Chronicles of HK: Life as I see it

The buildings in HK are towering above us. Reaches to the sky. It brings new meaning to concrete jungle. Some areas you can see only glimpses of the because the towers faded in the clouds. (i'm exaggerating)

With such limited space and a blooming economy there really isn't many places to build but up. My hosts live on the 40th floor and there's still up to go.

There are many flats and apartments (have not seen a landed property yet) in the area that is too small to live in yet fits your grandparents, your parents, single siblings, you and your new wife. I was told some people rotate sleeping hours and work on different time shift just to fit into that kind of lifestyle. Space is a luxury. The ones you see in the movies are larger than normal.

The picture is your regular flats. Yes flats.

On weekends and holidays (which I was caught in), people come out to roam. They don't mind the late nights to avoid going home. The streets are crowded everywhere you turn. Everywhere. For those with crowd phobias, you might need to move in and out very fast! Faster than their average fast. Everyone seems to be in a hurry.

With all the walking people do here. You rarely see any overweight people. Everyone is slim and fit. That solves the general cholesterol problem in the country. (I wouldn't say the same about the anxiety and depression rate though)

Everyone wears flats (with rounded tip), sports shoes or boots. I could count the number of heels I saw in these last few days with my hands. Remember, by now I've probably seen thousands of people. (the pic are hazel's collection of shoes)

Speaking of health... with the not-too-long ago SARS scare and death in hongkong, every sector has taken extreme precautions to sanitize and practice good hygiene. The picture on the left was taken from INSIDE an elevator. And these kind of sign can be found everywhere. You are EXPECTED to practise good hygiene. Smoking is strictly prohibited and punishable.

Hongkong is turning green. With all its civilty, they are encouraging recycling and other forms of enviromental friendly practices. Including not giving you plastic bags. You are encouraged to bring a bag or put everything in one bag. (as seen in the pic) Children and the common people are being educated about the environment and earth.

Ironically the country consumes more energy than (probably) the entire Malaysia. It's a city of lights that shine ever so bright as a beacon and shout-out to the world for attention.

Though we've heard many times that people here can be rude (which is true for the common folk), they do try to be courteous and instill civility. Banking on Confucius' ethical codes for communal living, it is common to see/hear instructions like the picture on the left. Mind the doors please. Hold the handrail. Mind your step. Mind everything! And people do follow. Stand on the right side of the escalator. Let people out of the train first. Line up to take the lift or public toilet.

The picture on the left is the only clubbing scene in HK and its filled with ang mohs. Apparently it's not popular to club or pub here. People practice healthier living and hobbies. Hiking, exercise, movies and shopping. With the stress level HK faces and no personal space, it only make sense to have a better kind of lifestyle to survive here (and not go insane).



Despite their insanely busy lifestyle, general retail shops don't really open till about noon. We were walking about before noon and many shops were not open yet. And we thought Seremban was a sleepy town. Perhaps it's due to the late nights.

However, around every street corner, advertising is on the rise. People are brand conscious, style conscious and every other kind of conscious. Signboards outdo each other in size, caption, style. They are in your face and not afraid to offend. You think salesperson that dog you in the shop is irritating? This will be infuritating. But when you think about it, shopping IS their commerce.

Food and things are generally very expensive here, even after conversion. You need to close one eyes and just accept the regularly accepted pricing. But though food is expensive, the portion is huge. Check on the picture. The unagi is huge while the rice portion is smaller. And the size portion everywhere is that. I guess you WOULD need to eat more with all the walking you're doing.


We also figured the town planner / developer here is a little OCD. Everything is lined up neatly or in boxes. Trees in the middle are also in boxes. Buildings are all square. It's just the little impression we got. It is neat and nice and good and all though.





Oh the bamboo sticks we see in kungfu shows... they really use them here. This thing goes all the way up and is surprisingly very sturdy. I was too afraid to climb it but it didnt budge at all. We see this on every building under construction. No metal bars anywhere. Cool eh?

There's bacon in this burger. Need I say more?

------
We caught the night show on the island. The Symphony of Lights. The entire city shots out lazer and beams and lights that dance to the music. The show is on everyday at 8pm. Don't miss this. You won't see this anywhere else. I wonder how they coordinated so many buildings across the plane? (and use up so much power)


Next: Disneyland

Chronicles of HK: Noah's Ark and Victoria's Peak

We had to change our schedule a little due to limited space allowed into Noah's Ark. (as we discovered online) So we headed to Noah's Ark on the second day (jus the two of us according to Hazel's written and detailed instructions). And I could not have imagined what I was about to behold. It was not just one boat. It was a whole area.

Inside the ark was not made of wood or was there any animals (as I had hoped). It was a state of the art educational system - to tell people about the flood and what the ark symbolizes. The few people that came together to build the ark was Christian and wanted to share the message of hope that God can give. (verses and Bibles are available at the souvenir shop) There were 4D experiences, digital imagery and things you can't possibly imagine. I can't describe. Photos were not allowed so I can offer no visual aid to this blog. History of the flood, history of the search for the ark, what does it mean to us today, how was the ark build (scientifically explained), different people groups story of the great flood, the line of Noah's children, etc. (like wow)

Pics of outside

After a long day of walking, we hurried back for church service at the Vine, an international multi cultural church. They were in the midst of raising fund for their new building and buzzing with activities.
That night we headed for the Peak - Victoria's Peak. All the way to the top and overlooking Hongkong - the real city of lights. The view was spectacular. We could stand there for hours if not for the crowd. On the other hand, Hong Kong is consuming too much energy! The amount of energy used to generate this kind of electricity to light up an entire city can drain another country! But the sight is still spectacular. Below is one of many pictures taken. Mich took some really good ones on the DSLR she lugged around.


Next: Life as i see it

Chronicles of HK: Shopping and travelling

We landed safely at HK airport and made our way as per Hazel's written instructions to get to her apartment. Apparently everything is accessible by public transportation, even by such kampung girls as us. And somehow... we did. (after being scolded once by a security lady after being discovered that we lined up on the wrong taxi lane. who knew all the taxi colours meant different things) But we managed to arrive. Safely. Have no fear friends and family!

We arrived at almost midnight at Paul & Hazel's cozy little apartment, while many hongkies still roam the streets below as though it was only 9pm. Crazy people. Real night owls..

Note: Read the rest of this blog in hongkie english slang. with one syllable higher than the next syllable. We spent our first day in HK shopping, as you can probably guess. They weren't kidding when they say this is a shopping paradise. Hazel brought us first to Mongkok, a place with cheap and decent things to buy. We grabbed the opportunity and I found myself allowing myself not to worry about what I normally worry about. You could say I let go. In a couple of hours we had already spent a few hundred HK$ and had to retrace our steps and count our cost. After all there were people to buy for, and a few more days left in this busy city. But all in all, I gotta say it wasn't too bad. Reignite my drive to shop. But I think I'll visit places like Sg Wang and Terminal One in the future. =P

I was told travelling is extremely convenient here. Everyone depends on the public transportation with their life. Rarely anyone owns a car to call their own. It simply makes sense to use the public transportation. So much so that everyone wears flat because they walk so very much in this country. Even at midnight. I was brought to experience the crazy cabbie, oh-so efficient MTR (train), double deckered bus, old fashioned tram... etc.

p/s: last pic done with ppt on paul's laptop w/o any photo album s/w

Next: Noah's ark

Chronicles of HK: Preparations

It's one day to my trip. I had decided last year that I should take one trip each year, out of the country (as on my own as possible) to get away from everything. I almost didn't have one this year but finally pulled it off with some persuasion. So here I am.. almost immediately after GLS making all kinds of plans that normally should have been done 2 weeks before hand.


Checklist:

• pack warm clothings - checked
• change money - checked
• inform card - checked
• something for Eiz - checked
• work delegated - checked
• ticket and passport - checked
• directions, plans and map - itinerary from hazel
  
• camera from lynne - checked

Thank you Lord for this trip. I may not feel it now but I'm sure I need this. I want to learn to be grateful beforehand =)


Next: Shopping and Life

GLS2009

Not many pictures this time. Thank you to all who worked and practiced so very hard for this event. Many leaders have been blessed and enriched through the Summit experience and speakers. Nothing we ever do is in vain! It is a good kind of tired feeling knowing that whatever role we play, works towards the same objective in this event. No one individual is lifted above another but that GOD gets that final highest glory as He uses us.

Sign up for GLS 2010 in Metro Tabernacle, KL

counting down to GLS

GLS is in 3 days time....
Will update about the preparations later.

I need to Believe

It was St. Anselm who taught true spirituality when he prayed, "Oh Lord my God, teach my heart where and how to seek Thee, where and how to find Thee. For I do not seek to understand in order to believe, but I believe in order to understand."

I need to believe to understand
Aches I cannot comprehend
Questions I cannot answer
Stories I cannot see

I need to believe
That You are Lord God Almighty
Strong enough to rescue me
You answer when I call
Please don't let me go

I need to believe
That You are sovereign
You hold my tomorrows
Every step You've ordained
Please help me see

I need to believe
That You are near
In my silence and anger
You still hear the words I do not say
Please don't turn away

I need to believe
That You are God of love
Full of mercy and full of grace
Nothing will stop You from loving me
Please don't change

I need to believe
That You are good
You will not treat me unkindly
And You make no mistakes
Please help me trust You

I need to believe
And I do believe….
And I do love You...

Meaning of my name

"What is in a name?"

Juliet (from Shakespeare) decided that a name is just a name, neither hand nor foot, nor any part belonging to a man. It has no part in a man.

But according to old Hebraic understanding, a name is everything. It defines you and destines you.

I did a little search for mine.

Anne means grace, favour.
Alternative in Hebrew is Hannah: A little prayer offered and granted. God showing favour...

I think it DOES define me. I've been shown a lot of grace in my life, a lot of favour. And somehow I think it always will be. God has promised to always look into my every need. And I will lack nothing. He's always gracious towards me.

Welcome Baby Kuang!

eyeow delivered this morning at 10am.

Welcome to the world baby Isaac Kuang!

He looks absolutely perfect and beautiful you guys.
Congrats to the new parents! =)

Another long weekend

It was one pack weekend after another. This time around it's personal.

In the four-days break for Raya, I attended 3 weddings, 3 reunions and a family dinner thing. That's also a sign of aging. When everyone around you starts getting married and giving birth and feeling the sentimental of years gone by and meeting up with old friends. Sitting amidst them I don't know if I felt 'young' or 'left behind'. Probably a little of both.

I admit that the whole busy weekend sucked the life out of me and I needed a day alone in my room just to recharge. I'm an introvert after all. Not that I did not enjoy YOUR company. It was REALLY nice to meet up with people after so long!


It was an uncommonly common date for weddings. 20.09.2009. Pile that with the Raya break. Pile that with the Chinese calendar good month. And you have a recipe for festivity mayhem! Thank God for my GPS! It saved my life a couple of times this particular weekend.


p/s: I definitely need a new camera...

Long weekend

While others find weekends a time to rest and relax, weekends are my time to be busy (the dirty word). As much as I dread it sometimes, THIS happens to be my life. so to speak. So to answer the question posed by my cousin not too long ago (since I'm back blogging), this life of mine... pretty exciting you can say!

So on Saturday, Aspirers' campus connexion went to Port Dickson. I just love the ocean. We ate, play and took pictures. Refer here for more stories and pictures of the trip.


And in return, here are some gifts I received from the trip. Why do I keep getting these hazardous gifts. It's really life threatening. =P


On Sunday we had our VERY first intercell activity which we called the Battle of the Cells. ALL cell groups came together to battle it out with a round of MadGab. And much to my utter disbelief the young people lost! How is that possible? And the cell with the oldest (age-wise) cell group leaders.... WON! How is that possible! Proves that we weren't bias after all! Also proves that we really can't underestimate those oldies. hehe.


Congratulations to the champion... you really deserved it. *applause*

Shopping

Ann and I started out shopping at Terminal One Seremban yesterday. In all fairness, I never shop there. NEVER thought there's anything worth buying there. Didn't like the 2.10 parking fees or the general ambience of the mall. BUT I ended up buying more things than Ann. Never thought it'll be so, but it was so!

Here's why: I found this dress for RM35 (that after much deliberation I came back for). It was not perfect but it was worth it! And that was it!


After a couple more chores, we found ourselves in Nilai at a small Korean shoe shop. How I simply do not know. *looks at Ann* And though I entered without the intention to get anything, I got a most expensive pair of shoe (which I would not normally have gotten). Why I simply cannot comprehend. *looks at Joelt* Never in my life!


Goes to show that I do have some shopping in my blood after all. Who knew!

Gifts from KK

She bought sea shells on the sea shore. The sea shells she bought were sea shells from Philippines. They were pretty cheap and pretty unique, I just couldn't not buy.
I also developed a deep bruise on my knee. Not surprising. But it was not the mountain or the sea that I fell, but outside the bathroom one morning =( I'm too clumsy.

Land below the Wind

I hope I got the tagline correct this time. And this is about time =)

Kota Kinabalu
August 29 - Sept 1, 2009
Kota Kinabalu and Kudat

It was meant to be a short trip for Serena's wedding but decided to extend it just a little longer. Wasted rm160. That's how airlines earn their money. Silly people like us. But it was worth it. Note to self: there are some things more important than money.

Serena's beach-side wedding was beautiful. God held the weather just about right for the entire ceremony and dinner. Congrats Serena and Matthew!

The wedding:Syiok Sendiri Shots

But a trip 2.5hours to KK should not be wasted or over on the first day itself! It was imperative that we also experience the other side of Sabah. Our team's main goal was local delicacies... of which I never knew there were so many. I've forgotten more than half of what they're called exactly or where they're to be found.
While there our tour guide, Unc.Dick, brought us places. In KK there are many must sees. One of which is the mountain of Kinabalu. Taking off at 6 in the morning, we were hustled for breakfast and then to the mountain. Though it was cloudy at first, God cleared the sky at one point, long enough to see the magnificent mountain looming before us. It was a sight to behold.

Another trip (which was new to me and that I absolutely loved) was to the tip of Borneo. Hint: It is the tip of the left ear of the 'wolf' shape of Borneo. It is 3 hours drive from KK and another 3 hours drive back. I can't imagine attempting such a trip on my own though. But the journey was worth it.

But what has always won my heart is neither hill nor delicacies. It is the sound of waves washing ashore and the feel of the wind against my skin. I love the feel of soft sand caressing my toes and the cool sea water teasing at my feet. My heart leaps at the wide open and inviting sea for miles and the sky so high and so blue, with the sun peeping through the clouds or falling over the horizon. Oh how I wish I had taken the time to soak it all in and to stand in awe. How I wish I was bold enough to let my heart soar with the wind and just let all my guards down. The ocean beckons you to leave all your troubles behind and calms every wild emotion. How it fills my tank.

Oh Malaysia

With all the ugly things we are hearing on Malaysian news so near to our Independence Day... here's a different tune. I learnt this in kindergarten, and found it in an old song book:

On the shore beyond the tropical seas
You will stand to welcome me
On the shore beneath the sky so blue
All my dreams at least will come true
Oh Malaysia, land of glory
Where I found my heart's true love
Soon we'll be meeting, dear Malaysia
You will be forevermore

--> hear the song here

Church Camp 2009

Church Camp 2009:
Knowing God and Making Him Known
August 23-26, 2009
Genting View Resort
Rev. Ronnie Chin

I was trying to be excited and to infuse enthusiasm for this camp. We had prayer and fasting for a week before the camp (which I hope would prepare our spirits to receive from God) but some how I could not feel excited. I was exhausted and disappointed. I could not feel the enthusiasm I was trying to portray. I felt like a hypocrite.

But I've always been bound to my sense of responsibilities and was determined to see the entire thing through. I had begun to feel stressed over the enormous amount of work to be done and the standard that I had initially felt I had to live up to. I had to give my best, and yet my heart was always more for people and ministry than the details of organizing. I would rather forgo getting things perfectly in place if there was someone who needed that time in the world. I had always seen need over want, tears over comfort. I decided it was time to get back to the basics, to rock the boats of complacency. (yes, I decided. LOL)


(awaiting more pics) Note: pics were copied from various Facebook albums

I want to thank God, though, that I was able to take the entire thing in stride - organizing the camp, ministering to the youth, finishing my assignment, and finding time to refresh myself in God, on top of celebrating Ann's birthday. It sounds insane even as I think about it now. However, I know that it was by God's grace that I felt un-tension and un-panicky and un-stressed. Now that's the miracle. Though I was tired, I was OK. He lifted me in His wings and I was okay. In fact, I had enough strength and heart to minister, counsel, stay awake.

The very first night God had met me and given me 'just enough strength to live for today', as the song goes. Sometimes when we are looking for a way out, God says I'll give you grace to hang on. Sometimes when you want an answer for something, God says you don't need to know but trust me. It's infuriating but God is looking for faith. And then I stood up and said 'it is well with my soul'. And then I turn around and begin to be His vessel.

On another note. My crazy bunch of youth. They may be noisy and many other things, but I'm blinded to those other things. =) They are the first at the altar. They step up to pray for others. They are excited. They are willing to be transparent with God. They obey. They are easier than adults. LOL!!! (oops..)

Justin, say it again! Aspirers rocks! Pictures

Media Fast

Aspirers declared a "media fast" from the 16th to 22nd August. Everything media related from TV to newspaper, messengers to blogging.. everything listed on the poster below. It was a dedication to remove all distraction from our lives that hinder us from hearing God.

We live in a world that has so much distraction and influences from everywhere else that competes for your attention and focus and very soul. This fast was to learn to remove all these distraction and influence (kinda like detox). And I kid you not, it's not easy.

In fact, this kinda fast is not really heard of. But I feel it may be practical, workable and good in this era that we are living in. So Aspirers, to check the effectiveness of this media fast, click here. Your poll will help in future programs. Thanks!

New Age Influences

(this was blogged during the media fast but posted only after)

Here's something I was reading in the library on New Age Movements*:

"This pervasive resurgence of New Age paganism takes many forms, including cartoons on television and children's movies. Examples are Captain Planet, He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, The Power Rangers, The Lion King, and Pocahontas."
– H. Wayne House, Charts of Cults, Sects and Religious Movements.

That is ridiculous. I watched those cartoons all those years back…

That's a scary thought isn't it? We're all being prepared and swayed into this thought process unconsciously.

*New Age Movements (such as Theosophy, Scientology, Silva Mind Control, etc) basically throws all previous religious identification with God out of the window and claims that such feelings of separation with God is a falsity that blinds one and causes all his problems in life. Thus, by altering one's consciousness through different techniques (i.e. meditation), one will achieve the self-realization that Self is God.

Tony Romas

Another strike of my list. Now I can say I've been to Tony Romas. I've heard both extremes of reviews of this place but I liked the place. It met my expectation. Will I come back? Maybe but obviously not too often. Less than seldom too.
Good food, nice ambiance, awesome company. What more can one ask for? It's the epitome of a good night out.I was taught a Chinese saying: "sam seong si seng". The English equivalent of it would probably be "wishes come true" but it doesn't resonate the same. Basically, my translation is that God indulges us sometimes, to remind us that he loves us. It's the small things. When your loved ones fulfill your little desires, they really know you. But don't forget God behind the scene.

To my friends, you are precious.

To God, you're the ONLY one for me.

My Birthday

Dear Diary,

Today is my birthday. And I thought I might have a quiet one this time. But chance has it that I didn't.

The day started at midnight, at a mamak store nearby. With the Yeohs singing the birthday chorus horribly a couple of times. I thank God I was facing the other way. It was too embarassing. I was pretty much lost for words.

I woke up later than usual with the song Boom boom boom and Great is the Lord remix. Go figure that out! After dressing my best (in the short time), picture with my new toy, I dragged myself to work, walking in 15minutes after devotion had and started. Oops. Bad start.

I had decided the day before that this year, I will thank every single person that wish me. By whatever means I am wished, their simple thought counted for me. It should mean something. So I spent the ENTIRE day replying sms, emails, facebook wishes. I had no idea how tedious it could be. But I wanted to personally thank everyone - not just a template msg. I barely worked the entire day...

Ann came for lunch. So together with my two trusty work day lunch partners, ETC and Matt, we went to Pizza Italia (with almost all the food ETC could not eat). It poured cats and dogs so we decided to wait for the pizza to be ready. Yummy! We overate big time! But I couldn't help it! =) We got free ice creams too

I was feeling guilty from taking such a long break that we rushed back to the office as soon as we could, to find a bouquet of flowers and a cake. Aaawww.... That's a tick off my 'wants-list'. I love my flowers! I have not received any for 8 years now. I don't care that it's from a girl. LOL. Flowers have a very simple way of melting my heart. (It's now sitting glaringly on my desk, right at the foot of my bed) The office had a little celebration of our own. It was nicer than usual.

I spent the evening like any Wednesday evening: TV, rest, and getting ready for prayer meeting. I knew that the youths would probably plan something or other. And of course they did. After a good prayer meeting (with the number smaller than usual), we had a song and a cake. One of the youth prayed for me voluntarily and I was very touched. Plenty of hugs! =)

After a short mamak, I'm back home and writing this entry. There should be a Perseid Meteor shower tonight. I hope I get to see it at least but the sky is too cloudy to see anything. It should be beautiful. But I need to end my day by thanking my Creator, without whom I won't be here. This should be Your celebration too, my God. I love You....

p/s: I should have done some assigment. Man, i'm going to suffer from not doing it....

Good night.

in today's news...

In today's news, H1N1 virus is not the only virus going around. What the newspaper term as ILI or Influenza-like Illness is spreading across the nation like ... well like any air-bound virus.

News here.

This is the very same virus that has been going around and rendering you guys sick, Aspirers. One after another.

So do take care of yourselves guys...

Survey for my Research

I'm doing a research paper on the globalized multicultural malaysian youth. So I'm doing a survey to see how much our generation and the youth today know about our own culture or are we completely westernized. This survey is opened to 13-29years old Malaysian ONLY. It is opened to anyone so please do send this on to anyone you want who fits the criteria. As many and varied as possible will be great. Pretty please...

Please click the link below and do the survey for me.
Survey closes on August 21st. Yea I need it soon. Last minute work ;P
http://www.eSurveysPro.com/Survey.aspx?id=4a0cf892-5659-46ca-9d6a-e5087828afc1

Thanks for your participation!

Globalization and Information Technology

There is a shift happening in our world today, for those who area aware enough or willing to admit. A shift that benefits the next generation in the way we think, do things and live. We are living in the consequences of a previous generation - consequences we never thought possible, now the only reality. We need to rethink the way we do thinks.



It's a technology revolution. How it has changed the world as we know it. What will the world be tomorrow? Are we ready? Can we cope?

Someone Special

This is for someone special.

You never know where you'll be down the years or who'll be there.

You never know if what you did or who you are can be shared.

You never know.


This is for someone special.

Happy Birthday!