2013 in review

Dear all,

Political frustration aside. This year has started off with somewhat of a bad omen. And, I don’t mean that in a dark, gloomy way. But many of my friends were telling me how this is a bad year for someone who is born in Snake Year (Chinese calendar). To be frank, my family and I are part of the odd thai-chinese family who do not really believe in spirits, goddess and other higher being. I mean I can’t say for all of us, but at least I did not grow up believing that there will be years of guaranteed bad luck just because of the year, I was first born with. The point is, however, I didn’t take it seriously when my friend told me to go to the temple to do this ‘ceremony’ to cleanse my bad lucks. Then I think back, “Hmm, I wonder whether this is really true. What about last time it was a snake year (when I was 12), did anything bad happe…. ?” Then it hit me, the year when I turned 12, I broked my ankles twice (in one year). Hell, yes, two times within six months. So, that’s how I started my 2013 and my (Chinese) New Year in benign panic.

Looking back now, there were not really anything to be panicking about. This year has turned out to be another year I spend learning, growing mentally and professionally with more opportunities to make real life-decision. Though I regret not travelling as much as last year, I am content with my commitment to learn mandarin and simplified chinese. Seriously, it does help with my everyday life here in Hong Kong. Though some serious practices would definitely be beneficial!

I had some serious travelling experience on my trip to Beijing. Short, troublesome, new experience, major weather and airport failure. Nevertheless, an experience, never to be forgotten. I had written an ‘epic failure of Beijing’s trip’ post which I had chosen not to publish, because in fact I did learn a couple of things there. It’s funny looking back at it now. What a trip!

2013 is another year that I have experienced many thing first-hand for the first time. Signed my first apartment contract, looked for new roommates, got a job offer based on no connection (just professional experience.. hopefully), rejected an offer with one of my ideal place to work at, taken a new language class (Mandarin), and many more. More importantly, this year I’ve become more familiar with saying goodbyes to ex-colleagues, friends, family. I really cannot deny the fact that I’ve grown to be no longer scared of saying goodbyes. People come and go in your lives all the time, and if that relationship is well-maintained, there’s always another chance to meet again. ‘See you later!’ That is more common these days. Like my dad told my graduating highschool class of 2007, you never really say goodbye in this hi-tech world. Skypes, facetime, whatsapp.. there are too many things to connect all of us, old friends or new friends. (Not agreeing with that fact that they just solely ‘connected’ us, in too many ironic ways, technology also separates us even though you’re physically close).  

All in all, I really don’t think it was such a bad year for me afterall (for Thailand.. I’m not so sure). I shall continue to learn things and move forward in the intended direction.  Making more memories with family and friends, old or new… For this holiday, I wish everyone another great holidays, christmas and new year!

Best best for all,

Emily

P.S. Some pictures to sum up the year for you all.

In January:

Wat Pra Kaew on the first day of 2013. Super crowded!

Showing my HK friend around BKK

Wat Arun for the first time in what-I-can-remember

Seto visiting all the way from Seattle :) Another yr of friends visiting!

Hotpot at a friend's place, funny times!

Bought my hockey gear in Jan! Joined the team and had an awesome time!

Tried Hong Kong's infamous Poon Choi for the first time. Oh dear!

In February:

Victoria Peak Garden, found the place for the first time that year!
went back many times afterwards!

First game of the year for our hockey team!

In March: 

Sun rise overseeing Sai Kung, during the time when my first roommate in Hong Kong was moving back to Germany. 

First time doing a HK-wide Competition for MSF!!

A goodbye card for my very well-missed first roommate in HK 

This sexy model at the Avenue of Stars!

Thailand's train, going from CM to BKK

In April:

down South!

In May:

Volunteering at MMW Secondary School

The happy ducky in HK!! It's also when one of my good friends was visiting from Beijing ;)

SIGUR ROS IN HONG KONG! 

In June/July:

Oh dear the Forbidden City! Beijing for the first time. (sorry for the dust on my camera)

HK's Sharp Island, first time Snorkeling in HK

First friend visiting on the summer marathon #FRIENDSVISITING

In August:

friend no. 2

Friend no. 3

friend no. 4

In September:

friend no. 5 #BFF

First time at Cheung Chau Island, great end of summer day trip!

In October:

when Summer didn't end when I thought it did!

Probably one of the best concerts I've ever seen in my life. IN MY LIFE.
P.S. Friend no. 6 visiting and then right after, my family visited! :D

In November:

epic time at HK Clockenflap, outdoor music festival 2013

In December:

Friendsgiving instead of Thanksgiving.

(Yeah, now I feel the urge to write a little bit more, after seeing all the photos! But I think let's end it for today !) 

It's my dad's 59th birthday

Hi dad,

Happy 59th birthday.


That's right, my friends. It's my dad's birthday, and upon this occasion, I wish (as I always do) for him to stay healthy, stay bright, stay active, and continue to give (not only me) good advice, but hopefully also for other people in my generation (and/or your generation).

Unfortunately, I am ending up writing about my thoughts again (don't get tired of me ranting!) For this post in particular, I would like to dedicate to my dad, and also how grateful... and yet envious I am of you. I am so proud of you... and yet sometimes I couldn't help feeling a bit helpless.

I recently have come to know my dad a bit better from his biography recently published in October 2013. By that, I don't mean in term of personality (because in some ways we are very much alike and understand each other quite well). However, I meant about what happened (in details) about during the course of his life. The details of what he thinks has made him who he is. The details of when he was an activist. The reasons behind his life-changing decisions. No matter whether why he has chosen the life as a doctor, life as an activist, life as a leader, life in politics..

I admire him a lot. He is like my mentor, my advisor, my personal life consultant. Though it's not so much on a personal, love-life scale, but in term of major life choices e.g. career, relocation, schools, etc., he has influenced me a lot (and he claims he is secretly redirecting my life.. which is to be honest rather freaky, but so far I am enjoying the decisions that I've made). Sometimes when it is very difficult for me to make a decision, his opinions, especially when it matches mine, are in fact very comforting. We think alike, we eat alike, and we very much understand each other. But that takes time to cultivate-- time that I need to grow up so I can truly understand why he teaches me certain things, and for me to acknowledge that in fact he is correct. Years ago, I was so pissed at certain things, but now I understand him better.

His life in fame was never one of those shiny, highly publicized ones. We live modestly. We are just a middle class family with a really smart dad. Nothing more than that.

I actually meant to post this on his birthday.. unfortunately, too busy to finish it then. But well...


happy birthday dad.



Best,

Your daughter

The Evolution of Jumping Shots

Dear friends, 

I am quite certain that everyone has their shining moments of jumping shots. Whether it is stupid, silly, ugly, epic, or unforgettable. Each of us has experienced the ecstasy from that familiar adrenaline rush from reaching the sky. Not all of them ends well, yet at the end of each leap, you found yourself grinning and hoping that the moment captured lacks of your shameful double chins or that awkward weak knees upon your landing. Don't bother trying to hide it. Rather, better just to embrace moments of youth, and remember it well. 

"King of Silly Melon" and his epic clumsiness - by M.L.

The idea of "evolution of jumping shots" pop up the other day while I was thinking about the fun I had running across the beach islands, taking that leap off the edge, doing the craziest poses, falling into the refreshing pool of seawater. Thinking back to when I started to do jumping shots. To be honest, I have never been that person, the outshining ones that are EPIC-ly good at 'looking just right' or even downright amazing mid-air. Me? I prefer those shutter sounds, clicking away, trying to capture all the emotions of those leapers. Regardless, I also occasionally take the opportunity to enjoy those adrenaline rush myself as well.

After some careful analysis, I have come up two different ways to categories these shots. How about going through them together? Sounds like a good idea? Sure, it is. Here we go...

I.   Years:

• Highschool (or prior) Jumping.
  Definition: These shots, they are certainly silly and dramatic. Due to its explorative nature, they are expressive, spontaneous and certainly shameless. It may even tell stories. These are your first times. Here are some examples for me to prove my points. 

Left: Epic mid-air hairdo; Right: Is she boxing? - what are they wearing anyway!? (Lol, it was vintage day.)

Left: Jumping with all her might; Right: Silly person not even trying to jump.

Downright crazy.

          Good examples for Highschool jumping shots? You guys tell me.

• College Jumping.
  Definition: These.. these are the shy shots (meeting new people and all that.. you gotta hold your cool for a while you know?), these are a bit less shameful, more elegant, and often are more meaningful and meant to be remembered. Taken in places that are amazing, somewhere memorable. Here goes come example:

Aftermath, yes still shy there. People don't know my true nature just yet. 

Epic moment. Maehongsorn, Thailand. 

• Post-college Jumping.
  Definition: And.. Lastly the Post-College Jumping Shots. These are either (i) awkward jumping shots for those who had less experience, or (ii) they are sillier and crazier than ever, and you know why? Because we miss the feeling of being young again. These are rare as you're running a different crowds. It's a lot about the moment. Rolling out some examples as we speak..

      To the point? These are ridiculously hilarious.

II.   Purposes:

• Epic Location and Experience Gaining.
  Definition: the name kinda spell the definition out already. Epic moments, epic places. 

Uh huh, yeah right. Big Air Experience at the Victoria Falls (mid-way through Zimbabwe and Zambia), baby!
Those kinds of Leap of Faith.

Cape of Good Hope (Cape Town, South Africa) moments, you need a jumping shot. 

• Just to feel like those Cool Kids.
  Definition: Or at least try to look like those cool kids. 

Amateurs, and a bit of stories telling. 

That is about it for me, I'm out of stories and pictures to tell.

Hope you guys enjoy it!

Love you all, 

Emily A. 

Project Sean's Birthday

Dear friends, 

My latest project... 

Best, 

Emily

#sept19th2006

Hi friends,

To many people, September 19th might hold no significance. It might be a friend or loved one's birthday(s); it might be the day that he/she starts a new job or new school year; or it could be the day that you have lost someone. For me personally, September 19th 2006 has quite a big impact on my life. I once again was hit by vulnerability. Now I have learned to admit that we can be vulnerable every now and then and it will be okay. But I can never forgot the emotional distress that I went through that night.

September 19th 2006. That was the night that the latest coup d'etat in Thailand took place. I remember getting a call from my mom, telling me that a military coup d'etat will take place tonight. Dad won't be coming home tonight. He is on the way to my uncle's. One could imagine how shocked a seventeen years old can be in a situation like that. Back then my dad held in a position in the government, and of course that means if this situation turns bad.. it might potentially be bad for him as well.

I rushed to watch the news on the tv in my parent's bedroom. The waiting was painful, really. Then when the situation rolled out, it was too fast to even comprehend. First our former PM announced a emergency decree through skype from NY since he was there to participate in UN General Assembly. All of the sudden it was cut off half way, and all I can hear was "Beeeeeepppppp....". This is probably most of how all of the other people felt. Confused. I was very much confused, and what was worse was that we were informed that dad didn't go to my uncle's but chose to go back to the gov't house instead. Panic, confusion, fear, as much as a seventeen years old could feel.

I really hates politics.


There was no news.. everyone media was cut off. My imagination ran wild. Will my dad be put to prison? What will happened? Nobody can tell me anything. I cried.. and my brother cried.. (which our parents made fun of us later on.. grr such meanies!). How are we supposed to react in this situation. I know I felt vulnerable, I was so scared and I was helpless.

Next morning, we were told that our dad was held on a house arrest at one of the military base nearby. Only families are allowed to visit. Grandma was there at our place in the morning. She, also, was in distress. I think not knowing what was going to happen was the scariest part. She thought she has lost her son(s) once, and now.. who knew what was going to happen. We went and visit dad. Everything was so controlled. Mom told dad about us crying. Dad laughed (mehh!!! I still pouted about it). Anyhow, seeing him in safe and sound condition was assuring me.

The aftermath was somewhat of a blur. A military was running the government for a while. Dad was home everyday for a next few weeks (yes, that is not so common). Phones tapped (OH YES, this is not a conspiracy theory, it was proven. Mid way through the conversation when it started to be more serious about politics, it was cut off.. Yes, we are not overthinking it). Discussion of relocation pops up in our family dinner. Visiting Hong Kong, Australia, and all that. Luckily, none of that really ever happens. Though I always remembers what dad always says, "What am I going to do elsewhere and retired? Working in McDonald for minimum wages?" Yes, I think it would be hilarious to see him work in a McDonald.


I would never forgot that night and how it has shaped me. The decision that dad took to head back to the govt house rather than to run away. The ignorance of other people in my generation about this political changes. Oh, how it shook me. Oh, how it inspired me.

Seven years passed. Every now and then what I think about I can still feel those emotions running through me, tears and fear.

Best,
Emily

Dearest friends,

Disclaimer: This post is by no mean saying that one religion is better than the other. This post only reflect my thoughts and meant no harm to anyone or any practice. If in any way, this post offends anyone, I apologize. English is not my first language and I may have to express my thoughts too well. Again, I am sorry. This post is for sharing purposes and not a claim/statement.

Religion has always been the topics that I have always tried to avoid ever talked about. Growing up in the not so religious family, even though we say we are Buddhists, but we have never discussed the practices, the beliefs, let alone comparative studies for different religions.

I spent the last 5 years in secondary school in a Catholic School. To be honest, I was relieved that my school was quite diverse and therefore does not require you to believe in any.. specific religions. Studying bibles was not mandatory, celebrating religious holidays was not required, practicing religions of your choice was voluntary.

At one point in school, I considered converting to Catholic. I want to connect to the higher being, someone who can guide me through the course of my life in peace. But when I proposed the idea to my friend, she thought it was ridiculous and told me that it is not that easy, don't make a big deal out of it. I was surprised, and eventually stopped thinking about it.

Today, I had a conversation with my friend and her mentor. Both of them are Christians and have very strong faith in their beliefs. The mentor has always been gentle, insightful and kind to me, providing guidance when we both need one. Today she touched on the topic of regions. In particular, of Christianity. In my recent years living in US and Hong Kong, nobody has seriously asked me the question, 'have you ever considered Christianity?' Nobody has made the efforts to actually convinced me (in an appropriate matters i.e. sincerely and nicely shared their beliefs, and not a forceful "converting" kind). Today she was kind enough to tell me about how she believe, and explained how her belief makes her feel completed. And it was different. She told me about how believing in God and Jesus make her be a better person. How she is always reminded of how blessed she is. And.. to be honest, how is it different than other beliefs or simply the beliefs to become a better person? The road of a noble man. How is it different than choosing the be good person?

I think about it... long and hard.


So.. how exactly are each religion different?

Think about it I suppose.

Best,
Emily

Beijing, the symbol of change

My dearest friends, 

I have just got back from a 4 nights and 4 days trip in Beijing, China. On this trip, I finally got to visit the places that you know you have to visit at least once in your life, e.g. The Great Wall (cloudy, foggy wall for us unfortunately), the forbidden city, the tian'anmen square, etc. More importantly, since I have such a knowledgable travel partner (aka my dad), I think this trip is very mind-opening in term of my perspective of Chinese people, socialism and definitely it's potential as the world's biggest power (no kidding). Well, I don't want to share too much about what we do or where we went during this trip, but I would like to share my thoughts and the reflection on what I have learned on this trip. I hope I wouldn't bore you guys too much. 

Beijing (北京) has blown my mind in oh-so-many ways. The buildings, the urban planning, the redevelopments.. are in so many ways, much greater than I have imagined. I have been to temples and older area in China before, so I was expecting all these attractions in Beijing to be somewhat the same. But.. To y surprise, the buildings here are very grand (yes, you may argue that they are showing off their wealth, but who wouldn't?) I was staying at Dongzhimen area and the weather sucked for the first three days (foggy, cloudy, smoggy, whatever you chose to call it, I just can't see shit. Pls excuse my language). So I didn't get the see the lines of these beautifully designed buildings. I was really really impressed! Though my second thoughts after seeing that was "such a waste of space". The impression of how beautiful these buildings are.. Definitely overruns my efficient self. To be honest, people kept telling me these things but I failed to accept it, only have accepted the negative perspective that people have of Chinese people (not that it is not true, I definitely have experienced the moment that I know it happened from time to time). I definitely learned on this trip that they can be very helpful and very nice. It is just that it's in their culture, they have always done things this way, of course going outside of China, it may appears as they are being rude.. But it is the norm here. And maybe I should once again try to be open-mind of the people. 

Back to my points on their capacity in urban planning and redevelopment. First, the forbidden city. What. The. Heck. Why is it so freakishly big!? It's tiring just to walk from front gate to the inner city wall. Not to mention all these small halls inside the inner city.. And, all these halls that are practically serving the same purpose! I bet all the people who worked inside the palace (what Thai people call "ขันที") must be really fit walking at that length just to go see the emperor or talk to someone from another hall. I'll for sure get lost from time to time. But all these halls, they have such great characters. Great meanings. I mean someone told me it get redundant and repetitive over awhile, which I have the agreed, but I found it is very interesting to see the meaning of the structures. It is as though they have thought through the planning process many many times before they can come up with such a grand yet very symbolic structures. And it actually fit quite well to the newer buildings nearby, i.e. national museum, hall of people. 

Another example would be the "altar of heaven" at the temple of heaven park. The nine layer of everything they do. Nine bricks from the center, nine stairs and floors, it's very interesting! So beautiful and also so meaningful. The Art 798 (七九八 as the locals call the area). It used to be factories and storage space. Now it has been redeveloped to be a creative space, where everyone is free to create (of course there are some limitations, no political incentives). I mean, the reason I value that so much because there is a similar sort of space in Thailand, which I love so much. You can walk there and explore new ideas. It's a space where I can get inspired, and 798 gave me that same feeling. I dare say that this type of space is very very limited in Hong Kong. Something I can never really get over with (sorry Hong Kong, I miss this uniqueness and small startups, not so much corporations and franchises. But my point on 798 is actually.. The fact that it is so well-developed using the old factory and warehouses, changing them into the galleries and artsy stores (ugh, I wish we have more time to explore!)

Now a bit more about what I learned about Chinese people. 

1. They know how to "obtain" what they want, not waiting for it to happened. I mean that is admiring. They took the steps necessary without fear of embarrassment. Sometimes I wish I am like that as well. Sometimes. 
2. They can be really nice. I just need to learn and practice more of my mandarin! People can be redundant but they are helpful. Service are quite good (compared to HK. in Thailand it might be the same, but maybe that is so because I was staying in the city). 
3. They are just like us and why are we comparing culture to cultures and making judgment based on individual cases should not be assumed to be the same as the mass. Do you know what I mean? I think I've been indulging myself without taking a step back to trying to understand their cultures. I need to remind myself that next time. 

Anyway, I am now waiting at the airport, Beijing capital airport, somewhat praying that my flight won't be delayed. But also, I've found their airport to be quite epic! It's so pretty!! Sometimes it reminds me of HK and BKK airports (except the flights delaying part). Anyway, this is quite long, so I think I should end it here. I hope everyone would get a chance to go visit Beijing and feel as impressed as I am. Next stop in china maybe Shanghai or Yunnan or Tibet! Weeeee! Maybe I should start planning with ms. Lek! 

Thank you for reading. I would love to discuss more about what I learned or listen to your perspectives on china, so please feel free to comment! 

Also, thanks to my love or being so patient when I cannot contact him during my time in Beijing. Thanks for understanding. ;) 

A little something to share before I end this post..

Tian'anmen Square (天安门)  and Forbidden City from afar

:)

Love, 

Emily