Rain, Please Come and Stay

My ear presses to the window with my nose feeling the chill from the outside. Despite the fact that the weather changes from day to day, I still love the sound of the rain. It comes and goes, but it is lovely to listen to when I'm trying to sleep. Ah! The melodic sound of rain...so comforting. I came down with some version of the flu and/or fever last week, so I'm finally in the mood to write once more. A few weeks ago, one of my California friends was traveling through Asia with two Americans: Cambodia, India, Japan, Thailand, Hong Kong,and Macau made the warpath. I was surprised to discover just how much shopping they did while in Thailand and a few other destinations. I never knew one could get so much joy out of it. However, we did visit the Night Market while they were here.

The Night Market is apparently a favorite tourist spot, as well as shopping spot for locals. It is located on Temple Street in Kowloon and has everything from Simpsons and Hello Kitty key chains to t-shirts with iron-pressed caricatures of Obama in Republic of China attire. Very odd, but educating, I suppose. I am not certain I want to repeat some of the strange messages I read on this apparel. The shops are spread out like the Orange County swap meet I recall from younger days, where I used to swing by outdoor stalls on a Saturday afternoon sometimes. It was my first time being a tour guide in Hong Kong since I'm still the amateur resident here. Hardly adept at knowing all the best places to visit. I showed my friends a place in the Central District for an evening meal called "Rat Alley", which is just off of the main street of Lan Kwai Fong. We had a bite to eat in Thai fashion, with rice noodles and spring rolls. Afterwards, we had a cocktail at an English pub on Hollywood Road, and took a quick stroll to the top of the LKF Hotel, at Azure, where we can see a grand view of the skyscrapers on the twenty-ninth floor. Azure is a fun spot to see since they have an outdoor patio, and a quiet, Zen-like waterfall. You can stay inside the lounge, if you'd like to relax and have appetizers, but it is mainly a must-see for the vista. It is also quite a nice place to reflect on all things good and bad, when you want some peace and quiet. Not too many people are on the patio at once, and the stair way up to the view shows the beautiful interior design, as well.







Two saturdays ago, I also had the opportunity to see a different side of Hong Kong -- the greenery. A few of us took a cab ride out to Violet Hill to hike The Twins. This was an hour and twenty-minute trek through two hills, overlooking Repulse Bay, and ultimately, Stanley. The trek had many different types of terrain - an even, easy hike with some downhill strides, rocks, and a steep incline at the end to endure. The climax is the "Thousand Steps", which allows you to climb the final Twin. The actual steps number as to 972, but who's counting when you're almost reaching a thousand? I regret to inform my readership that the trek took an hour and forty minutes for my hiking group, most likely on my account. I don't think I've been on a hike in over a year and did have to take a few minutes to catch my breath mid-incline on the 500th step or so. What pride I had when I did finally make it to the top! The vista was so incredible, and the weather was clear for Wintertime in Hong Kong. I could see much of the sea, and the altitude made the air crisp and delightful. I will give myself this much - I still had my humor upon finishing. Someone accurately guessed that I may never have made it, when I finished, sweating onto my glistening, burnished red skin and smiling with one of those childish grins. I joked that there was an excellent plateau after Step No. 972 where I could catch my final stride, huffing and puffing with the cover of many a bush, before turning the corner and saying, "Hey Guys! No sweat. What took you so long? I had to slow down to make sure you all got to the finish line before me."

That makes me a good sport. (haha)



We were all rewarded with the most delicious luncheon in Stanley, when we finally reached ground level once more, from our ascent. Food never tastes so good as after a strenuous hike. There is a quick bus ride one can take into this little seaside town, which also is known for its shopping and I even picked up some tourist-esque postcards to impress my family with - here's a Hong Kong skyline, there's a Hong Kong skyline, everywhere a Hong Kong skyline! A cityscape to decorate your living room with for you and you and you...

Last Sunday I visited a restaurant with special flavors. This restaurant did not use onion, garlic, or meat, in any of its dishes. The place had a buddhist design with feng shui inspired outline and included tables with floor seating. Pure Veggie was the name of the dining experience and there were many leafy green vegetables, as well as chili sauces, roasted eggplant, zucchini and casserole-inspired meal. Yes, there were a few carbohydrates, but mainly lots of veggie-goodness. Oh, you have to try this! My vegetarian friend usually ordered pizza with cheese only and extra chili or received a cucumber roll when we attend a sushi spot. But now I was in his domain! I'm definitely taking all of my American friends here. What a treat!

Besides seeing unique views of the city, I'm also settling in more with my friendships here. The holidays were everything I'd hoped for, being in a strange country. There was lots of joy and fun, with glasses clinking to the tune of holiday music and relationships no longer merely sprouts, but now blossoming buds. One of my friends had a birthday recently and when I called her to wish well, she sent me a message saying how happy she was I lived in Hong Kong. I'm certainly learning a lot about the people, the food, the lifestyle, and what newness this life has in store for me. There's always room for more life in this life.




1 Night Market www.hongkongtravelonline.com/wp-content/upload
2 Jordan - Temple Street http://www.filigallery.com/d/101953-2/HK%2BTemple%2Bstreet-12.JPG&imgrefurl=http://www.filination.com/blog/category/the-world/asia/hong-kong/&usg=__nocvMlYuTwYQllQr9ewVZpoOSYA=&h=300&w=400&sz=47&hl=en&start=3&um=1&tbnid=9FAfSLuGW60KMM:&tbnh=93&tbnw=124&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dnight%2Bmarket%2Bjordan%2Bhong%2Bkong%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D%26sa%3DN%26um%3D1


3 The Peak: Violet Hill ttp://www.premierholidays.co.uk/__data/assets/image/0007/94048/Hong_KongThe_Peak.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.premierholidays.co.uk/far_east/hong_kong&usg=__Bb6lj7zUWwK6D6itQ-FAtGqwi7A=&h=310&w=420&sz=49&hl=en&start=10&um=1&tbnid=csIJ2qg-DL_emM:&tbnh=92&tbnw=125&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dthe%2Bpeak%2Bhong%2Bkong%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D%26sa%3DN%26um%3D1

A Love Letter For Christmas

"Said the Shepherd Boy to the Mighty King, 'Do you hear what I hear in your palace wall, Mighty King?'
'A child, a child, shivering in the cold, let us bring Him silver and gold.'" 1

So many seasons ago, when there was a star shining brightly in the sky, shepherds wondered the reason for Angels appearing in the fields at night. I wonder, were they scared? How long did they ponder this sudden shock? Did they truly understand the meaning of the child they were to bring gifts to? In today's world, with the story given to us each Christmas, I wonder if we really take the time to observe our own behavior. If we celebrate as a people who know why Christmas is special. I know not everyone celebrates Christmas and there are many different people, belief systems, faiths, and reasons for living and believing as we do. As one who cherishes Christmas, I must say that spending the holidays without my loved ones this year is hard, but I am certain this has a purpose, as well. As one who holds that God gave us the best present of all centuries ago, I am always determined to celebrate by giving as much of myself as possible. Sure -- sweaters, scarves, iPhones, glittery lip gloss, and pretty cookie tins are nice, but there's more. I want to give each day, but it is so easy not to. I want my family and friends to know the love I hold for them every day of the year. Getting a letter from my sister is so much better than receiving a well written instruction manual (even if it does come with a brand new Macbook pro). Being able to hear my family's voices on speakerphone for Thanksgiving just one month ago. These are a few of my favorite things. Christmas reminds me of the many blessings in my life.

Years after that very first Christmas, as we celebrate the birth of this special child, there are all sorts of questions we may still have. I still marvel over the celebration of a little baby boy. I have faith that this child is the reason I have the capacity to love so many others, that my heart bursts with the anticipation of seeing, hearing those I love. Now that I am far away from many, I have the joy, the anticipation of when I can be writing and be written to from those I love. God gives me this - this faith, this reason for living. I have a strong belief that I am taken care of no matter where I go because of this faith. Not only this relationship I have, but also the relationships I have here on Earth. What if I had never had the mom and dad I have today? What if I wasn't blessed with the friendships, the tears, the joys of the last twenty eight years? I might have turned out so differently.

It is such a miracle I am in Hong Kong this Christmas and get to share the gift of language to little children. How did I get here? Why was I chosen to give so much? To learn so much? And how did I end up in a Santa suit? These are all questions I wish I could answer. (haha) I still can't believe myself sometimes. Yet, here I am. There's no denying it. I am enjoying so much out here, and yet missing all of my sisters and brothers at home. I know how corny these sentiments are, but every once in a while, clarity of mind is a cliche. The one thing that may never be cliche, though, is an artistic expression that can communicate vividly through a medium bigger than words. Language is not always enough for expression. I leave you with a simple love letter addressed to you, in photographs, and with the soundtrack of my favorite Christmas song, "O Holy Night," that the sound might speak to the depths of your heart.

And so, I pray for peace and love for all of you this Christmas and every day of the year.

"Said the King to the people everywhere, 'Listen to what I say. Pray for peace everywhere....He will bring us Goodness and Light.'" 2


1 "Do You Hear What I Hear?", The Carpenters http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWiA_79feKs
2 Ibid.

"I cannot go back to yesterday..."

"...because I was a different person then." - Lewis Carroll

Adjusting to Hong Kong is taking some time. I considered today how many changes I have been going through. There are all these people who talk about taking adventures. I'm actually on one of those real-life adventures I've always talked about, and sometimes it does not feel real. Like I just dropped through the looking glass by accident and here I am. Why did I do what I'm doing? I'm supposed to be an adult, with the resources to handle any sort of problem or thought. To work it out in my head. But, what if I fail? What then? I don't always feel like an adult. I feel like a child with big eyes, wondering how I got here, and what happens next...A child who is a stranger to all these mad hatters, philosophical caterpillars, and cheshire cats.

But, I will say this. I am so very happy. Despite how much there is to learn, I feel like all the tough hurdles of the first month of adjustment have made me better prepared for the cultural differences, what to expect of people and how I can live in this strange country. My friend Erick has introduced me to so many great people and I keep bumping into recent acquaintances when I walk down the street or get a cup of coffee or sit down at a comfy lounge with my book or laptop. The city is smaller than I know! I'm having a lunch with a recent acquaintance today at this spot in the IFC Mall (International Finance Center) which serves healthy food. I will say this much - good people make the trip out here worthwhile, but sometimes good food makes everything so much BETTER. I've been healthy, with a hint of a cough only once a week or so since the dreaded cold I had, but I bought a heater, so if I need it, I can make my room at home in the flat nice and toasty. MMMMMMMmmmmmmmmmm. It has air conditioning too...ah! What blessings. I alternate between the A/C and the heater since the room is so small it needs circulation constantly.


Random photo taken of my blissfully crazy-happy face! (My friend Liz from home commented that it looks so "Me", so I had to upload it.)


As for going "back to yesterday", there are things I miss about home, especially as Christmas is around the corner. But, I am grateful for what today brings - I'm learning. I'm growing. My family recently sent me some things I needed from California and were gracious enough to include a pillow from their house with the star of Bethlehem and "silent night" drawn on it, as well as my favorite holiday ornament of Sleeping Beauty. Ah! I almost had tears glistening on that pillow when I saw it in the box. It is always the smallest, considerate acts of kindness that make a person feel special. Despite the fact that I can see Christmas all around me in Hong Kong, it is in stark contrast to Christmas in Southern California. And getting a small piece of home and the American Christmas just strikes that one chord with my heart. Doesn't everyone just love getting mail? I adore my family for sending their thoughts and affections by post. How effortlessly do they send it...So blessed, as always, with a wonderful family.

As for any brand new information on adjustments in Hong Kong, I have been keeping up with the job postings and need for English tutors to keep my options open in addition to the learning centre I'm currently working with. I discovered a private school who was seeking a teacher to finish the school year through August and with an immediate need in January. So, I've decided to accept this new teaching position working January 4th with a kindergarten class of 30 students, and in addition I will continue to work for a few months with the children I currently tutor on the weekends. I've already fallen in love with these kids and I'm not ready to leave them, so I guess that means I'm a busy bee, but I'm once more excited about what is to come. So many changes! So much to do! So much opportunity!

Views of the Metropolis

Lan Kwai Fong (Carnivale Food - there's always a celebration in LAN KWAI)







Experiencing hookah the Mediterranean-Hong Kong way




Finally, ah... (The Victoria Peak in the afternoon)



Hong Kong Jockey Club - The Races (with new friend, Shoko)





Mrs. Field's cookies - a piece of home!

Joyeux Noël!

Christmas shopping, Christmas shopping. Oh, my goodness. I've already received quite a few wonderful gifts and I'm overwhelmed with the pressure of buying and making some lovely things for some of my favorite people, and making it "personal". Mom's gift was shipped to my house and I'm just happy it arrived in time for me to wrap and put around the tree. Dad's is ready but it needs a lot of wrapping paper! Suzy's is wrapped and looks very pretty...Netty's is the only one I'm still working on, and everyone else is pretty much covered. Phew! In the meantime, I'm feeling quite blessed that I'm so prepared this year. I got a surprise gift of lip gloss from a wonderful co-worker and some wine, as well as a Jean-Paul Sartre philosophy book, "On Being and Nothingness," from two other co-workers, which is precisely what I asked for! Lately, it seems people have been really thoughtful and considerate about seeking gifts that "speak" to me. I even received two books of poetry from good friends....Lately, my friendships have been growing more and more...so much so that I have been able to make special presents that tell inside jokes, or regard memories that mean something to me and hopefully the other person, as well. And I've been given presents as well, that I will cherish.

Truly a time of giving, and I'm just so happy to be celebrating this year! It is going to be a wonderful holiday! Not to mention my cousins from The Netherlands are here and we're having a blast...Arjan, Petra, Lex, Lisa...Love you!

Here are some pictures from the Christmas-Hanukkah soiree I threw a few weeks ago. Password is in lower case letters: christmas

http://gs98.photobucket.com/groups/l268/C3GMBB9Y2Q/?albumview=grid

Independence Day

The weekend was long and the sunshine was beautiful, but I am exhausted. From Thursday to Sunday, there was always something to participate in. I feel assured that I did all I could to cram as many activities into one weekend as possible. Some of the days were longer than others, but my favorite part was having Iva stay for two whole days, swap stories and get to know her. She comes highly recommended from my sister and I’m glad we spent so much time together Thursday, Friday, and Saturday morning! Phew. Lucky me. Long weekend, though. Happy Independence Day for all of my fellow American patriots. Americans really like to celebrate, for that matter, Newportians really like to celebrate. I’m surrounded by enthusiasm and fervor. Exhausting and not ready to come back to the daily grind, but here I am. Can’t wait to get some of my remaining energy out during tennis practice tonight, and followed by restful sleep, I do hope to have. I can’t wait to spend a date with my pillow on a Monday evening. (With the window open – It is so hot in my house these days!)

Fraternité.

"Men's stares flatter and hurt her simultaneously... eyes are always too penetrating. Hence the inconsistency that men find disconcerting... Masculine desire is as much an offence as it is a compliment." - Simone de Beauvoir

C’est au sein du monde donné qu’il appartient à l’homme de faire triompher le règne de la liberté; pour remporter cette suprême victoire, il est entre autres nécessaire que par-delà leurs différenciations naturelles hommes et femmes affirment sans équivoque leur fraternité.

Through their natural differentiation, men and women unequivocally affirm their brotherhood.

Do not require me to B-Relaxed. I will not like to be conquered. I will not be.

ContraBand

Last week, our Customer & Solutions group had an offsite out of the office and we always choose a fun theme. This year, each team competed in a Battle of the Bands. We performed the "Ruff Ryders Theme" by DMX as ContraBand. Fun play on words, isn't it? I owe all cleverness to Lindsey. But I have to say, the golden cup of glory was stolen from us by a competing team called Mickey Moose. Enough, said. We definitely were the real winners. When I get video of us performing, I will definitely share that file!

New York....New Yoooorrrk.

I just came back from a weekend in New York and although things didn't work out how it had planned, I'm really glad I went. just need to ensure I come back. NYU was a beautiful school, so big, and so spread out, which was actually fun because I saw all kinds of fun things over blocks and blocks. The bohemian chic sandals and floral skirts met the tight jeans and indie-kid hair cuts of the boys and girls walking to classes. It was the last day of law school sessions and so I didn’t get to sit in on any classes, but I saw students in their element, studying in the library, visited a few floors in both Vanderbilt Hall and the second Hall of NYU for law school classes. Learned how to finance my education by conserving money from the director of student financial aid with an impromptu appointment. How lucky am I!!! I still don't really have any pictures from this lovely trip, but I pulled this one out from a happy hour I stopped by a few weeks ago for a Marketing Manager who recently quit. This is the happy look I get when I'm around great company, and or a location that inspires me to do more for the world. So, I figured it would be appropriate for this posting. After all - I had it all this weekend. Political conversation with intelligent friends, a reunion with old high school buddies, latin dancing, law school, a big city, a little rain, a little sunshine, people-observations of the best kind, jumbo cheese pizza with garlic, book shopping at Shakespeare & Co...Does it get better? A few vodka-red bulls and some adventure later...I had a blast. And some of the best memories I have from these just three days are all in my head. Those smiles aren't captured on film. 35mm or otherwise. Because some of the debacle is just living.