Myself, Rob, Rod, and Fiona have made a wonderful discovery! We happened upon a new 'All you can Drink' bar!!!!! It's pretty much the same price as the Woodstone in Causeway, only this place is in Mong Kok, so, it's within staggering distance from our flat.
The four of us were looking for a nice relaxing environment to chat, and generally catch up, in Mong Kok this week. We checked out a few odd cafe's in one building, and decided to start from the top and work our way down the 25 story commercial centre. Well, on the highest floor we found the lovely Dundas pub and cafe.
I think a bunch of peeps should be heading there this saturday, but I'm not sure if i'll be up for it. I've had a nasty headache for nearly a week now, that only today has subsided somewhat. Last Saturday at the woodstone a fairly decent crowd turned out, but my head was pounding so much that I didn't really drink, thus was a bit more quiet than usual.
Sunday night I was feeling considerably better, especially since I didn't have a hang over, so, Anders, Shaun, Gabe, Sally, Rod, Rob, and I all headed out to Shek O beach. We were all meant to meet early that day, but due to the previous night's activities we didn't end up actually getting to the beach 'til about half seven. With bongo's and guitar's in hand (plus a ceremonious beer) we spent the night surrounded by sand, mountians and the sea. It was so enjoyable in fact, that right after work the next day, myself and Rob met Anders at the bus station in Shau Kei Wan and we did it all over again. Monday however, was a bit rainy, but we didn't mind.
Oh yeah, hahaha....... I was nearly sick that night from a sudden urge to race up and down the beach about four times. We had, of course, a few beers in us at this point, when I stood up and asked Anders if he wanted to race. He didn't seem to have any objections. So, after rolling up our pant legs we counted to three and tore ass like a grade 8 track meet. I actually had a lot of fun running to the point of exhaustion, but after I had settled back down a bit I was completly over come with a feeling of nausia. Literally for about the next forty minutes I was lying down gripping my stomach, with my head over a considerably deep hole in the sand, that rob and I had dug for the perpose of vomiting. Thankfully though, the feeling did go away without my having to Chunks-ahoy in the sand. I did ope for saving the rest of our beer for another occasion though, which was a smart idea.
Now for some work news! Yeah fun! Rob and I came into work a couple on monday's ago, and to our surprise there were stuffed animals floating across the floor. Yes, nothing says fun, like spending the day moving furniture in sopping wet shoes, because of a burst water tank. At first it was fairly amusing that there were four inches of water spreading across the entire school, thus knocking out all the computers, destroying all the carpeting, and killing off quite a few stuffed toys, but after a while I just felt tired and wet. I had to take apart Haddy's desk (one of my bosses) and it took so freaking long. Seriously, that thing was mammothly heavy. For the next week after that I had a sore back, and a stiff neck...... which probably has something to do with my reaccuring head ache.
....................................................................
Alright! We hit up the ol' Dundas Pub and Cafe last night, and it was awesome! Great View, cheap beer, the dice game, and jenga! What more could anyone want.
I don't usualy go out Friday night, as I work all day Saturday, but somehow my entire flat and I got the impression that it was Anders' birthday.
we sang happy birthday to anders when we met him in mong kok, and I guess he just thought it was a joke or something, because later on when Gabe and Sally came to the bar we discovered our extreme idiocy. It wasn't Anders' Birthday at all!!!!!!! IT WAS IN DECEMBER!!!!!!!!! Oh man, we're idiots. LOL, oh well, I had a great night at the new local, and I may head back there tonight.
Well, that's all for now. HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANDERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Friday, March 25, 2005
Wednesday, March 09, 2005
Chitty Chitty Bang BAND!!!
I've some big news for all you out there in radioland. I'm getting my own flat!
Yes, that's right, I'm moving out. I had been thinking of finding my own place on and off for the past couple of months, but I was having way too much fun getting drunk and messing about with the boys in hung hom to really persue the idea. For the past few weeks or so Steph has been checking out flats on Lamma, and I decided to join her to see what they were like for myself one day, and now......well........we're practically neighbours.
Going with my usual impulsive self I put a deposite on the first flat, that I checked out with Kit Ming. Initially, after my hasty decision I thought that maybe it was just a tad too impulsive, and that I really didn't think it through whether I'd be able to afford living on my own at all, but I soon rejected Doubt. My reason for wanting to move has nothing to do with being unhappy in my current situation with Rob, Rod and Gabe. On the contrary I've never been happier with my flat mates, because all of us are jsut so entirely easy going, rarely take much seriously, and we all seem to share the same sort of modern-morbid sense of humour..... plus we all listen to kick ass music, which never hurts, unless it's ridiculously loud. My wanting to go solo is a direct of the city life, and how entirely distracting everything can be, especially considering that my first foremost passion is for the arts; it's hard to persue such a craft as oil painting when living with three others, and having little personal space. So, this past Sunday I went out to Lamma again to pay the remainder of my deposite, and to check out the precise dimensions of the flat.
The flat itself is exactly what I was looking for, which is another reason why I was so quick to jump all over it, for it's a studio flat. Studio flat, however, sounds altogether too upscale, newyork for my liking. It carries the title of 'studio' simply because there's no bedroom at all, just a small kitchen, similar sized wasroom, and one large room. In total I have 350 sq ft of roof over my head, as well as a balcony, and a rooftop measuring the same as the flat below. I am extremely happy to have my own place, and I suspect that it can only get better when I actually make the move. The first of April is the big day, when it's legally all mine, but my new landlady said that I can move in anytime during the last couple of weeks of the month, providing I pay the first month's rent and and property agency fee ahead of time. I'm going to have to borrow some cash from one of my flatmates until I get paid within the first few days of April, because even though I'm budgeting like never before, there's nothing actually inside the flat, so I've been playing the role of the domestic dude for the past week. I've done quite well for myself so far. Today I bought an electric stovetop, a cutting board and some cutlery, onto of what I already have at home, which is a wardrobe, large wooden shelving unit, some cookware and a small oven. I'll probably have to wait another month before I can afford to buy a bed, so April may be a tad uncomfortable, but I don't think I'll mind too much. Last month I spent a lot on money on art supplies like primer, a crap load of oil paints, a pallet, brushes and paint thinner, so I'll be able to get right to work as soon as I make the move.
In other good news the old folks will be here soon! I think they get in on the 26th, which is great because it'll be just in time for Pop's to help me move everything. I've a whack load of stuff that's really going to be a pain in the ass to move, because of the hour long journey from Hung Hom to Lamma. So, the more help I have, the better....especially with the fridge, that's going to suck. I don't even know if I'm allowed to bring it on the ferry, though I suspect I'll be able to as long as I pay the friendly ferry staff the appropriate amount of moo-la.
Oh yeah! ontop of my dad's helping hand, I can put Steph's bf from Australia to work, seeing as he gets here in.........one week! Holy Shit, I didn't really realize 'til just now how soon he's going to be here in; it'll be nice to finally meet Josh, though from all of Steph's photograph's and accompaning stories I feel like we already have.
Lastly, I want to recommend the novel, 'Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Matainence' by Robert Pirsig. Never before, have I read a a story such as his, where I simply cannot imagine anyone not falling in love with his words. Pirsig takes you into a world where philosophy is more tangeble than anything else, and you cannot help but dwell on his words even hours after reading. Perhaps I'm being a a tad over zealous. Find the time to pick it up, and let me know what you think.
Cheers.
I miss you all.
Brendan
Yes, that's right, I'm moving out. I had been thinking of finding my own place on and off for the past couple of months, but I was having way too much fun getting drunk and messing about with the boys in hung hom to really persue the idea. For the past few weeks or so Steph has been checking out flats on Lamma, and I decided to join her to see what they were like for myself one day, and now......well........we're practically neighbours.
Going with my usual impulsive self I put a deposite on the first flat, that I checked out with Kit Ming. Initially, after my hasty decision I thought that maybe it was just a tad too impulsive, and that I really didn't think it through whether I'd be able to afford living on my own at all, but I soon rejected Doubt. My reason for wanting to move has nothing to do with being unhappy in my current situation with Rob, Rod and Gabe. On the contrary I've never been happier with my flat mates, because all of us are jsut so entirely easy going, rarely take much seriously, and we all seem to share the same sort of modern-morbid sense of humour..... plus we all listen to kick ass music, which never hurts, unless it's ridiculously loud. My wanting to go solo is a direct of the city life, and how entirely distracting everything can be, especially considering that my first foremost passion is for the arts; it's hard to persue such a craft as oil painting when living with three others, and having little personal space. So, this past Sunday I went out to Lamma again to pay the remainder of my deposite, and to check out the precise dimensions of the flat.
The flat itself is exactly what I was looking for, which is another reason why I was so quick to jump all over it, for it's a studio flat. Studio flat, however, sounds altogether too upscale, newyork for my liking. It carries the title of 'studio' simply because there's no bedroom at all, just a small kitchen, similar sized wasroom, and one large room. In total I have 350 sq ft of roof over my head, as well as a balcony, and a rooftop measuring the same as the flat below. I am extremely happy to have my own place, and I suspect that it can only get better when I actually make the move. The first of April is the big day, when it's legally all mine, but my new landlady said that I can move in anytime during the last couple of weeks of the month, providing I pay the first month's rent and and property agency fee ahead of time. I'm going to have to borrow some cash from one of my flatmates until I get paid within the first few days of April, because even though I'm budgeting like never before, there's nothing actually inside the flat, so I've been playing the role of the domestic dude for the past week. I've done quite well for myself so far. Today I bought an electric stovetop, a cutting board and some cutlery, onto of what I already have at home, which is a wardrobe, large wooden shelving unit, some cookware and a small oven. I'll probably have to wait another month before I can afford to buy a bed, so April may be a tad uncomfortable, but I don't think I'll mind too much. Last month I spent a lot on money on art supplies like primer, a crap load of oil paints, a pallet, brushes and paint thinner, so I'll be able to get right to work as soon as I make the move.
In other good news the old folks will be here soon! I think they get in on the 26th, which is great because it'll be just in time for Pop's to help me move everything. I've a whack load of stuff that's really going to be a pain in the ass to move, because of the hour long journey from Hung Hom to Lamma. So, the more help I have, the better....especially with the fridge, that's going to suck. I don't even know if I'm allowed to bring it on the ferry, though I suspect I'll be able to as long as I pay the friendly ferry staff the appropriate amount of moo-la.
Oh yeah! ontop of my dad's helping hand, I can put Steph's bf from Australia to work, seeing as he gets here in.........one week! Holy Shit, I didn't really realize 'til just now how soon he's going to be here in; it'll be nice to finally meet Josh, though from all of Steph's photograph's and accompaning stories I feel like we already have.
Lastly, I want to recommend the novel, 'Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Matainence' by Robert Pirsig. Never before, have I read a a story such as his, where I simply cannot imagine anyone not falling in love with his words. Pirsig takes you into a world where philosophy is more tangeble than anything else, and you cannot help but dwell on his words even hours after reading. Perhaps I'm being a a tad over zealous. Find the time to pick it up, and let me know what you think.
Cheers.
I miss you all.
Brendan
Monday, February 28, 2005
A Taken Man
It's been quite a while since my last post, and I appologize for the delay. I actually wrote a substantial update sometime last week, but some SOB shut down the computer when I was in a lesson. Oh well....
Noel and Margaret came and went, and they seemed to have a great time in HK. It was nice to see Noel again, and finally meet Margaret. We ended up meeting two friday's ago, and went out for a lovely dinner at a pricey Thai place in Central. If anyone ever desires some delicious Thai food, then I definatly recommend Cafe Siam. Being as Steph and I hadn't seen Noel in thirteen years, he payed for the dinner, which consisted of lots of food, beer, and a few bottles of wine. I'm telling ya, Noel's generosity is at times too much..........especially when it comes in the form of beer. Anyway, we had a late dinner together, took a few photo's for the folks back home, and then headed down to lan Kwai Fong. As it was a friday night, it was packed. We ended up at a nice place called Club 64 that I used to frequent a lot last year, where Noel kept a steady stream of drinks for the next few hours. To make a long story short....... Steph ended up missing her first lesson the next morning, and we were both still drunk when we taught our first two lessons. The rest of the day was consumed by a massive hangover, and I was elated when the day finally ended.
Though I enjoyed the single life, I finally found someone I wanted to keep close to me for more then one night. I am now a taken man!!!! I'm happy to announce that myself and Kit Ming have been together now for a few weeks, and everything's going smoothly.
Alright, well, that's all I've got time for now. I promise I'll write again soon, for there's much to be said.
tartar for now
brendan
Noel and Margaret came and went, and they seemed to have a great time in HK. It was nice to see Noel again, and finally meet Margaret. We ended up meeting two friday's ago, and went out for a lovely dinner at a pricey Thai place in Central. If anyone ever desires some delicious Thai food, then I definatly recommend Cafe Siam. Being as Steph and I hadn't seen Noel in thirteen years, he payed for the dinner, which consisted of lots of food, beer, and a few bottles of wine. I'm telling ya, Noel's generosity is at times too much..........especially when it comes in the form of beer. Anyway, we had a late dinner together, took a few photo's for the folks back home, and then headed down to lan Kwai Fong. As it was a friday night, it was packed. We ended up at a nice place called Club 64 that I used to frequent a lot last year, where Noel kept a steady stream of drinks for the next few hours. To make a long story short....... Steph ended up missing her first lesson the next morning, and we were both still drunk when we taught our first two lessons. The rest of the day was consumed by a massive hangover, and I was elated when the day finally ended.
Though I enjoyed the single life, I finally found someone I wanted to keep close to me for more then one night. I am now a taken man!!!! I'm happy to announce that myself and Kit Ming have been together now for a few weeks, and everything's going smoothly.
Alright, well, that's all I've got time for now. I promise I'll write again soon, for there's much to be said.
tartar for now
brendan
Monday, February 07, 2005
THEY"RE COMING!!!
Happy Lunar Newyear Everyone!!!
Chinese Newyear is just two days away, and thankfully that means I don't need to work 'til Saturday! Horray!
Now this may come as a surprise to some of you out there in la la land, but for the first Saturday in a long while I actually didn't go out on the piss. All day at work this past Saturday I was feeling nausious, and at times a bit dizzy, so, midway through the day I spoke those ever so rarely heard words........"I don't think I'm going out drinking tonight." I did naturally feel a bit left out of the fun, seeing as a big group was heading out for the evenings festivities, but I am definatly glad I stuck by my nausious guns. Working Saturday's at Interkids are always extremely busy. So busy in fact, that free food is ready and waiting for us all day long in the kitchen, for the fourteen or so teachers rushing about trying to sign workbooks, gather lesson materials and simply sit down for a moments rest. Usually, even when slightly hung over, the free food gets me through the day just fine, but such was not the case this time, as I couldn't eat much of anything all day. Later that night when at home I made myself a rather gracious sized bowl of potato and leak soup (one of my favs) but I could only eat a third of it, before bending over to throw up everything in my stomach.
Luckily I don't have a fever at all, and I suspect it was the oober cheesy, constipation inducing pizza from friday night that lead me to gut wrentching activities the following night. I now feel absolutly fine, aside from a bit of a tender stomach, so I'm ready to treat myself to yet another delicous Aloo Gohbi Curry in just about an hour's time.
Myself, Gabe, Anders and Shaun all managed to meet up yesterday for a two hours of solid, productive band practice in Mong Kok. The seven song demo is nearing completion, so it should be ready by the end of the month. We've all been pretty busy the past couple of weeks, so the closest we got to having a steady practice came in the form of us waking up at my flat, sometime late in the afternoon last week, and messing about coming up with some decent guitar and scribbling down a few lines every now and then. Anders, being the kickass guitarist that he is, came up with an awesome new track that got me singing right along. The both of us agree that it sounds pretty good, so we put it to use during yesterday's jam session. The only problem with it so far is that I can't sing and play the bass line similtaneously. Practice Practice Practice I suppose, and I'll work it out soon enough.
We haven't played any shows since Chicago Blues, for the reason that we're focusing on really getting our act together in terms of new tunes. Though he only mentioned it lightly yesterday, Anders was saying that we nearly have enough material for a new album. The more that I think of it, the more I realize how completely true it is......I mean, we do definatly need another month of regular practice's before we could really say the words "new album"with confidence, but the material is there. It's now just a matter of maintaining focus and working out those ever- so- wonderful musical glitches.
One last thing! I was talking to the folks back home just a couple of days ago, and it seems that they are officially coming to Hong Kong to visit Steph and I!!!!!!! It'll be awesome to have nearly the whole family here, minus Carrie-o-line, and Ian. Though I'm sure they'll eventually make it out here to the east-east-east coast. Right, the rents will be here from March 28th right till April 14th, and from what was said when I spoke to them Saturday night, I think they may even be heading up to Beijing to see the Great Wall of China! Which I might add, Is DEFINATELY worth seeing!
Alright well, tiz time to get some curry!
cheers
Brendan
Chinese Newyear is just two days away, and thankfully that means I don't need to work 'til Saturday! Horray!
Now this may come as a surprise to some of you out there in la la land, but for the first Saturday in a long while I actually didn't go out on the piss. All day at work this past Saturday I was feeling nausious, and at times a bit dizzy, so, midway through the day I spoke those ever so rarely heard words........"I don't think I'm going out drinking tonight." I did naturally feel a bit left out of the fun, seeing as a big group was heading out for the evenings festivities, but I am definatly glad I stuck by my nausious guns. Working Saturday's at Interkids are always extremely busy. So busy in fact, that free food is ready and waiting for us all day long in the kitchen, for the fourteen or so teachers rushing about trying to sign workbooks, gather lesson materials and simply sit down for a moments rest. Usually, even when slightly hung over, the free food gets me through the day just fine, but such was not the case this time, as I couldn't eat much of anything all day. Later that night when at home I made myself a rather gracious sized bowl of potato and leak soup (one of my favs) but I could only eat a third of it, before bending over to throw up everything in my stomach.
Luckily I don't have a fever at all, and I suspect it was the oober cheesy, constipation inducing pizza from friday night that lead me to gut wrentching activities the following night. I now feel absolutly fine, aside from a bit of a tender stomach, so I'm ready to treat myself to yet another delicous Aloo Gohbi Curry in just about an hour's time.
Myself, Gabe, Anders and Shaun all managed to meet up yesterday for a two hours of solid, productive band practice in Mong Kok. The seven song demo is nearing completion, so it should be ready by the end of the month. We've all been pretty busy the past couple of weeks, so the closest we got to having a steady practice came in the form of us waking up at my flat, sometime late in the afternoon last week, and messing about coming up with some decent guitar and scribbling down a few lines every now and then. Anders, being the kickass guitarist that he is, came up with an awesome new track that got me singing right along. The both of us agree that it sounds pretty good, so we put it to use during yesterday's jam session. The only problem with it so far is that I can't sing and play the bass line similtaneously. Practice Practice Practice I suppose, and I'll work it out soon enough.
We haven't played any shows since Chicago Blues, for the reason that we're focusing on really getting our act together in terms of new tunes. Though he only mentioned it lightly yesterday, Anders was saying that we nearly have enough material for a new album. The more that I think of it, the more I realize how completely true it is......I mean, we do definatly need another month of regular practice's before we could really say the words "new album"with confidence, but the material is there. It's now just a matter of maintaining focus and working out those ever- so- wonderful musical glitches.
One last thing! I was talking to the folks back home just a couple of days ago, and it seems that they are officially coming to Hong Kong to visit Steph and I!!!!!!! It'll be awesome to have nearly the whole family here, minus Carrie-o-line, and Ian. Though I'm sure they'll eventually make it out here to the east-east-east coast. Right, the rents will be here from March 28th right till April 14th, and from what was said when I spoke to them Saturday night, I think they may even be heading up to Beijing to see the Great Wall of China! Which I might add, Is DEFINATELY worth seeing!
Alright well, tiz time to get some curry!
cheers
Brendan
Wednesday, February 02, 2005
"I'm going to eat your face!" Lok Yan
Three down, One to go!
This is just quick add on to what I just posted. My last class went so smoothly, for whatever reason. They're usually pretty hard to manage but today was a breeze. Anyway, I have no idea how it all started, but as I was glueing worksheets into their books, one of my students looked over at me and yelled, "I want to eat your face!" Keep in mind that these kids are all about four years old........... Needless to say I burst out laughing, and couldn't stop myself for some time, especially considering that the rest of the class caught on to the, "I'm going to eat your..." kick. So, within a couple of minutes the three little munchkins managed to list everything from my glasses to my whiskers.
haha good times had by all
tar tar
brendan
This is just quick add on to what I just posted. My last class went so smoothly, for whatever reason. They're usually pretty hard to manage but today was a breeze. Anyway, I have no idea how it all started, but as I was glueing worksheets into their books, one of my students looked over at me and yelled, "I want to eat your face!" Keep in mind that these kids are all about four years old........... Needless to say I burst out laughing, and couldn't stop myself for some time, especially considering that the rest of the class caught on to the, "I'm going to eat your..." kick. So, within a couple of minutes the three little munchkins managed to list everything from my glasses to my whiskers.
haha good times had by all
tar tar
brendan
Quick Update
Life is Good!
My sister, Steph is here in Hk with me.,...I am now working just three and a half days a week, and I just recently found out that the folks back home will be visiting come this march/april!
Good Times!!
I'm sitting at work right now, and two small chinese kids are looking over my shoulder.....not really saying too much in english or chinese. One of them, Si Wai is in my next lesson, and she tends to be relativly quiet for the most of the lesson. But, just when I think it's safe enough to take the time to blink, she proceeds to destroying everything in the room. Without fail it happens every week. The other kids seems to be her brother, though he only responds to anything when I make a funny face at him, so I really can't be sure.........
Right well, today is payday! Sweet Jesus! Rob and I just cashed our massive paychecks, and in a few hours we've managed to collectivly spend almost four thousand dollars (HK). Haha, we rock. I think I'm going to buy another guitar tonight as well!!!!
I've been looking around for a nice bass for about 2000 bones, for the past couple of months, and now I have the finances to actually get one. Seeing as I have the money now, I figure I should buy it ASAP so as to avoid spending most of my pay on beer and curry.
On the topic of curry.......... Today marks the third day in a row that myself and Rob have had delicious curry for either dinner, or lunch; what's more is that I wish I was eating it again now. Oh baby, Aloo Gohbi, veggy samosa, soup of the day, lemon iced tea, and beautiful garlic naan bread! I love eating.
I've been on a movie buying bindge for the past couple of weeks, and now my spree seems to be carrying on to February. I finally bought the movie Pollock, which I've been wanting to watch since I first heard of it sometime in highschool. As well as Pollock, I picked up what looks to be an interesting movie called Outfoxed. From what I read on the back of the movie, it's a documentary on how the Fox news network operates, as well as what they choose to cover. Fox is notorious for forcing a pro right-wing approach on their journalists...........so it should be pretty damn gouda.
Time for a lesson.
Brendan
My sister, Steph is here in Hk with me.,...I am now working just three and a half days a week, and I just recently found out that the folks back home will be visiting come this march/april!
Good Times!!
I'm sitting at work right now, and two small chinese kids are looking over my shoulder.....not really saying too much in english or chinese. One of them, Si Wai is in my next lesson, and she tends to be relativly quiet for the most of the lesson. But, just when I think it's safe enough to take the time to blink, she proceeds to destroying everything in the room. Without fail it happens every week. The other kids seems to be her brother, though he only responds to anything when I make a funny face at him, so I really can't be sure.........
Right well, today is payday! Sweet Jesus! Rob and I just cashed our massive paychecks, and in a few hours we've managed to collectivly spend almost four thousand dollars (HK). Haha, we rock. I think I'm going to buy another guitar tonight as well!!!!
I've been looking around for a nice bass for about 2000 bones, for the past couple of months, and now I have the finances to actually get one. Seeing as I have the money now, I figure I should buy it ASAP so as to avoid spending most of my pay on beer and curry.
On the topic of curry.......... Today marks the third day in a row that myself and Rob have had delicious curry for either dinner, or lunch; what's more is that I wish I was eating it again now. Oh baby, Aloo Gohbi, veggy samosa, soup of the day, lemon iced tea, and beautiful garlic naan bread! I love eating.
I've been on a movie buying bindge for the past couple of weeks, and now my spree seems to be carrying on to February. I finally bought the movie Pollock, which I've been wanting to watch since I first heard of it sometime in highschool. As well as Pollock, I picked up what looks to be an interesting movie called Outfoxed. From what I read on the back of the movie, it's a documentary on how the Fox news network operates, as well as what they choose to cover. Fox is notorious for forcing a pro right-wing approach on their journalists...........so it should be pretty damn gouda.
Time for a lesson.
Brendan
Monday, January 17, 2005
Updates are fun eh
Dear Diary,
Success! I've managed to put another three months onto my passport! Yesterday, after finally rising from Saturday nights/sunday mornings drunken festivities, I managed to bath, have a small bowl of cereal and head out the door for Macau. From my flat in Hung Hom I took the ferry across the harbour to Central, then I made my way along the Sheung Wan promanade to the Macau ferry pier. Macau, like Hong Kong, is an SAR, and as far as I know it belongs to China right now, though it's history is deeply routed in with both China and Portugul. Macau is about the same distance from Hong Kong, as the closest docks between Ireland and England, and the ferry ride is quite fast (somewhere around two hours, round trip). Anyway, the reason I decided to visit Macau wasn't so much due to a desire to travel, as much as it was simply the means by which I could renew my tourist visa for another 90 days. This was the first time I've had to make the journey, and I'm happy to say that I didn't at all have any trouble getting back into Hong Kong. I wasn't even gone long either, and no one at customs on either side said a word to me about what I was doing in Hong Kong, how long I was planning on staying for (probably another year on top of this one) .........actually they didn't even say hello. I simply handed them my passport, they looked at me, I scratched my head, they stamped, and I left. HAHA GENIOUS!!! I may be writing quite a different story come the third or forth time I'll have to make the same journey, but that a risk I'm willing to make.
Gabe gets back from Canada today, so in a week or so myself, Gabe and Rob (we all live/ work together) should be speaking to our bosses about getting work visa's, instead of this sneaking around business. Interkids is notorious for screwing people around in regards to promissing, though never delivering work visas. They clearly have no idea how long myself and Rob (Gabe will probably move on to bigger and better things in Hong Kong) would stay in Hong Kong, at Interkids for if we were legel workers.
Aside from having to leave the country and worrying about whether or not I'll be let back in every three months, my life in Hong Kong is incredible. I am fully aware of how priviledged I am to be able to come to this beautiful city, make far more money than I ever could back home, especially considering that my only real "qualifications" are that I'm white, and I happen to come from an English speaking country. My flat this year is so much better than last year. Not that I would change a single thing about my life here last year, but it's just that this year it really feels like our home, not just a strange international rez. We live on the top floor of our building, which by HK standards isn't too high at all. The fourteenth floor lends a nice view, as well as the height to escape much of the noisy from the bustling streets below, though the real treat in that we have a fully accessable rooftop. Much of the rooftop is lined with large, leafy, green plants bought and taken care of by the buildings tenants, but the best part is the view we have of everything around us, including (on a clear night) the view of Hong Kong Island. Plus every single night at 8 o'clock there's (for reasons still unknown to me) a lazer show, that looks awesome from the roof, especially with a few beers in the belly.
So, I've finally decided on a name for my new guitar, Ho Wing Ka. Hahaha, oh man, to the few people who actually know who this little girl is, it's just the best name ever for a guitar. Ho Wing Ka is a little four year old girl that myself and Rob teach. She's absolutly adorable! She's so freaking studious, it's hillarious. She was actually in for a lesson earlier this morning, and when I first saw her she was standing in the middle of the hall with a newpaper unfolded in her hands. The paper was nearly the same size as her, so it looked priceless just seeing her standing there with an amused, however slightly confused expression on her face. I love my job! I get to teach little chinese kids all day long, and I don't even have to make any lesson plans!! Lesson plans last year were such a pain in the ass. After the first four months or so I started running out of ideas. I didn't have any sort of cirriculum to follow at all, and my only instructions were: "make it fun, but make sure you're teaching them." Yeah thanks! Anyway, tiz all in the past.
I've got to head out for another few lessons now, so I'll try and write again soon. It's nice to finally have an open form of communication to keep in touch with all of you back home. I hope everyone is happy and healthy, till next time.
peace and love
brendan
Success! I've managed to put another three months onto my passport! Yesterday, after finally rising from Saturday nights/sunday mornings drunken festivities, I managed to bath, have a small bowl of cereal and head out the door for Macau. From my flat in Hung Hom I took the ferry across the harbour to Central, then I made my way along the Sheung Wan promanade to the Macau ferry pier. Macau, like Hong Kong, is an SAR, and as far as I know it belongs to China right now, though it's history is deeply routed in with both China and Portugul. Macau is about the same distance from Hong Kong, as the closest docks between Ireland and England, and the ferry ride is quite fast (somewhere around two hours, round trip). Anyway, the reason I decided to visit Macau wasn't so much due to a desire to travel, as much as it was simply the means by which I could renew my tourist visa for another 90 days. This was the first time I've had to make the journey, and I'm happy to say that I didn't at all have any trouble getting back into Hong Kong. I wasn't even gone long either, and no one at customs on either side said a word to me about what I was doing in Hong Kong, how long I was planning on staying for (probably another year on top of this one) .........actually they didn't even say hello. I simply handed them my passport, they looked at me, I scratched my head, they stamped, and I left. HAHA GENIOUS!!! I may be writing quite a different story come the third or forth time I'll have to make the same journey, but that a risk I'm willing to make.
Gabe gets back from Canada today, so in a week or so myself, Gabe and Rob (we all live/ work together) should be speaking to our bosses about getting work visa's, instead of this sneaking around business. Interkids is notorious for screwing people around in regards to promissing, though never delivering work visas. They clearly have no idea how long myself and Rob (Gabe will probably move on to bigger and better things in Hong Kong) would stay in Hong Kong, at Interkids for if we were legel workers.
Aside from having to leave the country and worrying about whether or not I'll be let back in every three months, my life in Hong Kong is incredible. I am fully aware of how priviledged I am to be able to come to this beautiful city, make far more money than I ever could back home, especially considering that my only real "qualifications" are that I'm white, and I happen to come from an English speaking country. My flat this year is so much better than last year. Not that I would change a single thing about my life here last year, but it's just that this year it really feels like our home, not just a strange international rez. We live on the top floor of our building, which by HK standards isn't too high at all. The fourteenth floor lends a nice view, as well as the height to escape much of the noisy from the bustling streets below, though the real treat in that we have a fully accessable rooftop. Much of the rooftop is lined with large, leafy, green plants bought and taken care of by the buildings tenants, but the best part is the view we have of everything around us, including (on a clear night) the view of Hong Kong Island. Plus every single night at 8 o'clock there's (for reasons still unknown to me) a lazer show, that looks awesome from the roof, especially with a few beers in the belly.
So, I've finally decided on a name for my new guitar, Ho Wing Ka. Hahaha, oh man, to the few people who actually know who this little girl is, it's just the best name ever for a guitar. Ho Wing Ka is a little four year old girl that myself and Rob teach. She's absolutly adorable! She's so freaking studious, it's hillarious. She was actually in for a lesson earlier this morning, and when I first saw her she was standing in the middle of the hall with a newpaper unfolded in her hands. The paper was nearly the same size as her, so it looked priceless just seeing her standing there with an amused, however slightly confused expression on her face. I love my job! I get to teach little chinese kids all day long, and I don't even have to make any lesson plans!! Lesson plans last year were such a pain in the ass. After the first four months or so I started running out of ideas. I didn't have any sort of cirriculum to follow at all, and my only instructions were: "make it fun, but make sure you're teaching them." Yeah thanks! Anyway, tiz all in the past.
I've got to head out for another few lessons now, so I'll try and write again soon. It's nice to finally have an open form of communication to keep in touch with all of you back home. I hope everyone is happy and healthy, till next time.
peace and love
brendan
Thursday, January 06, 2005
Education anyone????
Having only a meager secondary school diploma under my belt, I have over the past few months begun to question the value of formal (institution based) education. I realize most of you reading this right now are in fact in Uni or college, so I'd like some feed back on this one regarding the potency, and value of your learning experiences to date.
The reason I'm bringing up the topic of education is. that just today I received an email from my folks of a letter from Canada World Youth. I applyed to the CWY programme sometime late August, and to be honest I pretty much forgot about it the moment I stepped off the plane in HK. I can't remember all the details but I believe the programme I applyed for would place me somewhere either in Africa, or eastern Europe. My position would be to live with a local family to experience first hand their culture, whilst doing my best to help build/rebuild said area's infastructure. The duration of the programme depends partly on how long I think I'd be able to last, as well as the area I'd be placed. Half of the programme (anywhere from three months to one year) would be spent in a foreign country, and the other half would be spent somewhere in Canada. From what I can remember reading in August it sounds like I'd be in a remote area of Canada, living with a family native to the area of placement.
I am interested in the CWY programme, but I'm also very comfortable where I am right now. It's easy for me to simply stay in HK for as long as I like.......providing I don't get deported somewhere within the next year. Before I came back to Honky town this year, I visted Meaghan and Chelsea in Vancouver. Much of my time there, especially during the day, I spent solo. I pretty much wandered around the city, walking for hours and hours each day. One day, during my week long stay, I set out to the Vancouver Art Gallery to check out the permenant Emily Carr exhibite; though the "permenant" collection wasn't available to me because of a special exhibite 'Global Change' (turned out to be awesome) I had the idea of visiting the Emily Carr Art Institute. With a bit of searching I managed to make my way to granville island, home of the ECAI, and wandered around the small campus for a while. Almost immediatly I could feel I was surrounded by people just like me, who were busy teeter-tottering between artistic self doubt, and blossoming creativity. Home Sweet Home! I was so excited that that night when I went back to my cozy corner on Meg's dorm room floor, I started filling out my application. Because I was on my way to Hong Kong without a job, I brought along a copy of my highschool transcript, which I quickly whipped open trying to figure out if I had the academics to even be considered for admission. I do infact have the marks (just barely.....what the hell did I do at sherwood?) so now I'm working on building an amazing portfolio that will shock the world!!!!!!! Well not really but there's no harm in trying.
Ah fuck, I'm losing track of what I meant to say. Right so, NOW after become warm and cozy with Honky Life I'm not sure what to do? I truely think that in the arena of the Arts, no one really needs to go to school, but I am not blind to the by products of being surrounded by devoloping artists.......Encouragement! Inspiration! Constructive Criticism!!
Anyway, I haven't really finished what I set out to say, but I'm really freaking hungry.
Oh yeah!!!!!!!! I bought a new guitar!! It's so nice.......and I couldn't really afford it, but who cares! I just won't be able to get too drunk this month. Plus I'm sick right now, which blows, but at least I have another reason to not party my health away.
Once again, let me know what you think about the whole value of post secondary education deal.
peace and love
brendan
The reason I'm bringing up the topic of education is. that just today I received an email from my folks of a letter from Canada World Youth. I applyed to the CWY programme sometime late August, and to be honest I pretty much forgot about it the moment I stepped off the plane in HK. I can't remember all the details but I believe the programme I applyed for would place me somewhere either in Africa, or eastern Europe. My position would be to live with a local family to experience first hand their culture, whilst doing my best to help build/rebuild said area's infastructure. The duration of the programme depends partly on how long I think I'd be able to last, as well as the area I'd be placed. Half of the programme (anywhere from three months to one year) would be spent in a foreign country, and the other half would be spent somewhere in Canada. From what I can remember reading in August it sounds like I'd be in a remote area of Canada, living with a family native to the area of placement.
I am interested in the CWY programme, but I'm also very comfortable where I am right now. It's easy for me to simply stay in HK for as long as I like.......providing I don't get deported somewhere within the next year. Before I came back to Honky town this year, I visted Meaghan and Chelsea in Vancouver. Much of my time there, especially during the day, I spent solo. I pretty much wandered around the city, walking for hours and hours each day. One day, during my week long stay, I set out to the Vancouver Art Gallery to check out the permenant Emily Carr exhibite; though the "permenant" collection wasn't available to me because of a special exhibite 'Global Change' (turned out to be awesome) I had the idea of visiting the Emily Carr Art Institute. With a bit of searching I managed to make my way to granville island, home of the ECAI, and wandered around the small campus for a while. Almost immediatly I could feel I was surrounded by people just like me, who were busy teeter-tottering between artistic self doubt, and blossoming creativity. Home Sweet Home! I was so excited that that night when I went back to my cozy corner on Meg's dorm room floor, I started filling out my application. Because I was on my way to Hong Kong without a job, I brought along a copy of my highschool transcript, which I quickly whipped open trying to figure out if I had the academics to even be considered for admission. I do infact have the marks (just barely.....what the hell did I do at sherwood?) so now I'm working on building an amazing portfolio that will shock the world!!!!!!! Well not really but there's no harm in trying.
Ah fuck, I'm losing track of what I meant to say. Right so, NOW after become warm and cozy with Honky Life I'm not sure what to do? I truely think that in the arena of the Arts, no one really needs to go to school, but I am not blind to the by products of being surrounded by devoloping artists.......Encouragement! Inspiration! Constructive Criticism!!
Anyway, I haven't really finished what I set out to say, but I'm really freaking hungry.
Oh yeah!!!!!!!! I bought a new guitar!! It's so nice.......and I couldn't really afford it, but who cares! I just won't be able to get too drunk this month. Plus I'm sick right now, which blows, but at least I have another reason to not party my health away.
Once again, let me know what you think about the whole value of post secondary education deal.
peace and love
brendan
Friday, December 17, 2004
holiday's are awesome
I am horrible at keeping in touch with anyone, no matter who it may be, when I'm away from home. Now, having established that minor detail I thought it best to start my own little online journal. At least this way I can regularly avoid the noisy internet cafe near my flat, by simply posting updates on here.
As of right now I'm sitting at work wasting time, waiting for my class to show up. All three of my students for this particular lesson, for whatever reason have yet to make an appearence. Of course I don't really care all that much as now my lesson will be shortened by each minute they're late. Awesome
So, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year to all!!!!!!!!!
I hope everyone enjoyed themselves, and drank on a relativly responsible level.
I spent my christmas playing guitar, eating rice and veggies at Yoshinoya, and getting pissed! It was awesome. Last years christmas was horrible.........surrounded by older chinese teachers from my school, speaking almost nil within a four hour period.
Anywho, that' s all over with.
Oh yeah, new years kicked ass! Being able to drink in public here is especially pleasurable, when there are literally hundreds of thousands of people around you........many of whom of so very attractive. Right so, a little off topic here but I found a shop in Tsim Sha Tsui that sells a 'must have' t-shirt. It's black (awesome) and has a rectangular picture just a tad more narrow than your standard A4 paper. The picture (slightly out of focus, which adds to the awesomeness of it) is of a sexy asian women seductivly biting her finger. In big white letters above and below the picture it says, "Asian Fetish". HOW GOOD IS THAT!!!!!!
........ I almost forgot, Christmas eve was one of the most fun days I've ever had, in recent memory. Anders, Rod and I walked around TST getting pissed (again surrounded by thousands and thousands of people, which is always fun when in a social mood) We screamed christmas carols, chased each other around, met up with ming, janice and co. Met tons of random people, and what's really strange is that tons of gals kept asking us if we would take a photo with them. So, the three of us, no longer feeling camera shy thought it best to jump into unsuspecting citizens joyous christmas photos. I really have no idea how many people's lives we entered that night, but it was definatly fun! I know what I'll be doing next year.
Also, Rod and a local friend, Jas, surprised myself and Rob when day after work by decorating the entire flat with christmas lights, balloons, a mini tree (plastic, and broken) and a whole lotta tinsel stuff........... aside from the ballons, which have either been deflated or popped by now, those decorations stand a good chance of remaining up on the walls 'til our lease runs out.
Right well, there she be.........the holiday update! There's plenty more news where that came from, but I need to teach now. I'll write about the band soon!
tartar
bjh
As of right now I'm sitting at work wasting time, waiting for my class to show up. All three of my students for this particular lesson, for whatever reason have yet to make an appearence. Of course I don't really care all that much as now my lesson will be shortened by each minute they're late. Awesome
So, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year to all!!!!!!!!!
I hope everyone enjoyed themselves, and drank on a relativly responsible level.
I spent my christmas playing guitar, eating rice and veggies at Yoshinoya, and getting pissed! It was awesome. Last years christmas was horrible.........surrounded by older chinese teachers from my school, speaking almost nil within a four hour period.
Anywho, that' s all over with.
Oh yeah, new years kicked ass! Being able to drink in public here is especially pleasurable, when there are literally hundreds of thousands of people around you........many of whom of so very attractive. Right so, a little off topic here but I found a shop in Tsim Sha Tsui that sells a 'must have' t-shirt. It's black (awesome) and has a rectangular picture just a tad more narrow than your standard A4 paper. The picture (slightly out of focus, which adds to the awesomeness of it) is of a sexy asian women seductivly biting her finger. In big white letters above and below the picture it says, "Asian Fetish". HOW GOOD IS THAT!!!!!!
........ I almost forgot, Christmas eve was one of the most fun days I've ever had, in recent memory. Anders, Rod and I walked around TST getting pissed (again surrounded by thousands and thousands of people, which is always fun when in a social mood) We screamed christmas carols, chased each other around, met up with ming, janice and co. Met tons of random people, and what's really strange is that tons of gals kept asking us if we would take a photo with them. So, the three of us, no longer feeling camera shy thought it best to jump into unsuspecting citizens joyous christmas photos. I really have no idea how many people's lives we entered that night, but it was definatly fun! I know what I'll be doing next year.
Also, Rod and a local friend, Jas, surprised myself and Rob when day after work by decorating the entire flat with christmas lights, balloons, a mini tree (plastic, and broken) and a whole lotta tinsel stuff........... aside from the ballons, which have either been deflated or popped by now, those decorations stand a good chance of remaining up on the walls 'til our lease runs out.
Right well, there she be.........the holiday update! There's plenty more news where that came from, but I need to teach now. I'll write about the band soon!
tartar
bjh
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