The weather is playing a big role today with its dark emotional coulds!
I’m downbeat today as a result of yesterday’s massacre in Manila.
Saw a photograph showing some gun-less police, poised in a shooting position, hands together, a deception of sorts perhaps. The Photo surprises me given the number of random guns in the Philippines. Perhaps they sold them? Perhaps the ones with guns are bullet-less? But, let’s be fair, it’s possibly the most chaotic and disorganised country in Asia. One leader after the other all trying to fight the same old cr*p - corruption, poverty, extremists, chaos. A not so attractive list of issues for a country who are enthusiastically looking to increase their much sought after tourist revenue by increasing tourist numbers to 6 million this year. Keep counting!
I’m lost for words, angry and sad at the total lack of strategy and organisation and for the victims and their families. One of Hong Kong’s darkest hours, there is no doubt. And, not the brightest day for the so-called SWAT police, who have shown themselves as nothing more than a group of incompetent fools been led by an even more incompetent commander. Their show was no different than what you’d see in a war games day outing in Yuen Long. Sadly, the reality is all too real. No inception here.
Sad day for the people of Hong Kong and the weather is playing its part. There is a dark cloud over Hong Kong today and I for one simply can’t lift my spirits.
May the victims rest in peace.
Is walking your dog good for your love life? – Part I
I’ll be honest and reveal the fact that I do not own a dog and I do not walk one. This article is basically another angle of approach for those who are ‘in the market’ so to speak, own a dog, and are looking to meet new people. I believe, with a degree of positive thinking one could open up a new dimension on their otherwise stagnant lifestyle and your dog will love it too because they will get to walk more.
Twenty years ago a dog was not a familiar sight on the streets or parks of the former colony and you would find that people had more children back then, so there was little or no room, or interest for that matter, in having a family pet. The old-fashioned family stereo-types possibly made it easier to meet a partner, settle down and raise a family however, times have changed. There are fewer children being born in Hong Kong, more work pressures, more hours worked and a lot less time for single professionals in particular, to find a suitable partner. It all seems so practical not to have a furry sweaty animal co-habiting in a gardenless home in a warm and humid climate, but then again, pet lovers would not agree and family pets are in abundance all over the territory, despite the sweaty aroma.
OK, so what am I getting at? For many ‘single’ established professionals in particular, there is a void to fill in their lives that money cannot buy, and that void is usually direct love and romance which comes in the shape of a partner, someone you share the most intimate parts of your life with. Meeting someone though is often so difficult that it seems an impossible challenge, a never-ending uphill tedious struggle, of sorts, often accentuated by the individual having criteria that is so far-fetched and unrealistic that they will always remain ‘single’. More on that in another article. You’ll find that many singles take up all sorts of new hobbies, travel a lot – often alone, which is not as bad as it sounds, do a lot more networking and socialising, and generally put themselves in the way of invitations more readily, all this in an effort to meet potential soul-mates or at the very least, a new boy/girlfriend. New hobbies and travel definitely open up a fresh circle of potential friends, but how often will you take up a new hobby or travel abroad? Definitely, not a routine plan. You need something that’s more readily available. Going out is a necessity to meet people and it generally will not come by flirting or virtually socialising on a social networking website. You need to go out! But, where to? Well, you can weigh up all the advantages and disadvantages of what you already do and ask yourself how successful your socialising methods have been, and how much enjoyment you got for the effort you put in. ‘Single’ pet owners can explore another avenue by becoming more active in walking their dogs. Don’t underestimate this approach. When most people are going out, they usually go with a friend or a small group. This is essentially a socialising support network and obviously makes it easier to go to bars and clubs. Your dog is your social support network and while you don’t take him/her out to bars, pet café perhaps, you do have the opportunity to walk him/her every day. That is a lot of time spent walking, usually at a slower pace. You need a genuine love of animals. Pets are not accessories. They are not watches, shoes or handbags. As in many parts of the world, pets are frequently abandoned by their ruthless owners because they don’t see them as animals, they see them as something they don’t need anymore – this argument belongs in a whole new article.
Your dog is your friend, a friend for life, and as with human friends, pets will take care of you. Having a pet, a dog to be specific, offers a realistic and down-to-earth avenue of attack to meet new people, potentially new friends. You need to go out! There’s that advice again. Don’t see dog walking as a chore, see it as exercise, and don’t leave the dog walking to your domestic helper – she could end up with the spoils. That won’t help you! And make an effort to look presentable – no pyjamas, stained T-shirts or scruffy hair – this is not going to attract the types you would like to meet. It is important to look natural, and for women, not made up to the nines – this could make you look a bit ridiculous and would possibly turn away the men you are looking for. Wear clothes to suit the weather and the activity.
Dogs love walking and need to be walked every day to keep fit and healthy. You need to find the time to walk the dog yourself – remember this is about you getting out and that’s an everyday routine, every day. Arguably, it is a lot easier to walk your dog in a park or quieter streets as the environment makes it easier to chat to other dog walkers. Nobody will stop to talk on a noisy polluted street. And don’t listen to music, nobody will talk to you if you’re listening to music, or talking on the phone. Chatting to other dog walkers is easy. You already have something in common – a dog. If you bump into someone you’d like to chat to, make an excuse by commenting on the dog. Say something positive and smile. You can spend 10 minutes just talking about the dogs, their habits, age, breed, feeding patterns, type of food, the pro and cons, grooming, etc. – it’s not rocket science, so it makes for easy conversation. If you happen to bump into that person again, you already are familiar despite not knowing anything about each other but you’ll already know the dog’s name, so this in itself is more personalised. You can address the dog first, affectionately, then the other party. Remember that the key focus for the initial stages should be the dogs and not the people. Over a period of time if there is a tendency for both parties to stop and chat then this is a clear sign that there is a keenness to interact more – and the conversation will eventually move on to non-dog related topics. It is likely that one party will initiate an invitation to do something eventually, possibly dog related or a gathering in town. Don’t underestimate these little trivial conversations; they could be forming the bond between you and another stranger –
So it seems that there’s plenty of room for a family pet, usually a very well-manicured, well-groomed canine, not to fill the void of a partner in your life, but as a companion and friend – think of your pet as a friend that can help you meet others, a social support companion as mentioned earlier, a kind of partner in crime, a displacement, or simply put – an attractive magnet. Dogs are born to walk besides other things and generally love the interaction with people. Choose your dog carefully. If you are a straight athletic man, you can’t be seen walking a Poodle dressed in a pink jacket. Being in the presence of this breed and in this guise could send out misleading signals and will probably attract members of the same gender. If you are not straight, then the poodle is perfect. There’s no guarantee, but you definitely need to be aware of the stereo-types attached to certain breeds so that the signals sent out are the right ones. Most sensible and humane people in Hong Kong have smaller dogs, for obvious reasons – no garden, remember?
Stay tuned for more in Part II…
Over-charged yet again…!
Not long ago I wrote a blog after being overcharged in a well-known supermarket. It wasn’t the first time either, so I reckoned it was time to go public, or as public as my blog reaches. Here’s the link if you would like to read my thoughts on that: http://www.morethanhoneymoon.com/blog/morethanblog.php/?p=225
I still doubt if everyone is checking their receipts each time they go shopping but there are good reasons to do so because I have yet again been over-charged, by the same outlet as the one referred to in the link above. And on this occasion I was over-charged for an item that I didn’t even purchase – Apples! [click title for more...]
Well done Hong Kong!
It was definitely a great night for Hong Kong football (soccer) winning the East Asian Games final against arguably better opposition, Japan. Having played a full 120 minutes of football it was pretty clear watching the penalty shootout that tired limbs played a part, although some of the spot-kicks were emphatic and very convincing. The goalkeepers also played a big part as is often the case when it comes down to a spot-kick finale. Congratulations to Hong Kong for winning football gold and three cheers for Japan for providing a competitive match.
Hong Kong has done pretty well overall in this East Asian Games, and as I write this, on the final day of the games, they are ranked 4th with a total of 103 competition medals in a wide range of sports including, aquatics, squash, rowing, martial arts, table-tennis, windsurfing, snooker (cue sports), cycling and football. The medals tally for Hong Kong as follows: Gold (25), Silver (29), Bronze (49).
This bodes very well for Hong Kong’s sporting future and I’m impressed by the broad-ranging disciplines where medals were won and although you would expect a region with 7 million people to be good at something, it is still impressive, mainly because there are many other distractions in a large city and actual participation in sport and the promotion of health and fitness (save for a few yoga companies) is not necessarily a big thing in Hong Kong as it is in many other countries, or compared to the competitiveness when it comes to business.
And last but not least, Hong Kong also snatched, unofficially, the gold medals in the Gambling and tooth-picking disciplines. Onwards!!
Drinks for Christmas
These drinks are traditional winter cocktails. They can be enjoyed as a stand alone beverage or after dinner favourites and are most popular in the winter months. They are easy to make and share some common ingredients.
IRISH COFFEE
(Whiskey based)
1 generous measure (3cl) of Irish Whiskey
12cl hot black coffee
1 teaspoon of brown sugar (optional)
1 heaped dessertspoon of whipped fresh cream
Grated Chocolate for garnish (optional)
Method: pre-warm a stemmed glass. Put sugar into glass and cover with Irish whiskey. Stir in the coffee and mix well. Float cold cream on the surface by pouring it into a teaspoon and letting it overflow on to the surface of the drink. Grate or shake a little chocolate on top.
BAILEY’S (Irish Cream) COFFEE
(Bailey’s based)
1 generous measure (4.5cl) of Bailey’s Irish Cream
12cl hot black coffee
1 heaped dessertspoon of whipped fresh cream
Grated Chocolate for garnish (optional)
Method: pre-warm a glass. Pour Baileys into glass. Top with coffee and mix well. Float cold cream on the surface, as above.
Tip: Don’t over-whip the cream – make it just thick enough to float off the back of a spoon. Grated chocolate adds to the rich blend of flavours.
Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden (KFBG)
One of the hidden gems in Hong Kong’s New Territories and one that many visitors rarely see, Kadoorie Farm – a non-profit conservation and education centre lying on the foothills of Tai Mo Shan. Thankfully, having been there a couple of times in the recent past I was able to take some of my Irish contingent along for a visit.
Spread out over 148 hectares the farm is home to woodlands, orchards, vegetable terraces, herb gardens and a myriad of flora and fauna. Conservation and education is the key and this is evident by the excellent displays and information boards posted throughout the whole farm and garden. Every tree species is labeled as are animals. I personally like the idea of allowing the animals to introduce themselves to tell their own little story – many have names, especially the birds and a little story to tell. This is a great way to bring nature closer to everyone making it more tangible and a gentle way to remind people that animals have indeed a right to live a peaceful life in their own natural habitat, and are not just a food source to satisfy the hunger pangs of greedy ignorant people. An information display beside the turtle display informs us of the illegal turtle trade between Hong Kong and mainland China and the figures are alarming. It is quite disgusting how many turtles are killed, mainly in the name of Chinese medicine. Watch out because these animals are not breeding in great numbers so would fit neatly into the ‘protected species’ category.
Kadoorie Farm originally started out in 1956 as an Agricultural Aid program funded by two brothers. Effective and profitable farming techniques were taught to mainly refugees whose produce contributed greatly to Hong Kong’s food supply and its people. And when framing in Hong Kong declined in later years attentions turned to the environmental problems in the territory. So from 1995, a new mission was unveiled and Kadoorie Farm as it is known today was born.
A visit to Kadoorie requires at least 3 hours to enjoy the setting and appreciate the place for what it is – a little gem. The farm is essentially two parts, the lower areas housing many fauna (animals), vegetable gardens, a romantic stream, ponds and a small museum and shop. The higher areas are filled with tropical vegetation, little waterfalls, and several key attractions, like the Raptor sanctuary, Orchid Haven and Butterfly garden. The highest point is Kadoorie Brothers’ Memorial Pavilion, located at 602 metres. The second highest (552M) is Kwun Yum Shan Summit. There are spectacular vistas from both summits and great places to unwind, with nothing to distract you except the beauty and the sounds of nature.
Some tips for visitors:
If you are prepared and kitted out for a good walk in the outdoors then you can amble all over the place, all the way to both summits. Don’t underestimate the slopes however, they are challenging, so bring plenty of water and the usual stuff you might take on a hike – hiking poles are not necessary as the trails are either stepped or proper road surfaces. To see the farm and both summits allow at least 4 to 5 hours; if you like to read everything on display boards and ponder to take photographs then you could easily spend all day meandering.
If your time is limited or you are visiting with young children or elderly people then I suggest taking the ‘free’ shuttle bus tour (approx. 80 mins), departing from outside the main gate. It will take you at a leisurely pace to five main spots in the farm and gardens, including the two summits mentioned above and the Orchid Haven and Butterfly garden. Time is allowed at each place and the option to walk off by yourself is there at all times; a safe bet is to hop off at the Raptor Sanctuary as this allows for a very nice easy amble back down the slope before reaching the farm once again. The admission is just $10 for adults (free for elderly and students); and you’ll be asked to sign a register; get your shuttle bus ticket when you purchase your entry tickets and buy a map ($5) which aids navigation as you saunter around the park. Maps are also located at various points around the park. When you are finally leaving the park you are required to sign out.
The farm is located along Lam Kam Road about half way between Tai Po Market MTR and Kam Sheung Road MTR. Bus number 64K goes between Tai Po Market and Yuen Long, stopping at Kam Sheung MTR so you have the option to approach from either the east or the west. Taxis are a convenient option from nearby MTR stations.
A visit to Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Gardens is a breath of fresh air, especially for those in need of a little escape from the urban sprawl!
Technology getting in the way, a bit too much
A few observations to note, which are in fact, facts!
We’ve all experienced the interruption and distraction mobile devices have on our daily lives and while there’s no argument against the amazing technological advances and convenience that mobile technology brings to the average person’s daily life, there are drawbacks. There is a line to be drawn in order to establish some sort of social order and manner and common decency to the ones we’re with. So, great as the technology is, it’s also having a very obvious impact that flaunts with our social lives without tip-toeing around. The mobile (phone) is a prime example of a device that’s as much an annoyance and a major conversation killer as it is a blessing on any social occasion.
Take an average dinner at a restaurant where one gathers to socialise; yes, in case people have forgotten, dining, whether at home or at a restaurant is still an excellent way to socialise and the idea is, that you go to a restaurant to interact with the people around you – your friends and family and not with an electronic device. We don’t want to turn off our phones and PDA’s but we shouldn’t be seen socialising with them more than the people we’re with – seems like common sense, or perhaps not to some.
It’s common for the shy and insecure to fiddle with their hand-held device as the perfect displacement while waiting at a bar or a restaurant for their date or friend to arrive, or sporadically throughout the meal when their partner disappears to the toilet – isn’t there something else to do for just a few moments other than checking a phone for messages and calls that aren’t there? The intrusion that a mobile phone has on an average gathering is increasing in unison with the ever-increasing applications one can access on a typical device. You’ll notice wherever you go, a restaurant, a bar, a cafe, a graduation or a wedding ceremony, any event really, the mobile devices that offer convenience beyond belief to people all over the developed world are also poking their way into the social arena in a way that’s making them a nuisance.
Short of emergencies and obvious work-related distractions, next time you’re socialising with your family and friends make a conscious effort to use the phone as little as possible because the person or date you’re with really does want some attention as well, otherwise your second date could well be with your i-phone!
You’ve been warned!