Snippets

In the week we were there, I learnt a little more of the livelihood of the local ordinary folks. I observe their daily social engagements. The obvious conclusion is life is not easy and the people work hard to sustain a live style.

Upon landing, the very clever friend of mine who on an earlier visit had learnt all about public transport and how to get around the city in the best possible solution, quickly paid for tickets on a bus to Shau Kei Wan where Joy chooses to reside. It was cheap and tickets were bought on a return. Perhaps the best surprise is to have the bus arriving right at the doorstep of where we put up. 

It was truly so convenient.

I love this arrangement. My friend leads and I follow.

The condo was slapped right in the heart of Shau Kei Wan; thus it was a breezy affair each day as we commute all over the island. In this very short time, we had the opportunity to use the bus, tram, MTR and ferry. I would have taken years back home to be on these modes of transport. It is a learning experience when you leave the comfort zone of your home and immerse yourself in activities that others do.

I was informed that real estate is truly a real affair in Hong Kong. The haves indulge in either properties or shares as bank rates are so low that it is not lucrative to park cash there. But the figure is staggering to own a property. It is in terms of millions; hundreds of thousands are not enough to owe anything. So you work all your life to be able to stay in a decent place. 

 After Melbourne. I rarely get the chance to be on a tram. The island still preserves this mode of transport till this day. A ride in it irrespective of distance is HK2.30 ; indeed very affordable ; the downside being it crawls. So if you are in a hurry, the tram ride can cause frustration.

 The market of Shau Kei Wan is just like one of those along Petaling Street where all forms of meat, greens and fruits are bargained for. 

The soya bean family products are fresh and the taugeh is of a length I have never seen. Everybody is busy and eating. It seems life is lived for that.

Back home I have not seen ladies working in the construction field hands on. So I was amazed by the ladies shoveling sand and stones and being so physically ready for this vocation. We ladies are pampered in Malaysia.

Unlike Singapore, the city is haphazard where there is construction activity. in the photo on the right notice bamboo is used as scaffolds. We use steel.

Unconsciously, with some sense of pride and belonging I saw the Public Bank signboard and I was proud to be associated with it. The bank has business here.

Travelling from East to West of the island is swift with the MTR. Everyone uses it from toddlers and nurse maids, to grandparents, students and working adults. I observe the people sitting in front of me and wondered at the chance of meeting them. It is truly once in a life time meeting all who trudge into your life in this manner. That's life.

In an early ride to Macau , I cannot help but notice the students using their media gadgets for information and study. They rode in them early for school which would cover their activities a good part of the day. The countenances on their faces tell me they are ace students.

In one of the walks around the city, I saw students in cheongsam which was their official uniform. I got excited. They looked demure and proper. Now I sound absurd. I suppose it is perhaps I love to see them in it. I wonder at foreign students who register here. Do they wear them too?

 Cheung Sha Wan is famous for wholesale markets. The goods here are varied and prices competitive. Apparently there are over 250 stores selling ladies wear. You can shop for almost anything here. We were glad we came even if it had taken a long ride from  East to West. It was worth looking at it. Ordinary shoppers line the streets; not for the rich and famous.

At Central, we saw more Caucasians and the ethos is slightly different here. 

Art and culture are explicitly displayed and conventions are many.

Paintings and art are very well nurtured here. AT one glance you see finesse and style. They also cost a bomb.

The Cheongsam tops are great attractions. 

It was with great resistance that I exercised. 

 From Gage Street we proceeded to Lan Kwee Fong where the crowd gathered for drinks, conversations and fun The night never ends here.

Mong Kok street is where we found "Ladies Street" equivalent to our Petaling Street where again great bargains are endless. But how much can you buy? How much do you want? After a while the goods are no more attractive and your eyes are on items that can catch your attention.

At Tsim Sha Tsui, the crowd is even bigger.

Shopping is at every nook and corner.

Shop, shop, shop. It is endless and can be meaningless when over done. It is a good experience to feel the heart beat of the city though.

I was told that there was a special outlet here that sells facial products from Korea and Japan. The cost is even lower here.

 I was astonished at the crowd lining up to PAY.

 The shoppers come in with luggage bags that one will bring along during travels. See how they wait outside the outlet for their turn to buy. After that, they will pack and go home. I wonder where is home. China? or where?

 Some of the products sold; from Laneige, Sulwhasoo to Shiseido. Just name them. Crazy sales. Business strategies are so aggressive.

 In the streets of Hon Kong there are many reminders that this is the city where drama, art and culture found its strong roots. It is with much nostalgia taht I recalled memories of my mother and I going to cinemas for opera shows in my childhood days. Here I am here today to again see life in drama.

In a ferry across the esplanade, we witness the glitter of the night lights and see Hong Kong in its night beauty.

Hong Kong.

Much to learn and appreciate.

More than Friends

Old Friends.

Known for more than 4 decades, this friend has been more than a friend. Her thoughts, gestures, beliefs and taste are almost akin to mine. To some, we need not speak our minds. A gaze and a nod will already bring meaning and understanding. She is someone you can rely on and she extends help and generosity anytime; so she can be closer than your own siblings.

 Chin Loi invited me to Hong Kong Island where her daughter is working at the moment. The girlfriends had a getaway from home for a week for a time of sharing and shopping. It is precious time ; difficult to have a repeat. Doing things together was a joy and privilege. I thank God for the opportunity given.

 Joy to the right is petite but strong in spirit. 

Mother and child only meet in late evening hours and before they knew it; it is already morning and another day for work.

So being together indeed needs concerted effort.

What do you do in Hong Kong?

Chin Loi the GPS searched google for the best places to eat.

We did find some of them.

 The above eatery is one famous for beef noodles, Kow Kee is found at Central. After trudging for hours along Lan Kwee Fong and the adjacent streets, we finally found the famous noodles prepared in both soup or dry forms. Was it fantastic? It reminded of Siong Kee noodles in Petaling Street. To be truthful there is a fight. In fact, I will without prejudice say the own back home is tastier. We were put off but the not so polite cashier who chided us for taking a small plastic bag without prior consent from her. She quoted that we have put them in a questionable position as plastic bags are banned. Well, there are other ways to deliver the message we feel,

 Food cooked in crock pots are not a rare practice here. Chinese cooking with sesame oil, ginger, minced pork and seasoning is the call of the day. After a prolonged delay in our flight; the food served at the restaurant below Joy's condominium was a most welcoming sight. We were hungry and all diners had a 15% discount for meals after 930 pm. I believe this is one marketing strategy.

My memory is short. I find it difficult to recall this place where we had wanton noodles served with beef. The noodles is crispy and smooth. Oh dear. Where was this? Anyway, it was better than that from Kow Kee.

 Claypot rice either with meat or fish servings and we were taught to scrape the sides and bottom of pot for the burnt rice. They say it is this that most crave for. Dad asked me if the kangkong was cooked in belacan. Of course it was not.

 To both of us, the congee cooked with internals cannot be any more that one can ask for. Smooth and palatable, we craved for more after we finished. The Chee Cheong Fun on the left with a generous serving of sesame seeds was also simple and easy, good for us. This menu is found along the streets of the island and is a favourite for breakfast and lunch.

Around a nearby corner near our place of stay is a street famous for the best food.  Here again we found ourselves consuming beef noodles in a different style . The milk tea is also a must here. Nobody comes to this eatery without drinking that tea. Of course I had mine and it gave me a sleepless night.

In Hong Kong, tim sum is at every corner and every outlet has its own followers; it is a matter of taste. Mind you, if you order chinese tea it is easily RM8.00 per person. They charge through head count. Nothing is cheap. We kept converting and ended up frustrated till we reminded each other that when in Rome we have to do what the Romans do. Just eat and do not compare and contrast.

 This is the famous egg pancake. We had it at a store where we saw photos of famous people lining up for a taste of it. Nothing too fantastic though.

The highlight of our last evening was having tea at a top floor of a shopping mall. The crowd was big and food was a great variety cooked in a most delicious manner. Of course the price was commendable too. A simple tea for HK350.00 only. 

We had red tea with dates. Nice. We promised each other that when we get home we will also prepare tea in red dates. The pineapple tarts prepared in the form of yellow canaries was a staggering RM10.00 each. Actually I am not quite used to this but Joy said it was already very reasonable.

If you notice carefully, we had fried wanton, fried vegetable pancakes, roti canai the Chinese way , and the tarts with tea. Just that. But they say more importantly is the experience, not the money.

So let it be.

All about food.

The Lady in the Moon

Mid Autumn Festival

So legendary and to me of no religious connotation. Legend has it that Chang Er swallowed some elixir pills and floated to the moon whereas her heroic partner in hunter Hou Yi who was known for elevating many out of poverty lost her in the process of her escape from the evil one. To add meaning to the relationship they were to meet on the 15th day of the Autumn calendar annually. So legendary and yet it has been able to attract a crowd of followers to commemorate this auspicious day.
The Chinese entrepreneurs have come out with the most elaborate form of moon cakes in the market ; adding merriment and amusement to countless families. What I am most impressed is that this simple legend is reason for the young and old to come together in family love and celebration. It is not a rare sight to see the old folks accompanying boys and girls holding the lantern and parade along lanes, streets and alleyways. It made me recall the days of old when I too held those paper lanterns and paraded with chums along the alleys of Muar town. Later we brought the practice to Subang Jaya when my own children did just that around the neighbourhood. Legend has its way of bringing people around ; a good one.

This is what happens on this day. You munch peanuts, drink Chinese tea and snack on the moon cakes. But alas, how much can you snack at my age? The fat and sugar is a no no in a sensible diet. You see. You have much but you cannot consume for health; meaningless, meaningless, meaningless. But that's reality.
So, under the moon, dad and I drank tea, munch a few nuts, ate a couple of slices of moon cake and that's it. Another Mid Autumn Festival season completed.

In our loneliness, little Pablo gives us some light joy to see him playing with the furry toy. He must have thought it is his playmate. There is nothing else to do but to look at his adorable expressions and playfulness.

It normally doesn't rain on this day and it is not raining now.

The moon is out there.

Happy Mid Autumn.

Pablo or Bruno?

Yes , it's been quite a while.

There has been much on my plate of late; so writing is put aside. 

But you do miss talking at times. 

So, today I will try to start the ball rolling again by talking about a new pet.

This really feels like going back to school.

To begin with, I am afraid I am not much of an animal lover, Why you may ask. First, perhaps it is because I was never brought up in a home background where pets are kept and loved. My parents are survivors all their lives and so I have been tuned towards sales and money. So, to be involved in any pet topic truly is not my cup of tea.

However, life has its funny side. Married to an animal lover especially dogs , I have learnt a few tricks about them. To me, dogs are your friends when you need protection. Oh I remembered the first dog, Sunny a Spitz with white fur and looked really pretty and yet those fur sometimes gave me the creeps. I got worked up when its fur flew everywhere in the house and Grace was a mere baby. I got even more disturbed when Sunny had to be put down under my eyes as she was suffering badly and when dad was away outstation at work. A lot of pain and guilt. But it is good to hear the cliche; all dogs go to heaven.

The next dog was a German Shepherd; Lubby. This one was an old faithful. Intelligent and truly a home guard, she was bought a trained dog for a purpose. Guess what? She was bought to protect my house against recalcitrant students who threatened me in school because they were in for expulsion. So Lubby was a good one. Well. she had to be put down too.

My episodes with dogs are sad. After Lubby, trust me there were at least another 4 to 5 dogs that we kept all because dad said there are too many ladies in the home. The dogs are ladies too ! So dogs are to protect us. In truth this is not so. Poor Allie dreaded the smell of them and yet had to wash them and I could see it was a chore. No, she is no animal lover too. But what all the girls wanted to was to proclaim " we have a dog"... and has nothing to do with them after that; no cleaning, no looking after them and so on. Not that I am any better, but at least I had to fork out a lot of money to buy "DOG FOOD" every month. It is not cheap on top of those vet visits.

So, I honestly enjoyed the last couple of years without dogs when the last one was put down. You see, all I remember about dogs are they had to be fed, washed, removed from lice and finally put down. So, what is the point? I know some animal lovers are going to shoot me down. How is it you do not establish a friendship with them? Seriously, I don't know how or see the need to. Well, those are my rantings.

A couple of days ago, another non animal lover in the family had cleverly suggested that the family adopt another dog again. All she did was to bring the puppy to the house simply because little Emily is coming soon. So the 2 babies can play with one another. Looks like a slick arrangement. Again, the girls are always up to all these and they just wash their hands clean. So the 3 older folks in the home now has to put up with their game. The puppy is a month old. The journey is truly long and arduous. Last evening we had to go buy milk powder, baby dog food and put up with the incessant cries throughput the night. A new home is strange to him.

Meet the puppy. Even the name has created a fight among them. 

Pablo or Bruno ? Dad wants Bruno but the smart ones think it should be Pablo. I will only say "come here !" Nameless. Don't know what the name is until fully brought to court.

He's a mix. Don't ask me what is it. But I smell hard work and heart ache.

Dad says he must be caged for rest. The puppy whined the whole night. Poor Allie again. Next to her room. 

Fortunately the backdoor neighbour has not moved in.

Dad says leave it to him. He wants it. That is also for not having babies to love. The girls should have more babies and not filling the empty nest with puppies. Dad is a natural with animals. Fishes and dogs but not cats I believe. By the way, the cat in Grace's apartment, I have forgotten the name, will hide herself whenever I am in town. Yes, I just have that aura.

More stories to come.