Protests against Chinese 'national' education and prepare for KK mountain hike

I'm definitely now very aware and interested of local Asian news, politics and context - especially when talking with my hong kong colleagues. This week there will be tons of protests and possible hunger strikes ongoing with students in hong kong -- who are smart and aware enough to realize that Beijing-based "China" education is pretty damn close to brainwashing. The beginning of the end of free thought and free speech here in HK if this bill goes ahead at LegCo soon... fingers crossed that Hong Kong families will emerge victorious. I also hear that university students (while not affected by the upcoming national education) are protesting and not attending classes this Tuesday... in solidarity with parents and primary/secondary students. They will also offer to baby-sit students in the event of teacher / school strikes.... I had long chats with my local colleagues to more deeply understand the whole situation.  In truth I am really glad that Hong Kong people who enjoy a relatively developed society...  are not just worried about near-term money and do act upon values beyond material things (my earlier views were narrow)!

 As an analogy, its no surprise that my mainland friends 'hate' the Japanese more than other nations under Japanese occupation in WWII and thereafter, and that my generation of mainland friends/colleagues seem to revere the Communist party while many also refuse to give up their Chinese passports.  I hope I am wrong, but brainwashing and persistent and broad-based national 'education' does work from a government perspective!!! yikes!  

I've been traveling a bit less often now for work... which is a welcome change... and we've been eating out quite often due to visitors in town, etc.  We're planning a vacation to Kota Kinabalu soon for a hike up SE Asia's highest peak. In addition to our multiple runs per week training for our end Nov half-marathon... we now have to climb stairs!!  Tiring....

And for the record, Walter White from Breaking Bad is so very evil.  At least I know better what money laundering is.  Its literally a way to clean your money.  Happens all the time here in China - trust me!

And finally. please say an extra prayer for my relatives here in Hong Kong and Singapore who are suffering from major health issues.