T20:54:00.002+08:00

Listening to: Bob Marley & the Wailers ~ Concrete Jungle

A concrete jungle is definitely what I feel I have stepped into. I'm not in Berkeley anymore...

Today I went on a walking tour of the neighborhood offered by my apartment agency. They showed me the nearby "wet" market - so called because the vendors will pour water on the ground for cleaning. Lots of fresh fish, fruits and vegetables, roasting chickens, etc. I was also shown very practical things, such as where to get a haircut, electronic stores, the public library, banks, a nearby pharmacy and groceries. They will be providing me information on where to take a Chinese cooking class also.

I started my yoga routine today. It felt so good to stretch. The apartment offers yoga mats and a free yoga class soon, which I may join. That and the cooking class will be a good way to start meeting people outside of work.

Speaking of work, I have been so busy getting ready to do a training next week. Also doing interviews this week. That, combined with jet lag, have prevented me from venturing too far from the immediate area. Hopefully this weekend I can go for a hike, or at least a walk through Victoria Park. The weather is absolutely beautiful, with temperatures around 80 during the day and 72 in the evenings. The weather should stay lovely through December.

Our Workday "office" (it holds 3 desks for the 3 of us working here) overlooks the horse race track in Happy Valley. Here are pictures of the track as well as 2 other views from the 31st floor.

I will be looking at new apartments on Friday. The reason I will not stay here is that although now it is across the street from the office, as the Workday presence grows, we will need larger space. Also, once I start on projects, I may need to go to the customer offices anyway. (The training I will be doing is actually in the IFC building in Central.) I will be staying in Hong Kong for at least a year, so I want to find a nice, safe place, that of course is willing to house Skye. And have room for guests!!! Who will be the first to visit I wonder?

Hong Kong Day 1

2011-10-17T20:58:00.000+08:00

Listening to:

Hot Tuna (Accoustic) ~ Fillmore, SF ~ 12-07-2000

I arrived in Hong Kong last night and had my first day of work today. My co-workers took me out for Dim Sum. Then I bought a local cell phone, a Samsung Galaxy SII. Preparing to teach an onboarding class next week.

There were a few glitches the last 2 days before I left. On Thursday I had to take my bird to the vet as she will need to take a preventative medication for 45 days and also be in quarentine for 21 days. Thanks to my friend for all the help in making that a reality! Then on Friday the luggage company's service did not pick up my luggage, so at 6pm a private courier had to come to take it to Oakland airport. I also had to run to the local currency exchange to buy HK dollars. But in the end, it all worked out.

I am living at the Shama apartments in Causeway Bay. Below is a picture. Also, a view of the Times Square buiding, which is where the office is located. It includes a mall, and a grocery store, and reminds me a lot of Shanghai. On Wednesday the apt building will be giving me a 'hood tour so I can become familiar with my area, and hopefully thursday I will be looking for my own apartment.

6/2/2007 ~ Yangshuo

2007-06-03T00:21:00.000+08:00

On the Rio: Delroy Wilson ~ Doing My Thing

Today was my last full day in Shanghai. Sunday is my flight home.

My team threw me a fabulous farewell dinner (I ate turtle witout knowing it...not too bad) and then we went out to a disco and I learned a new dice drinking game. It was quite the emotional evening. They made me a picture book - everyone provided a picture of themselves, and then they all wrote a few words. It's so touching.

After the Li River cruise we ended up in the city Yangshuo.

It was so touristy, that a few of us (an Austrian couple living in Qingdao and a French man living in Hong Kong) convinced our guide to take us out of the city.

So we went "rafting". These are a minority group of the region.

The highlight was watching the fisherman use Cormorant birds to do the fishing.

They tie a string around the birds neck, and then when it dives in to get a fish, he can't swallow it.

And here I am with an 80 year old woman in her 500 year old house.

6/1/2007 ~ Li River Cruise

2007-06-01T10:03:00.000+08:00

On the Rio: Big Maceo ~ Bye, Bye Baby

The highlight of Guilin is that it is the starting point for a 4 hour river boat cruise down the Li River. Winding through green hills, it creates an image of a jade ribbon. Traveling down the river is a feast of fantastic peaks, crystal clear water, green hills, fishermen, and views of simple and unsophisticated rural households.

Please take a visual riverboat journey with me.

3/31/2007 ~ Guilin: Elephant Hill

2007-05-31T19:37:00.000+08:00

On the Rio: Marcy Playground ~ Ancient Walls of Flowers

Today was my last day of work at Yum China. They kept me busy up until the last moment. Not too many sad moments today, but tomorrow night will be my farewell dinner/party. Some team-mates are already joking that I will need a glass to catch all the tears.

It's hard to fathom I've been here 11 months. Thanks to all of you for staying with me and reading my blog. It has meant a lot to know I have friends and family out there in cyberspace.

Another place I went in Guilin was Elephant Hill Park. The park is situated near the confluence of the Taohua (Peach Blossom) River and Li River. At the entrance to the park is a slab depicting the traditional symbol and modern symbol for the word elephant.

The highlight is the natural formation resembling a huge elephant drinking water from the Li River.

There are "elephants" in the river to entertain the boaters having lunch.

As well as decorating the bridge.

I also got to try a new beer in Guilin: LiQuan.

5/29/2007 ~ Guilin: Fubo Hill

2007-05-29T22:58:00.000+08:00

On the Rio: Grateful Dead ~ Sugaree, 10/17/1983, Olympic Center, Lake Placid, NY

I went to Guilin for my final trip within China. I'm getting quite emotional about leaving, yet so excited to return to the U.S. and my friends and family. I cannot believe I've been here 11 months!

Guilin is to the south, just over a 2 hour flight, heading towards Hong Kong.

My first stop was Fubo Hill. This is a very nice park which includes a hefty climb up the hill for a birds-eye view of the city, as well as some caves.

Upon entering the park, an exhibition celebrating the May Labor Day holiday was still up. I love the red lanterns that one can see everywhere.

There were some plant art exhibits as well, for those of you who remember the pictures I took in Shanghai last year. This is an elephant family (elephants are very prominant in Guilin).

This is the Thousand Men Pot. Made in the second year of the reign of Kangxi emporer of the Qing Dynasty made in 1663 A.D. in Foshan, it is 1000kg in weight, 1.5 meters in diameter, and 0.8 meters in depth. It is said that the pot can cook 300 jins of rice to feed 1000 men. It is a historical cultural relic for study of casting and smelting technologies.

Next there was a Pavilion with the all too familiar bell. "Kuishui" is the ancient name of the river running through the city (and I took a cruise down the next day) now known as the Lijiang River.

I had to actually climb a hill. Boy, am I out of shape compared to when I hiked the Great Wall. I barely could make it up all the stairs; maybe it was the humidity, but I'll blame it on my winter inactivity and beer drinking. (If you see the import beer "Harbin" anywhere in the U.S. I highly recommend it - as it has German influences).

But the view from the top of Fubo Hill of the city of Guilin was fantastic!

I especially liked the leisurly life of the riverboat man.

Then I went to Thousand Buddha Cave. It was an actual Buddhish temple in the caves, complete with everything! Totally fascinating. The cave is actually two structures, with the upper level being more than 20 meters long (why is the US not on the metric system?)

Sadly, the empty spaces are carvings that have been stolen over the years.

Leaving the park there was a great statue. My guide said it represented a general who fought against the Vietnamese (sorry, no more details than that at the moment).

5/28/2007 ~ Memorial Day

2007-05-28T19:07:00.000+08:00

On The Rio: Paul Pena ~ New Train

What is the meaning of Memorial Day? Is it merely a three day escape from our worldly duties? Or, is it the official beginning of a summer filled with bbq's, beer and lemonade? Is selling more hot dogs at the ballpark the overriding clarification?

I took a moment today to remember the many souls, not only the American soldiers, sacrificed in wars, past and present (just as breaking news reports another 12 killed in a car bombing in Baghdad).

I finished another jigsaw puzzle; the fourth since I've been in China. This one was quite difficult despite thinking it would go much faster than others.

I went wandering around Shanghai to see any interesting sites that remain before I depart (only one week to go!).

My first stop was the Former Residence of Sun Yat-sen. Sun Yat-sen (1866-1925), founder of the Kuomintang Party that sought to replace the ailing Qing Dynasty with democratic leadership, lived here with his wife, Soong Qingling, from 1919 to 1925.

It's a fairly modest house with simple furnishings. Innumerable historic meetings were held here, including that between madame Sun's sister, Meiling, and her future husband, Chiang Kaishek.

I also went to the former residence of Zhou Enlai, who along with his wife Deng Yingchao, managed and promoted Shanghai's underground Communist movement from here in 1946-47. Meetings were held here in the ground-floor reception room, while the upper floors contained offices and dormitories for Party workers.

3/27/2007 ~ Terracotta Warriors

2007-05-27T19:44:00.000+08:00

On the Rio: Beck~ Tropicalia

The mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of all China who ascended the throne at the age of 13 (in 246 BC) includes life size terracotta figures of warriors and horses arranged in battle formations.

Altogether over 7,000 pottery soldiers, horses, chariots, and even weapons have been unearthed from these pits. Most of them have been restored to their former grandeur.

The pits provide an incredible amount of information of the army's forces, dispositions such as the distribution and formation of ranks, the use of weapons and the application of military tactics. The terra cotta soldiers are remarkably realistic sculptures. The figures are mostly 1.8 meters (5 feet 11 inches) in height, the lower part of the body being solid and the upper part hollow. Originally the figures were painted in bright colors however, over the two thousand years they have silently stood guard, the color has faded and worn off.

An abundance of clay and especially large deposits of ochre-colored loess in Northern China, which the Chinese refer to as 'yellow earth' proved to be a suitable material due to its plasticity and adhesive quality.

The clay was firstly panned and crushed into a malleable form is suitable for molding. The mould was started from the bottom of the body. The feet of the warrior were formed on a square base, and legs were then added. When half-dry, clay was coiled into 3 to 5 cm ropes wound upwards to create the hollow upper body. This was carefully smoothed using a paddle on the exterior pressing against an anvil or block on the inside wall. Next, the half finished head and hands were pasted onto the body. The structure of the base prevented the figure from collapsing. Fashioning heads represented a complicated process. Facial features were achieved using a mould, with piling and sculpting to form the back. Ears were pasted to the heads prior to adding sculpted or molded hair buns.

A procedure was adopted to give individuality to each rough mould. The artisans smeared fine clay on the rough surface, then by pinching, pasting, cutting, and carving, facial details like eyes, hair, moustache, ears were elaborately represented. Excavations indicate that dozens of heads might be made from the same mould.

Skillful refinement produced the individual life like facial features and impressive stance, representative of the powerful Qin army. No two figures have an identical face; some appear solemn in deep thought while others are of a cheerful countenance. Archaeological research confirms that these facial features are truly representative of the real men.

A two wheeled chariot with a round canopy, 1.2 meters in length and 1.3 meters in width, is pulled by four pottery horses flanked by two spear men with a central charioteer. The horses measure 1.5 meters (4 feet 11 inches) in height and 2 meters (6 feet 7 inches) in length. The charioteer wears a long robe under armor that protects his chest, back and shoulders. His arm extends forward as if he is holding reins.

5/22/2007 ~ More Xi'an

2007-05-22T21:10:00.000+08:00

On the Rio: Traffic ~ Shanghai Noodle Factory

I climbed the East Gate of the Xi'an city wall. Here are some military equipment photos.

This is a view of the local market.

Here is my guide Wendy.

I liked the little girl's hair beads.

After the East Gate, I went to Banpo Village, an archeological site from 5000 B.C., built by a late Neolithic people.

Banpo had about sixty buildings and housed over 200 people from two clans. It was a matriarchal society based on farming. The houses were thatch over wood beams while the floors were sunk 2 to 3 feet into the ground. Heat was provided by a central fire for the family. They stored food in underground caves, dug deep enough to protect it from wildlife and insects.

Art, in the form of geometric designs and human and animal figures is found on many of their pots. The village had their own pottery which produced specialized pots for drinking, storage, cooking, and burial. This is a symbolic totem at the village entrance.

Adults were buried in the cemetery outside the village, some alone, some in pairs, or in groups such as this.

Children and infants were buried alongside the huts in special clay urns. I would like to know why.

And here's a self-portrait of me on my birthday last month.

5/21/2007 ~ Dumplings & Dancing

2007-05-21T18:09:00.000+08:00

On the Rio: Doobie Brothers ~ Takin' It To The Streets

Sorry for not posting in a while. Work got quite busy last week and I went away for the weekend.

So back to the dumplings. I went to a restaurant for an 18 course dumpling dinner. Thank goodness each course was only one sample of each dumpling since I was by myself (tour guides are not allowed to eat dinner with the guests).

I didn't know there could be so many varieties of steamed dumplings! They come stuffed with pork or mushrooms or chicken or shrimp or green in the shape of a tree leaf, or stuffed with duck and shaped like a gosling, or one stuffed with vegetables and red in color shaped like a rose...one was even stuffed with walnuts for dessert.

These were a special dumpling stuffed with a combo of pork & shrimp. On the plate was an appetizer serving of ham, olives and bbq pork.

The final course was called "Empress Cixi Hotpot". The cauldron has a vegetable broth with a few tomatoes, celery and spinach, and then 10 mini chicken dumplings are dropped in to cook. These mini dumplings are about the size of a Turkish manti (for those of you familiar with them).

The Qing Dynasty Empress Cixi escaped to Xi'an after the Eight-Allies occupied Beijing. Once the dumplings are cooked (only takes about 3 minutes) the waitress comes over and serves you one-ladel in your bowl. The number you are served is significant:

1 dumpling = you will have a pleasant trip

2 dumplings = you will receive double happiness

3 dumplings = you will get a promotion in the near future

4 dumplings = you will be wealthy all through the year

5 dumplings = you will reap a harvest and be successful in your career

6 dumplings = everything will be well-off

7 dumplings = you will be quite lucky and blessed

8 dumplings = you will make a fortune

9 dumplings = everlasting love

10 dumplings = perfection in everything in your life

Zero dumplings = you are the luckiest because there is nothing in your life to worry about.

Guess how many dumplings I was served? Three...promotion, huh? I'm out of work in 2 weeks and not even looking for a new job!

After the dinner I went to a Tang Dynasty dance show. The Tang Dynasty was prosperous from 618 to 907 AD. The costumes are supposedly taken from cave drawings found in the north of China. For more information on the show, and a sample of the music, the website is:

www.xiantandynasty.com

I got one free drink with the show, so I ordered a vodka martini -- and was served exactly one shot of vodka accompanied by a bowl of peanuts. I'll leave you today with some of the pictures I took at the show. Enjoy!

5/13/2007 ~ Xi'an

2007-05-13T07:39:00.000+08:00

On the Rio: Beatles ~ Sun King > Mean Mr. Mustard

Taking a walk down memory lane...Last year on this date I was in Belize, out on an early morning w&b snorkel trip in Belize on our last day before leaving the idyllic island.

Back to the present...For my birthday weekend last month I went to the ancient city of Xi'an.

It was called Chang'an (City of Peace) in ancient times, and was the capital of 11 dynasties. In the history of world cities, the architectural scale of Chang'an in the Han Dynasty was three times bigger than that of ancient Rome. And during the Tang Dynasty was the largest and busiest international metropolis in the world as the terminal of the Silk Road which connected Europe and Asia for trade and cultural exchanges.

Today's population is around 8 million.

The extant city wall of Xi'an was first built in the early Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and was renovated in recent years.

Outside the city wall is a moat, which has now been opened as a round-the-city park.

The Bell Tower was built in the center of the city in 1582. It is a two-story wooden structure on a square base with winding corridors on four sides.

Ascending it, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the whole city and have a chance to ring the bell.

Not far away to the west is the Drum Tower which was built in 1380. Inside is a big drum for marking the passage of time every night in ancient times.

This is the gate to the entrance of a shopping area.

Here is a street shop selling dumplings.

5/6/2007 ~ Qingdao

2007-05-06T19:41:00.000+08:00

On the Rio: Taj Mahal ~ Ooh Poo Pah Doo

Qingdao (Green Island) is a refreshing town on the Yellow Sea. It is dotted with parks, caressed by ocean breezes, and heavy with the aroma of the sea and kebabs (both local delicacies). This is the view of the No. 1 Bathing Beach from my hotel room.

Sleepy Qingdao had a rude awakening at the end of the 19th century, when it became the focus of foreign ambitions. As China was sliced apart by the Western powers, the Germans joined the land-grabbing game in 1897 and occupied the port after the murder of 2 German missionaries. Qingdao woke to find its streets cobbled, a university in place, and the famous Tsingtao Brewery installed.

I did not make it on a tour of the brewery unfortunately, but did drink several beers while eating the great seafood. I tried several octopus salads, lots of shrimp, crispy fried fish, steamed white fish, crabs, and mussels cooked a variety of ways. I guess I can no longer say I'm not a big fan of seafood.

After the meals it was nice to walk along the beach.

Especially watching the children fly kites.

The Japanese wrested Qingdao from the Germans at the end of WWI, and then briefly returned to Chinese hands in 1922, only to be retaken by the Japanese during the war from 1938 to 1945.

This is a May 4th Movement monument.

The May 4th Movement was a Chinese intellectual revolution and sociopolitical reform movement from 1917 – 21. In 1915 young intellectuals inspired by Chen Duxiu began agitating for the reform and strengthening of Chinese society through acceptance of Western science, democracy, and schools of thought, one objective being to make China strong enough to resist Western imperialism. On May 4, 1919, reformist zeal found focus in a protest by Beijing's students against the Versailles Peace Conference's decision to transfer former German concessions in China to Japan. After more than a month of demonstrations, strikes, and boycotts of Japanese goods, the government gave way and refused to sign the peace treaty with Germany. The movement spurred the successful reorganization of the Nationalist Party and gave birth to the Chinese Communist Party.

Qingdao will be the 2008 Olympic host for sailing and yachting events. I don't think this traditional fishing boat will be entered.

Nor is the "water bicycle" an official event.

And here I am with my co-workers James and Huyan.

5/3/2007 ~ Laoshan

2007-05-03T08:30:00.000+08:00

On the Rio: Metallica ~ Wherever I May Roam

Taiqing Palace lies at the foot of Laoshan, a mountain infused with Taoist mystery and legend.

Here are "tourists" searching for seashells, with an extreme tourist on a cable ride.

It is associated with the Eight Taoist Immortals and the very popular Taoist fairy tale about the Laoshan Daoshi (a monk), who perfected his transcendental technique of walking through walls on Laoshan. Rumor has it that the first emperor of the Qin dynasty visited Laoshan in search of the pill of immortality. I wonder if that is what this man is selling.

The magic no doubt still permeates the local water, for Laoshan is famed far and wide for the springs that put the flavor into Qingdao (Tsing Tao) beer.

This is the Dragon Pool Waterfall (Longtanpu).

Unfortunately, we did not have time to explore the huge swath of undulating territory, drilled with caves and washed by cascading waterfalls. But I enjoyed all the spring blossoms that were budding along the walkway.

This is a memorial to a soldier who died after saving 22 children who had been washed into the reservoir.

5/1/2007 ~ Taiqing Palace

2007-05-01T10:50:00.000+08:00

On the Rio: Pat Metheny Group ~ San Lorenzo

I had to go to the seaside city of Qingdao a couple weeks ago for a project meeting. I went up on a Saturday to take advantage of the local attractions. My first stop was Taiqing Palace.

The Taiqing Palace was first built in 140, and formed a considerable scale in 905 with the efforts of several famous Taoists, including the birthplace of Laozi. After that, more buildings were added to it. During the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), the temple became a Taoist temple of Quanzhen Sect, it got great support from the imperial court and its status was elevated greatly.

Here I am at the entrance.

Here is an example of some of the displays.

This is the goddess of fertility.

And an eight-armed statuette.

Yes, this three-eyed statue really is giving you the finger.

Lots of superstitions exist, such as rubbing the carved bats for good luck, or touching a part of a tree, sitting under a pavilion to achieve good grades, or throwing coins into this container.

4/29/2007 ~ Beijing: Jingshan Park

2007-04-29T16:17:00.000+08:00

On the Rio: Odetta ~ Take This Hammer

Today I walked to the French grocery store, Carrefour; it's about 4 miles away. I stocked up on certain items I can't get at my regular international grocery: tortilla chips, salsa, refried beans and tequila (yes, in preparation for Cinco de Mayo); mustard and pickles and pitas. I still can't find graham crackers, as I want to make my co-workers a cheesecake. Anyone have suggestions for another type of crust to use?

I had to answer questions for one of my on-line banks this week, you know, those "reminder" questions. Well, one was, "What was your high school mascot?" So I answered, "Golden Beaver". They rejected it saying I couldn't use profanity! I'm so insulted.

Looks like the Wizards are not going to get past round one in the playoffs. By the way, I ended up in second place in the private fantasy league, and first in the public league. Go Shanghai China Cats!

Here are the final pictures of Beijing. It took me 6 hours to make it through the entire Forbidden City. Here is the view from Jinghsan (Prospect) Hill, across the way, which I some how still had energy to climb.
And this is a view of Beijing.

This is one of six pavilions in Jingshan Park.

At the park entrance, people gather to dance. Mostly waltzes. I've seen this in Shanghai as well, especially on a warm evening. I tried not to be too obvious taking pictures, and was experimenting more with black&white. Hope you feel the rhythm.

4/23/2007 ~ More Forbidden City

2007-04-23T16:02:00.000+08:00

On the Rio: Grateful Dead ~ Tastebud

The emperor lived and handled political affairs in the Palace of Heavenly Purity (Qian Qing Gong).

Three hundred and eight copper and iron vats were part of the fire-fighting equipment of the palace. They were filled with water to be used to douse fires. From October to February every year the vats were covered with quilts to prevent the water from freezing, and on very cold days they would be heated with charcoal fires. The Qing Dynasty vats had 2 beast-shaped bronze rings.

The Imperial Garden contains several hundred-year-old pines, cypresses and Chinese wisteria, and exotic stones are scattered here and there. Here the emperors, empresses and imperial concubines could appreciate the scenery and amuse themselves. In the Qing Dynasty, girls were selected here for the emperor's harem.

The branch interlocked cypresses symbolize loyal love. It is said that Puyi and Wanrong, the last emperor and empress of the Qing Dynasty, had their photograph taken in front of the trees after their wedding ceremony to show that "we wish to fly in heaven, two birds with one pair of wings, and to grow together on earth, two trees with branches interlaced." Couples today wait in line to have their pictures taken.And here a few photos I found interesting.

4/21/2007 ~ Beijing: Forbidden City cont'd

2007-04-21T09:07:00.000+08:00

On the Rio: Dawn Penn ~ You Don't Love Me

This is the largest stone carving in the Palace, at 16.75 meters long and 3.7 meters wide, and weighs more than 2 tons, hence the name, Large Stone Carving. It was carved out of a huge natural stone in the Ming Dynasty and then in 1761 the old carvings were hewn away and recarved. With beautiful interlocking lotus patterns all around the huge stone carving has curling waves at the bottom and nine dragons amidst clouds in the middle, as the dragon is an imperial symbol. The stone was transported to the Palace by sprinkling water on the way in winter to make an iced road and then pulled on the ice.

This is the Gate of National Prosperity (Jing Yun Men), constructed in 1420 and renovated in 1655, and is one of the gates leading to the inner court. Along both sides of the gate were Mongolian nobles offices. Unless summoned, visitors had to halt 20 paces from the gate to protect the emporer.

This is the Gate of Heavenly Purity (Qian Qing Men), also constructed in 1420 and rebuilt in 1655 after a fire destroyed it. In the Qing Dynasty the emporer heard reports here.

4/15/2007 ~ Beijing: Forbidden City

2007-04-15T19:52:00.000+08:00

On the Rio: The Staple Singers ~ I Like The Things About Me

The Imperial Palace, also known as the Forbidden City, was the center of both the Ming and Qing dynasties.

This is part of the original wall.And a bridge and reflection.

The Tower of Enhanced Righteousness (Hong Yi Ge), built in 1420 in the Ming Dynasty, was originally named the military tower and now exhibits several traditional imperial instruments.

The Gate of the Distinguished Clan (Long Zong Men), also constructed in 1420, was also known as the Forbidden Gate because, except for those who came to make urgent reports or been summoned, not even princes and officials were allowed to enter. Instead, the had to halt 20 paces away from the flight of steps and state their business to palace messengers. This is where the name "Forbidden City" originated.

4/13/2007 ~ Beijing: Tiananmen Square

2007-04-13T21:19:00.000+08:00

On the Rio: Peter Rowan ~ Pullin' the Devil by the Tail

Tainanmen Square is located is in the center of Beijing and covers a total area of 440,000 sq meters, making it the largest public square in the world. This is the square, with the Monument to the People's Heroes and beyond that is the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall. I was not able to walk past Mao as viewing times were only in the morning.

These are pictures of Tiananmen Gate or Gate of Heavenly Peace.

It was first built in 1417 and known as Chengtianmen during the Ming Dynasty and was the front gate of the Imperial Palace. It was given its present name after reconstruction in 1651.

Standing guard.

I don't know what these guys were doing.

Tourists are allowed to go up and get a birds eye view from the 33.7 meter-high gate. There are also several rooms with artwork. I had to take this picture, as it is similar to one I purchased in Chengdu.

4/11/07 ~ Beijing: Temple of Heaven cont'd

2007-04-11T08:15:00.000+08:00

On the Rio: Paul Simon ~ Slip Slidin' Away

Continuing along the walkway, I came across the Cypress Embracing Pagoda Tree, known as the "Brother Trees" of Beijing. This centuries old cypress has grown a 100+ year old pagoda tree. These 2 trees co-exist in a symbol of friendship. This phenomenon is possible due to birds accidentally dropping seeds into the hole of the cypress.

Here is the entranceway into the Temple of Heaven grounds.

The temple complex is built for the view of the gods. Seen from above, the temples themselves are round and their bases square, a pattern deriving from the ancient Chinese belief that heaven is round and earth is square.

The architecture of the Round Alter is based on the imperial number nine and multiples of nine.

This is the Imperial Hall of Heaven, where the tablets of the emporer's ancestors were displayed and worshipped and the emporer came to light incense the day before the winter solstice ceremony. This hall was first built in 1420 during the Ming Emporer Yongle's reign.

4/8/2007 ~ Beijing: Temple of Heaven

2007-04-08T20:37:00.000+08:00

On the Rio: Pete Townsend ~ Let My Love Open The Door

The Temple of Heaven was built in 1420 as the place where emporers of the Ming and Qing dynasties offered sacrifices to Heaven and prayed for good harvests and timely rain.

Entering the Temple grounds, one comes to the Long Corridor, comprised of 72 connected rooms, and is the covered passageway between the Animal Killing Pavilion, Divine Kitchen and Warehouse.

Lots of groups were gathered along the corridor singing.

3/29/2007 ~ Ziggy Marley

2007-03-29T07:40:00.000+08:00

Listening to the Wizards vs. 76's game.

I went to the Ziggy Marley concert on Tuesday night with 2 American co-workers, and we started the evening off at the classic Blue Frog expat hangout bar. In true happy hour form, we got our 2 for 1 drinks delivered together, and ordered onion rings and nachos and Blue Frog burgers with fries.

The Yunfeng Theater was rocking! I didn't know there were that many westerners in Shanghai, but there were several Chinese fans dispersed throughout. The Jamaican flag was flying, rasta hats added color and from the very first note, the crowd was up and dancing and no one sat down all evening. Ziggy played most of his classics from his Melody Maker days, as well as playing a classic Bob Marley tune almost every other song - like War, Get Up Stand Up, Concrete Juggle, Positive Vibration, No Woman No Cry. His encore was 2007 Grammy winning Love is My Religion.

A fun evening was had by all. One Love!

3/26/2007 ~ Beijing: Wangfuling Street

2007-03-26T22:05:00.000+08:00

On the Rio: Odetta ~ Sail Away Ladies

Apologies for my prolonged absence. I made a home visit for a family event and upon my return have been embroiled in a project internal audit...and trying to get over the jet lag.

I did manage to take a short weekend jaunt to Beijing though this weekend.

After arriving at my hotel, I went for a walk down Wanguling Street, and was pleasantly surprised to find several street performances underway. One was of a girl drum group, quite mesmorizing.

The second act didn't capture my attention, or maybe I just wasn't interested in watching prancing "mud men", since I didn't know the story being told.

But before I left I was able to capture this photo of a Chinese man watching the performance. I've been experimenting with black & white photos of late (I did an entire series of photos while in Beaver Dam, WI (my home town) of the places I haunted while growing up. Too many memories to mention.

The streets in Beijing seem much wider than Shanghai, and traffic rules were somewhat obeyed. But the streets were just as crowded, for a city of a mere 13 million. And there are fewer skyscrapers. I also noticed a lot more Westerners, but maybe that was because I spent my time in the prime tourist areas.

I ate lunch at an Asian (possibly Japanese?) fast food place, Asijen, a noodle restaurant. We have one near my office as well, and they serve a mean spicy beef noodle (soup) dish. Bring extra napkins. With a (liter) beer my lunch cost $4, and it was so filling I didn't need to eat the rest of the day.

I continued on my journey, and came across a very interesting kite being flown.

Each strand is a Chinese opera face.

I also came upon the famous Pearl Market, but it overwhelmed me, so I left quickly.

3/6/2007 ~ Singapore: National Orchid Garden

2007-03-06T20:50:00.000+08:00

On the Rio: Junior Murvin ~ Police & Thieves

The National Garden, within the Singapore Botanic Gardens, showcases the orchid breeding program that begin in 1928.

There are over 1000 species and 2000 hybrids, displaying the diversity, richness and beauty of the orchid. Although I probably took that many photos, I'll only share a few with you now.

3/5/2007 ~ 10 Courts of Hell

2007-03-05T20:39:00.000+08:00

On the Rio: David Bowie: Scary Monsters (Super freaks) [now, isn't that a coincidence?]

Warning: Some of the following story/photos may scare young children (which I think is the intent of the exhibit).

One of the attractions at Haw Par Village is the "10 Courts of Hell". The welcome sign says: "For those intrepid enough to Brave the Ten Courts of Hell, be prepared for an experience that is out of this world."

Upon your descent, you are met by two guardians, Ox-head and Horse-face.

This design of Ox-head and Horse-face are based on legendary Chinese tradition beliefs. According to a recent publication entitled Popular Gods of China Ox-head is a hell soldier and Horse-face is "Lousha", a wicked ghost who acts as guardsman at the gate hell. When the spirits arrive they would chase them into the gate of hell with a steel spear and an ivory stick to face the various punishment given by the Yamas, or Emperors of Hell. [~L~ Note: This would make a great Halloween house party!]

First Court of Hell: King Qinguang.
In the First Court of Hell, King Qinguang conducts preliminary trials and each prisoner is judged according to the deeds of his/her past life. The "good" are distinguished from the "evil" and the King recommends appropriate reward or punishment. Punishment is then carried out in the various courts. Those with virtuous conduct in their past life will be led over the "Golden Bridge" to reach paradise. Those with past good deeds outweighing crimes committed will be led to the "Silver Bridge" to reach paradise. Those who were evil doers in their past life will be sent to repent before the "Mirror of Retribution" and then taken to a subsequent Court of Hell to be punished.

Second Court of Hell: King Chujiang

Crime-Punishment

Inflicting physical injury/Con men/Robbers-Thrown into volcanic pit

Corruption/Stealing & Gambling-Frozen into blocks of ice

Prostitution-Thrown into a pool of blood and drowned

Third Court of Hell: King Songdi.

Ungratefulness/Disrespect to Elders/Escape from Prison-Heart Cut Out

Drug Addicts & Traffickers/Tomb Robbers/Urging People into Crime & Social Unrest-Tied to Red Hot Copper Pillar and Grilled

Fourth Court of Hell: King Wuguan.

Tax Dodger/Refusal to Pay Rent/Business Fraud-Pounded By Stone Mallet

Disobedience to One's Siblings-Grounded By A Large Stone

Fifth Court of Hell: King Yanluo

Plotted Anothers Death for Property or Money/Money Lenders with Exorbitant Interest Rates-Thrown Onto a Hill of Knives

Sixth Court of Hell: King Piencheng

Cheating/Cursing/Abducting Others-Thrown Into A Tree of Knives

Misuse of Books/Possession of Pornographic Material/Breaking Written Rules & Regulations/Wasting Food-Body Sawn Into Two

Seventh Court of Hell: King Taishan

Rumor Mongers/Sowing Discord Among Family Members-Tongue Pulled Out

Rapists/Driving Someone to their Death-Thrown into Wok of Boiling Oil

Eighth Court of Hell: King Dushi.

Causing Trouble for Parents/Cheating on Exams-Intestines and Organs Pullout Out

Harming Others to Benefit Oneself-Body Dismemberment

Ninth Court of Hell: King Pingdeng.

Robbery/Murder/Any Other Unlawful Conduct-Head & Arms Chopped Off

Neglect of the Old & Young-Crushed Under Boulders

Tenth Court of Hell: King Zhuanlin

In the Tenth Court there is the "Wheel of Reincarnation" and the "Pavilion of Forgetfullness". After serving their sentences, prisoners arrive at the 10th court where King Zhuanlin passes final judgement. Sinners who have been punished will be led to the Pavilion of Forgetfullness where an old lady, Meng Po, hands them a cup of magic tea which when drunk helps them to forget their past lives.

They will then go through the Wheel of Reincarnation, Samsara, after drinking the tea. They will leave the 10 Courts of Hell via one of the of the six paths of reincarnation as either nobility, common man, mammal, insect, fowl, fish or insect.

3/4/2007 ~ Singapore

2007-03-04T12:36:00.000+08:00

On the Rio: Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee ~ Old Jabo

After Bintan Island, I spent 2 days in Singapore, and for those of you who have never been there, that is plenty. Unless of course, all you want to do is shop.

This is the skyline of Singapore arriving by ferry at sunset.

These fan palm trees are seen throughout the city.

We met up with some Yum folks for lunch at Haw Par Village, a Chinese mythology park built in the 1930s by Aw Boon Haw, the flamboyant marketing brother of Tiger Balm ointment.

To promote Tiger Balm, he had this car built in 1932.

The park itself is now rather run down, but a new museum of Chinese history, has been established, along with a the new restaurant that serves delicious roast chicken and wasabi prawns.

Here are a few pictures from inside the park.

3/3/2007 ~ Shaolin Kung Fu & Roger Waters

2007-03-03T08:53:00.000+08:00

On the Rio: Prince ~ Let's Go Crazy

I went to two very cool events last month in Shanghai.

Prior to the Shaolin Kung Fu show, I stopped for drinks and appetizers in Xintiandi at the TMSK bar. This is the bar made of psychedelic colored glass. Here is the bar seating area.

Shaolin Kungfu gets its name from its cradleland—Shaolin Temple on Song Mountain. In common parlance, all the Kungfu around world comes from Shaolin. Shaolin Kungfu is flexible and powerful, plain and simple, accurate and various. The program included:
Eighteen kinds of feats, 13 Buddhist monks help King Qin (Shaolin Legend), Shaolin Rigid Qigong, and Fight at the gate of the mountain.

It's difficult for me to put into words how magical the Roger Waters concert was. It was the same show that we saw in Chicago in September. I was in center row 11, and the stadium held about 9000. People flew in from other parts of China and several of my neighbors flew in from Japan just for the show (so, I'm not the only one who makes special trips for concerts!). Here are several pictures from the concert. I can't wait to see the show again in July at Wisconsin's Summerfest.

3/1/2007 Lion Dance

2007-03-01T20:58:00.000+08:00

On the Rio: Lucky Dube ~ Feel Irie

The lion dance is an important tradition in China. Usually the dance is part of festivities like Chinese New Year, the openings of restaurants and weddings. If well-performed, the lion dance is believed to bring luck and happiness.

Although lions are not native in China, they came to this country via the famous Silk Road. Rulers in what is today Iran and Afghanistan sent lions to Chinese emperors as gifts in order to get the right to trade with Silk Road merchants. The lion dance dates back to the Han Dynasty (205 B.C. to 220 A.D in China) and during the Tang Dynasty (716-907 A.D.) it was at its peak. It was particularly performed during religious festivals.

The lion is enacted by two dancers. One handles the head, made out of strong but light materials like paper-mache and bamboo, the other plays the body and the tail under a cloth that is attached to the head. The 'animal' is accompanied by three musicians, playing a large drum, cymbals and a gong. A Little Buddha teases it with a fan or a giant ball. The head dancer can move the lion's eyes, mouth and ears for expression of moods.

The lion dance combines art, history and kung fu moves. Normally the performers are kung fu practitioners. Every kind of move has a specific musical rhythm. The music follows the moves of the lion: the drum follows the lion, the cymbals and the gong follow the drum player.
I saw 3 lion dances during the New Year's festivities, so I should be extra lucky during this coming year.

2/28/2007 ~ Bintan, Indonesia

2007-02-28T21:12:00.000+08:00

On the Rio: String Cheese Incident ~ Ramble On, 11/17/2000, Tabernacle, Atlanta, GA

Congratulations! You are reading my 100th blog posting.

I spent most of my Chinese New Year holiday in Bintan, Indonesia.

Bintan is the largest of 3,200 islands in the Riau archipelago region of Indonesia. It is located about 45 km SE of Singapore, and is accessible by a 45 minute ferry ride, and is approximately 100 km from the equator.

Here are the top 10 things to do while at the Bintan Resort.

1. Walk on the beach.

2. Lay on the beach and take pictures.

3. Watch the elephant riders pass by. The elephant was fun to watch, as he kept having to move the cloth out of his eyes with his trunk. 4. Watch the birds land on the rocks. 5. Watch the tide go out, and then walk along the sea floor to see strange creatures.6. Lounge in the pool.

7. Swim over to the pool bar.

8. Take a shuttle bus to the Calypso Bar, where they make a very tasty Reggaefusion drink (don't ask me what was in it).

9. Watch the sunset.

10. Repeat for the next 4 days.

2/16/2007 ~ Happy Chinese New Year!

2007-02-16T18:40:00.000+08:00

On the Rio: The Dead ~ Fire on the Mountain, Oakland, 12.31.2003

The Government and all the businesses close throughout China from 2/18 -2/21 to celebrate the New Lunar Calendar/Spring Festival. Mostly people return to their homes to stay with relatives. Decorations abound throughout the city, so I will post several of these, often with a traditional theme, or welcoming the year of the pig. Fireworks are a big thing, and people usually wait until New Year's Eve (Saturday) to light them off, but some of my neighbors have started early. I will be on vacation and will not post again before 2/25. I hope you enjoy the photos.

Traditional decorations at a market stall.

Themes in Yu Gardens.

Lanterns above the crowds.

Fireworks outside my window.

Happy New Year! 新年好
gōng hè xīn xǐ

2/15/2007 ~ Elephant Ride

2007-02-15T19:26:00.000+08:00

On the Rio: English Beat ~ I Confess

After the waterfall, we went for a short hike in the national park "jungle".

Our guide peeled off stick of bark from the cinnamon tree for us to smell.

I got to swing on the tree vines.

When we re-emerged from the jungle, several monkeys hanging out at the trail entrance. There are also elephant and cobra crossing signs through the park, but we didn't see any. We did see a pair of deer across the lake, however.Lunch consisted of Tom Yum soup, egg rolls, scrambled eggs with tomatoes and peppers, rice, and cashew chicken.

And then it was time for the elephant ride!

We went through the jungle and then into a river.

Digby & Robin were behind us, and their elephant kept spraying us with water!

I chose not to be the "driver", but enjoyed the ride tremendously.

She was a very gentle, 55 year old elephant.

Before leaving the park, I had to have my foot inspected and groomed by one of the "residents". It tickled.

2/14/2007 ~ Kao Yai National Park

2007-02-14T19:50:00.000+08:00

On the Rio: Deep Forest ~ Deep Weather

After the local market, the destination was Kao Yai National Park. And how did we get there? By ox cart. I hadn't been expecting this, and it was so fun to ride through the (now dry) rice fields and see new vegetation.

Here is our driver preparing the cart.

And here is my "group" ready to go. In the front our Digby and Robin from New Zealand and the guy in the back is Joe, a narcotics officer from Arizona currently on duty in Afghanistan training the police force.

Along the way were water buffalo...

And mango trees...and unidentified fruit trees...

and even a cashew tree.

The vegetation got more dense as we rode along.

Finally we reached our destination: Kao Yai National Park.

We walked a way to get to the Haew Suwat Waterfall, one of three waterfalls in the park.

There were lots of school children there on a field trip, swinging on the rope into the pool of water. Here is the source of the waterfall.

2/11/2007 ~ Local Thai Market

2007-02-11T20:15:00.000+08:00

On the Rio: Susan Tedeschi ~ Just Won't Burn

Warning: Some of the following pictures might actually gross you out.

I saw so many things I had never seen before at the local market we stopped at on the way to a national park.

First, the fruit section.

Can anyone tell me the English names of these?

The red ones in the corner are not red peppers, which I first thought, but are sort of an apple/pear.

These were also at the floating market, and the guide bought us some to taste.

You eat them by ripping the top off with your fingernail and then eating the white flesh inside, but not the pit. They are delicious! We bought a whole bag for our lunch dessert. This is the inside after I opened it.

Then came the vegetable section.

The peppers and chiles are very hot.

The small round green, purple and white items are mini eggplants - as you can see are even smaller than the Japanese ones in the center. These are often used in the curry dishes.

I didn't take a picture of the pumpkins, since I believe most of you know what they look like, but thought you might be interested in knowing in Thai the word for pumpkin is "fakyu". Our guide had a blast telling us that several times.

Then came eggs. I had never seen a pink egg before. Our guide called them "dung" eggs because they are supposedly black inside. Mmmm...I didn't buy one to have a look. And what kind of "chicken" do you suppose lays these eggs?

This was followed by the flower stalls. Most of the flowers are bought to give as offerings at the buddhist temples.
Then the fun began. I advise anyone with a weak stomach to stop reading now.

Next was the fish market. Most of the fish are extremely fresh and the live ones will often jump out onto the sidewalk.

You can buy various types of fresh shrimp, or even squid.

Frogs (and not just the legs) are quite a delicacy.

If you are not into fresh fish, you can buy various kinds cooked and dried, ready on a stick.

Can you guess what's in the next picture? Sure, bean sprouts in lower left. How about behind it? That's coagulated animal blood. And the items next to them that look like cheese are actually bean curd.Still hungry? How about some beetles.

Or perhaps some rice rats. They must go great with bananas.

2/6/2007 ~ Bangkok: Grand Palace

2007-02-06T21:02:00.000+08:00

On the Rio: Imani Coppola ~ I'm A Tree

The Grand Palace complex was established in 1782 and was home to all royal residences and government offices until the current king.

At the entrance is the Upper Terrace.

Four main monuments are found on this terrace: a reliquary in the shape of a golden chedi; the Mondop, a repository for Buddhist sacred scriptures inscribed on palm leaves, contained within a beautiful mother-of-pearl inlaid cabinet;

a miniature Angkor Wat (temple in Cambodia); and the Royal Pantheon in which statues of past sovereigns of the ruling Chakri dynasty are enshrined.

Scattered around the terrace are various statues such as the hermit doctor

guards

magic monkeys and statues of elephants to record the famous white elephants acquired during the reigns of the various kings of Thailand (so I don't know why these are black elephants and not white ones). The current king possesses 8 white elephants - no one else in Thailand is permitted to own or keep a white elephant.
The Royal Monastery of the Emerald Buddha is one of the most venerated sites in Thailand where people convene to pay respect to the Lord Buddha and His Teachings. The Emerald Buddha is enshrined in a golden traditional Thai-style throne made of gilded-carved wood, known as a Busabok. The sacred image is clad with one of the three seasonal costumes (summer, rainy season, and winter). The costumes are changed three times a year in a ceremony presided over by His Majesty the King.

Pictures inside the Monastery are not allowed, so I tried to zoom in through the open doorway. The Emerald Buddha is in fact carved from a block of green jade and was first discovered in 1434.

Once again outside, it is traditional to sprinkle water on your head (or that of someone else) with a flower to promote happiness.

The grounds of the Royal Monastery are enclosed by galleries, the walls of which are decorated with scenes from the Ramakien - Thailand's national epic, telling stories of good triumphing over evil. This is a painting scene of the Grand Palace Grounds.

2/5/2007 ~ Bangkok: Kanchanaburi

2007-02-05T21:12:00.000+08:00

On the Rio: Cat Stevens ~ Daytime

The remainder of the afternoon was quite somber. I went to the province of Kanchanaburi, home to the new Thailand-Burma War Museum, the War Grave Cemetery and the River Kwai and its infamous bridge.

The Thai-Burma War Museum is an interactive center dedicated to the history of railway.

Construction of the Thailand-Burma Railway began on September 16, 1942 at two existing railroad terminals, one in Thanbyuzayat in Burma and the other in Nong Pladuk, Thailand, about 25 miles west of Bangkok, in the Ratchburi province.

As early as 1939, the Japanese had drawn up plans to build the railway, which was to provide a supply line capable of transporting 3,000 tons of supplies per day to support their frontline troops in Burma. At that time, Japanese engineers estimated that the 257-mile line would take five years to build because of the harsh conditions and treacherous terrain, requiring high bridges and deep mountain cuttings.

But the railway was completed in just 16 months when the two separate lines joined 23 miles south of the Three Pagoda's Pass. But the cost was incredibly high.

Though records are sketchy, approximately 61,000 Allied prisoners of war are believed to have labored on the railway, including 30,000 British (6904 deaths), 18,000 Dutch (2782 deaths), 13,000 Australian (2802 deaths). Another 200,000 Asian laborers, mostly Thai, Malay and Burmese, were forced to work on the railway, of which more than 80,000 lost their lives. Many died from diseases like cholera, beri beri, malaria, and typhoid.

Across the street is the Don-Wak War Cemetery.

It contains the remains of 6982 Australian, Dutch and British prisoners who lost their lives during the construction of the railway.
This is the Dutch section of the cemetery.

And this is one of the commemorative headstones.

Seven hundred American prisoner of war soldiers also worked on the railway, resulting in 131 deaths. All the remains were retrieved and buried at Arlington Cemetery. (I don't believe I've seen that section even with all the trips I've made to their; something to check out next time.)

The railway operated for just 21 months before it was crippled by Allied weapons, including the revolutionary radio-controlled AZON bomb.

Most of the railway was dismantled soon after the wars end with the rest lost to the Thai and Burmese jungles.

The curved spans are part of the original bridge, the square ones are the repaired areas. An 80-mile stretch in Thailand from Nong Pladuk to Tha Sao still operates daily, but only passes on this stretch of bridge twice a day. I was able to walk across the bridge, and while I was on it, a train actually passed by, so I had to stand on one of the platforms between the spans.
This is the view from the other side of the river.

When I walked back to meet my guide he said to me: "My Laurie, you are lucky, to be on the bridge when the train passes. We couldn't have tried to time it better." I replied, "You know, lots of people are telling me how lucky I am lately, I might just have to start believing it."

Oh, and it helps to have a lucky penny.

2/4/2007 ~ Bangkok: Teak Wood Carving

2007-02-04T13:08:00.000+08:00

On the Rio: Stevie Wonder ~ Higher Ground

The daytrip continued with a stop at a National Teak Wood carving shop. I got to see artists at work, producing pieces for various international clients - both individuals and organizations.

Here is a carver working on a Buddha.

Here is a work in progress.

And a finished piece.

Showing details. Then, it was finally time for lunch. I ate at the floating restaurant jrqueen.

This was my view during lunch.

I was served soup, sweet & sour chicken and sauteed vegetabes, as well as an egg/chicken dish with sprouts. Very delicious.

Here are the signs designating male/female restrooms.

2/3/2007 ~ Bangkok: Floating Market

2007-02-03T11:26:00.000+08:00

On the Rio: Bob Marley & the Wailers ~ Burnin' and Lootin'

After the coconut plantation I went to Bangkok Floating Market : Damnoen Saduak.

To get to the market, I got to take an exhilarating and fascinating local boat ride along the canal. The traditional long-tailed boat, powered by a huge diesel engine allows an interesting glimpse into local life.

Along the way I got to see traditional teak floating houses and catch a glimpse of tranquil local life along the river.

The scene suddenly changes upon arrival at the market with the shouts of the vendors replacing the roar of the engine.

The King is highly regarded in Thailand, and his picture is everywhere. He will turn 80 this year and has been on the throne for 60 years.

Totally chaotic, small 'klhongs' or canals are filled with small flat boats jockeying for position, expertly paddled by mature ladies ready to stop and bargain at a moment's notice. It's colorful, noisy, totally touristy but great fun.

Transactions are more concerned with tourists rather than locals these days but the boats are still piled high with tropical fruit and vegetables, fresh, ready-to-drink coconut juice and local food cooked from floating kitchens located right on the boat.

Maybe some waffles for breakfast?

Or pick your own ingredients for a luncheon soup?

Followed by some kebab...

And fruit for dessert...

Or just pick something you've never seen before...

If you are not hungry, you can buy other items from the boat women, such as toys or hats.

Of course there is a tourist shopping area not on the canal as well. One specializes in silk.

Another in various trinkets.

I really enjoyed my time at the market.

1/30/2007 ~ Bangkok: Coconut Plantation

2007-01-30T18:33:00.000+08:00

On the Rio: Kingfish ~ Jump For Joy

On Monday I did a day trip outside of Bangkok proper. The first stop was a Coconut Plantation.

Here is a "ladder" to climb up to get the coconuts. I remember when we went to Hawaii to the Cultural Center and they climbed the trees by shimmying up. This seems much easier and practical.

Here they are making brown sugar from the coconut oil by boiling it down.

And a close up of the concoction. The coconuts are rubbed against the "tongue" of the rabbit to shred, and then it is squeezed into the tin cup for the milk. Coconut milk is quite popular in Thai cooking.

The oil is also "processed" to be sold "for sunbath and hair treatment".

Here are the discarded coconuts.

My guide explained these are "fighting fish". Neighbors will place bets, the fish are put into the same glass aquarium, and will display their fins and fight until one runs away. A lot of gambling goes on with these fish. My guide said it is as popular as cock fights and betting on Thai boxing matches. Cardboard must be placed between the bottles to prevent the fish from "attacking".

Here is one flower I thought particularly pretty.

This skull was on display but not for sale.

Here are some items that were on display and for sale. But I didn't buy anything from here.

1/29/2007 ~ Bangkok: Chao Phraya River

2007-01-30T14:08:00.000+08:00

On the Rio: Kenny Wayne Shepherd ~ I Don't Live Today

I came to Bangkok, Thailand, for a short holiday and to meet my Chinese 30 day visa requirement. I arrived on Sunday, took a walk around the neighborhood, enjoying the tropical weather of 88 degrees.

Bangkok is a city of approximately 10 million people. It is quite a "hip" town, lots of clubs, restaurants, bars, and several red light districts. Sort of an Asian Amsterdam.

Of course I tried the local, popular beer, Singha.

For my evening entertainment I went on a dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River - River of Kings. While waiting to embark on my boat, I watched the scene along the river. This is a water taxi.

This is the dinner boat.

There were only enough people to sit on the top deck. The cruise was 2.5 hours, and we were served really delicious Thai food: stir fried rice with shrimp; spring rolls, green curry, a chicken satay, a seafood salad, a really spicy cucumber salad (almost too hot for me to eat), a pasta dish, lots of fruit, and ice cream.

We had some entertainment of traditional Thai dance.

My table neighbors were from Hungary. There were lots of eastern Europeans and Russians on the cruise. Everyone was dancing and having a good time.

We passed several attractions along the way. This is Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn). It consists of a massive elongated prang (Khmer-style tower), and is surrounded by four smaller prangs. The prang is described by the Tourism Authority of Thailand as 104m high. It is decorated by bits of porcelain which had previously been used as ballast by boats coming to Bangkok from China, a hallmark of the reign of King Rama III.

We also passed by the Grand Palace. There will be more on that later, but here is the dome at night.

A very good first day in Bangkok!

1/25/2007 ~ No Spitting Zone

2007-01-25T10:10:00.000+08:00

On the Rio: Electric Light Orchestra ~ Mr. Blue Sky

I may have already mentioned that spitting on the streets is quite common. (Not really just spitting, but hacking up goobers so large they are visible on the sidewalk to be avoided like dog doo.) So I just had to share this recent Op Ed from the Shanghai Daily Newspaper.

Don't give spit bags to taxi drivers
By Patricia Mahar 2007-1-24

SHANGHAI Daily's front page article on January 18 describes Shanghai's solution to the unhealthy and dangerous habit of public spitting by cabdrivers. The solution: To provide cabdrivers with paper bags (suitable for hanging within the cab) so they can spit INSIDE their taxis rather than outside.

This solution is a recipe for disaster.

Consider hanging paper bags of spit swaying inside taxis, filling the enclosed space with the malodorous aroma of spit.

Consider paper bags of spit overturning and spilling onto seats, dashboards and floors.

Consider paper bags of spit being tossed out the cab windows, littering the streets of Shanghai.

Consider the spewing forth of germs, released with an energetic and loud spitting episode, in the confined air space of a cab.

Consider the magnification of the pre-spitting sound when directed inward rather than out of an open window.

Consider exchanging money with someone holding a paper bag of spit.

If Shanghai's health promoters are truly interested in "keeping a good image for Shanghai" and helping cabdrivers "kick the spitting habit," they should make it unacceptable for drivers to spit.

A much better use of paper would be paper signs posted in every cab asking passengers (in both Chinese and English) to report spitting by drivers. Perhaps this, combined with diligent re-education efforts regarding the evils of spitting, and commendations for cabdrivers with non-spitting lifestyles, might actually result in a change of behavior and accomplishment of the Shanghai Health Promotion Committee's stated goals.

1/24/2007 ~ Shanghai Sights

2007-01-24T21:04:00.000+08:00

On the Rio: The Beatles ~ Glass Onion

I went to Huaihai Park on Sunday afternoon. I was looking for the sculpture center that has a Rodin exhibit, but I couldn't find it.

The park was quite busy. Lots of folks playing card games, badminton, doing tai chi, or using the "exercise equipment".

The trees even have coats on, its gotten so cold here.

There was an area full of bird cages, I'd estimate almost 25 (no, I'm not exaggerating). Some were covered with blue or white blankets.Some were open and the birds were chirping away.

On my return home, I decided to take a few more pictures of my neighborhood, Xujiahui (pronounced 'shoe-jah-way'). This is the bus stop.

This shows the bike and moped lane, although at this time of day it wasn't nearly as busy as usual. The first Best Buy in all of China opened this month. I have not yet been inside.

The decorations for Chinese New Year are starting to appear everywhere. The red "lantern" is quite typical.

1/23/2007 ~ Odds and Ends

2007-01-23T19:41:00.000+08:00

On the Rio: Pink Floyd ~ Echoes

Winter in Shanghai is not fun. There isn't any snow, but it is always cloudy and sprinkles most days. I don't think I've seen the sun in over 2 weeks. The temperature averages 40-45 F. So I spend a lot more time indoors, which allowed me set a new record in completing a puzzle (usually it has been taking me 3 months, this one took me 3 weeks).

So, how about those Wizards? Currently they are in first place in the Eastern Conference. The sports channel here usually shows 1 or 2 games every weekend live, so I get to enjoy basketball over coffee and breakfast. Otherwise I try to listen to the Wizards games on the internet during work, but sometimes meetings get in the way. Oh, and I'm in first place in our fantasy basketball league. Go Shanghai China Cats!

I try to get out on the weekends when it isn't raining. Recently I went to Nanjing Pedestrian street while looking for the concert ticket office. Nanjing Road was the first commercial road in Shanghai. In the early 20th century, there were only four department stores along this stretch. Today, it has become the number one place for shopping in the city. Open-air bars, sculptures, and lingering sounds from street musicians enhance the stroll, but the hawkers for watches, fake hand-bags, roller-blades, and whatnot, take away the charm. Plus you must always be on the alert for the pedestrian train that zigzags its way from one end to the other.

Here are 3 pictures I took there.

This is a typical newspaper/magazine stand. I noticed this one because it held 3 bird cages on the top.

Here's a close up of the birds.

1/21/2007 ~ Eric Clapton in Shanghai

2007-01-21T17:39:00.000+08:00

On the Rio: Joan Baez ~ Satisfied Mind

I saw Eric Clapton play last night. Phenomenal concert. I was in row 16. Here is the stadium, which holds around 8000 people.

The stadium was only a 20 minute walk from my apartment.

Despite the warnings, most people were taking pictures.

There isn't much security in general. No one checks your bags at the gate, and I was able to walk in with a 7-up bottle (spiced with a little rum). They only sell iced tea, coke and popcorn inside.

Here is the view from my seat.

Here's a picture of Eric on the big screen.

And here's the entire stage.

I did take a few very short video clips with my Canon as well, but they are too large to email or post, but the sound quality is OK. Remind me when we get together to show them.

1/20/2007 ~ Zorro

2007-01-20T08:40:00.000+08:00

On the Rio: Grateful Dead ~ It Must Have Been The Roses

It is with a heavy heart and deep sorrow I must report that our beloved lovebird Zorro will chirp no more. But we will remember Zorro for all the fun moments he gave us.

We brought Zorro home on April 14, 2002. And from the beginning he was a funny bird. He loved water and we built him a birdbath. Here he is drying in the sun.

He loved to eat with us. Popcorn was his favorite, and he'd sit at the edge of the bowl and almost fall in getting the kernels, and then had crumbs all over his beak. We celebrated his first birthday with pie and ice cream, and it was so funny when Zorro flew over the candle and "blew" it out.

Zorro also loved to spend time with us in the kitchen. He'd instigate chasing games, bob his head and dance to tunes, and pretend to protect his territory.

It's just amazing how such a little creature could have such a big personality. We will miss him.

1/13/2007 ~ Chinese Wedding

2007-01-13T11:10:00.000+08:00

On the Rio: Jerry Garcia ~ I'll Be With Thee

I attended my co-workers wedding reception in December.

There is a welcome reception line to greet the bride and groom.

Each guest writes a marriage wish on the sparkling blue tree. Later in the reception the couple picks a random wish, reads it out loud, and has to guess which guest wrote it. The guest then wins a gag gift. Well, I ended up winning -- it wasn't too hard for them to guess it was me, as it was the only wish written in English. I won a fuzzy hand that makes a noise (I'll post a picture later.) I had to get up on stage and talk, and my boss Eric translated. It was quite humerous, especially after lots of drinking.

The most common wedding gift is money presented in a red envelope. I had spent part of the afternoon finding the right envelope and making sure I knew what it said.

I verified on the internet that the symbol on the envolope was correct in that it represented "double happiness". I also wanted to say something in Chinese to the happy couple, so I found a toast on the internet as well to say something like, "May your happiness last 100 years", and my colleague showed me how to write it, and I was so happy when they could actually could read it!

An MC hosted the event. The fathers of the bride and groom gave a toast. The speech is followed by a cake cutting ceremony, and the opening of champagne to create a fountain. The glasses turn colors as the champagne flows into them. The long tubes coming out of the cake are sparklers which are lit by the couple.

Chinese brides often change outfits at least three times during the reception. This is outfit 2, when they came in holding a lit sword to light sparklers on each reception table.

Here is the dinner table.

They also follow the tradition of throwing the bouquet, but not a garter.

Here is the couple in entering in the bride's third dress.

1/11/2007 ~ My Chinese Name

2007-01-11T16:29:00.000+08:00

On the Rio: Kate Bush ~ Breathing

My team has given me a Chinese name, Bo Xin Rei, based somewhat on my current name and perceived personality.

Bo, because it's close to Boke, Xin means 'happy' and Rei means 'lucky'.

What do you think? I like it. And even better, I can pronounce it. They laughed when I mentioned some family members already refer to me as "lucky laurie".

Without internet at the apartment (which now they say may not be restored before the end of the month) I have some time to study Chinese. I might be able to put a meaningful sentence together soon.

Grocery shopping is funny here, as the locals always "peek" into your grocery basket to see what the lǎo wài (foreigner) is buying. But last night the girls in the check out line behind me actually picked up and examined my "strange" purchases. And what were these strange purchases I was making? A can of peas and chicken broth. I almost felt like touching their puchases right back, but just smiled at them instead.

Here's a picture of me last month from the hairy crab excursion at a tea house.

1/8/2007 ~ Happy New Year!

2007-01-08T11:28:00.000+08:00

On the Rio: Grace Jones ~ My Jamaican Guy

Our team was quite successful recently in that 2 more markets went live on PeopleSoft. Long hours and stressful moments, but all in all, I am very proud of the team.

The weather is cold in Shanghai - only in the 30s.

I do not have internet/phone currently in my apartment. The earthquake that shook Taiwan in late December severed the undersea telecommunication lines knocking out almost all internet. So I will be unable to post much until it is repaired (I'm posting this from work).

12/19/2006 ~ Happy Holidays

2006-12-19T20:28:00.000+08:00

On the Rio: Freddy Jones ~ Into the Wind

I am going home for the holidays. Please check back in the New Year for further adventures of DCDayTripper.

"My Friends" and I wish all of you a very happy and safe holiday season!

12/17/2006 ~ Imperial Palace, Shenyang

2006-12-17T23:06:00.000+08:00

On the Rio: Grateful Dead ~ U.S. Blues, 8/7/1982, Alpine Valley, East Troy, WI

The Imperial Palace in Shenyang is world-renowned for its unique characteristics of the Manchu Nationality. Construction began during the reign of Nu'erhachi, Emperor of the Qing Dynasty, in 1625. The entrance gate.

This is Fenghuang Pavilion.

And an urn.

Chongzheng Hall served as the place where emperors attended to state affairs and received envoys from foreign countries. After the Qing moved its capital to Beijing, emperors also held grand ceremonies in the hall when they visited the northeastern region and offered sacrifices to the tombs of their ancestors.

12/16/2006 ~ Harbin

2006-12-16T08:54:00.000+08:00

On the Rio: Allman Brothers ~ Soul Seranade

Harbin first came into being with the settlement, in 1097, of the Nazhen nationality. The place then was a natural, and cold, fishing area, situated right on the Songhua River. By the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368AD) the area was renamed Haerbin, literally meaning "where the fishing nets are dried".

It was later in the nineteenth century, however, that the city really began to thrive, and when the Russian influence, that was to remain and heavily dominate Harbin's history, began to take a hold. By 1898, the city had become a Russian concession, with its own powerful Tsarist police force, as the Tsar continued to enforce his colonial plans for Manchuria. The Japanese took control in 1932 as a part of their Manchukuo invasion. But the Soviets retook the city in 1945 and remained dominant for almost ten years.

It was not until after the Cultural Revolution (when factional fighting made it almost impossible for anything to get done) that the city returned to its forte of rapid economic growth. Presently the population, about 3 million in the urban area, are concentrating on tourism, trading, heavy industry and some of the heaviest drinking in China. The local Harbin beer is quite good.

Eating here is a very different experience from dining elsewhere in China. For starters, the exterior of the restaurants is pretty unique. Lanterns hang outside each restaurant, each denoting different characteristics about the food and facilities available. Red lanterns denote a typical Chinese place and blue lanterns indicate that the restaurant serves Muslim food (no pork). What's more, the greater the number of lanterns hanging outside, the higher the standard of cooking.

Also, foods are served on much larger plates. The actual dishes available in many places is also unusual. Exotic animals such as deer, bear and tiger were once an integral part of the diet here. Fortunately Beijing have made their disapproval of this kind of thing clear in recent years, and Bear Paw and Siberian Tiger Testicles are no longer as popular as they once were.

This is the meal we ate. Starting with the front right: sweet & sour pork, fried pork & cabbage eggrolls, warm lettuce with soy sauce, some sweet fruit ball, bean curd, and in the black cauldron is spicy lamb.

This is the Flood Control Monument (Fanghong jinian tang) located on the bank of Songhua River at the northern end of Zhongyang Street (Zhongyang dajie). The Monument is the centerpiece of the popular Stalin Park, built in 1958 to commemorate the tremendous feat of the Harbin people in controlling the massive flood of 1957. The flood was the biggest flood ever recorded in Harbin until the summer 1998 disaster, when many more people lost their lives.

And in the background you can see the beginnings of an ice sculpture on the river.

Among the many Orthodox churches and Russian style facades in this region, the St. Sophia Orthodox Church (Shengsuo feiya dajiaotang) is the most impressive, and imposing, structure.

It is the largest Orthodox Church in the far east, completed in 1907.

12/15/2006 ~ Mao Restaurant

2006-12-15T20:41:00.000+08:00

On the Rio: Chi-Lites ~ Stoned Out of My Mind

I had a very interesting week on a business trip traveling to the "north" country to the cities of ShenYang and Harbin. The weather was predicted to be very cold, 4F, but it only got that cold overnight. During the day it was usually in the teens or 20s. But I did buy a new coat before I left.

In Harbin I had the opportunity to taste these fruit on a stick. But again, I do not know what I was eating for sure. They were similar to a crabapple and stuffed with ground pistachio (I think - it was green) and then all of the fruit is covered in a melted sugar.

Harbin is known for its winter ice sculpting festival which is held in January, but we were lucky enough to see some works of art already in progress. This is the entrance to the Chairman Mao Communist Party memorabilia restaurant we ate dinner at.

This is my team-mate EW.

And my team-mate HY.

We were greeted inside the restaurant by a picture of Chairman Mao.

Here is one of my hostess's buying bags of nuts from the "communist worker party" wait staff.

And here is a picture of the Chairman, always watching over us during dinner.

And even Santa Claus has taken to wearing a Communist Party arm-band!

12/10/2006 ~ Randomness

2006-12-10T18:40:00.000+08:00

On the Rio: Rolling Stones ~ 2000 Light Years From Home

Spanish Proverb ~ A wise man changes his mind, a fool never will.

I have some pictures that I haven't previously posted. I have to go out of town this week for work (to Harbin and Shenyang, China), so I won't be posting again until next weekend.

Here is a fruit I came across in Hongcun (the Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon city). My guide described them as a "grape".

Unripened on the tree...

Ripened on the tree...

Ready to be eaten...

These are sesame stalks drying in a courtyard...

Here is another fruit from Simatai (Great Wall). At first I thought it was the same as above, but my guide said the inside was similar to an apricot or peach. (Can you see the moon in the sky?)A bird was feasting...

Here is a KFC driving from Tokyo to Mt. Fuji.

And this is a very tasty soft drink I tried in Tokyo. It takes almost like a Sprite, but more grapefruit, but not as sour as a 50/50 or Squirt.

12/7/2006 ~ Macau

2006-12-07T21:08:00.000+08:00

On the Rio: Bart Hopkins ~ A Felicidade

I went to Macau over the weekend. Portugal was the first European nation to try its luck trading with China and controlled the tiny peninsula at the end of the Pearl River Delta in 1557. Up until December 20th, 1999, when the Portuguese handed it back to China, Macau was Asia's oldest European enclave.

Tiny Macau is jut 9 square miles, including the islands of Taipa and Coloane. Most tourists are from mainland China or Hong Kong.

The ending of a gambling monopoly has heralded an enormous change to the industry and Macau is being transformed into the "Las Vegas of the East" - the U.S. based Las Vegas Sands owns a large strip of land that will consist of 20 casino resorts, and is scheduled to open next year. Otherwise, it's a sleepy, mellow little get-away.

I headed straight for the island of Taipa, home to Ha Sa (Black Sand) Beach on the South China Sea. Since I was in Macau only for a night, I decided to skip all the gambling and wild, late-night partying (no, I haven't fallen ill), and instead spent a relaxing day walking along the beach and lounging on the terrace of my hotel room.

My terrace...

Views at the beach...

A ladybug...

A windsurfer as seen from my terrace...

A self-photo...

The local beer...

And sunset...

12/6/2006 ~ Hairy Crabs

2006-12-05T21:25:00.000+08:00

On the Rio: Grateful Dead ~ Attics of My Life, 10/9/1989, Hampton, VA

We held a team-building activity 2 weekends ago and the group decided to go to Yangheng Lake to eat the renowned Hairy Crab. The restaurant we ate at was built on top of the lake.

The crustaceans become mature day by day with autumn.They get itchy feet to crawl to the mouth of Yangtze where fresh and salty water meet, to answer the call of nature - meet their partners and parent the next generations. It is a spectacular scene: millions of crabs crawl to the Yangtze River and swim eastward. Here is a restaurant dock worker pulling out the crabs from a cleansing tub.

Yangcheng Lake hairy crabs have features in common, that is, a shining green crust, a jade-white belly, golden legs with long hard hair, and spitting foam constantly. Each of them is about 200 grams in weight.

Female crabs have a round belly, while for male ones, it is pointed. The ninth month in the Lunar Calendar is the right time to try female crabs with much ovaries and roe, and the next month is better for male ones.

Here is my co-worker JL demonstrating the correct way to handle a crab.

Commonly, crabs are the last dish of a dinner, because they are so delicious that other food would not have any taste if you tried crabs first. So for our first courses we had such other delicious food as cold duck intestines, fried fish whole fish, snails (which I was told not to eat as they are so difficult to suck out of the shell and only eat the body, not the intestinal areas), kale, green beans, and some other items I do not know the name of.

And then the crab was served. Two to four crabs are a proper amount for one person, and we were each served 2: a male and a female. To most Westerners, eating crab is difficult, for the crusts are hard and they do not always know where to begin. Thank goodness my co-workers explained the entire eating ritual.

I started with the female. First, you pop off the bottom shell to get to the yellow eggs. Then you break the crab into 2. You can eat everything you see except for the white lungs. After the inside meat is eaten, you start on each leg. Now, I know in the US you get those fancy pliers and cute little forks to assist you, but not here (well, at upscale city restaurants maybe, but not at Yangcheng Lake). So, I managed to bite open a few legs without breaking any teeth (don't tell my dentist), and used my chopsticks to push the meat through.

Here are my team-mates enjoying the hairy crabs.

I was only able to eat one of my crabs. It was just too much hard work to go for the second one.

At least the tradition is to drink warm rice wine or beer with the crabs.

After the crab fest, we drove to Shajiabang, famous for its reed marshes and as a center of guerrilla warfare during the Anti-Japanese War. The Japanese troops were bent on exterminating all New Fourth Army personnel from the area, so leader Guo and his men took refuge in the nearby marshes and were sheltered by a local farmer woman. Of course, there is now a famous Peking Opera of this story.

Here is a picture at Shajiabang.

We went to a tea house there, and I watched my team-mates play cards (I still don't get the hang of the game), and drank a lot of tea.

All in all, a fun time was had by all.