Having now been to 3 large cities in China, and barely in the countryside. I'm more lost on how to define China.
Shenzhen is a new, modern, nouveau riche city. It's faulted that it's so near Hong Kong, as it's trying emulate the status obsessed neighbor. It's got more registered residents then Beijing, but only about 1/3 the land mass.
Shanghai is a sophisticated city, and has a mix of old and new. It's got the old French port, mixed with the new Pudong, and is currently the financial capital of China. Its has too many people, 26 million. Thus it's over crowded, has too much smog, and pure hectic.
Beijing reminds me of Eastern European cities. It's got a lot of structure, but is still lacking in many respects. There are car swallowing potholes abound, the sidewalks have large cement blocks in the the middle of them, and it's forever dusty.The roads are horrible, so it's constant rush hour traffic nightmare - it took 2 hours to go 15 miles. Beijing was the first city, I saw Caucasians walking around on their own(without guides), maybe Beijing is safer, or maybe they don't know. Also the city seemed rather empty compared to Shenzhen. It's large land mass (550km around), but only about 20million people
Having driven from Shanghai to Huangzho; the country side is still very simple The people are more friendly, they're mostly farmers and have little wealth. They drudge on, oblivious to the expanse of their cities.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Monday, April 21, 2008
Durian...the 'King of Fruits'
Well just ate Durian fresh for the first time - EXCELLENT! It's described as one of the most foul smelling fruits there is, but with the texture of custard, and it's sweet. Well the first time I had it, it smelled horrible, it was served in a cheesecake fo sorts; and smelled of rotten eggs/diapers/sulfur. Similar to what it smells like around a geyser.
Thankfully, I have a very knowledgeable colleague in the office, who knows how to pick out the best/freshest food. There was a faint smell, but no high sulfur content. I ate about 1/2 of it, only because we had just gotten back from lunch.
Another food taboo thrown out the window.
Thankfully, I have a very knowledgeable colleague in the office, who knows how to pick out the best/freshest food. There was a faint smell, but no high sulfur content. I ate about 1/2 of it, only because we had just gotten back from lunch.
Another food taboo thrown out the window.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
NYC, Good Times
For the first time ever I used my American Express Concierge service yesterday, and was most impressed. I called to get a reservation at Nobu TriBeCa for that night, and within about 20min or less, I had a reservation for 3 in 2 hours(8pm).
I have my card, primarily as a safety net when I'm traveling, so that if I get stuck in a conflict zone or what not, I can quickly get myself out. I had heard about the concierge, and am very happy to say they did the job.
Nobu TriBeCa, was a good meal with friends. But I would not say it was foodgasmic. It's notch I can put in the headboard as a place people say go to. The cost wasn't bad for NYC, but I've had better sushi/sashimi other places.
I have my card, primarily as a safety net when I'm traveling, so that if I get stuck in a conflict zone or what not, I can quickly get myself out. I had heard about the concierge, and am very happy to say they did the job.
Nobu TriBeCa, was a good meal with friends. But I would not say it was foodgasmic. It's notch I can put in the headboard as a place people say go to. The cost wasn't bad for NYC, but I've had better sushi/sashimi other places.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Hike the "The Peak"
This past Saturday, I opted to go for a hike...far better then eating or laying about the hotel room. Well let me say, if you ever get the chance to go to Hong Kong - and are in decent shape, go for a hike. Hong Kong, like NYC can be a 'concrete jungle' and it's nice to get out onto unpaved tracks and less people. Whilst on the hike, you'd never know there was a city of 9+ million living below you; as most of the time you're in the woods.
I'm thinking that I may go for another hike soon, over the 'Dragons Back' towards Shek O. Though I think, I'll have to wait till next time when I have a backpack or such for my water and snacks....hiking in 76F w/ 60% humidity wearing trousers and a rain jacket; wasn't the best idea. But I did probably sweat out/lose quite a bit of weight - always a plus.
I'm thinking that I may go for another hike soon, over the 'Dragons Back' towards Shek O. Though I think, I'll have to wait till next time when I have a backpack or such for my water and snacks....hiking in 76F w/ 60% humidity wearing trousers and a rain jacket; wasn't the best idea. But I did probably sweat out/lose quite a bit of weight - always a plus.
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Open Space
I've now spend 2 months in Hong Kong and China, minus 10 days. And the thing I truly miss most is open space. I simply don't get it, why does everyone want to live in the same 60 floor apartment building right next to everyone else? Octopus (the Metro Transit Company in Hong Kong) is now building a new complex set to house 60,000 people and have it's own MTR station, now it's great that they're going to cut down on smog, by having it's own public transport system; but I certainly don't want to live in a complex of 60,000 other people.
I can comprehend China, because of it's communistic ways(similar to the USSR) they farmed people to work in their factories...but in a country with a land mass equal or greater to the USA, why does everyone want to live right next to each other? Hong Kong on the other hand should take the British system of Country life and City life. I've been to country in HK, there are a few house, but most people live couped up in the major complexes. The driving commute is hell, but the MTR, KCR, & KMB system provide quick service everywhere - so people don't need to live in tiny aparments everywhere.
This Sunday, I'm heading off to Sai Kung - National Park of sorts, I'm hoping for a nice walk, some greenery, and certainly less people.
I can comprehend China, because of it's communistic ways(similar to the USSR) they farmed people to work in their factories...but in a country with a land mass equal or greater to the USA, why does everyone want to live right next to each other? Hong Kong on the other hand should take the British system of Country life and City life. I've been to country in HK, there are a few house, but most people live couped up in the major complexes. The driving commute is hell, but the MTR, KCR, & KMB system provide quick service everywhere - so people don't need to live in tiny aparments everywhere.
This Sunday, I'm heading off to Sai Kung - National Park of sorts, I'm hoping for a nice walk, some greenery, and certainly less people.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Chinse Driving Improved?
Just when I think the Chinese have learned how to drive, they go and disprove me. Today when leaving the hotel, the light never changed - kept blinking green(not sure what that means). Anyhow as one would have it, my taxi driver got frustrated and decided to part traffic with is car...a rather normal thing, even in NYC. But in the US traffic would slow down, honk the horn, curse and so forth...not here, traffic continues at a normal pace. So who has the bigger balls? It's not about the size of the vehicle, but how your maneuver it..(hey get your mind out the gutter)
The one thing they have learned is how to use the horn...use it get people out of the way. It used to be 'hey I'm here,' or 'hey, I'm coming through.' So it's an improvement, but not necessarily the most important feature of driving.
The one thing they have learned is how to use the horn...use it get people out of the way. It used to be 'hey I'm here,' or 'hey, I'm coming through.' So it's an improvement, but not necessarily the most important feature of driving.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Emergency Flight to China
Well to satisfy some requests, I took an earlier then scheduled flight to China. Because I couldn't get a flight on beloved Virgin-Atlantic, I took the unforgiving straight through 15 hour 55 minute flight from Newark to Hong Kong. Needless to say I lucked out and checked in early enough to get a bulkhead, but the last 5 hours were tough.
As far as convenience , it beats any other option. But for sake of comfort and sanity, it's not a wise choice. When I couldn't get Virgin, I was looking at flying to Vancouver, BC and taking Oasis to Hong Kong. Yes it adds several hours, but I'd be more comfortable, have a break in the middle(lay over) and be able to move around more.
Plus I think someone got ill or died on my flight, so less then half way through the seatbelt sign went permanently on. We were over Siberia when they called for doctor, for over an hour someone was laying on the floor, and when the pathway opened up a lavatory was permanently closed.
As far as convenience , it beats any other option. But for sake of comfort and sanity, it's not a wise choice. When I couldn't get Virgin, I was looking at flying to Vancouver, BC and taking Oasis to Hong Kong. Yes it adds several hours, but I'd be more comfortable, have a break in the middle(lay over) and be able to move around more.
Plus I think someone got ill or died on my flight, so less then half way through the seatbelt sign went permanently on. We were over Siberia when they called for doctor, for over an hour someone was laying on the floor, and when the pathway opened up a lavatory was permanently closed.
Saturday, February 02, 2008
Walking...people move too slow!
Well I'm heading home to the US tomorrow night, only have 1 day left...flight leaves @ 11pm. I'm ready to have a rest; if only for 10days. I've had very little time to myself; even my weekends...either I'm being bothered with issues in the US or I'm being taken someplace. Days start at 9am and finish at 10pm...It's jut been tiring...
These past few days in Kowloon/HK Island have also been tiring, more people then I'm used to...as compared with Shatin/Sheung Shui. During the work week everyone is moving swiftly, come the weekend and people move a leisurely crawl...to the point I'm ready to run them over or strangle them. I'm 6'4" so I do have a longer gait, but can't people just walk a little quicker. Plus when it's raining, no one pays attention to their umbrella, so I'm having to keep my head ducked to prevent having my eyes poked out.
A few days ago in Shenzhen, I did have a happy moment. The people in mainland, more so then in HK, bump into everyone whilst walking. So I chose to hold my ground on one such A$$ and well he nearly fell down. I know what I did was rude, but he was bumping into elderly people and making them quite angry...so I did take some joy out of making him wake up.
The picture to the right is the soles of my shoes, in 5 weeks walking I've killed these shoes. . you can see in the middle what the sole used to be like, now the front/rear are smooth and useless for walking on wet granite sidewalks. So they've been trashed; need to get some new Merrells before I head back; great walking shoes, waterproof, and very comfortable.
These past few days in Kowloon/HK Island have also been tiring, more people then I'm used to...as compared with Shatin/Sheung Shui. During the work week everyone is moving swiftly, come the weekend and people move a leisurely crawl...to the point I'm ready to run them over or strangle them. I'm 6'4" so I do have a longer gait, but can't people just walk a little quicker. Plus when it's raining, no one pays attention to their umbrella, so I'm having to keep my head ducked to prevent having my eyes poked out.
A few days ago in Shenzhen, I did have a happy moment. The people in mainland, more so then in HK, bump into everyone whilst walking. So I chose to hold my ground on one such A$$ and well he nearly fell down. I know what I did was rude, but he was bumping into elderly people and making them quite angry...so I did take some joy out of making him wake up.
The picture to the right is the soles of my shoes, in 5 weeks walking I've killed these shoes. . you can see in the middle what the sole used to be like, now the front/rear are smooth and useless for walking on wet granite sidewalks. So they've been trashed; need to get some new Merrells before I head back; great walking shoes, waterproof, and very comfortable.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
IUG Kiln Chicken
Sunday, took a tour from Taipei to Keelung via two different dramatic routes. First went east, through the mountains, stopped to see some Tea farms and had some tea, w/ tea ceremony and all. Continued through the mountains, with a 12km tunnel. Disturbing that even in the tunnel my blackberry worked. (why can't the US figure any of this out??) [from what I was told the tunnel took 8 years to dig by hand, because when they used an auger, they lost their way)
After coming through the tunnel, it opened out a plain and the pacific ocean. We stopped in the first town Jiosi, for some excellent beggars chicken. This was cooked in a clay oven, not sure why it's that different, then normal baking...must be the chicken itself. Normal beggars chicken in China is coated in mud, and then baked so that the mud becomes it's own personal oven, and the chicken cooks in it's own juices. Which I consider the best chicken I ever ate...which says a lot because chicken is one my least desired foods.
After coming through the tunnel, it opened out a plain and the pacific ocean. We stopped in the first town Jiosi, for some excellent beggars chicken. This was cooked in a clay oven, not sure why it's that different, then normal baking...must be the chicken itself. Normal beggars chicken in China is coated in mud, and then baked so that the mud becomes it's own personal oven, and the chicken cooks in it's own juices. Which I consider the best chicken I ever ate...which says a lot because chicken is one my least desired foods.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Taipei
I'm loving Taipei. This place has an eastern european feel...hmm, how to explain? It's got old buildings, and respects it's history; but has kept up to date with technology and modern society. It's also quite interesting how this city is spread out, due to it being built in a flood plain, most of the buildings aren't over 10 stories, due to them sinking, and the multitude of earthquakes(I know run-on sentence). Due to it being more spread out, there's none of the congested feeling you have in Hong Kong or cities in China.
Well I'm off to some tea plantations and ceramic artist communities this weekend.
I saw this dog on scooter, and was amazed to see how big a dog it was. There are plenty of dogs on scooters, you don't usually see a 'golden retriever' on one though.
Well I'm off to some tea plantations and ceramic artist communities this weekend.
I saw this dog on scooter, and was amazed to see how big a dog it was. There are plenty of dogs on scooters, you don't usually see a 'golden retriever' on one though.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Taipei
Loving Taiwan. Taiwan is soo different then Hong Kong and China. It's relaxing and very much like Europe. They preserve their history, and yet stay well ahead of everyone as well.
The only think I saw which was quite barbaric, was the treatment of some animals/food. I saw alligators in small cages, snakes everyone(dinner), and snapping turtles being scared with fire to make them move. One restraurant had snapping turtles in a container, a women was cutting their heads off and putting it on a tray, where the head was still moving, carving out the rest of the meat, and then washing the shell with alcohol.
[As you may not know a snapping turtle will keep ahold of it's prey, even if it's head is cut off. So if it were to bite your finger, you could cut the head off, but it won't release it's grip. ]
Well whilst I'm here, I do think I may try snake, and stinky tofu. More updates later
The only think I saw which was quite barbaric, was the treatment of some animals/food. I saw alligators in small cages, snakes everyone(dinner), and snapping turtles being scared with fire to make them move. One restraurant had snapping turtles in a container, a women was cutting their heads off and putting it on a tray, where the head was still moving, carving out the rest of the meat, and then washing the shell with alcohol.
[As you may not know a snapping turtle will keep ahold of it's prey, even if it's head is cut off. So if it were to bite your finger, you could cut the head off, but it won't release it's grip. ]
Well whilst I'm here, I do think I may try snake, and stinky tofu. More updates later
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Razor Clams with spicy sauce...and mango
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
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
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.
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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.
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