went to Tai Po market again last night, had some more great seafood. Never had had razor clams before, only had seen them rotting on the beach. These were served in a spicy sauce and we're the best of the meal.
The second best was the chicken with honey and lemon again. We then went off to Tai Wai for some dessert. The shop was opened by a pastry chef, after he lost his job post SARS. I'd say he was more into custards then pastry's. I had fresh mango, egg white custard, and large tapiocas; a great dessert, not only good tasting.....but good for your as well.
I've become obsesed with mango, been having 1/2 lbs of dried mangoes daily. As well as coconut, mango, and taro drinks after lunch. Probably like everything having lots of something isn't good for me
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Sunday, January 13, 2008
so what religion is this?
went for a local walk around Shatin on Sunday, walked up to a former monastery which turned into a Lutheran College. Which is quite an odd transition. It looks like there should be private home with concubines and such; but instead it's a college; oddly there also a lot of monkeys around as well.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Shek O
I think I'm going to move to Shek O, only issue is - I'd need a car in HK. Perfect location. If you choose the correct location, you can't see any highrises, the're plenty of fishing, hiking, golfing, sailing, & surfing; plus it's only a 30minute bus ride to the city. This day it was 78F and 90% humidity, so that may have swayed me. Seems like more then 1/2 of the homes were Caucasians(which in HK defines anyone who's NOT asian) .
It seemed very similar to spain and australia mixed together, and is hard to imagine that Hong Kong is just on the other side the mountain.
It seemed very similar to spain and australia mixed together, and is hard to imagine that Hong Kong is just on the other side the mountain.
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Shenzhen for the night
Went to Shenzhen for the night, was planning on bringing up my Shenzhen network today, but do to mis planning that was canceled. I'll be back in week for that. When going from my office to the hotel, oddly ended up on road with no cars, and a Ferrari of all things? Who in their right mind would drive a Ferrari in China - unless on a track. BTW also saw a Bentley the other day as well.
It's interesting how different China, the little things you notice between Hong Kong & China. Everything is lower to the ground, everything just seems dirtier. A major difference...their teeth, in Hong Kong most people have near perfect teeth - China, they can be all over the place, more like a warthog, and soo dirty.
It's interesting how different China, the little things you notice between Hong Kong & China. Everything is lower to the ground, everything just seems dirtier. A major difference...their teeth, in Hong Kong most people have near perfect teeth - China, they can be all over the place, more like a warthog, and soo dirty.
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Malls, Malls, Malls
The picture to the right is a christmas tree, made up of balls on string and hung, there was no base to this giant ornament.
I feel like I'm living in my own personal hell to a certain degree. I've been into 10 malls, as they're part of the train station(excellent city planning, btw). They're all about 7 floors or more, and take up 3-5 city blocks. Every name brand company has a store here, I never knew there was a 'North Face' store. (makes sense since it's no longer a outdoor equipment company, and now just a fashion statement - yes conde nast bought them, went chapter 11 with them, and what was once similar to marmot or columbia is no longer).
Today was my first day bouncing around on my own, I would've wished to have been able to go downtown, but do to business constraints I can't tonight - have a midnight conference call, what a PIA.
So have just gotten back from Starbucks, probably should've gone to Pacific Coffee. I don't think I'll ever get tired of the people giggling at my height, as I am about 2X the size of everyone here. Interestingly at Starbucks, their position behind the counter is lifted about 1 foot..
So I guess I'll just surf the 'net till about 10pm, then go for some more food, and wait for my conference call.
I feel like I'm living in my own personal hell to a certain degree. I've been into 10 malls, as they're part of the train station(excellent city planning, btw). They're all about 7 floors or more, and take up 3-5 city blocks. Every name brand company has a store here, I never knew there was a 'North Face' store. (makes sense since it's no longer a outdoor equipment company, and now just a fashion statement - yes conde nast bought them, went chapter 11 with them, and what was once similar to marmot or columbia is no longer).
Today was my first day bouncing around on my own, I would've wished to have been able to go downtown, but do to business constraints I can't tonight - have a midnight conference call, what a PIA.
So have just gotten back from Starbucks, probably should've gone to Pacific Coffee. I don't think I'll ever get tired of the people giggling at my height, as I am about 2X the size of everyone here. Interestingly at Starbucks, their position behind the counter is lifted about 1 foot..
So I guess I'll just surf the 'net till about 10pm, then go for some more food, and wait for my conference call.
Monday, January 07, 2008
Another day in HK
The photo to the right, is the inside of Mon Mo temple in old Central on Hong Kong Island, all those cones are incense cones. It was very smoky in there, but pleasant nonetheless...normally incense makes me sneeze.
Went for another nice lunch today, of rice noodles, roast duck & duckling, an omelette with mini white fish, and some greens.
Not much accomplished at the office today, still waiting for some info from the US before I can continue. This 13 hour delay is quite a killer, when you have to wait for the other side of the world to wake up and reply. To some degree, I wish I were in the financial market sector, they don't slow down for such trivial things as vacations and time differences...just kidding.
Well I think the day is kaput, 17.38 here, going to go back to the hotel and meet up with some colleagues who are coming in for 1 week; rather dumb IMO. It's too far to fly for less then 10days, and if you do come for 2 days max, so you don't become used to the time difference.
Went for another nice lunch today, of rice noodles, roast duck & duckling, an omelette with mini white fish, and some greens.
Not much accomplished at the office today, still waiting for some info from the US before I can continue. This 13 hour delay is quite a killer, when you have to wait for the other side of the world to wake up and reply. To some degree, I wish I were in the financial market sector, they don't slow down for such trivial things as vacations and time differences...just kidding.
Well I think the day is kaput, 17.38 here, going to go back to the hotel and meet up with some colleagues who are coming in for 1 week; rather dumb IMO. It's too far to fly for less then 10days, and if you do come for 2 days max, so you don't become used to the time difference.
Tags:
Sunday, January 06, 2008
squid, fish balls, pig skin
Went for a long hike today, went to Lamma Island in the morning and walked the path from one end to the other. Stopped about 1/4 of the way in to a local restaurant, where I had warm tofu and syrup, squid, fish balls, and pig skin. The squid and tofu were excellent, and as it's a locals place the prices are right, and there a no Caucasians...usually a very good sign.
Then after finishing and Lamma, went for a tour around Central and old Central. I do know, or least my feet know, I walked quite a lot today. I figure probably about 15 miles, which is good days walk, any more and I don't think my feet would be too happy tomorrow morning.
Then after finishing and Lamma, went for a tour around Central and old Central. I do know, or least my feet know, I walked quite a lot today. I figure probably about 15 miles, which is good days walk, any more and I don't think my feet would be too happy tomorrow morning.
Saturday, January 05, 2008
Dinner @ Tai Po Market
Went to dinner last night @ Tai Po Market. Great local food. Tai Po market is a government building which has wet(fish/live) market on the ground floor, vegetables on the 1st and restaurants on the 3rd. As we went there for dinner the rest of the market was closed. There are stalls on either side of the seating areas, and depending on the success of the restaurant determines ownership of the tables. The restaurant we ate at is very well known for seafood, and owned about 20+ tables. What's great was how cheap it was, 2 bottle of San Miguel plus 4 dishes was less then $20USD.
Had a great deep fried chicken with lemon and honey, the some fried squid & oysters...biggest damn oysters I've had in a long time. And some greens with mushrooms, oysters mushroom like.
Off to Lamma Island now for a hike.
Had a great deep fried chicken with lemon and honey, the some fried squid & oysters...biggest damn oysters I've had in a long time. And some greens with mushrooms, oysters mushroom like.
Off to Lamma Island now for a hike.
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Awake +13hours from home
well it's been 3 days since I arrived, and seems like I'm finally on China time. I did wake a little earlier then my norm this morning, 5am vs. 7am. As tomorrow is Saturday, I'll be heading out for some sightseeing, going to go to a research farm near my office - Kadoorie Farm. Maybe go to the outlying islands for a hike; but definitely plenty of photo taking.
I think my co workers will finally take me to some more local food places soon, been doing steak and sushi recently. Would prefer some flavorful HK food, so much better then most chinese food I've had. They say that most of the Chinese food is laden with tons of MSG as it's not that fresh, so that's why it all tastes the same.
I think my co workers will finally take me to some more local food places soon, been doing steak and sushi recently. Would prefer some flavorful HK food, so much better then most chinese food I've had. They say that most of the Chinese food is laden with tons of MSG as it's not that fresh, so that's why it all tastes the same.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Hong Kong and barely awake
It's now my 2nd day in Hong Kong, I'm barely awake. Stayed up till midnight(as it was 11am back on EDT). Normally 7 hours sleep is about normal for me, but it was hard to get moving this morning.
Not too many caucasions working up towards Sheung Shui - I'd think there would be a group of people who'd live in HK and commute to Shenzhen, but I guess they may take the ferry as it's quicker.
to hear the comments, and too see how people are dressed...it's 60F here and I'm quite happy, as it was 32F back home. The local are wearing heavy woold or down jackets and talking about how cold it is. It's set to get up to 74F today, seems like Sydney - just about perfect.
2 more days and I should be wide awake hopefully
Not too many caucasions working up towards Sheung Shui - I'd think there would be a group of people who'd live in HK and commute to Shenzhen, but I guess they may take the ferry as it's quicker.
to hear the comments, and too see how people are dressed...it's 60F here and I'm quite happy, as it was 32F back home. The local are wearing heavy woold or down jackets and talking about how cold it is. It's set to get up to 74F today, seems like Sydney - just about perfect.
2 more days and I should be wide awake hopefully
Friday, December 28, 2007
Travel Ready....
Well, I'm off Monday morning for 5+ weeks out in the Wild Wild East(Asia-Pac). This trip I'll be spending most of my time in the Western world - HK & Taiwan, with some jumps into Shenzhen and other areas of southern China.
All I asked for this holiday season were items I could use while traveling, so I'm happy that I got what I need/wanted. Also bought a present for myself - I needed to research first hand - a new camera. I got a Sony Cybershot DSC-H3. I love my Pentax Optio S5i, but the shutter lag getting painful to deal with, I prefer candid/life shots rather then staged. I did a fair amount of research, I wanted small easy to travel with a quick shutter. Everyone was recommending the Canon SD750,SD850,SD870 but I found it too slow. Plus now I have 10x Zeiss zoom rather then 3-4x with the smaller point & shoot models. The camera is a little bigger the my old 35mm P&S models, but I get 8MP for a decent price, $249 @ best buy. So I plan to be taking lots of photos over the next month or so.
Also got lots of CDs that I wanted, just need to pickup 1 more - the Guillemots. I buy CDs because I want to use the music in different formats, ipod, SD card, HD, etc. And with all the DRM crap that's going on, I won't download if I can't use it in different formats.
So Today, I'm just cleaning my desk/paperwork, double checking I have all the stuff I may want/need for the next few weeks. Then it's home to pack - going light again, this time packing for 10days, just do lots of laundry. Much easier then over packing.
I never get any sleep the day before I leave, especially since all the flights are at 7/8am, and having to be there 2hours in advance, plus travel time - has me leaving @ 4am. But the good news is I upgraded, and have upper/first class all the way over. I didn't expect many people to be on the flight, the first flight is rather empty, but the 2nd is full - which is odd, since it is new years after all.
All I asked for this holiday season were items I could use while traveling, so I'm happy that I got what I need/wanted. Also bought a present for myself - I needed to research first hand - a new camera. I got a Sony Cybershot DSC-H3. I love my Pentax Optio S5i, but the shutter lag getting painful to deal with, I prefer candid/life shots rather then staged. I did a fair amount of research, I wanted small easy to travel with a quick shutter. Everyone was recommending the Canon SD750,SD850,SD870 but I found it too slow. Plus now I have 10x Zeiss zoom rather then 3-4x with the smaller point & shoot models. The camera is a little bigger the my old 35mm P&S models, but I get 8MP for a decent price, $249 @ best buy. So I plan to be taking lots of photos over the next month or so.
Also got lots of CDs that I wanted, just need to pickup 1 more - the Guillemots. I buy CDs because I want to use the music in different formats, ipod, SD card, HD, etc. And with all the DRM crap that's going on, I won't download if I can't use it in different formats.
So Today, I'm just cleaning my desk/paperwork, double checking I have all the stuff I may want/need for the next few weeks. Then it's home to pack - going light again, this time packing for 10days, just do lots of laundry. Much easier then over packing.
I never get any sleep the day before I leave, especially since all the flights are at 7/8am, and having to be there 2hours in advance, plus travel time - has me leaving @ 4am. But the good news is I upgraded, and have upper/first class all the way over. I didn't expect many people to be on the flight, the first flight is rather empty, but the 2nd is full - which is odd, since it is new years after all.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Emotional Movie...
I know I'm late to watching it, but 'Flags of our Fathers' is the most emotional film I've seen in a long while. I teared up at the end. Not so much on the story line, but on the emotions of the characters/veterans.
I think this film, helped me to understand my father. He spoke little of his time in Vietnam, but when he did it was disturbing. I can understand why veterans don't speak of their past, and why they do not organize reunions - as no one who's been in wartime environment wants to remember their past. Oddly my father did start to talk with other veterans later in life, not so much on the deeds, but on the bureaucracy and culture they were forced to live in. As well as B.S. about how pilots(him) were a tougher job then helicopter pilots, more a banter then anything.
One of the great references at the end, was to what they were/are fighting for. Not for the the USA, anti-communism, or what not; they were/are fighting for the person to their left/right. Which is a fact, that I don't think the mindset in Washington get understand - at least none of the current leadership.
I think this film, helped me to understand my father. He spoke little of his time in Vietnam, but when he did it was disturbing. I can understand why veterans don't speak of their past, and why they do not organize reunions - as no one who's been in wartime environment wants to remember their past. Oddly my father did start to talk with other veterans later in life, not so much on the deeds, but on the bureaucracy and culture they were forced to live in. As well as B.S. about how pilots(him) were a tougher job then helicopter pilots, more a banter then anything.
One of the great references at the end, was to what they were/are fighting for. Not for the the USA, anti-communism, or what not; they were/are fighting for the person to their left/right. Which is a fact, that I don't think the mindset in Washington get understand - at least none of the current leadership.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
A Belgian Weekend in NYC
Was in NYC this past weekend for a brief interlude from my working life; work comes first right now.
Went up stayed with friends, I've not seen a while, went for a walk and such in the part of the city I enjoy - anything south of 14th street. Went for my preferred Saturday luncheon, more similar to continental European lunch - dinner, drinks, more drinks and talk(est. 2-4 hours). Went to what's becoming one of my regular places, Spotted Pig in the West Village; hope some day to be invited to the 3rd floor. It's got a great spicy Bloody Mary, rather good bitter(properly served with a hand pump), and great pomme frites.
After several hours there, we headed off to a new speakeasy which I had learned about '124 Old Rabbit Club,' which is in rather dank part of NYC; but the place was exactly what I wanted - mellow, good beer, and quiet enough that conversations could intermix with the eclectic background music. There's an old root or coal cellar next door, which should be opened up if possible for storage or some such. Be sure to bring cash, as they've not yet gotten a card machine.
Then after 2+ hours there, we were off uptown again(where most people I know seem to live); dinner at B Belgian Cafe on 75th between 2nd & 3rd. Had some moules another beer, light one hoeegarden, and was ready for bed - mind you it was only midnight; but we had been drinking heavily since 15.30.
Went up stayed with friends, I've not seen a while, went for a walk and such in the part of the city I enjoy - anything south of 14th street. Went for my preferred Saturday luncheon, more similar to continental European lunch - dinner, drinks, more drinks and talk(est. 2-4 hours). Went to what's becoming one of my regular places, Spotted Pig in the West Village; hope some day to be invited to the 3rd floor. It's got a great spicy Bloody Mary, rather good bitter(properly served with a hand pump), and great pomme frites.
After several hours there, we headed off to a new speakeasy which I had learned about '124 Old Rabbit Club,' which is in rather dank part of NYC; but the place was exactly what I wanted - mellow, good beer, and quiet enough that conversations could intermix with the eclectic background music. There's an old root or coal cellar next door, which should be opened up if possible for storage or some such. Be sure to bring cash, as they've not yet gotten a card machine.
Then after 2+ hours there, we were off uptown again(where most people I know seem to live); dinner at B Belgian Cafe on 75th between 2nd & 3rd. Had some moules another beer, light one hoeegarden, and was ready for bed - mind you it was only midnight; but we had been drinking heavily since 15.30.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Rumor Has It & Materialism
So I watched a few movies tonight, Rumor Has It... & Keeping up with the Steins. What can I say I like romantic comedy's; I watched 'The Holiday' last night with Kate Winslet & Cameron Diaz.
So romantic comedy's; humor and love(but usually at the end); add Four weddings & a funeral, about a boy, wimbledon, notting hill, & love actually all fit into that category. So there were a few phrases which caught my attention whilst[I'm on and olde english theme that the moment] watching:
Life should be a little nuts. Otherwise it's just a bunch of Thursdays strung together. - Rumor Has It... [something I agree too, but maybe Tuesdays would be a better choice, as my Thursday are great]
I only drive so slow sweetheart because you're in the car with me. - Rumor Has It... [Though oddly my father/mother never slowed down, at least not that I know of. My father was a test pilot & fighter pilot, slow was not an option; I was taught to go fast the day I could drive]
I'm not going to tell you I can't live without you, I can live without you, I just don't want to. - Rumor Has It... A truly romantic section, would I break down so quick...I just don't know. Nonetheless; fits into when her father was talking of love versus lust.
Materialism
Then onto Materialism, I love the movie "Keeping Up With The Steins." I'm not Jewish, but having been to many bat/bar-mitzvahs I understand it. They were all about the money; isn't this passage of time a passage from child to adult in the Judaism faith? Similar to 'going walkabout?' It's interesting to me that in the recent productions, Jeremy Piven a man who is very spiritual goes and portrays in realistic depth the mental being of men who are materialistic whores; maybe he grew up in that life??
So romantic comedy's; humor and love(but usually at the end); add Four weddings & a funeral, about a boy, wimbledon, notting hill, & love actually all fit into that category. So there were a few phrases which caught my attention whilst[I'm on and olde english theme that the moment] watching:
Life should be a little nuts. Otherwise it's just a bunch of Thursdays strung together. - Rumor Has It... [something I agree too, but maybe Tuesdays would be a better choice, as my Thursday are great]
I only drive so slow sweetheart because you're in the car with me. - Rumor Has It... [Though oddly my father/mother never slowed down, at least not that I know of. My father was a test pilot & fighter pilot, slow was not an option; I was taught to go fast the day I could drive]
I'm not going to tell you I can't live without you, I can live without you, I just don't want to. - Rumor Has It... A truly romantic section, would I break down so quick...I just don't know. Nonetheless; fits into when her father was talking of love versus lust.
Materialism
Then onto Materialism, I love the movie "Keeping Up With The Steins." I'm not Jewish, but having been to many bat/bar-mitzvahs I understand it. They were all about the money; isn't this passage of time a passage from child to adult in the Judaism faith? Similar to 'going walkabout?' It's interesting to me that in the recent productions, Jeremy Piven a man who is very spiritual goes and portrays in realistic depth the mental being of men who are materialistic whores; maybe he grew up in that life??
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Hulu - Yay!!
I am loving Hulu, it's a media streaming site which is owned/operated by the networks. I've been watching some Family Guy's I missed. You can't get better content other then downloading illegally or watching whilst it's on TV. The benefit, especially over downloading, is that it's streamed. I don't have to download a full 300-700mb file to watch a show I missed. There are a 2 adverts per 30min show; but their short 30sec or so. In fact they were advertising a movie, I haven't seen anywhere else - a remake of Alvin & the Chipmunks.
Now the question is will I be able to use this while I'm in China?? I hope so, the bandwidth is fine, just need to hope the Chinese government hasn't filtered it.
Now the question is will I be able to use this while I'm in China?? I hope so, the bandwidth is fine, just need to hope the Chinese government hasn't filtered it.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Funny Farm and a Grand Wagoneer
so as tis the season, a lot of winter movies are on - or maybe better movies because of the WGA strike; there are older movies on.
anyhow, I was watching "Funny Farm" tonight, and last week; and so on so forth. (It's just one of those films you can watch in total; or just in sections). Just now the prospective buyers have come onto the scene - boy do they speak '80s yuppification. I'd expect to see Ushuaia (one of my favorite shows) on CNBC after the closing bell; or one of the other CNBC oldies; yuppie toy shows - I remember seeing 'roller blades' first on CNBC circa 1985 I think?
So in typical yuppie(preppie) world - the Jeep Grand Wagoneer. A car/truck before the term 'SUV' existed; with traditional fake wood sides and a definition for so many people. It was a true classic, great in it's presence; but also a mechanical nightmare. I remember(from friends who had them) the rear window never worked(don't think it ever worked in any Jeep[except at the dealership]); the parts were typical late 70's early 80's durable but not break resistant. Though it did have a big torque V8.
[damn it's hard to type...I spilled cider all over my keyboard; it's fall/autumn Cider is my norm around now]
anyhow, I was watching "Funny Farm" tonight, and last week; and so on so forth. (It's just one of those films you can watch in total; or just in sections). Just now the prospective buyers have come onto the scene - boy do they speak '80s yuppification. I'd expect to see Ushuaia (one of my favorite shows) on CNBC after the closing bell; or one of the other CNBC oldies; yuppie toy shows - I remember seeing 'roller blades' first on CNBC circa 1985 I think?
So in typical yuppie(preppie) world - the Jeep Grand Wagoneer. A car/truck before the term 'SUV' existed; with traditional fake wood sides and a definition for so many people. It was a true classic, great in it's presence; but also a mechanical nightmare. I remember(from friends who had them) the rear window never worked(don't think it ever worked in any Jeep[except at the dealership]); the parts were typical late 70's early 80's durable but not break resistant. Though it did have a big torque V8.
[damn it's hard to type...I spilled cider all over my keyboard; it's fall/autumn Cider is my norm around now]
Thursday, November 29, 2007
TV & DVRs (tivo etc)
two new quotes from "Dirty, Sexy, Money" - a wildly trashy TV show, but perfect for mindlessness. A mix of the Hiltons & Kennedys, with a little nouveau riche thrown in.
"I am an artist of life." - Jeremy darling
"Nobody says everything." - Tripp darling
Hmm, am I a Gen X or a Gen Y? I've taken to not watching live TV ever. I read the news on Google, BBC, or Stuff NZ. Even if a show I record is on, whilst I'm near the TV I still will watch something else for 20min or more so I FF forward through the commercials. I understand that the commercials pay for a lot, but for the amount of money that networks through at productions, you'd think we could get something for free? There are shows which are sponsered wholly by certain brands, and there are companies making money off placement of their products within shows....so why do I constantly feel like the US TV market is raking me over the coals?
I've been in europe recently on 2 occasions, and there commercial breaks don't last anywhere near as long the US shows. Instead of the 45 minutes which we're supposed to get, I feel we're only getting 30min or less now.
"I am an artist of life." - Jeremy darling
"Nobody says everything." - Tripp darling
Hmm, am I a Gen X or a Gen Y? I've taken to not watching live TV ever. I read the news on Google, BBC, or Stuff NZ. Even if a show I record is on, whilst I'm near the TV I still will watch something else for 20min or more so I FF forward through the commercials. I understand that the commercials pay for a lot, but for the amount of money that networks through at productions, you'd think we could get something for free? There are shows which are sponsered wholly by certain brands, and there are companies making money off placement of their products within shows....so why do I constantly feel like the US TV market is raking me over the coals?
I've been in europe recently on 2 occasions, and there commercial breaks don't last anywhere near as long the US shows. Instead of the 45 minutes which we're supposed to get, I feel we're only getting 30min or less now.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
International airports...
Major airports in all the western countries I've visted put all airports in the US to shame. The US one of the most air travel friendly countries has shit for any of their large international airports.
I've just spent the last few days in Hong Kong and Heathrow airport. HK airport has nicer stores then most malls in the US, very few junk/tourist stores, and is extremely clean and light(there are no flickering florescent bulbs anywhere).
How a country/city in the US, still the wealthiest country(I think) present themselves so badly in the travel market, airports are the gateway to the city - far more then any other edifice.
starbucks, yet again another stabucks comment. In China all the starbucks serve mostly standard US food/drink, there are a few odd fruit choices.
Here in Heathrow, none of the food is available in the US. They have mini mince pies, christmas cake, cranberry croissants, they alone present themselves better then most airports, they learn the culture and it's needs and change themselves to intermix them.
Ah, to see the looks I'm getting from other patrons at the restaurant in Heathrow, as I have a large glass of wine and steak @ 7am local time, yet for me it's 1pm. Only 45 minutes more and I get go on my last leg to JFK.
I was speaking with my neighbor on the plane on the way here from HK..she had a hell of transit already, she left Auckland on Friday, flew to Sydney(3.5hrs), then Sydney to HK on Saturday(9+ hours), the HK to London (13+ hours). Lots of travelling for only 3 weeks visit, but then again I'll be going back to China early December, for probably 1.5 weeks just prior to christmas - maybe I can do all my shopping there for the holidays. Well I think I'll take another few tours around Terminal 3 till I can go to the gate.
I've just spent the last few days in Hong Kong and Heathrow airport. HK airport has nicer stores then most malls in the US, very few junk/tourist stores, and is extremely clean and light(there are no flickering florescent bulbs anywhere).
How a country/city in the US, still the wealthiest country(I think) present themselves so badly in the travel market, airports are the gateway to the city - far more then any other edifice.
starbucks, yet again another stabucks comment. In China all the starbucks serve mostly standard US food/drink, there are a few odd fruit choices.
Here in Heathrow, none of the food is available in the US. They have mini mince pies, christmas cake, cranberry croissants, they alone present themselves better then most airports, they learn the culture and it's needs and change themselves to intermix them.
Ah, to see the looks I'm getting from other patrons at the restaurant in Heathrow, as I have a large glass of wine and steak @ 7am local time, yet for me it's 1pm. Only 45 minutes more and I get go on my last leg to JFK.
I was speaking with my neighbor on the plane on the way here from HK..she had a hell of transit already, she left Auckland on Friday, flew to Sydney(3.5hrs), then Sydney to HK on Saturday(9+ hours), the HK to London (13+ hours). Lots of travelling for only 3 weeks visit, but then again I'll be going back to China early December, for probably 1.5 weeks just prior to christmas - maybe I can do all my shopping there for the holidays. Well I think I'll take another few tours around Terminal 3 till I can go to the gate.
Friday, November 09, 2007
cultural differences @ meals and Batman
Meals...
In china it's custom to over serve your guests...as an empty plate is sign of low respect. (In that you didn't feed your guest well).
In the usa, I was brainwashed to think about the starving people in the world. Thus clean the plate.
So what to do? I always find that I eat too much food whilst in China. Plus I drink too much beer, though as there aren't many beverage options you're stuck w/ beer. Thankfully the beer, is extremely light and low in flavor, you can drink cases of it and your get full up, long before you get a buzz, let alone drunk.
So Batman??
I was on the star line ferry this afternoon, going from Kowloon to Hong Kong Island, and noticed a helicopter constantly hovering around one of the large buildings in Central. Then it landed, probably to refuel, and came back.
Then I went to Aberdeen, with friends - to the Jumbo Restaurant, and noticed a few people hanging out at the Aberdeen Marina Club with cameras...ah the paparazzi, as I turned the corner, there about 30 or so.
So one of my friends, said they were filming the new Batman today in SoHo on the escalators, and so it all made sense.
So I wonder who was staying at the club? Christian
Bale or Morgan Freeman? Maybe Michael Caine or Liam Neeson. Aberdeen, is definitely more secluded, there would be less tourists and people snooping around.
In china it's custom to over serve your guests...as an empty plate is sign of low respect. (In that you didn't feed your guest well).
In the usa, I was brainwashed to think about the starving people in the world. Thus clean the plate.
So what to do? I always find that I eat too much food whilst in China. Plus I drink too much beer, though as there aren't many beverage options you're stuck w/ beer. Thankfully the beer, is extremely light and low in flavor, you can drink cases of it and your get full up, long before you get a buzz, let alone drunk.
So Batman??
I was on the star line ferry this afternoon, going from Kowloon to Hong Kong Island, and noticed a helicopter constantly hovering around one of the large buildings in Central. Then it landed, probably to refuel, and came back.
Then I went to Aberdeen, with friends - to the Jumbo Restaurant, and noticed a few people hanging out at the Aberdeen Marina Club with cameras...ah the paparazzi, as I turned the corner, there about 30 or so.
So one of my friends, said they were filming the new Batman today in SoHo on the escalators, and so it all made sense.
So I wonder who was staying at the club? Christian
Bale or Morgan Freeman? Maybe Michael Caine or Liam Neeson. Aberdeen, is definitely more secluded, there would be less tourists and people snooping around.
Monday, November 05, 2007
Chinese Construction Design, Good Looking - Very Impractical
Over the past few months, I've been explaining to coworkers how badly designed so much of the modern china is...
A good example I always find, is to explain the sidewalks. I'm currently spending most of my time in Shenzhen, which is a very modern city, about 20yrs old. Here most of the sidewalks on buildings built in the last 5 years are polished marble....which you looks very nice and fancy, but it rains here a lot - and you're basically ice skating when you walk; so most people walk in the street. And as the pedestrian is 2nd class here, you best watch yourself or you'll be run over.
My office is one of the first buildings built in Shenzhen, it was completed in 1989; it's 4 stories tall - and was the tallest building in the city when it was built. Now nearly 19 years later, it's one of the shortest. All the buildings around us are at least 30 stories, often 60 stories. Another scary fact...they can build a 60 floor apartment building in 12 days here....how come so fast? Primarily because they're badly built, they work 24x7, and as people are an excess commodity here, they're easily replaceable.
The biggest problem here is that nothing is maintained, when it breaks it stays broken, the building across the street with the marble sidewalk, well 1/3 of it is cracked - will it ever be fixed, doubtful, they're just tear it down in 3-5 years and restart with another monolith.
The genius idea here is to build the entire building out of cement, great idea it's very strong, but crap idea because if you need to install wiring or such, you now have to chisel out crevices, install tiny conduits and re-cement. Here I am trying to get a new network installed and every room has a hub as there is no central wiring area, they're all daisy-chained to each other.
There's a lot of money in this city, it's a lot wealthier then last I was here(just over a year ago); more cars(not all buicks); starbucks, mcdonalds, crowne plaza. They money is being made here, as are 90% of all cell phones and sneakers. There's hope(fear in my mind) that the border between Shenzhen and Hong Kong will open soon, rather then in 40 years as planned.
The mass transit is well designed here, but that's because the Germans did it. If memory serves me correctly, a lot of Germans left Germany after WWII; some went to Argentina, China, and so forth. So until last year, the worlds fastest maglev train was here (310 mph), the subways run like Disney world 1 every 10minutes or so.
So with all this new money, and good transit system, can they improve the people...I don't think so. There's still a strong communist mindset here. Imagine if people had to pay for their own apartments and food? How about the invention of middle management?
A good example I always find, is to explain the sidewalks. I'm currently spending most of my time in Shenzhen, which is a very modern city, about 20yrs old. Here most of the sidewalks on buildings built in the last 5 years are polished marble....which you looks very nice and fancy, but it rains here a lot - and you're basically ice skating when you walk; so most people walk in the street. And as the pedestrian is 2nd class here, you best watch yourself or you'll be run over.
My office is one of the first buildings built in Shenzhen, it was completed in 1989; it's 4 stories tall - and was the tallest building in the city when it was built. Now nearly 19 years later, it's one of the shortest. All the buildings around us are at least 30 stories, often 60 stories. Another scary fact...they can build a 60 floor apartment building in 12 days here....how come so fast? Primarily because they're badly built, they work 24x7, and as people are an excess commodity here, they're easily replaceable.
The biggest problem here is that nothing is maintained, when it breaks it stays broken, the building across the street with the marble sidewalk, well 1/3 of it is cracked - will it ever be fixed, doubtful, they're just tear it down in 3-5 years and restart with another monolith.
The genius idea here is to build the entire building out of cement, great idea it's very strong, but crap idea because if you need to install wiring or such, you now have to chisel out crevices, install tiny conduits and re-cement. Here I am trying to get a new network installed and every room has a hub as there is no central wiring area, they're all daisy-chained to each other.
There's a lot of money in this city, it's a lot wealthier then last I was here(just over a year ago); more cars(not all buicks); starbucks, mcdonalds, crowne plaza. They money is being made here, as are 90% of all cell phones and sneakers. There's hope(fear in my mind) that the border between Shenzhen and Hong Kong will open soon, rather then in 40 years as planned.
The mass transit is well designed here, but that's because the Germans did it. If memory serves me correctly, a lot of Germans left Germany after WWII; some went to Argentina, China, and so forth. So until last year, the worlds fastest maglev train was here (310 mph), the subways run like Disney world 1 every 10minutes or so.
So with all this new money, and good transit system, can they improve the people...I don't think so. There's still a strong communist mindset here. Imagine if people had to pay for their own apartments and food? How about the invention of middle management?
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