I was browsing through a Japanese magazine this morning during my workout. Oh, how I miss Japan. (Well, I am not going to start on my complaints about this place, yet, but I really do miss Japan.)
Looking at the pictures, I really feel like having お鍋 (onabe) now, especially some キムチ鍋 (kimchi-nabe). I also crave for some すき焼き(sukiyaki) and しゃぶしゃぶ (syabu-syabu). Mmm, thinking about it just makes my mouth water. Whenever I am hungry these days, I just feel like heading out to the convenient store for some 焼きそば (yaki-soba) or お好み焼き (okonomiyaki), but hey, this is not Japan; thus, I choose to skip my meal instead.
Even though there is a Daiso here and I should cut back on my snacks, but I sure do miss my favorite snacks. So, people who miss me in Japan and would love to send me a love package, please do not forget my favorite 明治 トッポ (Meiji Toppo), 明治 PUCCA (Meiji Pucca), and 明治 クアラのマーチ (the chocolate filled biscuits with koala printed on it. I love all the flavors they have). Also, I would not mind to have some instant たらこ (tarako) pasta topping/sauce, in fact, instant sauces and soups of all flavors. (Even though they are instant food and some might wonder my MSG intake; however, let me assure you that Japan has a stricter code for food and thus it is not THAT bad for health.)
Sigh! Well, I will just snack on my chocolates I received over Christmas for now and think of all the possible winter goodies I miss.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Monday, January 7, 2008
Back to Work
Not bad, Bunny. I find myself impressed at what I did this morning. I got up around 6:45 and was at the bus stop slightly before 7:30. (Well, I could not sleep and did not sleep well at all. Was it because I was just too excited that work resumes today? Yeah right. It was most probably because I had been staying up late for the past few nights that my body went into autopilot.) I had a full 45 minute work out at the gym burning possibly 500 calories, and enjoyed a long hot shower after.
Things seem to be heading towards a slow start at the office this morning. I have tonnes of work to catch up on but just do not know where to start. Looking at my calendar, events seem to weave themselves in. I am excited for each of them but I seriously need to be wise with my earnings. I might just barely make it for the first two months here. I felt like pizza for dinner last night and was shocked at the prices at pizza hut. Man! It was ridiculously expensive.
Well, enough of my whining, time to get back to work and earn that commission!
Things seem to be heading towards a slow start at the office this morning. I have tonnes of work to catch up on but just do not know where to start. Looking at my calendar, events seem to weave themselves in. I am excited for each of them but I seriously need to be wise with my earnings. I might just barely make it for the first two months here. I felt like pizza for dinner last night and was shocked at the prices at pizza hut. Man! It was ridiculously expensive.
Well, enough of my whining, time to get back to work and earn that commission!
Sunday, January 6, 2008
End of the Holidays
Time passes when you least expect it. It has been 20 days since I left Japan. With a blink of an eye, Christmas and New Year's have gone by and I will be starting work after my winter break here in Macao. By now, most of the Christmas decorations have been taken down and street vendors prepare for the Chinese/Lunar New Year in February. As for me, I reckon my Christmas cards and poinsettia will be a permanent part of my apartment. Now, I have all my furniture delivered and the place do not look bad at all. What lacks is a TV to grace the living room and another potted plant or two.
I might slip into depression but I guess taking a walk out side (despite the haze and carbon monoxide) would do me some good. I have a good reason for retail therapy as there are still many things this apartment lacks. With the limited amount of cash I have left on me, I walked to Daiso (100yen store in Japan but most merchandise are sold at MOP10 here) and got myself some cute tableware. It felt good after returning to my apartment and setting up the table. With a little more stuff, my apartment feels less "show-room-like."
SA took me to Daiso yesterday. Seriously, one could reach anywhere by foot if they choose to brave the streets of Macao (to which I will not complain as I am giving myself a full month before ranting how much I hate this place. I need time to get to know this place before passing any comments in order to be fair.). Believe it or not, I could walk to China via the ZuHai boarder which is only less than 15 minutes away. SA mentioned that there is an underground shopping place right across the boarder but I need to be really good in bargaining; otherwise considered extremely stupid to pay the shop keepers for the displayed price. Another adventure coming? Let's see. I need to get over the shock of living here first.
I might slip into depression but I guess taking a walk out side (despite the haze and carbon monoxide) would do me some good. I have a good reason for retail therapy as there are still many things this apartment lacks. With the limited amount of cash I have left on me, I walked to Daiso (100yen store in Japan but most merchandise are sold at MOP10 here) and got myself some cute tableware. It felt good after returning to my apartment and setting up the table. With a little more stuff, my apartment feels less "show-room-like."
SA took me to Daiso yesterday. Seriously, one could reach anywhere by foot if they choose to brave the streets of Macao (to which I will not complain as I am giving myself a full month before ranting how much I hate this place. I need time to get to know this place before passing any comments in order to be fair.). Believe it or not, I could walk to China via the ZuHai boarder which is only less than 15 minutes away. SA mentioned that there is an underground shopping place right across the boarder but I need to be really good in bargaining; otherwise considered extremely stupid to pay the shop keepers for the displayed price. Another adventure coming? Let's see. I need to get over the shock of living here first.
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Come on... You have got to be kidding me!
The trio who visited Hong Kong last week was surprised to find people slim and lanky in the city popular known for its good food. The population has a wide spread of local food within a stone's throw and seem to be eating even until 4 in the morning. Having eaten some of the local cuisine which is rather similar to Macao, I would say that these people love their pork. (Well, I guess with the avian flu on the rampage some time back, people still have their reservations in their choice of poultry.) Nevertheless, with the amount of food available to the Hong Kong and Macao people, it is a wonder that all of them are not fat, and for the young female, stick thin.
I have the privilege to join a gym where I try to go there as often as possible. I thought that most of the young females would be here to maintain their figure in lieu of their food intake, but that was not the case. I have only seen a handful of young women in the gym whereas the majority who flock in the changing rooms are plump ladies from their 40's onwards. I have seen them whaling around in front of the sauna area and it was not a pretty sight.
So, how do the young females manage to stay thin? I am often in wonder as I look at these girls around me. Well, to my knowledge, some of them are really picky with what they eat, or consume only a small portion of food. But I do believe that education in every form do effect a person's behavior. The mass media has generally brainwashed the public about being thin means beautiful. What surprises me most is when a parent tells their kid to stop eating because she might become fat. I encountered this when I was on the bus the other day. Come on, that girl is no where near plump or chubby. In fact, I would like her to have a little more flesh on her tiny frame.
As for myself, I do share the same position as 95% of the women population of the world who is not satisfied with the way they look. However, I would not go to the extreme to starve myself in order to fulfill the popular definition of being pretty. I fear to get on the scale, but I know exactly which part of my body I would like reduced and toned. With the right diet and regular exercise regime, I think I could be easily satisfied. In the meantime, I will just focus on maintaining what I like about myself and work on vanishing those chubby bits.
I have the privilege to join a gym where I try to go there as often as possible. I thought that most of the young females would be here to maintain their figure in lieu of their food intake, but that was not the case. I have only seen a handful of young women in the gym whereas the majority who flock in the changing rooms are plump ladies from their 40's onwards. I have seen them whaling around in front of the sauna area and it was not a pretty sight.
So, how do the young females manage to stay thin? I am often in wonder as I look at these girls around me. Well, to my knowledge, some of them are really picky with what they eat, or consume only a small portion of food. But I do believe that education in every form do effect a person's behavior. The mass media has generally brainwashed the public about being thin means beautiful. What surprises me most is when a parent tells their kid to stop eating because she might become fat. I encountered this when I was on the bus the other day. Come on, that girl is no where near plump or chubby. In fact, I would like her to have a little more flesh on her tiny frame.
As for myself, I do share the same position as 95% of the women population of the world who is not satisfied with the way they look. However, I would not go to the extreme to starve myself in order to fulfill the popular definition of being pretty. I fear to get on the scale, but I know exactly which part of my body I would like reduced and toned. With the right diet and regular exercise regime, I think I could be easily satisfied. In the meantime, I will just focus on maintaining what I like about myself and work on vanishing those chubby bits.
Friday, January 4, 2008
A Survey/Questionaire about the Bunny
I am bored. Instead of complaining about my life right now, I thought of putting my time into a post for you to know me better. 50 questions and answers about the bunny and nothing but the truth.
1. What color are your eyes?
Dark brown (same as original hair color, not exactly black)
2. Do you love your life?
I have my complaints but I am thankful for every bit of it. It is uniquely and completely mine.
3. What is one thing you question?
The why and purpose to everything.
4. Is there a place you would like to visit?
Italy, Greece, Egypt and a few others.
5. Favorite season?
Autumn. Deep down inside I think I am an autumn child, both my birthdays in the Gregorian and Lunar calendar falls directly on significant autumnal days.
6. Do you like winter?
Love the snow, winter air, activities, food and beverage.
7. Are you in a band?
Just did a little singing with some friends back in college.
8. Do you like parties?
I like dinner parties with good food and fellowship among a few close friends not more than 20.
9. What are you scared of? Rejection from people who matter to me.10. Favorite beverage?
Apple juice, Earl Grey Tea, Decaf-Hazelnut Latte, white wine, mohito, and matcha (for caffeine)
11. Are you double jointed?
Almost in every finger on both hands, thanks to my sister.
12. Favorite Disney movie?
Mulan, Lilo and Stitch
13. Do you like fruits?
Love them. lychee (aka litchi) is on the top of my list.
14. Do you keep your word?
I try my best to, unless an intervening factor beyond control comes and mess things up.
15. How clean is your room?
Spotless when I am relaxed and organized, chaotic when I am busy.
16. Do you regret anything?
Try not to. I try my best to make decisions that lead to no regrets. If I do mess up some way, I can not change what is already done but take actions to rectify it for a better outcome.
17. What are you excited for?
Earn enough to get back to school, realizing my dreams, settling down in a place of my own in an environment that suits me.
18. Are you an artist?
I doodle well. I am not a professional, but I did receive compliments that I am rather creative and skillful with my hands.
19. Do you have an addiction?
Nothing in specific, really. I have every habit (good or bad) under control, I think.
20. Favorite swear word?
Bloody (something)
21. How many pillows do you sleep with?
At least 2. (For my sinus and back).
22. Do you like hugs and kisses?
YES! And cuddles too.
23. Beer, wine or liquor?
Wine. Either red or white for meals, but definitely red to unwind.
24. Do you drink milk?
Especially for breakfast. I like breakfast served with a glass of milk, orange juice, and water.
25. Do you believe there is only one "right" religion?
I believe there is only one truth and way to salvation. But I also believe in "Universal Salvation."
26. Have you ever had to run for your life?
Not that I can remember. I don't run. Period. I walk really fast, jog a little, but fat chance seeing me run.
27. Can you play golf?
Would love to learn how to.
28. Favorite motifs?
Bunnies, four leaf clover, ladybugs, and dragonflies.
29. Favorite color?
Burgundy (wine red).
30. What color do you wear?
Generally black or dark colors (make me look slimmer, sharp, and more professional). But I would love to wear white (I am klutz and often stain my clothes). Although I hate pink, people tell me I look great in that color (go figure).
31. Is it all about YOU?
No, since when? It has never been all about me as far as I can remember. Sure would like to keep it that way.
32. Pretend you are a really good cook: what meal would you make?
Well, let's pretend if I am a bad cook, I would blow up the kitchen; otherwise, a hearty meal will be prepared with seasonal soup, chili/spicy crabs, fettuchine ai funghi, and apple pie.
33. Will you be married in the next 12 months?
I have no idea. My hope was to get married when I am 24 but that year is gone and the closest I got was a proposal. Moving on, I would sure like to be married and at least have a kid or 2 by 30.
34. Favorite weather?
Sunny with some mild breeze, a nice day to spend in the park or on the beach. I am most comfortable in <20 degrees Celsius.
35. Do you have any pets?
No. I have a really sensitive nose and will feel too much guilt if I killed something under my care.
36. Parents separated/divorced/married?
Birth parents divorced.
37. How many houses have you lived in?
2. The first is still home to my dad and the second is where we (mom and my sisters) moved to.
38. How many cities/towns have you lived in?
Kuala Lumpur, Inzai, Tokyo, Macao.
39. Do you prefer shoes, socks, or bare feet?
Shoes. I am a sucker for killer heels and boots.
40. Are you a social person?
I am not good with strangers and first impressions. I would hardly make the first initiation. At business events, it is a different matter.
41. Bread, rice, noodles?
Noodles or pasta, of course!
42. Favorite ice cream?
Soft served ice-cream (any flavor). Otherwise vanilla complimenting other desserts, or pistachio almond. Back in Malaysia it would be yam, sweet-corn, and maybe, durian.
43. What do you do to unwind?
When alone, a cozy room with warm lights, a good book, good BGM of jazz, bosa nova or good vocals, and a big glass of red. With people, a good restaurant, a good view, and a great conversation.
44. Favorite time?
Bath time!
45. Do you prefer to eat out or at home?
I love home cook meals but do enjoy a really nice restaurant. However, I simply refuse to pay for lousy food if I can make them better myself.
46. Do you prefer a window seat or an aisle seat?
Window seat and way up front (when flying).
47. Do you know how to drive a stick shift?
That is the only way I know how to drive. Never really driven an automatic before.
48. Can you roll your tongue?
Yep, I can roll it and I can fold it.
49. Favorite flowers?
Lilies and tulips.
50. Favorite artist?
Norman Rockwell (painter).
1. What color are your eyes?
Dark brown (same as original hair color, not exactly black)
2. Do you love your life?
I have my complaints but I am thankful for every bit of it. It is uniquely and completely mine.
3. What is one thing you question?
The why and purpose to everything.
4. Is there a place you would like to visit?
Italy, Greece, Egypt and a few others.
5. Favorite season?
Autumn. Deep down inside I think I am an autumn child, both my birthdays in the Gregorian and Lunar calendar falls directly on significant autumnal days.
6. Do you like winter?
Love the snow, winter air, activities, food and beverage.
7. Are you in a band?
Just did a little singing with some friends back in college.
8. Do you like parties?
I like dinner parties with good food and fellowship among a few close friends not more than 20.
9. What are you scared of? Rejection from people who matter to me.10. Favorite beverage?
Apple juice, Earl Grey Tea, Decaf-Hazelnut Latte, white wine, mohito, and matcha (for caffeine)
11. Are you double jointed?
Almost in every finger on both hands, thanks to my sister.
12. Favorite Disney movie?
Mulan, Lilo and Stitch
13. Do you like fruits?
Love them. lychee (aka litchi) is on the top of my list.
14. Do you keep your word?
I try my best to, unless an intervening factor beyond control comes and mess things up.
15. How clean is your room?
Spotless when I am relaxed and organized, chaotic when I am busy.
16. Do you regret anything?
Try not to. I try my best to make decisions that lead to no regrets. If I do mess up some way, I can not change what is already done but take actions to rectify it for a better outcome.
17. What are you excited for?
Earn enough to get back to school, realizing my dreams, settling down in a place of my own in an environment that suits me.
18. Are you an artist?
I doodle well. I am not a professional, but I did receive compliments that I am rather creative and skillful with my hands.
19. Do you have an addiction?
Nothing in specific, really. I have every habit (good or bad) under control, I think.
20. Favorite swear word?
Bloody (something)
21. How many pillows do you sleep with?
At least 2. (For my sinus and back).
22. Do you like hugs and kisses?
YES! And cuddles too.
23. Beer, wine or liquor?
Wine. Either red or white for meals, but definitely red to unwind.
24. Do you drink milk?
Especially for breakfast. I like breakfast served with a glass of milk, orange juice, and water.
25. Do you believe there is only one "right" religion?
I believe there is only one truth and way to salvation. But I also believe in "Universal Salvation."
26. Have you ever had to run for your life?
Not that I can remember. I don't run. Period. I walk really fast, jog a little, but fat chance seeing me run.
27. Can you play golf?
Would love to learn how to.
28. Favorite motifs?
Bunnies, four leaf clover, ladybugs, and dragonflies.
29. Favorite color?
Burgundy (wine red).
30. What color do you wear?
Generally black or dark colors (make me look slimmer, sharp, and more professional). But I would love to wear white (I am klutz and often stain my clothes). Although I hate pink, people tell me I look great in that color (go figure).
31. Is it all about YOU?
No, since when? It has never been all about me as far as I can remember. Sure would like to keep it that way.
32. Pretend you are a really good cook: what meal would you make?
Well, let's pretend if I am a bad cook, I would blow up the kitchen; otherwise, a hearty meal will be prepared with seasonal soup, chili/spicy crabs, fettuchine ai funghi, and apple pie.
33. Will you be married in the next 12 months?
I have no idea. My hope was to get married when I am 24 but that year is gone and the closest I got was a proposal. Moving on, I would sure like to be married and at least have a kid or 2 by 30.
34. Favorite weather?
Sunny with some mild breeze, a nice day to spend in the park or on the beach. I am most comfortable in <20 degrees Celsius.
35. Do you have any pets?
No. I have a really sensitive nose and will feel too much guilt if I killed something under my care.
36. Parents separated/divorced/married?
Birth parents divorced.
37. How many houses have you lived in?
2. The first is still home to my dad and the second is where we (mom and my sisters) moved to.
38. How many cities/towns have you lived in?
Kuala Lumpur, Inzai, Tokyo, Macao.
39. Do you prefer shoes, socks, or bare feet?
Shoes. I am a sucker for killer heels and boots.
40. Are you a social person?
I am not good with strangers and first impressions. I would hardly make the first initiation. At business events, it is a different matter.
41. Bread, rice, noodles?
Noodles or pasta, of course!
42. Favorite ice cream?
Soft served ice-cream (any flavor). Otherwise vanilla complimenting other desserts, or pistachio almond. Back in Malaysia it would be yam, sweet-corn, and maybe, durian.
43. What do you do to unwind?
When alone, a cozy room with warm lights, a good book, good BGM of jazz, bosa nova or good vocals, and a big glass of red. With people, a good restaurant, a good view, and a great conversation.
44. Favorite time?
Bath time!
45. Do you prefer to eat out or at home?
I love home cook meals but do enjoy a really nice restaurant. However, I simply refuse to pay for lousy food if I can make them better myself.
46. Do you prefer a window seat or an aisle seat?
Window seat and way up front (when flying).
47. Do you know how to drive a stick shift?
That is the only way I know how to drive. Never really driven an automatic before.
48. Can you roll your tongue?
Yep, I can roll it and I can fold it.
49. Favorite flowers?
Lilies and tulips.
50. Favorite artist?
Norman Rockwell (painter).
Hong Kong, HONG KONG!
It just occurred to me that this is possibly the first time ever that I travelled with friends. I do not recall any past experiences at this moment, but my trip to Hong Kong with SS and EC was the first adventure I had with friends in sharing a hotel, meals, and went exploring together. I am truly blessed to have friends like them. Their visit helped me put the new year into perspective, and helped me understand and settle into Macao and Hong Kong better.
The dynamic duo arrived at the Macao airport on the 29th and we moved on to the ferry terminal to Hong Kong the same morning, sharing breakfast together on the ferry. EC, the best planner I know came up with a fun filled itinerary for Hong Kong. We checked into a local inn/motel at Mongkok and we caught up while trying to see the local sights.
For me, I only know a very few spots in Hong Kong. My keenest interest was a visit to the Peninsular hotel. I was not disappointed as it was simply amazing. Upon our arrival, we went immediately to the "Wong Tai Sien" temple as EC and SS wanted to pray for blessings and having their fortunes told as it is a really old and famous temple for such. We then checked out the Tsim Sa Tsui area, Arena of the Stars, the Peninsular hotel and walked back to Mongkok with a shopping spree at Temple Street. The next day, we covered Lantau Island, a stop at Tung Chung's Outlet mall, slightly let down by the facade of Hong Kong DisneyLand, and shopped more at "Women's Street" and "Sport Shoes Street" in the Mongkok area.
On New Year's Eve, we covered Stanley where I enjoyed the beautiful bay area, having my rather pricey cake and coffee looking at the sea and the luxurious housing. There was more shopping to be done at the local fare, and after lunch, we went to Central checking out the down town city scene. We also visited the peak and took many pictures there before hanging out at Lan Kwai Fong to usher in the New Year. The crowds were massive. We were lucky to find a spot to stand just next to the main street as we sipped cheap beer bought from the street vendor watching the cops comb through the crowds. (It was unfortunate that we did not hang out in the bars due to the expensive New Year Eve's cover charge, but there were some perks of doing what we did as Hong Kong policemen are not bad looking at all.) After 3 hours of standing around, we did a few wolf cries during the countdown and made out way back to Mongkok for supper with a friend. The next morning was a rather lazy one as we had breakfast and did some last minute shopping before taking the ferry back to Macao.
Our trip to Hong Kong was a food fest and cultural enlightenment for me. We tried almost everything the girls had in mind, from "yum-char" to the local food stores, trying the "smelly bean-curd" to sampling roasted pork and goose at the shop visited by Anthony Bourdain. I had 3 full meals again with many snacks in between. The amount of food consumed in our 3 days in Hong Kong was more than what I have eaten on my own in Macao for 10 days. (As you see, there is nothing to worry as my friends do know how to take care of me.) Even though I am of a different belief, I enjoyed our first visit to the "Wong Tai Sien" temple and the huge Buddha at Lantau Island. It was refreshing to see my cultural heritage and share the excitement of my friends in having their fortunes told. Visiting the Buddha brought back memories of what was learned in Eastern Thought as I appreciated the art form of the statues and sculptures in relating them to what I know. Although I did not participate in the worship practices of SS and EC, I had a blast taking pictures for them.
We were tired throughout the few days and although we had our very little and few annoyances, they were easily cured by good food, shopping, and for yours truly, Krispy Kreme Dougnuts! (I had my first dougnut and coffee from this place and I was not dissapointed. I would put it above my liking for Starbucks Coffee for now.) By the time we reached Macao we took everything really slow. In the 24 hours my visitors had left, we covered more shopping and picture taking at the Senado Square, St. Paul's Ruins, and visited the Venetian the next day before sampling a very expensive Portugese lunch at "Dumbo."
Although exhasuted, I enjoyed my time with the dynamic duo. They might not know it but I have learned a lot from them in the past few days and came to accept that it is my prejudices against Macao that is not making my settling here any easier. I have showed them my favoroite place in Macao which is the fountain in front of Wynn in the evening, and the Square early morning before the crowd comes in. Their short stay has created a few good memories of the place that will make Macao bearable for the next few months.
Thank you, girls. Your visit has done wonders for me. I hope that many more would come visit me to help me come to like Macao. The invitation is open and I will do my best to make my apartment as inviting as possible. Do visit me if you have the chance, ok?
(Pictures will be uploaded as soon as I get them from the lovely ladies. Stay tuned.)
The dynamic duo arrived at the Macao airport on the 29th and we moved on to the ferry terminal to Hong Kong the same morning, sharing breakfast together on the ferry. EC, the best planner I know came up with a fun filled itinerary for Hong Kong. We checked into a local inn/motel at Mongkok and we caught up while trying to see the local sights.
For me, I only know a very few spots in Hong Kong. My keenest interest was a visit to the Peninsular hotel. I was not disappointed as it was simply amazing. Upon our arrival, we went immediately to the "Wong Tai Sien" temple as EC and SS wanted to pray for blessings and having their fortunes told as it is a really old and famous temple for such. We then checked out the Tsim Sa Tsui area, Arena of the Stars, the Peninsular hotel and walked back to Mongkok with a shopping spree at Temple Street. The next day, we covered Lantau Island, a stop at Tung Chung's Outlet mall, slightly let down by the facade of Hong Kong DisneyLand, and shopped more at "Women's Street" and "Sport Shoes Street" in the Mongkok area.
On New Year's Eve, we covered Stanley where I enjoyed the beautiful bay area, having my rather pricey cake and coffee looking at the sea and the luxurious housing. There was more shopping to be done at the local fare, and after lunch, we went to Central checking out the down town city scene. We also visited the peak and took many pictures there before hanging out at Lan Kwai Fong to usher in the New Year. The crowds were massive. We were lucky to find a spot to stand just next to the main street as we sipped cheap beer bought from the street vendor watching the cops comb through the crowds. (It was unfortunate that we did not hang out in the bars due to the expensive New Year Eve's cover charge, but there were some perks of doing what we did as Hong Kong policemen are not bad looking at all.) After 3 hours of standing around, we did a few wolf cries during the countdown and made out way back to Mongkok for supper with a friend. The next morning was a rather lazy one as we had breakfast and did some last minute shopping before taking the ferry back to Macao.
Our trip to Hong Kong was a food fest and cultural enlightenment for me. We tried almost everything the girls had in mind, from "yum-char" to the local food stores, trying the "smelly bean-curd" to sampling roasted pork and goose at the shop visited by Anthony Bourdain. I had 3 full meals again with many snacks in between. The amount of food consumed in our 3 days in Hong Kong was more than what I have eaten on my own in Macao for 10 days. (As you see, there is nothing to worry as my friends do know how to take care of me.) Even though I am of a different belief, I enjoyed our first visit to the "Wong Tai Sien" temple and the huge Buddha at Lantau Island. It was refreshing to see my cultural heritage and share the excitement of my friends in having their fortunes told. Visiting the Buddha brought back memories of what was learned in Eastern Thought as I appreciated the art form of the statues and sculptures in relating them to what I know. Although I did not participate in the worship practices of SS and EC, I had a blast taking pictures for them.
We were tired throughout the few days and although we had our very little and few annoyances, they were easily cured by good food, shopping, and for yours truly, Krispy Kreme Dougnuts! (I had my first dougnut and coffee from this place and I was not dissapointed. I would put it above my liking for Starbucks Coffee for now.) By the time we reached Macao we took everything really slow. In the 24 hours my visitors had left, we covered more shopping and picture taking at the Senado Square, St. Paul's Ruins, and visited the Venetian the next day before sampling a very expensive Portugese lunch at "Dumbo."
Although exhasuted, I enjoyed my time with the dynamic duo. They might not know it but I have learned a lot from them in the past few days and came to accept that it is my prejudices against Macao that is not making my settling here any easier. I have showed them my favoroite place in Macao which is the fountain in front of Wynn in the evening, and the Square early morning before the crowd comes in. Their short stay has created a few good memories of the place that will make Macao bearable for the next few months.
Thank you, girls. Your visit has done wonders for me. I hope that many more would come visit me to help me come to like Macao. The invitation is open and I will do my best to make my apartment as inviting as possible. Do visit me if you have the chance, ok?
(Pictures will be uploaded as soon as I get them from the lovely ladies. Stay tuned.)
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Happy New Year, 2008!
A very Happy New Year to you! May the year ahead be filled with love, joy, peace, and happiness. My most sincere wishes that you will always be smiling, in good health, and be a step closer to your dreams.
I am not going to do New Year Resolutions, but I would like to share with you some of my hopes, dreams, and concerns with hopes that you will continue to uphold me in prayer, encouragement and support.
This year, I hope to be a better person. I know there is a lot of room for improvement in this bunny. Patience, kindness, generosity, self-control, and I know I need a lot of work on learning how to be a better friend. I hate it when I am right (which I am most of the time); I try my best never to say "I told you so," but I still sense that I do put some of my loved ones in an uncomfortable position. The last thing I wish is that they feel small around me. I need to be able to relate to people on a personal level and that they understand that I am sincere despite the approach I might take in expressing myself. I hope that people understand that I love and accept them for who they are even though we have our differences in preference and actions. There are also aspects on my character that I need work on and would deeply appreciate your patience as there is so much more I need to learn.
The aforementioned also relates closely to the relationships I have. I hope that this year I would make the extra effort to strengthen, mend, and build stronger relationships, especially with those who really matter, in my heart and those who I have to. I am blessed to have you as friends and some closer than family itself. I know that I am a difficult person and often misunderstood. I hope that this year I would be able to draw closer to each one of you and be not just a friend, but a good friend. I would appreciate your continuous prayer for me to truly embrace and love my background as I stand firm on my own moving ahead.
And last, but not the least, I would like to share with you my dreams and my plans. My concerns this year is to be able to embark on the next chapter of my life in which I would move west by the later part of the year. With all the experiences I have gained in the past few years, I hope to bring it with me as I move a step closer to my ambitions. In the meantime, I wish to be there for the closest of my buddies in sharing with the the most important day in their lives. With this I need to save up enough and be motivated to work harder. Happiness is also rooted in my heart to which I hope that a special relationship will grow and I will be able to settle down physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Maybe I have said too much, but for now, I would really appreciate your prayers that safety and good health would be for me and those who I love. Also, please pray that my time here in Macao would be fruitful as I work towards my dreams and a better looking self.
Have a wonderful and blessed year ahead.
I am not going to do New Year Resolutions, but I would like to share with you some of my hopes, dreams, and concerns with hopes that you will continue to uphold me in prayer, encouragement and support.
This year, I hope to be a better person. I know there is a lot of room for improvement in this bunny. Patience, kindness, generosity, self-control, and I know I need a lot of work on learning how to be a better friend. I hate it when I am right (which I am most of the time); I try my best never to say "I told you so," but I still sense that I do put some of my loved ones in an uncomfortable position. The last thing I wish is that they feel small around me. I need to be able to relate to people on a personal level and that they understand that I am sincere despite the approach I might take in expressing myself. I hope that people understand that I love and accept them for who they are even though we have our differences in preference and actions. There are also aspects on my character that I need work on and would deeply appreciate your patience as there is so much more I need to learn.
The aforementioned also relates closely to the relationships I have. I hope that this year I would make the extra effort to strengthen, mend, and build stronger relationships, especially with those who really matter, in my heart and those who I have to. I am blessed to have you as friends and some closer than family itself. I know that I am a difficult person and often misunderstood. I hope that this year I would be able to draw closer to each one of you and be not just a friend, but a good friend. I would appreciate your continuous prayer for me to truly embrace and love my background as I stand firm on my own moving ahead.
And last, but not the least, I would like to share with you my dreams and my plans. My concerns this year is to be able to embark on the next chapter of my life in which I would move west by the later part of the year. With all the experiences I have gained in the past few years, I hope to bring it with me as I move a step closer to my ambitions. In the meantime, I wish to be there for the closest of my buddies in sharing with the the most important day in their lives. With this I need to save up enough and be motivated to work harder. Happiness is also rooted in my heart to which I hope that a special relationship will grow and I will be able to settle down physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Maybe I have said too much, but for now, I would really appreciate your prayers that safety and good health would be for me and those who I love. Also, please pray that my time here in Macao would be fruitful as I work towards my dreams and a better looking self.
Have a wonderful and blessed year ahead.
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