上海世博直擊報道
一連三日去了上海世博，happy to report， I survived！短短三日，我參觀了44個展館，取得驕人成績，所以想在這裏分享一下小小攻略和實戰經驗。
策略一：量力而為
做人做事最緊要量力而為。世博園區由早上9點開到晚上12點，要不停地走路15個小時，隨時體力透支。所以在入園前最好計劃好策略，prioritise想看甚麼，參觀幾長時間，亦要discipline，免得掛着參觀而忘記坐下來休息，飲水和進食。千萬不要以為可以看盡所有展館，園區那麼大，是不可能的事，就算你去很多天很多次，可以進入全部展館，亦未必enjoyable。貪心，眼闊肚窄或眼闊腳軟，只會自作自受，弄巧成拙。
策略二：熱門展館
很多人為了可以預約到熱門的展館，都會晨早入園去拿預約票，或者等一開園時狂奔到心儀的展館排隊。聽說有朋友的朋友早上5點開始排隊，可以成功預約到中國館，一拿到預約票，還可以跑400米直衝去沙特阿拉伯館排隊。我們一班朋友商量過，既然中國館會永久保留，就不必這次去跟人迫，所以放棄去中國館，亦放棄早上入園和那批亂馬衝安檢鬥短跑。而且後來發現中國館的省區部份其實不太多人，不用排長龍都可以入去。回應量力而為策略，如果不是短跑皇，就無謂去同人硬闖。
策略三：夜晚出動
國內同胞比較習慣早上活動，很多世博一日遊的團都是朝九晚五，所以早上園內會較擠迫。可以考慮在下午時份才入園，當其他人都已經筋疲力盡或者要隨團離開時，就是最好的行動時候，排隊時間會大大縮短。上星期六晚上７點，頗為受歡迎的荷蘭館已完全不用排隊，日間要排3個鐘頭的西班牙館只需要排20多分鐘。展館在10點多都會關門，人潮就散去，這個時候是映夜景的最佳時機，可以achieve mission impossible，在世博映張没有人做背景的相。
策略四：閉館時間
每一個展館的閉館時間都不一樣。上星期六意大利館晚上8點就閉館，7點已截龍，但星期日就10點才閉館，原來不是天天一樣。我没有查明可否在Expo website找到閉館時間，可以的話就方便得多，因為全日最容易入熱門展館就是將近閉館的時候。大部份展館都在10點閉館，有幾個例如芬蘭，丹麥，New Zealand ，Mexico都是10:30才閉館，但截龍就各有不同時間。就連日間要排幾小時的大熱門澳洲館，在10:20可以完全不必排隊入去。因此要好好安排9:30至10:30的黃金時間路綫，盡量在那段時間去日間popular到不能入去的展館。
策略五：捨熱取冷
世博園區一河之隔，浦東區的國家館較多人，浦西區的産業館和案例館則較少人，所以可以在晚上拼摶國家館前先到較冷門的浦西區。就算浦東區的國家館，也有很多全日都不用排隊的冷門國家館可以參觀。我覺得國內遊客和香港遊客的喜好不太一樣，他們都主攻他們熟悉的大國，而少人知道的小國就不得到垂青。但冷門不等於不值得看，反而我覺得有機會見識到少接觸的地方，更多驚喜。當然有一些展館內裏空空如也，或者細到一入去就已經是出口，但都算做一了好奇心。就我所見，大熱門的展館包括中國，日本，韓國，沙特阿拉伯，阿聯酋，德國，瑞士，西班牙，英國，意大利，美國，澳洲，日本産業館等等。園內不時會廣播這些館預計輪候時間，可以長達六小時呢！要花半天去看一個展館，值不值得，見仁見智。
策略六：餐廳入館
之前聽說法國，西班牙，日本等三個長龍的展館，可以入館內的餐廳用餐，然後就可以直入展館。我們去了問西班牙的餐廳，他們說餐廳不在展館內，不可進入展館。但後來我們碰到兩個朋友，他們就去了有精采表演的西班牙餐廳，然後入到館內。Information not very clear。至於日本館，門外的日本人忙着不回答我朋友關於餐廳入館的提問，於是我們就派出老外發問，日本美少女staff果然馬上停步回答問題，不過都是說不可以從餐廳入展館。我想要入這些展館，都要講緣份。
策略七：世界飲食
除了centralised的餐飲區外，有些國家展館都有出售local food and drinks，我就第一次試喝立陶宛和阿根廷的啤酒。地圖上没有顯示那個館有餐飲出售，純粹是撞彩。要一嘗平時難以買得到的food and drinks，我建議主打那些不太popular的國家館。
策略八：飲水機
遊人不可以帶飲品入園。之前看了旅遊書，建議帶空水瓶入到園內在飲水機裝水。這個建議完全不work。首先飲水機在園內不多，不太方便。第二，飲水機被大批人重重包圍，要去裝水要花一定氣力。第三，亦是最重要的，是我見到很多人不太懂得用飲水機，成個口吮埋個水機，衞生情況有目共睹。其實園區四處都有售賣飲品的攤擋，人民幣3至4元一枝冰凍的水或soft drink，飲得放心得多。
策略九：園內交通
浦東浦西區兩邊各自都有免費巴士穿梭，省掉不少腳骨力往返區域，要好好善用。而連接浦東浦西兩邊，就可以乘船或地鐵。不過船要15分鐘才一班，等4班船已經要一小時。見到多人等船的話，還是坐地鐵快些。
策略十：保持冷靜
遊世博，要花很多耐性和體力，不是每一個人都頂得住。如果覺得人太擠擁，就先去少人的餐廳休息，立陶宛和烏克蘭館內都有個酒吧，無人幫襯，冷氣開放，是不錯的歇腳處！如果遇上没有禮貎的人，記緊要一笑置之，要不然就千萬不要踏足世博園區。如果到到一個point覺得自己是攞苦來辛，就走吧。
Fiji(4)：Bula!
Bula，斐濟語，即Hello/Welcome的意思。
每一個去過Fiji的人，都一定學識這句Bula，因為斐濟人非常友善，見到任何人都會打招呼。他們不單只是日本人的有禮貎，泰國人的服務好，而是發自真心的善良和熱情。在城市Nadi，無論坐taxi還是去到商店，他們第一句話就是Bula。在離岸的小島，居民就更加friendly。有一天遇着一間中學放學，學生都會在街上跟我們打招呼，甚至和我們聊天。
斐濟以前是英國殖民地，跟香港一樣，英文是那兒的官方語言。我們路過一間小學，聽到他們bilingual上堂。基本上所有人，甚至偏遠小島的居民，都能說流俐英文。我不禁問，到底香港英語敎育點解會不及斐濟？能夠以英文和當地人溝通，就可以了解一下當地文化。
我們遇上的幾個resort staff，都顯得十分快樂滿足。他們說在島上可以自給自足，餓了就去釣魚，比在城市樣樣東西都要錢買好得多。他們住在resort旁邊的村落，水退就步行回家，水漲就開船。斐濟的學校都是寄宿學校，小朋友五六歲已經學識照顧自己，洗衫煮早餐。放假回到家裏，小孩由全村人communal地照顧，所以孩子都有很多人疼愛，個個都開心成長。孩子的父母互相幫助，不會像城市人般大壓力去獨力照顧孩子。我想很久很久以前很多地方都是這樣，但我有記憶以來都未曾見過這麼互助互愛的樂土。
斐濟小島上的居民，令我想起曾經看過的一個故事。有一個城市人去到一個resort spa，知道按摩師賺很少錢，就問她為甚麼不去城市賺多點錢。本地按摩師反問客人，他辛苦工作一年，就只是為了去她的原居地歎一個星期，那何必離開她美麗的故鄉呢？
Fiji(3)：Fijian time
斐濟有一個term叫Fijian time，因為斐濟人是典型的islanders，一切都很relax，樣樣事都take it easy，用他們不急不忙的時間去運作。在紀念品店都有賣印有I am on Fijian Time的T-shirt，有兩個休閒的人躺在椰樹下。
去旅行都是去relax，所以不計較是否on Fijian time。唯一受影響的就是在訂機票時，要緊記預留多點時間轉機。斐濟最美麗的地方是離岸大大小小的島嶼，要坐內陸機或船才可到達。內陸航機delay是一個很普遍的情況，航空公司會因應乘客人數而隨意調動飛機班次，據稱就算下一班飛機應該輪到你，但如果有較多人在等去其它目的地，他們會先prioritise them，讓你慢慢等。所以候機室坐着的人都不知道自己幾時可以起程，只是在等叫名。但因為所有人都熟悉Fijian time的運作，大家都慢慢默默地等着。因此，千萬不要count on從Fijian time的內陸機緊駁world time 的international flight，難以控制時間。不過，雖然聽了這些Fijian time的story，但我飛了四次內陸機，都没有大延誤，我覺得咁relax都可以run到個機場，實有他們的妙法。
在resort，Fijian time有一個不同的演釋。基本上全日的活動，除了relax就是relax。時間只有在Happy Hour時才有意義，只是用來計算order drinks的discount。其餘幾多點做甚麼，絶對自由。在這個休閒的狀態下，有時會覺得傾了很耐計，看了很耐書，都只是過了十分鐘，但有時自己坐着，望着個海，又好快地過了一個鐘頭。那兒的時鐘好像跟平時的不一樣，很彈性很飄忽，是一種我從來没有感受過的新穎新奇感覺。就好像初戀一樣，我嘗試到一種從未試過但又驚又喜又enjoy的新感覺。没有親歷過Fijian time的人，是很難明白從中得到的樂趣。
有很多地方都是很好的honeymoon destination，但斐濟，真正是more than honeymoon!
Fiji(2)：Oh no, I’m leaving Ono!
This is how to get to Ono Island: fly 10 hours from Hong Kong to Nadi International Airport in Fiji, take a 45 minute internal flight to another island in the south called Kadavu, then take a 1.5 hour boat ride to The Maidive Resort. It sounds like a long journey, but it brings you to a place completely out of this world. Ono Island is like one of those last frontiers of paradise on earth. A place where everyone is happy, free of worries, hassles and troubles. So, compared to the travel time to get to a place that can’t be farther away from your routine and stress, it is actually quite an efficient and worthwhile journey.
Upon arrival by speedboat, everyone walked out into the crystal clear water to greet the arriving guests, with a welcoming hand shake and cheerful smile. This was a proper greeting, people were introduced by names, unlike any welcome from any other concierge or front desk. Like meeting new friends, your names would be remembered and you would be addressed on a first name basis throughout your stay. There are only four bungalows in the whole resort, so the maximum number of guests at any given time is eight. This guarantees personal and personalised service. In fact, a party of eight friends could book the whole resort. The rooms are spacious, and tastefully furnished with good quality hardwood furniture, earthy colours and adequate facilities. There is no television or mobile phone coverage in the resort. No Blackberry to be checked no matter how addicted you are; you can just get away from it all. My favourite part of the room is the outdoor shower. You are open to the elements, a true rainforest shower. Taking a shower under starlight is an unforgettable experience, I can assure you. The resort ground is very clean and neat covered with soft green grass next to a fine sandy beach. During my stay, I didn’t wear any shoes, not even slippers; I haven’t felt so free ever before, no high heels, no brand name shoes. I felt so close to nature. This is how people have lived for centuries on Ono.
There is an array of activities on offer with world class scuba diving and snorkelling being the main draw. The resort faces the Great Astrolabe Reef, an amazing barrier coral reef system that runs over 100km, most of which is uncharted and never dived before, making it almost entirely virgin reef. Diving is confined to a few dive sites mainly in marine reserves and there is a famous Manta Ray site as well within 10 minutes of the resort, and although sightings are not guaranteed, most visitors see them – sometimes 50 Manta Rays at a time. Now that’s snorkelling heaven!
Fiji is renowned for its soft coral and is justifiably labelled the ’soft coral capital of the diving world’ and the reef topography is simply amazing, with garden swim-throughs and drift diving off the edge of the walls guaranteeing big pelagic action. Considering how other dive sites in the world are over-run and over-dived by tourists, the pristine condition of this soft coral kingdom makes it very unique. Underwater visibility ranges from 15 to 70 metres and water temperature hovers in the mid to high 20’s C all year round – perfect diving conditions. So, take note diving enthusiasts – you’ll find your diving nirvana around Ono Island. The dive crew at Maidive are an excellent, professional and hard-working team who definitely enhance the experience making each dive a pleasure to be part of. And, divers note that the number of people on each dive is low, sometimes just two, making this once again, a very unique diving experience.
On land, you can hike to the lookout for a panoramic view of the surrounding islands and the reef, walk to a waterfall and swim in the fresh water pool, kayak around the mangroves and coast, join in the music and dance at parties in the nearby local village every Friday evening, and enjoy a picnic at a beach on a small deserted island. You can be as active or as inactive as you please.
Time doesn’t matter in such a relaxing place. The only reason to wear a watch is to keep an eye on dining times. Meals are served in the dining room around a communal table. Guests and staff eat together and socialise like a big family. Food is certainly a highlight in The Maidive Resort. The ingredients include organic vegetables home-grown in the terraced gardens and freshly caught fish from the unpolluted sea. The chef is a great cook as well as a superb baker. The bread and cakes are all homemade, better than anything you can taste in five-star hotels. He’s also very proud of his food – everyday he came out from the kitchen to tell us what was on our plate. I love people taking pride in what they do, and justifiably deserved to be proud of the tasty meals he prepared. Even the water there is sweeter – it comes from a natural spring that has provided fresh water for generations. The source is untreated (no chemicals) and used for everything, so you can drink from any tap – it’s all the same.
As the resort is small and personal, you build up trust and confidence with the people and place. All the usual caution and security concerns are lifted. There is no need to lock your room doors; closing doors is more for keeping away mosquitoes than from theft. It is unheard of in modern day hotels to be so trusting. What a nice and kind reminder that human nature is good. From day one I was worried that I would be bored in a place with nothing but a small beach and a few activities to keep me interested throughout my stay, however, I found that the place grew on me. During my short stay, I experienced a new level of relaxation and freedom that I never knew before and a completely unique hospitality that is so down to earth and genuine – this is near impossible to find in today’s modern world. I simply can’t put in words my feelings – if I hadn’t experienced it first hand, I may not even believe it.
Fiji(1)：斐濟十個難忘
今天下午剛剛從斐濟回來。 斐濟，給我十個難忘。
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在向西的海灘看夕陽沉下水平線
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在向東的海灘看朝陽從水平線升起
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躺在海灘，一邊喝紅酒一邊看流星
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乘坐只有我們兩個乘客的小型飛機去小島
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漫天星星下在酒店房內的户外shower沖涼
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臨離開住了三晚的resort，廚師和兩個staff出來唱歌farewell我倆
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在長滿珊瑚的水底石洞游來游去
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在山頂望到115米長的珊瑚礁
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喝純天然的泉水，親身走到泉眼
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Perfect blue sky, perfect turquoise sea
Sunshine Wedding
Just for my lucky record, to date I have solemnised a few weddings in the outdoors, and all of them accompanied by welcome sunshine. Beautiful weather for happy couples at a beautiful wedding, making the civil celebrant more beautiful?! I wish!
It’s tricky to plan outdoor events in Hong Kong. It can be too hot or too cold, worse still, it can be rainy or even affected by a typhoon. Choosing an outdoor venue entails a certain amount of risk, though most hotels and restaurants offer an indoor alternative as a contingency plan. With the uncertainty of weather-related risk in mind, when the wedding day turns out to have clear blue skies, everything feels even more perfect! It seems like someone is looking over to bless this marriage.
The past weekend I went to another memorable fine weather wedding. Blue sky, sea breeze, sunshine on the green lawn, and with the South China Sea as a backdrop. The western style ceremony suited the outdoor setting very well. Music plays an essential and important role in setting the mood of an occasion, especially a wedding. In this instance, the live performance of a string trio added to the romantic atmosphere. The groom and I were the first ones to march in, followed by groomsmen and bridesmaids.
As the string trio started to play the classic “Cannon in D”, the bride marched in with her father; her long gorgeous wedding gown glowed under the sun, and so did she! It was such a beautiful scene. The groom, standing next to me, was crying with joy. Many guests had tissues to wipe away their tears before the bride even reached the front.
Then, the moment when the father of the bride handed over his daughter to the groom – I find, that this is often the most symbolic moment for the bride. Now you are going to be someone’s wife, not daddy’s little girl anymore. One hug from daddy, now you will build your own family. The couple were filled with tears of absolute joy; they cried and laughed at the same time, looking like Miss Hong Kong overwhelmed by winning the title. I fought back the tears myself - I had a ceremony to conduct and preferably, with a clear voice rather than a runny nose.
The couple were thrilled with the wedding ceremony. The groom complimented me for my part and held his thumbs aloft. The bride gave me a big hug as a thank you. I just couldn’t thank them enough for letting me be a part of such a sweet and beautiful occasion.
斐濟和上海世博
這個月會去兩次旅行﹣斐濟和上海世博。對於兩個地方，我有完全不同的期待和期望。
斐濟
Fiji的picture postcard image 是islands with white sandy beach and coral reefs。Tom Hanks 套戲Cast Away就是取景於Fijian island。如果你有看過套戲，就大概有concept個地方有幾 remote。由Nadi國際機場轉乘六座位或十六座位的小型飛機，就可以到達paradise般的 island。没有路，没有internet，没有mobile phone。一切back to basics，回歸大自然。
斐濟有三百多個小島，有一晚租金27萬的private island，一般千幾到幾千元一晚的high class resort，亦有幾百元的backpackers hostel。Tourism在Fiji已發展多年，所以internet有很多資料介紹how to maximise enjoyment there。在plan揀去邊個島時，看到Google Map satellite image，小島surrounded by coral reefs，AMAZING！我真的十分之十分之期待！
上海世博
早在世博開幕之前我已經訂好這個trip，主要原因是早些出機票有discount。自從世博開幕之後，有關的新聞報導，尤其是關乎秩序的，都幾負面，每次我都看到O晒嘴。他們不守秩序不排隊又死，排隊一個貼一個身貼身地等幾個鐘頭，又死。看到一大羣人為了免費演唱會票而好像水牛般狂奔，還要一邊奔跑一邊大叫“衝呀”，好似三國演義千軍萬馬的場面，一切back to basic instinct，survival of the fittest。這令到在香港看電視新聞的人咋舌和大笑，但就令我這些將要去的人不寒而慓。坊間已流傳參觀世博的攻略，不是 maximise enjoyment，而是minimise discomfort，似risk management 多過似去旅行。 我估我都是要用我在北京生活時的自創口號“Bear with the Unbearables”！
我一般都很喜歡去旅行，去任何地方都可以找到樂趣。但這次世博之旅未出發，我真的有少少後悔太早issue了不可改動的機票。我最大的期望是同行的人個個可以安安全全，不要太辛苦，亦不要同人發生爭執。如果到時真的太unpleasant，我會不入世博園區，只跟班friend去飲飽食醉，可能仲開心！
Eastern Europe in a Nutshell
To begin, I have to admit that I’m not exactly sure how to define the region of Eastern Europe. I would think it encompasses the countries that are east of Germany and west of Russia. The more popular tourist destinations are Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland.
Czech Republic
In many people’s eyes, Prague is a romantic place. The setting of the city along the river, with highly ornate Charles Bridge and stunning castle on the hilltop, visible from the old town – even Hitler found it too beautiful to destroy during the Second World War. The beauty of Prague touches the heart of everyone who goes there.
Gothic, Renaissance and baroque architecture are very well-preserved in the city. The ornate decor inside the cathedrals rates amongst the best in Europe – your heart and mouth go “wow”!
Outside of Prague, there are many historical towns and castles well worth visiting. I visited a church where the interior is decorated with human skulls and bones. Thousands of bones! It’s freaky but rather spectacular and special.
Poland
Poland is the biggest country in Eastern Europe. It has a long bitter history of fighting war after war in an effort to defend its territory from occupation by aggressive neighbours. Sadly, many historic buildings were destroyed during the numerous wars it had been through, with the Second World War wiping out the entire old Warsaw city.
The real tourist attraction of Poland lies in the south around Krakow, a place I highly recommend. The place impressed me so much I felt the urge to write an article about my trip which was published in U Magazine last year. The old town square of Krakow dates back to the 13th century and is now a UNESCO site. In close proximity to Krakow, there are many famous places such as Auschwitz concentration camp and the world’s oldest operating salt mine.
Ukraine and Slovakia are only a few hours drive away from Krakow. For those who want to boost up country count, Krakow makes a good base to visit nearby countries. The region along the border with Slovakia is good for skiing in winter and hiking in summer.
Hungary
The main attraction is Budapest, the place where the famous waltz, The Blue Danube (also known as 肥婆踩單車) relates to. I haven’t been to Hungary so I don’t have first hand knowledge, therefore I won’t write any more to give the false impression that I know a lot about the place.
Cost
Many years ago, Eastern Europe was a lot cheaper than the west. However, as these countries joined the EU, and with the upcoming adoption of the Euro, prices are catching up quickly. Many tourist attractions, like Prague in the summer, is plainly wall-to-wall tourism driven. No doubt tourists are expected to pay handsome tourist prices. Simply put, you are a purse, not a person. One has to travel further east to find real bargains.
Transport
One observation – as nice as Poland and Polish people are, one very noticeable feature is that the people don’t queue for anything. They always find ways to jump a queue, squeeze in, drop their luggage in front of you, form 5 lines when there should be 2 – all quite blatantly and with no shame or qualms whatsoever. Hiring your own car avoids the daily battle (of not queuing) with the local crowds and offers great flexibility and freedom to explore off the beaten track.