I need to add one more blog so 2011 volume is at least equal to my 2010 blog frequency (never mind its 12 months versus 4 month last year)....!
And why am I still sitting at my work desk at 4pm Friday Dec 23rd? Oh ya, 3+ months of expense reports piling up at year end.... I. WILL. FINISH. THESE. Or never see the money reimbursed.
Happy Christmas!
Friday, December 23, 2011
Winter Solstice bigger than Chinese New Year?
Apparently Winter Solstice holiday (shortest daylight of year, Dec 22, 2011) is more important to Chinese people than Spring Festival (Chinese New Year). Not sure I believed this when my Aunt mentioned it. However they do let us out of work by 4pm that day (of course, I left at 6pm:( )
Anyway, Stephen and I were invited to join the Tsang-Ho clan from my dad's cousin's side in Po Lam for Winter Solstice dinner. The food was fabulous, from a roast pig, to all variants of pork chops, veggies, mushrooms and rice options. All of this only a few short hours after my Office Christmas Lunch at Langham Hotel - The Bostonian (Seafood buffet with amazing salmon, fresh crab, lamb chop, etc). Damn it was a rough eating day yesterday!
On a more sombre note, my other aunt and my grandma's sister need your prayers as both have health challenges at the moment.
As we look back on 2011, we have been really blessed with countless trips around Asia and North America, new jobs and good friends, and a conveniently located and comfortable home. Most recently, we went to Sanya (Yalong Bay) in Hainan Island of South China. It was a good, warm get-away not too far from Hong Kong. Look forward to flying to Toronto tomorrow for a week then to heaven-on-earth - Whistler Blackcomb !
Wish you all a very happy and wonderful holidays!
Anyway, Stephen and I were invited to join the Tsang-Ho clan from my dad's cousin's side in Po Lam for Winter Solstice dinner. The food was fabulous, from a roast pig, to all variants of pork chops, veggies, mushrooms and rice options. All of this only a few short hours after my Office Christmas Lunch at Langham Hotel - The Bostonian (Seafood buffet with amazing salmon, fresh crab, lamb chop, etc). Damn it was a rough eating day yesterday!
On a more sombre note, my other aunt and my grandma's sister need your prayers as both have health challenges at the moment.
As we look back on 2011, we have been really blessed with countless trips around Asia and North America, new jobs and good friends, and a conveniently located and comfortable home. Most recently, we went to Sanya (Yalong Bay) in Hainan Island of South China. It was a good, warm get-away not too far from Hong Kong. Look forward to flying to Toronto tomorrow for a week then to heaven-on-earth - Whistler Blackcomb !
Wish you all a very happy and wonderful holidays!
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
SMOG: To Beijing... and straight back!
Beijing pollution is so bad unless there is strong wind. Last Tuesday, Dec 6, as CNN reported, hundreds of planes including my own, flew into Beijing airport airspace, but then turned back (mine all the way back to Hong Kong!). We simply could not land due to severe smog and pollution. Wow - in all my years of flying, I've never gone there and back (total 10 hours) in one go. It scares me when the pilot announces he's "going to go for it" despite being warned to turn back to HK mid way...
I made it there on Wednesday eventually, had several meetings then went to Spice Spirit (a Sichuan food chain) with colleagues. They didn't serve any beer besides Bud Light (I'm serious), so we gave them some cash to go outside to buy Tsingtao :) On Thursday, again more meetings followed by dinner at Banana Leaf Thai in Zhongguancun. At -10C, my hands almost froze off but thankfully I wore boots and heattech top. I wandered around aimlessly in circles after eventually making it to the restaurant (it turned out behind a mall with which I am most familiar). The food was so-so but there was a live filipino band that comes around singing to each table -- in any language too! Impressive.
Back in Hong Kong life, we are thinking about our first year and starting to relax more. We also may move homes if the right unit comes available in Kowloon - where the food is more plentiful, better tasting and faaar cheaper. For example, we had (reverse) sticker shock after a hearty dim sum lunch at a pretty nice restaurant in TST for only $108HKD (about $13 USD)! When you dine with locals once, your standards are higher on taste and much lower on price. I like that! In fact we often travel "across the water" to TST and Mongkok for meals and food because the taste is simply better (at least for Asian fare).
This weekend, we're planning to hit Sanya (Hainan Island, China), which is China's Hawaii. The latitude is near tropical and its the southern most point in China. Maybe some golf, swimming, R&R and resort-ing. I really wanted to do Chengdu but time just isn't enough.
On a personal front, my friend is moving back to NYC from Hong Kong soon so we had a good bye Korean BBQ for her :-( Also I've been matched with an MBA student from Russia in the Women's Foundation Mentoring Program, and meeting wonderfully accomplished women along the networking journey. Truly humbled. Finally, we look forward to seeing some friends and family before flying to Toronto for Christmas on Dec 24 then off to Whistler on Jan 1. Can't wait!
Have a wonderful mid Dec week everybody!
I made it there on Wednesday eventually, had several meetings then went to Spice Spirit (a Sichuan food chain) with colleagues. They didn't serve any beer besides Bud Light (I'm serious), so we gave them some cash to go outside to buy Tsingtao :) On Thursday, again more meetings followed by dinner at Banana Leaf Thai in Zhongguancun. At -10C, my hands almost froze off but thankfully I wore boots and heattech top. I wandered around aimlessly in circles after eventually making it to the restaurant (it turned out behind a mall with which I am most familiar). The food was so-so but there was a live filipino band that comes around singing to each table -- in any language too! Impressive.
Back in Hong Kong life, we are thinking about our first year and starting to relax more. We also may move homes if the right unit comes available in Kowloon - where the food is more plentiful, better tasting and faaar cheaper. For example, we had (reverse) sticker shock after a hearty dim sum lunch at a pretty nice restaurant in TST for only $108HKD (about $13 USD)! When you dine with locals once, your standards are higher on taste and much lower on price. I like that! In fact we often travel "across the water" to TST and Mongkok for meals and food because the taste is simply better (at least for Asian fare).
This weekend, we're planning to hit Sanya (Hainan Island, China), which is China's Hawaii. The latitude is near tropical and its the southern most point in China. Maybe some golf, swimming, R&R and resort-ing. I really wanted to do Chengdu but time just isn't enough.
On a personal front, my friend is moving back to NYC from Hong Kong soon so we had a good bye Korean BBQ for her :-( Also I've been matched with an MBA student from Russia in the Women's Foundation Mentoring Program, and meeting wonderfully accomplished women along the networking journey. Truly humbled. Finally, we look forward to seeing some friends and family before flying to Toronto for Christmas on Dec 24 then off to Whistler on Jan 1. Can't wait!
Have a wonderful mid Dec week everybody!
Thursday, December 1, 2011
JETLAG & CHEAP Austin buffets
Hi again everybody... i'm getting old. My ability to fly overseas and back in one week has declined significantly. I'm encountering serious jetlag after a week in Austin and Toronto. Its probably my 7th trip (i lost count) in this year alone.
On a sad note, my company had layoffs a few weeks ago so it was critical that I fly back to HQ to check-in with friends and colleagues.
Getting to Austin is a pain, via LAX, where they simply don't welcome foreigners. And the connections require you to walk outside to another terminal. But I caught up before U.S. Thanksgiving holiday with colleagues in Austin. They took me to a much better Vietnamese restaurant near the old office/airport.... with great pho, broken rice and bun. However we opted out of the all you can eat (stir fried) buffet...which was only $6.99US! (can you believe how cheap that is??). Dallas airport was a zoo on the way to Toronto as well.
In Toronto, I stayed with my parents for a few days which was nice. Had to work the first few days but then caught up with old friends, new babies and attended my nephew Adam's baptism.
Also, there is almost 10ft of snow at Whistler Blackcomb, and the mountains are open! Can't wait to go there after New Year!
On a sad note, my company had layoffs a few weeks ago so it was critical that I fly back to HQ to check-in with friends and colleagues.
Getting to Austin is a pain, via LAX, where they simply don't welcome foreigners. And the connections require you to walk outside to another terminal. But I caught up before U.S. Thanksgiving holiday with colleagues in Austin. They took me to a much better Vietnamese restaurant near the old office/airport.... with great pho, broken rice and bun. However we opted out of the all you can eat (stir fried) buffet...which was only $6.99US! (can you believe how cheap that is??). Dallas airport was a zoo on the way to Toronto as well.
In Toronto, I stayed with my parents for a few days which was nice. Had to work the first few days but then caught up with old friends, new babies and attended my nephew Adam's baptism.
Also, there is almost 10ft of snow at Whistler Blackcomb, and the mountains are open! Can't wait to go there after New Year!
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
HK is not stroller friendly... that 25/F furniture mall would be impossible
At least they try.
In Hong Kong, there are inconsistent pockets of wheel chair and stroller friendliness. There are ramps here and there, and suddenly 10 steps. Or twenty MTR subway turnstiles and one wide entrance one. At Sheung Wan station, there is an elevator that at least transports passengers up (but not down to platform). And on Hollywood Road, its (mostly) flat until you hit super steep stairs. Same at our apartment; some ramps but suddenly a step or two. Wierd. Its basically an escalator and stairs city!! And taxi drivers are extremely defensive about their seatbelts working (even though its highly inconsistent!). However within malls like Harbour City and Elements and IFC, apparently the changing and nursing rooms are quite nice. But somehow, people manage, usually with many hands and families traveling in groups or with domestic helpers.
Nonetheless its been a joy having my sister Christine and her four month old baby Adam visit us this week in Hong Kong. He's such a joyous smily baby (even when constipated), sleeps through our dinners out or at the peak, and he can be held by anyone willing to help Christine out for a few minutes :)
Last week, Stephen and I went to Ap Lei Chau where Horizon Plaza is a 2F/F furniture mall, scattered with a Lane Crawford, Prada and Diesel outlets. We started at the top (Tree Cafe) looking for a bedframe, did EVERY floor and exited with a few pairs of pants about 3 hours later in the dark :(
I am in Taipei for two days and back in HK on Thursday night. Can you believe its only Wed!?
In Hong Kong, there are inconsistent pockets of wheel chair and stroller friendliness. There are ramps here and there, and suddenly 10 steps. Or twenty MTR subway turnstiles and one wide entrance one. At Sheung Wan station, there is an elevator that at least transports passengers up (but not down to platform). And on Hollywood Road, its (mostly) flat until you hit super steep stairs. Same at our apartment; some ramps but suddenly a step or two. Wierd. Its basically an escalator and stairs city!! And taxi drivers are extremely defensive about their seatbelts working (even though its highly inconsistent!). However within malls like Harbour City and Elements and IFC, apparently the changing and nursing rooms are quite nice. But somehow, people manage, usually with many hands and families traveling in groups or with domestic helpers.
Nonetheless its been a joy having my sister Christine and her four month old baby Adam visit us this week in Hong Kong. He's such a joyous smily baby (even when constipated), sleeps through our dinners out or at the peak, and he can be held by anyone willing to help Christine out for a few minutes :)
Last week, Stephen and I went to Ap Lei Chau where Horizon Plaza is a 2F/F furniture mall, scattered with a Lane Crawford, Prada and Diesel outlets. We started at the top (Tree Cafe) looking for a bedframe, did EVERY floor and exited with a few pairs of pants about 3 hours later in the dark :(
I am in Taipei for two days and back in HK on Thursday night. Can you believe its only Wed!?
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
More to life than work?! And weird Beijing environmental policies...
14 months into my HK life, I realize there could maybe be more to HK life than work (call me slow... or just busy). Stephen on the other hand has been incredibly busy with work dinners. And for once I am NOT traveling last and this week!
Starting with the APEC conference back in Sept, I played volleyball (once), increased the frequency of my Mandarin tutor sessions, began advising VC backed start-ups (Astia), joined The Women's Foundation TWF as a mentor for young professional women, attended several MIT and Sloan alumni events in Hong Kong and joined the Beijing Energy Network (grassroots group of weekly speakers; I attended the electric car talk in Raffles City Beijing). Ivy and I attended the charity fundraiser event at Renaissance for TWF where there are certainly provocative speakers like the Vice Chair of HK's Democratic Party who is banned from Mainland China for 20 years.... thought provoking whether or not you agree! I tried to bit on some awesome auction prizes but got outbid. Ironically, it being a women's fundraiser, the men in attendance tended to win the silent auction... hmm... more competitive?
Did you know Beijing has a policy that one can only drive their cars 4 days per week? But the traffic has gotten so much worse! and on environmental pollution measurement, they don't measure the small particles which is basically sand flying around BJ. Yikes! Finally electric vehicles like Nissan Leaf are selling like hotcakes in US where its more trendy to be green, but really not taking off in China. I reckon its because its still a relatively new luxury to own a car, and people do want the comfort of a larger one. Not to mention so few charging stations! Japanese, German and US are still far ahead with respect to electric car technology... Anyway food for thought... met some very interesting US Embassy folks, lawyers and Dow Jones journalists however at this event....
BUT most immediately rewarding is the great, comfortable fall weather for hiking around HK and running on Bowen Road again!
Starting with the APEC conference back in Sept, I played volleyball (once), increased the frequency of my Mandarin tutor sessions, began advising VC backed start-ups (Astia), joined The Women's Foundation TWF as a mentor for young professional women, attended several MIT and Sloan alumni events in Hong Kong and joined the Beijing Energy Network (grassroots group of weekly speakers; I attended the electric car talk in Raffles City Beijing). Ivy and I attended the charity fundraiser event at Renaissance for TWF where there are certainly provocative speakers like the Vice Chair of HK's Democratic Party who is banned from Mainland China for 20 years.... thought provoking whether or not you agree! I tried to bit on some awesome auction prizes but got outbid. Ironically, it being a women's fundraiser, the men in attendance tended to win the silent auction... hmm... more competitive?
Did you know Beijing has a policy that one can only drive their cars 4 days per week? But the traffic has gotten so much worse! and on environmental pollution measurement, they don't measure the small particles which is basically sand flying around BJ. Yikes! Finally electric vehicles like Nissan Leaf are selling like hotcakes in US where its more trendy to be green, but really not taking off in China. I reckon its because its still a relatively new luxury to own a car, and people do want the comfort of a larger one. Not to mention so few charging stations! Japanese, German and US are still far ahead with respect to electric car technology... Anyway food for thought... met some very interesting US Embassy folks, lawyers and Dow Jones journalists however at this event....
BUT most immediately rewarding is the great, comfortable fall weather for hiking around HK and running on Bowen Road again!
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
"When in Rome..." (eat PORK)
"When in Rome..."
Chicken meat is scary in Hong Kong and China. There are chickens everywhere and typically people opt for chicken curry (over pork or beef) for example. However I'm convinced the preparation of chicken by most chefs here is questionable. Both at a renowned Crystal Jade Shanghainese restaurant in IFC and recently at Sala Thai in Elements Mall - the chicken thigh meat is questionable! Don't eat it!! At least thankfully I didn't get sick (but claire and stephen got sick at crystal jade). On the other hand, chicken breast is hit or miss (too easily too dry).
Other than beef noodle soup in Taipei, I also suggest you stay away from the beef in Asia. If its imported from Australia, it could be good but keep in mind, it was frozen (I prefer fresh food)!
So when in Asia, eat pork. Simply put. Thank goodness I love pork!
On an unrelated note, IKEA has a foothold on the entire bed ecosystem of parts (in business talk). Their king size frames and sheets are 2cm too narrow for non-IKEA mattresses! Damn you! Ah. Sleeping on the floor for a while now as we hunt around for a bed frame.
Also Hallowe'en is huge in Hong Kong, not by the number of trick or treaters (there are zero), but because everyone dresses up on the weekend. Too bad we didn't participate! I'm going to next year!!!
bye!
Chicken meat is scary in Hong Kong and China. There are chickens everywhere and typically people opt for chicken curry (over pork or beef) for example. However I'm convinced the preparation of chicken by most chefs here is questionable. Both at a renowned Crystal Jade Shanghainese restaurant in IFC and recently at Sala Thai in Elements Mall - the chicken thigh meat is questionable! Don't eat it!! At least thankfully I didn't get sick (but claire and stephen got sick at crystal jade). On the other hand, chicken breast is hit or miss (too easily too dry).
Other than beef noodle soup in Taipei, I also suggest you stay away from the beef in Asia. If its imported from Australia, it could be good but keep in mind, it was frozen (I prefer fresh food)!
So when in Asia, eat pork. Simply put. Thank goodness I love pork!
On an unrelated note, IKEA has a foothold on the entire bed ecosystem of parts (in business talk). Their king size frames and sheets are 2cm too narrow for non-IKEA mattresses! Damn you! Ah. Sleeping on the floor for a while now as we hunt around for a bed frame.
Also Hallowe'en is huge in Hong Kong, not by the number of trick or treaters (there are zero), but because everyone dresses up on the weekend. Too bad we didn't participate! I'm going to next year!!!
bye!
Monday, October 31, 2011
Last beach day of season...
Two taxis, a boat, an hour's steep hike. Lovely breezy 25C sunny weather. It is indeed quite a trek (four hours to be exact) to the most lovely beach in Hong Kong: Tai Long Wan (big wave bay) located in Sai Kung. We took a taxi to Sai Kung ($200HKD) then a New Territories Green Taxi to Wong Shek Pier ($90HKD). Then paid an old po-po/grandma $20hkd each to drive 6 of us on a small boat for 15 mins to Chek Keng, the hike start. From there we walked a very steep 2km towards Ham Tin beach including a stop for instant noodles, fried eggs, vermicelli and fresh organic peppers. Oily but tasty. Their toilet was a dungeon literally though. From Ham Tin, this time around it was PACKED of tourists. Then another 15-20 mins hike up rocks with climbing ropes, then down to Tai Long Wan, where we played in the big waves, slept on the clean beach and just relaxed before the trek backwards home... long day! Usually there are old ladies driving their boats directly to Sai Kung to Ham Tin but the waves were just too big.
Upon returning to Sai Kung (mad traffic) Stephen and I ate at Paisano's which was rammed with foreigners. Their crust is nice but toppings sparse except oddly for too much cheese (typically costly in Asia), and far too little tomato sauce. I'm sore! Our new mattress was a welcome retreat once home.
Now today - another week at work. But i'm glad to be in town and not traveling for once. Have a great week everybody!
Upon returning to Sai Kung (mad traffic) Stephen and I ate at Paisano's which was rammed with foreigners. Their crust is nice but toppings sparse except oddly for too much cheese (typically costly in Asia), and far too little tomato sauce. I'm sore! Our new mattress was a welcome retreat once home.
Now today - another week at work. But i'm glad to be in town and not traveling for once. Have a great week everybody!
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Din Tai Fung in Taipei 101 = so so
There are tons of Din Tai Fung xiao long bao (steamed bun with soup) restaurants around Asia, Australia and in Toronto also. But I went to one location in its native city of Taipei, and supposedly the newest location tonight with a few colleagues - in the B1 basement of Taipei 101. To be honest - it was average. I think thus far the best tasting location is in Hong Kong Causeway Bay. On the topic of soup dumplings that originate in Shanghai, they were the worst there actually (stomach aches yuck). At least on the 'plus' side the tung choi (water spinach) is back in season! In general Taipei restaurants are cleaner with better service than in Hong Kong or China (but maybe only in the Xinyi modern area).
This week is the last week of business travel for some time (I hope!). Can't wait to breathe easy this weekend and next week :)
it was my grandma's birthday this week and soon my grandpa's birthday too. I wish I was home to celebrate with them :(
Have a nice Wednesday everyone!
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Homemade wonton and gyozas... took the plunge with the mattress!!
We did it. Spent a fortune on king sized brand name mattress. Stephen is convinced the top 3 mattress vendors mix up all the brand names and model numbers so you can't read reviews; but there are globally only a handful of different models. Oh well. We're knowing suckers. Now onto the expensive sheet sets, mattress covers, bedframe and re-organizing our home to accommodate this new king(dom).
Anyway also found wonderful non frozen locally made wonton and gyoza wrappers at Wellcome Superstore (24 hours, Causeway Bay near Ikea). They taste better than they look the photos - steamed was way better this time; last time the wrappers were thinner so fried gyozas rocked. Unfortunately the won ton wrappers were gigantic so some were envelope-like! All in all, I really enjoy making wontons and gyozas from scratch!
To add to our shopping misery, we caved and bought an air cleaner which is totally needed given the bad air and non stop air con in HK.
Now... off to Taipei and Beijing this week again. But our guests shall be more comfortable enjoying our current double bed! Have a great week everyone!
Anyway also found wonderful non frozen locally made wonton and gyoza wrappers at Wellcome Superstore (24 hours, Causeway Bay near Ikea). They taste better than they look the photos - steamed was way better this time; last time the wrappers were thinner so fried gyozas rocked. Unfortunately the won ton wrappers were gigantic so some were envelope-like! All in all, I really enjoy making wontons and gyozas from scratch!
To add to our shopping misery, we caved and bought an air cleaner which is totally needed given the bad air and non stop air con in HK.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Mattresses in Hong Kong are so expensive!
Ikea cannot be the ONLY place in town for beds. So we were convinced that normal branded mattresses were available in Hong Kong. Yes they are (Simmons, Sealy, and King Koil, plus some more Asian local brands like Slumberland). But man - these mattresses cost a fortune! Plus there is usually the Japanese and U.S. models. The Japanese styles are shorter (like 190cm length) and bed is too firm for me. And they're into space saving, non-pillow top thickness. Like 8" height. Does it really save that much more space? Are ceilings lower in Japan too? The U.S. models can be much longer but the prices are easily 3x the North American prices. Now the big jump from our Full/Double sized bed to Queen seems not worth it; we should have upgraded before shipping our furniture over to Asia. That said, no chance in hell a King sized bed will fit into our elevator or flat (actually we didn't measure). But the more elbowing in bed, the more we'll have to pinch pennies and jump take the plunge. A ten year investment in a good mattress seems worth it, no? We got so disillusioned that the hydraulic storage leather bed/headboard seemed very interesting...
Happy 3 year anniversary and 25th birthday to Stephen
Forgot to mention in my last mad 'diary'- like blog that we celebrated our 3 year wedding anniversary and Stephen's 25th birthday in late Sept. Good times although suburbia isn't really my thing :)
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Good bye Steve Jobs, Hello Yangshuo, Cebu, Hillary and joint Toronto visit
Dear Friends - I have been terrible at keeping up with my blog. First and foremost, Steve Jobs, the legendary innovator behind Apple's amazing story, Pixar and disruption of the music industry, passed away from pancreatic cancer a day after the IPhone 4S was announced. He told Stanford Grads in 2005 to Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish, and with our careers, Don't Settle. The world shed so many tears and so did I. What a loss and in time to stick it to Bill Gates for copying Apple's OS decades ago.
Two months have passed since we headed off to Cebu Philippines for a one-night two day trip to Mactan Resort in Lapu Lapu for my birthday. Awful beaches and mediocre food, but a great nearby getaway with spa, pool, jetskiing and snorkeling! Great weather too; not too hot. Wifi and lazy lounge chairs as well. Only 2 hours by flight away, we managed to have a great b-day dinner with friends then scoot off on Sat morning until Sunday night!
https://picasaweb.google.com/118026906425264328225/CebuPhilippinesAug2011
Somewhere in between the stock markets crashed again. Sad for our new investments in HSBC.
Anyway the rest of August my two close friends Claire and Domina moved to Hong Kong. And we got did fabulous hikes to Sai Kung beach which was surprisingly far better than in Cebu! And the stream of visitors continued with my MBA classmate Alice and her sister, Stephen's cousins from France, my cousin Lily from Toronto, his uncle from Toronto, etc. Fun times!
In September, we took a weekend trip to Yangshuo, a gorgeous karst mountain range in Guangxi province near Guilin (this is the home province of my father's family). Local tour guide (Mulan) was hired and we rode bikes about 50km (flat) through rural areas. The weather was humid but we enjoyed wonderful locally chilis and food, rice picking hats, outstanding views cormorant fishing and random local shops for snacks.
https://picasaweb.google.com/118026906425264328225/YangshuoGuilinAreaGuangxiChinaSept2011
For the rest of the month, I was in North America, first in LA for work then San Francisco as an APEC delegate with Hong Kong for the Women & the Economy Summit. At this amazing conference, we got to hear Hillary Clinton and Sheryl Sanberg (Facebook) and Christine Lagarde and Yang Lan speak how Women's full participation is good for economic recovery. Met a lot of great people from public and private sector from all around the world! Then it was all work after that before meeting Stephen in Toronto.
It was our first trip back to Toronto together since moving to Hong Kong. A lot of babies and family events which is nice but totally different from Hong Kong life. Seems too short. I am so glad to finally be back at home in HK after an immediate trip to Taipei to speak at a work conference. Then getting really sick after throwing up from a fancy Hakka lunch meal. Thankfully I recovered quickly!
Miss everyone and sorry that my blogs are becoming more factual and less insightful.
Typed from my new mac book air!!! thanks Stephen!
Monday, August 1, 2011
11th month in HK...Service Economy!
Hi Everyone! Oh my gosh, its been a busy 1.5 months and no time to blog. I've been living in HK for 11 months now... time sure flies... i've renewed my work visa for 2 years
Key findings
- people still walk inconsistently here. Some very fast and others.... sooo slow! Geez.
- i hate the Tung Chung MTR orange subway line - it sits at Hong Kong Station for 5+ mins and only comes every 7 mins :(. compared with the 2-3 mins wait on Island Line, its brutal (and I only go ONE stop to work)
- there are many cockroaches on the streets of Hong Kong. Yuck! Cleanliness is not nearly as high as Taipei for instance. Ironically there are washroom and street cleaning people everywhere, yet it is still dirty
- seafood and dim sum remains the best food in HK. However the Kowloon side has better tasting restaurants compared with HK Island (especially we don't fancy Central or Soho as much!). Its worth the trip across the harbour!
- its DAMN hot and humid in summer. We need to use lots of dehumidifying boxes and machines. Our energy bill for air conditioning is very costly, as is running washer / dryer at home.
- Therefore its really a 'Service Economy' here... better to be served in restaurants and have clothes washed by someone else! Don't put away your trays in the food courts or you'll be threatening people's jobs
- Hong Kong is a convenient location to travel within Asia. The airport is kind of far but flying in the region is very convenient and affordable
- still loving our home's location. easy walk to Central, IFC or MTR station. Come visit!
- they don't sell certain Cereals here, for example, Shreddies must be brought in by suitcase for Stephen from Canada, as does Quaker Oats with Apple/Cinnamon oatmeal
- still haven't been to all the fabulous roof top lounges / bars. Recently tried The Upper House at Pacific Place, and Ozone at 118th floor Ritz Carlton ICC... many more to try apparently
- HK is definitely not mainland China (not yet anyway). In Mainland, there was a train wreck whereby two high speed trains crashed. The government censored all negative commentary on the accident! And buried the rail cars on site before a full investigation could start. Shady... and very scary! Most people reckon the rail development in China was too rushed with poor training and oversight. Corrupt! Read: http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnbc.com%2Fid%2F43965730%2FChina_Imposes_Blackout_on_Train_Wreck_Coverage&h=RAQBv70RR
On a personal front,
So besides a few overseas trips to see our 3 new nephews/nieces (Welcome Joven Lau, Adam Herrera and Kristin Yang)... and luckily being able to catch up with some MBA friends in San Fran, honestly, June/July has been all about work for both Stephen and me.
Shanghai was a pleasant yet rainy trip. Stephen also went for work. We look forward to going back again soon. Beijing is the same polluted, political and dreary biweekly trek for me. We even flew together on a business trip to Beijing...but traveling for work really is not fun! The only 'new' place I went was Yantai Shandong Province, which is a few hours from Qingdao (Tsingtao beer home). The beaches are nice, seafood is great but 'best' hotels are kind of dirty. Nonetheless new places are good to try.
On the plus side, two of my best friends Domina and Claire have separately moved here to Hong Kong, from New York and London UK respectively! They are both still househunting but it will be great to have some time together finally in the same city.
I'll write more after our Cebu Philippines trip next weekend!
Key findings
- people still walk inconsistently here. Some very fast and others.... sooo slow! Geez.
- i hate the Tung Chung MTR orange subway line - it sits at Hong Kong Station for 5+ mins and only comes every 7 mins :(. compared with the 2-3 mins wait on Island Line, its brutal (and I only go ONE stop to work)
- there are many cockroaches on the streets of Hong Kong. Yuck! Cleanliness is not nearly as high as Taipei for instance. Ironically there are washroom and street cleaning people everywhere, yet it is still dirty
- seafood and dim sum remains the best food in HK. However the Kowloon side has better tasting restaurants compared with HK Island (especially we don't fancy Central or Soho as much!). Its worth the trip across the harbour!
- its DAMN hot and humid in summer. We need to use lots of dehumidifying boxes and machines. Our energy bill for air conditioning is very costly, as is running washer / dryer at home.
- Therefore its really a 'Service Economy' here... better to be served in restaurants and have clothes washed by someone else! Don't put away your trays in the food courts or you'll be threatening people's jobs
- Hong Kong is a convenient location to travel within Asia. The airport is kind of far but flying in the region is very convenient and affordable
- still loving our home's location. easy walk to Central, IFC or MTR station. Come visit!
- they don't sell certain Cereals here, for example, Shreddies must be brought in by suitcase for Stephen from Canada, as does Quaker Oats with Apple/Cinnamon oatmeal
- still haven't been to all the fabulous roof top lounges / bars. Recently tried The Upper House at Pacific Place, and Ozone at 118th floor Ritz Carlton ICC... many more to try apparently
- HK is definitely not mainland China (not yet anyway). In Mainland, there was a train wreck whereby two high speed trains crashed. The government censored all negative commentary on the accident! And buried the rail cars on site before a full investigation could start. Shady... and very scary! Most people reckon the rail development in China was too rushed with poor training and oversight. Corrupt! Read: http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnbc.com%2Fid%2F43965730%2FChina_Imposes_Blackout_on_Train_Wreck_Coverage&h=RAQBv70RR
On a personal front,
So besides a few overseas trips to see our 3 new nephews/nieces (Welcome Joven Lau, Adam Herrera and Kristin Yang)... and luckily being able to catch up with some MBA friends in San Fran, honestly, June/July has been all about work for both Stephen and me.
Shanghai was a pleasant yet rainy trip. Stephen also went for work. We look forward to going back again soon. Beijing is the same polluted, political and dreary biweekly trek for me. We even flew together on a business trip to Beijing...but traveling for work really is not fun! The only 'new' place I went was Yantai Shandong Province, which is a few hours from Qingdao (Tsingtao beer home). The beaches are nice, seafood is great but 'best' hotels are kind of dirty. Nonetheless new places are good to try.
On the plus side, two of my best friends Domina and Claire have separately moved here to Hong Kong, from New York and London UK respectively! They are both still househunting but it will be great to have some time together finally in the same city.
I'll write more after our Cebu Philippines trip next weekend!
Sunday, June 12, 2011
9 months & counting... finally bought a dehumidifier
Its June already... wow time flies! Its almost time to renew my annual work permit in HK!
Sorry for the delayed blog. This past few weeks has been busy for both Stephen and me. He's been up at 6am daily for the workweek, and between relatives and parents visits and various biz trips, I've also been busy.
Let's see hmm.. I've been in Taipei the past two weeks for Computex Conference (2011 is the year of the 'copycat' tablet/slate machines... chasing iPads... there are 100+ variants whoa) and also visiting AMD's Manufacturing partners. On a more interesting note, the weather has been lovely -- if not a bit TOO humid.
My parents spent a few weeks touring China including Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou and then finally HK. We took them to Macau (brand new Galaxy hotel has a wavepool - wow!), ate meals with my HK relatives, enjoyed some shopping and dim sum. I also took them to the Peak which was a nice view and breeze compared with in-town.
Daily life continues... and we finally caved and bought a dehumidifier. This is a right of passage if you live in very tropical or humid places to avoid your clothes smelling or molding. Its amazing how much moisture is in the home!
bye!
Sorry for the delayed blog. This past few weeks has been busy for both Stephen and me. He's been up at 6am daily for the workweek, and between relatives and parents visits and various biz trips, I've also been busy.
Let's see hmm.. I've been in Taipei the past two weeks for Computex Conference (2011 is the year of the 'copycat' tablet/slate machines... chasing iPads... there are 100+ variants whoa) and also visiting AMD's Manufacturing partners. On a more interesting note, the weather has been lovely -- if not a bit TOO humid.
My parents spent a few weeks touring China including Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou and then finally HK. We took them to Macau (brand new Galaxy hotel has a wavepool - wow!), ate meals with my HK relatives, enjoyed some shopping and dim sum. I also took them to the Peak which was a nice view and breeze compared with in-town.
Daily life continues... and we finally caved and bought a dehumidifier. This is a right of passage if you live in very tropical or humid places to avoid your clothes smelling or molding. Its amazing how much moisture is in the home!
bye!
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Beijing food:), Oysters in Shenzhen, Yunnan bamboo wine, Stephen in Toronto
i finally spent a week in Hong Kong renewing my China visa, hiking, cleaning, cleaning, cleaning and napping. Its been a shockingly good week this week in China for food. Monday in Shenzhen I ate the BEST meal ever eaten in Mainland. Simple but great dishes in an outdoor oyster restaurant. I wasn't an oyster fan until these garlic flavoured plump ones, AND I didn't feel sick thereafter! Then in Beijing I had Yunnan meal where they served rice wine from a tall bamboo stick, yummy soup noodles and some egg thing. On the same night, I went to a going away dinner at Quanjude Tsinghua beijing duck. I was totally full and barely ate a thing. At lunch, I had a stone hot pot with unagi (i still avoid raw fish in China) downstairs at work. Tonight a Muslim colleague was in town meeting Lenovo so I joined them for lamb (x3 various dishes) at a halal restaurant. I better stop eating or will get fat and probably food poisoning on the way. All in all, the food in China has improved in the past decade since coming here!
Stephen is back in Toronto for this week then off to work next week! ;) He enjoyed setting fireworks off with his cousins, meeting his new nephew Joven, spending quality family time, breathing fresh air, eating good food and getting mentally prepared for the crazy HK work hours...miss you!
have a great Wed everybody! The weather in Beijing has been fabulous and I hear its great in Toronto too!
Stephen is back in Toronto for this week then off to work next week! ;) He enjoyed setting fireworks off with his cousins, meeting his new nephew Joven, spending quality family time, breathing fresh air, eating good food and getting mentally prepared for the crazy HK work hours...miss you!
have a great Wed everybody! The weather in Beijing has been fabulous and I hear its great in Toronto too!
Monday, May 16, 2011
May - dragon boat, hiking, new nephew and homesickness
Stephen and I are getting homesick... his sister just had a new baby boy Joven and we're excited to meet him. Also managed to get some hiking done; this time on HK Trail Section #5 and I competed in my second Dragon Boat race of the season at Deepwater Bay beach. Yesterday we hosted my aunt/uncle's visit from TorontoHowever skipped my team's races in Borocay Philippines and in Lamma since cannot make it often. Life is becoming a little less 'new' and more 'settled' in HK these days. But look forward to a trip home in June/July to catch up with the family and new babies... work life is kind of a drag so I'll skip writing about this for now. Mandarin lessons in full force so that's a bright light...:) Happy Monday!
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Vietnam: Wifi, coffee, honking, pho
Stephen organized a short but fun trip to Hanoi and Halong Bay (north Vietnam) over Easter weekend. To our surprise, despite relatively low living standards, high pollution with scooters/cars - most of their cafe's have wifi! Wow! Pleasant. Additionally unlike their tea obsessed Asian neighbours, coffee is the drink of choice in this former French colony. Sadly development is clearly sub-par with scooters and pot-hole filled roads. Additionally the drivers HONK every other minute - even if there are no cars around. Needless to say the main streets are very loud. Pho noodle soup is fabulous, cheap and readily available. Not much vermicelli (bun) to be found (maybe that's in Ho Chi Minh / south?). We loved the people and the food. Final observation - their architecture is TALL narrow multi story homes. Anyone know why?
Saturday, April 16, 2011
I don't miss traveling in the US
Air travel is inconvenient already (relative to rail, which I LOVE). But the insane security, queues, crappy airport food, rude staff and countless delays makes me really hate traveling to the US (sorry to my American friends).
I am in Chicago after spending 5 days on a business trip to Austin. The stay was fine due to sunny 85F weather, 'gas station' Texas BBQ restaurant, great PHO and good sleep. Getting there via Houston was another insane headache and now on way back to Toronto - drizzling rain and 3 hours delay. ARGH!
I really miss Stephen and being in Asia. Been gone for about 1.5 weeks and itching to get back home. He was lucky to have gone to Phuket and Bangkok with his cousin (although I still haven't seen his photos... hmm.).
Have a great rainy weekend everyone!
I am in Chicago after spending 5 days on a business trip to Austin. The stay was fine due to sunny 85F weather, 'gas station' Texas BBQ restaurant, great PHO and good sleep. Getting there via Houston was another insane headache and now on way back to Toronto - drizzling rain and 3 hours delay. ARGH!
I really miss Stephen and being in Asia. Been gone for about 1.5 weeks and itching to get back home. He was lucky to have gone to Phuket and Bangkok with his cousin (although I still haven't seen his photos... hmm.).
Have a great rainy weekend everyone!
Monday, April 4, 2011
Qing ming holiday, Beautiful weather; but snowy Toronto
Tuesday is tomb sweeping holiday ('qing ming'). We only get Tuesday off, which is wierd because I had a bunch of meetings on Monday. Anyway China and Taiwan get Mon-Tues which makes more sense for a long weekend.
This past weekend we had perfect weather. On Friday I spent a gorgeous day in Taipei, taking a 30 mins break for a coffee in private in a patio in Beitou. 24C and sunny. On Saturday woke up VERY early for erg trials on a rowing machine then dragon boat practice in Tai Tam Tuk. Thereafter a group of us headed to Lamma Island for the 'family hike' (about an hour past a few nice beaches, some hilly sections) then seafood before the ferry home. It was a great day!
On the flip side its snowing again in Toronto... heading there this Wednesday and to the U.S. for some meetings.
Can't wait for a day off tomorrow in town. Stephen is off to Phuket. so jealous!
See everyone soon!
This past weekend we had perfect weather. On Friday I spent a gorgeous day in Taipei, taking a 30 mins break for a coffee in private in a patio in Beitou. 24C and sunny. On Saturday woke up VERY early for erg trials on a rowing machine then dragon boat practice in Tai Tam Tuk. Thereafter a group of us headed to Lamma Island for the 'family hike' (about an hour past a few nice beaches, some hilly sections) then seafood before the ferry home. It was a great day!
On the flip side its snowing again in Toronto... heading there this Wednesday and to the U.S. for some meetings.
Can't wait for a day off tomorrow in town. Stephen is off to Phuket. so jealous!
See everyone soon!
Monday, March 28, 2011
Fresh seafood, Rugby 7's means packed bars
This weekend was crazy busy at first then extremely relaxing. Overall so quite good! Last Thursday evening we had a nice dinner of dumplings, ribs and veggies at Shanghai Lane with Jean Pierre before he left for Malaysia, and then attended a bar fundraiser at Joyce is not Here pub; 50% of proceeds went to the Earthquake via Red Cross.
Then on Friday evening after a long day of customer meetings and conference calls, we went to Prive - a club that was packed 10x over! Its the Hong Kong Rugby 7's where hundreds of thousands of british colonies expats are drinking like mad and dressed up like characters (I saw Angry Birds and SpongeBob - its practically hallowe'en... heard that may be 10% of people watch the sport match!)
Luckily my friends got us past the line to a private table. 4am rolled around, we ate McDonalds and surprise surprise, I couldn't wake up for my 8am dragon boat practice. Rough week needed a relaxing end on Fri/Sat!
The rest of Saturday was spent in Cheung Chau island, a seafood island with a pretty beach and nice hiking trails. Its known for their bun festival in April. We had a 4 course dinner for $188 HK (great deal, approx $25 USD) of fresh oysters, crab, fish and veggies then headed back to Hong Kong by ferry boat. Worked out at the gym and watched two pretty good movies downloaded at home. Nice and relaxing.
As with our typical Sundays, we usually brunch with friends. Of course after the previous evening of gym workouts, we stuff our faces - this time at Wagyu Lounge, where my big breakfast of sausages/bacon/eggs is in a bun sat in my stomach ALL DAY!
Now... back at work after a busy morning of conference calls with customers, and lunch at Simply Life IFC with Domina. Brown rice and fish and pumpkin soup. Not bad, but not great.
This week...off to Beijing and Taipei. Back on Friday. See you soon!
Then on Friday evening after a long day of customer meetings and conference calls, we went to Prive - a club that was packed 10x over! Its the Hong Kong Rugby 7's where hundreds of thousands of british colonies expats are drinking like mad and dressed up like characters (I saw Angry Birds and SpongeBob - its practically hallowe'en... heard that may be 10% of people watch the sport match!)
Luckily my friends got us past the line to a private table. 4am rolled around, we ate McDonalds and surprise surprise, I couldn't wake up for my 8am dragon boat practice. Rough week needed a relaxing end on Fri/Sat!
The rest of Saturday was spent in Cheung Chau island, a seafood island with a pretty beach and nice hiking trails. Its known for their bun festival in April. We had a 4 course dinner for $188 HK (great deal, approx $25 USD) of fresh oysters, crab, fish and veggies then headed back to Hong Kong by ferry boat. Worked out at the gym and watched two pretty good movies downloaded at home. Nice and relaxing.
As with our typical Sundays, we usually brunch with friends. Of course after the previous evening of gym workouts, we stuff our faces - this time at Wagyu Lounge, where my big breakfast of sausages/bacon/eggs is in a bun sat in my stomach ALL DAY!
Now... back at work after a busy morning of conference calls with customers, and lunch at Simply Life IFC with Domina. Brown rice and fish and pumpkin soup. Not bad, but not great.
This week...off to Beijing and Taipei. Back on Friday. See you soon!
Thursday, March 24, 2011
We live in WAR/CONSTRUCTION ZONE...with no salt
My building is too cheap to have double pane glass windows. Effectively we live on the 40th floor near Central, with 2 bedrooms. The intent was for me to work from home as needed. However there is CONSTANT, all day BANGING of a construction site down the street; they are pounding / digging into the ground at a non-stop rate. Seriously I have a major headache and actually cannot work at home. Its unbelievable to me why on earth they need to bang so much! I want to file an official complaint but don't know how.
As for the SALT comment, HK seems to have a herd mentality. When the rumor starts that SALT will reduce your chance of radiation effect (via Japan)... its all sold out in the supermarkets!
This weekend is Cathay Pacific / Credit Suisse Hong Kong Rugby Sevens. A big drinking fest over a very British sport... i only know they cannot throw the rugby ball forwards (only backwards)! Maybe we won't partake. I recall being in LKF last year for the 7's and it was sheer madness!
As for the SALT comment, HK seems to have a herd mentality. When the rumor starts that SALT will reduce your chance of radiation effect (via Japan)... its all sold out in the supermarkets!
This weekend is Cathay Pacific / Credit Suisse Hong Kong Rugby Sevens. A big drinking fest over a very British sport... i only know they cannot throw the rugby ball forwards (only backwards)! Maybe we won't partake. I recall being in LKF last year for the 7's and it was sheer madness!
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
When every waiter is your waiter...the service sucks
I finally have to write about the terrible hospitality and restaurant service in Hong Kong. We all got a sense of this, even eating at Asian restaurants in North America. Waiters for the most part are rude and in my own experience, Hong Kong people care a bit less about ambiance and service than most. However, I'm now convinced that one of the main issues is that EVERY WAITER IS YOUR WAITER. do you know what I mean, people? That anyone who walks by you can serve or help you. In theory this is good because someone is always walking by. HOWEVER it means no one has the X on their back or owns your overall dining experience. And in the simplest explanation, people forget things, or never come back! Argh.... i guess no 'tip pooling' and restaurant management getting the fixed 10% service charge does not incent waiters to care as well.
This was precisely the experiences we have had at low end and high end establishments in Hong Kong. For instance, we went to The Square - a fairly high end Michelin star rated restaurant in Exchange Tower area. Same issue - every waiter forgot or tried to help then never came back. Today, had lunch with Jean Pierre and Stephen at IFC Cafe Costa (patio view of harbour, inside Lane Crawford). Same issue. Asked 3x for butter, then they screwed up our order so often. Also, for consistency, at Sevva outdoor patio, same issue.
Given the high price tags and fabulous venues, you would think a bit of "Service 101" is taught. I guess not! In some cases the happy (or at least efficient) waiters at Tsui Wah or Dai Pai Dong restaurants is more ROI on our time and expectations!
This was precisely the experiences we have had at low end and high end establishments in Hong Kong. For instance, we went to The Square - a fairly high end Michelin star rated restaurant in Exchange Tower area. Same issue - every waiter forgot or tried to help then never came back. Today, had lunch with Jean Pierre and Stephen at IFC Cafe Costa (patio view of harbour, inside Lane Crawford). Same issue. Asked 3x for butter, then they screwed up our order so often. Also, for consistency, at Sevva outdoor patio, same issue.
Given the high price tags and fabulous venues, you would think a bit of "Service 101" is taught. I guess not! In some cases the happy (or at least efficient) waiters at Tsui Wah or Dai Pai Dong restaurants is more ROI on our time and expectations!
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Peking duck pizza, charity billiards and dai pai dong
Except for Paisano's pizza, the Italian food in hong kong so far has been terrible! We went with stephen's cousin, his friend from France, Bikky and Ivy to check out Pizza Express. Of our 4 pizzas to share... Peking Duck was the BEST... A good spicy kick plus the duck itself incredible. Far beats the peas and corn pizza in Taiwan Pizza hut, and last week's HK pizza hut (too little sauce, sweet pasta weird)!
Then we went to Peel pub for a charity fundraiser for Japan. Played pool. Four hours later I somehow emerged with $700hk in winners coupons. Fun times. Then Street Food in an alley near central... Hot pots of eggplant/pork, fish/tofu and veggies. Guess we should have been hungry since stephen took his cousin for an intense gym workout and i had a 2 hr boat practice and beach jog that morning. Oooops i forgot to mention our dim sum feast and dessert in between exercise and pizza. All Tasted good. Still full this morning! So, why are we going out for brunch now!? Instead of Lamma hiking today we shall stay in town. Soccer for stephen and maybe haircut for me.
I also called home, which is not often enough for me. Miss u all!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Then we went to Peel pub for a charity fundraiser for Japan. Played pool. Four hours later I somehow emerged with $700hk in winners coupons. Fun times. Then Street Food in an alley near central... Hot pots of eggplant/pork, fish/tofu and veggies. Guess we should have been hungry since stephen took his cousin for an intense gym workout and i had a 2 hr boat practice and beach jog that morning. Oooops i forgot to mention our dim sum feast and dessert in between exercise and pizza. All Tasted good. Still full this morning! So, why are we going out for brunch now!? Instead of Lamma hiking today we shall stay in town. Soccer for stephen and maybe haircut for me.
I also called home, which is not often enough for me. Miss u all!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Location:Hong kong
Friday, March 18, 2011
Japan crisis - felt around Asia
There was an 8.0 earthquake/tsunami near Sendai/north east in Japan last Friday. So scary. Two close calls: my colleague Patric who shares my cubicle flew out of Japan the day prior to the earthquake. Stephen's cousin Jean Pierre from Paris had been living in Tokyo for months, dropped by Hong Kong then (thankfully) decided to go to Korea for the days before the earthquake. Finally my classmate Yas is safe in Japan as well... wow life is precious!
Additionally there is a nuclear radiation leakage from several plants in Japan. Expats get evacuated but Japanese must stay.
Finally on the response effort, Japan is a first world country. 2nd or 3rd largest economy, intricately linked to the Western world but retain own unique culture. Needless to say, help is coming to Japan faster than Haiti or Indonesia.
Be safe everyone, and count your blessings!
Additionally there is a nuclear radiation leakage from several plants in Japan. Expats get evacuated but Japanese must stay.
Finally on the response effort, Japan is a first world country. 2nd or 3rd largest economy, intricately linked to the Western world but retain own unique culture. Needless to say, help is coming to Japan faster than Haiti or Indonesia.
Be safe everyone, and count your blessings!
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Visitors in and out of HK....
I forgot to mention that my dearest friend Domina Park was in town this weekend (her hubby Billy is working in HK for 1 month). We did dim sum, a bit of shopping at Sasa, (average) dinner at Shanghai Xiao Nan Guo on Friday then Sevva patio. On Saturday, after dragon boat then after a great mediterranean tapas meal w/ Stephen, we met up at Sift for dessert (too sweet for me) and then Elgin Nine for some more drinks. It was relaxing; lots of story sharing with others and meeting some mutual friends. I wish Domina and Billy move here to Hong Kong... fingers crossed. In-laws left town last Friday after 7 weeks in Asia. I think they were finally enjoying themselves too!
Dragon boat. A truly universal sport with roots in Hong Kong
Dragon boat racing is pretty universal and a great way to meet friends. Irene (me) joined the BGC Stormy Dragons team a few months ago and raced for the first time in Hong Kong this weekend in Shatin. Great times but tiring. Besides attending Catholic Churches around the world, I'm convinced Dragon Boat racing is fairly universal and almost standardized. There are subtle differences in the stroke, lingo ('point' not 'pacers') but generally quite universal. Mind you, I've now only paddled in Toronto, Vancouver, Victoria, Portland, Boston, Singapore and Hong Kong. Anyway pretty draining weekend which included 10 person small boats, 200m courses (its usually 500m) and 2km circle races. All the best to my dear niece Mia who has surgery on Monday. Be brave as I know you will be!
Enjoy Sunday everybody!
Enjoy Sunday everybody!
Thursday, March 10, 2011
BBB: Babies, Beijing and Bedrest
Its a time for babies! Not me. But my sister in law Janne just had her baby shower (she's due in May). Sad to have missed it but we sent over some Babies R Us registry gifts to Toronto. Additionally my other sister in law Tanya and my OWN sister Christine are all expecting in July. Finally I just spoke to my new friend Veronica Lin who lives near ICC and she gave birth 4 days ago. Wow!
This past week I went to Beijing - for one day. Yikes its a long 4 hour flight + 2 hour taxi door to door - too much for one day in my opinion. Tiring but productive to see a customer.
Finally needed bedrest. I'm a bit sick.
See you soon!
This past week I went to Beijing - for one day. Yikes its a long 4 hour flight + 2 hour taxi door to door - too much for one day in my opinion. Tiring but productive to see a customer.
Finally needed bedrest. I'm a bit sick.
See you soon!
Monday, March 7, 2011
Short but fun weekend in HK. They do protest here which is refreshing
Having returned only on Saturday morning to Hong Kong from Shanghai... did I mention the taxi drivers in Shanghai are very honest. He got lost then proceeded to refund me half my fare. Whoa.
Surprisingly on Saturday, I was still full of energy trying to maximize my weekend in HK. So Yang in-laws, Stephen and I ate at Tasty Congee in IFC. The meal was good, clean and simple. Then parents headed to Shenzhen for a 1 night trip, and we proceeded to do a bit of shopping at IFC. Later we had decent thai food at Chili Club in a seedy area of Wan Chai. The reviews write: "walk upstairs NOT downstairs to find the restaurant" (downstairs is a strip club). Nonetheless the food was spicy and decent; we'd go back. The only part that pissed me off was the host looked right over me to an expat patron before I interrupted him that we were there first, and had reservations. Argh!!
Thereafter met up with Nancy at The Pawn - a converted pawn shop into 3 storey lounge/pub. Billy & Ivy joined us after their Faye Wong concert - wow lucky...
Next day we woke up for a brunch with Saima and Usman who just returned from Niseko Hokkaido Japan for skiing/snowboarding! We ate at Sashay Cafe in Soho - I ordered way too much meat "the Works". Headed up to Bowen Road - this time with Billy & Ivy, we ran up to the start (instead of taxi). Quite hilly! Wonderful weather, maybe 18C, with good breeze and managed not to stop the entire 4km...
On the way back, we literally got caught in the HK Government Protests by social groups/teachers who were picketing near HSBC in Central. Apparently the HK government gave back too much surplus to its residents instead of spending on good programs. (Personally I am glad to see residents speaking out in HK, since my view was they were only about making money and not promoting social welfare issues here). The street protests seem organized and peaceful with policemen everywhere - but at least allowed UNLIKE in Mainland China...
Finished off the weekend by cooking dinner at home and eating with my in-laws before sleeping for 12 hours. Nice. Now back at work today , caught up with my parents by phone after several weeks, then working :(
Have a great weeke everybody!
Surprisingly on Saturday, I was still full of energy trying to maximize my weekend in HK. So Yang in-laws, Stephen and I ate at Tasty Congee in IFC. The meal was good, clean and simple. Then parents headed to Shenzhen for a 1 night trip, and we proceeded to do a bit of shopping at IFC. Later we had decent thai food at Chili Club in a seedy area of Wan Chai. The reviews write: "walk upstairs NOT downstairs to find the restaurant" (downstairs is a strip club). Nonetheless the food was spicy and decent; we'd go back. The only part that pissed me off was the host looked right over me to an expat patron before I interrupted him that we were there first, and had reservations. Argh!!
Thereafter met up with Nancy at The Pawn - a converted pawn shop into 3 storey lounge/pub. Billy & Ivy joined us after their Faye Wong concert - wow lucky...
Next day we woke up for a brunch with Saima and Usman who just returned from Niseko Hokkaido Japan for skiing/snowboarding! We ate at Sashay Cafe in Soho - I ordered way too much meat "the Works". Headed up to Bowen Road - this time with Billy & Ivy, we ran up to the start (instead of taxi). Quite hilly! Wonderful weather, maybe 18C, with good breeze and managed not to stop the entire 4km...
On the way back, we literally got caught in the HK Government Protests by social groups/teachers who were picketing near HSBC in Central. Apparently the HK government gave back too much surplus to its residents instead of spending on good programs. (Personally I am glad to see residents speaking out in HK, since my view was they were only about making money and not promoting social welfare issues here). The street protests seem organized and peaceful with policemen everywhere - but at least allowed UNLIKE in Mainland China...
Finished off the weekend by cooking dinner at home and eating with my in-laws before sleeping for 12 hours. Nice. Now back at work today , caught up with my parents by phone after several weeks, then working :(
Have a great weeke everybody!
Saturday, March 5, 2011
In Shanghai (hotel) after Frankfurt airport shooting
I arrived at and departed from Frankfurt airport the day before and after a shooting murder there of two U.S. marines. I feel blessed.
Having been awake for two days straight now, flying redeye to Shanghai for meetings stuck in office and hotel... - then arriving when they booked me at the wrong hotel... man! I really can't wait to go back to Hong Kong!!! Getting home sick. Pounding headache. Ready to end my workweek (its 1am Saturday morning, argh). Please make this pain end.
See you soon Stephen and Yang parents! Be back in 12 hours.
Having been awake for two days straight now, flying redeye to Shanghai for meetings stuck in office and hotel... - then arriving when they booked me at the wrong hotel... man! I really can't wait to go back to Hong Kong!!! Getting home sick. Pounding headache. Ready to end my workweek (its 1am Saturday morning, argh). Please make this pain end.
See you soon Stephen and Yang parents! Be back in 12 hours.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
2 hour taxi queue in Hannover Germany
I infrequently correct myself. Sorry for expressing frustration on my last blog about slow taxi queues in Singapore... yes they're slow, but NOT nearly as slow as here in Hannover Germany. Yesterday I waited 2 hours for a taxi! And we booked it.
I'm now at CeBIT Germany, a trade show for technology professionals. Hannover is a small town that has hosted this show for years. In fact all of its residents left their homes this week, and rented out their bedrooms to strangers for 'home stay'. There are insufficient hotels in Hannover, although the convention center is gigantic. Fortunately for me, AMD booked us into Mercure Hotel, so no home stay. Some clients told me they had to share ONE outlet in their bedroom home stay, that was shared between mobile phone chargers, laptops AND the room light! Can you believe....
Anyway I connected here via Frankfurt two days ago, and have been slammed in 20 hour days of meetings with customers based in Europe. I've been through Frankfurt a few times before, last time on my way to Greece, where I recall being delayed for 6+ hours.
I don't like the food in Germany too much, and the culture is definitely 'beer centric'. I fondly recall the gigantic Munich Beer Hall where the average person drinks two steins of beer per day! And they eat cold cuts for breakfast, hard boiled eggs, sausages. Their coffee is very tasty though.
Have to wrap up meetings shortly then heading to Shanghai tomorrow (all day flight) arriving 8am Friday morning. Great.
Miss you all! Keep in touch!
I'm now at CeBIT Germany, a trade show for technology professionals. Hannover is a small town that has hosted this show for years. In fact all of its residents left their homes this week, and rented out their bedrooms to strangers for 'home stay'. There are insufficient hotels in Hannover, although the convention center is gigantic. Fortunately for me, AMD booked us into Mercure Hotel, so no home stay. Some clients told me they had to share ONE outlet in their bedroom home stay, that was shared between mobile phone chargers, laptops AND the room light! Can you believe....
Anyway I connected here via Frankfurt two days ago, and have been slammed in 20 hour days of meetings with customers based in Europe. I've been through Frankfurt a few times before, last time on my way to Greece, where I recall being delayed for 6+ hours.
I don't like the food in Germany too much, and the culture is definitely 'beer centric'. I fondly recall the gigantic Munich Beer Hall where the average person drinks two steins of beer per day! And they eat cold cuts for breakfast, hard boiled eggs, sausages. Their coffee is very tasty though.
Have to wrap up meetings shortly then heading to Shanghai tomorrow (all day flight) arriving 8am Friday morning. Great.
Miss you all! Keep in touch!
Monday, February 28, 2011
Singapore - its all about the food.
I have officially eaten too much. All our trips to gym and Bowen Rd runs and dragon boat practices became useless this past two days in Singapore - a place of 30C+ 'winter', spicy diverse foods and unreliable taxi services.
Once or twice a year I pay a visit to my Asia homeland - Singapore - to visit family, old colleagues from (yikes, 12 years ago!) and friends. This time around, I was a tourist again, as Stephen's parents also joined us. Besides Sentosa which is too artificial for me, it was an enjoyable time. Most importantly the food is incredible.
We went to the new Marina Bay Sands Casino, a gigantic 3 tower complex with a curved ship on top as a rooftop. WOW. Casino lame, need shoes not sandals (ahem, Stephen) and Macau/Vegas size puts it to shame. But hotel is amazing and roof top -- WOW -- their pool is an infinity pool overlooking the city and brand new Lotus Shaped Museum.
Then we went to Sentosa island with its small beach, motorized surf waves and shallow beach near the cargo ships - yawn. The best part was the food republic choices at VIVO City mall!! YUMMY prawn mee. Thereafter we headed to Chinatown, Clarke Quay and Central Market. It was ok and rained a bit. After a 30 mins break at the hotel, we went to East Coast Seafood Centre. Its changed so much since I was there 10 years ago (when only Jumbo Seafood was a standalone restaurant on the coast). Meeting my family with whom I used to live, we enjoyed a chili crab FEAST at Long Island (opting for the saucy option with bread, over the Black Pepper Crab). THE BEST CRAB I EVER ATE. Then off to Bedok hawker area for sugar cane juice, iced milo and coffee. Before Stephen & I met up with Andrea and Paul and their friends at Rabbit Hole in Dempsey Village.
And that was only Saturday!
On Sunday, we SKIPPED breakfast then headed to Grand Hyatt buffet with my Uncle Peter and Auntie Oi Lian. All you can drink champagne brunch, crab, lobster, sushi, handmade noodles (you watch them roll it), PLUS the Straits Kitchen peranakan satay, butter chicken, beef rendang and na'an.... Holy Crap I was sooo full. So we headed to Singapore Botanical Gardens' Orchid Garden walk thereafter. By the evening when I flew back to HK, my stomach still hurt.
https://picasaweb.google.com/irene.stephen.yang/SingaporeFeb2011#
On the negative side, Singapore's taxi system is horrible. Firstly its impossible to find a taxi. Secondly there are surcharges all over the place; booking fee, 50% at night, 35% at peak hours, tolls, etc. Too many competing companies. Soooo different from Hong Kong. Cars seem to make sense there, plus its really HOT to go between MTR stations depending where you need to go. I also missed my two old friends in person , and didn't make it to my grandma's sisters for a visit this time. Will have to come back semi-annually as usual...
All in all a great feasting weekend with family!! As usual, too short. Off to Germany for a conference then Shanghai this week.
Miss you all! Happy March, and don't forget to pay your RRSP's by today's deadline.
Once or twice a year I pay a visit to my Asia homeland - Singapore - to visit family, old colleagues from (yikes, 12 years ago!) and friends. This time around, I was a tourist again, as Stephen's parents also joined us. Besides Sentosa which is too artificial for me, it was an enjoyable time. Most importantly the food is incredible.
We went to the new Marina Bay Sands Casino, a gigantic 3 tower complex with a curved ship on top as a rooftop. WOW. Casino lame, need shoes not sandals (ahem, Stephen) and Macau/Vegas size puts it to shame. But hotel is amazing and roof top -- WOW -- their pool is an infinity pool overlooking the city and brand new Lotus Shaped Museum.
Then we went to Sentosa island with its small beach, motorized surf waves and shallow beach near the cargo ships - yawn. The best part was the food republic choices at VIVO City mall!! YUMMY prawn mee. Thereafter we headed to Chinatown, Clarke Quay and Central Market. It was ok and rained a bit. After a 30 mins break at the hotel, we went to East Coast Seafood Centre. Its changed so much since I was there 10 years ago (when only Jumbo Seafood was a standalone restaurant on the coast). Meeting my family with whom I used to live, we enjoyed a chili crab FEAST at Long Island (opting for the saucy option with bread, over the Black Pepper Crab). THE BEST CRAB I EVER ATE. Then off to Bedok hawker area for sugar cane juice, iced milo and coffee. Before Stephen & I met up with Andrea and Paul and their friends at Rabbit Hole in Dempsey Village.
And that was only Saturday!
On Sunday, we SKIPPED breakfast then headed to Grand Hyatt buffet with my Uncle Peter and Auntie Oi Lian. All you can drink champagne brunch, crab, lobster, sushi, handmade noodles (you watch them roll it), PLUS the Straits Kitchen peranakan satay, butter chicken, beef rendang and na'an.... Holy Crap I was sooo full. So we headed to Singapore Botanical Gardens' Orchid Garden walk thereafter. By the evening when I flew back to HK, my stomach still hurt.
https://picasaweb.google.com/irene.stephen.yang/SingaporeFeb2011#
On the negative side, Singapore's taxi system is horrible. Firstly its impossible to find a taxi. Secondly there are surcharges all over the place; booking fee, 50% at night, 35% at peak hours, tolls, etc. Too many competing companies. Soooo different from Hong Kong. Cars seem to make sense there, plus its really HOT to go between MTR stations depending where you need to go. I also missed my two old friends in person , and didn't make it to my grandma's sisters for a visit this time. Will have to come back semi-annually as usual...
All in all a great feasting weekend with family!! As usual, too short. Off to Germany for a conference then Shanghai this week.
Miss you all! Happy March, and don't forget to pay your RRSP's by today's deadline.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Guangzhou - best & classy dim sum, modern subway, colonial feel... but very much Mainland China
Finally- a new city. We took a last minute train trip to Guangzhou a few hours away. By far, its a bigger and more modern, lively metropolis compared to other Guangdong province cities (namely Zhuhai or Shenzhen). The subway is impeccable and rapidly expanding. People dress better. The restaurants look old China classic and some are actually clean! Possibly due to them hosting the Asian Games 2010 a few months ago.
But don't get me wrong, this is definitely still Mainland China.... I am starting to like more now. That said, the train ride is really dirty.
There's a lot of history in Guangzhou area. Apparently both the Communists (Mao) and the Nationalists (Sun Yat Sen) were based here. The colonial and chinese architecture is lovely, open parks, wide glitzy shopping areas, modern and historical food, etc. There are 'copies' here and there of Hong Kong, including the waterfront laser show with music each evening.
https://picasaweb.google.com/irene.stephen.yang/Guangzhou#
There's a lot of history in Guangzhou area. Apparently both the Communists (Mao) and the Nationalists (Sun Yat Sen) were based here. The colonial and chinese architecture is lovely, open parks, wide glitzy shopping areas, modern and historical food, etc. There are 'copies' here and there of Hong Kong, including the waterfront laser show with music each evening.
https://picasaweb.google.com/irene.stephen.yang/Guangzhou#
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Smoking in toilets ! Chinese Valentine's Day today
China is full of smokers. You can smoke everywhere, from hotel lobbies to office buildings to... toilets (disgusting sight when bathroom doors left wide open...and men chit chatting beside urinals smoking).
Also China traders buy everything in Hong Kong - in bulk, for resale, in cash. From healthy baby milk powder (to avoid risky China products) to LV/Gucci real luxury purses to property.
The food in Shenzhen has improved over the years I must say though. Quality soups, decent (looking) sushi (i didn't try) and swankier / cleaner hotels than in the past. Also I tried yinyang (coffee/tea mixed) - decent!
Back in HK ... Jackie recommended a mochi ball filled with mango which was decent!
Today is the end of CNY and officially Chinese Valentine's Day!
See you all soon!
Also China traders buy everything in Hong Kong - in bulk, for resale, in cash. From healthy baby milk powder (to avoid risky China products) to LV/Gucci real luxury purses to property.
The food in Shenzhen has improved over the years I must say though. Quality soups, decent (looking) sushi (i didn't try) and swankier / cleaner hotels than in the past. Also I tried yinyang (coffee/tea mixed) - decent!
Back in HK ... Jackie recommended a mochi ball filled with mango which was decent!
Today is the end of CNY and officially Chinese Valentine's Day!
See you all soon!
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Sushi on Fire in Taipei is not spicy&hot
I'm really embarrassed. I've visited Taipei Taiwan at least a few dozen times on business, and this was only my first weekend spent touring here. Shame on me. Stephen came mid week as his parents were also in Taipei. A few 'tourist' observations:
1) Taipei is very very Japanese. The streets are orderly, all the department stores are Japanese brands, there are tons of sushi joints and MRT subway queues exist. Except for the Mandarin Chinese language we feel deja-vous from our Japan trip a month ago! There is also a pedestrian area called Ximendeng, which looks like a mini version of Shibuya crossing in Tokyo...
2) Everything moves slower and closes earlier than Hong Kong. This is good (relaxing) and bad (slow food service). The restaurants near Grand Hyatt closed by 9:30pm. According to my friend Jackie people here eat at 6 or 7pm regularly! Wow normal life.
3) Taiwanese meal food is nice, not too memorable (omelettes is one choice) BUT desserts are fabulous. I had a tofu hua (do fu fa) in nice syrup with peanuts at Meet Fresh Taipei. The evening prior, Stephen and I had sticky rice in coconut... I like dessert more in Asia (i don't have a sweet tooth for cakes and pies back in North America!!)
4) Fusion food is not sushi. We headed back to a A-Plus fusion sake bar given other restaurants closed early...and I seriously thought our "Sushi on Fire" salmon roll was spicy salmon. BOY WERE WE WRONG. They brought out the roll which looked AMAZING and mouth-watering, and then our waiter proceeded to TORCH our roll! We were sooo shocked they killed our lovely sashimi on the spot.
5) Night market street food looks great. Watch your stomach. We met up at Shilin the 2nd day and Stephen's parents came too. Busy.. and the clothes are far separated from the main food area.
6) Mitsui Sushi restaurants have many locations and continues to be really fresh and premium, but also, watch your stomach with the raw shrimps etc.
7) Beitou hot springs area is sadly not as amazing for your skin or senses as outdoor onsen hot springs in Hokkaido (I know, NOT fair). We climbed around forever looking for I-Tsun (where Sun Yat Sen went) - not luck. Found a roof top hot spring nearby Thermal Valley... so so.
8) MRT travel is really cheap and fairly extensive. After a few days - I still haven't spent my ~$10 US
9) Banking system is really domestic; sort of like Canada. Most of us haven't heard of the banks in Taiwan
Good bye, see you again soon Taiwan - probably in a month! (This was a nice tourist trip but time for somewhere new next time)
1) Taipei is very very Japanese. The streets are orderly, all the department stores are Japanese brands, there are tons of sushi joints and MRT subway queues exist. Except for the Mandarin Chinese language we feel deja-vous from our Japan trip a month ago! There is also a pedestrian area called Ximendeng, which looks like a mini version of Shibuya crossing in Tokyo...
2) Everything moves slower and closes earlier than Hong Kong. This is good (relaxing) and bad (slow food service). The restaurants near Grand Hyatt closed by 9:30pm. According to my friend Jackie people here eat at 6 or 7pm regularly! Wow normal life.
3) Taiwanese meal food is nice, not too memorable (omelettes is one choice) BUT desserts are fabulous. I had a tofu hua (do fu fa) in nice syrup with peanuts at Meet Fresh Taipei. The evening prior, Stephen and I had sticky rice in coconut... I like dessert more in Asia (i don't have a sweet tooth for cakes and pies back in North America!!)
4) Fusion food is not sushi. We headed back to a A-Plus fusion sake bar given other restaurants closed early...and I seriously thought our "Sushi on Fire" salmon roll was spicy salmon. BOY WERE WE WRONG. They brought out the roll which looked AMAZING and mouth-watering, and then our waiter proceeded to TORCH our roll! We were sooo shocked they killed our lovely sashimi on the spot.
5) Night market street food looks great. Watch your stomach. We met up at Shilin the 2nd day and Stephen's parents came too. Busy.. and the clothes are far separated from the main food area.
6) Mitsui Sushi restaurants have many locations and continues to be really fresh and premium, but also, watch your stomach with the raw shrimps etc.
7) Beitou hot springs area is sadly not as amazing for your skin or senses as outdoor onsen hot springs in Hokkaido (I know, NOT fair). We climbed around forever looking for I-Tsun (where Sun Yat Sen went) - not luck. Found a roof top hot spring nearby Thermal Valley... so so.
8) MRT travel is really cheap and fairly extensive. After a few days - I still haven't spent my ~$10 US
9) Banking system is really domestic; sort of like Canada. Most of us haven't heard of the banks in Taiwan
Good bye, see you again soon Taiwan - probably in a month! (This was a nice tourist trip but time for somewhere new next time)
Sunday, January 30, 2011
New friends, Buddha trip... its not quite home yet
Hi everyone, its Sunday evening - week before Chinese New Year! In Hong Kong, we have to work from Mon-Wed and only get Thurs-Sat off as holidays. Its because HK also gets all those Western holidays.
This week was busy but I met a few new friends, so its nice to be social again. Veronica just moved here in August, and she's expecting a baby in March! What a coincidence that their condo is right next to my office tower, and their wedding anniversary is exact date and year of ours. We enjoyed "so-so" food at Sala Thai at ICC. Also this week I finally reconnected with Saima (whom I met 4 months ago with our husbands/friends) and Wing, a fellow McMaster alumni. Then back to our roots - we joined a Dragon Boat practice for a team called Stormy's. It was really far in Tai Tam (past Stanley) but a good time. Man , I am sore! Finally , after a terrible week of work meetings, Stephen and I joined Nancy for her birthday karaoke / band party in TST Kimberley Road area. It was nice to catch up!
Yesterday I went with Stephen's parents to the Big Buddha (Ngong Ping 360 Gondola ride from Tung Chung station). It was lovely weather and a nice climb. All these dozens of trips to Hong Kong, I never made it to the Buddha. Don't think I'd go back but it is still a lovely trip and view. Thereafter we enjoyed the Asia food court options at the Tung Chung outlet mall, and bought a few clothes as well. Long day with the family ... but fun and fulfilling...especially after our YUMMY mango and red bean dessert choices at Hui Lau Shan in Shun Tek Centre near home.
This week we may go to Macau and Zhuhai with Stephen's uncle who is visiting from Taipei. I wish everyone a happy new year's in Canada and here. Year of the Rabbit!
This week was busy but I met a few new friends, so its nice to be social again. Veronica just moved here in August, and she's expecting a baby in March! What a coincidence that their condo is right next to my office tower, and their wedding anniversary is exact date and year of ours. We enjoyed "so-so" food at Sala Thai at ICC. Also this week I finally reconnected with Saima (whom I met 4 months ago with our husbands/friends) and Wing, a fellow McMaster alumni. Then back to our roots - we joined a Dragon Boat practice for a team called Stormy's. It was really far in Tai Tam (past Stanley) but a good time. Man , I am sore! Finally , after a terrible week of work meetings, Stephen and I joined Nancy for her birthday karaoke / band party in TST Kimberley Road area. It was nice to catch up!
Yesterday I went with Stephen's parents to the Big Buddha (Ngong Ping 360 Gondola ride from Tung Chung station). It was lovely weather and a nice climb. All these dozens of trips to Hong Kong, I never made it to the Buddha. Don't think I'd go back but it is still a lovely trip and view. Thereafter we enjoyed the Asia food court options at the Tung Chung outlet mall, and bought a few clothes as well. Long day with the family ... but fun and fulfilling...especially after our YUMMY mango and red bean dessert choices at Hui Lau Shan in Shun Tek Centre near home.
This week we may go to Macau and Zhuhai with Stephen's uncle who is visiting from Taipei. I wish everyone a happy new year's in Canada and here. Year of the Rabbit!
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Back in HK at new office...its almost Chinese New Year
Hi All! its been 20 days since my last post. I am really behind... sorry for keeping you all waiting. I spent the past two weeks in Dallas and Toronto on business trip, while celebrating mom's birthday, Harry & Tanya (bro/sister-in-law)'s new condo and various other family things. Also tried hard to sell our Infiniti G35X... argh. Its harder than I thought it would be. Additionally some AMD corporate news, team building with go-kart races/2010 wrap up. And traveling to HKG with my parents in law. Finally back in HK. I am tired.
Chinese New Year (year of Rabbit) is the biggest holiday in Asia. There are decorations everywhere including at my own apartment building!
Our new AMD office is in ICC (International Commerce Centre) at Kowloon Station - apparently the tallest tower in Hong Kong now. Anyway the building is nice but my office is really small! Anyway its a desk and a telephone.... and free Nespresso coffee!
Finally spending time with Stephen's mom's relatives in Hong Kong. Its too much food at once but nice to see new faces. Happy early birthday to Nancy, and HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR! Next two weeks could be quiet, which is a welcome. We may go into Zhuhai for a few days.
More importantly it was -20C in Toronto, and its now +15C (both inside and outside, unfortunately).
~~~~
Here are some photos of my team's offsite in Toronto at GP Kartways. I won the qualifier round but slammed into a wall in the Finals - and came in 5th :(
http://www.flickr.com/photos/58601413@N08/sets/72157625864846576
Here are some photos of our HK office annual dinner at Kowloon Shangri La Hotel in early January. I was asked to pick out the lucky draw winners including an ipad:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/58750794@N04/?saved=1
Here are some more family photos: Mom's birthday at our house.
http://picasaweb.google.com/irene.stephen.yang/TorontoFall2010FamilyFriends#5564112763647627922
Chinese New Year (year of Rabbit) is the biggest holiday in Asia. There are decorations everywhere including at my own apartment building!
Our new AMD office is in ICC (International Commerce Centre) at Kowloon Station - apparently the tallest tower in Hong Kong now. Anyway the building is nice but my office is really small! Anyway its a desk and a telephone.... and free Nespresso coffee!
Finally spending time with Stephen's mom's relatives in Hong Kong. Its too much food at once but nice to see new faces. Happy early birthday to Nancy, and HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR! Next two weeks could be quiet, which is a welcome. We may go into Zhuhai for a few days.
More importantly it was -20C in Toronto, and its now +15C (both inside and outside, unfortunately).
~~~~
Here are some photos of my team's offsite in Toronto at GP Kartways. I won the qualifier round but slammed into a wall in the Finals - and came in 5th :(
http://www.flickr.com/photos/58601413@N08/sets/72157625864846576
Here are some photos of our HK office annual dinner at Kowloon Shangri La Hotel in early January. I was asked to pick out the lucky draw winners including an ipad:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/58750794@N04/?saved=1
Here are some more family photos: Mom's birthday at our house.
http://picasaweb.google.com/irene.stephen.yang/TorontoFall2010FamilyFriends#5564112763647627922
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Happy 2011 - bad cold; IKEA assemblers
I am officially sick. I have a cold, cough and thankfully not a fever (yet). A bit of a rough start back at work and to 2011. In the meantime Hong Kong views out of bedroom window are keep me inspired, since I've rarely left the house this week! Today I walked downstairs for famous egg tarts and a Pacific Coffee, just to get outside.
Separately, IKEA is perfect for hong kong. the flat boxes are easy to carry and assembly is a (mere) 10% additional fee. They will come install our closet and dresser today.
On another note, the combined washer/dryer device is small and clogs easily. With the instruction manual all in Chinese, the repairman and landlady had to fix it and order me an english brochure.
New Year's Resolutions?
- learn Mandarin
- go to gym more often
- network with new people including my co-workers
Heading to Dallas next week then Toronto again (for work)... after my company's annual dinner this Friday at Shangri La hotel. I am tired thinking about flying again.
Happy birthday to my mom!
Separately, IKEA is perfect for hong kong. the flat boxes are easy to carry and assembly is a (mere) 10% additional fee. They will come install our closet and dresser today.
On another note, the combined washer/dryer device is small and clogs easily. With the instruction manual all in Chinese, the repairman and landlady had to fix it and order me an english brochure.
New Year's Resolutions?
- learn Mandarin
- go to gym more often
- network with new people including my co-workers
Heading to Dallas next week then Toronto again (for work)... after my company's annual dinner this Friday at Shangri La hotel. I am tired thinking about flying again.
Happy birthday to my mom!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)