NOV - DEC 2003 & JAN 2004
Wow, how the time flies by! Happy New Year to everyone and warmest wishes for 2004.
On the right are the accompanying links to the sights and sounds that are related to this January 3rd Update. Enjoy.The outward aspects of the Christmas celebration have extended even to the Asian part of the world with colored lights, decorated trees, gifts, and Santa hats everywhere. Inside the big malls with elaborate decorations everywhere, you would think that you were in the US. One of our Indian friends explained this phenomenon as a "sparkly, happy" celebration. The skyscrapers around the harbor decorate their harbor-facing sides with huge pictures composed of millions of colored lights so that no matter what side of the harbor you are on, you get quite a show, not to mention the boats that take you around the harbor for the full view. After the first of the year, the decorations will go down and the ones for Chinese New Year will go up.
We spent Christmas day with some fellow teachers and families at the beach. Our weather has been cool (jeans and sweatshirt) with warmer days here and there, but Christmas day came through absolutely gorgeous - warm and sunny. The 9 of us hired a sampan to take us over to a nearby island where we had a beach picnic, laid in the sun, climbed the rocks and had a wonderful, leisurely day.
Chinese New Year starts with the New Moon on the first day of the new year and ends on the full moon 15 days later. We are currently learning about the traditions of past and present associated with this time. The Chinese New Year's Day is celebrated as a family time of reunion and thanksgiving, traditionally with a ceremony honoring Heaven and Earth, the gods of the household, and the family ancestors. Households have live blooming plants to symbolize rebirth and new growth while oranges, tangerines and specific candies each represent some kind of good fortune. Many taboos and superstitions come from past days. Here are a few things to ensure that the new year will be a good one: make sure your house is clean before New Year's Day for sweeping on that day may sweep all your good fortune away, on the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve have all your doors and windows open to allow the old year to go out, pay all your debts by the New Year, refrain from using foul language, bad, or unlucky words (the word "four" - Ssu - which sounds like 'death' is not to be uttered), don't wash you hair on New Year's Day as you may wash away all your good luck for the New Year, wear red clothing as it is sure to bring the wearer a sunny and bright future, the first person one meets and the first words heard are significant as to what the fortune would be for the entire year, do not use knives or scissors on New Year's Day as this may cut off fortune... We'll be celebrating with some special activities at school and then school will be closed for part of this time (as will all schools here as well as many businesses).
So, what else has been going on? Ann's son Mike stopped by Hong Kong for a week before heading to Australia in November and we had the pleasure of introducing another family member to the wonders of HK. We toured the city, hiked the peak, explored an island, visited a museum and Mike gave HK a definite 'thumbs up.' We've already got activities planned for his return in February. In the meantime he is backpacking along the Eastern Coast of Australia for the next several months. It seems that Australia is totally geared up for thousands of these young travelers: hostels, bus discounts, lots of places to see and do. He should have many stories to tell.
We conbined a business and pleasure trip to Australia at the end of November. A 4 day technology conference was what drew us there and it miraculously coincided with the marriage ceremony of Ann's nephew. It was a very busy time and much travel for a short visit but was wonderful to get a glimpse into AU. The conference in Wollongong, just south of Sydney, kept us busy for 4 very long days. We decided that Australians like to party - there were social activities until late every night but then up for early morning conference workshops everyday. After the conference we headed north to Byron Bay and talk about beaches - these were the most beautiful we have ever seen - mile after mile of white beachs and clear, turquoise water. We could have relaxed into staying here for another week! Byron Bay must be the youth capital of the country - so many young people - many doing the backpacking hostel thing - and it's easy to see what attracts them - surfing, swimming, kayaking, hang gliding, hiking, mountain biking, scuba diving, snorkeling.. Ann's nephew, David, and his wife, Jane, chose the lighthouse at Byron Bay as the location for their marriage ceremony. Here's the scene: the sky was brilliant blue, sun strong, a light breeze, the lighthouse solid and strong, a string ensemble accompanied the waves, guests in bright attire, a circle of flowers and David and Jane surrounded with love.
We are finishing up a working/resting vacation here in Hong Kong and among other things have done a fair share of hiking. The pollution that blows in from China this time of year has been distressing - apparently China still uses a lot of low grade coal in its industry and the predominantly northern winds of this time of year blow the stuff our way. In our mountain top hikes, we keep imagining the spectacular views that one would have without the "haze" in the sky. Take a look at the pics of our latest adventures and you'll see some of the yucky stuff.
Our next holiday is April 2-19 - weather should be in the 70's - humidity high - some rain - pollution levels should be low - sounds like a lovely time for visitors - any takers??
Billy just got back from the market with fruits and vegetables - the markets are fabulous here with delicious fresh fruits, eggs, juices, and vegetables at ridiculously low prices. Let's see what we have today - eggs, cherries, pineapple, papaya, bananas, spinach, eggplant, broccoli, tomatoes, potatoes - yum! Not to mention the incredible bakeries which lure you off the street with their wonderful smells.
Much love to all,
Ann and Billy
On the right are the accompanying links to the sights and sounds that are related to this January 3rd Update. Enjoy.The outward aspects of the Christmas celebration have extended even to the Asian part of the world with colored lights, decorated trees, gifts, and Santa hats everywhere. Inside the big malls with elaborate decorations everywhere, you would think that you were in the US. One of our Indian friends explained this phenomenon as a "sparkly, happy" celebration. The skyscrapers around the harbor decorate their harbor-facing sides with huge pictures composed of millions of colored lights so that no matter what side of the harbor you are on, you get quite a show, not to mention the boats that take you around the harbor for the full view. After the first of the year, the decorations will go down and the ones for Chinese New Year will go up.
We spent Christmas day with some fellow teachers and families at the beach. Our weather has been cool (jeans and sweatshirt) with warmer days here and there, but Christmas day came through absolutely gorgeous - warm and sunny. The 9 of us hired a sampan to take us over to a nearby island where we had a beach picnic, laid in the sun, climbed the rocks and had a wonderful, leisurely day.
Chinese New Year starts with the New Moon on the first day of the new year and ends on the full moon 15 days later. We are currently learning about the traditions of past and present associated with this time. The Chinese New Year's Day is celebrated as a family time of reunion and thanksgiving, traditionally with a ceremony honoring Heaven and Earth, the gods of the household, and the family ancestors. Households have live blooming plants to symbolize rebirth and new growth while oranges, tangerines and specific candies each represent some kind of good fortune. Many taboos and superstitions come from past days. Here are a few things to ensure that the new year will be a good one: make sure your house is clean before New Year's Day for sweeping on that day may sweep all your good fortune away, on the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve have all your doors and windows open to allow the old year to go out, pay all your debts by the New Year, refrain from using foul language, bad, or unlucky words (the word "four" - Ssu - which sounds like 'death' is not to be uttered), don't wash you hair on New Year's Day as you may wash away all your good luck for the New Year, wear red clothing as it is sure to bring the wearer a sunny and bright future, the first person one meets and the first words heard are significant as to what the fortune would be for the entire year, do not use knives or scissors on New Year's Day as this may cut off fortune... We'll be celebrating with some special activities at school and then school will be closed for part of this time (as will all schools here as well as many businesses).
So, what else has been going on? Ann's son Mike stopped by Hong Kong for a week before heading to Australia in November and we had the pleasure of introducing another family member to the wonders of HK. We toured the city, hiked the peak, explored an island, visited a museum and Mike gave HK a definite 'thumbs up.' We've already got activities planned for his return in February. In the meantime he is backpacking along the Eastern Coast of Australia for the next several months. It seems that Australia is totally geared up for thousands of these young travelers: hostels, bus discounts, lots of places to see and do. He should have many stories to tell.
We conbined a business and pleasure trip to Australia at the end of November. A 4 day technology conference was what drew us there and it miraculously coincided with the marriage ceremony of Ann's nephew. It was a very busy time and much travel for a short visit but was wonderful to get a glimpse into AU. The conference in Wollongong, just south of Sydney, kept us busy for 4 very long days. We decided that Australians like to party - there were social activities until late every night but then up for early morning conference workshops everyday. After the conference we headed north to Byron Bay and talk about beaches - these were the most beautiful we have ever seen - mile after mile of white beachs and clear, turquoise water. We could have relaxed into staying here for another week! Byron Bay must be the youth capital of the country - so many young people - many doing the backpacking hostel thing - and it's easy to see what attracts them - surfing, swimming, kayaking, hang gliding, hiking, mountain biking, scuba diving, snorkeling.. Ann's nephew, David, and his wife, Jane, chose the lighthouse at Byron Bay as the location for their marriage ceremony. Here's the scene: the sky was brilliant blue, sun strong, a light breeze, the lighthouse solid and strong, a string ensemble accompanied the waves, guests in bright attire, a circle of flowers and David and Jane surrounded with love.
We are finishing up a working/resting vacation here in Hong Kong and among other things have done a fair share of hiking. The pollution that blows in from China this time of year has been distressing - apparently China still uses a lot of low grade coal in its industry and the predominantly northern winds of this time of year blow the stuff our way. In our mountain top hikes, we keep imagining the spectacular views that one would have without the "haze" in the sky. Take a look at the pics of our latest adventures and you'll see some of the yucky stuff.
Our next holiday is April 2-19 - weather should be in the 70's - humidity high - some rain - pollution levels should be low - sounds like a lovely time for visitors - any takers??
Billy just got back from the market with fruits and vegetables - the markets are fabulous here with delicious fresh fruits, eggs, juices, and vegetables at ridiculously low prices. Let's see what we have today - eggs, cherries, pineapple, papaya, bananas, spinach, eggplant, broccoli, tomatoes, potatoes - yum! Not to mention the incredible bakeries which lure you off the street with their wonderful smells.
Much love to all,
Ann and Billy
Monkeys at Kam Shan Park |
Mountain Huts |