Monday, January 30, 2006
My ResultsJust checked my results in Student Connect. It was great! Well, basically it's because I didn't have too high expectations on it, plus considering the efforts I put in, I am really satisfied.
A, B+, B, B, B
The efforts I put in was about 20% of what I put in in NUS, but the results were around the same or even slightly better! Well, so what's the reason? Is HKU really much lousier than NUS? Or is it that their grading is much more lenient? The courses are easier? Or maybe i was just pure lucky? Or was I able to study better in a relaxed environment? I seriously have no idea. Maybe, it's a combination of all of the above.
Well, perhaps you can find out yourself if you go to HK for exchange one day. =)
11:53 PM , Reminisced
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Wrapping up my exchange..Time for a closing chapter for my 4 months of Hong Kong University student exchange experiences. Well, many people have been asking me questions about Hong Kong, so I'll probably do it in a FAQ manner?
Is Hong Kong fun?Check out my pictures and my blog, and you'll know. What do you think makes me not want to come back to Singapore?
What do you like most in Hong Kong?Now this is a tough question. I like many things in Hong Kong! I like the friends I've made, locals and other foreign exchange students. I like learning speaking and listening to Cantonese. I like some of the food, such as dim sum and the desserts. I like the freedom I had over there, and all the things that I need to do depending on only myself. I like the convenience of living in my hall located right in the middle of the campus. I like shopping in Hong Kong, especially in Esprit Budget Outlet Store as well as in Mongkok. I like studying for exams, without as much stress as I was studying in NUS. Lastly, I love my other 8 Singaporean friends for being there with me, together we had our fun and pain.
What is different about Hong Kong and Singapore?Basically, the most significant difference is the environment and messy urban planning. Hong Kong is crowded and cramped with tall buildings and people. Old and new buildings can be found side by side. Busy streets with cars and people. On the other hand, Singapore has both tall and not-so-tall buildings, with lots of greenery. They are not cramped together, and old buildings cannot really be found side by side with new buildings. I don't see as many people in Singapore as well. Hong Kong is really - CROWDED! But, that's where all the fun was. During Christmas or New Year countdown, it was like the whole of Hong Kong were out having fun! Haha.
Another thing about the environment is that Hong Kong is really polluted. It is that when I'm there, I start to appreciate how clean Singapore is. If you say that the air in Singapore is getting dirty, come experience Hong Kong or China. The haze level is always in the danger level. You can hardly see buildings and mountains clearly. How unhealthy, but I survived. It's ain't a big deal I guess after some adaptation.
There were many police in Hong Kong as well. You know, when you watch those HK serials, some guy running away from triads will bump onto a policeman. Well, we will always say that was a coincidence, and can only be seen on TV. However, I beg to differ because policemen are really on HK streets all the time! You get to see them walking on the streets patroling. Unlike in Singapore, you hardly see any policemen patroling on the streets. So we actually feel quite safe in HK.
Living expenses is actually higher in Hong Kong. The transport is expensive, the food is costly, likewise for accommodation. Shopping ain't any much cheaper unless you are able to locate the budget shops or the factory outlets. You can ask me, cos I am quite aware of where to get the cheaper stuff - food to clothings, models to CDs.
Many places in Hong Kong are air conditioned. In fact, I hardly manage to find a place without air conditioned, especially food centres. In Hong Kong, all the restaurants or canteens in schools have air conditioned facilities.
The night life is indeed happening. The people sleeps really late, and wakes up late as well. At least I'm talking about the people in my hall. They sleeps at 5-6am in the morning, and wakes up around 12-1pm. Sometimes, they hardly sleep at all. The hall life and culture is happening, and they play so much, they hardly sleep. Probably like 2-3 hours each day? Madness! In addition, the shopping centres in Mong Kok closes after 11pm, and not to mention Lan Kwai Fong - the place to pub and club.
Oh yes, how can I forgot to talk about the numerous number of stairs and slopes we have to walk everyday? In Singapore, it's flat land, with escalators and elevators. However, in Hong Kong, you have to depend on your legs. There is usually escalators up but not down; sometimes you can't even find escalators. Well, the transport system also works in a way such that it makes short rides really expensive and not value for money. Therefore, we tend to walk short distances, such as one or two MTR stations.
Also, in the trains, the name of the station is announced in 3 languages. Cantonese, English and Mandarin. For instance, they will announce: "The next station: Causeway Bay. Doors on the left will open." in the 3 languages. This made me wonder why Singapore ain't doing it because it has 4 races! And they only announce it in one language - English. Even when I went Taipei, they announced it in 4 languages - Mandarin, Hakka, Hokkien and English.
Hong Kong is much better off than Singapore? Because I see many branded cars such as Lexus, Benz, BMW, Rolls Royce, Ferrari etc. In Singapore, I always see Honda, Toyota, Hyundai. How boring.
Another thing is that HK is more liberal than Singapore is, though it is nearer to China. Haha. Well, in all the CDs/VCDs shops, including HMV, sells pornographic VCDs! They didn't hide it, but display them together with all the rest of the CDs! What's worse, I can find both heterosexual pornography, and homosexual pornography! Madness! Anybody can buy it! Hmmz, their magazines as well, are always full of such kinda things.. Talk about being influenced by Confucianism huh..
What is different about Singaporean guys and Hong Kong guys? (One of the popular qsn always asked)Guys in Singapore went through NS, but not those in Hong Kong. Therefore I find the guys in Singapore more manly. Well, this is a general personal opinion. Since Hong Kong guys ain't as manly, there are naturally more sensitive. So this depends on what you want - a manly guy, or a sensitive one?
So who are more good looking? (Another popular qsn) Well, in Hong Kong, some of them are really good looking as they have nice features - deep set eyes, high nose, nicely styled hair etc. But generally, they are ok. In Singapore, it all depends on their height, their dressing, their bod etc because Singaporeans do not really have nice features. So, I will say each has its own beauty.
What is different about Singaporean girls and Hong Kong girls? (A qsn all guys are interested in)Similarly, some of the girls are really pretty because they have nicer features than those in Singapore. Many of them are also more willing to put in effort to doll up themselves. However, I still do not get their dress sense, especially the black stockings and the layered dressing. For them, it is nice, but for us, it is not. Not criticising them though, but it is just a matter of different culture. Don't really know how to appreciate. Likewise, each has its own beauty. =)
What is different about the education system?This is a question most lecturers or education professionals like to ask. Basically, they are quite similar. I think both are equally stressful because all the modules I took in HKU are S/U (Pass/Fail), therefore I only need to get a C and thus not as stressful as when I was in NUS. In NUS, I need to aim for good results in order to pull up my CAPS/GPA. Another thing is that it is easier to prefer for the exams in HKU because firstly, the lecturers gave tips. Secondly, the exam questions are more or less the same. Therefore, all you have to do is to refer to the past year papers, and you can prepare for your exams. However in NUS, at least from my experience, I seldom receive tips, and the exam questions may differ.
The lectures are conducted in English. However, the tutorials may be conducted in Cantonese because it is more efficient to do so. Therefore, what they do is to separate exchange students and the locals into two different classes for tutorials. The one with exchange students will be conducted in English while the other will be conducted in Cantonese. It is more efficient for them to hold their discussions in a language which they are all familiar and good with. Most Hong Kong people can't really speak good English. They can write well though, except for some grammar mistakes here and there. For those who went to International Schools, they can speak and write good English, even better than some Singaporeans. Therefore, it is not necessarily true to say that we feel less competition because we can speak better English. For presentation, probably so but for essays and exams, they can write as well as us.
Generally, the education system is quite good. I have heard that The University of Hong Kong is the best university in Hong Kong. I especially like the part where they hold seminars outside the library for all to attend. Seminars on current issues such as WTO. Other than focusing on academic areas, the school is also concern about sports and other activities. Somehow I felt that Hong Kong has more ongoing activities than in Singapore? That's what I feel, but not really sure whether that's true or not. Because I might be more free to participate in the activities.
In the lectures, guest lecturers from all fields are often invited to give lectures in the class. I think this is a very good way to keep the course interesting. Seriously, somehow I think that the guest lecturers are more interesting than the lecturers itself. Haha.
Oh, another thing is that in the lecturer hall, there are notices saying that students are not allowed to reserve seats. Well, in Singapore they didn't say anything about reserving seats or whatsoever. Everybody does it. In HK, it's almost the same. I still see people reserving their seats though.
The End..That's about all on my exchange experiences. A really fruitful trip I'll never forget. Therefore, if you have the opportunity, and together with financial ability, PLEASE GO for an exchange! It will be the greatest experience you will never forget. If you want to know whether you have the finance ability to go or not, well, I had spent around SGD5600++. I think I spent the least because my friends had spent around SGD6k-7k. That's about what's expected of you. These amount of money includes traveling to nearby places. For me, it includes traveling to Shenzhen, Macau, Taipei and Guilin, and also all the air tickets and accommodation. Basically, it includes everything - from groceries, meals, housekeeping items, shopping, playing and traveling. It's ain't too much I guess. That's because it's Hong Kong. If it's the States, I'm sure it's higher than that. Probably around 9k. Wow, that's alot.
An unforgettable experience I'll cherish forever.
I love Hong Kong, and my friends whom I went there together with.
And here, I close the book on exchangexperiences.
Signing off,
Elise
10:43 PM , Reminisced
Thursday, January 05, 2006
5th Jan - Back in SingaporeFinally arrived in Singapore @ 3pm. Was suppose to arrive at 2.50pm, but all thanks to the 5 of us. We were late, and the flight has to wait for us. *oops*
Well, had a really tiring morning, trying to move all the luggages we had. All of us had at least 4 luggages and bags with us. Overloaded! Had lotsa difficulty moving the luggages from our hall to the bus stop, and from the bus to the airport. But we made it. Yes!
It does feels good to be back home. Went to HK empty, and came back full, with no regrets. I am satisfied. I am happy to be back home. Of course, I'll miss Hong Kong.
But, I still love my home, where my parents, friends and local delights are! I miss Singapore food! Here I come!
10:30 PM , Reminisced
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Ready, I'm not.Room in a total mess. Things everywhere over the room. Doing my packing, getting all ready to go back to Singapore.
What a statement. Nope I am not ready. I don't even feel like going back! Yes, I pine for everything in Singapore, but I have an even stronger urge to stay in HK! It had become my 2nd home..
Luggage overloaded. Not surprised. Had to pack a big box of things to send by ship back to Singapore, estimated arriving one month later. Sigh...
Had been meeting up with my Hong Kong friends for the past two days. They gave me farewell dinner. How sweet, how nice. I will miss them so much after I leave..
Traveling around in Hong Kong alone for the past two days too. Watching all the cars, the buildings, the people, my mood sank. I really do not want to leave HK...
Well, I guess this is something that all the exchange students have to go through. I always hear them saying that they do not wish to return to Singapore. Now I finally experienced it, and understood how they felt that time.
Sighz.
I will miss you, Hong Kong..
1:21 PM , Reminisced
Monday, January 02, 2006
26th Dec to 1st Jan - Guilin trip(Photos coming soon..)
Had my first train experience to Guilin. A long train trip from Shenzhen to Guilin took us 15 hours. Departed at 6pm in Shenzhen, and arrived safely in Guilin around 10am. What did the four of us - me, Peiyun, Kianyong and Kerk did? Well, we brought our cards, and played Daidee and bluff. Chit chatted and talked some nonsense, and went to sleep. We were one of the noisiest people on board. Why? Because playing cards with Peiyun was simply too stunning! She always managed to come out with stuns, stunning us, making us all awake and laughing till we rolled on the ground. Serious! What's worse? The train was so quiet, we had to laugh quietly, and I think there's internal injuries! Haha.
Train ride was good. I managed to sleep on the train. We were on low budget, therefore we chose the cheapest cabin, the cabin with 6 beds. We shared our cabin with two foreigners - a dad and his daughter. They were quite nice. Initially was still worried who our roommies will be. We have to be extra careful in protecting our valuables.
I must really comment on the FIRST thing that happened when we stepped outta the train. Smoke came out from our mouth!! It was THAT cold! It made me excited all over! Haha. However, it was raining whole day long.
Well, after that we made our way to the hostel which we booked online. Holding the map, carrying our backpacks, and breathing out smoke, we arrived in our hostel. It's ain't too bad. It's a hostel for backpackers, and I really think it was good enough. We stayed there for 2 nights.
We spent most of our time in Guilin sightseeing. Of course, looking at all the mountains and the water. As the Guilin's saying goes: 桂林山水甲天下. We went boat rafting and boat riding. Had the famous 桂林米粉 which only cost each of us RMB2! Went to some caves and parks. Checked out the waterfall as well as climbed a short hill to check out Guilin city from above.
A really nice experience. Beautiful sceneries..
We packed our stuff, and moved down to Yangshuo after that. Yangshuo was similar to Guilin, with mountains and water, but it was more of a country and village rather than a city. We stayed in another hostel called Yangshuo Culture House. This hostel was even better than the previous one because it ain't a hostel, it was a home! A home filled with warmth by the couple. Well, the couple actually owned this house, and it is their home. However, they convered a two floors to guest rooms, and there we were, living together with them! They provided us meals as well, and it was like, our daddy and mommy preparing meals for us! When meals were ready, they'll call out to us to go down for dinner. Then they will ask us what time we're waking up the next day, so that they can prepare breakfast for us! How sweet! This hostel is really highly recommended! =)
The best experience in Yangshuo was to cycle for the whole day around the place, passing villages, farmers, plantations, mountains and sea. What a sight! It was a great experience I'll never forget.. Although we cycled for 25km, but we weren't very tired, as it was leisure cycling. Together with all the beautiful sights, we were so overwhelmed we forgot we were suppose to be tired! Haha..
All in all, a really nice experience. I had went to Taiwan - a city, and now to Guilin - a country side. I am so satisfied. These two places are highly recommended! Two different kinds of experience and feeling. Life was never that good. =)
3:47 PM , Reminisced
Monday, December 26, 2005
25th Dec - Christmas in HKSome of the photos we took with the Christmas decorations in HK, including the Santa's Town that is set up in the open field @ Central..
Went to two places to check out how Hong Kong celebrate Christmas. Well, wherever we go, it was like the whole of Hong Kong was there! It was so crowded! However, Hong Kong's police were really good and efficient at crowd control. The people are very organized. Have I ever told you that the people will queue up to enter the train and get up the bus? Unlike in Singapore, everyone crowd around the door when the train or bus arrived..
Went to Tsim Sha Tsui Avenue of Stars for the fireworks and the music performance by the buildings. Yes, not the people, but the buildings. The buildings' lights and laser moved with the rhythm of the music. Amazing huh. And yes, there is fireworks on Christmas! Beautiful. =)
After that we went to Lan Kwai Fong to check out how the people celebrate Christmas. Well, there wasn't a stage or something, so people were moving around aimlessly, waiting for somebody to start counting down. There were cheers and shouts once in a while, and at 12am, people started screaming, and people popped their poppers. We joined in the scream, and at the same time took some photos and videos. Well, it was.. rather.. well.. I will call it cheap thrill. Haha.
Went for supper and headed home. We went to two places to check out the countdown. Well, we probably missed out the most fun part whereby there is a countdown stage being set up with celebrities counting down with the people. We knew where they were, but we decided to give it a miss because it was simply too crowded to get there. The whole of Hong Kong were out celebrating Christmas!
Nevertheless, an experience worth keeping. =)
3:30 PM , Reminisced
Friday, December 23, 2005
23rd Dec - Lantau Island
Went to Lantau Island with Kerk and Ali today. Lantau Island is famous for its Big Buddha, monastry and nice views of mountain and sea. Well, witnessed all of these today, and the Big Buddha is indeed huge. I am probably only the size of a finger!
We did a little more by exploring Lantau Island. Did a little bit of walking through the forest, and hiking up the mountain. And it was worth it, cos the view from the mountain was breathtaking!
There was also this Wisdom Path.. I wonder what it symbolises.. Probably those who walked through it will gain more wisdom? We certainly hope so! Haha..
After a long and tiring yet worthwhile trip, we made our way back to Weilun Hall, because the great chef is gonna cook us dinner! Loved his sweet and sour fish!
We will definitely miss Ali. Can't wait for him to come to Singapore next year! Take care Ali, and all the best in whatever you do. =)
11:59 PM , Reminisced
Thursday, December 22, 2005
Christmas Greetings from HKUReceived an electronic Christmas card from HKU Student Affairs. It is a flash, and I think it is really funny, because, the building in the picture is the main building of HKU, there's snow (ever since when HK snows?), there's nice winter trees beside the main building (I thought there's only tropical trees there!?). Well, the power of photoshop! Haha..
Nevertheless, it is really sweet. =)
This is it, the Christmas card, with a Christmas song..
HKU Christmas CardAnother card received from the vice-chancellor of HKU.
GreetingsHow interesting. NUS don't receive such things do we?
12:31 PM , Reminisced
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
19th Dec - End of exams!Finally, I finished all my papers! Had exams on the 16th, 17th and 19th. All went well. =)
Generally, I find that exams in HKU are quite easy to predict. Their past year papers questions are all similar! And the tips some of the lecturers gave were quite obvious. Unlike in NUS, there ain't any tips. At least for the modules I took.
However, I still have one more essay to write, due on the 23rd. But of course, I am going to play first! Need a break.
I really dislike exams. -_-
1:15 AM , Reminisced
Sunday, December 18, 2005
11th -18th Dec - WTO DemonstrationWTO meetings held in Hong Kong, and of course as usual, WTO demonstration for the whole week.
I went to the first demonstration on the 11th December, and these were what I captured..
It was a peaceful demonstrations, with only around 3000 demonstrators walking from Victoria Park in Causeway Bay to Central. It was a long stretch of road on Hong Kong Island, and the whole stretch of road was closed for it.
As I had to study for my examinations, I did not check out the rest of the demonstrations. Apparently I had missed out alot, with all the violence that took place, it must have been an eye-opener! Some photos my friends took while witnessing all the violence...
Well, HK police actually handled the whole event quite well. Hong Kong was well known to be good in crowd control, since it has such a huge population with limited land. The worse violence took place on 17th Dec (Saturday). It was reported that it was HK's worse violence in a decade. Watched it on the news, and it looked really scary. One my friend took part in it, and was arrested together with the Koreans to the police station! Well, yeah, mainly Koreans were doing the violent protesting... They jumped into the sea on a day when it's only 17 degrees C, they shaved their hairs, burned coffin and threw at the police, took weapons and attacked the police etc etc. It was really an eye-opener...
Photos of the Koreans in the sea, with the police coast guards surrounding them. Photos of the Koreans burning the coffin and throwing it towards the police, and Korean farmers shaving their hairs..Some photos which we didnt managed to take, but I got it from the newspaper South China Morning Post websites...
Photos of the protestors attacking the police, and the police returning them with pepper spray..Some thoughts after the WTO meetings and protest:
Being here personally in HK, I experienced the whole week of WTO happenings, including the meetings, the protest, the violence and stuff. I even personally witnessed the demonstrations, seeing all the people crying out "Down WTO. NO! NO! NO!" It does have a certain extent of impact on me. It strikes my interest in world's events, how the states handle such problems, mishandled free trade, and of course the negative impacts on the farmers and agricultural growers. I think we are really fortunate to not have to worry about basic neccessities that they themselves are worrying about. Yes, they may be violent, but I am sure they were driven by desperation. With all the debts they owed and with exploitation by developed countries, it must be really hard for them to survive and cope in their society. By protesting, it is probably the only way for them to voice out how they really feel and what they really want. Though I think they may have gone overboard, but nevertheless, my sympathy goes out to them. Comparatively, I am so much more fortunate.
7:21 PM , Reminisced
17th Dec - Xmas Gathering Dinner @ Hard Rock CafeAfter so long, the 9 of us finally had a chance to go out for a really nice dinner! It was an advance Christmas dinner because our dearest Huitong had to leave Hong Kong on the 21st! Though most of us are still having our exams, but all of us turned up for the dinner, and enjoyed our time @ Hard Rock Cafe to the max!
Well, beforehand, we had drew lots to pick our angels. Played the Angel and Mortal game. So we bought our angels a Christmas gift, and exchanged it. It was fun exchanging gifts!
Linn prepared some Christmas cards for us to write for each other. So I have a Christmas card with comments and greetings from 8 others. Being so nice and sweet like Linn, Phoebe prepared a gift for every one of us! A developed photo with a small little cute snowman attached to the photo! Everyone received a different photo because each of us looked nice in different photos. A personalised gift! Well, our Jonathan gave us a surprise as well. He personalised poems for all of us! I must say he is really good in language. All of us received a different personalised poem. For mine it goes...
Disaster strikes the day I arrive,Meeting the girl with big scary eyes. Her name is Elise, Also known to be hard to please. Choosing a gift for her, Took me almost forever. Living with her but a few floors down, Meeting her in the lift would cease a frown. Cantonese she speaks fast and furious, VCDs she has, and thankfully generous. It was a pleasure knowing her, But bye for now, as I stay another semester.Cool huh? He was my angel, gaveme a Body Shop strawberry body soap. Phoebe was my mortal, and I got her a small bottle of Dior Addict perfume. Our budget was HKD50.
Hard Rock Cafe was quite cool too. The rock band came at 10pm, and rocked the house! So many people were celebrating their birthday. How sweet. The food was alright. Had pig's sandwich, which was quite average. We took lotsa of photos together, cos we know after tonight, it will be hard for all 9 of us to get together again. Huitong leaves early, and Jon and Wanling are gonna stay for another semester.. Sighz.
I really hope we can continue to stay close, and remain good friends in future! Really.. friends are hard to find. I hope we can all cherish these God-given friendship! =)
3:35 AM , Reminisced
Thursday, December 15, 2005
15th Dec - Project rushingWhen I first came over to Hong Kong, there was this Student Cultural Exchange Programme for exchange students. Still remembered there was this skit, whereby they showed how the locals always finishes their work last minute. For instance, they were suppose to submit their work by 5pm, and they are usually still typing at 445pm, and only printed out and rushed to submit their work at 4.55pm. How last minute huh. We were warned before hand, so that there will not be cultural shock.
I finally experienced this kinda of 'shock'. My group which comprised of 3 locals and me, had managed to finish our final project in the last minute! We were suppose to submit at 1pm, and we were still typing at 1250pm! I couldn't believe it. Well, I wasn't that anxious because afterall, I am an exchange student. My grades ain't as important as their grades. Well, all I can say is, it was indeed exciting and thrilling to run from the computer lab to the department to submit our paper! An afternoon run probably. Haha..
But I'm glad its over. I still like my groupmates. Though they discuss the project in Cantonese, they are still sensitive to my needs, and will translate for me if I don't understand. I don't mind them discussing in Cantonese cos it is more efficient, and at the same time I can learn some Cantonese too. They are very willing to teach me Cantonese, though they often laugh at me. Haha. I like them. They are really nice. =)
3:41 PM , Reminisced
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
13th Dec - A dinner for me, cooked with love!My dearest roommie cooked dinner for me tonight! 爱心晚餐！
Macaroni with black pepper sausage and egg, in cream of chicken! Well, I've never tried it with cream of chicken before, but it taste pretty nice!
Happy and touched. 谢谢你墨墨！
She has always been like an elder sister to me, always watching out for me whenever we go out, nagging at me for sleeping late and now she even cooks for me! =)
I think I am really fortunate to have people cook for me. I remembered the first time was Phoebe. She cooked some simple pasta and that was my first home-cooked meal in HK. I did help her, but not much. Second, Tomek made some Mexican dish for me. It was really nice too. Then Phoebe cooked some dessert and kept a bowl for me when I wasn't in! And now, Grace cooked dinner for me! Oh man.. so very fortunate.. =)
7:22 PM , Reminisced
Monday, December 05, 2005
5th Dec - DisneylandFinally! To Hong Kong Disneyland! Well, this is the first Disneyland I had been to, and it wasn't really fascinating. It was really small! Nevertheless, it was a fun-filled day. Oh, it was exceptionally cold today too! But it made the atmosphere even more Christmas and fantasy-like!
Even the MTR to Sunny Bay had Disneyland concept! Look at the Mickey window!
Basically, Disneyland was small, so we could have completed it within a day. However, we couldn't complete it within a day, with the huge crowd there...
Took many photos with the cute little cheeky characters! Had to queue up for them, so we missed quite alot of characters cos we did not have the time to queue up for it..
Took and visited some nice rides and attractions, and my favorites rides were the thrill ride in Space Mountain and the 3D attraction called Mickey's Philar Magic. The thrill ride was really thrilling considering it was an indoor ride, and the 3D movie was superb!! It was really interactive! For instance, during the movie, there was this Donald Duck flying in the air with Peter Pan, and we actually feel the wind blowing on us! And there's another scene of splashing water, and REAL water actually splashed on us! How interactive can it get huh?
There was this parade down U.S.A street. Quite interesting..
We actually missed quite alot of attractions because the queues were simply too long. If we want to go for this, we had to forgo that. Well, opportunity cost has to be incurred I guess.
Some other nice photos we took in Disneyland..
That's a day version and night version of Sleeping Beauty Castle. The other one was Tarzan's treehouse!Disneyland created a Christmas atmosphere, and Christmas songs were played in the whole of Disneyland. There was this huge Christmas tree in the middle of U.S.A street, and at 6pm, there was a Christmas tree lighting up ceremony! It was quite nice, with some artificial snow after the lighting up of Christmas tree. The artificial snow was a disappointment I must say. Haha..
At 8pm, there were fireworks just behind Sleeping Beauty Castle! The fireworks were superb, as they danced with the rhythms of Disney songs!
Gotten myself some nice souvenirs, and left Disneyland around 9+pm. It was freezing cold at Disneyland by that time. The first night of cold felt in Hong Kong. Nevertheless, a really fun-filled day of fantasy. =)
Really hate to get back to reality.
11:21 PM , Reminisced
Friday, December 02, 2005
2nd Dec - Shamisen Ensemble and Violin ConcertWent for a Shamisen Ensemble and Violin Concert in Hong Kong Cutural Centre Concert Hall @ Tsim Sha Tsui with Huitong. Had to wear slightly more formal than usual, because afterall, it's a formal concert. We managed to get the tickets of HKD150 at only HKD20 at student price. Cool.
The concert is performed by two main performers - Imafuji Choujyuro and Nishizaki Takako, as well as many others, mostly Japanese and some Caucasians. Got to know more about the Japanese instruments, including Shamisen. Especially liked the violin performance! Well, more close-to-heart I guess, since I play the piano.
A musical night fulfilled. Satisfied. =)
11:51 PM , Reminisced
Monday, November 28, 2005
27th Nov - MacauMade a trip to Macau today. It's quite costly to travel to and fro Macau - around HKD300. The trip today wasn't really fruitful, because we didn't manage to visit many places. Reached there a little too late, and it wasn't easy to find the places. Their urban planning a little messy I feel.
The things worth mentioning is the Portugese lunch we had, the Portugese egg tart we had, the ruins of St Paul's Church that we visited, and the Casino which we went in to try our luck.
Well, why all the Portugese? If you do not know, Macau is administered by Portugal till 1999. Sovereignty over Macau was transferred to the People's Republic of China in 1999, and it is now a Special Administrative Region of the PRC.
Their official language is Portugese, Cantonese and English. However, I only hear Cantonese all the time today. Haha..
The different things in Macau are the buildings. Low rise, with different colors being built, pathways are made up of small tiles etc...
Bought some food and postcards too.
Anyway, tried our luck in the casino. Well, it's just for fun. I won HKD20 though. I guess I am the only person who won. Well, I played very little, whereas my friends betted quite alot.
I think I might want to go back there again. Didn't manage to travel much today. It's quite nice - relaxing, and nostalgic. =)
2:31 AM , Reminisced
Saturday, November 26, 2005
Cards and lettersWoke up by a call from the lobby this morning. A registered article for me! The best news and sweetest thing to hear in the morning. Made my day!
A
hand-made card, and a letter written in a hilarious way. She had said it was childish, but I find it really cute, with all the cartoons she draw, I couldn't stop laughing!
Thanks
wei =)This was my 2nd mail received. The first one was a magnetic card with 2-full pages worth of words! Of course, knowing that I'm an animal lover, the cover page was a cute kitten!
Thanks
nic =)
It is nice to know that there are friends whom are spiritually with me while I'm in a different country. It is heartwarming to know that they are missing me, and couldn't wait for me to return.
What's best? My blessing to know these friends. They are gifts from God!
I love all of you guys!
12:58 PM , Reminisced
Friday, November 25, 2005
25th Nov - Jamming SessionThe best thing about Swire Hall is that it has its own music room, with a full drum set, a piano, guitar, and microphone! So all we had to do is bring our guitar, and there we can form a band!
Kian Yong (阿宋) - Guitarist
Elise (小婷) - Pianist
Huitong (阿惠) - Drummer
Roy (Boon) - Lead Singer
Peiyun (小云）- Back up Singer
(Go to view>Encoding Language>Unicode if you can't view the Chinese characters)
Ah Song (kianyong) & Xiao Ting (me) in action!
Ah Hui (huitong) in action!
This is way too cool! We spent more than 3 hours in the music room, jamming. Playing what we are good at, and also learning what we are bad at! Well, all of us were probably a little shy at the beginning. However, later on we got more and more high, especially for the song - I Will Survive.
Enjoyed my first jamming session. In HK. =)
And I especially like 'I Will Survive' now. =)
11:57 PM , Reminisced
24th Nov - Happening DayIt is Thanksgiving today. It is also Tomek's birthday. It is also a happening day for the Singaporean exchange students. =)
The weekend is near, all mood for partying is up. Skipped lecture in the afternoon to go shopping @ Kwun Tong Factory Outlet. Bought a top and a Nike Jacket. Really saved alot because they are found in Factory Outlet.
Came back hall, rested for an hour, before we set off for Lan Kwai Fong again. A night of partying @ Edge. Although Edge plays R&B, the DJ couldn't really make it. The nice songs are usually in the background, and if they are the main song, they are really short. Boring!!
Partied @ Lan Kwai Fong for around 3 hours plus, before we set off for Sai Wan for 'zou char'. Meaning, dim sum in the morning at 3am! Well, many of us weren't really in the mood for dim sum. We just wana experience the feeling of 'yum zou char' that many Honkies do. We experienced it, and it's not too bad afterall. =)
Reached home in the morning, and to my surprise, my roommie's still awake! She had decided to study for the night. Good for her. I went to bathe, and went to sleep after awhile. Couldn't really sleep because I was so bloated, and my indigestion problem started again. Sighz..
As expected, I skipped all my lessons today. So my Friday actually felt like a Saturday. Well, I won't have much chance to skip lessons again when I return to NUS. So... well..
I spent most of my time sleeping today. Though I skipped lessons, I still did a little work. In a place where there's nobody to control and conduct you, you just got to be discipline I guess. =)
Gonna go prepare for the jamming session later. I am really looking forward to it. Music - MY LIFE!
5:59 PM , Reminisced
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
23rd Nov - A visit to HK Marine Police HeadquarterMe and KY, together with 4 mainland students, went to HK Marine Police Regional Headquarter and Marine Police Harbour Division. It was an interesting and nice trip, because I managed to get on board one of the huge ship, and the police officers are really nice and friendly!!
Got to know a little how police system in HK works, what the marine police do, and also a little history about the marine police in HK. THey ain't navy you know. They are purely marine police. 水警
A smaller boat - POLICE93. There will usually be two flags on the boat. One in front, one at the back. The one in front is a flag of HK marine police, while the one at the back is the flag of HK. Smaller boats can travel faster.
I got on board the big ship - PL3. The photo is taken on the ship with a police officer! Haha.. Couldn't see his blue uniform because he's wearing a Police Windbreaker (cos weather is cold).
I also took a photo with the huge anchor, which is almost as tall as me! Haha..
A really interesting trip. A 'full' trip too because the lunch they provided us was really a feast!
The people are really very very nice. Friendly, approachable, and even crappy! Haha..
You know what, I've yet to visit Singapore's coastguard headquarter..
9:07 PM , Reminisced
Sunday, November 20, 2005
20th Nov - Lamma IslandWent to Lamma Island today. There's nothing much on Lamma Island, except for mountains, sea, and beach. That's what we are there for. Lamma Island - Nature Scenic Island..
Oh yes, not forgetting the seafood too! But it is kinda ex, thus we didnt take our dinner there. Had our dinner in a Chinese restaurant down Westwood area. Went for steamboat buffet! $86 per person. =) It is indeed a good feeling to take steamboat in such a cold weather! It's at this time when you really appreciate hotpot!
These are some of the photos featuring beautiful sunset views on Lamma Island. =)
And that's a photo of me in the Chinese restaurant, holding on to LIVE prawns. Yes, the prawns looked dead because they are being 'sticked' through, but yet, they are still alive! Their legs are still kicking! Gross.. But I still eat them, cos they are really fresh! That's Ben behind, dumping the food into the hotpot. Well, I have to mention him because with the free flow of beer they offer there, he got really high!
Had a happy day with 2 locals, Patrick and Ben. I will miss them when I return. =)
11:51 PM , Reminisced
Saturday, November 19, 2005
19th Nov - A freezing cold nightHK's weather is changing. The temperature these few days actually drop below 20 degrees celsius. Tonight was the worse! It was 17 degrees celsius! Freezing!
Well, not exactly freezing, but I wasn't prepared for it. Was out for a movie - Oliver Twist, and the cinema itself was already quite cold, and when I stepped out of the cinema, I was attacked by the chilling wind, and there I was, shivering and trembling! Tomek and I had to get indoors asap! Haha. Even he couldn't take the chill. He's from Poland, and at around 20 degrees, he could still go out in T-shirt and shorts, while we had to put on a jacket and wear pants. Haha..
By the way, Oliver Twist is really nice! It's about the story of an orphan boy, how he was being ill-treated by families that adopted him, and how he eventually landed up in a family of thieves. Or rather, pickpockets. He learned the skills and there he became a pick pocket. The story goes on... Very very nice show. =) Wonder when will it go to Singapore, then you guys can catch it!
11:32 PM , Reminisced
Friday, November 18, 2005
Ali's Pakistan TripAli finally came back from Pakistan after 3 weeks. He joined Hussaini Relief, an NGO that is there to help the affected areas and families by providing rations and shelters. He was there to witness it all.. Please check out this powerpoint slides - a product by Ali Manek..
http://www.hussainirelief.org/ali/ali2.ppsIf you are interested, this is his story...
November 5, 2005
What am I suppose to say? How can I describe what has happened? It's impossible! I'm here and I can't understand what is going on, so how can I be expected to make you understand? How could something likethis happen? How are these people still smiling? How do they not see what I see? In reality, it is me who can't see what they see life and a second chance at it for most of the people I have met.
I've had to walk away from people with tears in my eyes at just the thought that in 35 seconds, they lost everything they had. What would I do if I woke up in the morning and my two sisters were dead? If I had to watch my father run into my house to save my mother only to have the roof cave in on the two of them claiming both their lives? What would I do if I was an orphan today?
I can't explain to you the devastation that I have witnessed. How spiritually motivating this mission has been as I've seen families who despite losing everything they had, still giving thanks to God at every opportunity. And having nothing, they still offer me something to drink, something to eat, and a place to stay.
My flight was 9 hours from Hong Kong.. Before leaving I got a phonecall from someone at the Consulate General's office in HK letting me know that I would have to pay for any overweight baggage or send it free of charge to the President Relief Fund. I decided to pay so that I knew where everything was being distributed. Believe me it's paid off.
I had some trouble getting into Pakistan. I was held at the Pakistan Immigration office for 4 hours and they wouldn't let me make a phonecall. I was being picked up by someone named Coronal Naqvi who has been working with a relief group. But I had no idea who he was orwhat group. Anyways, it wound up that "Coronal" means that he's inthe army so finally when I was allowed to make a phone call, he quickly sent a soldier that was already on duty in the Airport to getme. It took all of 5 minutes for the 4 hours of waiting to be cleared up. (Note: It's very important to know someone in the Army in Pakistan!)
I spent my first few days in Islamabad. Working in refugee camps where the mood is quite pleasant believe it or not. Despite overcrowed tents and lack of washrooms, the people were very nice. Theorganization that I have joined is called Hussaini Relief. I met all the organizers in the morning that I arrived. They made me feel very comfortable and started asking about what I want to do and where Iwant to go. I was thrilled that they were more interested in making sure that I was in control of everything I am going to do here and they are most interested in helping me achieve my goals.
I visited Mansara first and some of the villages in the mountains nearby. It was unbelievable to see how families were living. All the members of the family (11) were sleeping with cardboard over their head, in two beds. I was quick to offer them one of the tents I had with me and they were very happy.
I better tell you about Hussaini Relief. Basically, they are providing ration to a number of families in rural areas. Islamabad is the headquarters and they have sub-offices in Mansara, Muzaffarabad, and Bagh. Each of these offices has distribution centers along theroutes in their respected areas. Basically, all donations and supplies come to the University Campus in Islamabad where volunteers organize everything and store them into the unused classrooms. Then when requests are made by the sub-offices, Islamabad sends out truckloads of supplies. Also, in Islamabad and Muzaffarabad, HussainiRelief has set up tent villages to house people for the winter months. They are also working on economic development in the affected areas so that when people can go back after winter, they will have a job again. And they are focusing on the reopening of schools and orphanages in affected areas and the opening of new schools in the tent villages. They have all been very open with me, showing me the account info, allowing me to help with the website, etc. I have beenworking on slideshows using the 500 photos I've already taken. Theyare really specific to make sure that the money donated is used the right way. So no money is used for volunteer's expenses. Money has to be donated for that specific area for volunteers to use it. Since that doesn't happen all that much, we eat very sparsely. Islamabad has it the best since we have this University office that has beendonated to us for relief efforts. They have a washroom, electricity,running water, and it's not too cold. All the other places don't have these kinds of luxuries. But mind you, we have to take cold bucketshowers. Yesterday the electricity went out while I was in the showerstall. Can you imagine taking a cold bucket shower in pitch black darkness?
So I just got back from Muzaffarabad where I spent my last 5 days. I traveled in Jhelum Valley stopping over at a number of different villages and cities: Ghuri Dupatta, Hatian Bala, Kucha Syeden, and we walked to Chinari and Chakothi where the roads are still closed because of landslides. After 20KM of walking, we were about 12KM awayfrom the Line of Control. I'm going to go there next week and try tocross into India. Always wanted to go to India. Now that I have a Pakistani stamp in my passport, I'll never get an Indian visa, so I'm going to have to try to sneak myself in (I'm kidding!)
I came to Muzaffarabad on a shipment truck and had to sit on the roof of the truck as we drove. Although it was cold, I enjoyed it. Oh and I've been drinking bottled water, but today I found out that theworkers here are just refilling them with tap water. And I lost my journal somewhere (they think the police stole it from me to see whatI had been writing). I got quite sick so I went to a chemist and got him to give me some pills. I didn't know you don't need a prescription for anything here. I wound up taking these anti-biotic's(that I thought were vitamins) on an empty stomach and throwing up for two days straight! I'm not taking anymore pills anymore.
Anyways, Muzaffarabad was horrific. I couldn't believe was I was seeing. There's nothing left here. If it hasn't fallen down, it's been damaged far too much to be used again. Everything is destroyed. Shopkeepers have started reopening their stores on the streets outside of where their store used to be. The Hussaini Relief office is in a half-destroyed collage that is the size of a small 2-story house (even though it used to be 4-stories three weeks ago.) with no electricity or running water.
For the rest of the time I was moving along the Valley staying in Tent Villages with the locals and helping out wherever I could. I really don't know what to say. It's so hard to try to make myself understand what is going on here. It looks like a bomb blasted and destroyed everything. Except everywhere you look, no matter how far you try togo, you see complete destruction. No bomb could have done this.
The people speak in such a kind, gentle voice. But when you look into their eyes, you know that they are preparing for their own death in the coming months. Some have even admitted this to me. With the winter months so bitterly cold with so much snow, these shelter-less communities will not survive. Some have migrated to Islamabad and other warmer cities. But with 3 million people in the same situation, these tent villages in other cities will not suffice. So many people are stuck and completely helpless. Some injured people, especially women, in the high mountain villages can't leave because of their injuries usually fractures, etc. But the injuries are not serious enough for the UN or Red Cross to fly them to a hospital. So they are left in the mountains to die.
Some families have received tents from the government and army. I slept in them and they are just fabric. Not at all waterproof. And freezing cold at night. I've got quite sick after only 5 days in the Valley and it's not even winter. The villagers main concern is the children as it's likely that they won't make it through the winter months.
Other families have started building their own sheds from materials from their homes. They are equally as cold as it's just made from tin, but more waterproof. But water, especially when it rains, does come pouring in.
Food stocks are very limited. Hussaini Relief is doing as much as they can to get everything to these areas as quickly as possible however, there's not much left in Islamabad to send. The big problem is that in one or two weeks, heavy rain season will start in the Jhelum Valley which will cause more landslides, and routes that are open right now, will soon be closed again.
The government is moving slowly. President Musharaff said that thousands of tones of supplies had been sent to Pakistan and is being distributed. We see American Army trucks and soldiers driving around everywhere. But people are not getting help. Where are the supplies?And what are are the American's doing driving around? So much of thearmy is concerned with clearing up the road to the Line of Control[Indian Border] for security, military purposes that so many people are being ignored. I got a report from a about a military Coronal in Islamabad who sent one full helicopter of goods to ONE house! (hisbrother) The rest of the village has nothing. In some of the IndianRefugee camps in Kashmir established in 1990, the Army has given each family one blanket. Each family - One blanket. Not a single tent for over 500 Refugees in a mountain village that was 100% destroyed.
Today is Eid. I spent my day at the Hussaini Relief Refugee Camp in Islamabad. We have a small area in the Camp with about 200 tents and 600 families. I was working and taking photos of the kids all day. What a crappy Eid it must have been for them. No one had any gifts, toys, sweets. Nothing. Barely even an Eid breakfast, lunch, or dinner.Money is the biggest problem so some things have to be sacrificeduntil donations start coming in. I decided to go and buy my own toysfor the kids and headed out with a truck to the shopping area. But it's Eid in a Muslim country so to no one's surprise, I came back empty handed as everything was closed. I'm going to go tomorrow instead. There is also an Orphanage that Hussaini Relief is supporting so I'm taking some toys there as well. I've ordered about $500-600 dollars worth of toys and sports equipment. So please keep trying to raise money for me here.
I've realized that there is little that I can do now other then to learn, help out as much as I can, and spread the message to you. Maybe you can give a little bit more? I mean, $20 dollars gets a lot in Pakistan. It's a developing country after all. They just need a little bit of help. That's it.
I want to share some of my photos with you¡K Please take a look at the slideshow that I have made for Hussaini Relief
http://www.hussainirelief.org/ali/ali2.pps
Peace be on you,
Ali-Asgar son of Jaffer Manek
You can send money in a number of ways. You can donate via credit card on http://www.paypal.com. My email address is: amanek@uwo.ca to send money.
You can send money directly to my house in Canada, and my parents will deposit it into my account:
Ali Manek
66 Carl Cres
Scarborough, ON
M1W 3R2
Or an online email transfer which is likely the easiest. Or visit http://www.hussainirelief.org to deposit straight into their accounts.
6:03 PM , Reminisced
17th Nov - Chilling outBrought a few bottles of beer - Heineken, Carlsburg etc, sat down outside Westwood, and spent our night there. Chatting, laughing, drinking and eating. In the dark night with the cold weather, it is indeed nice to do that. But something is lacking for me - the sea..
Had wanted to go to Lan Kwai Fong again, but because some were broke, some were lazy, and some had things to do, so we settled for Westwood near our campus. Well, it ain't too bad. At least it's healthier, without the loud music and polluted air.
Chatted and laughing away, gorging ourselves with food and beer, and realised time had passed so fast. Before we knew it, it was around 1am. We lingered around longer, before we made our way back in the cold, quiet night...
Realised that so many of us are in a lousy mood. Everyone has their own problems. Well, at least we are there for each other. =)
5:21 PM , Reminisced
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
15th Nov - GymGym, gym and more gym. There is a gym just right below my hall, so there is no excuse for me to be lazy to workout. Now, I go to gym three times a week! I can see my legs muscles coming out soon...
With the huge quantity of unhealthy food I eat here, there is really a need for me to work out. I want to stay healthy and fit!
I love to run...
7:47 PM , Reminisced
Sunday, November 13, 2005
13th Nov - The PeakFinally went to The Peak today! It is a tourist attraction, and is so near HKU campus! To think that I only went there today after being in HK for so long.
Well, there are a few ways to go up to The Peak. By bus, by tram, or simply by walking. Walking up the peak means hiking cos you climbed stairs, and slopes! Well, this hike ain't half as tedious as the one at Sai Kung. However, it was enough to tire us out! 5 minutes of stairs, half an hour of slopes, and finally 20 minutes of flat land before we reach the peak! An hour altogether.
We went up to the rooftop of the shopping centre, and had a nice night view of HK island. Nice beautiful tall buildings, the clouds, and the sea. But because it was so dark, the photos didn't turn out really nice..
I am glad to walk up to The Peak. A good form of exercise. I have been exercising alot over here I realised, as compared to when I was in NUS. I fully made use of the facilities here. I went to the gym, I went swimming, and I went hiking! I am sure that my legs had become stronger! =)
11:49 PM , Reminisced
Saturday, November 12, 2005
11th Nov - 3rd High Table DinnerHaven't been blogging cos I was so busy this week! It was a hell week for me, with 3 presentations. What's worse. I've been even wilder in my busiest week. Went shopping on Monday night, and KTV session on Wednesday morning. I had to work so hard for my presentation after I came back from the KTV session. Lotsa work to be done, and they are finally all completed! As in, for this week. Well, I am so dead tired, but at least there's nothing on my mind now. Weekend is here! I'll only do my work during the weekdays. There's not many weekends left now...
By the way, had my 3rd High Table Dinner. My 3rd, and also my last. This High Table Dinner is Swire's Hall 25th anniversay dinner as well, so there were like more programmes and better food, and it lasted longer (From 7-11pm). It took place in the hall of Main Building, and the dinner was in buffet-style. There were lotsa food, with Jap and Chinese cuisine. The food was great. The best out of the 3 dinners. There were performances such as choir, dance and drama. Games such as Bingo. It was a great night. But I was so dead tired, and it had to last so long. Nevertheless, I enjoyed it. The best out of the 3. =)
This is a photo of Jonathan, Linda, me and Phoebe. Linda is the Taiwanese I was talking about. The nicest lady whom helped me in my Taiwan trip, and also whom made us the 'oneh oneh' dessert! I love her!!
That's a photo of me and my ex-roommate - Connie, and a photo with Sharon. Sharon was disappointed to know this is the last high table dinner that I am attending. Hmmz, I wonder if they'll miss us after we leave? I doubt so. Haha.
4:51 PM , Reminisced
