Today (1st) is a holiday in Hong Kong, the only holiday I am aware of so far in nine months here, since I almost went to work the other holidays until I was warned otherwise the day before by Wife. Also, I received two e-mails today informing me of their last day at work, one by a pastor friend reflecting his transition to a new ministry, and another by an instituition president informing others he was leaving his post. I like the latter's light spirit. The International Herald Tribune reported in an article today that Malaysia’s new prime minister has announced that the country would severely weaken a 40-year old requirement that companies reserve 30 percent of their shares for ethnic Malays, the country’s dominant ethnic group.
With the free time I could update you about the trip I took to to Singapore and Penang last week. We took the subway in Singapore and realize how slowly the local pedestrains were walking compared to their Hong Kong conuterparts. In Hong Kong escalator riders step to the right so that walkers can pass the stationary riders; in Singapore they stood pat side by side blocking the lanes. The next day I realized they were not as slow, but not at the Hong Kong pace. The city is highy rated as an international city, but I do not see as many expatriates on the streets or riding the subway, nowhere near Hong Kong streets. I wonder where they are. The Singapore streets are not crowded at all, not even at its most frequented Orchard street. The crowd is a fifth or less than those at Mongkok and Causeway. In fact there is no crowd or atmosphere. The only thing the two cities - and Penang, too - have in common is that their Starbucks are crowded, which is not a surprise because they are the only businesses savvy enough to offer free internet.
I never took a liking to Singapore food despite visiting Hongkongers' generous praise of it, but what do they know since they are known to enjoy the Malaysia and Singapore food in Hong Kong. Indonesian food is far, far better in Hong Kong. My brother joined us to visit my mother who lives in Singapore. He was more critical than me, if that was possible, saying that Malaysian food and Singapore food are heaven (former) and earth (latter). An Aussie who sat next to me on a plane said that Singapore bak kut teh is watered down. He should know since his wife is from Klang, Malaysia, a bak kut teh stronghold. The two best eating places for me is Vienna Buffet at United Square in Thompson Road and the rojak on fourth floor of Orchard Road's Atrium Square.
Penang life is slow, very much like Macau. The bus I rode on a quarter of a century ago is still operating on the same route, chugging along at bicycle's pace. No wonder the governement has introduced a new bus 101 from downtown to the hugely popular Batu Ferringhi tourist route, but the locals still ride the first bus that comes. Penang food is delicious, especially at Gurney Drive near Gurney Plaza, the most popular local shopping mall, where American stores dominate. I lined up with at least ten other customers for a plate of Char Kwai Teow at Gurney Drive, but even that hawker is not the most popular in Penang, I was told. Holiday Inn Batu Ferringhi is good value but Wife saw a roach that sprinted from the restroom into the closet. We had a tasty M$45 breakfast per head buffet, lounging there three hours for our breakfast and brunch's worth, unlike my brother who ate non-stop for three hours at Vienna's in Singapore. On my two-country trip, I had sampled chicken rice, rojak, rambutan, jack fruit, star fruit, chiku, nasi lemak, rendang, grilled fish, griiled cuttlefish, spicy cuttlefish, satay, roti prata, coconuts - need I say more?
I was encouraged my last message on Luke 12 (Easy Come, Easy Go) has helped a person and provoked a response or two: "這晚上睡得不好，原本想給__電郵說說不平的事情，看完這篇講章，就覺得沒甚大不了，這個世界每天都會發生不平的事情，很多人比我可憐，不用將「我」放得那麼大，應該慶幸自己不是魔鬼的使者，只是受害人…。應該將時間用在正當的事情上，事情自有神看管的，一切都不能越過祂的掌權，就看是「學習的功課」。看魔鬼又能將我怎樣辦？謝謝這篇及時的講章，記念你更能看得明白中文。" Wong
"叶牧师，平安 谢谢您的这篇信息，帮助了我很多，尤其是这个星期日，我的信息也是讲有关奉献的信息，你的数据帮了不少，谢谢。 愿神大大使用您让更多人的祝福。祝健康平安喜乐。" David
For a month beginning last week (2nd) I will be at TST office in the morning for a half day's work but return to teach a night class there. It is my first time teachng an intensive class. TST has its advantage, escpecially I have a lot of things to attend to in the afternoon. To begin with I went to the Revenue Board in Wanchai today to see why I have not received my tax info yet. Not wasting much, I checked the web for good food in Wanchai and ate at netizens' most popular restaurant 再興燒臘飯店, which I admit is worth a try just to see the line for takeout. The line grew from 20 to 30 people by the time I finished my lunch. I was quite a gentleman waiting to be seated but a lady at the back of me sat on the stool a customer just vacated. After lunch I noticed a line was forming at the neighboring Taiwanese restaurant, too, so I'll be back. The officers at the Tax Board was very efficient and helpful. Turns out that they are not ready to tax me yet until next year.
Here is a comment on Psalms 52 (The Last Laugh):
"谢谢您：叶牧师！您每一次送来的信息，读后真是受益匪浅。愿神不断加添您的智、心力、体力和能力，使您成为更多教会的众人的祝福！以马内利" Tian Zhong
"葉牧師,謝謝您的分享, 也是一篇很好的查經題材." Betty
Yesterday (12th) was my last of ten Sunday class sessions I taught at Yan Fook until the next ten beginning September 13th. Yan Fook is the biggest church in Hong Kong, heading to the 10,000 mark soon. The class dwindled from 45 to half, no thanks to swine flu, but the coordinators tell me the drop-off is normal, esepcially for the early first class. Five attendees received a reward for full attendance and students even get to evaluate the teacher. Well, at least I was evaluated by those who were appreciative enough to last the course, so it is not all bad, but the weak in heart better not teach there. I had a good time and a great experience. Since I am merely a guest teacher and not church staff, I have no pressure. I even initiated weekly breakfast with students as early as 7:45 am before class an hour later; later we changed to 7:55 am. The work is minimal since few can wake up that early. Each staff has to be the advisor of one or two fellowships that consist of 200-400 people, isn't that amazing? As guest, I do my best "caring" for them, but "taking care" of such a big group must surely be a headache even for the staff. Interestingly, students in this megachurch hardly know one another before the sessions, so breakfast helps, but I must confess I know less than half of their names when it ended. To lighten matters and encourage participation, I divided the class into lecture (40-45 mins) and group discussion (20-25 mins) and the students loved it. Praise the Lord, I have a new ministry designing group study questions, which is quite challenging in English and Chinese.
One of the most authentic dumpling places is in Tsim Sha Tsui quite far from my office in the same city. Distance, however, is not an excuse for ignorance in your backyard, so I walked in the hot afternoon to Peking Shiu Gau Shop for probably netizens' highest rated dumplings in whole of Hong Kong and ordered a Beijing and Shanghai dumpling combo for HK$26. It was worthwhile seeing dumpling in another style. There were lots of film stars on the glass counter and Northern China snacks on the menu. A couple squeezed next to me on my table in the mini store told me it was their first time there, too. I will return for more snacks, such as the inviting fried spring roll that I saw another customer ordered.
After 11 months in Hong Kong I headed back into the pool this week, twice in fact, including today (18th) with Wife before 7 am to avoid the sun and heat in the outdoor pool. The HK$19.90 is worth spending. We felt like fish returning to water, it feels that good. I did my routine 1,000 times kicking exercise in the pool before swimming two laps in the Olympic size pool. By then my lungs were hurting. In the States I could swim 10 laps in the much smaller LA Fitness indoor swimming pool. My goal is five laps here. Hopefully I can swim at least twice a week from now on. Being sick and having swollen gums four days ago sure motivated me to take better care of my health in Hong Kong as the quality of life and air here is not as good as the States. Besides, the hectic pace and the lack of exercise and rest here may have contributed to my bout with sickness.
Friends and former students wasted no time in responding to my last sermon (God of All Comfort), some were somewhat hilarious. I even received a request for permission to have it republished, praise God:
"老師這收信平安：這是一篇使人心靈得幫助，好像聖靈的風吹在人的心裏，滋潤人的心溫暖人的靈魂的一篇講章，真是棒極了。 謝謝你的這ㄧ篇講章，成為我即時得幫助，請問我可以使用它在我所服事的教會嗎？願神祝福你和你的家。"Melody
"Thanks Victor,I see the environment does help in language skills." TK
"Hey Victor, Did you yahoo your translation? I have to read backwards into English to imagine what you were saying!!!" Ng
"叶牧师,你好我是传扬杂志 http://www.efccc.org/ ....., 我想将你此文删成2500字左右的文章,放在11月的主是文章中,我删好后给你过目.不记得我?我上过你的释经讲道,终身受用.谢谢"
"Thanks so much for this sermon. I just finished my preaching at the retreat of Surrey CBC, Vancouver." Pastor Leong
I am thrilled to hear that TVB will show one of my favorite shows "24," beginning next week. There is a dearth of good free dramas on TV since most of them have migrated to cable in Hong Kong. Maybe CSI would follow.
Working hours are long in Hong Kong, especialy when you are not well and your eyes are on the computer whole day in the summer when school is out. It was so bad my eyes hurt when I close it for a few seconds of rest. As a result, for two consecutive days I exercised in the pool after work and a short rest since the pool does not open till 7 pm. I feel better after catching up to my regular routine in Los Angeles.
Yesterday (23rd) student Carmen gave me and another student passes to attend the Book Convention at Wan Chai Exhibiton Hall. With the passes we bypassed the incredibly long lines, probably due to the cheap HK$10 entrance fee. This is the first time for me and it was quite an interesting experience. The next week (27th) I had to go to Wan Chai to extend my visa and meet a friend there for lunch. His first words when we met were "It was a bad idea" due to the bumper crowd at the Book Exhibition. Going to the Immigration Tower was a nightmare due the Exhibiton next store. The passage was blocked, so we made a U-turn and took another bypass two blocks away. The two hour wait at Immigration was extended another 45 minutes, but at least I got it done.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Internet Ministry Relaunched, Jun 2009
I am a happy man with my Internet ministry relaunched on May 31st, this time with a new face in Chinese and an English version link, which is fitting since I have relocated to Asia. Come to think of it, I have not sent a message out, Chinese or English, for more than nine months I have been in Hong Kong. It's been so long I had even forgotten the password to one of my group lists. The group list's breif malfunction did nothing to dampen my joy.
The kick-off sermon is none other than Job, which is one of my favorites. The feedback is gratifying. A good pastor friend alerted me: "Your sermon got recommended by one of our brothers to the fellowship group -- last Saturday, they discussed the topic of suffering and then Philip saw your sermon... which probably touched him much and so he recommended that to others. This is really something!" Mike
Other heartfelt responses include:
"Thank you Prof. Yap, You are sooooo great! I hope I can learn more from you. How's going out there? May God use you to bring an abundant blessings to all the students you teach there ." Maria
"Dear Pastor Yap, I like your sermon. The truth comforts my heart. Blessings." Zoe
"謝謝葉牧師，信息給我很好的Rhema 與鼓勵，在我目前服事的困難中。您好嗎？忙不忙呢？願神祝福您！謝謝您想到我們。" Alice
"Dear Rev. Yap, Thank you for your message. Thank you for being consistent in preaching His word and preparing good messages. You have set us a great model and you have really inspired me. I am thankful to the Lord that I had a chance to be one of your students. Thank you and may God bless you." Boon Har
"Hi Rev. Yap,Thank you very much to email this to me in Chinese, thanks again for your faithfullness to help us!" Ellen
The kick-off sermon is none other than Job, which is one of my favorites. The feedback is gratifying. A good pastor friend alerted me: "Your sermon got recommended by one of our brothers to the fellowship group -- last Saturday, they discussed the topic of suffering and then Philip saw your sermon... which probably touched him much and so he recommended that to others. This is really something!" Mike
Other heartfelt responses include:
"Thank you Prof. Yap, You are sooooo great! I hope I can learn more from you. How's going out there? May God use you to bring an abundant blessings to all the students you teach there ." Maria
"Dear Pastor Yap, I like your sermon. The truth comforts my heart. Blessings." Zoe
"謝謝葉牧師，信息給我很好的Rhema 與鼓勵，在我目前服事的困難中。您好嗎？忙不忙呢？願神祝福您！謝謝您想到我們。" Alice
"Dear Rev. Yap, Thank you for your message. Thank you for being consistent in preaching His word and preparing good messages. You have set us a great model and you have really inspired me. I am thankful to the Lord that I had a chance to be one of your students. Thank you and may God bless you." Boon Har
"Hi Rev. Yap,Thank you very much to email this to me in Chinese, thanks again for your faithfullness to help us!" Ellen
"葉牧師：多謝你愛心的預備，使我們在網上得很多聖經資料，在聖經上更深認識。但願神加能力給你，在事奉上得勝有餘。阿們。" Ann
Any bit of cheerleading helps. Internet writing is worth something and worth doing. The only snag is Yahoo Groups cannot display the Chinese font, so I have to send mail to 1,400 recipients manually 15 times over two days because Yahoo has limits on daily mail!
The weather is strange lately, but who am I to say so in my first year here? Last week it was so hot that staff persuaded me to use an umbrella, which I am sure I can never live it down. Today (June 8th) it is raining but the humidity has not changed much. I am looking forward to my bimonthly haircut at the end of the month.
The next day I was caught in the rain in Yuen Long without an umbrella, which I refused to carry indefinitely. I stopped in the omnipresent 7/11 store but the price did not change from the HK$44 umbrella I last bought there two months ago. Crossing the street I found a road store that sold one for HK$20. I had no choice since I have a long way to travel to my appointment in Mongkok. Within two months, I had bought two umbrellas, but the rainy season has just started. It is so stuffy, humid and hot in HK that the air doesn't go anywhere even when it is raining nowadays.
This quarter's layman night class at Tsim Sha Tsui ended today. It is the most satisfying night class yet because I found the lay students most eager to learn - far more hungry than day students. Believe me, they did the as much coursework in their 2-unit course as seminary students did with me in a 3-unit course of the same name last quarter. They took turns to take pictures with me, which seminary students had never done. One student - Charles - did not require the class for graduation but audited it upon the recommendation of a fellow student. He even brought a durian for the last class. I think I am most effective with working professionals and older students.
The hot and humid weather is taking a toll on most Hongkongers. I was sweating shortly before bedtime. When I told a colleague I finally gave up and initiated turning the air conditioning on to sleep yesterday (19th) - for the first time, she replied, "Wow, you have strong endurance. We already turned it on days ago." Wife gave up and cut her hair in response but I will hold on for another week, to stick to my bimonthly haircut at the end of the month. Last night we open the windows and turned the fan on and we survived another night without turning it on. Wife's sister admitted she turned the a/c on finally last night (20th).
Finally graduation was over yesterday (20th). The ceremony was a huge success and the speaker Rev. Morley Lee of CCCOWE gave an inspiring address. This year's graduates were quite a handful. Many of them are in their 40s and are parents themselves, so they come with experience, ideas and opinion. The conservative and traditional spirit at school was quite a learning curve for them. Nevertheless I am quite proud of them. I have no choice since this is my first graduating class. My only regret is having them for one year only. I could have done more with more time, but at least I have done my part. Hope they will return for the master's degree.
Any bit of cheerleading helps. Internet writing is worth something and worth doing. The only snag is Yahoo Groups cannot display the Chinese font, so I have to send mail to 1,400 recipients manually 15 times over two days because Yahoo has limits on daily mail!
The weather is strange lately, but who am I to say so in my first year here? Last week it was so hot that staff persuaded me to use an umbrella, which I am sure I can never live it down. Today (June 8th) it is raining but the humidity has not changed much. I am looking forward to my bimonthly haircut at the end of the month.
The next day I was caught in the rain in Yuen Long without an umbrella, which I refused to carry indefinitely. I stopped in the omnipresent 7/11 store but the price did not change from the HK$44 umbrella I last bought there two months ago. Crossing the street I found a road store that sold one for HK$20. I had no choice since I have a long way to travel to my appointment in Mongkok. Within two months, I had bought two umbrellas, but the rainy season has just started. It is so stuffy, humid and hot in HK that the air doesn't go anywhere even when it is raining nowadays.
This quarter's layman night class at Tsim Sha Tsui ended today. It is the most satisfying night class yet because I found the lay students most eager to learn - far more hungry than day students. Believe me, they did the as much coursework in their 2-unit course as seminary students did with me in a 3-unit course of the same name last quarter. They took turns to take pictures with me, which seminary students had never done. One student - Charles - did not require the class for graduation but audited it upon the recommendation of a fellow student. He even brought a durian for the last class. I think I am most effective with working professionals and older students.
The hot and humid weather is taking a toll on most Hongkongers. I was sweating shortly before bedtime. When I told a colleague I finally gave up and initiated turning the air conditioning on to sleep yesterday (19th) - for the first time, she replied, "Wow, you have strong endurance. We already turned it on days ago." Wife gave up and cut her hair in response but I will hold on for another week, to stick to my bimonthly haircut at the end of the month. Last night we open the windows and turned the fan on and we survived another night without turning it on. Wife's sister admitted she turned the a/c on finally last night (20th).
Finally graduation was over yesterday (20th). The ceremony was a huge success and the speaker Rev. Morley Lee of CCCOWE gave an inspiring address. This year's graduates were quite a handful. Many of them are in their 40s and are parents themselves, so they come with experience, ideas and opinion. The conservative and traditional spirit at school was quite a learning curve for them. Nevertheless I am quite proud of them. I have no choice since this is my first graduating class. My only regret is having them for one year only. I could have done more with more time, but at least I have done my part. Hope they will return for the master's degree.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Friday, May 1, 2009
Nine Months Later, May 2009
Today (1st) I almost went to work but for Wife's reminder last night. She said are you serious? I was. It takes some time to get used to Hong Kong holidays. May 1st is not a holiday in the States. This is the second time I did not know the next day was a public holiday, almost going to work the next day. The previous day was April 11. I must be losing my menory at record pace. Wife remembered most of a movie we previously saw on cable, but I merely remembered two minor parts.
For four weeks in a row I attended a worship service not as the Sunday preacher but as a regular worshipper, twice at Yan Fook, twice at North Point. Ironically, I will also be shuttling between these two churches for ministry, helping out the English worship at North Point and the Sunday school at Yan Fook. It is good for me not to get caught substituing corporate preaching for personal worship. Also, much as I want to improve my Cantonese, I keep getting requests to minister in English.
Along with a "headache" today (8th), I have an infection on my left hand from peeling a loose skin on a finger nail. Wife handed me an antibiotic cream and the swelling went down after a few hours. At least I do not have to go to a doctor for now. I was worried since I have never had an infection like that before. The next day I had pus in the skin near my nail, but I used a needle-like instrument to open up the skin and let the pus out. I felt like a surgeon, but it worked! Funny, I don't even remember the last time I had pus under my skin anywhere.
Sunday (May 10th) was my first day navigating ministry at two churches. At 8:45 in the morning I taught Sunday school at Yan Fook and 12:15pm in the afternoon I preached at North Point. In between we managed to rest at Starbuck. It was more relaxing than we thought but still we had to sleep an hour or so in the afternoon after all is done to recover. The ministry at Yan Fook is for 10 weeks and the ministry at North Point English worship is twice a month.
The last week or so has been humid. I sleep with little to light clothing on. After exercise with staff and students in the morning, I usually raise a sweat not seen before. I missed this time of the season last year since I did not arrive in Hong Kong until last August 18th. The next few days are going to be the same, news report indicates.
I found a gray hair on my right eye brow today (17th). After a single attempt to pluck it in a public restroom , I gave up. At home I successfully rid the hair. The problem is, at this rate, I could be browless in no time at all, which is not pretty.
It has been hot and humid since the middle of the month. My idea of putting up a fight is turning the fan on when I am at home, even all through the night. It has been nothing short of a revelation and a miracle. Relatives say the most humid time of the year is over, but others dispute that prediction.
Last week HSBC offered an annual savings interest rate of 0.001%, or HK$1 annually for every HK100,000. It used to be 0.01. What a farce.
For four weeks in a row I attended a worship service not as the Sunday preacher but as a regular worshipper, twice at Yan Fook, twice at North Point. Ironically, I will also be shuttling between these two churches for ministry, helping out the English worship at North Point and the Sunday school at Yan Fook. It is good for me not to get caught substituing corporate preaching for personal worship. Also, much as I want to improve my Cantonese, I keep getting requests to minister in English.
Along with a "headache" today (8th), I have an infection on my left hand from peeling a loose skin on a finger nail. Wife handed me an antibiotic cream and the swelling went down after a few hours. At least I do not have to go to a doctor for now. I was worried since I have never had an infection like that before. The next day I had pus in the skin near my nail, but I used a needle-like instrument to open up the skin and let the pus out. I felt like a surgeon, but it worked! Funny, I don't even remember the last time I had pus under my skin anywhere.
Sunday (May 10th) was my first day navigating ministry at two churches. At 8:45 in the morning I taught Sunday school at Yan Fook and 12:15pm in the afternoon I preached at North Point. In between we managed to rest at Starbuck. It was more relaxing than we thought but still we had to sleep an hour or so in the afternoon after all is done to recover. The ministry at Yan Fook is for 10 weeks and the ministry at North Point English worship is twice a month.
The last week or so has been humid. I sleep with little to light clothing on. After exercise with staff and students in the morning, I usually raise a sweat not seen before. I missed this time of the season last year since I did not arrive in Hong Kong until last August 18th. The next few days are going to be the same, news report indicates.
I found a gray hair on my right eye brow today (17th). After a single attempt to pluck it in a public restroom , I gave up. At home I successfully rid the hair. The problem is, at this rate, I could be browless in no time at all, which is not pretty.
It has been hot and humid since the middle of the month. My idea of putting up a fight is turning the fan on when I am at home, even all through the night. It has been nothing short of a revelation and a miracle. Relatives say the most humid time of the year is over, but others dispute that prediction.
Last week HSBC offered an annual savings interest rate of 0.001%, or HK$1 annually for every HK100,000. It used to be 0.01. What a farce.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Taiwan Trip, Apr 2009
I returned five days ago (Mar 27th) with a bad back from a good time in Taiwan, teaching at my former US seminary's Taiwan campus for a week, Friday to Friday, minus Sunday, 9am till 5 pm. Wife went with me and returned to Hong Kong on Monday. I was invited to preach in the church by seminary and I had to accept since I was teaching them in Mandarin on how to preach, no excuse. It turned out great for my second try in the language, according to Wife. The first time was many years ago, After church we travel by train to Taipei, ate Shanghai food at the Breeze Station (微風台北車站), then visited the tourist spot Xi Men Ding (西門町), Red House Theater (紅樓戲場) and Shin Kong Mitsukoshi (新光三越)before returning to the train station for dinner and head home. At the theater we saw Cape 7 (海角七號) actor (林宗仁) taking pictures with fans.
My back gave way just like that on my fourth day there while I was sitting comfortably in a chair. It took me a whole week to recover enough for me to do my normal stretching exercises today (Apr 1). On the first two days of injury, I needed to hold on to railings for support to get up. I could not toss in bed and sneezing or coughing hurts. The host seminary had an employee drive me to a local clinic for a back rub that eased the pain. It is a bargain at Taiwan $300 (less than HK$100).My first trip to Taiwan is an eye-opener. The campus was in Zhongli (中壢市), almost next door to Chung Yuan Christian University (中原大學). The city is full of hawkers and motorbikes. The streets are narrow and the setting is rural. Noise is everywhere, from the speaker-blaring garbage collection truck to the government tow trucks that operate from the early morning.
The 14 students I taught were excited, fun and attentive. Like students I meet everywhere, they starve for hands-on expository preaching, which is my expertise by now. They were so appreciative that I felt extremly welcomed. It took a while to reach the last two students who had difficulty doing the work, so I returned at night to read their work. It was no big deal since I decided to return to the class for free internet to IM with Wife, who left days ago.Strangely enough, my trip reminded me of what guest missions teacher Ho exclaimed to me a month or two ago when she realized I was not local: "Oh, you are a missionary!" I never thought of myself as one since my Cantonese blends in well locally, but in truth I am one. Missions is not in my blood, but it is starting to boil. Taiwan wants me to return. Maybe I can also go to Malaysia/Singapore to teach in the future as well, which means reaching a full cycle for this accidental traveler.
I am still alien to the local system, which benefits the landlord. Today (Apr 8) the landlady presented me with a bill of HK$250 for repairing the jammed steel door lock in our home. In the States the owner pays for all things, down to the lightbulb.
The first week of classes passed by. The class I am most apprehensive about turned out well, but I really gave them a lot of work for a 2-unit class, work comparable to previous 3-unit classes, but I think they wil thrive and do well. Hong Kong people always strive to get ahead, even in their studies, so they take night classes, including Bible study, to "add to their value 增值." This group is different from previous classes because they are diploma students, not Bachelor or Master's level, but they sure get the money's worth and work equivalent in my class. One teacher asked me to ease up on them, but they sounded eager to take the challenge.
I just returned today (Apr 12) from speaking at Emmanuel's church retreat, my first retreat engagement in Hong Kong. We met some amazing people at Breakthrough Youth Village, including Breakthrough founder Dr. Philemon Choi (蔡元雲醫生) and his son Jonathan, Ruth Tseng (曾路得) -the renowned singer of 天各一方, and CGST lecturer Joe Kok, Wife's former pastor. Tseng and Kok are associated with Emmanuel. Dr. Choi's passion for youth for the last 30 years is refreshing. We had the opportunity to observe the work at Breakthrough, including a 30-minute skit, an impressive hour or so live playback theater, and an hour's sharing from Dr. Choi.
An annoying remark has dogged me in Hong Kong, climaxing at the retreat. A camper said I looked much older than I do on my blog picture. It was a surprisng remark since the blog picture was taken merely years ago. The biggest blow was when a 62-year old man said he and I were the oldest in the group! How can I be older than all the parents with teenage kids at the retreat? The pastor introduced me on the first day by saying he used to hang out with the younger pastors at denomination meetings in USA while I with another group. I explained to the congregation on the last day that I was not much older (2 years only) than their younger pastor . The problem is my gray hair have dramtically surfaced lately. Maybe I should put up a more recent picture on my blog.
I did not know the Monday after Easter is a holiday in Hong Kong, so I inadvertently canceled an appointment. So far, Hong Kong is the only country I have resided in to have the holiday. It is for the best since I am fighting a losing battle with the flu.
Local news: Hong Kong is the most competitive city in Hong but Shanghai is catching up fast, news reported yesterday. Today's news was very unflattering to the Big Two supermarkets. The local Consumer Council found that the prices of some products sold there actually increased on Fridays but reduced later to normal on Saturdays to make Friday offers appear like a bargain.
A humid heat wave swept through the city since Tuesday (Apr 14), making exercise in the cooler morning quite difficult. I hope to hold out for another week before cutting my hair so that I can keep to my bimonthly haircut goal. It is so hot that I sometimes had take my tie off in my office to cool down.
I watched for the second time how the dream of Susan Boyle played out on the internet to millions of viewers. Never-kissed 47-year old, CNN reported. She sang one of my favorite songs from my favorite musical, Les Miz! How can people not cheer and root for a dreamer like her?
My childhood was widely awakened by three Cantonese operas I heard when I was barely in my teens, as performed by 鄧碧雲, 張月兒 and 陳良忠. Most songs are better heard than told, so you can click to a fan's classic selection at Youtube. Th next day (Apr 22) I found "old cucumber" 老黃瓜 at the supermarket to take a break from the delicious pumpkin/tomato soup I have been boiling and drinking. It's been two decades I haven't seen the cucumber gourd, but I found pumpkin is still one of the sweetest soups I have tasted. So I will return to pumpkin soon. A colleague asked me if I stick leftover soup by separate containers in the freezer like Chinese Americans do, and I replied yes. The concept is foreign to locals because the Chinese market is nearby.
A local barber tried to convince me to dye my hair today (Apr 22), which is to his advantage. A normal haircut is HK58 (US$7.50), but dying the hair is HK$120. True, my gray hairs are in full blossom and a colleague mistook another faculty member to be the youngest even though I should have the honors, but I will wait till I am past 50, which has another year and a half to go yet.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Chicken and Duck Speak
What they say in Hong Kong (and what it means):
Shroff (payment office)
Hash (pound #)
Perambulator (stroller)
Gangway
Pontoon
Gangplank
Coxswain
Shroff (payment office)
Hash (pound #)
Perambulator (stroller)
Gangway
Pontoon
Gangplank
Coxswain
Monday, March 2, 2009
Durian, Mar 2009
Leftover durian is really smelly, I must admit. A week ago (Feb 24) I bought a durian at 10pm after night class at Tsim Sha Tsui. The price was reduced from HK$31 to $21 shortly beofre closing. It is strange that shopping at night for food after a long class makes me more relaxed. I ate two of the four pieces packed in a wrapper and stuck the rest in the freezer, out of the sight of Durian-intolerant Wife. The reason for leaving it in the fridge is that eating more than two pieces, especially that late at night, is not good for health. Worse, I drank sesame soybean I bought at the same time - a new favorite of mine, instead of water like we used to do after eating durian when we were kids. True to form, I woke up about 4-5 am looking for water to cool down my warm body. A week later, when Wife is not home, I took the leftover durian out again and it smelled like never before. OK, I have learned my lesson, one durian at a time. The next week after class, durian was on sale again , but I had learned to discipline myself. The temptation never ends.
I cannot help but notice the plight of Hong Kong's cage men, whose misfortunes were highlighted in SCMP today (8th). At night, 100,000 or so residents of poor parts of Kowloon - such as Shum Shui Po and Tai Kok Tsui - sleep in a 13 1/4 sq-ft wire coop no different from a chicken. The irony was today I was at Shum Shui Po, buying a netbook for Wife. Today was as busy as can be. I spoke twice today - 830a at TST and 11a at Alliance Mandarin in Shum Shui Po. The former was an unexpected SOS.
Souperman said...
"Hey Pastor, you don't need tax return to apply for credit card. For Bank of CHina, Bank of East Asia, all you proof of salary (3 months), proof of resident address and HKID...well, maybe it's because you don't have HKID."
Believe me, we were turned down in letter by BEA even when we have all the above. No use crying over a minor inconvenience. We are used to it by now. That goes to show credit card is not everything.
I am done with night classes this quarter, with the last class two days ago (10th). At least I get a two weeks' break before the next night session begins. The students are wonderful, but subway traffic at 10p in Tsim Sha Tsui is a sight to behold. The coaches are mostly full, a lot connecting to West Rail at where I stop, too. One of the things I enjoy doing is to shop at the supermarket nearby that closes at 10 pm, giving me minutes to get what I want. There are quite a lot of customers, especially South Asians, frequenting the store before it closes. I saw one buying a discount durian - one third or one quarter off, like what I did three weeks ago, so I am not the only one looking for a bargain.
My phone carrier is a thief. Two months ago I signed up for an account. Yesterday I was charged double than what I ordered. When I called, I was told it was for other services, like music etc, which I do not even use. Unless you tell them, they will keep charging, isn't that daylight robbery and outright fraud? No wonder the company is in turmoil.
As the quarter draws near, I have a major case of disorientation. Because my Tuesday night class has ended, I did not need to track home this Tuesday afternoon (17th) for a short break before the night class. Since I was in the office, I thought today must be Wednesday, especially when I woke up from a short lunch nap minutes before class began. Panicking and not realizing today was Tuesday and thinking I was late for Wednesday class, I hurried into the class, to the students' amusement and disbelief. Worse, today's real teacher was later than me arriving, I realize when I looked into the class, so making me believe I was the teacher on assignment.
I cannot help but notice the plight of Hong Kong's cage men, whose misfortunes were highlighted in SCMP today (8th). At night, 100,000 or so residents of poor parts of Kowloon - such as Shum Shui Po and Tai Kok Tsui - sleep in a 13 1/4 sq-ft wire coop no different from a chicken. The irony was today I was at Shum Shui Po, buying a netbook for Wife. Today was as busy as can be. I spoke twice today - 830a at TST and 11a at Alliance Mandarin in Shum Shui Po. The former was an unexpected SOS.
Souperman said...
"Hey Pastor, you don't need tax return to apply for credit card. For Bank of CHina, Bank of East Asia, all you proof of salary (3 months), proof of resident address and HKID...well, maybe it's because you don't have HKID."
Believe me, we were turned down in letter by BEA even when we have all the above. No use crying over a minor inconvenience. We are used to it by now. That goes to show credit card is not everything.
I am done with night classes this quarter, with the last class two days ago (10th). At least I get a two weeks' break before the next night session begins. The students are wonderful, but subway traffic at 10p in Tsim Sha Tsui is a sight to behold. The coaches are mostly full, a lot connecting to West Rail at where I stop, too. One of the things I enjoy doing is to shop at the supermarket nearby that closes at 10 pm, giving me minutes to get what I want. There are quite a lot of customers, especially South Asians, frequenting the store before it closes. I saw one buying a discount durian - one third or one quarter off, like what I did three weeks ago, so I am not the only one looking for a bargain.
My phone carrier is a thief. Two months ago I signed up for an account. Yesterday I was charged double than what I ordered. When I called, I was told it was for other services, like music etc, which I do not even use. Unless you tell them, they will keep charging, isn't that daylight robbery and outright fraud? No wonder the company is in turmoil.
As the quarter draws near, I have a major case of disorientation. Because my Tuesday night class has ended, I did not need to track home this Tuesday afternoon (17th) for a short break before the night class. Since I was in the office, I thought today must be Wednesday, especially when I woke up from a short lunch nap minutes before class began. Panicking and not realizing today was Tuesday and thinking I was late for Wednesday class, I hurried into the class, to the students' amusement and disbelief. Worse, today's real teacher was later than me arriving, I realize when I looked into the class, so making me believe I was the teacher on assignment.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Six Months Later, Feb 2009
(My dryer)
Yes, it has been that long or short. The funny thing is I still do not have a credit card yet because we have no tax record. It is nothing short of incovenience but not the end of the world. I will get a new cell number tomorrow (8th). PCCW really bumbled my phone. First they persuaded to keep my old cell number from the phone I was using which my relatives do not mind me keeping, then Smartone would not release it, later PCCW gave me a new number which did not work out, now they give me another new, new number. Already I miss the new number they previously gave me because my year of birth is on the number, what a mess. Fortunately I did not start using it yet.
Hong Kong media reported Li Ka-shing's fortune dived from US$32 billion to US$16.2 billion, as of January 23. The wealth of No. 2, the Kwok family of Sun Hung Kai Properties (0016) remained at No2 on the list, with a net worth of US$10.8 billion. eroded by 55 percent.
Self-proclaimed investment guru Lee Shau-kee saw his wealth fall to US$9 billion from US$23 billion. Casino mogul Stanley Ho Hung-sun lost 89 percent of his wealth. It dropped from US$9 billion to US$1 billion.
Riverside church member Patrick dropped into my class completely unannounced tonight (10th), taking me by surprise. I did not know he was in town. He called my office while I was away and knew that I was at TST teaching a night class. We took a picture and he had to go, but later he decided to wait another half an hour till class is over to walk me to the subway, how considerate. Well, the phone finally worked on the 10th - two days late, on the day of PCCW strike. TST students in my Kings class finally made a breakthrough tonight - on the sixth week of class. I couldn't be any prouder.
I just found out yesterday (10th) that Hong Kong is the fifth most expensive place to live in the world, at an average price of US$16,125 (HK$125,775) per square meter, according to the 2009 Global Property Guide. The most expensive residential real estate market is Monte Carlo at US$47,578 psm, Moscow second at US$20,853 psm, followed by prime London's US$20,756 psm and Tokyo in fourth at US$17,998.
My manuscript on Paul was rejected this week (10th) a week after I submitted it to a publisher. The VP told me they were interested in some blog series I have posted but not on Paul, which made me curious enough to ask her which one in particular, but she replied she did not read it; her editors read it. I did not know what to make of it. Well, I will have to cut my losses and look elsewhere.
The streets of Hong Kong really did a number on my shoes today (13th). It almost broke apart today, but for the sole that held it together. To be fair, I have been wearing it for two years now, but I have never had a pair of shoes tearing up on me before. Worse, I was on my way to Macau, so I have no time to change into another pair. All I hope is for it to hold up for another two days before I return to Hong Kong, returning to speak in a local church on Sunday morning. I still have two pairs brought home from USA that I got from the now defunct Mervyn's. Wife said I should buy immediately, but I will risk it.
It is such a strange weekend, my weirdest day yet in Hong Kong. First, my shoes almost split in two on the way to Macau two days ago on Friday. The weather on Saturday made things worse, drizzling each time we went out, slightly wetting my only pair of socks. Today (15th) I left Macau at 8am to catch the 9am ferry back to Hong Kong, where I am scheduled to speak at 11am. The ferry and disembarking take 75 minutes and the chapel is just minutes walk from the ferry, so I have ample time. Unfortunately, I took the wrong bus, 26A instead of 28A to the ferry, and ended up at a remote spot 媽祖花園 where taxis do not run, says a gas station employee there. By the time I took the return bus back, I had only ten minutes to catch a taxi. I found one that got me there 2 minutes before the ferry leaves. I rushed to the counter and requested those in front of me to let me pass the immigration counter first. When I reached the counter the officer changed shifts and another few precious seconds ticked away. I entered at 9:01am, thinking the ferry had left, but a fog enveloped the harbor before I arrived, so the ferry was delayed. In fact, the ship did not even arrive the harbor yet. I paid $40 for the taxi but saved $160 for another ticket I would have to buy, since I was late. To make matters worst, the delay was for another hour, not minutes. I asked the manager to loan me his phone so I can call Wife to alert the church I was held up. In return I was his English interpreter over the bullhorn.
We were set to board and leave an hour later, but another delay was ordered. This time I asked a passenger next to me if I could borrow his phone, since I do not have carrier service in Macau. I called the pastor twice with the phone, the man hesitating to help me on my second call. Upon reaching HK I called the pastor but he did not answer since church is on. In the process my phoone batteries ran out. There is nothing else I can do but call a taxi to the church, arriving just as members were leaving. I had lunch and fellowship with the pastor, and all was well because they had sharing instead. I had advised him to download my sermon from the web and read it to the congregation since the church already had my powerpoint, but he said he could not process the sermon as he speaks. Besides tedious questiions to employees about when we are leaving, one frayed passenger wanted to speak to the manager and another questioned why ships can come in and not go out. The only good news is that my shoes made it home without bottoming out. I even stopped at a cafe, read papers at the library and bought grocery on the way home. Wife had frantically called me but my phone was dead, so we did not touch base until 3:50pm. This day has no equal, it could not be more dramatic than this.
Hong Kong's population has officially passed the seven million mark. The number of people living here was 7,008,900 at the end of 2008, up 56,100 or 0.8 percent on the previous year, according to the Census and Statistics Department (February 17, 2009).
It's been eleven days since I last blogged. If you do not understand y typing fro now on, it's because y PC is on its last leg, as witnessed by the issing "m" letter, the last one which I cut and paste fro previous files. Today (28th) we had a wonderful dinner at ho-e thanks to y good friend fro the States who visited three days ago, bringing drunken chicken in a jar fro a store in Taiwan on his transit there, besides the truffles and Taiwanese beef jerky. On top of that, we also bought sashi-i fro a local store, ate vegetables donated to school, and consued soup Wife boiled. It is so filling that I even skipped rice altogether so that I can finish the fish.
Yes, it has been that long or short. The funny thing is I still do not have a credit card yet because we have no tax record. It is nothing short of incovenience but not the end of the world. I will get a new cell number tomorrow (8th). PCCW really bumbled my phone. First they persuaded to keep my old cell number from the phone I was using which my relatives do not mind me keeping, then Smartone would not release it, later PCCW gave me a new number which did not work out, now they give me another new, new number. Already I miss the new number they previously gave me because my year of birth is on the number, what a mess. Fortunately I did not start using it yet.Hong Kong media reported Li Ka-shing's fortune dived from US$32 billion to US$16.2 billion, as of January 23. The wealth of No. 2, the Kwok family of Sun Hung Kai Properties (0016) remained at No2 on the list, with a net worth of US$10.8 billion. eroded by 55 percent.
Self-proclaimed investment guru Lee Shau-kee saw his wealth fall to US$9 billion from US$23 billion. Casino mogul Stanley Ho Hung-sun lost 89 percent of his wealth. It dropped from US$9 billion to US$1 billion.
Riverside church member Patrick dropped into my class completely unannounced tonight (10th), taking me by surprise. I did not know he was in town. He called my office while I was away and knew that I was at TST teaching a night class. We took a picture and he had to go, but later he decided to wait another half an hour till class is over to walk me to the subway, how considerate. Well, the phone finally worked on the 10th - two days late, on the day of PCCW strike. TST students in my Kings class finally made a breakthrough tonight - on the sixth week of class. I couldn't be any prouder.
I just found out yesterday (10th) that Hong Kong is the fifth most expensive place to live in the world, at an average price of US$16,125 (HK$125,775) per square meter, according to the 2009 Global Property Guide. The most expensive residential real estate market is Monte Carlo at US$47,578 psm, Moscow second at US$20,853 psm, followed by prime London's US$20,756 psm and Tokyo in fourth at US$17,998.
My manuscript on Paul was rejected this week (10th) a week after I submitted it to a publisher. The VP told me they were interested in some blog series I have posted but not on Paul, which made me curious enough to ask her which one in particular, but she replied she did not read it; her editors read it. I did not know what to make of it. Well, I will have to cut my losses and look elsewhere.
The streets of Hong Kong really did a number on my shoes today (13th). It almost broke apart today, but for the sole that held it together. To be fair, I have been wearing it for two years now, but I have never had a pair of shoes tearing up on me before. Worse, I was on my way to Macau, so I have no time to change into another pair. All I hope is for it to hold up for another two days before I return to Hong Kong, returning to speak in a local church on Sunday morning. I still have two pairs brought home from USA that I got from the now defunct Mervyn's. Wife said I should buy immediately, but I will risk it.
It is such a strange weekend, my weirdest day yet in Hong Kong. First, my shoes almost split in two on the way to Macau two days ago on Friday. The weather on Saturday made things worse, drizzling each time we went out, slightly wetting my only pair of socks. Today (15th) I left Macau at 8am to catch the 9am ferry back to Hong Kong, where I am scheduled to speak at 11am. The ferry and disembarking take 75 minutes and the chapel is just minutes walk from the ferry, so I have ample time. Unfortunately, I took the wrong bus, 26A instead of 28A to the ferry, and ended up at a remote spot 媽祖花園 where taxis do not run, says a gas station employee there. By the time I took the return bus back, I had only ten minutes to catch a taxi. I found one that got me there 2 minutes before the ferry leaves. I rushed to the counter and requested those in front of me to let me pass the immigration counter first. When I reached the counter the officer changed shifts and another few precious seconds ticked away. I entered at 9:01am, thinking the ferry had left, but a fog enveloped the harbor before I arrived, so the ferry was delayed. In fact, the ship did not even arrive the harbor yet. I paid $40 for the taxi but saved $160 for another ticket I would have to buy, since I was late. To make matters worst, the delay was for another hour, not minutes. I asked the manager to loan me his phone so I can call Wife to alert the church I was held up. In return I was his English interpreter over the bullhorn.
We were set to board and leave an hour later, but another delay was ordered. This time I asked a passenger next to me if I could borrow his phone, since I do not have carrier service in Macau. I called the pastor twice with the phone, the man hesitating to help me on my second call. Upon reaching HK I called the pastor but he did not answer since church is on. In the process my phoone batteries ran out. There is nothing else I can do but call a taxi to the church, arriving just as members were leaving. I had lunch and fellowship with the pastor, and all was well because they had sharing instead. I had advised him to download my sermon from the web and read it to the congregation since the church already had my powerpoint, but he said he could not process the sermon as he speaks. Besides tedious questiions to employees about when we are leaving, one frayed passenger wanted to speak to the manager and another questioned why ships can come in and not go out. The only good news is that my shoes made it home without bottoming out. I even stopped at a cafe, read papers at the library and bought grocery on the way home. Wife had frantically called me but my phone was dead, so we did not touch base until 3:50pm. This day has no equal, it could not be more dramatic than this.
Hong Kong's population has officially passed the seven million mark. The number of people living here was 7,008,900 at the end of 2008, up 56,100 or 0.8 percent on the previous year, according to the Census and Statistics Department (February 17, 2009).
It's been eleven days since I last blogged. If you do not understand y typing fro now on, it's because y PC is on its last leg, as witnessed by the issing "m" letter, the last one which I cut and paste fro previous files. Today (28th) we had a wonderful dinner at ho-e thanks to y good friend fro the States who visited three days ago, bringing drunken chicken in a jar fro a store in Taiwan on his transit there, besides the truffles and Taiwanese beef jerky. On top of that, we also bought sashi-i fro a local store, ate vegetables donated to school, and consued soup Wife boiled. It is so filling that I even skipped rice altogether so that I can finish the fish.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Yuen Long, Jan 2009
Happy New Year to everyone! I started the new year on a wrong foot, literally. On the first day at work in the new year, I forgot to get off at the right stop. I could not blame the relocation because I was busy reading free Hong Kong morning newspaper. Instead of Yuen Long, I stopped at Long Ping, took the return train that shared the same platform, disembarked to catch the local bus and made it to office a minute before 8:30 a.m. Just when you think things could not be any worse, it did. On my return trip home I noticed the train leaving the platform, so I sprinted into the coach, only to realize it was heading in the opposite direction from my home. I was so embarassed that I walked to the nearest coach to get off, not to disappoint those who marveled at my athleticism just a minute ago. Overall, it is aboout 45 minutes from my Mei Foo home to Yuen Long office, not much different from my travel to the Tsim Sha Tsui office, except that there are snacks, fruits and drinks to buy in the TST district, whereas there is nothing but a roadside eatery around the Yuen Long office. I heard there is a Parkway at the Yuen Long station. Hopefully I can buy some goodies and make it to school by 8:30 am. At least I brought an apple today but I also bought Vitasoy for $6 from the nearby vendor/store. Before moving I was enjoying Sesame flavored soymilk. Lunch was at the same store with those present at school today. My pork chop rice costs $26. Pictures only will do justice to the neighborhood I am describing.
I finally succumbed to flu today (Jan 9). The day started off innocently. I must have caught it in between using the restroom after waking up and walking to the West Rail line. In vain I zipped up my windbreaker that did not stand a chance aginst the winds. Soon my eyes were red and I sneezed my head off non-stop, so badly that the staff encouraged me to leave 45 minutes before office ends. After dinner with a friend I popped into the local MTR station and got a bargain, two Hang Ten sweaters for $80. On the way home I stepped into the library and sneezing ensued inside the building and at home later. That was when I realize I was most likely to sneeze when the surrounding temperature changes, even when it is warm after the cold, not necessarily when it is cold.
I bought a pullover sweater from M & S on the weekend (Jan 11). Things are really expensive at the mall. I paid HK$175 for a sweater already discounted, but other stores are more expensive, from $200-500. Things are not that expensive in the States, but I doubt if locals believe it. 50%-75% discounts are common at the right time. On Tuesday (Jan 13) I found an inexpensive but inferior $99 sweater from a roadside vendor.
After two weeks in Yuen Long I am quite an expert in taking the West Rail, stopping exactly by the down escalator to the mall exit. It takes less than 20 minutes from Mei Foo. Food is another matter. I could not find a restaurant I like. Not that there are none, but I do not know what's what yet. Yesterday (Jan 14) I took a bus home instead. The travel was 25 minutes.
My wife laughed her head off as I told her I had to track down to a store farther from our residence to buy hair gel today (Jan 19) because our neighborhood store sells my father's Brylcreem only! How ridiculous. I thought the brand died out years ago. That must be the biggest joke in Hong Kong yet for me. I went to two good restaurants in Macau over the weekened, Savory Crab in Taipa for breakfast and the ground floor restaurant in Macau Tower.
Service is as good as it gets in Hong Kong. Today (Jan 20) I returned the sweater I bought exactly a week ago from a ROADSIDE VENDOR because the seams ripped apart at the bottom of the V-neck after five days of use. I can hear Wife's remarks at the back of my mind: "Nobody in Hong Kong returns things!" To trump it all, the lady politely gave me a new sweater without questions asked; she just threw it behind the cart without checking.
Exactly two weeks had passed and I have the flu again today (Jan 24), I cannot believe my misfortune! This morning as I left home, I noticed my nose was running. After lunch at Causeway Bay's Curry-in-a-Hurry, which I have not frequented since moving to Yuen Long, relatives suggested going to New Year Fair to see flowers at full bloom, but what I got was a full-blown running nose and non-stop sniffing and sneezing visiting the stalls at Victoria Park in cold weather. Hong Kong weather is around 10 degrees Celsius (50 F). Curry-in-a-Hurry is still the best fastfood curry around. Now I am worried as I have to preach tomorrow. Postscript: Preaching yesterday was well-received.
Today is Chinese New Year in Hong Kong (Jan 25). Wishing everybody a spiritually prosperous new year! At first, I thought all I have for the ocassion was a pair of new socks, a new singlet and a new sweater (the replacement sweater from the roadside vendor), but later I realized I have brought home from USA an old but unused shirt, a pair of unused pants and shoes, so here I am all brand new, feeling like a million bucks, wearing the whole nine yarn, just like when we were kids. I don't think I can do better next year. Unfortuantely, Wife said, they are mostly black. I called relatives and friends at 9 am. The festive mood here is good but not great due to the financial crisis reminders in the media. We meant to head to Tsing Yi but took the wrong West Rail coach to Kowloon, where we unexpectedly stumbled upon the exquisite Elements Shopping Center. We were impresssed. Even Shanghai Tang was there. We were surprised most shops were open. The mall was designed and arranged according to the five elements: gold, wood, water, fire, earth (金、木、水、火、土). The xiamian noodles we ordered for lunch were merely average. After dinner with Wife's sister at our place, we went to Kwai Fong for the first time and had my favorite dessert at Honeymoon Dessert (for the first time too), where I had Durian & Thai Glutinous Rice (榴槤忘返). It was really good, gives Shau Kei Wan's Ming Kee a run for the money. The latter offers durian and mango. By now I am an expert at Chinese desserts. Kwai Fong is one of those MTR stations with exits ("E" exit) leading into huge malls. We hope to visit all of them, one by one, someday.
On the third day of Chinese New Year, which is still a holiday in Hong Kong, we took a tram to The Peak, hiked the hour-long trail there, had a surprisingly pleasant lunch at 360 and enjoyed a cup of coffee while reading the papers at Starbucks, then caught a bus downhill to enjoy more sights. Hiking at the Peak trail is the lowest level of diffculty, according to Wife's side. It was truly enjoyable. No steps, low elevation, wide roads. Riding the bus, not the subway, is the way to see Hong Kong. Sometimes we take the hour's drive from relatives' place to home, just to see the streets and scenes of Hong Kong.
I finally succumbed to flu today (Jan 9). The day started off innocently. I must have caught it in between using the restroom after waking up and walking to the West Rail line. In vain I zipped up my windbreaker that did not stand a chance aginst the winds. Soon my eyes were red and I sneezed my head off non-stop, so badly that the staff encouraged me to leave 45 minutes before office ends. After dinner with a friend I popped into the local MTR station and got a bargain, two Hang Ten sweaters for $80. On the way home I stepped into the library and sneezing ensued inside the building and at home later. That was when I realize I was most likely to sneeze when the surrounding temperature changes, even when it is warm after the cold, not necessarily when it is cold.
I bought a pullover sweater from M & S on the weekend (Jan 11). Things are really expensive at the mall. I paid HK$175 for a sweater already discounted, but other stores are more expensive, from $200-500. Things are not that expensive in the States, but I doubt if locals believe it. 50%-75% discounts are common at the right time. On Tuesday (Jan 13) I found an inexpensive but inferior $99 sweater from a roadside vendor.
After two weeks in Yuen Long I am quite an expert in taking the West Rail, stopping exactly by the down escalator to the mall exit. It takes less than 20 minutes from Mei Foo. Food is another matter. I could not find a restaurant I like. Not that there are none, but I do not know what's what yet. Yesterday (Jan 14) I took a bus home instead. The travel was 25 minutes.
My wife laughed her head off as I told her I had to track down to a store farther from our residence to buy hair gel today (Jan 19) because our neighborhood store sells my father's Brylcreem only! How ridiculous. I thought the brand died out years ago. That must be the biggest joke in Hong Kong yet for me. I went to two good restaurants in Macau over the weekened, Savory Crab in Taipa for breakfast and the ground floor restaurant in Macau Tower.
Service is as good as it gets in Hong Kong. Today (Jan 20) I returned the sweater I bought exactly a week ago from a ROADSIDE VENDOR because the seams ripped apart at the bottom of the V-neck after five days of use. I can hear Wife's remarks at the back of my mind: "Nobody in Hong Kong returns things!" To trump it all, the lady politely gave me a new sweater without questions asked; she just threw it behind the cart without checking.
Exactly two weeks had passed and I have the flu again today (Jan 24), I cannot believe my misfortune! This morning as I left home, I noticed my nose was running. After lunch at Causeway Bay's Curry-in-a-Hurry, which I have not frequented since moving to Yuen Long, relatives suggested going to New Year Fair to see flowers at full bloom, but what I got was a full-blown running nose and non-stop sniffing and sneezing visiting the stalls at Victoria Park in cold weather. Hong Kong weather is around 10 degrees Celsius (50 F). Curry-in-a-Hurry is still the best fastfood curry around. Now I am worried as I have to preach tomorrow. Postscript: Preaching yesterday was well-received.
Today is Chinese New Year in Hong Kong (Jan 25). Wishing everybody a spiritually prosperous new year! At first, I thought all I have for the ocassion was a pair of new socks, a new singlet and a new sweater (the replacement sweater from the roadside vendor), but later I realized I have brought home from USA an old but unused shirt, a pair of unused pants and shoes, so here I am all brand new, feeling like a million bucks, wearing the whole nine yarn, just like when we were kids. I don't think I can do better next year. Unfortuantely, Wife said, they are mostly black. I called relatives and friends at 9 am. The festive mood here is good but not great due to the financial crisis reminders in the media. We meant to head to Tsing Yi but took the wrong West Rail coach to Kowloon, where we unexpectedly stumbled upon the exquisite Elements Shopping Center. We were impresssed. Even Shanghai Tang was there. We were surprised most shops were open. The mall was designed and arranged according to the five elements: gold, wood, water, fire, earth (金、木、水、火、土). The xiamian noodles we ordered for lunch were merely average. After dinner with Wife's sister at our place, we went to Kwai Fong for the first time and had my favorite dessert at Honeymoon Dessert (for the first time too), where I had Durian & Thai Glutinous Rice (榴槤忘返). It was really good, gives Shau Kei Wan's Ming Kee a run for the money. The latter offers durian and mango. By now I am an expert at Chinese desserts. Kwai Fong is one of those MTR stations with exits ("E" exit) leading into huge malls. We hope to visit all of them, one by one, someday.
On the third day of Chinese New Year, which is still a holiday in Hong Kong, we took a tram to The Peak, hiked the hour-long trail there, had a surprisingly pleasant lunch at 360 and enjoyed a cup of coffee while reading the papers at Starbucks, then caught a bus downhill to enjoy more sights. Hiking at the Peak trail is the lowest level of diffculty, according to Wife's side. It was truly enjoyable. No steps, low elevation, wide roads. Riding the bus, not the subway, is the way to see Hong Kong. Sometimes we take the hour's drive from relatives' place to home, just to see the streets and scenes of Hong Kong.
Our Christmas Newsletter
Blessed Christmas and a Joyful New YearFrom Victor
We arrived in Hong Kong on August 18th 2008. This truly is turning a new leaf in our lives. Hong Kong is a fast-pace, hustling and crowded city. After some adjustment I am keeping pace!
I am pleasantly surprised and very thankful at how quickly I have adjusted to full-time teaching and how responsive the students were to my Bible classes. Last quarter I taught Expository Preaching, Practical Greek and Ezra, Nehemiah & Esther. While my major is in Bible Exposition, I have never taught a Bible class previously. After all, I was in the pastoral ministry for 20 years and the adjunct courses I had taught at Logos Seminary before were mainly in preaching.
After enjoying a honeymoon period at church (and seminary), I will take up more responsibility in the coming year. So far I have agreed to preach nearly once a month in English at North Point Alliance and teach Sunday school at Yan Fook Evangelical Free. More is coming, since churches here have a tradition of inviting outside speakers. Most pastors speak twice a month in their churches, thrice at most. I will also be traveling to Taiwan in March to teach an intensive class at Logos Taiwan campus.
Of course there are still many unknowns - I am not sure how my knees will hold up since my exercises are now restricted to the ground – no swimming at all. Both my English and Mandarin have somewhat deteriorated. I miss all my friends and my usual routine in U.S. Nevertheless, I trust that the Lord will guide step by step. His grace is sufficient!
From Doris
A few days ago we celebrated the beginning of our 5th month in Hong Kong! We are very thankful for all your prayers and words of encouragement. I finished my first semester at the University of Macau, working with my colleagues to develop a new clinical psychology program. After 8 years at Azusa Pacific University, it is a special treat teaching Chinese students! Letting go of the past and starting new things from “scratch” is at times difficult. However, I am thankful for all these learning and growing opportunities that draw me to the Lord.
Churches in Macao are quite different. Many of the leaders are missionaries from overseas and Hong Kong, with few originating from local. I am observing and understanding the local culture. Most weekends I travel back to Hong Kong. There are lots of opportunities to serve in the area. I am still seeking the Lord’s guidance regarding church ministries, desiring to focus only on things He wants us to do.
Let’s continue to remember one another in prayer. His blessings are wonderful, may we be filled with His presence richly in 2009!
In His love, Victor & Doris
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