Online Panic
Fresh Food
24 April 2010 - I read an article in the SCMP about a woman who started an online shop for the rustic, traditional food from the French Auvergne. She was inspired by some friends who always complained "Why are these products not available in Hong Kong?". The question made me wonder why everything always needs to be available everywhere? Isn't it one of the advantages of living in Hong Kong to have the opportunity to explore the local cuisine and try out some Chinese ingredients? We have great local markets with great fresh food! Strawberries, mangos, papayas and other are now imported from all over the planet and are made available for 12 months per year. Some may say it is a blessing, but it takes away something of the uniqueness of these fruits. I actually appreciate living with the seasons and with what is available on the local markets. In Hong Kong, that should not be too difficult?
Quote of the Day (3)
24 April 2010 - "You've got to be pretty stupid to wear a thousand dollar jacket that looks like it cost a few bucks." - I read this quote by Marc Jacobs, but I changed it a bit.
Golden Slippers
Koolhaas does it Again!
Quote of the Day (3)
22 April 2010 - "Solitude is as needful to the imagination as society is wholesome for the character." by James Russel Lowell.
Welcome Back
22 April 2010 - There is this great scene at the end of this British Christmas movie Love Actually (the one with Hugh Grant playing Tony Blair), when arriving passengers at Heaththrow Airport are being reunited with their friends and family. People kiss, hug, embrace, and its smilles and tears all over. Very emotional and very warm. It must be great to be watching all those long delayed passengers arriving back home right now. Its only when you are unvoluntarily separated from your loved ones that you realize how much you miss them. I would love to sit in the arrival hall of any major European airport right now and see all those emotions flow.
Memories of Old Macau
21 April 2010 - The first time I went to Macau was in 1995. I remember a sleepy village with a distinct Portugese atmosphere. Some amazing, but rundown monuments, the echo of 'bom dia' in the streets and China far, far away. I have returned a number of times ever since, but my last visit was more than three years ago. I am afraid to go back. I live with a beautiful memory of long gone days, and I am worried that this memory will be ruined. Today I read in the newspaper that Steve Wynn has opened yet another casino, and that a massive new resort will be opened in 2011. More, more, more, but "What makes people happy, and what don't they get in mainland China?". Macau is now the world most lucrative casino market, so the answer must found in gambling under a fake blue sky, with more glitz and glamour than anywhere else. The money goes on Macau, but I don't believe the territory has won.
American Idol
21 April 2010 - I really hate to admit it ... but I luuuuuv American Idol. I tell myself over & over again that this season is not as good as the last one (with Kris Allen AND Adam Lambert), but it does not help. I have to watch ... Totally addicted. Randy Jackson commented tonight that this years' show is more about artistry. I am not totally sure what he meant (all these wannabe's are artists, no?), but there are a few outstanding individuals performing. This year no would-be Mariah Carey's or Whitney Houstons, but really original artists with their own sound and take on the melody. And at least four of them have lots of soul. My only concern is that it is pretty clear who is going to win: people have already commented its time for a female winner and La Bowersocks (her competition call her Mamasocks) is the clear favorite. My money goes on her, with Lee coming in second, and Casey third.
Quote of the Day (2)
21 April 2010 - "Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.", was said by the Buddha. I agree only partly, because I like to dream of the future ...
Frankenstein's brother
20 April 2010 - A new monster is being created. Its not Frankenstein's brother, but the latest of Sinoland's contributions to Skyscraper city: The Hermitage. Apart from its culturally inappropriate name, this monster is being erected as an imposing wall between Tai Kok Tsui and Yau Ma Tai. Its taller than tall, and one only wonders who has approved the construction of this monster? Somebody somwehere in HK's many Government's committees must be awake and care about the future of our city? But then again, how is it possible that directors of major developers occupy 54 seats on key advisory bodies? People have massively spoken out against New World's Masterpiece (another hideous name) in TST, but it seems that nobody cares. In its glossy brochure Sinoland says that The Hermitage's features the most valuable world-renowed golden seaview. That may be true, but do they need to block the view, and fresh air, of everybody else?
Sirens in the Noisy City
20 April 2010 - Most people will agree that Hong Kong is a noisy city. Some friends asked me how it is possible to live here, as there appear to be people, cars, buses, more people and noise everywhere. It is therefore a surprise to learn that some senior officers from the HK Fire Services said their fire-trucks don't sound their sirens, because people near roads complain about the noise. This may be a problem for late-night alarms, but surely operations saving lives could count on some leniency? People in this city must be used to some noise, no!!?? Many Hong Kong drivers seem to be confused what to do when confronted with police, ambulances or fire-trucks with blue lights, but no sirens on. HK people are always in a hurry so they don't bother to wait for anything - leading to tricky & dangerous situations. Drivers must be taught to stop or pull over for vehicles responding to emergencies, and emergency services must always use sirens and blue lights. We can do with a little bit more noise; it may save your life.
Home is where the Money is
20 April 2010 - The South China Morning Post reports today that Hong Kong homes are the least affordable among the world's major cities and are rapidly becoming even less affordable. A related survey found that people pay on average more than 10x their annual income to buy a flat, the most of 272 metropolitan cities surveyed. It has now become "severely unaffordable" to buy a flat in Hong Kong, together with London, New York and Sydney.
I feel sorry for all those young people who want to start families and are forced to stay living in the backroom with mom and dad, and for all those hard-working people who cannot afford their own home. A lot of flats are up for speculation and it seems that speculation has spread from luxury homes to cheaper flats in the New Territories. The worst thing is that the lucky few ones who are able to get their hands on a flat, may find themselves in a a home that is considerably smaller than present in the glossy brochures, or - as was recently revealed - even smaller than the "show flats". Maybe its time for the bubble to burst again ...
I feel sorry for all those young people who want to start families and are forced to stay living in the backroom with mom and dad, and for all those hard-working people who cannot afford their own home. A lot of flats are up for speculation and it seems that speculation has spread from luxury homes to cheaper flats in the New Territories. The worst thing is that the lucky few ones who are able to get their hands on a flat, may find themselves in a a home that is considerably smaller than present in the glossy brochures, or - as was recently revealed - even smaller than the "show flats". Maybe its time for the bubble to burst again ...
No Sandals and No Crocs
18 April 2010 - The question was when it was possible to wear sport sandals? The answer was deadly: "never". And, it was added, men should also be banned to wear rubber crocs. In particular the pink, orange, yellow, and other color of the rainbow ones. Maybe white ones can be worn by the medical staff in hospital. I am afraid I agree. Somehow they always looks wrong, and the best men can get away with are flip-flops or birckenstocks. But please no flip-flops under a suit or something like that, as recently spotted in TST. Not even if your name if Sonny Crockett. And everybody not called Jesus should be careful with those Birckenstock too.
Why do People sleep in the Bus?
18 April 2010 - One of the things that always amaze me in Hong Kong is that everybody in the morning bus to work is fast asleep. People sleep with their mouths wide open, drip saliva on their business suits and dream on. The day has only just started and people already seem exhausted. The truth is that people probably are exhausted, although they have just woken up. It means they have not slept enough, which makes me wonder why they dont go to bed a bit earlier? I have asked my HK friends about these issues, but they usually dont get any futher than " ... HK people work very hard ..." or " ... people are very tired ...". I can see that people are tired, but - considering that HK people are very much aware of their health and run to the medical doctors after the first sneeze or cough - I do not understand why they dont take better care of themselves?
Idomeneo
18 April 2010 - I was a bit hesitant to embark on Mozart's Operas, but good advice was given to start with Idomeneo (or Don Giovanni). This Opera - I like to believe it is inspired by the works of Gluck - is a feast for the listener. Rene Jacobs' production for Harmonia Mundi, with American superstar Richard Croft as the leading character, is light and gripping. It is one of the few (the only?) of Mozart's Opera's with such a prominent role for the Chorus, and the RIAS Kammerchor is outstanding. I am a big fan of Richard Croft, and although his voice may not be as fatherly as required, his Idomeneo is gentle, caring and compassionate. Bernarda Fink has her moments, but the star is Alexandria Pendatschanska as Elettra, who shows a wide range of emotions in this remarkable recording. So Idomeneo won me over - but what Opera to pick next? Don Giovanni?
Quote of the Day (1)
18 April 2010 - "The Government often talks about a harmonious society, but you need to answer to people's aspirations in order to achieve that. I fyou don't, society will grow and become radicalized until you can't control it anymore." - Markus Shaw in HK Magazine.
I am not sure what Government he is refering to ... HK or other?
I am not sure what Government he is refering to ... HK or other?
Grounded Planes
18 April 2010 - BBC reported that "Aviation History is being re-written", as planes are being grounded for the 4th consecutive day. The Volcanic ash cloud over Europe causes chaos for millions of passengers, airlines and businesses all over the world. One colleague had to cancel his trip to Amsterdam, and I question if our European visitors for the coming weekend will be able to make it to Hong Kong. We are told that ash may clog the jet-engines, so its better to stay on the ground. Surprisingly, I learned that only a relative small vulcanic eruption causes the chaos, but it affects a very busy airspace. One wonders what will happen if Mother Nature gets serious?
Confused Already
17 April 2010 - So there you go .... I tried and tried and tried, but blogging may not be for the computer illiterates - in particular not for gweilos in Chinese speaking countries. Why is the bar in Chinese? How to change? Sigh ... already.
Day 1
16 April 2010 - There is always a Day 1. No matter what, against all odds and even after too many failures, there is always the possibility to start all over again. A brand new day: Day 1. I like the idea of a blog, but (its been said before) one needs to be committed and disciplined. I may be committed, but discipline is not my best trait. But I am an optimist, and believe in Day 1...., so here is to a new start. Morning has broken. Enjoy the read.
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