保險

The recent hot air balloon tragedy in Egypt was not the first of its kind.

The alarming fact is a lot travelers were unclear about the importance of travel insurance, in particular, what's covered and what's not.

We do a lot of travels and with our luck, from Tsunami, Bangkok airport shut down to earthquake in Japan, we had hit every recent disaster you could imagine.  We can't even begin to stress how important it is to read the fine prints.  No one should ever base their insurance selection on the price alone but, you will be surprised how many did.

It's a sad reality check.  I have had my own horrifying hot air balloon experience and sworn never again... but that's another topic for another day.

疤痕

In 1999, I was diving in Okinawa, Japan and got stung by a jellyfish which left a horrifying scar of the entire side of my back and leg.  That was the last time I go near the ocean.

14 years later the scar is no longer visible on my body and although I am still afraid to go into the water, I walked along the shoreline with my love one today who's so willingly hold my hand all the way.

That's why I count my blessing everyday.  I should be so lucky. 

悲劇

I never knew I could cry so much.

Why all the defenseless children?

Why is the right to own guns more important than the right of these children to live?

I don't understand what is becoming of this world.  I feel overwhelmingly sicken. This tragedy reminds me of the Port Arthur Massacre in 1996 in our own backyard.  How many more innocent people needed to die before someone do something about it?

I hope there is a Hell, and these evil souls would rot in it.

瑪雅日曆

I really don't understand the (crazy) talk about Mayan calendar.

This reminds me of what happened in 2000, NOTHING!

Does it matter how and when the world will end?  We are all given a choice on how to live each day so live it like it's the last day every day.  No regrets.

With all the nuclear testings and bombings, we will see the end very soon.

指南针

When you take out a compass, the needle will always go around in circle a few times, and return to its original position.

I once owned an old compass and for years, it followed me everywhere I go.

Then I gave it to him, hoping that one day, we will find each other again.

At the right timing this time.

That was many years ago.  Life took a different turn and I know you live a happy life now.

This too, will pass.

Happy Birthday to you.

白蘭花

White Michelia is one of my favourite plants.

It's not because its distinctive scent, it's the memories it carries.

I still remember the old lady that sells these small packs of white Michelia in Hong Kong when I was little.  It's one of the few things I still remember about Hong Kong.  It's harder to find them on the street now but in the last few years I was lucky enough to find them on Nathan road near TST.

Life can be very simple.  This is what makes me happy and thankful.

跳蚤市場

I am a devoted flea markets goer.

Along with garage sales, thirft shops and Salvos.  I like all kinds of treasure hunt, so much that I made it a mission to visit all the local markets around the world.  I have picked up an antique Japanese chest in Boston, a well made Italian leather bag in Japan, a cool bike in Warrensburg... the list goes on.

I sell in the flea market now and I have to say, it's something I much rather doing than my previous job.  I think this is what life is all about, doing what you like and enjoy it.

I should be so lucky.

與時並進

It's hard to believe I have been back for 3 months already.

Besides all the family time and rest I could ever ask for, one of the most noticeable changes would be leaving my blackberry behind for good.  It's truly like a breath of fresh air.

I have always lived a very simple life.  My time in New York demanded a few upgrades from what I was used to, but now that I am back, I can finally be myself and be happy again.

Life is good, I love the outdoor, I love my home and most of all, I love spending more time with my love ones and live life to its fullest.

家

It's nice to be back, home sweet home.

There are still some old faces, but many more new ones.  It's a very strange feeling altogether but so far so good.  I didn't miss New York one bit.  Not the people, much less the job.  I do miss my friends back there tho, it will take a while for me to make new friends here again.

But first thing first, need to sort out what I really want to do in the next 10 years.  I am taking my time now, I want to smell the roses.

後會有期

The day is finally here.

I don't even know where to begin to express my excitement.  The planning, the back and forth and months of hard work is finally coming down to the wire.  I am excited but exhausted at the same time.

I am never good at saying goodbye, and had probably left out a few (important) people unintentionally but this is it, my job is done here.  We will just have to figure the rest out when we get back home.

I need a vacation.

Buon viaggio!