I will visit Xiamen from August 3 to 13.
THEN if I can get medical coverage, Iwill return to China toi teach for one year. !!
Stay tuned for more great stories
Ron
Friday, May 20, 2011
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Update
It has been two years since my return from China ...
Some things need to be reported.
I am still friends with, and talk to: Wing, Kobe, Rone, Linda, Jennifer, Rita, Andy, Aaron and
David. We talk regularly, and sometimes meet. I miss China, and want to return, at least to visit. Maybe I will teach there again.
Many of the students stayed in Canada, and are successful. They have attended Bishops, York, University of Toronto to name a few. Others have returned home and have started businesses.
I have continued on., I am still a trustee, at least until the election in two months. I have had difficulty finding a permanent teaching position, but that is OK too. I continue to write, and enjoy time with my children.
Some things need to be reported.
I am still friends with, and talk to: Wing, Kobe, Rone, Linda, Jennifer, Rita, Andy, Aaron and
David. We talk regularly, and sometimes meet. I miss China, and want to return, at least to visit. Maybe I will teach there again.
Many of the students stayed in Canada, and are successful. They have attended Bishops, York, University of Toronto to name a few. Others have returned home and have started businesses.
I have continued on., I am still a trustee, at least until the election in two months. I have had difficulty finding a permanent teaching position, but that is OK too. I continue to write, and enjoy time with my children.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
EXPECTATIONS and REALITY
Summary
There were a few surprises in my journey
SURPRISE ONE: MY NEW FRIENDS
In Canada and USA, I made many friends with other faculty. I have friends I keep in touch with that I worked with over ten years ago. Every now and then I would make friends with a student, but most move on with their lives, and we lose touch.
When I went to China, I expected the same thing. I was living in an apartment building with 45 other faculty from around the world. People from England, Switzerland, Sweden. Australia, Japan, Phillippines, and of course both Canada and USA.
The students were of a different culture, weak at English, and met me on a professional level. I expected to make friends of the professors, and maybe one or two students would keep in touch with me after I left.
The exact opposite happened. Although it is early, I can say I made friends with two faculty, Don Sampson and Roger Loy, both from Canada. Acquaintances with two others, Justuce from USA and Michael from Australia.
I made friends with many students. I should stay in touch with Linda, Rita, Rone and Jennifer for the rest of my life. Several others, may stay in touch with me also, including David, Aaron, Kobe, Tina, Winnie, Salice, Zoe, Cissy, Fiona, Sophie, Allison, Yvonne (although I am angry with her) to name a few.
This is not what I expected. They were such wonderful caring people.
I never expected to make so many friends, and with students, but I did.
SURPRISE TWO: ADAPTING TO LIFE IN CHINA
I easily adapted to the life, food culture. Although I said I would on the outside, on the inside I was not so sure. Everything was so different, not better or worse, just different.
Food was different spices and ingredients. Cultural expectations were different. Business, teaching, living were all different then here. I had only lived in Western society.
Lets start with the food. Food was different using spices and ingredients. It was tasty and healthy, but different. Very little sweetness and almost no chocolate. Rice was served with everything. It was good, and I enjoyed it, although I did have the occasional craving for a chocolate bar, or greasy deep fried chicken wings with hot sauce.
Culture was different. The first week, I was walking with two students, Jennifer and Rone, with them holding my hands. I was a little uncomfortable. Not sure where this would lead. I have learned they hold hands with everyone they care about. It is not a boyfriend girlfriend thing, but a friendship thing. I also learned kissing is taboo. Italians, even Marco Polo, would have difficulty there. Vince, my good Italian friend would be outed very quickly.
It took about a month, but I was very comfortable there I would seriously consider moving there forever. Buy a nice home near Xiamen, work part time, semi retired. Enjoy life.
I never thought I would consider living anywhere but Canada, even Ontario, but I would move to China in a minute.
SURPRISE THREE :CHINESE CAN’T DRIVE.
The driving is crazy ... by our standards, but it works. It works because EVERYONE drives with the same understanding. Here, if someone is in the lane next to you, they have the right of way. There, whoever is in front has the right of way. It actually looks bad by our standards, but it has a very practical side to it. The driver only has to look in front and to the side, not behind. The driver in the back has the responsibility to avoid the collision. Actually makes sense, and is safer!
Driving is DIFFERENT and makes sense!
SURPRISE FOUR: Communism is bad,
And .. It is dying. Everyone here is guaranteed a place to live, a job, and enough money for food. It may be a dump of a place with rats, a boring unsafe job, and no steak and lobster. BUT, no starving unemployed street bums with no future either.
Communism has a lot of good.
SURPRISE FIVE CHINESE ARE UNDERPAID AND OVER WORKED.
Chinese are paid low wages ... but cost of living is also low, something people forget to mention. Here, minimum wage is $10 per hour and milk is $2 per litre, bread $2 per loaf, and a Big Mac Meal is $8 with taxes.
In China, minimum wage is $1 per hour. Milk costs .40 per litre, bread is .40 per loaf, and a Big Mac meal is $1.25. Remember, they don’t pay rent, so the cost of living and the wages are in line.
Wages and Cost of Living are in-line with each other, for this system. A little low, but with no rent, just fine.
SURPRISE SIX: ALL DVD’s ARE PIRATED
Well... the price is low. I paid only $0.75 for DVD-5 (6 RMB) and about $1.25 for DVD-9 (10 RMB). I bought over 300 of them.
But here is the catch. All DVD’s are that price. Western, Korean, Chinese, Hong Kong, Japanese, French, Italian ... . WHY??? Because ... there are no movie theatres, and all the movies are available for FREE on the internet. How much can you charge for a DVD movie when anyone can get it for free? (I have the link if you want to check this out.)
The DVD prices are what they are because of SUPPLY AND DEMAND and COMPETITION !!! A great WESTERN concept.
SURPRISE SEVEN: I was there to improve academics.
Based on the negotiations I had with Humber College to stay another term, Canadian college system is going like the American system. A money hungry business with no ethical or moral fibre. Humber is in this to make money only. Get foreign students to come to Canada and pay lots of money and no concern about academic integrity. Shame Shame on Humber College.
I was there to help Humber make a profit.
SURPRISE EIGHT: I WILL LEARN TO SPEAK A LOT OF CHINESE
I bought books and cd’s I started with the basics. I got to class and said ‘ne how” I learned to count to five. Then I learned I had 120 people who spoke very little English and were coming to Canada in August. I also learned that my little cell phone translator, a smile, and few Canadian Flag pins can solve almost any problem (except to buy strawberries)
My students took me many places, but we worked in their English skills, and my Chinese went out the window.
I survived on little knowledge of the Chinese language.
SURPRISE NINE: THIS IS A DEVELOPING NATION
I never heard of Xiamen before I went there. I knew about Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghai, but that was it. I expected a dirty, poor, backwards city. I spent four days in Shanghai, and four in Hong Kong. They put us to shame. The infrastructure is current and efficient. The architecture is outstanding. We should be embarrassed to be so far behind them.
Xiamen is also ahead of us. They move people from place to place with ease. They cam mobilize workers to get work done quickly. They have bamboo scaffolding which is lighter, stronger and more flexible then ours. The build complex structures like 10 km bridges quickly and efficiently. Xiamen has two major highways, two 10 km bridges and several other major construction projects going on. We struggle with one little subway line along Sheppard Avenue which goes nowhere. They design and build major projects with ease.
We are the developing nation
SURPRISE TEN: People are crowded and unhappy.
The dorms had between 6 and ten people in a room, very little privacy, But they are happy, and they learn to get along. In the west, if we don’t like someone, we avoid them. We have a lot os space and go do our own thing. There, they learn to accept and get along, even if they disagree. They have the skill to accept and move on. We do not.
Everyone is happy. They play and find joy in simple things. Walking in nature, mountain climbing, touching, holding hands. They do not have all the techno - entertainment, kids sitting in front of a TV or Game Boy to find entertainment, very little “keeping up with the Joneses” attitude.
People are crowded and may be happier because of it.
There were a few surprises in my journey
SURPRISE ONE: MY NEW FRIENDS
In Canada and USA, I made many friends with other faculty. I have friends I keep in touch with that I worked with over ten years ago. Every now and then I would make friends with a student, but most move on with their lives, and we lose touch.
When I went to China, I expected the same thing. I was living in an apartment building with 45 other faculty from around the world. People from England, Switzerland, Sweden. Australia, Japan, Phillippines, and of course both Canada and USA.
The students were of a different culture, weak at English, and met me on a professional level. I expected to make friends of the professors, and maybe one or two students would keep in touch with me after I left.
The exact opposite happened. Although it is early, I can say I made friends with two faculty, Don Sampson and Roger Loy, both from Canada. Acquaintances with two others, Justuce from USA and Michael from Australia.
I made friends with many students. I should stay in touch with Linda, Rita, Rone and Jennifer for the rest of my life. Several others, may stay in touch with me also, including David, Aaron, Kobe, Tina, Winnie, Salice, Zoe, Cissy, Fiona, Sophie, Allison, Yvonne (although I am angry with her) to name a few.
This is not what I expected. They were such wonderful caring people.
I never expected to make so many friends, and with students, but I did.
SURPRISE TWO: ADAPTING TO LIFE IN CHINA
I easily adapted to the life, food culture. Although I said I would on the outside, on the inside I was not so sure. Everything was so different, not better or worse, just different.
Food was different spices and ingredients. Cultural expectations were different. Business, teaching, living were all different then here. I had only lived in Western society.
Lets start with the food. Food was different using spices and ingredients. It was tasty and healthy, but different. Very little sweetness and almost no chocolate. Rice was served with everything. It was good, and I enjoyed it, although I did have the occasional craving for a chocolate bar, or greasy deep fried chicken wings with hot sauce.
Culture was different. The first week, I was walking with two students, Jennifer and Rone, with them holding my hands. I was a little uncomfortable. Not sure where this would lead. I have learned they hold hands with everyone they care about. It is not a boyfriend girlfriend thing, but a friendship thing. I also learned kissing is taboo. Italians, even Marco Polo, would have difficulty there. Vince, my good Italian friend would be outed very quickly.
It took about a month, but I was very comfortable there I would seriously consider moving there forever. Buy a nice home near Xiamen, work part time, semi retired. Enjoy life.
I never thought I would consider living anywhere but Canada, even Ontario, but I would move to China in a minute.
SURPRISE THREE :CHINESE CAN’T DRIVE.
The driving is crazy ... by our standards, but it works. It works because EVERYONE drives with the same understanding. Here, if someone is in the lane next to you, they have the right of way. There, whoever is in front has the right of way. It actually looks bad by our standards, but it has a very practical side to it. The driver only has to look in front and to the side, not behind. The driver in the back has the responsibility to avoid the collision. Actually makes sense, and is safer!
Driving is DIFFERENT and makes sense!
SURPRISE FOUR: Communism is bad,
And .. It is dying. Everyone here is guaranteed a place to live, a job, and enough money for food. It may be a dump of a place with rats, a boring unsafe job, and no steak and lobster. BUT, no starving unemployed street bums with no future either.
Communism has a lot of good.
SURPRISE FIVE CHINESE ARE UNDERPAID AND OVER WORKED.
Chinese are paid low wages ... but cost of living is also low, something people forget to mention. Here, minimum wage is $10 per hour and milk is $2 per litre, bread $2 per loaf, and a Big Mac Meal is $8 with taxes.
In China, minimum wage is $1 per hour. Milk costs .40 per litre, bread is .40 per loaf, and a Big Mac meal is $1.25. Remember, they don’t pay rent, so the cost of living and the wages are in line.
Wages and Cost of Living are in-line with each other, for this system. A little low, but with no rent, just fine.
SURPRISE SIX: ALL DVD’s ARE PIRATED
Well... the price is low. I paid only $0.75 for DVD-5 (6 RMB) and about $1.25 for DVD-9 (10 RMB). I bought over 300 of them.
But here is the catch. All DVD’s are that price. Western, Korean, Chinese, Hong Kong, Japanese, French, Italian ... . WHY??? Because ... there are no movie theatres, and all the movies are available for FREE on the internet. How much can you charge for a DVD movie when anyone can get it for free? (I have the link if you want to check this out.)
The DVD prices are what they are because of SUPPLY AND DEMAND and COMPETITION !!! A great WESTERN concept.
SURPRISE SEVEN: I was there to improve academics.
Based on the negotiations I had with Humber College to stay another term, Canadian college system is going like the American system. A money hungry business with no ethical or moral fibre. Humber is in this to make money only. Get foreign students to come to Canada and pay lots of money and no concern about academic integrity. Shame Shame on Humber College.
I was there to help Humber make a profit.
SURPRISE EIGHT: I WILL LEARN TO SPEAK A LOT OF CHINESE
I bought books and cd’s I started with the basics. I got to class and said ‘ne how” I learned to count to five. Then I learned I had 120 people who spoke very little English and were coming to Canada in August. I also learned that my little cell phone translator, a smile, and few Canadian Flag pins can solve almost any problem (except to buy strawberries)
My students took me many places, but we worked in their English skills, and my Chinese went out the window.
I survived on little knowledge of the Chinese language.
SURPRISE NINE: THIS IS A DEVELOPING NATION
I never heard of Xiamen before I went there. I knew about Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghai, but that was it. I expected a dirty, poor, backwards city. I spent four days in Shanghai, and four in Hong Kong. They put us to shame. The infrastructure is current and efficient. The architecture is outstanding. We should be embarrassed to be so far behind them.
Xiamen is also ahead of us. They move people from place to place with ease. They cam mobilize workers to get work done quickly. They have bamboo scaffolding which is lighter, stronger and more flexible then ours. The build complex structures like 10 km bridges quickly and efficiently. Xiamen has two major highways, two 10 km bridges and several other major construction projects going on. We struggle with one little subway line along Sheppard Avenue which goes nowhere. They design and build major projects with ease.
We are the developing nation
SURPRISE TEN: People are crowded and unhappy.
The dorms had between 6 and ten people in a room, very little privacy, But they are happy, and they learn to get along. In the west, if we don’t like someone, we avoid them. We have a lot os space and go do our own thing. There, they learn to accept and get along, even if they disagree. They have the skill to accept and move on. We do not.
Everyone is happy. They play and find joy in simple things. Walking in nature, mountain climbing, touching, holding hands. They do not have all the techno - entertainment, kids sitting in front of a TV or Game Boy to find entertainment, very little “keeping up with the Joneses” attitude.
People are crowded and may be happier because of it.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Thursday in Hong Kong and Home
Thursday January 31
Up early again. I went to the hotel buffet again. Then looked out at the somewhat clear day. I took my luggage down to the concierge and went on one last walk. This time my target was a temple nearby. I again took a different road. I found an interesting apartment building. It had two lobbies. One on the first floor, and one of the fourth. Both opened to a street. That is how steep the mountain was at that point.
I went across to the escalator again, this time going down, then back to the Man Mo Temple. The temple was busy, with Spring Festival around the corner. I looked around. Then back to the hotel.
The shuttle bus came at 12:30. I boarded and headed off to the airport. I took some pictures on the way. Mostly of Logistics, in case I ever teach that again. Shipping at first, then more at the airport. Airports are a “Mecca of Logistics”, moving people, luggage, food and airplanes in a very efficient manner.
I went to the Duty Free. I was looking for some Chinese liquor. I found a great bottle (I actually only wanted the bottle, not the liquor). When I went to pay, I was told I could not take liquor on any plane that lands in the USA. We land in Anchorage for one hour to refuel and change crews. As such HOMELAND SECURITY prevents me from bringing home any liquor from the duty free. Thank you for F**KING the rest of the world, and fearing more revenge, my friends to the south.
I boarded my plane for the 17 hour journey around the world to the other side. I leave Hong Kong at 4:30 PM on Thursday, January 31. I will arrive an hour early, thanks to a tail wind, at 8 PM on Thursday, January 31. Lin and Reggie will meet me there and I will live happily ever after.
That should be the end of the story ...
I get through immigration in a hurry, and off to gather my two big suitcases. One comes down the chute ... and I wait ... and I wait ... OPS! The belt is off! Only one suitcase.
I have my MASH and JAMES BOND DVD’s, my tailor make traditional Chinese shirts, but I am missing 300 plus DVD’s and my two tailor made suits.
I file a claim, and leave, saddened at my loss.
Next afternoon I get a call. They found my luggage. It was home sick and decided to stay in China. It is at the Hong Kong airport. They will rush it to Toronto and courier it to me on Sunday.
Sunday morning a call from the courier company. It will be here at my home around 11:30. Is it full? Empty? I do not know. At noon, the door bell rings, and my 32 kg suitcase has arrived. Intact and everything in it. Cathay Pacific did a good job.
Next, wrap up and analysis. In a few days.
Up early again. I went to the hotel buffet again. Then looked out at the somewhat clear day. I took my luggage down to the concierge and went on one last walk. This time my target was a temple nearby. I again took a different road. I found an interesting apartment building. It had two lobbies. One on the first floor, and one of the fourth. Both opened to a street. That is how steep the mountain was at that point.
I went across to the escalator again, this time going down, then back to the Man Mo Temple. The temple was busy, with Spring Festival around the corner. I looked around. Then back to the hotel.
The shuttle bus came at 12:30. I boarded and headed off to the airport. I took some pictures on the way. Mostly of Logistics, in case I ever teach that again. Shipping at first, then more at the airport. Airports are a “Mecca of Logistics”, moving people, luggage, food and airplanes in a very efficient manner.
I went to the Duty Free. I was looking for some Chinese liquor. I found a great bottle (I actually only wanted the bottle, not the liquor). When I went to pay, I was told I could not take liquor on any plane that lands in the USA. We land in Anchorage for one hour to refuel and change crews. As such HOMELAND SECURITY prevents me from bringing home any liquor from the duty free. Thank you for F**KING the rest of the world, and fearing more revenge, my friends to the south.
I boarded my plane for the 17 hour journey around the world to the other side. I leave Hong Kong at 4:30 PM on Thursday, January 31. I will arrive an hour early, thanks to a tail wind, at 8 PM on Thursday, January 31. Lin and Reggie will meet me there and I will live happily ever after.
That should be the end of the story ...
I get through immigration in a hurry, and off to gather my two big suitcases. One comes down the chute ... and I wait ... and I wait ... OPS! The belt is off! Only one suitcase.
I have my MASH and JAMES BOND DVD’s, my tailor make traditional Chinese shirts, but I am missing 300 plus DVD’s and my two tailor made suits.
I file a claim, and leave, saddened at my loss.
Next afternoon I get a call. They found my luggage. It was home sick and decided to stay in China. It is at the Hong Kong airport. They will rush it to Toronto and courier it to me on Sunday.
Sunday morning a call from the courier company. It will be here at my home around 11:30. Is it full? Empty? I do not know. At noon, the door bell rings, and my 32 kg suitcase has arrived. Intact and everything in it. Cathay Pacific did a good job.
Next, wrap up and analysis. In a few days.
Wednesday in Hong Kong
Wednesday January 30
Another cloudy rainy morning. It is my last day, so off to Victoria Peak I go.
I walk to the base of the peak. I always take a different route when I go for my walks. Good thing I have a great sense of direction, and I can read a map. Along the way I see many different buildings. The most interesting is an apartment building with TWO lobbies, one on the ground floor and one on the fourth floor. That is how steep the mountain is. One opens to the front on one road, and the other opens to the back on another road.
I get to the bottom of Victoria Peak. There is a coffee shop, and it is still very cloudy, so I grab a coffee and a donut. The tables are all outside, and the tables under cover have people sitting at them all. A young Chinese man motions for me to sit with him.
Kelvim, is a graduate of McMaster University, and coming to Hamilton in March for his honeymoon. His new wife has never been to Canada. We talk about Hong Kong and Canada. I give him lots of advice on other things to see. He offers to take me anywhere in Hong Kong or Kowloon I want to go, but I tell him the weather will decide what I do. We exchange numbers, and heads off while I head up/
Victoria Peak, named after of course Queen Victoria, rises up 552 metres from sea level, highest point in Hong Kong. Remember, this is a small Island, and 552 metres is a long steep way up. I board the tram and sit in front of a man with a small digital camera. He notices my Pentax, and says he has a Pentax film 35 mm. We start talking about the advantages and disadvantages os a compact digital camera versus a SLR digital. It comes down to convenience versus picture quality. I get better pictures, but have to carry it around.
George is from South Africa, there on business. We chat all the way up. The slope seems to be 45 degree at times, but I am sure it is only 30. We reach the top to see a beautiful view of the inside of a cloud. It is drizzling, cold, damp, with a visibility of 20 feet. But still , it was worth the trip up.
After eating another real hamburger at the Burger King, I head back to take the tram down. George, is on the tram too, so we sit and hat all the way down. We also exchange email address, and I am off again.
It is raining, so I grab a taxi, head back to the hotel, and decide MACÁU is the next stop. I call, Kelvim, thank him, and tell him I will see him in a few months.
The TURBO JET and Macáu terminal is close to the hotel. For 134 HKD, (about 17 dollars) I get a one hour trip to Macáu. Funny is was 174 HKG retuning ...
The turbo jet feels like it is going 100 km per hour, based on watching the cars we pass on the freeway. Macáu is only about 70 km. away, so it was not that fast, but close.
I arrive at the terminal, and there are a buses galore waiting shuffle people off to casinos. Kelvim mentioned LAKE CHARLES Casino, which I can not find, so I settle on the MGM Macáu. It is beautiful with a expansive courtyard between the lobby and the casino. Similar to the MGM in Las Vegas (yes I have been there too, but not on this trip).
I only play against other players. Playing against the casino is a sure way to lose. I go looking for the poker room. I can’t find one, so I ask. Eventually a nice gentleman employee talks to me. He is from Las Vegas. There is no poker room in the casino yet. There are some issues over money, due to Macáu’s position as a former Portuguese territory so close to China and Hong Kong, not to mention easy access form other south east Asia countries. So I say I will play “Let it Ride” and he says they don’t have that game either. I settle on a new game, “Caribbean Poker” at the lowest stakes I can find, 100 HKD ante.
I never played the game, and I will assume most readers haven’t either, so here is the reader’s digest version. Player put up the ante to get five cards. Dealer gets five cards, and turns one of his (her?) cards face up. Player looks at his cards, and decides to play or fold. If he folds, he loses the ante. If he plays, he puts up double the ante. So I played 100 HKD, I would now have 300 HKD on the hand.
Dealer shows his hand. If dealer has below A-K, there is no game, and player wins the amount of his ante. So I would win 100 HKD.
If he has A-K or higher, ( a pair or more) then the hand is played. If the dealer has a higher hand, then you lose the entire bet. If you have a higher hand, you get paid based on your hand. The ante pays one to one and the bet pays according to a table. A pair pays one to one, two pair pays two to one and three of a kind pays three to one.
I lost early, as expected, and was down as much as 2000 HKD. Then I hot a lucky streak. On tow of three hands I had trips, and dealer played - paying me 3 to 1 on each. A few more winners, and I was up all of a sudden, I went up as much as 1500 HKD, and finally left after not being able to play ten hands in a row. I was up 100 HKD, and very happy.
Onto the turbo and back to Hong Kong. I left Honk Kong at 2 PM, arriving in Macáu at 3. Gambled for two hours breaking even, and took turbo back at 5 PM arriving in Hong Kong at 6. A good way to spend an afternoon and get a stamp on my passport.
I met Betty and Ye Sow at 8:00 back at the Sogo store and we went to a Thai restaurant for dinner. A couple of beer, some appetizers and dinner. At 11 pm we paid and I was back to the hotel again. It was my past night in China. A movie and sleep time.
Another cloudy rainy morning. It is my last day, so off to Victoria Peak I go.
I walk to the base of the peak. I always take a different route when I go for my walks. Good thing I have a great sense of direction, and I can read a map. Along the way I see many different buildings. The most interesting is an apartment building with TWO lobbies, one on the ground floor and one on the fourth floor. That is how steep the mountain is. One opens to the front on one road, and the other opens to the back on another road.
I get to the bottom of Victoria Peak. There is a coffee shop, and it is still very cloudy, so I grab a coffee and a donut. The tables are all outside, and the tables under cover have people sitting at them all. A young Chinese man motions for me to sit with him.
Kelvim, is a graduate of McMaster University, and coming to Hamilton in March for his honeymoon. His new wife has never been to Canada. We talk about Hong Kong and Canada. I give him lots of advice on other things to see. He offers to take me anywhere in Hong Kong or Kowloon I want to go, but I tell him the weather will decide what I do. We exchange numbers, and heads off while I head up/
Victoria Peak, named after of course Queen Victoria, rises up 552 metres from sea level, highest point in Hong Kong. Remember, this is a small Island, and 552 metres is a long steep way up. I board the tram and sit in front of a man with a small digital camera. He notices my Pentax, and says he has a Pentax film 35 mm. We start talking about the advantages and disadvantages os a compact digital camera versus a SLR digital. It comes down to convenience versus picture quality. I get better pictures, but have to carry it around.
George is from South Africa, there on business. We chat all the way up. The slope seems to be 45 degree at times, but I am sure it is only 30. We reach the top to see a beautiful view of the inside of a cloud. It is drizzling, cold, damp, with a visibility of 20 feet. But still , it was worth the trip up.
After eating another real hamburger at the Burger King, I head back to take the tram down. George, is on the tram too, so we sit and hat all the way down. We also exchange email address, and I am off again.
It is raining, so I grab a taxi, head back to the hotel, and decide MACÁU is the next stop. I call, Kelvim, thank him, and tell him I will see him in a few months.
The TURBO JET and Macáu terminal is close to the hotel. For 134 HKD, (about 17 dollars) I get a one hour trip to Macáu. Funny is was 174 HKG retuning ...
The turbo jet feels like it is going 100 km per hour, based on watching the cars we pass on the freeway. Macáu is only about 70 km. away, so it was not that fast, but close.
I arrive at the terminal, and there are a buses galore waiting shuffle people off to casinos. Kelvim mentioned LAKE CHARLES Casino, which I can not find, so I settle on the MGM Macáu. It is beautiful with a expansive courtyard between the lobby and the casino. Similar to the MGM in Las Vegas (yes I have been there too, but not on this trip).
I only play against other players. Playing against the casino is a sure way to lose. I go looking for the poker room. I can’t find one, so I ask. Eventually a nice gentleman employee talks to me. He is from Las Vegas. There is no poker room in the casino yet. There are some issues over money, due to Macáu’s position as a former Portuguese territory so close to China and Hong Kong, not to mention easy access form other south east Asia countries. So I say I will play “Let it Ride” and he says they don’t have that game either. I settle on a new game, “Caribbean Poker” at the lowest stakes I can find, 100 HKD ante.
I never played the game, and I will assume most readers haven’t either, so here is the reader’s digest version. Player put up the ante to get five cards. Dealer gets five cards, and turns one of his (her?) cards face up. Player looks at his cards, and decides to play or fold. If he folds, he loses the ante. If he plays, he puts up double the ante. So I played 100 HKD, I would now have 300 HKD on the hand.
Dealer shows his hand. If dealer has below A-K, there is no game, and player wins the amount of his ante. So I would win 100 HKD.
If he has A-K or higher, ( a pair or more) then the hand is played. If the dealer has a higher hand, then you lose the entire bet. If you have a higher hand, you get paid based on your hand. The ante pays one to one and the bet pays according to a table. A pair pays one to one, two pair pays two to one and three of a kind pays three to one.
I lost early, as expected, and was down as much as 2000 HKD. Then I hot a lucky streak. On tow of three hands I had trips, and dealer played - paying me 3 to 1 on each. A few more winners, and I was up all of a sudden, I went up as much as 1500 HKD, and finally left after not being able to play ten hands in a row. I was up 100 HKD, and very happy.
Onto the turbo and back to Hong Kong. I left Honk Kong at 2 PM, arriving in Macáu at 3. Gambled for two hours breaking even, and took turbo back at 5 PM arriving in Hong Kong at 6. A good way to spend an afternoon and get a stamp on my passport.
I met Betty and Ye Sow at 8:00 back at the Sogo store and we went to a Thai restaurant for dinner. A couple of beer, some appetizers and dinner. At 11 pm we paid and I was back to the hotel again. It was my past night in China. A movie and sleep time.
Tuesday in Hong Kong
Tuesday, January 29
Up early. It is raining and cold. No Victoria peek today. Out for a little walk along the shore and take a few more pictures. I am being met in the lobby at 11 am for lunch.
At 11, two of my sister - in - laws, who do not speak English, and my Niece Teresa who does speak English, meet me. We take a taxi to the far end of the island, near Heng Fa Chuen Station for Dim Sum. We are eventually met by Betty, my Brother-in-law’s wife who is visiting from Toronto. Colander, her sister, who lives in Scotland, and my nephew Barry, who is a lot bigger than I am. This is new, I am not the biggest anymore.
We eat and talk. Teresa is in third year at Electrical Engineering at Science And Technology University. Barry is an office worker and bus driver for the city. Betty and her sister are visiting their mother for Spring Festival or Chinese New Year as us western people call it.
After lunch Betty and Colinda and I head back on the subway to Causeway bay. The is a big SOGO store there, and the school where Lin was a teacher before moving to Canada.
St. Paul’s Convent School is an older all girls catholic school. They were undergoing renovations so we went in the temporary entrance at the side. They had just finished painting a beautiful mural on the wall, and were removing the cover. I spoke to the receptionist, explained my wife taught there 15 years earlier, and I wanted to take some pictures to show our kids in Toronto. She said no problem. There were a few nice things inside, and a good view of St. Paul’s Church located next to the school.
There are very few level street crossings for pedestrians, There are either underpasses or over passes. One near St. Paul's was advertising the Summer Olympics, with dates and countries listed on each step. Very nice.
We then went to Sogo store. Colinda had something to do so Betty and I had a coffee and talked a while. We finished around 3 pm. I headed off on another search and photo mission.
First went to Victoria Park, and walked through the park. They have an outdoor jogging path, and other areas for kids to play. There was a laughing corner, with two funny looking art pieces. The hair on the boy was hilarious. I left the park and headed for the shoreline. A large marina made me wonder if I was in Hong Kong or Ontario Place. Huge yachts were all over. Mixed in with older style traditional boats. These look like junk, so I assume that is what they are ... Chinese Junks. They skyline in Kowloon, across the harbour, is as breathtaking as Hong Kong’s.
One of the most amazing things I have seen is the variety of architecture. First in Shanghai, and now in Hong Kong. There are very few square buildings. Downtown Toronto looks like a bunch of boxes. First Canadian Place (37th), Scotia Plaza (59th), BCE Place–Canada Trust Tower (83rd), and TD Centre, are all square. UGLY square buildings. In Shanghai and Hong Kong the buildings have character. Breath taking high and beautiful to look at. The LIPPO building was one of the best. Even the swimming pools has character.
The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre extends into Victoria Harbour. It has a rather unique curved roof. Looks like a stingray. The centre is undergoing expansion., so I took a picture of the picture of the finished model. Very nice. Nearby was the Hong Kong Academy for the Performing Arts Centre. Again an architectural masterpiece. A major upcoming performance are Orpheus X and Chatroom + Citizenship. Stopped at an HMV store and found two DVD’s I wanted. The copy of Dead Poet’s Society I bought in Xiamen did not work, so I found one. Also, I have the entire James Bond Series, all 21 movies. But there was a rogue James Bond Movie from 1983 not recognized as an OFFICIAL Bond movie. Sean Connery made a comeback to try and compete with Roger Moore. And there is was .. Never Say Never Again. Actually a remake of Thunderball and I believe it is the best Connery bond movie. A little more expensive then the ones I bought in Xiamen. Xiamen prices were 6 to 10 RMB (75 cents or 1.25 CDN), depending on DVD 5 or DVD 10. These were on sale at 88 and 98 HKD (1 RMB = 1 HKD which is $10 and $12 CDN).
Back to the hotel, then a search for food. I decided to head in the other direction. I found a Pizza Hut, Burger King and McDonald's. Then I saw it. It had to be the place to eat. CANADA RESTAURANT! I went in. Nothing Canadian hanging on the walls. Nothing Canadian on the menu. Waitress did not speak Canadian .... she didn’t even speak English! I ordered a set meal. It was very good. I got salad, soup, coffee, and TWO breaded pork chops and a breaded salmon steak.. Along with a dish of ice cream. Very good. Home to bed. Hooked up my DVD player to the TV and watched Never Say Never Again.
Up early. It is raining and cold. No Victoria peek today. Out for a little walk along the shore and take a few more pictures. I am being met in the lobby at 11 am for lunch.
At 11, two of my sister - in - laws, who do not speak English, and my Niece Teresa who does speak English, meet me. We take a taxi to the far end of the island, near Heng Fa Chuen Station for Dim Sum. We are eventually met by Betty, my Brother-in-law’s wife who is visiting from Toronto. Colander, her sister, who lives in Scotland, and my nephew Barry, who is a lot bigger than I am. This is new, I am not the biggest anymore.
We eat and talk. Teresa is in third year at Electrical Engineering at Science And Technology University. Barry is an office worker and bus driver for the city. Betty and her sister are visiting their mother for Spring Festival or Chinese New Year as us western people call it.
After lunch Betty and Colinda and I head back on the subway to Causeway bay. The is a big SOGO store there, and the school where Lin was a teacher before moving to Canada.
St. Paul’s Convent School is an older all girls catholic school. They were undergoing renovations so we went in the temporary entrance at the side. They had just finished painting a beautiful mural on the wall, and were removing the cover. I spoke to the receptionist, explained my wife taught there 15 years earlier, and I wanted to take some pictures to show our kids in Toronto. She said no problem. There were a few nice things inside, and a good view of St. Paul’s Church located next to the school.
There are very few level street crossings for pedestrians, There are either underpasses or over passes. One near St. Paul's was advertising the Summer Olympics, with dates and countries listed on each step. Very nice.
We then went to Sogo store. Colinda had something to do so Betty and I had a coffee and talked a while. We finished around 3 pm. I headed off on another search and photo mission.
First went to Victoria Park, and walked through the park. They have an outdoor jogging path, and other areas for kids to play. There was a laughing corner, with two funny looking art pieces. The hair on the boy was hilarious. I left the park and headed for the shoreline. A large marina made me wonder if I was in Hong Kong or Ontario Place. Huge yachts were all over. Mixed in with older style traditional boats. These look like junk, so I assume that is what they are ... Chinese Junks. They skyline in Kowloon, across the harbour, is as breathtaking as Hong Kong’s.
One of the most amazing things I have seen is the variety of architecture. First in Shanghai, and now in Hong Kong. There are very few square buildings. Downtown Toronto looks like a bunch of boxes. First Canadian Place (37th), Scotia Plaza (59th), BCE Place–Canada Trust Tower (83rd), and TD Centre, are all square. UGLY square buildings. In Shanghai and Hong Kong the buildings have character. Breath taking high and beautiful to look at. The LIPPO building was one of the best. Even the swimming pools has character.
The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre extends into Victoria Harbour. It has a rather unique curved roof. Looks like a stingray. The centre is undergoing expansion., so I took a picture of the picture of the finished model. Very nice. Nearby was the Hong Kong Academy for the Performing Arts Centre. Again an architectural masterpiece. A major upcoming performance are Orpheus X and Chatroom + Citizenship. Stopped at an HMV store and found two DVD’s I wanted. The copy of Dead Poet’s Society I bought in Xiamen did not work, so I found one. Also, I have the entire James Bond Series, all 21 movies. But there was a rogue James Bond Movie from 1983 not recognized as an OFFICIAL Bond movie. Sean Connery made a comeback to try and compete with Roger Moore. And there is was .. Never Say Never Again. Actually a remake of Thunderball and I believe it is the best Connery bond movie. A little more expensive then the ones I bought in Xiamen. Xiamen prices were 6 to 10 RMB (75 cents or 1.25 CDN), depending on DVD 5 or DVD 10. These were on sale at 88 and 98 HKD (1 RMB = 1 HKD which is $10 and $12 CDN).
Back to the hotel, then a search for food. I decided to head in the other direction. I found a Pizza Hut, Burger King and McDonald's. Then I saw it. It had to be the place to eat. CANADA RESTAURANT! I went in. Nothing Canadian hanging on the walls. Nothing Canadian on the menu. Waitress did not speak Canadian .... she didn’t even speak English! I ordered a set meal. It was very good. I got salad, soup, coffee, and TWO breaded pork chops and a breaded salmon steak.. Along with a dish of ice cream. Very good. Home to bed. Hooked up my DVD player to the TV and watched Never Say Never Again.
Monday in Hong Kong
Monday January 28. Part III
Off to Hong Kong from Monday, January 28 to Thursday, January 31. First a few facts about Hong Kong - birth place of my Children’s mother, otherwise known as my wife
Time for more comparisons.
===============================================================
Population: 7 Million.
Area: Hong Kong covers several islands. Including Hong Kong Island, Lantau Island and New Territories which includes an area called Kowloon
Hong Kong is about 80 km2, Lantau is around 146 km2, Kowloon is 47 km2.
Subway: Five subway lines plus the airport line, wind around the islands. They are 87.7 km in length.
There are at least eleven tunnels and a “link” to the airport.
Temperature: “Winter : Mid December to February Temperature : 14 degree C (57 degree F) to 20 degree C (68 degree F). Humidity: Around 72%. Sunny, bright and coolish; bring suits and some warm clothing. Overcoats will be needed on a few days when the temperature may drop to around 10 degree C (50 degree F).” (From http://partnernet.hktb.com)
Airports One International airport.
Tallest Buildings: Numbers: 6, 10 , 11, 15, 23, 49, 62, 63, 82, 96 and 100 -which will be dropped when the building n Shanghai opens. For those counting, that is eleven in Hong Kong and another 8 in Shanghai. Only THREE in Toronto. For those old enough to remember “The Friendly Giant” .. Look up.. Way up. ( I am whistling the theme song now, but you can’t hear me)
===============================================================
OK, I am here. Monday . Got to the airport. It is beautiful. Only a few years old, and modern. Big spacious, moving side walks, well signed. Amazing place
Caught a red taxi. All the taxis on Hong Kong Island are red Toyotas. Green and blue taxis are for other areas. Took me across two big bridges, and through a mountain tunnel. The I could see Victoria Harbour, and across the water, was Hong Kong. We went through another tunnel under the bay. When we came out, the hotel, Island Pacific Hotel, was right in front of us. I got to the hotel and the ground floor has a taxi stand and concierge stand, and a small storage place for luggage. The lobby is up an escalator on the second floor. I checked in, and went to my room.
The room was VERY small compared to our standards, even smaller than the room in Shanghai. The bathroom was on my left as I entered. A small thin bathroom, with western toilet to the left of the door, and a short bath tub with shower on the right, sink with a mirror was directly front as I entered. Next to the bathroom was the electric slot. In it, you keep the credit card type “key” to activate the lights. Solves two problems - wasting electricity and losing your card in the room someplace. Next, down a short hall, and also on my left, were two single beds next to each other. Past them was a small desk. There was barely enough room to walk past the ends of the beds to get to the desk.
Between the bathroom and the beds was a built in wall unit of sorts. It had a small frig in the lower section, facing the hall, and above it was a television. The television was on a shelve that could be pulled out, and swivel to be able to see it from the beds. Next to the television was a closet, and a small safe in the closet. The headboards had three way light switches in them - a great idea. Turn the lights on near the entrance, then turn them off when in bed.
The room was about 10 feet by 15 feet at most, plus the hallway and bathroom. I only planned to sleep there, and it was only 70 dollars per night. I am happy.
Dropped the luggage and headed out on my first walk. No camera this time. Went towards downtown - another amazing place to see. Streets are wider than Xiamen, and as crowded as Shanghai. But, Hong Kong reminded me more of San Francisco. Xiamen is an island about the same size, with many mountains but they build around the mountains. Hong Kong builds UP the mountains. Side walks are often steps. A lot like San Francisco.
There were little shops all over selling almost anything. Each lane way seemed to be lined on both sides with these shops. A lot like the Student Market near Navigation College in Jimei.
The buses are of two types. Gas buses, and a street car system. Many of the buses are double decker buses. They also have mini buses with 16 seats.
Found a 7-11 and had a REAL chocolate bar. A twix AND a snickers. Ate at a bar called “Cul-De Sac” on the side of the hill. They advertised international food and beer. Had a hamburger, a real one with actual beef in it, topped with bacon and cheese, french fries, and Two Molson Canadian. Bill was 140 HKD or about 20 Canadian. Glad to pay that one.
Walked back to hotel, contacted Lin, and got numbers for relatives, and had a nap. Contacted my Nephews, made arrangements for lunch the next day.
After nap, checked “Lonely Planet” for the bar area. Off I go again. Took the subway this time. Great system. Buy a one way card. Minimum fee is 5 HKD or about 60 cents. On the platform, there is a glass wall ( or plastic . Plexi glass ... clear) protecting people from falling ( or jumping) in front of the train. The train stops so the doors in the train line up with the doors in the wall. Inside the train are system maps like on the TTC except these are electronic. They have flashing lights for the current or next station, an arrow to show which direction you are travelling in, and a light to tell you which side of the train the next platform is in. Much more useful than what we suffer with in over priced TTC land. And the subway goes everywhere.
I get on at Sheung Wan station and ride to Wan Chai, three stops away. I get out and walk Lockhart Road, the night district. Very quickly, a lady says, “come here for a beer, only 20 dollars” or about 3 CDN dollars. In I go, the unsuspecting stranger. I sit down and FIVE beautiful scantily clad women join me. “Hi, where you from, “ etc. Lady say, buy the girls a drink? Only 330 HKD EACH! (40 dollars a drink) “Out of my budget. Buy one of them a drink. I pick out one, buy her a drink. She sits and talks and ???? She says want to go to VIP room or up stairs? Curious, I ask the price. VIP is 1000 HKD, and upstairs for one hour is 2000 HKD. I thank her, tell her is only 8 o’clock and too early to end the night. I will get some dinner and return. Off I go, wiser, and poorer, but still glad I leaned the Modus Operandi.
There are many bars, restaurants and “friendly bars” in the area. Most of the friendly bars have someone outside trying to entice you to enter. The others are open air bars, some with live music, fire places, a lot like the beaches in the summer. I eat at an Outback Steakhouse, and head back to the hotel around midnight.
Off to Hong Kong from Monday, January 28 to Thursday, January 31. First a few facts about Hong Kong - birth place of my Children’s mother, otherwise known as my wife
Time for more comparisons.
===============================================================
Population: 7 Million.
Area: Hong Kong covers several islands. Including Hong Kong Island, Lantau Island and New Territories which includes an area called Kowloon
Hong Kong is about 80 km2, Lantau is around 146 km2, Kowloon is 47 km2.
Subway: Five subway lines plus the airport line, wind around the islands. They are 87.7 km in length.
There are at least eleven tunnels and a “link” to the airport.
Temperature: “Winter : Mid December to February Temperature : 14 degree C (57 degree F) to 20 degree C (68 degree F). Humidity: Around 72%. Sunny, bright and coolish; bring suits and some warm clothing. Overcoats will be needed on a few days when the temperature may drop to around 10 degree C (50 degree F).” (From http://partnernet.hktb.com)
Airports One International airport.
Tallest Buildings: Numbers: 6, 10 , 11, 15, 23, 49, 62, 63, 82, 96 and 100 -which will be dropped when the building n Shanghai opens. For those counting, that is eleven in Hong Kong and another 8 in Shanghai. Only THREE in Toronto. For those old enough to remember “The Friendly Giant” .. Look up.. Way up. ( I am whistling the theme song now, but you can’t hear me)
===============================================================
OK, I am here. Monday . Got to the airport. It is beautiful. Only a few years old, and modern. Big spacious, moving side walks, well signed. Amazing place
Caught a red taxi. All the taxis on Hong Kong Island are red Toyotas. Green and blue taxis are for other areas. Took me across two big bridges, and through a mountain tunnel. The I could see Victoria Harbour, and across the water, was Hong Kong. We went through another tunnel under the bay. When we came out, the hotel, Island Pacific Hotel, was right in front of us. I got to the hotel and the ground floor has a taxi stand and concierge stand, and a small storage place for luggage. The lobby is up an escalator on the second floor. I checked in, and went to my room.
The room was VERY small compared to our standards, even smaller than the room in Shanghai. The bathroom was on my left as I entered. A small thin bathroom, with western toilet to the left of the door, and a short bath tub with shower on the right, sink with a mirror was directly front as I entered. Next to the bathroom was the electric slot. In it, you keep the credit card type “key” to activate the lights. Solves two problems - wasting electricity and losing your card in the room someplace. Next, down a short hall, and also on my left, were two single beds next to each other. Past them was a small desk. There was barely enough room to walk past the ends of the beds to get to the desk.
Between the bathroom and the beds was a built in wall unit of sorts. It had a small frig in the lower section, facing the hall, and above it was a television. The television was on a shelve that could be pulled out, and swivel to be able to see it from the beds. Next to the television was a closet, and a small safe in the closet. The headboards had three way light switches in them - a great idea. Turn the lights on near the entrance, then turn them off when in bed.
The room was about 10 feet by 15 feet at most, plus the hallway and bathroom. I only planned to sleep there, and it was only 70 dollars per night. I am happy.
Dropped the luggage and headed out on my first walk. No camera this time. Went towards downtown - another amazing place to see. Streets are wider than Xiamen, and as crowded as Shanghai. But, Hong Kong reminded me more of San Francisco. Xiamen is an island about the same size, with many mountains but they build around the mountains. Hong Kong builds UP the mountains. Side walks are often steps. A lot like San Francisco.
There were little shops all over selling almost anything. Each lane way seemed to be lined on both sides with these shops. A lot like the Student Market near Navigation College in Jimei.
The buses are of two types. Gas buses, and a street car system. Many of the buses are double decker buses. They also have mini buses with 16 seats.
Found a 7-11 and had a REAL chocolate bar. A twix AND a snickers. Ate at a bar called “Cul-De Sac” on the side of the hill. They advertised international food and beer. Had a hamburger, a real one with actual beef in it, topped with bacon and cheese, french fries, and Two Molson Canadian. Bill was 140 HKD or about 20 Canadian. Glad to pay that one.
Walked back to hotel, contacted Lin, and got numbers for relatives, and had a nap. Contacted my Nephews, made arrangements for lunch the next day.
After nap, checked “Lonely Planet” for the bar area. Off I go again. Took the subway this time. Great system. Buy a one way card. Minimum fee is 5 HKD or about 60 cents. On the platform, there is a glass wall ( or plastic . Plexi glass ... clear) protecting people from falling ( or jumping) in front of the train. The train stops so the doors in the train line up with the doors in the wall. Inside the train are system maps like on the TTC except these are electronic. They have flashing lights for the current or next station, an arrow to show which direction you are travelling in, and a light to tell you which side of the train the next platform is in. Much more useful than what we suffer with in over priced TTC land. And the subway goes everywhere.
I get on at Sheung Wan station and ride to Wan Chai, three stops away. I get out and walk Lockhart Road, the night district. Very quickly, a lady says, “come here for a beer, only 20 dollars” or about 3 CDN dollars. In I go, the unsuspecting stranger. I sit down and FIVE beautiful scantily clad women join me. “Hi, where you from, “ etc. Lady say, buy the girls a drink? Only 330 HKD EACH! (40 dollars a drink) “Out of my budget. Buy one of them a drink. I pick out one, buy her a drink. She sits and talks and ???? She says want to go to VIP room or up stairs? Curious, I ask the price. VIP is 1000 HKD, and upstairs for one hour is 2000 HKD. I thank her, tell her is only 8 o’clock and too early to end the night. I will get some dinner and return. Off I go, wiser, and poorer, but still glad I leaned the Modus Operandi.
There are many bars, restaurants and “friendly bars” in the area. Most of the friendly bars have someone outside trying to entice you to enter. The others are open air bars, some with live music, fire places, a lot like the beaches in the summer. I eat at an Outback Steakhouse, and head back to the hotel around midnight.
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