I was almost not able to fly out of Beijing because I didn't have a proper VISA to Australia. Both Vicky (the admin girl) and I thought Canadian should be able to get into another Commonwealth country. We finally sorted it out via internet in the airport. But the immigration officer in Melbourne was very skeptical about my visit.
I had to explain him why I am in Melbourne and why I only got my VISA yesterday. I didn't like his tone, plus, after 26 hours of traveling from Beijing to Melbourne, I was hungry (to make it worse) and grumpy. I think I appreared very angry and loud. They finally let me through but the worse was waiting ahead of me.
The officer sent me to the highly suspectable queue for custom check. My luggages and backpack were searched very carefully while others simply went through the X-Ray machine. Although the custom officer was nice and chatty, my mood was really ruined.
I must look like a terrorist in Australian standard.
Sunday, February 26, 2006
Saturday, February 25, 2006
Strong Osaka Girls
Sorry dear readers, I still have no pictures to share with you.
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I arrived in Osaka in the afternoon, it was raining slightly. The hotel is right next to the Osaka Castle so I decided to take a walk. The castle is surrounded by water on its 3 sides and there is a cherry blossom park right in front of the castle. It was very quiet and peaceful, a large bird glid over the water, I can only hear the rain sizzling.
I breathed deeply, I was all by myself as far as I can see. Beijing is actually quite stressful. People are very very unrested, always very eager to do something or to go somewhere. The castle park was really nice although my shoes were all wet and my fingers were immoblised because of the coldness.
I then saw a man mumbling to himself, he looked like a homeless. I decided not to show that I was scared. I walked passed him instead of detouring, at the same time, I shot him this very dirty look. I then ran very quickly to the deeper site of the park (I thought I was walking out then) in a fear that he might be following me.
Anyhow, I got back to the hotel alright. Later my friend told me it is not safe to go to the castle at night because of many homeless. But this is Japan!! I protested, I will be on the newspaper if I really get mobbed.
Another thing I observed in Osaka is that all the moving lagguage business in a hotel was handled by some tiny, nylon-wearing girls. While waiting in the airport lounge, I also found it was all women who load the laggages to the airplains. Is it because Osaka girls are very strong?
____________________________________________
I arrived in Osaka in the afternoon, it was raining slightly. The hotel is right next to the Osaka Castle so I decided to take a walk. The castle is surrounded by water on its 3 sides and there is a cherry blossom park right in front of the castle. It was very quiet and peaceful, a large bird glid over the water, I can only hear the rain sizzling.
I breathed deeply, I was all by myself as far as I can see. Beijing is actually quite stressful. People are very very unrested, always very eager to do something or to go somewhere. The castle park was really nice although my shoes were all wet and my fingers were immoblised because of the coldness.
I then saw a man mumbling to himself, he looked like a homeless. I decided not to show that I was scared. I walked passed him instead of detouring, at the same time, I shot him this very dirty look. I then ran very quickly to the deeper site of the park (I thought I was walking out then) in a fear that he might be following me.
Anyhow, I got back to the hotel alright. Later my friend told me it is not safe to go to the castle at night because of many homeless. But this is Japan!! I protested, I will be on the newspaper if I really get mobbed.
Another thing I observed in Osaka is that all the moving lagguage business in a hotel was handled by some tiny, nylon-wearing girls. While waiting in the airport lounge, I also found it was all women who load the laggages to the airplains. Is it because Osaka girls are very strong?
Sunday, February 19, 2006
Quick Look of Forbidden City
It is still very sad there is no picture available at the moment, I promise to put on more pics when I get hold of a better laptop.
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I set out to take a good look of Tiananmen square this morning. As I approached the gigantic Mao's picture, I grew very timid and felt a bit scared. This state machine can basically take away anything you own, kick you out of your dwellings, make you spell your guts out by all means at any time they feel like. If it is for the account of state security or the party.
I was squeezed between so many tourists from every corner of China. I started to wonder what make them feel secured and what keep them get up every morning? There is no individual, state outweights all of us.
Forbidden city disappointed me a bit. The wooden details of the doors, arches, roofs are battered by weather, the restored part were painted by amatuers, I believe, because I don't believe the Chinese royal had such bad taste. The restoration project is a bloody disaster to the cultural heritage of all human beings!
I believe it would be implemented nicely if the projected is managed by anyone other than state own enterprise. Forbidden city is more grand, more delicated and more graceful in my imagination.
______________________________________________________
I set out to take a good look of Tiananmen square this morning. As I approached the gigantic Mao's picture, I grew very timid and felt a bit scared. This state machine can basically take away anything you own, kick you out of your dwellings, make you spell your guts out by all means at any time they feel like. If it is for the account of state security or the party.
I was squeezed between so many tourists from every corner of China. I started to wonder what make them feel secured and what keep them get up every morning? There is no individual, state outweights all of us.
Forbidden city disappointed me a bit. The wooden details of the doors, arches, roofs are battered by weather, the restored part were painted by amatuers, I believe, because I don't believe the Chinese royal had such bad taste. The restoration project is a bloody disaster to the cultural heritage of all human beings!
I believe it would be implemented nicely if the projected is managed by anyone other than state own enterprise. Forbidden city is more grand, more delicated and more graceful in my imagination.
Thursday, February 16, 2006
The Subtle Dynamics between XiaoHo and My Dad
My dad is suffering from the inferiority complex after he closed down his business. We all tried to help at one point of time but he keeps whinning. He is so afraid that he has to explain to us again and again that he is too old to do anything. At the same time, he feels very insecured. Thus he constantly reminds us of how well respected he is in his hometown in mainland (due to on-going donation) and how health he is at his age.
We all try to help him at a point of time but we are all numbed by his nonstop whinning (do not blame us, it has been like this for years). He could not understand that all we want from him is to see him live positively and happily, rather than making lots of money (he never did anyways).
The subtle power shift has taken place, perhaps, few years ago. My mom became the silent but powerful leader. She doesn't talk much but is taken seriously when speaking. Of course, she is still camaflaged by her innocent house-wife/grandmom look.
It is very interesting how XiaoHo has comprehended this whole situation. XiaoHo knows exactly who dominates the household, who he should please in order to get the biggest return despite the fact that my father loves him dearly.
We all try to help him at a point of time but we are all numbed by his nonstop whinning (do not blame us, it has been like this for years). He could not understand that all we want from him is to see him live positively and happily, rather than making lots of money (he never did anyways).
The subtle power shift has taken place, perhaps, few years ago. My mom became the silent but powerful leader. She doesn't talk much but is taken seriously when speaking. Of course, she is still camaflaged by her innocent house-wife/grandmom look.
It is very interesting how XiaoHo has comprehended this whole situation. XiaoHo knows exactly who dominates the household, who he should please in order to get the biggest return despite the fact that my father loves him dearly.
Do You Like to Take a Nap?
Very sady, the labtop I use now does not support the picture loading functionality on blogspot. No picture!!! Very sad...
Anyhow, I remember I was very surprised to know that Spanish take their nap between 2 and 7 pm when I was little. I envied this so much that I decided to think them as a group of lazy butts.
Speaking of the napping habbit, Chinese are also notorious. When I was in high school, we were forced to take a 30 minute nap after lunch. Of course, there is no bed. 50 of us had to sit and sleep at our desks. Speaking or reading is strictly prohibited. If you are not sleepy? Sorry, you just have to rest your head on the desk and close your eyes. I think I got used to it and can always sleep very well. I always woke up with saliva all over my desk (secretly wiped clean out of embarrassment).
I was told, if you visit some government beaura after lunch hours in Taiwan, you will find peoeple sleeping every where. In the hot and humid summer days, the server rooms are crowded with male engineers. The girls also sleep in the same fashion as in high schools. This is amazing....
Anyhow, I remember I was very surprised to know that Spanish take their nap between 2 and 7 pm when I was little. I envied this so much that I decided to think them as a group of lazy butts.
Speaking of the napping habbit, Chinese are also notorious. When I was in high school, we were forced to take a 30 minute nap after lunch. Of course, there is no bed. 50 of us had to sit and sleep at our desks. Speaking or reading is strictly prohibited. If you are not sleepy? Sorry, you just have to rest your head on the desk and close your eyes. I think I got used to it and can always sleep very well. I always woke up with saliva all over my desk (secretly wiped clean out of embarrassment).
I was told, if you visit some government beaura after lunch hours in Taiwan, you will find peoeple sleeping every where. In the hot and humid summer days, the server rooms are crowded with male engineers. The girls also sleep in the same fashion as in high schools. This is amazing....
Friday, February 10, 2006
How to Open the Door?
The firefighter's wife is such a character. She walks into any fire station and tell them her hudsband's name, and the officer on duty would back out the fire truck to make space for her car.
We were meeting in a very nice bar. I was standing right in front of the door but couldn't figure out how to open it. I pushed, it does not move. I try to pull but there is no handle. So, I guess it must goes sideways. But it does not move, either. I guess the waitress was getting impatient to wait for me to walk in so she could greet me. She finall pulled open the door... I was really embarrassed.
But the firefighter's wife told me, one time, she waved , jumped up and down, tried to activate the non-exist sensor of a glassy door. She didn't find her way in until some one pull open it.
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Dress Fitting
It is almost as tall as me....
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I went dress fitting with Peggy because I will be the bride's maid. It took me like 3 minutes to decide what to wear but it took Peggy almost 3 hours but we still couldn't find the proper dress for her wedding banquet.
The bride's maid dress is doomed to be white, only the bride can be colourful enough to draw everyone's attention. I also found out the secret of my cousin's handsome blossom, all dresses are fitted with heavy paddings.
But I am a bit disppointed with those dresses, they are not really soft and nice as I thought. They are very low quality and not very clean. They can only be used for photo taking. I do understand every girl wants to be the most beautiful girl in the world at the night, but I think those business men are just taking advantage of naive youngsters by commercializing the whole photo-taking and dress-renting package. After all, not many people would come back for more.
Yi-Long's Advanture
Yi-Long is a very interesting dog. He knows how to open the screen door.
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Well, Yi-Long did something very silly again today. He was let loose and met with another let-loose German Shepar, who is twice of his size. Those two got into a fight almost immediately, they tangled, growled, pretended to bite.
My dad and the owner of the German Shepar came to pull them away. The owner of the German Shepar commented that it is hard to believe such a small dog would be brave enough to fight with a such a big dog. That was not all, Yi-Long also fought with 3 strayed dogs without hesitation one time. I think he is mad.
However, my dad took Yi-Long out for a walk in the central garden, two small white cats jumped out of the bushes and attacked Yi-Long. One bit one side of his belly and the other bit his neck. Yi-Long was so shocked that he lay flat on the ground and begging them to stop. All the kids around were cracking up, some one even said "Oh, the cats killed your dog".
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
FengShui in a Casino
Strictly speaking, FengShui is not a proper phrase to use when talking about decorating your living space. Feng means the wind and Shui the water. FengShui is used when trying to find the best location to bury the ancesters so that the descendants could enjoy the good fortune. When talking about the same concept for living people, it should be "DiLi", which means the logic of the earth.
Anyhow, Casinos in Chinese culture are the most superstitious spaces Chinese could ever design. For example, in the biggest Casino in Macau, the building was made to be the shape of a bird cage. So no one can escape. There is a picture of 12 cannons hung on the entrance, no matter which direction you look, they all point directly at you. That's the Casino's attempt to keep you in and rip you off, spiritually.
There are ways to deflect the evil spells. You have got to walk in side way, to avoid the cannon pointing. You have got to go between 11am and 1pm, which is the time the evil spirit is the weakest. When being dealt the card, you should shout "black jack" to scare off the money ripper. Other things such as wearing scarlet undies could also be heard.
Do they work? I really don't know. Just imagining a group of Casino visitors all walk in the door side way like crabs is quite entertaining.
Anyhow, Casinos in Chinese culture are the most superstitious spaces Chinese could ever design. For example, in the biggest Casino in Macau, the building was made to be the shape of a bird cage. So no one can escape. There is a picture of 12 cannons hung on the entrance, no matter which direction you look, they all point directly at you. That's the Casino's attempt to keep you in and rip you off, spiritually.
There are ways to deflect the evil spells. You have got to walk in side way, to avoid the cannon pointing. You have got to go between 11am and 1pm, which is the time the evil spirit is the weakest. When being dealt the card, you should shout "black jack" to scare off the money ripper. Other things such as wearing scarlet undies could also be heard.
Do they work? I really don't know. Just imagining a group of Casino visitors all walk in the door side way like crabs is quite entertaining.
Saturday, February 04, 2006
Visiting My Grand Mother
Perhaps it is hard for westerners to understand why Chinese are so into visiting ancesters' tomb or so keen to be buried in the family burial ground (meaning, having your name engraved in a piece of wood, which is the ancestral tablet and is displayed in the family temple).
There is really no concept of religion in Chinese culture. The Chinese characters of religion was borrowed from Japanese in 19th century. It means "ancester" and "doctrine". I don't want to do too deep on the definition of Chinese way of religion comprehension, I
think it could as well be a doctorial paper in anthropology.
Chinese babies were born with a very big selfhood. A new born has to take its ancestral history, land, custom, expectation and unfinished dreams. It is also expected to continue the family line forever. This is dying donw as Chinese societies modernise but it roots deeply in our bloodstream. Religions are not such an important part of Chinese' every-day life because ancestral worship practice sort of fulfills the spiritual needs. To my father, the meaning of life is to glorify the family, it is not surprising that we don't communicate with each other very well because I like to make money more. Ha ha ha...
We picked up uncle Thomas and auntie Feng first and then drove to the mountain. I guess my grand mom would be the last generation of our family to be buried (I secretly planned things for my parents and myself already).
Her final resting place is so big and well-maintained. But don't be mistaken, it's definitely not like the cemetaries in the church yard in the west. Chinese cemetaries are spine-chilling. They are
usually located in mountain with very good view (essentials of good Feng-Shui). Just imagine the whole mountain has no living things but well-groomed trees and us. The sky was grey and cloud is heavy.
We walked into the tomb area as if we are about to enter her residence. It has a small temple for the local god. We have to offer him some food, incense and paper money. And then to my grand mom. The tea is poured over the ground as if she is drinking it. The burning of paper money is my favorite part, the only legal time for kids to play matches apart from Chinese New Year's fireworks.
We had to report to her what we are doing and all the gossips among relatives as if she could hear us well. I think that's the way for shy Chinese to communicate among family members.
We stubornly think our ancesters would watch over us if we treat them right. I guess I will continue doing so and pass it along with no logical explanations, I just think it is the right thing to do.
There is really no concept of religion in Chinese culture. The Chinese characters of religion was borrowed from Japanese in 19th century. It means "ancester" and "doctrine". I don't want to do too deep on the definition of Chinese way of religion comprehension, I
think it could as well be a doctorial paper in anthropology.
Chinese babies were born with a very big selfhood. A new born has to take its ancestral history, land, custom, expectation and unfinished dreams. It is also expected to continue the family line forever. This is dying donw as Chinese societies modernise but it roots deeply in our bloodstream. Religions are not such an important part of Chinese' every-day life because ancestral worship practice sort of fulfills the spiritual needs. To my father, the meaning of life is to glorify the family, it is not surprising that we don't communicate with each other very well because I like to make money more. Ha ha ha...
We picked up uncle Thomas and auntie Feng first and then drove to the mountain. I guess my grand mom would be the last generation of our family to be buried (I secretly planned things for my parents and myself already).
Her final resting place is so big and well-maintained. But don't be mistaken, it's definitely not like the cemetaries in the church yard in the west. Chinese cemetaries are spine-chilling. They are
usually located in mountain with very good view (essentials of good Feng-Shui). Just imagine the whole mountain has no living things but well-groomed trees and us. The sky was grey and cloud is heavy.
We walked into the tomb area as if we are about to enter her residence. It has a small temple for the local god. We have to offer him some food, incense and paper money. And then to my grand mom. The tea is poured over the ground as if she is drinking it. The burning of paper money is my favorite part, the only legal time for kids to play matches apart from Chinese New Year's fireworks.
We had to report to her what we are doing and all the gossips among relatives as if she could hear us well. I think that's the way for shy Chinese to communicate among family members.
We stubornly think our ancesters would watch over us if we treat them right. I guess I will continue doing so and pass it along with no logical explanations, I just think it is the right thing to do.
The Next Few Days
I understand if I don't update my blog for a long while, I might lose all my readers. I have to continue writing.
Taipei is getting cold and humid because of the cold front, the drizzles didn't stop for 3 days in a row. I was waken by my mom because we were about to visit my grand mom's tomb. My grand mother passed away in Taiwan almost 10 years ago, her final resting place is in a mountain, few hundred miles away from Hong Kong, with great view of port of Taipei city.
Just before we were ready to go out, we found my dad had gone walking the dog and forgot his access card key back to our building.
We called his mobile and replied his anxious voice, Yi-Long is missing!! Yi-Long was loosen after passing the gate, he ran down the hill (probably he is after some girl dogs nearby) and my dad was waiting for around half an hour in the rain. My dad was almost saying we should consider buying another dog.
I had to drive around to look for Yi-Long... And I found him, he looked very scared and worried. He didn't recognise me first and turned ecstatic when realising I have come to his resecue.
Because of the tight schedule, I had to go out visiting my grand mom with my uncle and auntie without bras, make-ups. I am wearing the funny-looking socks with my mom's colourful sandals.
It is alright, this is Taiwan.
Taipei is getting cold and humid because of the cold front, the drizzles didn't stop for 3 days in a row. I was waken by my mom because we were about to visit my grand mom's tomb. My grand mother passed away in Taiwan almost 10 years ago, her final resting place is in a mountain, few hundred miles away from Hong Kong, with great view of port of Taipei city.
Just before we were ready to go out, we found my dad had gone walking the dog and forgot his access card key back to our building.
We called his mobile and replied his anxious voice, Yi-Long is missing!! Yi-Long was loosen after passing the gate, he ran down the hill (probably he is after some girl dogs nearby) and my dad was waiting for around half an hour in the rain. My dad was almost saying we should consider buying another dog.
I had to drive around to look for Yi-Long... And I found him, he looked very scared and worried. He didn't recognise me first and turned ecstatic when realising I have come to his resecue.
Because of the tight schedule, I had to go out visiting my grand mom with my uncle and auntie without bras, make-ups. I am wearing the funny-looking socks with my mom's colourful sandals.
It is alright, this is Taiwan.
First Day
I think I am not feeling very good about leaving London.
When queuing for the security, the idiot behind me stood too close to me, so I bent over to tie my shoe laces (although my boots have none) and my bagpack swang across his tummy by accident and I heard he grumble. That made me feel better for 2 second.
I think the fact that I have left London for good didn't really hit me until I was on the plane. I am actually leaving behind a lot of friends and connections.
Yeah, I guess I was really bored sometimes and I don't really hang out with anyone during weekends in London. Because I think I just dont fit in anywhere. But, after all, I am so used to it.
After 3 years in London, most of my relations and connections are mature or really close to, it is truely the time I should enjoy the fruital results. Just imagine the effort and time to rebuild all of those again.
Ironically, I miss London at my first night in Taipei and think, um
uh, why I pull myself away from an environment I am so used to? Did I make the right decision? What doesit mean by settling down? Would I feel happier if I have a more stable and clear vision?
When queuing for the security, the idiot behind me stood too close to me, so I bent over to tie my shoe laces (although my boots have none) and my bagpack swang across his tummy by accident and I heard he grumble. That made me feel better for 2 second.
I think the fact that I have left London for good didn't really hit me until I was on the plane. I am actually leaving behind a lot of friends and connections.
Yeah, I guess I was really bored sometimes and I don't really hang out with anyone during weekends in London. Because I think I just dont fit in anywhere. But, after all, I am so used to it.
After 3 years in London, most of my relations and connections are mature or really close to, it is truely the time I should enjoy the fruital results. Just imagine the effort and time to rebuild all of those again.
Ironically, I miss London at my first night in Taipei and think, um
uh, why I pull myself away from an environment I am so used to? Did I make the right decision? What doesit mean by settling down? Would I feel happier if I have a more stable and clear vision?
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