Hong Kong & Macau 2008 Day 2

Today we were going for a walk around the Peak, and along the way, revisiting some of our old favourites that we were all too familiar with. Firstly, a ride on the Mid-Levels Escalator and then lunch at the must-revisit roast meats shop along Wellington Street. Lunch was the expensive roast duck rice that always comes in big portions, together with the yummy watercress soup and iceberg lettuce in oyster sauce.

Breakfast of our dearly-missed milk tarts

On the Mid-Levels Escalator

View of the streets below

Roast duck rice and the yummy watercress soup

After lunch, we continued our ride up the escalator and made our way to the zoo. Most of the animals were where they were previously, except for the leopard which was nowhere to be seen. Think its exhibit was removed.

Relaxing on a bench in the zoo

Some of the animals at the mammal section

Espying a mini rainbow created by the water sprinklers

We moved on to the birds section of the zoo, where the colourful parrots were raising a squawking cacophony and the cages really stank of bird poo. Slug and I gazed at the mandarin ducks with wistful envy - they were so loving.

We just sat at the benches and basked in the sunlight for a while by the fountain in the zoo, before moving on to the plants section. A peaceful rest amongst the trees and water with minimal brain activity - I really could not ask for more.

Watching a majestic Black Kite encircling above us

Clean and scenic loos at the playground in the zoo

It was next to the plants garden where the carnivorous plants fascinated Slug.

Pretty orchids in bloom

Obscured view of the commercial buildings from the zoo

We ambled on to the tram station, and took the expensive tram ride up to the Peak. Although not the first anymore, the tram ride never failed to exhilarate me because of the bumpiness and the steep inclines.

Slug and I on the Peak Tram

Obscured view of the skyline from the Peak

Upon reaching the Peak, we found Starbucks waving to us and we had some comfort food there before going for a little walk around the area. From the Peak, we found and got on a quiet path called Lugard Road (shouldn't be called a road since it was too narrow for vehicles) that led us into the greenery.

Enjoying some frappe and pastries at Starbucks

The quiet Lugard Road

On a bright and clear day where you can even see Kowloon and the hills behind

The weird wok-shaped Peak Tower and the many visitors at the top of it

What followed was us enjoying the stroll, admiring the breathtaking skyline below, peeking into the heavily-fenced/walled up mansions along the road, and making a racket shrill enough to frighten the birds away. Slug lamented that he should have brought his binoculars, so that he could peek into those luxurious rooms and watch that elusive Black Kite.

Unobstructed views of Central and that shiny towering ifc building

As we walked towards the west, we were nearing Harlech Road which joins Lugard Road. The sun also began to dip, and we had to shield our eyes from those strong orange rays.

Views of Sheung Wan in the west

At a desolate park in the beginning of Harlech Road

Taking a rest on a rock

Surrounded by greenery

View of the Pok Fu Lam reservoir from Harlech Road

We continued our slow walk (more like trudge) along Harlech Road, this time too busy panting away to make any more noise. The road brought us back to the Peak, its shopping malls and its disgustingly massive throngs of people. To conclude, we finished the 3km walk within 3 hours! Quite an accomplishment for the day, though I wished we could have continued with the Pok Fu Lam Trail, but that would take us another 3 or 4 hours.

Out of curiosity, we ventured up Mt Austin Road, a short uphill road that led us to the Victoria Peak Garden and the ultimate peak - Victoria Peak (we never got there though). We sighed in envy at those extravagant condominiums on this side of the Peak, imagine the sweeping views and clean air that the residents enjoy! We just relaxed at the garden and watched a Christmas party for kindergarten children going on.

Victoria Peak Garden

One of the luxurious condos along Mt Austin Road

Me chasing sparrows

We watched with amusement at how cute and exuberant these kids (a mixture of Asian and Caucasian kids with such professional English accents that we deduced to have highly affluent parents) were, and also frowned at the extravagance of the party (they were enjoying Haagen Daz ice-cream cakes! Back then, we were happy enough to eat Hero cakes during preschool).

All of a sudden, a loud "Ho ho ho" startled us and we watched in incredulousness as Santa appeared from behind the bushes. All the kids shrieked and dashed towards Santa, surrounding him and hanging on to his pants. This lovely image of this homely patriarch smiling benevolently at these children was shattered when the kids started to accuse Santa of being fake. One frowned, "You are not so fat afterall", while the rest were hurling "Liar!" and "You are not real!" at the poor Santa. I totally could relate to this poor guy, who still continued to talk merrily to them.

The scrutinizing kids assessing Santa's authenticity

If I were Santa, I would have flung these kids out of the garden

Santa proceeded to the pavillion, where the kids and teachers had gathered, and started to give out presents (of course, without first asking the kids "Have you been naughty or nice?"). Upon receiving their allocated presents, the kids jumped off from Santa's lap and started to scratch and rip the wrapping paper off. We could not believe the value of those presents - Barbie dolls, bubble maker, action figures etc straight from Toys R Us, and they fricking did not look cheap. Lucky kids!

The delighted whoop from a boy who now had a spanking new toy to show off

The sun had set and it was time to go

We left the garden, and walked further along the road to catch our last glimpse of the Hong Kong skyline. I was horrifically disgusted to see a layer of brown smog hanging low on the island, thanks to motor vehicles and the industries from nearby China.

Extent of air pollution evident in this photo

We descended the road and returned to the Peak Galleria, where we had more comfort food at Mac. You may scoff "You went to Hong Kong to eat Mac?", but hey, the Mac here has a greater variety than that back home. This season, we saw the introduction of fish fingers, clam chowder and ebi rice burger. YUM.

Sun setting over Aberdeen

Me at the beginning of the Pok Fu Lam Trail (will attempt it someday)

Glorious sunset

At McDee's

I love fast food!

The Peak Galleria

One last look at the stunning nightscape

After dinner, we took the Peak Tram back to the Mid Levels. We were greatly pissed by two obese Middle Eastern tourists, who wanted to reserve the window seats of the tram for themselves and their families. One of them, as wide as the tram door, blocked everyone's passage into the tram and ushered his family in. He signalled for the other fat one to come over, and the latter used a baby stroller to push his way through the crowd. He was actually using the baby stroller wheels to poke anyone (and dirty their arms or shirts) who obstructed his path. Infuriated by such cheap doings, I pushed away the baby stroller and used Slug to push the first obese bastard away. We managed to stake our claim on a window seat (but so did they). Now that's true Singaporean spirit.

We visited Lan Kwai Fong, but it really isn't like the nightspots we have back home, so we got bored and left quickly. It was then on to the supermarket in ifc mall for some serious sweeping of Japanese snacks and confectioneries that we cannot get back home into the cart.

ifc mall

It was quite amazing to see, at 10pm, there were still quite a number of office workers hanging around the commercial buildings, with some returning to work after a quick puff downstairs. No wonder they looked like zombies. I could not fathom how they could live such a lifestyle. Couldn't help sniggering inwardly because I was on a vacation!

Hong Kong & Macau 2008 Day 1

Third time going to Hong Kong, and no matter how much the people around me are groaning "Hong Kong AGAAAIN?", I am still not sick of that charming place! This time, weather is expected to be drier and cooler (which is way more favourable than those rainy days in June), and more hikes and nature trails on the menu!

As usual, it was a night spent at the airport before boarding our flight at 6.40am. I was quite surprised this time that I managed to fall fast asleep on the cold hard floor of the Skyview Lounge while Slug went around hunting for a socket to charge his PSP. Still felt great anticipation while asleep.

Thick fluffy clouds forming the horizon

And as usual, we rented Mr Chiu's apartment in Causeway Bay, and upon arriving there, fatigue drove us to take a long afternoon nap. Woke up at 6pm to be misled into thinking that it was already 8pm because of the dark night sky. Had dinner in Mongkok, before browsing through the shopping streets there.

First meal in Hong Kong must be wonton noodles

Some temple in Yau Ma Tei

Temple Street

We somehow got peckish after all that walking around and we decided to have supper at one of the simple seafood restaurants at Temple Street.

Aberdeen Seafood Restaurant at Temple Street

Our supper of fried squid in spices, fried mantis shrimps (aka scampi) with salt and pepper, and braised goose

Like I said before, the mantis shrimp looks like a bleached cockroach

I wanted to use their toilet to wash my hands, but I was quite horrified at how small and dirty their toilet, hidden at one corner of a back alley, was. What was even more appalling was their handling of food: they were washing and laying the squids on the dirty concrete alley path!

After supper, we met Bobo at The Harbourview, the hotel she was staying in. She was in Hong Kong to attend a telecomms conference and she would have to return the next day. The three of us chatted till way past 2am, before Slug and I made our way back to our own apartment for a good night's rest.

At the hotel lobby

With Bobo in her room

Even the MTR exits were locked up

Our gruelling regime of hikes and walks starts tomorrow!

Family Chalet Day 2

This year's family chalet gathering was kind of a letdown, because instead of the usual Aloha Loyang, it was held at the small and crammed Coasta Sands resort instead. Stupid Wee was absent on Day 1 because she went to Cebu, so the two-headed Ah Sir managed to weasel out of staying overnight there by lying to Wee that I was the one who did not want to stay, and lying to me that Wee's flight would be late into the night and hence could not make it.

On Day 2, we returned there again for the buffet dinner, which was kind of a letdown too because there were no fried prawns in batter! We had an unexpected guest too, a fat stray resident cat which 4th Uncle brought back to our unit.

The cat gained Henglip's and 6th Aunt's affections

ALL learning (but lazy) to walk

The buffet spread

There was a guest appearance by Fong Fei Fei on a variety show later at night, which kept the uncles and aunties (except the mahjong folks) glued to the TV.

A lack of seats had forced them to sit on the staircase

Nevertheless, everyone watched enraptured (since when Ah Ping is in their league!)

Later at night, Ah Sir, Wee, Haoling and I sneaked out of the chalet to buy Blk 85's BBQ chicken wings to satisfy our cravings, and on the way, we were all reminiscing our fond childhood memories. It feels really nice and nostalgic to look back on those simple days, fun occasions and stupid moments.

When we got back, we shared the chicken wings with the rest, and we were particularly miffed when this 'auntie' selectively picked out the wings and brought them to the mahjong table, leaving us the drumlets. Although 4th Aunt was also questioning how come there were only drumlets, she and 6th Aunt finished them up cleanly. Luckily they did not scold us for not helping to finish the leftover beehoon from the buffet since we were that hungry.

Looking forward to the Aloha Loyang chalet in March!

Investiture Programme

This week of seminars, talks and excursions, dubbed the Investiture Programme, will mark the end of my NIE course. I can't help but look back at those memorable times when I was physically present but mentally absent during lessons, bitching with my favourite mates Dappy and Peiying, meeting assignment deadlines, and observing weirdos around us and wondering how they could be teachers. It is amazing how this year has passed us by just like that, and it is getting increasingly daunting as the start of the three-year bond looms nearer. Maybe misery loves company, because the three of us love to whine about the pains and hazards of teaching and forecast about our definite job switches after the three years. I am so grateful to have met them.

Today, we had a compulsory excursion to the Science Centre, as they wanted us to experience the latest initiatives there and tap it as an educational resource. However, many of us felt that this seems more relevant to the Science teachers. Nevertheless, we had a great time enjoying playing around with the exhibits, especially the walk through the eco-garden.

Peiying having fun being an illusion

Me and Peiying

We spent the whole week attending talks on financial literacy, MOE code of conduct, pay package, CIP, health matters etc, but Peiying and I spent most of our time planning our own future expenses while Dappy was sleeping away. On the last day of the week, there was another excursion to the Sembawang Air Base, to look at helicopters, tanks, choppers and hunks in uniforms. With that, it concluded my honeymoon stay in NIE, but not the friendships I have made (and the $9.90 library fine I incurred).

Ah Sir's Birthday

Celebrated Ah Sir's birthday by having a yummy dinner at Sushi Tei, followed by dessert at nydc cafe.

Those chummy staff at nydc brought Ah Sir a slice of cheesecake and insisted on singing her a Happy Birthday song, despite of her embarrassed protests. It was our sneaky attempt to help her solicit unwanted attraction in public, and we succeeded.

Our birthday girl

Our birthday girl could not wait to gobble down the cake

Ah Sir, don't forget your birthday resolution! We will be watching!

2/2 Chalet

Was honoured to be invited to 2/2's chalet at Costa Sands in Pasir Ris, and it was a great joy seeing them again and asking them about their results (is the latter an inevitably-acquired trait of teachers?). Was initially warned by friends not to go to students' chalets, lest I see heartbreaking sights of them smoking, drinking and making out. Fortunately, this is a really decent class and the only vice they indulged in was playing mahjong (although they did not have monetary stakes, their deep knowledge of the mahjong rules made me feel slightly uncomfortable).

So I just sat there, enjoying the tasty food and catching up with as many of them as I could. It happened to be Godwin's birthday that day, and they had planned a nasty surprise for him. At 9pm, his buddies carried him (he weighed only 45kg!) in the darkness from the bedroom to the main door, where the rest of his classmates waited there and ambushed him with loud poppers, confetti and a plate of whipped cream smashed into his face. While everyone roared the Happy Birthday song merrily, he stood there stunned and wiping the cream from his face in disbelief.

Tengkang and Sidney dragging Godwin by force

The real cake emerged after they finished singing

Godwin gamely posed for a picture despite his greasy predicament

And who is gonna clean up the mess after all the fun?

Took some shots with them, which I can add to the huge heartwarming photo album they presented me during Teacher's Day.

Why is everyone from 2/2 so cute and innocent?

When two girls and I were about to go home, some of them escorted us all the way to the main road. How sweet of them.

Taking our final shot at a kiddie playpen at the lobby

For a moment, I wished I could go back and teach them again.That's the problem when you get too attached to something or someone.

Are our jobs 24/7?

Just read a Wanbao article on the primary school teacher and her sexy bikini shots, and was fuming when a parent who was interviewed said that teachers are on the job 24/7, meaning that they have to be on their most appropriate behavior all the time. And because students are everywhere, teachers cannot do things that tarnish the respectable image of a professional, mature and decent teacher.

What nonsense. We have our lives and we are free to indulge in the vices that we embrace. You cannot guarantee that all teachers abstain from smoke, alcohol, carnal arts, gambling, cussing, lunch-time affairs (I was shocked (and slightly inspired) to read a confession of a teacher on her lunch-time affairs in school in this month's Woman Weekly), sexy wear, indiscriminate littering, maid abuse etc. Of course, as teachers, we are conscious that we are being watched in society and we do feel the pressure to be an 'exemplary role model' in public. But not all the time! (But of course, carnal acts with students is a HUGE no-no, no matter how horny the teacher is).

And why do parents have to slam this stereotypical image on us just because we are in this profession? And when we make mistakes or go against their expectations of us, we have to undergo their criticisms, eat the humble pie and be shamed. Before they look upon us with their holier-than-thou attitudes, they really need to examine their own upbringing of their brood, which for many, is even more inferior than how a zookeeper takes care of an otter.

I think the safest image is to wear long-sleeved tops with pants, accessorized with dorky specs and an equally nerdy husband and kids.

Night Out with Daphne and Peiying

Hitting Powerhouse again! Could not believe they have actually made the hip-hop aerobics exercise a permanent feature every Wednesday. Boring!

At least we could use the time for a toilet break

It was a bizarre mix of patrons there. As soon as the groovable tunes rolled out, a bunch of angmohs started jumping and stomping around on the platform. A lot of Filipinos in the drinks queue. A while later, some PRC girls (accents and mannerisms unmistakable) gradually infiltrated onto the platform, which left us dumbfounded and gawking at them. Some of them were dressed in oversized tees, capris and sneakers with chunky accessories, and one had big Afro hair. What a sight.

Lolita gyrating her hips and her swaying short skirt inviting us to take a peek up

Met my DSS ex-colleagues who appalled us by having the guts and strength to come clubbing when they would need to go to school in a few hours' time. Free flow of liquor (which made Peiying unusually high and giggly) and free sight of dirty dancing at their table. We realised that the PRC babes were nowhere to be seen and a bunch of vampish trannies have taken over the dancefloor.

Me and Peiying

At Jingyang's table

Jingyang wanted some of the camera fun

Did not drink much tonight, and left Powerhouse feeling clear-headed and sober for once. Peiying tried to prove she was not drunk by calculating our cab fare to the exact cent after her bath!

Not Paying Attention During SS

Usually we get very bored during Social Studies lessons because ... SS is freaking boring and I know nuts about the conflicts between the Catholics and Protestants, the Sinhalese and the Tamils, the fall of Venice, blah blah blah.

Today's SS lesson was just like another typical SS lesson, but today, I was more distracted than usual, so I started drawing fishes out of the triangles on Dappy's foolscap pad. After I signed my name after finishing my masterpiece, Peiying, Dappy, Jieying and Jasmin followed suit just because they each contributed pens of different colours!

And I took discreet photos of my classmate scratching the soles of his feet. Yucks!

Was he really concentrating on his notes ...

... or was he concentrating on peeling off the dead skin?

When the tutor got us to do groupwork and brainstorm about the advantages and disadvantages of the US war against Iraq, we got bored again and started doodling away, drawing anything related to the war from torpedoes to oil barrels, from bombs to hot-air balloons (okay, this one is seriously off), and even to tribal people (I hope it did not appear as racist).

Abu and Fati, what nice primitive names

Oh well, it was the last lesson of the week. Looking forward to the two-day schooling weeks in the rest of October and zero-day schooling weeks in November! May the year 2009 NEVER descend upon Earth!