One-man-one-vote is the only way to go
23. July 1, 2003. 500, 000. These are the numbers I can never take out of my head. They are the numbers that first make me feel truly connected to where I am now. Two years after the July 1 protest against the legislation of Article 23, I took part in the protest last Sunday. Just like the speculation before the march, less than 500, 000 people were in the protest this time. The number concerns me not. True- that I was awestruck by the number 500, 000. True- that I was proud of myself as well as the rest of the 499, 999 people. I still am! But after two years, I think this particular time is when the determination and desire of Hong Kong people for a society with full democracy is genuinely tested. Unlike last time, the purpose of the protest is a display of how much we really want a universal suffrage in the next chief executive election. It’s more than just letting the steam out, which may apply to the protest two years ago. Rather, it’s about how much we want to be part of it and thereby initiate a movement for a long-term progress in the election system of our government in years beyond. Therefore, my taking to the street was by no means an anti-government action. I was there out of my conscience—the obligation I feel I have as a person who live here and the sense of responsibility I have for my grandson, my grand-grandson, my grand-grand-grandson.
In the immortal words of John F. Kennedy: “Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country.” Get your brain juices flowing, look at the world beyond the perspective that you read on the computer screen, get out there, and have your voice heard. Be part of it. If you don’t, you get what you deserve. It’s that simple.
More about the Dec 4 protest:
BBC- "Thousands march for HK democracy" http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/4496556.stm
CNN- "Thousands march in HK" http://www.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/asiapcf/12/04/hk.march.ap/index.html
新加坡聯合早報- "香港市民大游行争取普选" http://www.zaobao.com/gj/zg051205_502.html
Le Monde. fr- "Des dizaines de milliers de Hongkongais dans la rue pour la démocratie" http://www.lemonde.fr/web/article/0,1-0@2-3216,36-717336@51-715568,0.html
Sunday, October 23, 2005
For several times last two weeks, I woke up midnight in panic sweat. Two months after my return, I realized that all those images of the incident still have an impact on me and how defenseless I am when they come back.
It all started with a scream…
By the end of my trip this summer, I decided to stop by Taizé and work there for three weeks before heading back to Toronto. One evening, I went to the evening prayer after working as a coordinator for children’s animation as usual. Working in children’s animation has proven to be so so(!) demanding and exhausting. It’s like today you have headache getting Polish and Spanish translators and then tomorrow you’ll have to worry about getting other programs fixed and informing other translators. That day as I was heading to the evening prayer, I was so upset to find myself being so inadequate for the job and would die for anytime just for myself.
Candles lit, people be seated. As music was played in the church, we were all in silence and some were in meditation. Silence was broken by occasional coughs and sneezes. The screen showed which song we were singing and I looked down, didn’t feel like turning to the page of the song in the hymn book. I didn’t sing along the music. I was incapable of singing as days I worked as children’s animation coordinator flashed across.
“Awwwwwwwwwwww... ”
A scream suddenly interrupted the singing.
I looked up, first seeing all the kids looking scared and all other people were in panic as the kids made their way back to their parents. Those who were sitting beside the bushes stood up, with their eyes fixed at the center of the church-- all in shock, while some brothers stood up and tried to pat onto the shoulders of some people, telling them to remain seated. Before I figured out what happened, the guy who was sitting behind me has already rushed out of the crowds, running as if he was hitting the finishing line.
One thing that I noticed seemed to be unusual...
There was a woman standing right inside the area reserved just for the brothers.
The rhythm of the evening prayer was suddenly intermitted...
(to be continued…)
It all started with a scream…
By the end of my trip this summer, I decided to stop by Taizé and work there for three weeks before heading back to Toronto. One evening, I went to the evening prayer after working as a coordinator for children’s animation as usual. Working in children’s animation has proven to be so so(!) demanding and exhausting. It’s like today you have headache getting Polish and Spanish translators and then tomorrow you’ll have to worry about getting other programs fixed and informing other translators. That day as I was heading to the evening prayer, I was so upset to find myself being so inadequate for the job and would die for anytime just for myself.
Candles lit, people be seated. As music was played in the church, we were all in silence and some were in meditation. Silence was broken by occasional coughs and sneezes. The screen showed which song we were singing and I looked down, didn’t feel like turning to the page of the song in the hymn book. I didn’t sing along the music. I was incapable of singing as days I worked as children’s animation coordinator flashed across.
“Awwwwwwwwwwww... ”
A scream suddenly interrupted the singing.
I looked up, first seeing all the kids looking scared and all other people were in panic as the kids made their way back to their parents. Those who were sitting beside the bushes stood up, with their eyes fixed at the center of the church-- all in shock, while some brothers stood up and tried to pat onto the shoulders of some people, telling them to remain seated. Before I figured out what happened, the guy who was sitting behind me has already rushed out of the crowds, running as if he was hitting the finishing line.
One thing that I noticed seemed to be unusual...
There was a woman standing right inside the area reserved just for the brothers.
The rhythm of the evening prayer was suddenly intermitted...
(to be continued…)
Saturday, September 24, 2005
On anti-Disney
One of my fellow classmates gave a presentation about the grand opening of HK Disneyland yesterday. In her presentation the working condition of factory workers who make Disney products in mainland China was given special consideration. It was followed by a series of discussion about the factory workers not being treated fairly, how the situation could be improved so on and so forth.
I’m not trying to do any justice to this particular corporation ‘cause their factories in mainland China where low-skilled, cheap labor- especially young women who are considered to be more compliant and reliable- are really plentiful. I don’t think I need to mention how those pitiful young women working more than 18 hours in sweatshops to get you to have a clue of how it’s like.
But why Disney?
We have sportswear giants like Nike and Adidas which constantly make trendy and cool sport shoes to add more colors to our collection of sneakers at home. Any given minute in a Nike outlet in Hong Kong, a mom is probably buying her 10-year-old son a new pair of running shoes—made by a 9-year-old boy with bare feet in a factory in Pakistan or Bangladesh. And then we have GM putting down their factories in Michigan, leaving the entire town unemployed, while setting up 11 factories in Mexico. And … and don’t forget our worldwide success McDonald’s, which is a perfect model to those in a variety of leadership positions. McDonald’s is playing the key role in the ever-expanding process of “McDonaldization,” which put numerous employees to work in dehumanizing jobs.
Below-subsistence wages, hazardous and stressful working conditions, forced overtime, long working hours, and abusive management—all these are not rare in developing countries where western transnational corporations set up factories for their business. When we talk about how Disney mistreat their employees in mainland China, it’s wiser to see it as a tip of a larger iceberg—one that is created as transnational corporations extend and enlarge in the global market—than just pick it out to criticize.
One of my fellow classmates gave a presentation about the grand opening of HK Disneyland yesterday. In her presentation the working condition of factory workers who make Disney products in mainland China was given special consideration. It was followed by a series of discussion about the factory workers not being treated fairly, how the situation could be improved so on and so forth.
I’m not trying to do any justice to this particular corporation ‘cause their factories in mainland China where low-skilled, cheap labor- especially young women who are considered to be more compliant and reliable- are really plentiful. I don’t think I need to mention how those pitiful young women working more than 18 hours in sweatshops to get you to have a clue of how it’s like.
But why Disney?
We have sportswear giants like Nike and Adidas which constantly make trendy and cool sport shoes to add more colors to our collection of sneakers at home. Any given minute in a Nike outlet in Hong Kong, a mom is probably buying her 10-year-old son a new pair of running shoes—made by a 9-year-old boy with bare feet in a factory in Pakistan or Bangladesh. And then we have GM putting down their factories in Michigan, leaving the entire town unemployed, while setting up 11 factories in Mexico. And … and don’t forget our worldwide success McDonald’s, which is a perfect model to those in a variety of leadership positions. McDonald’s is playing the key role in the ever-expanding process of “McDonaldization,” which put numerous employees to work in dehumanizing jobs.
Below-subsistence wages, hazardous and stressful working conditions, forced overtime, long working hours, and abusive management—all these are not rare in developing countries where western transnational corporations set up factories for their business. When we talk about how Disney mistreat their employees in mainland China, it’s wiser to see it as a tip of a larger iceberg—one that is created as transnational corporations extend and enlarge in the global market—than just pick it out to criticize.
Friday, September 16, 2005
Back
Everything is getting in full swing as the new school term started 2 weeks ago. But no matter how much I KNOW I'm getting used of schoolife again(sooner or later), I still feel as if my spirit is left somewhere else but not here. I realized how much I miss all the wonderful people I met the past 4 months and how my life was turned around drastically by the unexpected situations that life brings.
Perhaps that doesn't make much sense to a lot of you as I have virtually lost contact with people toward the end of my trip. But I would like to thank you all who have asked, whether by emails or phone calls, about how I've been up to. THANK YOU ALL!
It's a bit hectic here as school kicks off. A lot more to do! But I hope I'll be able to share what happened to me about the part of the trip that I haven't mentioned since my last entry (and pictures as well! ). Give me a bit of time and space to re-orient myself and reorganize my life. I'll be blogging verrrrrrrrrrrry soon...
very soon.
Everything is getting in full swing as the new school term started 2 weeks ago. But no matter how much I KNOW I'm getting used of schoolife again(sooner or later), I still feel as if my spirit is left somewhere else but not here. I realized how much I miss all the wonderful people I met the past 4 months and how my life was turned around drastically by the unexpected situations that life brings.
Perhaps that doesn't make much sense to a lot of you as I have virtually lost contact with people toward the end of my trip. But I would like to thank you all who have asked, whether by emails or phone calls, about how I've been up to. THANK YOU ALL!
It's a bit hectic here as school kicks off. A lot more to do! But I hope I'll be able to share what happened to me about the part of the trip that I haven't mentioned since my last entry (and pictures as well! ). Give me a bit of time and space to re-orient myself and reorganize my life. I'll be blogging verrrrrrrrrrrry soon...
very soon.
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
At His Funeral, Brother Roger Has an Ecumenical Dream Fulfilled
New York Times
By JOHN TAGLIABUE
August 24, 2005
TAIZÉ, France, Aug. 23 - Brother Roger Schutz pursued many ecumenical dreams in his long life, but in death one of them came true: At a Eucharistic service celebrated Tuesday by a Roman Catholic cardinal for Brother Roger, a Swiss Protestant, communion wafers were given to the faithful indiscriminately, regardless of denomination.
Members of the monastic order founded by Brother Roger Schutz carried his coffin at his funeral Tuesday in Taizé in eastern France.
Cardinal Walter Kasper, the president of the Vatican's council for the unity of Christians, who celebrated the Mass, said in a homily, "Yes, the springtime of ecumenism has flowered on the hill of Taizé." Beyond religious divisions, Brother Roger also abhorred the division between rich and poor. "Every form of injustice or neglect made him very sad," Cardinal Kasper said.
Brother Roger's community and friends, including President Horst Köhler of Germany and the retired archbishop of Paris, Jean-Marie Lustiger, attended the liturgy in the vast wooden monastery church at Taizé, while thousands more followed it on a huge screen in fields outside the church.
Brother Roger was 90 when he was stabbed to death by a Romanian woman, Luminita Solcan, 36, during an evening service in the church one week ago. His successor, the Rev. Alois Leser, a Roman Catholic priest from Germany, prayed for forgiveness: "With Christ on the cross we say to you, Father, forgive her, she does not know what she did."
The gathering here in the hills of eastern France under leaden, showery skies reflected the spirit, and also the popularity, of Brother Roger, the son of a Swiss Calvinist pastor, who first gathered followers here in 1940. The monastic community here encompasses about 90 members from 20 or so countries and virtually every Christian denomination. Four Roman Catholic priests from among the members celebrated the funeral Mass with Cardinal Kasper.
Brother Roger's simple wooden coffin, a wooden icon lying upon it, was carried into the church by brothers. It was followed by a group of Romanian children who had been visiting the community when Brother Roger was killed.
Brother Roger founded Taizé as a monastic order only a 10-minute drive from Cluny, the site of Europe's largest and best-known monastic abbey before its destruction during the French Revolution. In the 1970's, Taizé developed into a pilgrimage site where people from different countries and faiths gathered annually at Easter. Many returned, in sadness, on Tuesday.
Holding candles, they followed his coffin in procession to the Taizé cemetery.
Petra Simmert, a schoolteacher from southern Germany, came with her husband and two children. She is Protestant, he Catholic; one child is Catholic, the other Protestant. "We're an ecumenical family," she said, with a laugh. Watching the funeral of Pope John Paul II on television, they saw Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict XVI, give communion to Brother Roger, even though he was not Catholic. "That struck us," she said.
New York Times
By JOHN TAGLIABUE
August 24, 2005
TAIZÉ, France, Aug. 23 - Brother Roger Schutz pursued many ecumenical dreams in his long life, but in death one of them came true: At a Eucharistic service celebrated Tuesday by a Roman Catholic cardinal for Brother Roger, a Swiss Protestant, communion wafers were given to the faithful indiscriminately, regardless of denomination.
Members of the monastic order founded by Brother Roger Schutz carried his coffin at his funeral Tuesday in Taizé in eastern France.
Cardinal Walter Kasper, the president of the Vatican's council for the unity of Christians, who celebrated the Mass, said in a homily, "Yes, the springtime of ecumenism has flowered on the hill of Taizé." Beyond religious divisions, Brother Roger also abhorred the division between rich and poor. "Every form of injustice or neglect made him very sad," Cardinal Kasper said.
Brother Roger's community and friends, including President Horst Köhler of Germany and the retired archbishop of Paris, Jean-Marie Lustiger, attended the liturgy in the vast wooden monastery church at Taizé, while thousands more followed it on a huge screen in fields outside the church.
Brother Roger was 90 when he was stabbed to death by a Romanian woman, Luminita Solcan, 36, during an evening service in the church one week ago. His successor, the Rev. Alois Leser, a Roman Catholic priest from Germany, prayed for forgiveness: "With Christ on the cross we say to you, Father, forgive her, she does not know what she did."
The gathering here in the hills of eastern France under leaden, showery skies reflected the spirit, and also the popularity, of Brother Roger, the son of a Swiss Calvinist pastor, who first gathered followers here in 1940. The monastic community here encompasses about 90 members from 20 or so countries and virtually every Christian denomination. Four Roman Catholic priests from among the members celebrated the funeral Mass with Cardinal Kasper.
Brother Roger's simple wooden coffin, a wooden icon lying upon it, was carried into the church by brothers. It was followed by a group of Romanian children who had been visiting the community when Brother Roger was killed.
Brother Roger founded Taizé as a monastic order only a 10-minute drive from Cluny, the site of Europe's largest and best-known monastic abbey before its destruction during the French Revolution. In the 1970's, Taizé developed into a pilgrimage site where people from different countries and faiths gathered annually at Easter. Many returned, in sadness, on Tuesday.
Holding candles, they followed his coffin in procession to the Taizé cemetery.
Petra Simmert, a schoolteacher from southern Germany, came with her husband and two children. She is Protestant, he Catholic; one child is Catholic, the other Protestant. "We're an ecumenical family," she said, with a laugh. Watching the funeral of Pope John Paul II on television, they saw Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict XVI, give communion to Brother Roger, even though he was not Catholic. "That struck us," she said.
Saturday, June 25, 2005
Hitchhiking 1
I’ve never thought of this way of traveling and I’ve never done that before in my life. It sounds exciting but also frustrating because one may get stuck on the side of the road to nowhere with nowhere cheap (or just plain nowhere) to stay. But after meeting travelers who are doing hitchhiking along my way, now I’m interested in trying it some day. J
This German girl called Hanna who I met in France has been hitchhiking ALONE through France since the beginning of May. Like many other people, my immediate response after hearing that was “Is it safe?”
“What if somebody really stops his car and offers you a ride but then you don’t feel like getting into his car?”
“What if nobody stops and you don’t have any place to rest your head that night… and then it starts to rain…”
“What if …”
A long list of what-ifs came afterwards. She didn’t answer promptly. Instead, she looked right into my eyes, finally broke into a smile and said “But that has never happened to me before!”
“Really?”
“Yup. You just need to be careful.”
True. One just has to be careful. Anything can happen even if you’re in the safest place on earth. I think most people should be able to use their common sense and distinguish who to trust and who not to on the road.
Hitchhiking 2
My host in Warsaw, Chris, has several hitchhiking experience. Few years ago he traveled through Lithuania and Estonia by hitchhiking and last year he hitchhiked from France to Spain.
Whilst in Provence he worked at a vineyard picking grapes.
“Provence! It must be nice!” I was getting excited as I recalled what I’ve read from Peter Mayle’s Provence series and Van Gogh’s “what an intensity of colors, what pure air, what vibrant serenity” exclamation upon his arrival in Provence.
I trust that the nature there must be beautiful.
“Yup it’s nice,” said Chris.
“Wow.” Eyebrows raised.
“But the people are not so nice.”
“… why …”
“When I was in Marseille, I walked down the streets and everybody smiled at me. But in Provence everywhere is wealthy people and they don’t greet people as warmly as people in Marseille do. Provence is nice, but I like Marseille better.”
“…” We walked back home quietly, both falling into contemplation.
Once again it proves my people-take-more-of-your-heart-than-just-the-place philosophy stand!
Hitchhiking 3
Petr is an outstanding architecture student in Prague. When students care more about their social lives and think studies can wait, he tries to have a balance of both. One day when he was studying, there was a point where he came to know exam was gonna drive him nuts. What am I doing here? I don’t wanna study anymore! He thought. So he took his backpack, blanket, sleeping bag and tent and left for Norway THE NEXT MORNING!
You can imagine he left Prague without knowing where to sleep at all.
But he wasn’t worried.
“See. This is Norway. They have large fields everywhere. You can sleep here, here, here, here, there, anywhere you like!” pointing at a picture of green fields in Norway.
One time he had nowhere to sleep in Finland.
He wasn’t too worried.
He climbed up to the top of a tower (probably not too high)and spent a night at the terrace with his friend.
“We got a nice view from there. That can compete with a pricey hotel!” said Petr.
Yup... and it must be mighty cold and windy too…
Again when Petr was in Paris he didn’t have a hostel to stay.
He wasn’t worried.
Actually this time he had a place more than just a grassy field or hard ground on a terrace. It has proven where he stayed is so nice that everyday he got many unwanted visitors to his place. Perhaps they are all jealous of him to have such a cozy place to rest his head. It caused hassle to him, though and sometimes they really got on his nerves.
You wanna know who these visitors are?
They are the homeless!
because …
he was CAMPING UNDER THE EFFIEL TOWER!
I’ve never thought of this way of traveling and I’ve never done that before in my life. It sounds exciting but also frustrating because one may get stuck on the side of the road to nowhere with nowhere cheap (or just plain nowhere) to stay. But after meeting travelers who are doing hitchhiking along my way, now I’m interested in trying it some day. J
This German girl called Hanna who I met in France has been hitchhiking ALONE through France since the beginning of May. Like many other people, my immediate response after hearing that was “Is it safe?”
“What if somebody really stops his car and offers you a ride but then you don’t feel like getting into his car?”
“What if nobody stops and you don’t have any place to rest your head that night… and then it starts to rain…”
“What if …”
A long list of what-ifs came afterwards. She didn’t answer promptly. Instead, she looked right into my eyes, finally broke into a smile and said “But that has never happened to me before!”
“Really?”
“Yup. You just need to be careful.”
True. One just has to be careful. Anything can happen even if you’re in the safest place on earth. I think most people should be able to use their common sense and distinguish who to trust and who not to on the road.
Hitchhiking 2
My host in Warsaw, Chris, has several hitchhiking experience. Few years ago he traveled through Lithuania and Estonia by hitchhiking and last year he hitchhiked from France to Spain.
Whilst in Provence he worked at a vineyard picking grapes.
“Provence! It must be nice!” I was getting excited as I recalled what I’ve read from Peter Mayle’s Provence series and Van Gogh’s “what an intensity of colors, what pure air, what vibrant serenity” exclamation upon his arrival in Provence.
I trust that the nature there must be beautiful.
“Yup it’s nice,” said Chris.
“Wow.” Eyebrows raised.
“But the people are not so nice.”
“… why …”
“When I was in Marseille, I walked down the streets and everybody smiled at me. But in Provence everywhere is wealthy people and they don’t greet people as warmly as people in Marseille do. Provence is nice, but I like Marseille better.”
“…” We walked back home quietly, both falling into contemplation.
Once again it proves my people-take-more-of-your-heart-than-just-the-place philosophy stand!
Hitchhiking 3
Petr is an outstanding architecture student in Prague. When students care more about their social lives and think studies can wait, he tries to have a balance of both. One day when he was studying, there was a point where he came to know exam was gonna drive him nuts. What am I doing here? I don’t wanna study anymore! He thought. So he took his backpack, blanket, sleeping bag and tent and left for Norway THE NEXT MORNING!
You can imagine he left Prague without knowing where to sleep at all.
But he wasn’t worried.
“See. This is Norway. They have large fields everywhere. You can sleep here, here, here, here, there, anywhere you like!” pointing at a picture of green fields in Norway.
One time he had nowhere to sleep in Finland.
He wasn’t too worried.
He climbed up to the top of a tower (probably not too high)and spent a night at the terrace with his friend.
“We got a nice view from there. That can compete with a pricey hotel!” said Petr.
Yup... and it must be mighty cold and windy too…
Again when Petr was in Paris he didn’t have a hostel to stay.
He wasn’t worried.
Actually this time he had a place more than just a grassy field or hard ground on a terrace. It has proven where he stayed is so nice that everyday he got many unwanted visitors to his place. Perhaps they are all jealous of him to have such a cozy place to rest his head. It caused hassle to him, though and sometimes they really got on his nerves.
You wanna know who these visitors are?
They are the homeless!
because …
he was CAMPING UNDER THE EFFIEL TOWER!
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
Lost
The more south I go, the harder I find to get by given the fact that I don’t speak other European languages. In Barcelona, I didn’t have any difficulties in understanding Raul and Natalia as the Catalan that they speak sounds a bit like French. So a lot of time even if I don’t speak the language itself, I could still pick up a few words and had a clue of what they said depending on the context. But I think I’m more like a mute when I was in Madrid and Valencia. Though Catalan is spoken in the region of Catalonia in Spain, the different accents sometimes cross my legs. At dinner tables, I was often lost when following what people say.
BUT that didn’t prevent me from getting to know what people say, for Spanish people are far too expressive to let you miss it. It’s fun to see them talking! ‘cause there’s so much energy, gesture, and facial expressions in their talking. Stories like a bank teller being hassled by a gay man, or guys peeping girls who are in aerobics class through windows while working out have more to offer- watching them talk is like seeing them ACT! Yea… I love the language. It’s so lively!
Somehow I think Spanish people are just as noisy(or even nosier) than Chinese people while dining at restaurant…
Last-minute decisions
It’s not surprising to see something unexpected popped up along the journey. After all, it’s part of my adventure! But going to places which were not on my way initially is totally a crazy idea for me. This city Stuttgart where I am now is definitely NOT a place where I would visit had I not met Petra. Petra is a German lady who I met in Tazie. She invited me to go stay with her if I travel to Germany. I didn’t take it that seriously at that time. The thought of visiting Stuttgart didn’t come to my mind until I was in Barcelona. I was having great time with Rual and Natalia in Barcelona and I thought it would be neat to stay with friends. So I emailed to Perta and later Susana. Both of them replied! So there I was in Spain!
Then started my search for plane flying to Stuttgart. It wasn’t an easy thing! I was nearly desperate as I saw all the exorbitant prices!!! Oh I’m gonna go broke if I pay for that. I thought.
Fortunately, I managed to get a more reasonable-priced ticket with Sus’ effort, but then the date interrupted my entire plan!!! Instead of July 9, on which date I wanted to leave, the date available for the plane was July 14! So … I was kind of “forced” to stay longer in Spain (actually I enjoy the type of lay-back life in Valencia… I don’t mind staying for longer haha- if I have a vacation which lasts FOREVER!).
That afternoon when I was flipping through the travel guidebook, I thought “okay now I got a few extra days in Spain why not go to Madrid?” I don’t wanna leave Spain without seeing Madrid.
A second round of search began. We got into internet, looked for place to stay and later went to the train station and checked the train schedule with the ticket office. Everything went fine. I’ m glad that I was able to find one nice cheap hostel and get the ticket.
All these were done the day just before I went to Madrid. Everything is just impromptu- I was going a place where I had NO idea of where to stay and whether I could get there or not.
It's hilarious and...
it’s the craziest thing I’ve ever done! :-P
Susana
I know I’ve kind of mentioned that before. Still- I wanna say I enjoy my stay with Susana SO much. I’m grateful for EVERYTHING that she and her family did for me. It was a truly make-yourself-home experience. I’m grateful this family is so generous in sharing EVERYTHING with me. Their bed, their laundry, their fridge, their food, their clothes, their beach, their language, their Valencia, their Spain!
The other day when I was talking to my mom, she said I MUST treat Susana like a queen when she comes to Hong Kong. True. I guess I’m gonna owe this family everything that they share with me until the day that they come to Hong Kong.
Or else…
they would be like my credit card- I can never pay them back! ;-)
The more south I go, the harder I find to get by given the fact that I don’t speak other European languages. In Barcelona, I didn’t have any difficulties in understanding Raul and Natalia as the Catalan that they speak sounds a bit like French. So a lot of time even if I don’t speak the language itself, I could still pick up a few words and had a clue of what they said depending on the context. But I think I’m more like a mute when I was in Madrid and Valencia. Though Catalan is spoken in the region of Catalonia in Spain, the different accents sometimes cross my legs. At dinner tables, I was often lost when following what people say.
BUT that didn’t prevent me from getting to know what people say, for Spanish people are far too expressive to let you miss it. It’s fun to see them talking! ‘cause there’s so much energy, gesture, and facial expressions in their talking. Stories like a bank teller being hassled by a gay man, or guys peeping girls who are in aerobics class through windows while working out have more to offer- watching them talk is like seeing them ACT! Yea… I love the language. It’s so lively!
Somehow I think Spanish people are just as noisy(or even nosier) than Chinese people while dining at restaurant…
Last-minute decisions
It’s not surprising to see something unexpected popped up along the journey. After all, it’s part of my adventure! But going to places which were not on my way initially is totally a crazy idea for me. This city Stuttgart where I am now is definitely NOT a place where I would visit had I not met Petra. Petra is a German lady who I met in Tazie. She invited me to go stay with her if I travel to Germany. I didn’t take it that seriously at that time. The thought of visiting Stuttgart didn’t come to my mind until I was in Barcelona. I was having great time with Rual and Natalia in Barcelona and I thought it would be neat to stay with friends. So I emailed to Perta and later Susana. Both of them replied! So there I was in Spain!
Then started my search for plane flying to Stuttgart. It wasn’t an easy thing! I was nearly desperate as I saw all the exorbitant prices!!! Oh I’m gonna go broke if I pay for that. I thought.
Fortunately, I managed to get a more reasonable-priced ticket with Sus’ effort, but then the date interrupted my entire plan!!! Instead of July 9, on which date I wanted to leave, the date available for the plane was July 14! So … I was kind of “forced” to stay longer in Spain (actually I enjoy the type of lay-back life in Valencia… I don’t mind staying for longer haha- if I have a vacation which lasts FOREVER!).
That afternoon when I was flipping through the travel guidebook, I thought “okay now I got a few extra days in Spain why not go to Madrid?” I don’t wanna leave Spain without seeing Madrid.
A second round of search began. We got into internet, looked for place to stay and later went to the train station and checked the train schedule with the ticket office. Everything went fine. I’ m glad that I was able to find one nice cheap hostel and get the ticket.
All these were done the day just before I went to Madrid. Everything is just impromptu- I was going a place where I had NO idea of where to stay and whether I could get there or not.
It's hilarious and...
it’s the craziest thing I’ve ever done! :-P
Susana
I know I’ve kind of mentioned that before. Still- I wanna say I enjoy my stay with Susana SO much. I’m grateful for EVERYTHING that she and her family did for me. It was a truly make-yourself-home experience. I’m grateful this family is so generous in sharing EVERYTHING with me. Their bed, their laundry, their fridge, their food, their clothes, their beach, their language, their Valencia, their Spain!
The other day when I was talking to my mom, she said I MUST treat Susana like a queen when she comes to Hong Kong. True. I guess I’m gonna owe this family everything that they share with me until the day that they come to Hong Kong.
Or else…
they would be like my credit card- I can never pay them back! ;-)
Sunday, June 05, 2005
Re: Cindy
You don´t know what yóu´re talking about when you see Paris from the point of view as a French! Haha... actually Ive heard that a lot of French say they HATE Paris ... except those who are NOT in France! LOL. National pride ?!
Anyway, thanks for your message. I hope you´re having a great time with your dad in Paris!
Re: Christina
You bet - Tim Hortons is a type of coffee dognut shop. Ah ... guess what? I went to a Chinese restaurant with Susana and her friend last night. yea.. here in Valencia... hehe.. ´cause i wanna know how they "Spanishized" Chinese food and they want me to see if what they are having is real chinese food or not...
Well well, we have rice, spring rolls, lemon chicken, beef with bamboo(?) with - Sangria(a sweet punch made of red wine, fruit and sprints) -- what do you think ??? *rolls eyes*
You don´t know what yóu´re talking about when you see Paris from the point of view as a French! Haha... actually Ive heard that a lot of French say they HATE Paris ... except those who are NOT in France! LOL. National pride ?!
Anyway, thanks for your message. I hope you´re having a great time with your dad in Paris!
Re: Christina
You bet - Tim Hortons is a type of coffee dognut shop. Ah ... guess what? I went to a Chinese restaurant with Susana and her friend last night. yea.. here in Valencia... hehe.. ´cause i wanna know how they "Spanishized" Chinese food and they want me to see if what they are having is real chinese food or not...
Well well, we have rice, spring rolls, lemon chicken, beef with bamboo(?) with - Sangria(a sweet punch made of red wine, fruit and sprints) -- what do you think ??? *rolls eyes*
Home sweet home
I still can´t believe where I am as I´m writing this- I´m in Susana´s place!!! I´m in Valencia!!! I´m now with a friend who left Toronto just a month ago!!! It´s hard for me to believe that we´re seeing each other just now. But it feels SO good. Visiting a place where I know somebody is expecting me makes me feel special, for in that sense, I feel I´m more than just a visitor or tourist to a place. Very often I find people take heart more deeply than anything else. Of course architectures, landscapes, attractions of a place can be fascinating, but if you know somebody from a place, that place means more than just a name on the map !
Having been traveling for a month, I feel a bit homesick - homesick for a place that feels like home. Staying with Sus´family helps a whole lot - ´cause here I can have homemade-style food, a bedroom where I can throw out whatever I like and not have to worry about it, a fridge from which I can take anything I like and a mom and a dad. As Sus puts it, " My food is your food. My fridge is your fridge. My house is your house. Whenever you feel hungry, just open the fridge and take whatever you want from it."
This make-yourself-home thing makes me feel truly comfortable to be here!
(Oh btw, another "homey" thing I can do here is to watch Roland Garros ((Spanish Nadal vs Argentine Ruperta)) this year! I miss it SO much! I hardly forget I´m one big tennis geek had Sus not asked ...and also one big soccer fan!)
*****
Blessed by the Meditterranean´s weather, Valencia is drenched with pleasane sunshine all year-round. The beach here in Valencia is just AWESOME! I don´t know how true it is that one doesn´t want to go anywhere after s/he has been to the beach, as Sus insists, but the time spent lying and just enjoying the sun this afternoon was great! I LOVE the beach now! ^.^
*****
Talking about staying here, I now find Spanish people are by far the most hospitable. This couple Raul and Natalia are my host in Barcelona. They are the BEST host I´ve ever had!!! They are such nice host who would like to do something togther with me and getting to know me. Unexpectedly, they prepared lunch when I first arrived, brought me out for dinner and went to places where I won´t go alone normally. I´m glad that they have a genuine interest in meeting and getting to know people. Natalia was so excited when I told her we had the cartoon "Heidi" back home (Raul and I laughed so hard when she was singing the theme song of Heidi in Spanish. Yea- Natalia ws high that time!!! ) and Raul was very impressed when he found me knowing so many soccer players in Real Madrid and Barca (Of course!!! Rual´s actually one of my favorite players!!!).
Being their first guest from Asia, I found them so interested in knowing about me. Sometimes even the most trivial and slightest matter can trigger their curiosity. One night when i was eating noodles with chopstickes , Raul was looking at me in awe. He didn´t say a word. Eventually I turned my head, feeling embarrassed to tell him that - the way that i hold chopsticks is wrong!
"Comment?" He looked in disbelief.
Then I explained that my mom isn´t that strict and she never really corrects me like other parents do by hitting their kids´hands if they don´t hold it right. And - actaully I find a lot of Chinese don´t hold chopsticks correctly!
He rolled his eyes , looking even more puzzled ...
I still can´t believe where I am as I´m writing this- I´m in Susana´s place!!! I´m in Valencia!!! I´m now with a friend who left Toronto just a month ago!!! It´s hard for me to believe that we´re seeing each other just now. But it feels SO good. Visiting a place where I know somebody is expecting me makes me feel special, for in that sense, I feel I´m more than just a visitor or tourist to a place. Very often I find people take heart more deeply than anything else. Of course architectures, landscapes, attractions of a place can be fascinating, but if you know somebody from a place, that place means more than just a name on the map !
Having been traveling for a month, I feel a bit homesick - homesick for a place that feels like home. Staying with Sus´family helps a whole lot - ´cause here I can have homemade-style food, a bedroom where I can throw out whatever I like and not have to worry about it, a fridge from which I can take anything I like and a mom and a dad. As Sus puts it, " My food is your food. My fridge is your fridge. My house is your house. Whenever you feel hungry, just open the fridge and take whatever you want from it."
This make-yourself-home thing makes me feel truly comfortable to be here!
(Oh btw, another "homey" thing I can do here is to watch Roland Garros ((Spanish Nadal vs Argentine Ruperta)) this year! I miss it SO much! I hardly forget I´m one big tennis geek had Sus not asked ...and also one big soccer fan!)
*****
Blessed by the Meditterranean´s weather, Valencia is drenched with pleasane sunshine all year-round. The beach here in Valencia is just AWESOME! I don´t know how true it is that one doesn´t want to go anywhere after s/he has been to the beach, as Sus insists, but the time spent lying and just enjoying the sun this afternoon was great! I LOVE the beach now! ^.^
*****
Talking about staying here, I now find Spanish people are by far the most hospitable. This couple Raul and Natalia are my host in Barcelona. They are the BEST host I´ve ever had!!! They are such nice host who would like to do something togther with me and getting to know me. Unexpectedly, they prepared lunch when I first arrived, brought me out for dinner and went to places where I won´t go alone normally. I´m glad that they have a genuine interest in meeting and getting to know people. Natalia was so excited when I told her we had the cartoon "Heidi" back home (Raul and I laughed so hard when she was singing the theme song of Heidi in Spanish. Yea- Natalia ws high that time!!! ) and Raul was very impressed when he found me knowing so many soccer players in Real Madrid and Barca (Of course!!! Rual´s actually one of my favorite players!!!).
Being their first guest from Asia, I found them so interested in knowing about me. Sometimes even the most trivial and slightest matter can trigger their curiosity. One night when i was eating noodles with chopstickes , Raul was looking at me in awe. He didn´t say a word. Eventually I turned my head, feeling embarrassed to tell him that - the way that i hold chopsticks is wrong!
"Comment?" He looked in disbelief.
Then I explained that my mom isn´t that strict and she never really corrects me like other parents do by hitting their kids´hands if they don´t hold it right. And - actaully I find a lot of Chinese don´t hold chopsticks correctly!
He rolled his eyes , looking even more puzzled ...
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
Heliger Strochsack!
Well, now that i can´t get into internet as often as possible I´ll try to tell as much as I can! So much to tell... excuse me if i kind of throw out everything here... can´t get them well-organized.
Perhaps I seemed to be silent for the last two weeks. That´s because I was in a small village somewhere between Dijion and Chalon sur Soane in France. There´s a Catholic community called Taize which kind of welcomes people of different nationalities and religions. Arriving as an individual, I felt a bit of isolated in this community at first. One thing I found it strange - is that wherever I went in Taize, I heard more German and spoke more English than French ! The answer to this mystery is that the first week when I was there was a holiday in South of Germany. So you can imagine bunches of Germans were flocking into this place... a Finnish guy that I met when working joked it as a "German invasion!" But it´s not that bad...I made more German friends and I picked up more German words- enough for me to get by in Germany!
........
Saying farewell frequently whilst traveling does NOT make it easier for me. Indeed, after two weeks in Taize, I found it really hard to leave. I like this place not only because of tranqility of life and beautiful landscape, but also because of the connection with people I made here. I like the way that I can get to know people at different levels and at my own pace. I enjoyed those friends I made by random conversations and when helping with practical works. I´m grateful for their sharing much of their selves with me. A lot of their stories and thoughts are striking to me and in many ways I think all these are the special gifts I received during this journey.
I chose to go in silence after a week in groups. I was completely freaked out the night before and I kept thinking " oh man I´m gonna have to zip my mouth and save all the words until the silence week´s over!" But the first day in silence passed incredibly well! The time spent taking a walk around the village, sitting in the sun or sleeping under trees and by the lake was just terrific! Isn´t it just great to take time and allow yourself to be embraced by the nature?
In silence I found myself more able to confront myself and reflect on things that i normally have no time or space for. I didn´t intent to think or meditate on certain things. In fact, I found things just fall into their own places. Indeed, it was a time when i came to hear my real inner thoughts and came to understand myself better. Often I find people(including me) can´t really hear their inner voice because they keep themselves so occupied to such an extent- they lose the capability to seek it. I think listening to this voice is vital to us because it gives us direction of where to head to and the strength to move on throughout our lives.
Another thing I enjoy this week of silence is the little but intimate connection with people. I was amazed to see how people communicate without much talking. I guess that´s because without words people have to be more sensitive to the needs of others and more expressive about their care and concern for others in different ways. I´m glad that Johanna and Yuri have been a generuos giver of hugs and smiles thru out that week. Yea... sometimes wordless communication can be even be more powerful.
Tears shed. Kissed and hugged goodbye. Time to move on.
Barcelona next.
Post entry: the heading of this entry is one of the many German phrases I learned during this week. It doesn´t have any specific meaning, but it is used to express exclamation. I thought Taize would be the most boring part of my journey before I came here, but it turned out to be one of the best places I´ve been. What better word can I use to conclude my stay here than an exclamation of Heliger Strochsack(don´t actaully remember the spellimg... but this is close i guess...haha) !
Well, now that i can´t get into internet as often as possible I´ll try to tell as much as I can! So much to tell... excuse me if i kind of throw out everything here... can´t get them well-organized.
Perhaps I seemed to be silent for the last two weeks. That´s because I was in a small village somewhere between Dijion and Chalon sur Soane in France. There´s a Catholic community called Taize which kind of welcomes people of different nationalities and religions. Arriving as an individual, I felt a bit of isolated in this community at first. One thing I found it strange - is that wherever I went in Taize, I heard more German and spoke more English than French ! The answer to this mystery is that the first week when I was there was a holiday in South of Germany. So you can imagine bunches of Germans were flocking into this place... a Finnish guy that I met when working joked it as a "German invasion!" But it´s not that bad...I made more German friends and I picked up more German words- enough for me to get by in Germany!
........
Saying farewell frequently whilst traveling does NOT make it easier for me. Indeed, after two weeks in Taize, I found it really hard to leave. I like this place not only because of tranqility of life and beautiful landscape, but also because of the connection with people I made here. I like the way that I can get to know people at different levels and at my own pace. I enjoyed those friends I made by random conversations and when helping with practical works. I´m grateful for their sharing much of their selves with me. A lot of their stories and thoughts are striking to me and in many ways I think all these are the special gifts I received during this journey.
I chose to go in silence after a week in groups. I was completely freaked out the night before and I kept thinking " oh man I´m gonna have to zip my mouth and save all the words until the silence week´s over!" But the first day in silence passed incredibly well! The time spent taking a walk around the village, sitting in the sun or sleeping under trees and by the lake was just terrific! Isn´t it just great to take time and allow yourself to be embraced by the nature?
In silence I found myself more able to confront myself and reflect on things that i normally have no time or space for. I didn´t intent to think or meditate on certain things. In fact, I found things just fall into their own places. Indeed, it was a time when i came to hear my real inner thoughts and came to understand myself better. Often I find people(including me) can´t really hear their inner voice because they keep themselves so occupied to such an extent- they lose the capability to seek it. I think listening to this voice is vital to us because it gives us direction of where to head to and the strength to move on throughout our lives.
Another thing I enjoy this week of silence is the little but intimate connection with people. I was amazed to see how people communicate without much talking. I guess that´s because without words people have to be more sensitive to the needs of others and more expressive about their care and concern for others in different ways. I´m glad that Johanna and Yuri have been a generuos giver of hugs and smiles thru out that week. Yea... sometimes wordless communication can be even be more powerful.
Tears shed. Kissed and hugged goodbye. Time to move on.
Barcelona next.
Post entry: the heading of this entry is one of the many German phrases I learned during this week. It doesn´t have any specific meaning, but it is used to express exclamation. I thought Taize would be the most boring part of my journey before I came here, but it turned out to be one of the best places I´ve been. What better word can I use to conclude my stay here than an exclamation of Heliger Strochsack(don´t actaully remember the spellimg... but this is close i guess...haha) !
Saturday, May 14, 2005
Paris est maginifique !
Last day in Paris. I can't imagine the day just flew away when I'm here. The weather was gorgeous for the first few days but it was overcast yesterday. I intended to visit the verseille chateau, which is around 45 mins from central Paris, today. But it rained this morning and I'll see if the weather is getting better later today.
I LOVE Paris. It's the most beautiful city I've seen by far. It's just lovely. There's plenty to do here and days here are never boring. Somehow I want to stay here for longer.
Now that I've got used to traveling alone and I pretty much enjoy it! I meet people and it's pretty interesting to talk a bit to each of them.
My host here is a 40-something man, father of a son and two daughters. Adrin, who is his son and is studying in a smaller city close to the border of Germany, is very nice. After spending years there, he confessed that Paris is not a place for him. That morning when we were crossing the street, he told me how different the way of life here in Paris is from his city,
' In Germany when there is green light you dont have to look at the street 'cause cars stop. But here, they dont stop! No discipline! That's a problem!'
I laughed so hard- not only because of the way he said it (I'm not trying to be mean... but just think about his English with strong German accent and he looked SO serious!), but also because it was the first time I heard a French talking much like a German. Haha ... I think something inside his blood has become German(!) after years of schooling in a city close to Germany. LOL.
No discipline !
And he looked rather uptight ... just like a typical German I've met before ... hehe... well, I know I shouldn't stereotype them... *rolls eyes*
My host, Pierre, is an awesome person! We were talking for a while the first night I arrived. Conversing in English, he suddenly asked, ' 你會講國語?' (Do you speak Mandarin?)
I looked at him, startled. My eyes were widely opened.
Then he went on saying, '我會講一點點...(I can speak a bit...)'
I dont remember what he said after that... It actually took me like a few sentences before I came to believe OH YEA HE IS SPEAKING MANDARIN!
Oh ,my gosh a french speaking in Mandarin !!!
Later I found that he had studied Mandarin here for 3years and then he went to Taiwan to study for another year. This morning I asked him if he knows the Chinese characters on his daughter's bag.
'幸運都 (the lucky one),' He answered, pointing out that was simplified Chinese right away.
Wow. Cool. It turned out that he is a french who can speak Mandarin and read both simplified and traditional Chinese. What a French!
Last day in Paris. I can't imagine the day just flew away when I'm here. The weather was gorgeous for the first few days but it was overcast yesterday. I intended to visit the verseille chateau, which is around 45 mins from central Paris, today. But it rained this morning and I'll see if the weather is getting better later today.
I LOVE Paris. It's the most beautiful city I've seen by far. It's just lovely. There's plenty to do here and days here are never boring. Somehow I want to stay here for longer.
Now that I've got used to traveling alone and I pretty much enjoy it! I meet people and it's pretty interesting to talk a bit to each of them.
My host here is a 40-something man, father of a son and two daughters. Adrin, who is his son and is studying in a smaller city close to the border of Germany, is very nice. After spending years there, he confessed that Paris is not a place for him. That morning when we were crossing the street, he told me how different the way of life here in Paris is from his city,
' In Germany when there is green light you dont have to look at the street 'cause cars stop. But here, they dont stop! No discipline! That's a problem!'
I laughed so hard- not only because of the way he said it (I'm not trying to be mean... but just think about his English with strong German accent and he looked SO serious!), but also because it was the first time I heard a French talking much like a German. Haha ... I think something inside his blood has become German(!) after years of schooling in a city close to Germany. LOL.
No discipline !
And he looked rather uptight ... just like a typical German I've met before ... hehe... well, I know I shouldn't stereotype them... *rolls eyes*
My host, Pierre, is an awesome person! We were talking for a while the first night I arrived. Conversing in English, he suddenly asked, ' 你會講國語?' (Do you speak Mandarin?)
I looked at him, startled. My eyes were widely opened.
Then he went on saying, '我會講一點點...(I can speak a bit...)'
I dont remember what he said after that... It actually took me like a few sentences before I came to believe OH YEA HE IS SPEAKING MANDARIN!
Oh ,my gosh a french speaking in Mandarin !!!
Later I found that he had studied Mandarin here for 3years and then he went to Taiwan to study for another year. This morning I asked him if he knows the Chinese characters on his daughter's bag.
'幸運都 (the lucky one),' He answered, pointing out that was simplified Chinese right away.
Wow. Cool. It turned out that he is a french who can speak Mandarin and read both simplified and traditional Chinese. What a French!
Saturday, May 07, 2005
I can hear the Big Ben ringing!
Two days ago I farewell my beloved Toronto and all my friends. Now here I am - in London! Wow. No doubt I'm excited to be here. It's a WHOLE lot different from the North American culture that I'm used to. Getting off the bus without saying thank you to the drivers, absence of Tim Hortons on the streets, always well-dressed people, more architechal buildings, and of course the British accent! Everything seemed to be so weird and strange for me in the first place. But now that i've been here for nearly two days things get way better. Still - it takes some time to get used to everything. I still have trouble reminding myself not going downstairs when I see SUBWAY. That subway never gets me home but to the street right across. Or if not, I get frustrated when people don't understand me, or when I don't understand them. :-/
But all these just won't prevent me from enjoying myself in London! Never!I'm lucky to have pleasant weather. It was sunny yesterday and we only have a few showers this afternoon... not too bad!
I'm not sure if I can update my blog regularly from now on. But I'll definitely do so as far as I'm able to. And if you wanna keep in touch with me during these 3 months, you're most welcome to email me (I love hearing from anyone of you and i promise to reply ;-) ).
Okay, this is a really short update but i hope at least you'll know where on earth I'm now and what I'm doing lately.
Hop to catch you back later!
Two days ago I farewell my beloved Toronto and all my friends. Now here I am - in London! Wow. No doubt I'm excited to be here. It's a WHOLE lot different from the North American culture that I'm used to. Getting off the bus without saying thank you to the drivers, absence of Tim Hortons on the streets, always well-dressed people, more architechal buildings, and of course the British accent! Everything seemed to be so weird and strange for me in the first place. But now that i've been here for nearly two days things get way better. Still - it takes some time to get used to everything. I still have trouble reminding myself not going downstairs when I see SUBWAY. That subway never gets me home but to the street right across. Or if not, I get frustrated when people don't understand me, or when I don't understand them. :-/
But all these just won't prevent me from enjoying myself in London! Never!I'm lucky to have pleasant weather. It was sunny yesterday and we only have a few showers this afternoon... not too bad!
I'm not sure if I can update my blog regularly from now on. But I'll definitely do so as far as I'm able to. And if you wanna keep in touch with me during these 3 months, you're most welcome to email me (I love hearing from anyone of you and i promise to reply ;-) ).
Okay, this is a really short update but i hope at least you'll know where on earth I'm now and what I'm doing lately.
Hop to catch you back later!
Monday, May 02, 2005
A quick update
Finally I moved out from Bethune two days ago. It took me nearly two days to clear up my room and pack everything. As I was throwing out everything, I realized I’ve got so much useless and silly stuff, which made me question why I brought them along with me in the first place. Clothes that I knew I would never wear, books that I knew I would never read, cell phone that I knew I would not use probably, and other little thingy that I knew I would never use or even notice. After a whole morning of struggles, I’ve decided to throw some of them away. Why bother spending few bucks shipping back stuff that you know you would never use? It just isn’t worth it!
I moved into Satoko’s place yesterday. These guys Jeff, Dennis, and Takashi are just awesome! Moving in wasn’t such a hassle as I expected. Two trips and all our stuff were right there. It just took us an afternoon to unpack everything. We got up at 8 (which was unusually early) to wait for their coming as they said they would come by early in the morning. It was 9:30am and still there was no sign that they were coming. Then Satoko got the phone call from them. Having told that they would arrive at around 10, we went grab some coffee. 10. Still didn’t hear from them… few minutes later we were told that they forgot the way and got lost… =.=”
10 sth. Finally they were here!!! And guess what? They’ve got 2 cars!!! We were just surprised. My friend and I were looking at each other, probably thinking the very same thing- guys you’re awesome! I love you!!! So they helped us to move all the stuff into the car and then unload them. Two trips and we were done!
This afternoon I just met up Can and Nway before I left. It was so much fun talking to Nway. She’s such a cute girl. She’s just back from London. Ugh- she said the British accent kills her! Every time when she’s in England, it takes her FOREVER to get used to the accent ‘cause whenever she ordered for food in restaurants, people could immediately spot her American accent and said they didn’t understand American English. Gosh- I hope I can get by with my English there… Still British English proves to be a bit challenging for me to understand. It may take me quite a while. I hope they wont be too harsh toward my rather North American English... *rolls eyes*
I’ve got bunches of stuff that I wanted to talk about. But now my mind just goes blank as I tried to recall what I’ve been doing and my feelings along the way. The only thing I can tell is- now I start to panic! Having no idea of where I’m staying few days later, I realize that it takes up far more effort, hard-work, and energy to plan a trip myself. Now I feel I’m left with my own devices and I’m completely freaked out! But I know panicking gets me to nowhere and all I need is to stay cool. Decision made. There’s no way for me to turn it back and things are going on as the way they are, better or worse.
Close your eyes, take a deep breath, practice your rusty French, get a pair of durable sneakers, and get into good shape- there’s a WHOLE lot ahead of me this summer~
Finally I moved out from Bethune two days ago. It took me nearly two days to clear up my room and pack everything. As I was throwing out everything, I realized I’ve got so much useless and silly stuff, which made me question why I brought them along with me in the first place. Clothes that I knew I would never wear, books that I knew I would never read, cell phone that I knew I would not use probably, and other little thingy that I knew I would never use or even notice. After a whole morning of struggles, I’ve decided to throw some of them away. Why bother spending few bucks shipping back stuff that you know you would never use? It just isn’t worth it!
I moved into Satoko’s place yesterday. These guys Jeff, Dennis, and Takashi are just awesome! Moving in wasn’t such a hassle as I expected. Two trips and all our stuff were right there. It just took us an afternoon to unpack everything. We got up at 8 (which was unusually early) to wait for their coming as they said they would come by early in the morning. It was 9:30am and still there was no sign that they were coming. Then Satoko got the phone call from them. Having told that they would arrive at around 10, we went grab some coffee. 10. Still didn’t hear from them… few minutes later we were told that they forgot the way and got lost… =.=”
10 sth. Finally they were here!!! And guess what? They’ve got 2 cars!!! We were just surprised. My friend and I were looking at each other, probably thinking the very same thing- guys you’re awesome! I love you!!! So they helped us to move all the stuff into the car and then unload them. Two trips and we were done!
This afternoon I just met up Can and Nway before I left. It was so much fun talking to Nway. She’s such a cute girl. She’s just back from London. Ugh- she said the British accent kills her! Every time when she’s in England, it takes her FOREVER to get used to the accent ‘cause whenever she ordered for food in restaurants, people could immediately spot her American accent and said they didn’t understand American English. Gosh- I hope I can get by with my English there… Still British English proves to be a bit challenging for me to understand. It may take me quite a while. I hope they wont be too harsh toward my rather North American English... *rolls eyes*
I’ve got bunches of stuff that I wanted to talk about. But now my mind just goes blank as I tried to recall what I’ve been doing and my feelings along the way. The only thing I can tell is- now I start to panic! Having no idea of where I’m staying few days later, I realize that it takes up far more effort, hard-work, and energy to plan a trip myself. Now I feel I’m left with my own devices and I’m completely freaked out! But I know panicking gets me to nowhere and all I need is to stay cool. Decision made. There’s no way for me to turn it back and things are going on as the way they are, better or worse.
Close your eyes, take a deep breath, practice your rusty French, get a pair of durable sneakers, and get into good shape- there’s a WHOLE lot ahead of me this summer~
Friday, April 29, 2005
Susana, Je Young, and Saki left yesterday.
This week has proven itself to be the saddest week of the year! Sus said she hated to be the last person in her house to leave ... and see -- now I'm the very last of the last! If you're the first one to leave, you leave saying goodbye to all the people at one time. But for me, the feeling of aloneless is only mounting and penetrating my heart as I see people moving out and leaving for their home countries. Yea, it's building up quietly, but it's not that bad after all. I can take time to accept it as the way it is. What's more, meeting my friends is definietly one of my best experience here. This gives me reason to go to their places to visit or come back. I can't believe now my list of next-travel-destination is growing. So we'll meet- for sure!
Life goes on. :-)
Oh well, in two days I'll be moving out to Satoko's place. Looking at my messy room, I now doubt if I can finish packing. It reminds me of the night before my departure from Hong Kong- while my mom was trying to help me find my jacket, my dad was faxing the closet that I broke when I opened it... and me- I was carrying the phone, doing the talking with freinds as I ran all over my house to look for the mp3 player(It turned out to be in the bag where I put my laptop). Or if not, I was checking my suitcases to ensure my parents didn't put useless stuff like the kind of thick jacket which I would rather go naked than wearing it... I was yelling, feeling confused, a little pissed off ... Ha- it was killing me.
Ugh. I have to buy travel insurance, confirm the date of flight with Air Canada, ship some of my stuff back, settle the money matters with my mom, meet a few more friends, have some more farewell meals, and get ready for my trip in the summer! I hope I won't run out of time... so much to do...
Shouldn't be blogging ... Alas, there're still some Spanish films I wanna see! I saw "All about my mother" yesterday... it's a really good movie... have some thoughts about it... wanna talk about it... maybe later... get moving, Carlotta... start packing...okay okay, I'll be back soon.
This week has proven itself to be the saddest week of the year! Sus said she hated to be the last person in her house to leave ... and see -- now I'm the very last of the last! If you're the first one to leave, you leave saying goodbye to all the people at one time. But for me, the feeling of aloneless is only mounting and penetrating my heart as I see people moving out and leaving for their home countries. Yea, it's building up quietly, but it's not that bad after all. I can take time to accept it as the way it is. What's more, meeting my friends is definietly one of my best experience here. This gives me reason to go to their places to visit or come back. I can't believe now my list of next-travel-destination is growing. So we'll meet- for sure!
Life goes on. :-)
Oh well, in two days I'll be moving out to Satoko's place. Looking at my messy room, I now doubt if I can finish packing. It reminds me of the night before my departure from Hong Kong- while my mom was trying to help me find my jacket, my dad was faxing the closet that I broke when I opened it... and me- I was carrying the phone, doing the talking with freinds as I ran all over my house to look for the mp3 player(It turned out to be in the bag where I put my laptop). Or if not, I was checking my suitcases to ensure my parents didn't put useless stuff like the kind of thick jacket which I would rather go naked than wearing it... I was yelling, feeling confused, a little pissed off ... Ha- it was killing me.
Ugh. I have to buy travel insurance, confirm the date of flight with Air Canada, ship some of my stuff back, settle the money matters with my mom, meet a few more friends, have some more farewell meals, and get ready for my trip in the summer! I hope I won't run out of time... so much to do...
Shouldn't be blogging ... Alas, there're still some Spanish films I wanna see! I saw "All about my mother" yesterday... it's a really good movie... have some thoughts about it... wanna talk about it... maybe later... get moving, Carlotta... start packing...okay okay, I'll be back soon.
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
So two of my friends are gone.
They left here in the morning so as to catch the plane at one.
Went to see them before they headed to the airport. It didn't feel real to have two of my closest friends leaving. Talking with them, I found myself trying to squeeze out whatever came thru my mind to avoid "topic depletion." Frankly, I didn't know what to do or what to say. Content of the conversation concerns me not, but it's the extra time spending with them that I value.
The hardest thing was to hug them goodbye. Hugging is mostly natural for us as we always hug when seeing each other. But it just feels weird to have a goodbye hug today. I quickly gave them hugs, turned on my back, took out my keys, and headed to the residence entrance. I insisted not turning back my head 'cause I didn't even want them to see me. I knew it- I knew I couldn't hold on my calmness. Not long after I gave them hugs, I went back to the residence with Je Young. Eyes welled up.
I used to wonder why such intimate action as hugging does not allow the two people to see each other. I now have a clue.
However affectionate the two people can feel when hugging, they can never see each other's face. It's the only way that friends feel and enjoy the moment of intimacy without sharing the depths of hearts.
It is this tension of closeness and distance where the mystery lies.
Perhaps this act of hugging is meant to be the best way to say farewell with friends.
They left here in the morning so as to catch the plane at one.
Went to see them before they headed to the airport. It didn't feel real to have two of my closest friends leaving. Talking with them, I found myself trying to squeeze out whatever came thru my mind to avoid "topic depletion." Frankly, I didn't know what to do or what to say. Content of the conversation concerns me not, but it's the extra time spending with them that I value.
The hardest thing was to hug them goodbye. Hugging is mostly natural for us as we always hug when seeing each other. But it just feels weird to have a goodbye hug today. I quickly gave them hugs, turned on my back, took out my keys, and headed to the residence entrance. I insisted not turning back my head 'cause I didn't even want them to see me. I knew it- I knew I couldn't hold on my calmness. Not long after I gave them hugs, I went back to the residence with Je Young. Eyes welled up.
I used to wonder why such intimate action as hugging does not allow the two people to see each other. I now have a clue.
However affectionate the two people can feel when hugging, they can never see each other's face. It's the only way that friends feel and enjoy the moment of intimacy without sharing the depths of hearts.
It is this tension of closeness and distance where the mystery lies.
Perhaps this act of hugging is meant to be the best way to say farewell with friends.
Monday, April 25, 2005
Two big meals today- clumsier body and lighter wallet.
But they were very good. We had reali nice chat for the first meal and some of my friends had the Goodbye Burger- Ha ! That's the theme of the day! The second meal was fixed by Kevina and me. Our first time. :-P I'm glad that things went well and they were all satisfied with the food. Hehe... looks like I should cook more often. Anybody wanna taste my food~~ It takes a great deal of courage to taste the food of somebody who cooks for the first time(i mean for a decent dinner).
As I'm writing this, I'm actually about to go (again!). I'm gonna stay over at my friend's place 'cause some of them are leaving tomorrow. :-(
Two more goodbye meals before I go... prepare my stomach and watch out my wallet!
But they were very good. We had reali nice chat for the first meal and some of my friends had the Goodbye Burger- Ha ! That's the theme of the day! The second meal was fixed by Kevina and me. Our first time. :-P I'm glad that things went well and they were all satisfied with the food. Hehe... looks like I should cook more often. Anybody wanna taste my food~~ It takes a great deal of courage to taste the food of somebody who cooks for the first time(i mean for a decent dinner).
As I'm writing this, I'm actually about to go (again!). I'm gonna stay over at my friend's place 'cause some of them are leaving tomorrow. :-(
Two more goodbye meals before I go... prepare my stomach and watch out my wallet!
Friday, April 22, 2005
Feel like a big fish in a pond? You're not alone!
How much will you believe when a wonderful person tells you all the hilarious stories about his/her life? Is it possible that it’s simply a version of truth of that person’s another life in his/her own fantasy?
Not long before I wrote an entry about a young lady who tirelessly portrays herself as glamorous and charming as she could. Here I have to make myself clear; I had NO intention to devalue her. I do believe there IS some truth in what she said. It’s hard to make up stories without any real-life experience, or simply out of imagination.
Like everybody else in Big Fish, I was always one of those people, including the son, who like gathering around her bed and listened intently to her stories. There’s no denying that her stories are full of adventures, fantasies, and memories. But there was a point at which those stories stop working as entertainment and segue to disguise or pretense. As someone who has known the same jokes more than once, it’s best to avoid the joke-teller(storyteller) who earnestly recycles her memories, just as the son does to his dad in the film.
Many times as I grow tired of the lady’s stories and just once would like to hear the truth and how she feels, I was annoyed by her insistence in telling those fake stories. Hypocrisy! I thought at first. Yet it turned out that she is amused to indulge herself in her self-created version of world.
But isn’t it true that we often have our own version of “truth” when we tell our own stories? How many times do we prefer to tell the more exciting versions than the deadly dull but plainly real ones? It simply feels good to have some sparks in those stories- life suddenly becomes elevated! Lies, assertions, swallows to one's pride, denials, addiction to fantasies ... whatever you perceive it! We depend on legends of our lives to give them meaning. Perhaps- sometimes we have been telling those stories not only to others but to ourselves. There is some truth here.
The lady, as I conclude, is only a manifestation of this mentality.
Big Fish(2003)
*****
To: Christina
I’m not sure if you’ve been following my blog. Still - wanted to thank you for your long email (just in case you read it in silence and dismiss quietly… hehe…). It was just a couple of months ago but it feels much longer than that. And you bet- I have never talked that much again! So much has been going on since I left you and I have so much to tell you. I think I’m gonna reply you with a HUGE email very soon. Love you!
P.S. I’ll definitely be mad at you if you wait till expire date of the phone card to call and tell me about your already-2-year-old little Chris! ;-)
*****
This is weird. I thought I would feel sad as everybody was leaving in the next week. It turned out that I’m accepting it as the way it is – at least in the meantime. Or is it just that the feeling has yet to become afloat? It’s hard to imagine how it feels like to have my emotional outburst when the time to go has come. Oh man I’m always pathetic to my own feelings (Think about my apathy at the airport when I left ... ). I used to think it was to retain my composure and rationality when everybody’s gone far too emotional. But now I find it means more than that. I know it’s nothing shameful to be honest to your own feelings. Yet I insist a balance of emotion and rationality is vital when one moves from one life-stage to the next. It's the emotion that keeps the moment real and it's the rationality that enables you to reflect on what it means to you.
As clichéd as it may seem - c’est la vie!
(which i find SO true!)
How much will you believe when a wonderful person tells you all the hilarious stories about his/her life? Is it possible that it’s simply a version of truth of that person’s another life in his/her own fantasy?
Not long before I wrote an entry about a young lady who tirelessly portrays herself as glamorous and charming as she could. Here I have to make myself clear; I had NO intention to devalue her. I do believe there IS some truth in what she said. It’s hard to make up stories without any real-life experience, or simply out of imagination.
Like everybody else in Big Fish, I was always one of those people, including the son, who like gathering around her bed and listened intently to her stories. There’s no denying that her stories are full of adventures, fantasies, and memories. But there was a point at which those stories stop working as entertainment and segue to disguise or pretense. As someone who has known the same jokes more than once, it’s best to avoid the joke-teller(storyteller) who earnestly recycles her memories, just as the son does to his dad in the film.
Many times as I grow tired of the lady’s stories and just once would like to hear the truth and how she feels, I was annoyed by her insistence in telling those fake stories. Hypocrisy! I thought at first. Yet it turned out that she is amused to indulge herself in her self-created version of world.
But isn’t it true that we often have our own version of “truth” when we tell our own stories? How many times do we prefer to tell the more exciting versions than the deadly dull but plainly real ones? It simply feels good to have some sparks in those stories- life suddenly becomes elevated! Lies, assertions, swallows to one's pride, denials, addiction to fantasies ... whatever you perceive it! We depend on legends of our lives to give them meaning. Perhaps- sometimes we have been telling those stories not only to others but to ourselves. There is some truth here.
The lady, as I conclude, is only a manifestation of this mentality.
Big Fish(2003)
*****
To: Christina
I’m not sure if you’ve been following my blog. Still - wanted to thank you for your long email (just in case you read it in silence and dismiss quietly… hehe…). It was just a couple of months ago but it feels much longer than that. And you bet- I have never talked that much again! So much has been going on since I left you and I have so much to tell you. I think I’m gonna reply you with a HUGE email very soon. Love you!
P.S. I’ll definitely be mad at you if you wait till expire date of the phone card to call and tell me about your already-2-year-old little Chris! ;-)
*****
This is weird. I thought I would feel sad as everybody was leaving in the next week. It turned out that I’m accepting it as the way it is – at least in the meantime. Or is it just that the feeling has yet to become afloat? It’s hard to imagine how it feels like to have my emotional outburst when the time to go has come. Oh man I’m always pathetic to my own feelings (Think about my apathy at the airport when I left ... ). I used to think it was to retain my composure and rationality when everybody’s gone far too emotional. But now I find it means more than that. I know it’s nothing shameful to be honest to your own feelings. Yet I insist a balance of emotion and rationality is vital when one moves from one life-stage to the next. It's the emotion that keeps the moment real and it's the rationality that enables you to reflect on what it means to you.
As clichéd as it may seem - c’est la vie!
(which i find SO true!)
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
Last but hardly the least of today
Hey, just wanted to let everybody knows that I've just found out a Cantonese podcast program! It is by far the first Cantonese podcast I've come across. Enjoy!
香港人民廣播電台節目：風蕭蕭 podcast
http://feeds.feedburner.com/shiushiu
Hey, just wanted to let everybody knows that I've just found out a Cantonese podcast program! It is by far the first Cantonese podcast I've come across. Enjoy!
香港人民廣播電台節目：風蕭蕭 podcast
http://feeds.feedburner.com/shiushiu
Shall I compare thee to ...
I hope I don’t sound like a bitch who talks behind somebody’s back. But even if I do, I think I’ve been keeping my mouth shut to others for long and have been trying to laugh it off as best as I could.
This lady who I met at the beginning of school year pissed me off. Congratulations to her – she’s the first person who I’ve ever referred as “bitch.” Probably the last one as well. Lack of common sense and life experience of a person doesn’t bother me, for this is what I’m learning. Besides, I believe that we learn from each other as we travel down life’s pathway. What gets on my nerve, though, is this lady’s trying to portray herself in the best light possible—even when somebody retarded can tell her defense for her lies are totally clueless. There isn’t a lack of instances when she proved herself is nothing but a bitch.
What the f***ing hell are you talking about?
Going to Vancouver for skiing in November? Hello hello it’s on the west coast and west coast doesn’t snow as much as here in the east. What’s more- It hasn’t snowed yet!!! =.=”
I’m sorry-you’ve been to 3 provinces here in Canada? Ha- when were Montreal and Quebec City considered to be in 2 separate provinces??? Wow. Looks like the internal conflict of Quebec’s gonna cause the PM even more headache, after the growing segregation of Quebec from English Canada…
Hum… Quebec used to be a colony of France… that’s why Quebecois speak French…
Oh thanks—now I know the ice cappuccino of Starbucks is good and is your favorite.
Oh yea? You’ve seen so many films! So what do you think about it? (Then she starts talking shit!)
…
The list goes on and on.
Yup, she’s clueless. I dare to say nobody on earth I’ve ever met can be compared to this intelligent lady who tirelessly shares what she knows about chocolate, cheese, wine, paintings, movies, coffee and blah blah blah. She’s definitely generous in sharing her hilarious stories
with numerous guys and showing her dedication in high fashion. What is she trying to say—is how much I’m fortunate to get to know this wonderful lady once in a lifetime!
However glamorous she portrays herself to be, it sucks when you come to have conversation with her. The expertise she claims to be in would soon turn to be mere trivial knowledge without substance. Asking what she thinks about the film or any subject that she's just talked about, she’s always talking crap. No independent thinking but always trying to be a person she thinks other people would want her to be. Oh yea, you’re the dancing queen! No other girls than you can catch more eyeballs of guys. :-/ Even when she was declined by her friends few days before they set off for a trip, she still had no clue what happened. Oh, come on—activate your brain, for heaven’s sake!!! Didn’t you know they HATE you? They told me that they would turn you down long before you realized there was sth wrong. It’s just that you’re stupid!
Well, everything’s approaching to an end. I know I should go on keeping my mouth shut. But after reading her blog, I realized she didn’t learn any lessons. NOT AT ALL! She seems to have an endless list of graceful reasons to excuse herself from this and that—anything that she knows she doesn’t know. The paralyzing fear of being inferior within her must have blinded her from admitting her weaknesses. Wrongly thinks that she lives in a wonderful world surrounded by wonderful people, she feels amused and satisfied by the artificiality and temporary glamour she tries to put on. Perhaps she’s so dumb that she doesn’t even feel the emptiness and loneliness. Perhaps … Sigh! I don’t know. She deserves NO sympathy!!!!
I'm sorry if I sound like a bitch or lose any composure I'm supposed to have. I apologize if you're disturbed by the coarse language I used. This entry doesn't mean to offend anyone and I don't claim to have any right to judge anyone. I just can't keep my feelings repressed and have no way to express this after such a long time, esp after seeing her blog just now. Now I've decided that this deadly stupid f***ing bitch should be forever forgotten. Not in my life anymore!
I'll laugh it off and treat it as a funny story to tell. Life is too short to get pissed off all the time.
I hope I don’t sound like a bitch who talks behind somebody’s back. But even if I do, I think I’ve been keeping my mouth shut to others for long and have been trying to laugh it off as best as I could.
This lady who I met at the beginning of school year pissed me off. Congratulations to her – she’s the first person who I’ve ever referred as “bitch.” Probably the last one as well. Lack of common sense and life experience of a person doesn’t bother me, for this is what I’m learning. Besides, I believe that we learn from each other as we travel down life’s pathway. What gets on my nerve, though, is this lady’s trying to portray herself in the best light possible—even when somebody retarded can tell her defense for her lies are totally clueless. There isn’t a lack of instances when she proved herself is nothing but a bitch.
What the f***ing hell are you talking about?
Going to Vancouver for skiing in November? Hello hello it’s on the west coast and west coast doesn’t snow as much as here in the east. What’s more- It hasn’t snowed yet!!! =.=”
I’m sorry-you’ve been to 3 provinces here in Canada? Ha- when were Montreal and Quebec City considered to be in 2 separate provinces??? Wow. Looks like the internal conflict of Quebec’s gonna cause the PM even more headache, after the growing segregation of Quebec from English Canada…
Hum… Quebec used to be a colony of France… that’s why Quebecois speak French…
Oh thanks—now I know the ice cappuccino of Starbucks is good and is your favorite.
Oh yea? You’ve seen so many films! So what do you think about it? (Then she starts talking shit!)
…
The list goes on and on.
Yup, she’s clueless. I dare to say nobody on earth I’ve ever met can be compared to this intelligent lady who tirelessly shares what she knows about chocolate, cheese, wine, paintings, movies, coffee and blah blah blah. She’s definitely generous in sharing her hilarious stories
with numerous guys and showing her dedication in high fashion. What is she trying to say—is how much I’m fortunate to get to know this wonderful lady once in a lifetime!
However glamorous she portrays herself to be, it sucks when you come to have conversation with her. The expertise she claims to be in would soon turn to be mere trivial knowledge without substance. Asking what she thinks about the film or any subject that she's just talked about, she’s always talking crap. No independent thinking but always trying to be a person she thinks other people would want her to be. Oh yea, you’re the dancing queen! No other girls than you can catch more eyeballs of guys. :-/ Even when she was declined by her friends few days before they set off for a trip, she still had no clue what happened. Oh, come on—activate your brain, for heaven’s sake!!! Didn’t you know they HATE you? They told me that they would turn you down long before you realized there was sth wrong. It’s just that you’re stupid!
Well, everything’s approaching to an end. I know I should go on keeping my mouth shut. But after reading her blog, I realized she didn’t learn any lessons. NOT AT ALL! She seems to have an endless list of graceful reasons to excuse herself from this and that—anything that she knows she doesn’t know. The paralyzing fear of being inferior within her must have blinded her from admitting her weaknesses. Wrongly thinks that she lives in a wonderful world surrounded by wonderful people, she feels amused and satisfied by the artificiality and temporary glamour she tries to put on. Perhaps she’s so dumb that she doesn’t even feel the emptiness and loneliness. Perhaps … Sigh! I don’t know. She deserves NO sympathy!!!!
I'm sorry if I sound like a bitch or lose any composure I'm supposed to have. I apologize if you're disturbed by the coarse language I used. This entry doesn't mean to offend anyone and I don't claim to have any right to judge anyone. I just can't keep my feelings repressed and have no way to express this after such a long time, esp after seeing her blog just now. Now I've decided that this deadly stupid f***ing bitch should be forever forgotten. Not in my life anymore!
I'll laugh it off and treat it as a funny story to tell. Life is too short to get pissed off all the time.
Few days ago I received a letter from school. Not knowing what it is all about and what I'm supposed to do with it, I went to the bank. It turned out to be a statement together with a check.
"A check?"
"Yes, that's how much the school giving you back. They didn't say why here. Maybe you can call and ask. But that's probably because they overcharged you and now give you back the money." said the lady, pointing at the "amount paid."
Wow~ why bother giving the office a call... I don't care...
I'm more concerned about having my money back.
So I went to ATM and had the money transfered to my account.
It feels good to have a few extra bucks in my bank account, esp when the wallet's getting lighter ... hehe ...
"A check?"
"Yes, that's how much the school giving you back. They didn't say why here. Maybe you can call and ask. But that's probably because they overcharged you and now give you back the money." said the lady, pointing at the "amount paid."
Wow~ why bother giving the office a call... I don't care...
I'm more concerned about having my money back.
So I went to ATM and had the money transfered to my account.
It feels good to have a few extra bucks in my bank account, esp when the wallet's getting lighter ... hehe ...
Ce matin
For many days this week, I just woke up much earlier than usual. This morning I got up at seven sth. Sipping my coffee, I’m reading newspaper and checking emails. We’ve basked in glorious weather and have been able to revel in shorts-sandals-and-patio temperatures for more than 2 weeks. No storms. Plenty of sunshine. Dry as bone. Gentle breezes. Cool nights which allowed comfortable sleeping. Two weeks ago, people were saying, “Spring has sprung.” Now it’s “Summer is here.” It hit 27C yesterday!!!
But alas- it can't last!
It’s currently 18C and it is expected to be no higher than 13C for the coming few days. It’ll be cloudy with showers and thunderstorms. Cool and damp. Well, why I’m saying it here is that many of us are winter-weary already and have become verrrrrrrry eager to push the seasons.
The cardinals have elected the new Pope. Didn’t follow the news very closely as I was out for a goodbye dinner with friends (This time we cooked and omg- ALL the food was just yummy!!!) last night. So I guess you'll find me bent over the newspapers and internet news with my cup of coffee for the rest of this morning.
After all, I'm news-addicted! ;-)
For many days this week, I just woke up much earlier than usual. This morning I got up at seven sth. Sipping my coffee, I’m reading newspaper and checking emails. We’ve basked in glorious weather and have been able to revel in shorts-sandals-and-patio temperatures for more than 2 weeks. No storms. Plenty of sunshine. Dry as bone. Gentle breezes. Cool nights which allowed comfortable sleeping. Two weeks ago, people were saying, “Spring has sprung.” Now it’s “Summer is here.” It hit 27C yesterday!!!
But alas- it can't last!
It’s currently 18C and it is expected to be no higher than 13C for the coming few days. It’ll be cloudy with showers and thunderstorms. Cool and damp. Well, why I’m saying it here is that many of us are winter-weary already and have become verrrrrrrry eager to push the seasons.
The cardinals have elected the new Pope. Didn’t follow the news very closely as I was out for a goodbye dinner with friends (This time we cooked and omg- ALL the food was just yummy!!!) last night. So I guess you'll find me bent over the newspapers and internet news with my cup of coffee for the rest of this morning.
After all, I'm news-addicted! ;-)
Monday, April 18, 2005
Best day trip ever!
I'm glad that I eventually made it to go to Niagara Falls again. I was there last year, but it wasn't a really pleasant experience - awful weather, limited time to shop around and everybody was freezing to death.
That was my worst trip ever!
This morning, Jeff picked us up at school and after an hour of bus, we arrived at Niagara Falls.Today- a mix of sun and cloud. Temp 22 degrees. Gentle wind. Nice weather! :-)
Passing through a mall, we went down a slope and headed to the ticket booth of the observation deck Skylon Tower. Being at the top of Skylon, we enjoyed a panoramic view of the Falls and its neighboring areas. It was my first time to see it in that way as I didn't have have time to go up the tower last time. Nothing can put my eyes off the view. I looked at the Falls in awe, wondering how many times must I see it before I get fed up with it - Maybe never!
Then we went further down and passed by Niagara Park. Standing at the bow, I could feel the mist lightly spray my face, which I thought bringing me a bit closer to the Falls. While not exceptionally high, Niagara Falls is wide, and by far the most voluminous waterfall in North America. I could sense the vast power as I heard the cascading water rumbling. There's magic in it! The Maid of the Mist cruises didn't run today, so we couldn't have a ride on it. Or else I could have a real vis-à-vis experience with one of the natural wonders of the world like I did last time!
So we strolled along the sidewalk, took pictures, sometimes stopped for a while to just look long at the Falls. We went window-shopped before heading back to the bus stop. My feet hurt a bit after so much walking today. In the evening we had dinner at my favorite Korean restaurant at Finch. We chatted, joked around, laughed, and ate! Nice meal. Nice friends. Nice chat. A perfect day trip!
I appreciate much for Jeff's help. He IS like our mom today, picking us up, preparing food and drinks, and entertaining us all the time. It was so much fun. As we were free from the bondage of time, we had greater flexibility today. We took time to see, to feel, and to sense everything. My conclusion after so many trips is that it is totally AWFUL to join any types of package tour. I hate the idea of being deprived of my freedom to choose what to do in a trip. Words will not do justice to the experience I had in all those awesome trips I went by myself.
This is my best day trip ever!
A panoramic view from Skylon
I'm glad that I eventually made it to go to Niagara Falls again. I was there last year, but it wasn't a really pleasant experience - awful weather, limited time to shop around and everybody was freezing to death.
That was my worst trip ever!
This morning, Jeff picked us up at school and after an hour of bus, we arrived at Niagara Falls.Today- a mix of sun and cloud. Temp 22 degrees. Gentle wind. Nice weather! :-)
Passing through a mall, we went down a slope and headed to the ticket booth of the observation deck Skylon Tower. Being at the top of Skylon, we enjoyed a panoramic view of the Falls and its neighboring areas. It was my first time to see it in that way as I didn't have have time to go up the tower last time. Nothing can put my eyes off the view. I looked at the Falls in awe, wondering how many times must I see it before I get fed up with it - Maybe never!
Then we went further down and passed by Niagara Park. Standing at the bow, I could feel the mist lightly spray my face, which I thought bringing me a bit closer to the Falls. While not exceptionally high, Niagara Falls is wide, and by far the most voluminous waterfall in North America. I could sense the vast power as I heard the cascading water rumbling. There's magic in it! The Maid of the Mist cruises didn't run today, so we couldn't have a ride on it. Or else I could have a real vis-à-vis experience with one of the natural wonders of the world like I did last time!
So we strolled along the sidewalk, took pictures, sometimes stopped for a while to just look long at the Falls. We went window-shopped before heading back to the bus stop. My feet hurt a bit after so much walking today. In the evening we had dinner at my favorite Korean restaurant at Finch. We chatted, joked around, laughed, and ate! Nice meal. Nice friends. Nice chat. A perfect day trip!
I appreciate much for Jeff's help. He IS like our mom today, picking us up, preparing food and drinks, and entertaining us all the time. It was so much fun. As we were free from the bondage of time, we had greater flexibility today. We took time to see, to feel, and to sense everything. My conclusion after so many trips is that it is totally AWFUL to join any types of package tour. I hate the idea of being deprived of my freedom to choose what to do in a trip. Words will not do justice to the experience I had in all those awesome trips I went by myself.
This is my best day trip ever!
A panoramic view from Skylon
my membership card at a casino
Ha! The bus fee I paid turned out to be including a 20-buck coupon in a casino, which is redeemable. But the thing is I need a membership card in order to get back the cash. So ... by accident I got a life-time membership in a local casino !
Maybe I can come back some day, making 20 bucks to be 80! HAHA ~ :-P
Post-entry: I haven't uploaded all the pictures yet as the site I use to post pictures was working super slow tonight. It takes FOREVER to upload images. I gave it up. Last time when I sent the link to my friend, Vienna, numerous ads popped up and it messed up her computer. Perhaps I'll look for another online photo album. Any good suggestion?
Saturday, April 16, 2005
Re: Anita
Well, I'm as disappointed as you are about the sudden cancellation of the mission trip. But like what I've said, that should never bring us down! Our time is not God's time and more importantly, time will tell whether the voice from within is genuine or not. I do believe that the call or desire(in my case 'cause it's not even a call at all!) will only grow stronger as He Himself reveals what He intends us to be. Anyhow, prayers should never cease in whatever circumstance. Let's pray!
P.S. Hey we have a god who is full of sense of humor. This is a joke. I dont understand, but I laugh anyway~
Well, I'm as disappointed as you are about the sudden cancellation of the mission trip. But like what I've said, that should never bring us down! Our time is not God's time and more importantly, time will tell whether the voice from within is genuine or not. I do believe that the call or desire(in my case 'cause it's not even a call at all!) will only grow stronger as He Himself reveals what He intends us to be. Anyhow, prayers should never cease in whatever circumstance. Let's pray!
P.S. Hey we have a god who is full of sense of humor. This is a joke. I dont understand, but I laugh anyway~
The youngest blogger ever
Happened to drop by The Official Blog of Fetus Spears- you bet! That’s the one still in belly of Britney Spears. Not even born yet. Besides regular posts, you can also listen to the podcasts, which are really silly. I laughed so hard.
http://www.liquidgeneration.com/blog/fetusblog/blogger.html
Happened to drop by The Official Blog of Fetus Spears- you bet! That’s the one still in belly of Britney Spears. Not even born yet. Besides regular posts, you can also listen to the podcasts, which are really silly. I laughed so hard.
http://www.liquidgeneration.com/blog/fetusblog/blogger.html
Google gone wild!
Google is inviting users to check out the beta version of their "Google Suggest" and to type in the word "PLEASE"
I tried out "what if", "George Bush is", "Britney Spears is", and "how to"... pretty hip...
Google suggest:
http://www.google.com/webhp?complete=1&hl=en
Google is inviting users to check out the beta version of their "Google Suggest" and to type in the word "PLEASE"
I tried out "what if", "George Bush is", "Britney Spears is", and "how to"... pretty hip...
Google suggest:
http://www.google.com/webhp?complete=1&hl=en
Friday, April 15, 2005
Give me five!
Guess what? My first sociology research paper got an A+ !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(Sorry for the overuse of exclamation points ;-P ) I’m exceedingly excited!!! Words just can’t describe how much I feel accomplished! It’s an A+. An A PLUS!!! It’s not an A or A- - it’s an A PLUS! I repeat – it’s an A plus!!! PLUS PLUS PLUS. Can’t believe how much the plus sign has such a great impact on me. And Ian’s comment (Ian's my TA) only gives me greater sense of gratification ever! He talked to the prof about my paper and right after I got the paper, both Ian and the prof encouraged me to enter an essay competition. Yup you bet- here at York!? Wow. He asked me to hand over the paper and he would have a look and comment on it. I was stunted before I actually had the oh-they-think-my-paper-is-good-and-want-me-to-enter-an-essay-competition feeling! After all, this grade is far more than I expected, let alone entering an essay competition!
From brainstorming the topic, doing research, constructing the arguments, to writing the first draft, then the second and re-editing it over and over, I found myself fascinated by the richness and diverging aspect of the topic*. Culture itself is interesting. I like cultures. I like diversities. It is the thriving side of each culture that sustains its own legacy. I LOVE culture.
Post-entry: Despite their great comments on the paper, they will definitely be let down by my final… ‘cause I wrote something really crappy today (Come on there’s a question about the tedious “The Corporation” and Nike’s promotionalism!) ! But I won't be in their class again. Who cares! :-P
* The topic that I was working on is the growing homogeneity and heterogeneity of hip-hop culture around the globe.
Guess what? My first sociology research paper got an A+ !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(Sorry for the overuse of exclamation points ;-P ) I’m exceedingly excited!!! Words just can’t describe how much I feel accomplished! It’s an A+. An A PLUS!!! It’s not an A or A- - it’s an A PLUS! I repeat – it’s an A plus!!! PLUS PLUS PLUS. Can’t believe how much the plus sign has such a great impact on me. And Ian’s comment (Ian's my TA) only gives me greater sense of gratification ever! He talked to the prof about my paper and right after I got the paper, both Ian and the prof encouraged me to enter an essay competition. Yup you bet- here at York!? Wow. He asked me to hand over the paper and he would have a look and comment on it. I was stunted before I actually had the oh-they-think-my-paper-is-good-and-want-me-to-enter-an-essay-competition feeling! After all, this grade is far more than I expected, let alone entering an essay competition!
From brainstorming the topic, doing research, constructing the arguments, to writing the first draft, then the second and re-editing it over and over, I found myself fascinated by the richness and diverging aspect of the topic*. Culture itself is interesting. I like cultures. I like diversities. It is the thriving side of each culture that sustains its own legacy. I LOVE culture.
Post-entry: Despite their great comments on the paper, they will definitely be let down by my final… ‘cause I wrote something really crappy today (Come on there’s a question about the tedious “The Corporation” and Nike’s promotionalism!) ! But I won't be in their class again. Who cares! :-P
* The topic that I was working on is the growing homogeneity and heterogeneity of hip-hop culture around the globe.
Wednesday, April 13, 2005
Will you come if it moves you?
It’s less than a month away before I farewell Toronto for the summer. I’m supposed to fix the route and feel excited about my upcoming trip. Prague, Innsbruck, Berlin, Warsaw Lauterbrunnen etc… these are the names that should be on my mind! But for no reason I find the urge of going to Cambodia so compelling that I can’t shake it off.
Last night I tossed and turned. No sleep at all.
It’s less than a month away before I farewell Toronto for the summer. I’m supposed to fix the route and feel excited about my upcoming trip. Prague, Innsbruck, Berlin, Warsaw Lauterbrunnen etc… these are the names that should be on my mind! But for no reason I find the urge of going to Cambodia so compelling that I can’t shake it off.
Last night I tossed and turned. No sleep at all.
When snow goes
Can’t help taking pictures these days. It feels so good to wake up every morning and know that it is another gorgeous day and somebody loves you more than you think you deserve. Looking out from my room, I feel like I’m seeing this spot growing greener and greener. Day by day. Little by little. :-) Those pictures may look just the same for others. Not surprising at all - I feel much the same way when I looked at all those pictures I took at Stong Pond which is right across my building. After all, it’s hard to capture all the moments.
Would you believe I feel content just to sit in front of the pond and look at the surroundings without doing anything myself? :-)
Hehe ... I can feel the heartbeat of spring now...
Can’t help taking pictures these days. It feels so good to wake up every morning and know that it is another gorgeous day and somebody loves you more than you think you deserve. Looking out from my room, I feel like I’m seeing this spot growing greener and greener. Day by day. Little by little. :-) Those pictures may look just the same for others. Not surprising at all - I feel much the same way when I looked at all those pictures I took at Stong Pond which is right across my building. After all, it’s hard to capture all the moments.
Would you believe I feel content just to sit in front of the pond and look at the surroundings without doing anything myself? :-)
Hehe ... I can feel the heartbeat of spring now...
Monday, April 11, 2005
春天不是讀書天 (Spring time is not study time)
I can’t wait to finish this, get out there and enjoy the sun! It’s just gorgeous! As brown as everything is in the winter, it’s the morning when you see sea gulls flying over roofs, geese staggering along ponds, squirrels running up and down trees, grass sprouting quietly and people going jogging with their sleeveless shirts and shorts!! From my room I can see the glittering water of Stong Pond reflecting the color of the cloudless sky ~ Wow. Gorgeous morning.
Hello helloe Carlotta don’t you have to study?
Ah … maybe I can bring my books out and study beside the pond …
But then you would take a nap …
*rolls eyes*
I can’t wait to finish this, get out there and enjoy the sun! It’s just gorgeous! As brown as everything is in the winter, it’s the morning when you see sea gulls flying over roofs, geese staggering along ponds, squirrels running up and down trees, grass sprouting quietly and people going jogging with their sleeveless shirts and shorts!! From my room I can see the glittering water of Stong Pond reflecting the color of the cloudless sky ~ Wow. Gorgeous morning.
Hello helloe Carlotta don’t you have to study?
Ah … maybe I can bring my books out and study beside the pond …
But then you would take a nap …
*rolls eyes*
Saturday, April 09, 2005
Okay now the date is approaching.
Everybody is leaving.
Sachie and Mayumi are leaving for Japan on April 26.
Susana and Saki are leaving for Montreal and Quebec from 16th till 25th,on which day Sachie will have her final. They've got the plane ticket for 28th.
Je Young has her final on 12th and she’ll travel to Quebec from 15th till 17th, come back for a couple of days and set off for her trip to the States from 20th till… god knows… the day she leaves, which is 28th- again !
28th 28th 28th I HATE this day! Everybody’s leaving on this day- when I’ll still be having my goddamnit exam !!!
My plan has yet fixed.
My life is in CHAOS.
I’m not freaked out. Just pissed off.
Everybody is leaving.
Sachie and Mayumi are leaving for Japan on April 26.
Susana and Saki are leaving for Montreal and Quebec from 16th till 25th,on which day Sachie will have her final. They've got the plane ticket for 28th.
Je Young has her final on 12th and she’ll travel to Quebec from 15th till 17th, come back for a couple of days and set off for her trip to the States from 20th till… god knows… the day she leaves, which is 28th- again !
28th 28th 28th I HATE this day! Everybody’s leaving on this day- when I’ll still be having my goddamnit exam !!!
My plan has yet fixed.
My life is in CHAOS.
I’m not freaked out. Just pissed off.
What color are you?
Now the pants down.
Discussion on the back side of a door in the female washroom began. It started off when a (possibly) white young lady saying,
"I love Black men."
But her "affection" is soon rebuked by another (possibly) black woman who says,
“But black men don’t like you- you white trash!”
Then another little high school girl came in.
“I’m a 13 year old black young woman and am here on a class trip. I’m totally insulted by this and I’m thoroughly against this black/ white racist discussion. Now I know older is not necessarily smarter.”
Which is followed by another black voice,
" F*** those white who slaved us in the past. That can’t be forgiven. Never!”
Another rather mild opinion suggests,
“There’re a whole lot white people who are nice. You shouldn’t over-generalize this matter.”
And blah blah blah …
These are what I read as far as I remember.
Canada has long been proud of herself for embracing multiculturalism, compared to its neighbor's “melting pot” policy. Yup we can maintain cultural distinctiveness, promote mutual understanding between different ethnic groups and give ethnic group control over their own culture as far as legislation empowers people. The thing is, it has to come with attitudinal change and value transformation. Law can never interfere in personal choice. Racism is an attitude. A personal choice. Sadly, though, it is hidden in people’s subconsciousness, which is undercurrent. You don’t say it, but you think it! This is no less dangerous than any physical acts motivated by racism.
I was surprised the issue of racism extends to the door of female washroom and how matters can get so polarized between the “black” and “white.” Does race ever exist at all? Or is it just a social marker distinguished by our skin colors, eye colors, languages we speak, and traditions we adhere to, that we use to impose on one another? Why there has to be a clear-cut of black, white, Asian, or something else?
It pisses me off when I see people writing crap about their racist ideas here in Canada, where people claim to take pride in and have a love for their multiculturalism policy.
Now the pants down.
Discussion on the back side of a door in the female washroom began. It started off when a (possibly) white young lady saying,
"I love Black men."
But her "affection" is soon rebuked by another (possibly) black woman who says,
“But black men don’t like you- you white trash!”
Then another little high school girl came in.
“I’m a 13 year old black young woman and am here on a class trip. I’m totally insulted by this and I’m thoroughly against this black/ white racist discussion. Now I know older is not necessarily smarter.”
Which is followed by another black voice,
" F*** those white who slaved us in the past. That can’t be forgiven. Never!”
Another rather mild opinion suggests,
“There’re a whole lot white people who are nice. You shouldn’t over-generalize this matter.”
And blah blah blah …
These are what I read as far as I remember.
Canada has long been proud of herself for embracing multiculturalism, compared to its neighbor's “melting pot” policy. Yup we can maintain cultural distinctiveness, promote mutual understanding between different ethnic groups and give ethnic group control over their own culture as far as legislation empowers people. The thing is, it has to come with attitudinal change and value transformation. Law can never interfere in personal choice. Racism is an attitude. A personal choice. Sadly, though, it is hidden in people’s subconsciousness, which is undercurrent. You don’t say it, but you think it! This is no less dangerous than any physical acts motivated by racism.
I was surprised the issue of racism extends to the door of female washroom and how matters can get so polarized between the “black” and “white.” Does race ever exist at all? Or is it just a social marker distinguished by our skin colors, eye colors, languages we speak, and traditions we adhere to, that we use to impose on one another? Why there has to be a clear-cut of black, white, Asian, or something else?
It pisses me off when I see people writing crap about their racist ideas here in Canada, where people claim to take pride in and have a love for their multiculturalism policy.
Friday, April 08, 2005
The beginning of a life!
A handful of daisies? Nope.
Butterflies in a spring day? Nope.
A basket of kitties? Hum... pretty close.
A NEW BORN BABY GIRL !!! What cuter than a new born baby girl ???
......
Don't you agree that she's just gorgeous~~~
Eyes not yet opened ... waiting to see this big, big world~
The new born baby girl of my pastor
A handful of daisies? Nope.
Butterflies in a spring day? Nope.
A basket of kitties? Hum... pretty close.
A NEW BORN BABY GIRL !!! What cuter than a new born baby girl ???
......
Don't you agree that she's just gorgeous~~~
Eyes not yet opened ... waiting to see this big, big world~
The new born baby girl of my pastor
First meal...yummy yummy!!!
I woke up with a fresh memory of a dream last night. It was the day when both Wan and Kennie were expected to give birth to their baby girls !!! Somehow I could hear their heartbeats in their mommys' bellies despite the fact that I was on the phone. Weird. I must be insane !
Even though I'm now on the other side of the globe, I feel just as much delighted as everybody else! What better thing than to greet a new life born to us? Tiny feet, little ears -
babies are the perfect gift of God's love!!!
Don't you hear the angels in heaven are singing now?
Yup I do. :-)
Wednesday, April 06, 2005
Halfway this week
Well, time flies! Half of a week has already passed and I've accomplished nothing! I already know what's in store for me these two weeks. Lots of readings, cleaning, booking etc. What's not in store for me? Blogging. But I guess I've get addicted to news. Simply can't take my eyes off the computer screen, newspapers and TV. It's like I'm expecting news every single second. :-P
*****
Two days away from the funeral. Always wonder how it's like to be standing with thousands of people in St. Peter's Square and mourning for the death of the Pope. Still feel a little upset for not being able to make it to Italy this summer... Oh btw, have a paranomic view of the St. Peter's Square here. Click on the picture once it loads, then move your cursor left and right and up and down. Awesome view. Ah don't forget to turn up your sound when doing so.
http://www.panoramas.dk/fullscreen5/f14a-pope.html
*****
I ordered a travel guidebook from the university bookstore. The staff told me it would take ten days for the book to arrive, but it's been like 2 weeks. lol. It pisses me off as I need it to fix my route and decide how many days I'm staying in each city. Damnit... had better go to the bookstore tomorrow...
*****
Sarah(my floormate)'s moving out. I met Liz(her mom) and her at the elevator this afternoon, when they were doing the clear-up and bringing stuff out of her room. It's been quite a while since I saw Liz. Sarah is the friend who invited me for the Thanksgiving dinner with her family and family friends last year. Missing all the people in her house - Shosh, Jordon, Jeff & Becca. And of course all the yummy pumpin pies & apple pies!!! How much I'm gonna miss this loving family!
People are moving out, one by one. All of my friends would have gone by the time i finish my finals, which means - I'll be left in the residence alone this time! :-(
*****
For no reason this country Cambodia keeps flashing across my mind these few days. Somehow I feel a small voice inside is urging me that I should go to this place at least once in my life. I wonder if I'm able to go there by the end of this year
...
on a mission trip.
Well, time flies! Half of a week has already passed and I've accomplished nothing! I already know what's in store for me these two weeks. Lots of readings, cleaning, booking etc. What's not in store for me? Blogging. But I guess I've get addicted to news. Simply can't take my eyes off the computer screen, newspapers and TV. It's like I'm expecting news every single second. :-P
*****
Two days away from the funeral. Always wonder how it's like to be standing with thousands of people in St. Peter's Square and mourning for the death of the Pope. Still feel a little upset for not being able to make it to Italy this summer... Oh btw, have a paranomic view of the St. Peter's Square here. Click on the picture once it loads, then move your cursor left and right and up and down. Awesome view. Ah don't forget to turn up your sound when doing so.
http://www.panoramas.dk/fullscreen5/f14a-pope.html
*****
I ordered a travel guidebook from the university bookstore. The staff told me it would take ten days for the book to arrive, but it's been like 2 weeks. lol. It pisses me off as I need it to fix my route and decide how many days I'm staying in each city. Damnit... had better go to the bookstore tomorrow...
*****
Sarah(my floormate)'s moving out. I met Liz(her mom) and her at the elevator this afternoon, when they were doing the clear-up and bringing stuff out of her room. It's been quite a while since I saw Liz. Sarah is the friend who invited me for the Thanksgiving dinner with her family and family friends last year. Missing all the people in her house - Shosh, Jordon, Jeff & Becca. And of course all the yummy pumpin pies & apple pies!!! How much I'm gonna miss this loving family!
People are moving out, one by one. All of my friends would have gone by the time i finish my finals, which means - I'll be left in the residence alone this time! :-(
*****
For no reason this country Cambodia keeps flashing across my mind these few days. Somehow I feel a small voice inside is urging me that I should go to this place at least once in my life. I wonder if I'm able to go there by the end of this year
...
on a mission trip.
Tuesday, April 05, 2005
Even after death ...
News about the death of the Pope still catches my eyes. Now what baffles the cardinals is choosing the next pope. There has been no pope like John Paul II, and certainly the one to come must encounter a lot more challenges than any other popes of their times.
First we had a pope of many milestones. During his papacy, John Paul II was the first pope who drew the biggest crowds in history when he paid a visit to Manila, visited a mosque, addressed a Muslim audience at a invitation of a Muslim leader, visited a synagogue and ski(though it is not necessarily a challenge to the next pope~~)! Many of the things that the Pope did were rather ground-breaking. The new pope, therefore, has to be able to lead the 1.1 billion Catholics around the world and able to help orientating the church in the ever-secular-growing era.
Catholicism has moved south to countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, while the population of Catholics in Europe and North America is on the decline. Given this changing demographics, there is a pressing need that the new pope should have the capacity and consciousness to show concern for the world church in the regions where Catholicism is growing. This probably explains why there's speculation that the next pope would be a non-Italian.
Then comes the unresolved scandal of sex abuse in the US Roman Catholic clergy. I've come across several reports about the grief and anger expressed by some Americans. There's criticism that the Pope died without dealing the scandal adequately. The victims are left with no apology and there’s even question whether he ever fully came to grips with the seriousness and magnitude of the crisis within his church in the States. Unless the Vatican goes on with its resistance in addressing the scandal, it is likely that the new Pope is expected to address the American scandal very early in his tenure.
More importantly, in my opinion, one of the criteria in choosing his successor, ironically, has NOTHING to do with his spirituality! Well, this is no celebrity contest. No doubt. Yet no popes have walked out to the world as much as John Paul has. No popes have ever been exposed to the spotlights as much as John Paul has. He is such a leader who had charisma and public persona. It would be hard to imagine having a pope who is shy or sensitive to the camera and the public. Nope! He HAS to be media savvy! Or else how can he carry on what the one who preceded him was doing? Or should he necessarily hold the same or similar belief as his predecessor???
*****
Royal Wedding
The wedding of the Britain's Prince Charles to Camilla Parker Bowles, which has been hit by several glitches, may clash with the funeral of Pope John Paul II. Reports say the Royal family may postpone the wedding if the funeral falls on Friday. Haha~~ I bet both Prince Charles and Camilla Parker would be the last persons who object the idea of going ahead as the attention would be dispersed by the funeral of the Pope. In that sense, they would not HAVE to be in the spotlight … Maybe they could have a private wedding ... haha~
***
Inside Vatican
Enjoy watching clips about Vatican City. Check this out at National Geographic:
http://plasma.nationalgeographic.com/vatican/
News about the death of the Pope still catches my eyes. Now what baffles the cardinals is choosing the next pope. There has been no pope like John Paul II, and certainly the one to come must encounter a lot more challenges than any other popes of their times.
First we had a pope of many milestones. During his papacy, John Paul II was the first pope who drew the biggest crowds in history when he paid a visit to Manila, visited a mosque, addressed a Muslim audience at a invitation of a Muslim leader, visited a synagogue and ski(though it is not necessarily a challenge to the next pope~~)! Many of the things that the Pope did were rather ground-breaking. The new pope, therefore, has to be able to lead the 1.1 billion Catholics around the world and able to help orientating the church in the ever-secular-growing era.
Catholicism has moved south to countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, while the population of Catholics in Europe and North America is on the decline. Given this changing demographics, there is a pressing need that the new pope should have the capacity and consciousness to show concern for the world church in the regions where Catholicism is growing. This probably explains why there's speculation that the next pope would be a non-Italian.
Then comes the unresolved scandal of sex abuse in the US Roman Catholic clergy. I've come across several reports about the grief and anger expressed by some Americans. There's criticism that the Pope died without dealing the scandal adequately. The victims are left with no apology and there’s even question whether he ever fully came to grips with the seriousness and magnitude of the crisis within his church in the States. Unless the Vatican goes on with its resistance in addressing the scandal, it is likely that the new Pope is expected to address the American scandal very early in his tenure.
More importantly, in my opinion, one of the criteria in choosing his successor, ironically, has NOTHING to do with his spirituality! Well, this is no celebrity contest. No doubt. Yet no popes have walked out to the world as much as John Paul has. No popes have ever been exposed to the spotlights as much as John Paul has. He is such a leader who had charisma and public persona. It would be hard to imagine having a pope who is shy or sensitive to the camera and the public. Nope! He HAS to be media savvy! Or else how can he carry on what the one who preceded him was doing? Or should he necessarily hold the same or similar belief as his predecessor???
*****
Royal Wedding
The wedding of the Britain's Prince Charles to Camilla Parker Bowles, which has been hit by several glitches, may clash with the funeral of Pope John Paul II. Reports say the Royal family may postpone the wedding if the funeral falls on Friday. Haha~~ I bet both Prince Charles and Camilla Parker would be the last persons who object the idea of going ahead as the attention would be dispersed by the funeral of the Pope. In that sense, they would not HAVE to be in the spotlight … Maybe they could have a private wedding ... haha~
***
Inside Vatican
Enjoy watching clips about Vatican City. Check this out at National Geographic:
http://plasma.nationalgeographic.com/vatican/
Sunday, April 03, 2005
Quizzzzzzzzzzz
Okay now time to finish the quiz from Cindy.
1) How many books a year do you read ?
1) Combien de livres lisez vous chaque année ?
That's hard to tell. I do read a lot due to what I'm majoring in. However, I don't read that much beside the assigned readings as I don't have much time left. Usually 2 books per week ... and I can finish 10 books outside class. So that adds up to 114(check if the caculation is accurate! I'm a total mathematical idiot~).
2) What's the last book you bought ?
2) Le dernier livre acheté ?
The Road to Daybreak by a Catholic priest Henri J. M. Nouwen
3) What's the last book you've read ?
3)Le dernier livre que vous avez lu ?
There're 2, as I finished them almost at the same time :
The Road to Daybreak (Henri Nouwen)
你欠生命一分神蹟 "You owe life a miracle"(楊牧谷 Arnold Yeung)
4) What're the 5 books worth to you or that you liked very much ?
4) Ques sont vos 5 livres favoris ou ceux qui vous ont particulièrement touché(e) ?
The Little Prince (Antoine de Saint-Exupéry)
Les Misérables (Victor Hugo)
你欠生命一分神蹟 "You owe life a miracle"(楊牧谷 Arnold Yeung)
廚房哲學 “The Philosophy of Kitchen”(楊牧谷 Arnold Yeung)
撒哈拉的故事 “The Story of Sahara” (三毛 Echo Chan)
I know I'm breaking the rule … but simply can't opt it out... this book is very good as well--
The Alchemist (Paulo Coelho) Oh btw, he's a writer from Brazil. His books are really inspiring. Simple words but with meanings that go beyond what words can descibe.
Okay now I'm done. So what I'm gonna do is to pass it on to another three people and they would basically do the same thing (except breaking the rule like I did :-P) I'm passing it on to Mandy, Susan & Sikman.
Thx Cindy anyway! That helps me to know what type of books you like and I like (as I'm forced to think about it)!
Okay now time to finish the quiz from Cindy.
1) How many books a year do you read ?
1) Combien de livres lisez vous chaque année ?
That's hard to tell. I do read a lot due to what I'm majoring in. However, I don't read that much beside the assigned readings as I don't have much time left. Usually 2 books per week ... and I can finish 10 books outside class. So that adds up to 114(check if the caculation is accurate! I'm a total mathematical idiot~).
2) What's the last book you bought ?
2) Le dernier livre acheté ?
The Road to Daybreak by a Catholic priest Henri J. M. Nouwen
3) What's the last book you've read ?
3)Le dernier livre que vous avez lu ?
There're 2, as I finished them almost at the same time :
The Road to Daybreak (Henri Nouwen)
你欠生命一分神蹟 "You owe life a miracle"(楊牧谷 Arnold Yeung)
4) What're the 5 books worth to you or that you liked very much ?
4) Ques sont vos 5 livres favoris ou ceux qui vous ont particulièrement touché(e) ?
The Little Prince (Antoine de Saint-Exupéry)
Les Misérables (Victor Hugo)
你欠生命一分神蹟 "You owe life a miracle"(楊牧谷 Arnold Yeung)
廚房哲學 “The Philosophy of Kitchen”(楊牧谷 Arnold Yeung)
撒哈拉的故事 “The Story of Sahara” (三毛 Echo Chan)
I know I'm breaking the rule … but simply can't opt it out... this book is very good as well--
The Alchemist (Paulo Coelho) Oh btw, he's a writer from Brazil. His books are really inspiring. Simple words but with meanings that go beyond what words can descibe.
Okay now I'm done. So what I'm gonna do is to pass it on to another three people and they would basically do the same thing (except breaking the rule like I did :-P) I'm passing it on to Mandy, Susan & Sikman.
Thx Cindy anyway! That helps me to know what type of books you like and I like (as I'm forced to think about it)!
Saturday, April 02, 2005
A very unproductive day. Verrrry tired ... i guess that's probably 'cause i came back late last night and had several sleepless nights before. *yawns*
So the Pope eventually died at around 2 this afternoon. To a lot of Catholics, his death is definitely heartbreaking. I'm not Catholic. But I personally think John Paul II was a good man. In the world flooded with trivial celebrities today, he proved himself to be a man with genuine charisma and grace by drawing the attention of the world to the significance of peace and love. In that sense, he contributed a lot in evangelizing. He deserved the respect. I was very impressed when I learned of his attitude in face of adversities. Despite his failing health, he insisted in fulfilling his duties and visions, asking "Has Christ ever come down from the cross?"
Nope. He hasn't. Perhaps that gives us reason to carry on and live our lives as they are.
So the Pope eventually died at around 2 this afternoon. To a lot of Catholics, his death is definitely heartbreaking. I'm not Catholic. But I personally think John Paul II was a good man. In the world flooded with trivial celebrities today, he proved himself to be a man with genuine charisma and grace by drawing the attention of the world to the significance of peace and love. In that sense, he contributed a lot in evangelizing. He deserved the respect. I was very impressed when I learned of his attitude in face of adversities. Despite his failing health, he insisted in fulfilling his duties and visions, asking "Has Christ ever come down from the cross?"
Nope. He hasn't. Perhaps that gives us reason to carry on and live our lives as they are.
Woke up hearing snow mixed with rain hitting the windows this morning. Headache. Heavy eyes. Sth stung my eyes i guess. Oh feel like b***s***. Dull Saturday morning. I guess I'll have to start studying or at least figure out my study plan for this month. Loads of readings.
This morning as I read the news, I got to know that Pope John Paul clung to life! All the news from last night was all about his imminent death and anguish shared among the public. His heart and kidneys were slowly failing at that time. As I'm writing this, it is reported that he was showing signs of consciousness! Well, I'm not Catholic. But too much news about death these days. I felt sorry for Terri's death already. Next, we're watching the Pope's death. Enough depressing news for me...
This morning as I read the news, I got to know that Pope John Paul clung to life! All the news from last night was all about his imminent death and anguish shared among the public. His heart and kidneys were slowly failing at that time. As I'm writing this, it is reported that he was showing signs of consciousness! Well, I'm not Catholic. But too much news about death these days. I felt sorry for Terri's death already. Next, we're watching the Pope's death. Enough depressing news for me...
Friday, April 01, 2005
Second last day of school
My French test went pretty well. I'm not doing exceptionly good but generally speaking I think I'm better than I was last time.
It was weird to goodbye to my classmates today, 'cause we know probably we're not seeing each other anymore. Oral test's done. We're done. And no more school after that. That's why we kind of like stick around even half and hour after the exam. Sandra and I even hung out quite a while before hugging and farewell each other! I could see the eyes of Susie and Can kind like welled up when we hugged each other. Didn't mean to be sad. But I guess that's 'cause we all know we were not seeing each other , for Susie's switching to another college in Niagara-Falls, which is where she's from, Sandra's switching her major, Can's not taking any French class next year and me - not even studying here next year...
Yup it feels weird.
The day is approaching...
***
Chanced to meet Mayumi this afternoon. So went for some coffee in a cafe and had a little nice chat. :-) Thx Mayumi, "You don't have to be the number one 'cause you are the only one!" That's inspiring!
***
Am now in a dancing and singing mood~ Just back from Mamma Mia! The best show in town!!! That was GOOD!!! Featuring Abba's timeless songs, the story is about a pending wedding on a tiny Greek island. A mother. A daughter. Three possible dads. And a trip down the aisle you'll never forget! The dialogue and songs are seamlessly linked and I like the touching scene in which Donna (the mom) helps Sophie (the daughter) to "hop" (hehe...) into her wedding dress. Does your mother know? is wittly choreographed and the funky overtune fills the entire auditorium. There wasn't a single moment when buzz of excitement could not be heard and by the end of the show, the audience are already on their feet - including me of course~~~
Mamma Mia
My French test went pretty well. I'm not doing exceptionly good but generally speaking I think I'm better than I was last time.
It was weird to goodbye to my classmates today, 'cause we know probably we're not seeing each other anymore. Oral test's done. We're done. And no more school after that. That's why we kind of like stick around even half and hour after the exam. Sandra and I even hung out quite a while before hugging and farewell each other! I could see the eyes of Susie and Can kind like welled up when we hugged each other. Didn't mean to be sad. But I guess that's 'cause we all know we were not seeing each other , for Susie's switching to another college in Niagara-Falls, which is where she's from, Sandra's switching her major, Can's not taking any French class next year and me - not even studying here next year...
Yup it feels weird.
The day is approaching...
***
Chanced to meet Mayumi this afternoon. So went for some coffee in a cafe and had a little nice chat. :-) Thx Mayumi, "You don't have to be the number one 'cause you are the only one!" That's inspiring!
***
Am now in a dancing and singing mood~ Just back from Mamma Mia! The best show in town!!! That was GOOD!!! Featuring Abba's timeless songs, the story is about a pending wedding on a tiny Greek island. A mother. A daughter. Three possible dads. And a trip down the aisle you'll never forget! The dialogue and songs are seamlessly linked and I like the touching scene in which Donna (the mom) helps Sophie (the daughter) to "hop" (hehe...) into her wedding dress. Does your mother know? is wittly choreographed and the funky overtune fills the entire auditorium. There wasn't a single moment when buzz of excitement could not be heard and by the end of the show, the audience are already on their feet - including me of course~~~
Mamma Mia
Wednesday, March 30, 2005
My Japanese friends, Sachie and Mayumi, are back from Quebec! How lucky they are that the weather of last weekend was terrific! They enjoyed it immensely! Haha... now they know why I like Quebec so so much! :-) We were about to go for dinner together before I turned them down at the last minute. It was 'cause I had to make a phone call to Hong Kong. :-( Reli hate time difference now...
French oral test tomorrow. Have my lines memorized already and yet- I always get stuck in distinguishing the passé composé forms : as & es. I screw them up when I speak! Sigh! :-p
Figuring out the route. Getting a bit excited~ But I guess I may not be able to pay a visit to Helsinki given its distant location. It'd be such a hassle flying in and out of Finland. Don't wanna let Taina down... dunno how i can tell her :-( ... Perhaps next year???
Still driven by lots and lots and lots of passion and determination. Life is full of hope - Yeh!!!
French oral test tomorrow. Have my lines memorized already and yet- I always get stuck in distinguishing the passé composé forms : as & es. I screw them up when I speak! Sigh! :-p
Figuring out the route. Getting a bit excited~ But I guess I may not be able to pay a visit to Helsinki given its distant location. It'd be such a hassle flying in and out of Finland. Don't wanna let Taina down... dunno how i can tell her :-( ... Perhaps next year???
Still driven by lots and lots and lots of passion and determination. Life is full of hope - Yeh!!!
Tuesday, March 29, 2005
Not too bad. I'm not too worried.
What I've been busy with these days have nothing to do with my school here, seriously - It's my school way across the Alantic Ocean!
Talked to Rosi today. Now both of us kind of have a sense of where we would be between May and July. Should be able to fix the route when the result of our application is available later.
Joly(The lady who is in charge of the summer program) got back to me and assured me that results of application should be available by next week and so hopefully, i will be fixed with my summer plan by then. As for the academic copy, I can submit it later.
Have just heard from my college office. They said it was okay for me to send the form back upon completion and have other supporting documents submitted after I've returned.
Hehe... Things look good. God bless me... ;-) He's making a way!
What I've been busy with these days have nothing to do with my school here, seriously - It's my school way across the Alantic Ocean!
Talked to Rosi today. Now both of us kind of have a sense of where we would be between May and July. Should be able to fix the route when the result of our application is available later.
Joly(The lady who is in charge of the summer program) got back to me and assured me that results of application should be available by next week and so hopefully, i will be fixed with my summer plan by then. As for the academic copy, I can submit it later.
Have just heard from my college office. They said it was okay for me to send the form back upon completion and have other supporting documents submitted after I've returned.
Hehe... Things look good. God bless me... ;-) He's making a way!
Monday, March 28, 2005
Unexpected. Unknown. Undecided.
Remarks: this entry is a bit messy. Like what i"ve said, SO much has been going on here. Kinda lose the sense of time. I wish I could explain everything more clearly but unfortunately I can't!
Unexpected. My classmate in French class, Nway, told me that I could stay with her friend if I couldn't find a place to stay! I have done a wide range of research about hostels in London, but it turned out that I have to expect spending like 30 or sth(Oh man Canadian dollars) for a night- which is sth I can't afford( given the fact that I'm already at the edge of bankrupcy!!;-p just kidding!) So it helps a WHOLE LOT to have free accomodation for a few days~~~
Unknown. Haven't mentioned much about my Spanish friend, Susana, inviting me and other girls to stay with her family during X'mas last year. Well, bad timing. I have already had plans for X'mas before she even asked. Plus I thought it would be a pity not to be able to travel to other countries whilst in Valencia. But she has been urging me to come to Spain since then. More than ... I forgot how many times. She's been so enthusiastic to invite people coming over to her home city! Girl she's so proud of her country and culture! :-) This afternoon as we talked, as usual, she urged me to stop by Spain if I ever travel in Europe. I told her my tentative plan and I sort of asked if it was okay to stay with her.
Well, here I have to trace back to a conversation with Rosita before Reading week. She has got a free ticket to Barcelona when purchasing the plane ticket to Helsinki, so she would go to Barcelona this summer. For sure. Since both of us don't have companion to travel this summer, we kind of had an idea that we might be able to meet up somewhere there and travel together(which I knew was super super crazy~). We talked a bit but again-- bad timing! For she would be in Oulu until late May and I would have left for Toronto by then. It's not gonna work out. Forget about it, I thought.
About two weeks ago she told me about the summer program in Lyon and both of us decided to take it. So the idea of traveling around with her came forth again. Now having Sus offering us accomodation, the hope reignites! BUT have to talk to Rosi. Don't know if our schedules are compatible in this case ...
Undecided. I've just got a letter from Taina. It was neat to hear that I could go stay with her in Helsinki for a week or sth. BUT now I've had a rough idea of where I'm going, this free offer of accomodation seems to be more than enough. Helsinki ... I DO wanna go visit her. It would be so much fun! Yet it would cost me another hundred bucks for a plane ticket to get there. What's more, it's highly inconvenient to fly in and out of Helsinki before getting to the heart of Europe. Sigh! What should I do???
Overcoming mounts of redtapes
What redtape? It's the business of the coming academic year. As I'm applying for school residence, summer program, college scholarship etc... a new round of email inquiries about application forms, deadlines, supporting documents, academic copies, and teacher's recommendation has just started! I've been glued to my laptop, or if not, the computer at lab, since two weeks ago! Frankly I'm experienced in this area as these are what I did last year. Yet I'm pissed off to have to wait for those people to get back to me 'cause of the opposite time-zones!
I'm with Rosi, "Exchange is still so busy!"
Yea you bet. Who said it's a year of lay-back life when going on exchange?
No one is immune to those tedious procedures.
As it heads toward the end of this term, everything is just the beginning of an end!
Remarks: this entry is a bit messy. Like what i"ve said, SO much has been going on here. Kinda lose the sense of time. I wish I could explain everything more clearly but unfortunately I can't!
Unexpected. My classmate in French class, Nway, told me that I could stay with her friend if I couldn't find a place to stay! I have done a wide range of research about hostels in London, but it turned out that I have to expect spending like 30 or sth(Oh man Canadian dollars) for a night- which is sth I can't afford( given the fact that I'm already at the edge of bankrupcy!!;-p just kidding!) So it helps a WHOLE LOT to have free accomodation for a few days~~~
Unknown. Haven't mentioned much about my Spanish friend, Susana, inviting me and other girls to stay with her family during X'mas last year. Well, bad timing. I have already had plans for X'mas before she even asked. Plus I thought it would be a pity not to be able to travel to other countries whilst in Valencia. But she has been urging me to come to Spain since then. More than ... I forgot how many times. She's been so enthusiastic to invite people coming over to her home city! Girl she's so proud of her country and culture! :-) This afternoon as we talked, as usual, she urged me to stop by Spain if I ever travel in Europe. I told her my tentative plan and I sort of asked if it was okay to stay with her.
Well, here I have to trace back to a conversation with Rosita before Reading week. She has got a free ticket to Barcelona when purchasing the plane ticket to Helsinki, so she would go to Barcelona this summer. For sure. Since both of us don't have companion to travel this summer, we kind of had an idea that we might be able to meet up somewhere there and travel together(which I knew was super super crazy~). We talked a bit but again-- bad timing! For she would be in Oulu until late May and I would have left for Toronto by then. It's not gonna work out. Forget about it, I thought.
About two weeks ago she told me about the summer program in Lyon and both of us decided to take it. So the idea of traveling around with her came forth again. Now having Sus offering us accomodation, the hope reignites! BUT have to talk to Rosi. Don't know if our schedules are compatible in this case ...
Undecided. I've just got a letter from Taina. It was neat to hear that I could go stay with her in Helsinki for a week or sth. BUT now I've had a rough idea of where I'm going, this free offer of accomodation seems to be more than enough. Helsinki ... I DO wanna go visit her. It would be so much fun! Yet it would cost me another hundred bucks for a plane ticket to get there. What's more, it's highly inconvenient to fly in and out of Helsinki before getting to the heart of Europe. Sigh! What should I do???
Overcoming mounts of redtapes
What redtape? It's the business of the coming academic year. As I'm applying for school residence, summer program, college scholarship etc... a new round of email inquiries about application forms, deadlines, supporting documents, academic copies, and teacher's recommendation has just started! I've been glued to my laptop, or if not, the computer at lab, since two weeks ago! Frankly I'm experienced in this area as these are what I did last year. Yet I'm pissed off to have to wait for those people to get back to me 'cause of the opposite time-zones!
I'm with Rosi, "Exchange is still so busy!"
Yea you bet. Who said it's a year of lay-back life when going on exchange?
No one is immune to those tedious procedures.
As it heads toward the end of this term, everything is just the beginning of an end!
Sunday, March 27, 2005
2nd floor of Fine Art Centre
Well I know it's rather irrelevant to spring ... just dropped by and took my paintings back. Was freak out when Jane told me that the profs would relocate or throw paintings away from last term if they were left in the studio. With my two paintings in hands, I'm glad that they are still intact! :-)
Friday, March 25, 2005
Clueless (1995)
What makes satire effective? It's always like a double-headed beast.
Social effect of satire films was what we were discussing in class last night. No doubt intentional satire can be a voice of social critique. But how much do audience get out of it is another matter. This film, targeting at teenagers, was a success back in 1995 and is still enjoyed by a lot of us today. What I find so interesting about the film is that it kind of breaks the general rule. To me, there seems to be a boundary between those art films which are satirical and mainstream films, which serve to entertain. This film is ironic, and yet it is full of humor and enjoys immense success in the mainstream market.
I think the interpretation and self-conciousness of audience is the key here. The sun-blessed teens in Beverly Hill of Southern California, the happy ending, the pettiness and foolishness of the characters' consumption ... these are the pleasures offered by the film. Yes we can laugh at the mindlessness of the characters and go back-reflect on the artificiality of consumer culture. But sorry- we still wear make-up, we buy nice tops, hang out at malls and we still see girls going for plastic surgery etc... it seems that you can't be critical when you're compliant, given the fact that you're so much part of the culture! In that sense, the satire only offers a false choice of criticism. However, I do think one can eventually break away from the popular culture if she develops her own self-conciousness, just as Cher's alternation toward the end of the film suggests.
What else can be more pathetic than having a girl who has seen this film leaves the theater, still fussing over how to dress for school the next day? That's the ultimate cluelessness!!!
Well, perhaps that's the satire Heckerling intended.
Clueless(1995)
Amy Heckerling
clueless
What makes satire effective? It's always like a double-headed beast.
Social effect of satire films was what we were discussing in class last night. No doubt intentional satire can be a voice of social critique. But how much do audience get out of it is another matter. This film, targeting at teenagers, was a success back in 1995 and is still enjoyed by a lot of us today. What I find so interesting about the film is that it kind of breaks the general rule. To me, there seems to be a boundary between those art films which are satirical and mainstream films, which serve to entertain. This film is ironic, and yet it is full of humor and enjoys immense success in the mainstream market.
I think the interpretation and self-conciousness of audience is the key here. The sun-blessed teens in Beverly Hill of Southern California, the happy ending, the pettiness and foolishness of the characters' consumption ... these are the pleasures offered by the film. Yes we can laugh at the mindlessness of the characters and go back-reflect on the artificiality of consumer culture. But sorry- we still wear make-up, we buy nice tops, hang out at malls and we still see girls going for plastic surgery etc... it seems that you can't be critical when you're compliant, given the fact that you're so much part of the culture! In that sense, the satire only offers a false choice of criticism. However, I do think one can eventually break away from the popular culture if she develops her own self-conciousness, just as Cher's alternation toward the end of the film suggests.
What else can be more pathetic than having a girl who has seen this film leaves the theater, still fussing over how to dress for school the next day? That's the ultimate cluelessness!!!
Well, perhaps that's the satire Heckerling intended.
Clueless(1995)
Amy Heckerling
clueless
Cher: So like, right now for example. The Haitians need to come to America. But some people are all, "What about the strain on our resources?" Well it's like when I had this garden party for my father's birthday, right? I put R.S.V.P. 'cause it was a sit-down dinner. But some people came that like did not R.S.V.P. I was like totally buggin'. I had to haul ass to the kitchen, redistribute the food, and squish in extra place settings. But by the end of the day it was, like, the more the merrier. And so if the government could just get to the kitchen, rearrange some things, we could certainly party with the Haitians. And in conclusion may I please remind you it does not say R.S.V.P. on the Statue of Liberty. Thank you very much.
Wednesday, March 23, 2005
So much has been going on here.
Working mad on my readings, exams, and the plan after that. On the other hand, it's the time when i have to overcome mounts of redtapes! Application forms, academic copies, proposals, photocopies of supporting documents, teachers' recommendation, email inquiries etc ...
driving me nuts!!!
Next week: French written and oral test!!!
It's scary! I still can't overcome the hurdle of speaking French in front of other people. Rather contrary to my personality, at class I tend to be withdrawn (people probably think I'm dumb!Sigh!). Having been learning French for 3 years(on and off), I don't have much difficulty in reading and writing it. BUT it definitely is something if I have to speak up in class. Something psychological ... I can't forgive myself for my terrible accent! God knows why those peolple out there kind of have a sense of how to pronounce certain words in a FRENCH way! Sometimes I can spot their mispronunciations right away but the thing is - what else can you say when the way they pronounce it seems to make it SOUND right?
Sigh!
Working mad on my readings, exams, and the plan after that. On the other hand, it's the time when i have to overcome mounts of redtapes! Application forms, academic copies, proposals, photocopies of supporting documents, teachers' recommendation, email inquiries etc ...
driving me nuts!!!
Next week: French written and oral test!!!
It's scary! I still can't overcome the hurdle of speaking French in front of other people. Rather contrary to my personality, at class I tend to be withdrawn (people probably think I'm dumb!Sigh!). Having been learning French for 3 years(on and off), I don't have much difficulty in reading and writing it. BUT it definitely is something if I have to speak up in class. Something psychological ... I can't forgive myself for my terrible accent! God knows why those peolple out there kind of have a sense of how to pronounce certain words in a FRENCH way! Sometimes I can spot their mispronunciations right away but the thing is - what else can you say when the way they pronounce it seems to make it SOUND right?
Sigh!
Monday, March 21, 2005
Hey friends, I hope it's not too much at a time. :-p
16/3 (Wed)
I have a luck!
=> A lady from my college office got back to me, saying that I'm still eligible to apply for the travel subsidy.
17/3 (Thu)
Relieved after hearing from the LIN* department of my school
=> They accept overseas application for the summer program
*LIN- Linguistics and Modern Languages Department
Have no clue of what to do. Confused. :-(
=> Taina told me that she would not be in Helsinki for two weekends in June : June 10-12 & June 17-19
18/3 (Fri)
Stay Cool. Keep Smiling. :-)
=>Don't go over the edge. As you travel life's pathway, keep your eyes upon the doughnut, not upon the hole. Adversities should never monopolize our attention.
19/3 (Sat)
Have a dream last night. It's the first dream I've ever remembered to be sensible ('cause all my past dreams were illogical and senseless!).
I saw myself back home, telling my parents about the summer program. As usual, my dad didn't buy the idea of going to summer school,thinking that it was a waste of money and time, while my mom was strongly supportive.
In another scene, I saw my mom and I were checking my bankbook, only to find that the balance of that month was only HK$ xxxx --- which surprised me!!! "So now how am I gonna make it to take the course???" I thought. Thrown into a turbulence of confusion and disappointment, I woke up.
謝謝陳媽媽 ^.^ Love you Mom!!!
=> Mom gave me a call this morning and we talked a bit. With flashes of the dream that I had last night on my head and feeling I should no longer holdanything back, I told her my tentative summer plan. Before even learning about the college subsidy and the credit transfer stuff, she gave me a green light of taking the summer program ... in FRANCE~~~
Now the remaining hurdles are the study visa
=> how am I gonna apply for it when I'm not even in HK? ... oh wait, if i enter France as a tourist, I dont reli need a visa at all! I'll see ...
and (perhaps the toughest hurdle) accomodation in June.
=> 'cause as scheduled, I was planning to leave London in early June. If I am to extend my stay in Europe, I've got to look for somewhere else to stay for the entire June ... otherwise ... :-(
I'll go to wherever offers me a bed...
So much has been going on here. Anyway, I'll see how God makes the way.
20/3 (Sun)
Palm Sunday - Glory to the Highest!
Just a week before Jesus was crucified, he entered Jerusalem triumphically. He was much welcomed by people with plam leaves, which signified his authority and that he was the Lord.
It's amazing to know the Lord rising from death gives us hope. If Jesus died for us on the cross without resurrection, what power does the Lord have? The entire gospel would not have been so powerful to us. On friday he died but he rose from daeth on Sunday - which gives us plenty to celebrate on Sundays now! It's interesting to see how fickle we are - we are doomed one day but then we are the other way round the next because of the Lord.
What's more- our faith is not how strong our faith is, but the object we have faith in and how strong He is! Isn't it just wonderful? :-) The same goes with the identity of us as His people. The identity itself does not carry much value. It is to whom we are belong that makes our identity special! Think about the necklace that was worn by Princess Diana, the gown worn by Marilyn Moroe, the paintbrush used by Van Gogh etc... how much do a necklace, a gown and a paintbrush worth? Isn't it because of the people to whom they are belong that make them priceless and targets of antique collectors? The fact that we're the chosen one and we belong to our Lord makes us unique! That makes our identity as His people valuable! :-)
Hosanna! Glory to the Highest!
***
Having come back from Sunday service, Maria knocked my door when I was about to start my scripture reading. She asked if I could go for grocery with her because as the house programer, she has to prepare food for the food pavilion tomorrow. Our don Steph has promised to go with her but at three this afternoon she came to Maria, telling her that she hadtoo many stuff to do and Maria had to go by herself.
As we walked back, carrying with numerous bags in our hands, I couldn't believe how Maria was going bring all those stuff back had she gone by herself! I don't understand why Steph could excuse herself! That's part of her job and having too much to do doesn't excuse her from it!
***
Wow~~~ Lai(Carol) has just called!!! Dying to hear my best friend's voice!! It's been 3 months since we last talked. So much has happened to both of us for the past few months.
Now the second half of story about not going to Spain at X'mas continues ... she said I had made a sensible decision! Oh yea I knew it! :-p
But sad to say, she had to go out. I hope we can talk reali soon!!!
21/3 (Mon)
Got a bit upset as I got an email reply from my friend -- I was "accused" of being "忘本"(the closest translation: forgetful)! I admit that it's hard to keep contact with everybody, but I did try to make an effort! Think of those phone calls I've tried to make, only to find that they didn't answer them or were too busy to talk. I'm keeping a "journal" here largely because of them. I put them in my prayers more than I did before. However busy I am, I keep emailing some of them to update them with what I've been up to. At Christmas, I didn't forget sending them christams cards by post! And for a few of them, I actually wrote to them!
The feeling of being misunderstood is just awful! I'm not trying to point fingers to anybody, nor saying that I'm blameless. What I wanna say is that sometimes the form of communications that we use to keep in touch may be different and if it is this difference which pulls us afar, I don't think anyone of us should be accused of being "忘本". Instead we should try to work out a way of communication that connect both of us! Anyway, I'll be upset if anybody out there wrongly think that I've forgetten all the friends back home. I'm enjoying my life, but that doesn't necessarily mean I've forgotten them. Here I truly agree with what Yaya once said :
***
The procedures of applying for the travel subsidy seem to be too tedious. Plus the amount of the subsidy isn't that much. Alors(Therefore (have got to practice my French!)), I don't think I'm gonna apply for it. Mais(But) I'll still go ahead for my plan. Still looking for accomodation ... :-/
16/3 (Wed)
I have a luck!
=> A lady from my college office got back to me, saying that I'm still eligible to apply for the travel subsidy.
17/3 (Thu)
Relieved after hearing from the LIN* department of my school
=> They accept overseas application for the summer program
*LIN- Linguistics and Modern Languages Department
Have no clue of what to do. Confused. :-(
=> Taina told me that she would not be in Helsinki for two weekends in June : June 10-12 & June 17-19
18/3 (Fri)
Stay Cool. Keep Smiling. :-)
=>Don't go over the edge. As you travel life's pathway, keep your eyes upon the doughnut, not upon the hole. Adversities should never monopolize our attention.
19/3 (Sat)
Have a dream last night. It's the first dream I've ever remembered to be sensible ('cause all my past dreams were illogical and senseless!).
I saw myself back home, telling my parents about the summer program. As usual, my dad didn't buy the idea of going to summer school,thinking that it was a waste of money and time, while my mom was strongly supportive.
In another scene, I saw my mom and I were checking my bankbook, only to find that the balance of that month was only HK$ xxxx --- which surprised me!!! "So now how am I gonna make it to take the course???" I thought. Thrown into a turbulence of confusion and disappointment, I woke up.
謝謝陳媽媽 ^.^ Love you Mom!!!
=> Mom gave me a call this morning and we talked a bit. With flashes of the dream that I had last night on my head and feeling I should no longer holdanything back, I told her my tentative summer plan. Before even learning about the college subsidy and the credit transfer stuff, she gave me a green light of taking the summer program ... in FRANCE~~~
Now the remaining hurdles are the study visa
=> how am I gonna apply for it when I'm not even in HK? ... oh wait, if i enter France as a tourist, I dont reli need a visa at all! I'll see ...
and (perhaps the toughest hurdle) accomodation in June.
=> 'cause as scheduled, I was planning to leave London in early June. If I am to extend my stay in Europe, I've got to look for somewhere else to stay for the entire June ... otherwise ... :-(
I'll go to wherever offers me a bed...
So much has been going on here. Anyway, I'll see how God makes the way.
20/3 (Sun)
Palm Sunday - Glory to the Highest!
Just a week before Jesus was crucified, he entered Jerusalem triumphically. He was much welcomed by people with plam leaves, which signified his authority and that he was the Lord.
It's amazing to know the Lord rising from death gives us hope. If Jesus died for us on the cross without resurrection, what power does the Lord have? The entire gospel would not have been so powerful to us. On friday he died but he rose from daeth on Sunday - which gives us plenty to celebrate on Sundays now! It's interesting to see how fickle we are - we are doomed one day but then we are the other way round the next because of the Lord.
What's more- our faith is not how strong our faith is, but the object we have faith in and how strong He is! Isn't it just wonderful? :-) The same goes with the identity of us as His people. The identity itself does not carry much value. It is to whom we are belong that makes our identity special! Think about the necklace that was worn by Princess Diana, the gown worn by Marilyn Moroe, the paintbrush used by Van Gogh etc... how much do a necklace, a gown and a paintbrush worth? Isn't it because of the people to whom they are belong that make them priceless and targets of antique collectors? The fact that we're the chosen one and we belong to our Lord makes us unique! That makes our identity as His people valuable! :-)
Hosanna! Glory to the Highest!
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Having come back from Sunday service, Maria knocked my door when I was about to start my scripture reading. She asked if I could go for grocery with her because as the house programer, she has to prepare food for the food pavilion tomorrow. Our don Steph has promised to go with her but at three this afternoon she came to Maria, telling her that she hadtoo many stuff to do and Maria had to go by herself.
As we walked back, carrying with numerous bags in our hands, I couldn't believe how Maria was going bring all those stuff back had she gone by herself! I don't understand why Steph could excuse herself! That's part of her job and having too much to do doesn't excuse her from it!
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Wow~~~ Lai(Carol) has just called!!! Dying to hear my best friend's voice!! It's been 3 months since we last talked. So much has happened to both of us for the past few months.
Now the second half of story about not going to Spain at X'mas continues ... she said I had made a sensible decision! Oh yea I knew it! :-p
But sad to say, she had to go out. I hope we can talk reali soon!!!
21/3 (Mon)
Got a bit upset as I got an email reply from my friend -- I was "accused" of being "忘本"(the closest translation: forgetful)! I admit that it's hard to keep contact with everybody, but I did try to make an effort! Think of those phone calls I've tried to make, only to find that they didn't answer them or were too busy to talk. I'm keeping a "journal" here largely because of them. I put them in my prayers more than I did before. However busy I am, I keep emailing some of them to update them with what I've been up to. At Christmas, I didn't forget sending them christams cards by post! And for a few of them, I actually wrote to them!
The feeling of being misunderstood is just awful! I'm not trying to point fingers to anybody, nor saying that I'm blameless. What I wanna say is that sometimes the form of communications that we use to keep in touch may be different and if it is this difference which pulls us afar, I don't think anyone of us should be accused of being "忘本". Instead we should try to work out a way of communication that connect both of us! Anyway, I'll be upset if anybody out there wrongly think that I've forgetten all the friends back home. I'm enjoying my life, but that doesn't necessarily mean I've forgotten them. Here I truly agree with what Yaya once said :
兩人划船渡河，甲出力划，乙則划不得幾下便停手休息，船前進得很慢很慢。甲有見及此，再出力一點，怎料乙停手了，甚而向反方向划，船停滯不前。甲不忿，用多幾分力，船就翻了，再過不到對岸。但願如此。
友誼大概就是如此，需要雙方付出，才建立得好。只有一方用心用力，另一方不聞不問，會很吃力。但又不可說哪一方錯，畢竟友情要看雙方是否合得來，不可勉強。也許你多用點力就可觸動對方。
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The procedures of applying for the travel subsidy seem to be too tedious. Plus the amount of the subsidy isn't that much. Alors(Therefore (have got to practice my French!)), I don't think I'm gonna apply for it. Mais(But) I'll still go ahead for my plan. Still looking for accomodation ... :-/
