Since moving to Asia I've had many a 'chopstick moment' (and probably many times before if the truth be known). These 'moments' are when I fumble awkwardly with my two sticks, discreetly trying to determine whether they're the right way up before gingerly attempting to clasp my rice and other slippery suckers that lurk menacingly in my bowl in the most civilised way possible. (When no one's looking I've been known to stab my chopstick into the food for better leverage.) Naturally my inability has only been highlighted living in a country where the chopstick is a national icon. Invented in China, they're said to reflect the wisdom of ancient Chinese people. You can appreciate, eating at local restaurants (often one of the only Gwailos) is more than enough to feed my chopstick anxiety. Not that I've got a complex or anything, but it's hard to miss the amused looks as waiters circle our table like sharks, stifling their smirks and jabbering away in cantonese (clearly entertained by the white girl's clumsy attempts to get so much as a grain of rice into her mouth). In the beginning I would accept defeat immediately - ditching the sticks and humbly requesting a knife and fork. These days I'm more accepting of the challenge and proud to say, I'm gaining ground on the proverbial stick! … [Read more...]
A for effort….This is Hong Kong!
We live on the forty-something floor. A pretty normal residential address in Hong Kong, which is home to around 8000 skyscrapers (almost double that of New York.) Last week one of the many notices we get through the mailbox from the 'building management' went something like this.… "….table tennis balls and a tissue have been found in the garden area after being tossed out of a window or balcony from a serious height. This is a serious criminal act and you will be liable for $10,000 hk and 6 months imprisonment!" A high price to pay for a carelessly thrown tissue? Given the extraordinary number of high-rises squeezed ever-so-tightly into this concrete jungle, it's a wonder there aren't more people being walloped on the head by falling objects. The perils of high-rise living! … [Read more...]
Moonlit Reflections….
“The moon, like you, is far away from me, but it’s our sole memento: if you look and recall our past through it, we can be one mind.” Saigo, Awesome Nightfall After a fantastic four-day 'moon gazing' holiday, I was keen to share the hallmarks of this annual chinese tradition that appeared to permeate a sense of joy and serenity through the usually hard-at-work, frenzied metropolis of Hong Kong. Sadly though, as the Mid-Autumn Festival (otherwise known as the Moon Festival or Chinese Lantern Festival) was coming to a close, tragedy struck right on our doorstep. As they did last year and the year before that… locals and expats gathered along harbour foreshores; in very tall buildings and on boats of all shapes and sizes - to watch the ever-popular fireworks display that also celebrates National Day - the founding of the People's Republic of China. Baby girl in bed, just as we did last year, we gathered in our bedroom to peek out the back window for the 15 minute showdown (if you perch on your toes you can see 'most' of the spectacle in all its glory.) Little did we know just half an hour earlier, two boats had collided further downstream and mayhem was unfolding on Hong Kong's waters. … [Read more...]
50 Shades of Hong Kong Grey….
Truth be known, when it comes to Hong Kong skies, it's quite possible there are considerably more than 50 shades of grey. Unlike the best-selling book people have been tripping over themselves to discreetly (or not) rip off the shelves, Hong Kong's skies are a little more, shall we say, unpredictable. Pollution is a problem here with a capital P. Just like that box of chocolates in Forrest Gump, you never know what your gonna get! … [Read more...]
I am woman, hear me roar… 24 Hours in the Philippines
Last week I went to the Philippines for 24 hours. You can do that kind of thing around these parts. For me, it's a bit like taking a domestic flight in Australia but hey presto, blink twice and I'm in another country. Another world! Yep! just me, myself and I. As any mother knows, as much as we would go to the end of the earth for our beloved babes, sometimes there are only so many play-dough pussy cats one can make. There are definitely only so many dirty nappies one can change before you need to down tools and take a well-earned sanity break. … [Read more...]