I Was Wrong About Hong Kong

Its exactly one month ago today that I step foot in Hong Kong. It took me more than 50 years of my life to discover that it is an interesting country after all. I have been to many other countries but I deliberately choose to avoid Hong Kong for various reasons. For one, my idea of a vacation abroad must be filled with sight and sound of a totally different kind. I am Chinese so I thought it made no sense to go to another country where everyone speaks the same language as in my own city. As if I didn't fly out at all. I have also heard alot of unpleasant stories from friends who have returned from a Hong Kong holiday. The rude people being one of them.

On one account, a friend who complained to a restaurant manager that his waiter was mopping the floor under her feet while she was still half way through her lunch, was bluntly told that its alright for him to lose her bowl of business but he cannot afford to lose his staff! She was asked to finish her lunch quickly and leave! Another classic one was not to ask to touch and feel a product from a shop if you don't end up buying it. You will most likely get a earful of insults from the sales attendants.

Maybe that was many years ago when I gather those grouses. But now and after my visit to Hong Kong on 19th of February 2009, I have nothing but good things to remember about the intriguing and fascinating country.

Top ten most memorable moments I will always cherish about Hong Kong in a satisfactory way.

1. The Over-Hanging Street Signs
The most characteristic feature of Hong Kong. A clear reminder that you are right in the heart of this vibrant country. That's the first thing I encounter when I step into the streets of Hong Kong. Gave me such a thrill to realise I am no longer staring at any postcards but for real.


2. The Unique Food Taste
Dim sum and wanton noodles are totally out of this world unlike the ones we have in my country. Here is where you get original dim sum and wanton. The land that created and perfected it. Of course you have to know where to find the better restaurants. Thankfully we have HK friends to take us there.


3. The Reliable Public Transport
Trains, ferries or buses, they are always on time. We were never worried about being delayed or get caught in a traffic jam. Come to think of it, despite HK being a crowded city, I haven't seen any traffic jams. Amazing.


4. The Vibrant Harbour by Night
One of the most colourful skyline in the world captured with my own eyes. Needless to say any tourist like me will not miss the dancing neon and lazer light show by the harbour. The lazer show was not as impressive but the fact that I laid eyes on the most recognisable skyline is a sight to behold.


5. The Warm Hong Kong Friends
The Hong Kong friends are warm and friendly in a matter-of-fact way. Taking time out to meet us and one kind HK pal even throw an open-house party and invited us to join them. We were fortunate enough to be invited and caught a glimpse of how they live their lives. The picture above show us walking towards a condo. Rare occasions I cherish.


6. The Efficient Restaurants
From small cafe to fancy restaurants, they are always crowded but service is consistently efficient in as far as I have encountered. The waiters are alert and always quick to take orders. The food arrive fast and steaming hot. More importantly when you are especially hungry after a full day of touring.


7. The Cool Cold Peak
We took a tram up to the top of the peak over looking the entire Hong Kong captivating harbour. We were there at the right time to experience the cool winter breeze right at the top of the peak but didn't get a very clear view around due to the cold mist. But we got the idea.


8. The Unique Cantonese Sound
Everyone in Hong Kong speaks cantonese as if they are straight out of a Hong Kong TV or movie show. It's their intonation and the way they express themselves. I speak cantonese too but not as accurately since my cantonese has been mutated in a Malaysian way. So in a country where cantonese are used so skillfully from sales attendants to friends, I decided not to embarrass myself and converse in English instead. What a shame.


9. The Disney Experience
A whole new world. Check out Mickey Mouse speaking in cantonese when you are there. Never fail to amuse. Going on a Monday is a wise thing to do. That's because its not as crowded and we don't have to wait in line for any rides or entertainment. Even then, I have some younger friends who dashed from one rides to another giving me an impression that one full day is not enough in the land of Donald Duck.


10. The Pyjamas Party
After every exhausting day of wondering around Hong Kong, its nothing like hanging out with friends in the comfort of pyjamas. Sharing our life experiences and reflecting on the day's accounts complete with wine all round. It all boils down to one thing about this trip. Friends who travel with you make alot of difference in making a vacation more satisfying.


A Movie Sum Up of My Hong Kong & Macau Adventure:



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Long Attention Span

Say, you bought yourself a CD. Pop it into the player and cranked up the volume. Less then two minutes into the first song, your hand assumed a mind of its own and reached for the remote. With a casual click, the first track unceremoniously cut off and the second filled the room again. This went on until sampling of the last track is done. Then back to first song and this time, you let it spin on. However you got up and went about your homely chores while you let your $40 worth of music acted like background soundtrack to your preoccupied life.

If this ritual sounds familiar to you, welcome to the world of short attention spans where patience is getting shorter by each Beat Per Minute.

So have you actually lie down, close your eyes and absorb in the entire CD's serving? I must admit some CDs are so infectious, I sat through the whole production. That goes to show every song in that album is a gem. Here are some albums that made me pay full attention. In no particular order, they are...

Linkin Park - Hybrid Theory
The album that did all the screaming for me and my own pend up frustration. What a relieve.

Tears for Fears - Songs From The Big Chair
All the fine details and texture of each songs sound different on every listening

Queen - A Night At The Opera
Creative and dramatic.

Lighthouse Family - Postcards From Heaven
Should have rename the album title to Voice From Heaven.

Led Zeppelin 2
Never close your eyes listening to this album. You will feel as if someone squeezing your lemon.

Jody Watley - The Makeover
This cool classy R&B lady is my favourite girl of all time. I lap up everything she dished out!

Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young - Déja
Vu
Their tight 4 part harmony just makes me replay the whole album over and over again.

Paul McCartney - Chaos & Creation
One of his best solo album to date. Very moody and consistant on each track right up to the end.

Pink Floyd - Dark Side Of The Moon
This one plays tricks with your mind. You just want to be led to a place bordering on insanity.

Elvis Costello - Painted From Memory
A Burt Bacharach collaboration that saw to each song drift timelessly.

Duran Duran - Rio
If I have to pick one album to represent the New Romantics 80s period, this has to be it. Dance away!

Amy Winehouse - Back to Black
She sounded like she's been around for a long time. She is only in her 20s and I can't get enough of her.

Deep Purple - Fireball
The first rockl music I ever heard. I was so hooked into this, for a good earlier half of my life I went heavy metal.


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How I suffered

It wasn't too long ago as the whole world celebrated the crossing from 1900s to 2000s. 2000 was not even the new millennium as most people thought. Year 2001 was officially the new millennium since the calendar did not start with year zero. But the number 2000 seems too important to ignore. No longer do we refer to the year starting with nineteen anymore. It was a huge celebration televised live as the clock struck twelve from country to country . I remember witnessing it on telly as the earth rotates.

That was year 2000. Now with a blink of the eyes, I found myself in year 2009! The earth sure rotates very fast. Yes do you know if you are on the equator like me, you'll be rotating at about 1000 miles per hour? With such dizzying speed, no wonder technology has come a long way. I can still remember a few dead lifestyle changing ways since as early as 30 years ago. Top of mind:

Pen Pal
Chat messaging and emails do effectively change how we make friends around the world. In my younger days, we have pen pals. For those who have no idea about what pen pal is, its a term we used when we befriend someone far away by communicating with postal mails. Yes in order to 'chat' we literally drop the envelope that contains our handwritten messages on some fancy paper into the mail box at the post office. It will take a week or so before my friend from UK gets my message. If I am lucky, I will get his reply in about a month if he is not too busy. You have no idea about the joy of receiving a pen pal's mail posted personally to you. Its like receiving birthday presents from afar. You would read them over and over again, scutinized it, smell it, you name it. Now who needs pen pals when we have chat messengers. Instant communication wherever you are in the world. Just logon and you are there expressing yourself without having to lick any stamps. How I suffered through those snail mail ages.

Audio Cassettes
Before audio CDs, we had audio cassettes. That wasn't too long ago. Upon recalling, the first thing that came to mind are those hissing noise when one listen to music. Then the next thing is to buy a better cassette deck with all those fancy buttons with fancy technology just to cut down the hiss. Then as if not enough, the audio cassette gods, offers a range of cassette tapes catering to different types of hiss reduction levels. They also come in all sorts of fancy names. Like chrome tapes or metal tapes just to get you to think it will give you a better high fidelity. I spent more time trying to find ways to reduce the noise than to actually sit down and enjoy the music. Give me CDs anytime. But hold on to your iPods fellas. The digital downloads are taking the world by storm as I write. How I suffered through those hissing years.

Video Tapes
Being able to watch a movie at your own time on telly was made such a big deal when video tape was invented. However if you want to look for a particular scene in a movie, press forward and go pee. Because by the time you return, the tape will most likely be speeding forward still. If you have a better video tape player, they will stop on track for you. But it will still take time. Want to watch the movie again. Press rewind and wait till kingdom come. Don't even get me started on the picture quality. Not to mention the money I wasted on all the bulky tapes thats collecting dust in my old house. DVD is a big leap forward. With Blue-Ray at the helm, there is definitely no rewinding back to those VHS days. How I suffered through those dark years.

Telephone
Almost everybody owns a mobile phone these days. Just dial..eh..I mean key in a number and you can reach anyone anywhere. 30 years ago, I have to rush back home just to wait for an important call. And while I am on the line, I have to make sure I can only walk around from as far as the telephone cord allows. I was also born in the era where you actually dial a number. Yes, no push buttons but stick your finger in any of the ten holes of corresponding numbers and turn the dial clockwise. its oh so analog. Now I don't even push buttons. I push glass. Yes, the iPhone glass panel that display the image of a phone pad. Not only can I make calls with it but I can also watch movies on my phone. Oh, have I also mention that I can walk anywhere while I am on the line? Cordless! Its unimaginable at that time. How I suffered through those analog years.

Camera Film Roll
Anyone remember film roll? No? I can't blame you. Our photos are all totally digitized now. In my jurassic years, in order to view what I have taken in my camera, I remembered I have to rewind the negative film back to its small casing and carefully remove it from the camera. Because if its not fully wound back, the negative film will be exposed to the light and all that was shot will be gone forever. With the film roll intact, I would send it to a photography shop for developing. Meaning, going a professional process that I cannot do at home just to get the images from the film to photo paper. It will take about 7 days during the primitive years. But later years, about a day before we can get to marvel at all the photos taken. There is also no guarantee what was taken can be satisfying enough since there is no check back like in the digital camera. That was only about 15 years ago. I am still amazed that there are still film rolls around for sale. I wonder who buys them. How I suffered through those negative years.

If you are reading this, be thankful.

Hundred Percent Juice

Advertising never lies. At least under the watchful eyes of authorities. However advertising can stretch the truth. That's right, a deception that blinds you into a shopping binge that defies any logical explanation. Yes I have been in advertising for more than 20 out of my 52 years to know how it works. And it's pretty shitty. To make it worst, the authorities can't do much because they are perfectly legal. So if you want to be a wiser shopper from now on, here are 5 deceptions (out of many) to watch out for. See if any of these sounds familiar.

1. Up to 80% Discount
How many times have you been tricked into entering a store with a big poster that screams 80% with a tiny 'up to'..next to it? Your first impression is everything in the shop is up for grabs at 80% off. But you are not that stupid. Uh uh. Only stupid enough to be drawn into the store hoping to check out what's up for 80%. You meandered round the store 5 times but still cannot locate the slashed price items. You gave up and awkwardly ask for assistance. She then point you to the bargain bin with just 2 items that are marked 80% off. You glare at the second-hand looking products with sheer disappointment. You look up and felt even more upset when you found yourself surrounded by a sea of 10% discount tags all over the store! But its too late. You are already at the cashier fishing out your credit card on something you don't need at 5% discount.

2. Only 2 Dollars A Day
The monthly statement you received from your credit card somethings comes with an extra bulk of leaflets merchandising products or services. They are called junk mails by the way. One of the common junks provided by the establishment is insurance. It's not easy to get someone to buy insurance these days. But the leaflet headline have a way of making you believe you can afford to buy up a policy and you won't feel a pinch. So the leaflet screamed..Hey You...Now You Can Feel Secure Forever With Only 2 Dollars A Day. What about in one year? Ok, you do the maths. Perhaps I should come up with an insurance scheme that says..Only 5 Cents A Minute.

3. Branded Frames only $10
'Yes its true sir' said the young but suspiciously unqualified optician. 'All these frames from Armani to Gucci are going for just $10 a piece. Please sit down and try some of them. I am sure one will fit your good looks' said the young patronizing girl. Seems like a great deal I thought to myself while adjusting a Guess on my nose bridge. I even suspect it may be imitation. But by the snug fit, it seems to rest comfortably around my ears unlike the non-branded ones. Anyhooo, to cut a long story short, I ended up paying $1200. No sirree! Not $10 but $1200! You see, what the Optical shops never include in the big posters are the prices of the lens. 'Oh sir, if you want high index lens, that will be extra $500. Multi-focus another $1000' said the cunning optician. (Me stretching the truth a bit here) Wink wink!
4. Best Buys
Don't be con by this one. If you see this poster hanging above some items, chances are they are not discounted because the store haven't yet apply for a permit to do a fancy store wide sales. They can only apply for it 4 times a year each time lasting about a month. So what is permitted is the word BEST BUYS during their quiet business period! Those 2 words does have an effect of a GOOD DEAL! But they don't. Trust me. I am in this ad business long enough. I know.

5. Aloe Vera 100% Gel
You heard about the healing effects of Aloe Vera extracts on dry skin or even wrinkles. You rush to a pharmacy and want to get something that is Aloe Vera based. But surprise surprise! You can't believe your eyes! You see a tube staring at you with a big word that says Aloe Vera 100% Gel. The price is also very agreeable. What more can you ask for? Its 100%. Totally pure. Right? WRONG. Read carefully. It says Aloe Vera 100% Gel. Still don't get it? OK, let me put it this way. It didn't say 100% Aloe Vera Gel. By law, advertising cannot claim that the gel is 100% Aloe Vera because it is not. They are a mixture of preservative compounds and artificial fragrances that forms the gel. However its not wrong to say that the mixture of gel is 100%. So the next time you want to reach out for a pack that says: Orange 100% Juice. You can be sure its not 100% Orange Juice.

There are lots more of these legal trickery but I'll let you tell me if you are observant enough. Happy shopping... Oops I mean happy spotting.

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Bangkok Revisited

Going to Bangkok seems like an annual affair for the past 6 years. Last year after returning from Bangkok, I told my traveling pals I dont think I will be going to Bangkok again anytime soon. At least not for a while. Not that I don't like Bangkok anymore. After all its one of the best vacation city in the world and its just right next door to Malaysia. But after 6 visits in a roll, stayed in the same street, ate the same (but great) Thai food, tour the same spots, there isn't much else to do. However encouraged by good company and cheap airfare, I found myself walking the bustling streets of Bangkok before I can finish saying 'Sawasdee Krub'.

So how was it this time around? I must say I thoroughly enjoyed myself because the huge difference is, I was traveling with a big bunch of great friends. All 8 of them out of which one a Singaporean and the other a Japanese. The joy of seeing friends enjoying themselves is rewarding enough since I played a small part in guiding the tour.

So there I was in the month of early March 2008, spending my first Thai Baht on my favourite bottles of freshly squeezed orange lime juice (see photo) right outside Swiss Lodge where we were staying. The bustling streets, the street food, the friendly Thais, the shopping malls, clubs and bars, the sights and sound seem all too familiar but set against the backdrop of great friends and laughters, its a whole new way of enjoying Bangkok all over again.

The bottom line is wherever you are, friends make a big difference in our lives. More so when they are trusting and supportive. Especially when one hit pass 50, good and caring friends are hard to come by. It shouldn't take a Bangkok revisited trip to realise that. Thank you my dear friends. You know who you are.


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Views from Mind's Eyes

A friend once asked me why I don't have a theme to my blog. Like gardening, cooking, exotic pets or automobiles. I told him how much more obvious do you want this blog's title to get. How to Monkey Around at Fifty? or Life begins At Fifty? I would be lying to my face if life is going to get any rosier past 50 years old. You will know what I mean when you reach my age. The constant aches on the back, the tired eyes. If you are already past this age, I am sure you can relate to my rambling. For those who missed what I am trying to spin, Half of My Life is all about experiences I encountered at this point of my life. Views from my fifty year old mind's eyes. Good or bad.

So wassup for me at this point of my writing? Its end of January 2008. It seems as though nothing much has changed since one year ago. If I don't analyze my life that is. If I don't analyze it too much, it feels like life has been kind to my face. But if I poke my nose around, I can see more scratched marks on my car. Wall paper started to peel from my room. Plants giving up on me due to lack of care. Rust crept in on my gate. Dining chairs losing their bounces. Seems like things around me are beginning to fall apart if I poke my nose around. However life isn't so bad. The car, room, plants, gate and chairs are still around me in fixable conditions.

So here you are dear friend, the one who havent yet figured out the theme of my blog, I hope by now you have. Sharing this Half of My Life with you. Have a good new year 2008 and to whoever is reading this too.

Back To Mine

Just recently a friend asked me what songs will I choose if I am going to compile my very own BACK TO MINE Album.

In case you still haven't caught up with the current rhythm, BACK TO MINE are albums compiled by artistes who choose the songs based on what they would play in their own home for friends after a clubbing night out.

Can you smell the stench of another devious music CD marketing ploy specially designed to milk out more bread from non-suspecting music extremists? Fortunately for them, there are still some out there who are dying to know what their favourite artiste would spin.

Say, if you like Pet Shop Boys and you are dying to find out what type of songs they would choose to fill their designer loft with, now you can go out and grab a copy of BACK TO MINE by PET SHOP BOYS.

So when I was asked to list out my own BACK TO MINE album, it didnt take me too long to figure mine out. The simple rule is, just put together a personal collection of after-hour grooving song other than your own songs. Of course minus the devious marketing ploy. Mine compiled and designed just for my own personal kicks!

In case you are dying to know my personal collection, here's my BTM with cool grooves to make one feel sexy even if you are reeked with stale cigi smoke sweat straight from the clubs.

Come in. Chill out.


Care to tell me what's your BACK TO MINE?
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Club Five One

Today I turn fifty one. But how do I know without looking at my birth cert? Well, there are 10 things that will remind me of my new membership in Club Five One! If any of them sound familiar to you, welcome to the club.
1. Goatee turns grey faster (see photo). Have to dye it more frequently than before. Yes, I dye it!
2. Bigger spare tyre. I can be a right candidate if you like guys with tummy!
3. Staying clear of high cholesterol food or taking them in moderation.
4. Gets tired easily. Not enough exercise my doctor said.
5. Emptying my bladder more frequently than usual. Maybe a sign of diabetes. Must be careful with my diet.
6. New gout attack. Not since 5 years ago. Now the pain re-occurred like I kicked the wall hard with my toe!
7. Lifetime high-blood pressure pill popping.
8. Eyesight gets a little screwy to focus if I watch TV any later in the night.
9. Pain in the neck due to constant computer work and play.
10. My conversation centered around health and diets. I shall consciously avoid this topic from this day on.

OK. End of subject. Happy Birthday to me.

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How To Look Younger On Video

Sooner or later, it has to happen. A short video clip to immortalise myself before my face sags further. Here's a good tip for those oldies.., or young vain ones, who wish to look much younger on video. Shoot yourself LYING DOWN. FACE UP. Yup. Just like my video clip below. This way, all the folds on your face will gravitate back to give you a tauter look. You know, the way how ancient celebrities look after plastic surgery with their facial skin stretched all the way back of their head. Of course, lying down is a free and painless way for non-celebrity like me. But let's face it, It will not work all the time, if let's say, you are shooting an outdoor vacation clip of yourself. I mean, just how are you going to shoot yourself lying down in front of Eiffel Tower. Duh! Story of my life after 50.

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Trivial Things I Can't Do Without

Everyone has their own idiosyncrasies. You know, peculiar habits. Like avoiding cracks on the pavement. After staying on this earth for more than 50 years, without realizing it, I have developed my own. The trivial behaviours I cant do without. (drum roll...)

1...wiping the sink area dry after using the sink.
2...wearing a belt when I go out, unless if its a string-tie bermuda.
3...washing face first before anything else in the shower.
4...watching TV before I go to sleep.
5...wrapping rubbish in old newspaper before dumping into trash bag.
6...putting wallet in my left back pocket.
7...reading over my glasses (see photo).
8...smelling a freshly open new CD.
9...reading while pooping.

Been trying to think of more (reason for my absence!). But I can only come up with nine. Nine! And they are not even bizarre. As a matter of fact, quite normal. While you are reading this drivel of mine, does any of my nine sound familiar to your own personal deportment? If so, let me know which one. Your comments most welcome. For now..all I can say is.. I am not an eccentric old dog afterall.


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