Art and Culture

Yes, dear readers, I've been to still more cultural events. I visited H K Museum of Art to see an exhibition by a famous Chinese cartoonist, Feng Zikai and bough two tiny prints. He looked at the world through humanistic eyes and captured everyday happenings in a humourous yet thought provoking way. He was also a philosopher and there were quotes of his round the walls. Funny yet serious. Anyway, I enjoyed it.
I had a morning at the US Consul General's home...he was out of town, so we either had permission or we gatecrashed! The occasion was the presentation of grants from our organisation to charities in Hong Kong. A very heartwarming morning and of course another outing for a posh frock.
I am taking on a role on the Board of one my societies, so I had to attend a morning of training which was interesting and hopefully will keep the brain cells from withering.
We had an outing this week to see the big summer exhibition of Picasso's works. It was amazing. First of all, our group of about 30 was only one of say 10 groups of that size waiting outside well in advance of the 10.00am kick off. I've never seen anything like it. You can't just turn up, tickets are sold out for weeks in advance. We had a guide who was so knowledgeable. It made a big difference when she explained how Picaso painted "layers" and "planes" of faces. And here's me thinking he just gave them all 3 eyes.
Les and I went out for dinner on Thursday before he flew back to the UK to see his mother who sadly is ill in hospital.We hope she improves soon. On Friday evening I atended the AGM of my group attached to the Chinese Uni Art Museum. It was an AGM with class. We took a coach out to the venue and had champagne and savouries en route. The meeting was conducted outside in a beautiful courtyard with fish ponds and huge illuminated dragons.The wine was plentiful and the canapes were fab. Oh yes, we did conduct the business too, then had a tour of some of the collection . I chatted to an elderly lady whose name tag proclaimed "Jessie Stewart", a good old Scottish name. She was born in Shanghai to a Chinese mother and Scottish father and has lived most of her (very long) life in Hong Kong. However, she still has relatives in Scotland and has visited them...in Uddingston, of all not-so-picturesque places.
Saturday morning was a little drizzly with a slight breeze, still very hot and of course the ever present  Hong Kong humidity. An early start, 8.30am to meet friends to share a taxi over to Sai Kung where 30 friends boarded a boat for a cruise round some of the fantastic geological sites on the islands. We boarded at 10 ish and soon realised the water was choppy. Er, very choppy. Within the first hour, I had been sick, one lady had to lie down in a darkened cabin and at least 3 others were a tad peaky to say the least. However, we all recovered in time to see the amazing caves and arches caused by the sea. We saw blue herons, huge sea eagles and kites too. The island are now protected and it is not possible to walk on them due to danger from falling stones . The formations originated from cooling lava after a volcanic eruption and as it cooled it formed hexagonal columns, a bit like the Giant's causeway, but pale yellow in colour. The guide was amazing and I now know all about the release of magma, the formation of the caldera and so forth. Meantime I had my own volcanic eruptions to deal with. When we disembarked at 1pm we were all ready for lunch. First though we visited an exquisitely ornate Tin Hau temple. Tin Hau is the Taoist goddess of the sea  and protector of fisherman and sailors. I bet I was not the only one to toss her a quick prayer for a less choppy afternoon's sail! We then walked on a steep path for 20 minutes to reach the restaurant. We passed an amazing number of strange bugs and beasties; huge black and yellow spiders on webs the size of tablecloths, 2inch long grey hairy caterpillars, bright orange catepillars with big red eyes, shiny blue black beetles the size of , oh,say  a Millars black currant liquorice sweetie? And birdsong everywhere.
Lunch was delicious, although I mainly stuck to rice and vegetables, I didn't think scallops and clams would last long if the water was as choppy! However, Tin Hau did the business and we had a lovely sail back, first mooring in a sheltered bay for half an hour for swimming. The back of the boat had a platform, complete with steps into the water and they also supplied "noodles" and a couple of lilos.
I don't do that. I enjoyed watching, though. Next we disembarked at Yim Tin Tsai to visit a Hakka village and one of the few Catholic enclaves among the Chinese. The church is dedicated to an Italian monk, Joseph Freinademetz who was beatified by Pope Paul VI in 1975.
We got back to terra firma around 5pm, then a hour transfer to Tsim sha Tsui, so I finally arrived home around 6pm.A wonderful day.I thought a bit of TV would round off the day, but all the English stations are still showing programmes about the Queen. The concert was on ...again, so was the St Paul's gig and I've aso previously seen the stuff about Diana, but I finally managed to find Homeland and caught up on two episodes, now at 8 which I think is halfway. Superb.

Here I am!

I hadn't realised that it had been almost three weeks since my last post. What's very flattering is that some of my readers did notice! So I'm back. I've had a very interesting time in between posts. Let me see... I won a raffle! Yes, I won the lucky ticket draw at our very posh afternoon tea and got $500 M&S vouchers. Since we all looked so pretty in our tea dresses, I suggested some of us go on for cocktails at a top class hotel. It was expensive, but hey, we're worth it. I've also attended a Book Group, a film about the handover of HK to China, saw "Best exotic Marigold Hotel" What a cast! These women are fabulous, and not a trace of botox or surgeon's knife to be seen. Their faces have so much character. If you haven't seen it, I'm talking Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Celie Imrie et al. Go! After the cinema, a friend and I went for a few drinks as both our husbands were out of town. It is a pleasant experience to walk home in the balmy air at 11.30 with no fear of anything scary happening.
I spent an interesting morning in Kowloon City where there are lots of Thai shops selling unusual vegetables and fabby take away lunches; home made curry in a plastic bag like a goldfish at a fairground. Afterwards, our hostess provided a wonderful Thai lunch and what with the walking, the food and the wine, I didn't get back until 4pm. Just time for a quick nap and shower then I went to meet friends for dinner. I only managed a salad.
I went up to China for the weekend as Les was incarcerated there for two weeks whilst they checked out his work and residency permits. (That's a year we've been here! )We went to revisit some of the spots we saw last November when we did the fact finding trip for Les' company. We found a butcher shop selling all sorts of UK pies and cheeses and bought some black pudding! We also spent a day shopping and each bought two pairs of shoes. Unfortunately despite best advice and my own prior knowledge, I wore mine for a whole day and my feet were torn to shreds. But when they heal, I just know they will be the most comfortable shoes imagineable!
I went from Shenzhen to the HK airport on Monday to meet a friend who was passing through HK enroute from Vietnam to New York. We spent 3 days and had a wonderful time together. She is an ace photographer, has had an exhibition, so I can't  wait to see her photos. She took over 1,000 during her ten days away. I was intrigued by her subject matter here in HK; also how she would notice something, then get down close to it, or take the picture through a window or doorway opening,etc.
Last Thursday I nipped up to China  just for dinner!On Friday Les got home and we lazed around on Saturday then went out to Lamma Island on Sunday before watching the Queen's Jubilee River Pageant live on TV at night. I saw the wee harbourmaster vessel from Eyemouth! The Biscoe Kid looked great, freshly painted in bright red and was fairly skelping along the Thames.
This coming week looks to be just as busy as the last two. As we approach the summer break, a lot of people go back to their home country so right now there seems to be a flurry of activity; boat trips, art exhibitions, coffee mornings...So I better get my skates on or I'll be late for this morning's lecture, which is on "sounds, crystals, mantras and scarves" Hmm. Will report back afterwards!

Wednesday 9 May / Wednesday 16 May

As I write, Margaret is packing and Duncan is enjoying his morning visit to our pool. He's been there every single day, he will be the only one who loses weight this holiday! Les has been up in Shenzhen for two days for business meetings, so we have been amusing ourselves, not a problem in this city! I went to my study group yesterday, conveniently located next to the Peak Tram, so Margaret and Duncan had a nice two hour visit up by the funicular tram service and enjoyed the views on what turned out to be a spectacularly clear day. After lunch, we went out to the Chi Lin nunnery and Nan Lian gardens, a haven of traquility in this busy city and easily my favourite place to take visitors and in fact to visit myself. We have also done all of the trips that our previous visitors will recognise: Stanley, Lamma, Temple St, Shenzhen, Sai Kung, Kowloon Park...

Wednesday 16 May

Wow! where did the time go? A week since I started this post. Let me  see ....Margaret and Duncan made it home withourt mishap, although I discovered he left a pair of shoes behind! He'll need to do without till December as no one else from their neck of the woods is scheduled to visit. But never say never!
Les went to Japan on Saturday 12 and I popped up to China for the afternoon to collect my new glasses, had lunch and was back in HK by 5pm. Now that's an international lifestyle! 2 stamps in my passport in 6 hours. Sunday, I lazed about all day, including 3 hours by the pool. I didn't plan to be there so long, I fell asleep in the sunshine with a gentle breeze rippling the bright blue surface of the water and the lulling sound of the water wall trickling at my back...Jealous? Ha ha!
On Monday at Corona Club, we had a quiz morning which was great fun, really got the grey cells working out, then the NIA session which got the fat cells working out. Then 6 of us went for a late lunch to give the jaws a workout too, both from eating and chatting! Whew! Then I went to the library and did an hour research, came home with a bag of books and spent the evening trying to decide on my topic for next term's study group which will have us select an object, artwork or artefact and write a paper on it and it's time and place in Chinese history. So I have been reading up on the Dynasties but I still don't know my Song from my Qin.
On Tuesday, I attended a lecture about  women in 19th century Hong Kong, it was fascinating and the lunch afterwards was delicious, in fact I had to have a nap when I got home. Then I had my Cantonese lesson, watched TV and went to bed early, I was exhausted!
Today I plan on finishing the ironing and housework...well I plan on starting it anyway. Then I will reward myself with an hour or so  selecting some poetry for my poetry club this evening.The writing is not going too well, I am trying to impose some form on my writing  and it's hampering the creative process. All that a-a-b-a-bb and such stuff I haven't thought about since school!That's my excuse, the truth is I'm really not that good or clever and it's beginning to show! I think I'll revert to reading out other people's proper poems.
Tomorrow I am going out to Tung Chung to meet Elaine and return the travel cot we borrowed when Jamie was here.
On Friday, I really will have cultural overload; In the morning, I am attending a concert of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, in the afteroon I have a VIP pass to the Contemporary art fair with my friend Lesley and in the eveing I have 2 functions to drop in to, one is a lecture on Indian silver with canapes and drinks then later there is a celebration party by the girl who makes the fabulous "blue button bags". I may just find it necessary to buy another one, especially after all the free drinkies!
On Satuday Les will be home for the weekend and we are meeting 6 friends for dinner in Casablanca...that's the name of the restaurant, we're not flying to Africa!

Lull

We are entering a short lull....Martin and Renee have gone, Gillie leaves tonight, Margaret and Duncan don't arrive till next week. Just time to get the sheets laundered. To our chagrin, the laundry closes on Sunday, so although Les took two loads on Saturday, I have another two to go today. We are so lucky to have the space to have our friends/family to stay or for dinner, it's been great fun.

Martin and Renee enjoyed their visit, especially the hectic and riotous time when they overlapped with David Jen and the boys. It was great to see them all together. Martin and David have got so alike they are almost like twins! Especially confusing on the days they chose to wear the same colour t-shirts!
I was able to arrange for M&R to hike the Dragon's Back, a classic Hong Kong hike. We also went to see Matilda Hospital where Renee was born and she got a tour of the building. In 2007, a new wing was added and people born there were invited to make a handprint to create a wall of Matilda babies. Renee was invited to make her print, so Matilda's wall now proudly sports a green Renee Braden 1982 handprint. It was a nice touch and she will have a lovely time telling her Mum all about it, with accompanying pictures.Then we went to see the apartment where she lived as a child. Afterwards, we took the green minibus back down to the Star Ferry. However, Renee and I boarded and paid, but then the bus was full ( it only holds 16) so poor Martin was left behind! Unfortunately the next bus took a completely different route, so whilst we waited at the ferry for him, he found his way home by train. I came back to find him like a homing pigeon standing outsde the apartment door. Renee was meantime standing vigil over on the island... Anyway,we all arrived back here safely in the end. On their last night, we took Martin and Renee to the very same cocktail bar we took Fraser, Ashley and Fiona six years ago. We saw the light show from the island side, it was interesting to see how far it stretched, all the way to Hung Hom and beyond.

For the next ten days, I will be once again concentrating on my HK social activities. Tomorrow I have Book Group and then a Cantonese lesson. On Wednesday, I am going to visit Kadoorie Botanical Garden with an expert on orchids for a guide and after lunch we will go on to the HK Railway museum. Then there is the monthly Kowloon Coffee date on Thursday which is always fun and will probably lead to some acitvities later on.I've turned down a backstage visit to HK Performing Arts and a hike on Cheung Chau as my diary is already full!

Time flies...

Whew! What can I say? It's been a rollercoaster so far! I'm on my third solo grandbaby sitting stint after a hectic and rain sodden day at Ocean Park. We had a fabulous day at the Peak on Wednesday and a hot hot hot day at Disney on Tuesday. As well as that, we have visited Stanley, Temple Street Night Market (kids in tow), Kowloon Park (three times !) our pool (countless times; a big hit) and went to Discovery Bay for an afternoon with Elaine and Hannah. We also had lunch on Lamma. So tonight the babies are sleeping and everyone else is playing snooker at the clubhouse. Tomorrow I promise I will snap out of Granny mode and opt in to the night time activities. But then, who will mind the babies and get up at 7 for the early morning bottle? Mmm. Me of course! It's hard work, but I'll miss them so much when they go! Still, we have two full days and two evenings to go, so we'll get up to something before the grand departure.My computer has again developed a fault, maybe time to renew? So I am on Les' work computer, therefore no pics till I get myself organised.

Hot hot hot

Just a few of the stunning exhibits at the Hong Kong Flower Show


At last, the sun has got his hat on! Unfortunately today I am indoors as I am meant to be revising for a Cantonese assessment this afternoon. Instead, I've been distracting and diverting all morning. I've cleaned the bathrooms and rearranged the freezer, then cleared a wardrobe so our visitors will have space. I've been to the bin 3 times with old magazines and general clutter. But alas I have not revised.
At the weekend, we built up the bed for Callum and the travel cot for Jamie and rearranged some furniture so it all fits in. On Sunday we tried out the bus from Kowloon to Stanley. Boy does that take a long time! We thought it might be easier than changing at Admiralty for when the kids are here, but the long bus journey would not be much fun for Callum after the first fifteen minutes.Once we got there, we had a lovely walk along the prom in the sunshine, a dim sum lunch then a visit to the market... just for look.We came home with a painting and a remote controlled helicopter... The helicopter is deemed unbreakable; we'll see about that! It flew into my precious orchids, then attacked a white wall which then needed a scrub to get the black marks off. I'm seriously worried for all the chandeliers in here! Les needs a lot more practise before the boys get here!But the painting is lovely.
Yesterday I went to the Hong Kong Flower Show which was stunning. On Wednesday I am meeting my young friend Shannon to give her a small engagement gift and to catch up as we haven't seen each other in ages. Then on Thursday, I am going to a gallery exhibition for lunch and to meet the artist Rachel Hovnanian. The installations look to be very stark, white plaster, but of course I'll know more once I've been there and seen it, so more on that later. Then it will soon be Friday and David Jen Callum and Jamie will be here! At last! And as I said at the top, it is glorious weather. Hoorah!

Mid march

So, what have I been up to this week? Monday: NIA then lunch with Pat, Chris and Katrina before coming home to finish off the dreaded ironing. Tuesday, study group at Helena May for a presentation on Chinese snuff bottles and then one on Chinese gardens, followed by a quick hop over to Pacific Place for Book Group.As always a fantastic discussion, this was on Hemingway; everyone had done some research, so the discussion was well informed and interesting. Just what is needed for a really good Book Group! The debut of Miss Aria Lily Hernandez was warmly welcomed! She was a little star and slept quietly throughout, despite all the eager "aunties" waiting for a cuddle! Then off to far flung Siu Hong for the interview programme at Lingnan Uni.
Wednesday was fantastic! Study group had arranged a private tour of HSBC archives to look at the George Chinnery paintings we had learned about last term. A wonderful afternoon, so rich in colour ..and culture! I tell you, you won't recognise me on my return to Scotia's shores, I am SOOO cultured, me!
On Thursday, I went to the theatre with a friend whilst Les had a boys night out with work colleagues; I felt (vaguely) guilty that he was already tucked up and fast asleep by the time I got home.
Friday kinda disappeared; I remember vacuuming and dusting, but that was so boring, I forgot it immediately.
Saturday saw us acting as tour guides for 2 of Les' work colleagues. We took them to Tai O, the stilt village then onwards for dinner at an Oz restaurant on Knutsford Steps. I had kangaroo and fairly hopped home after.
Today, Sunday, we revisited Les' idea of hell on earth, Ikea, for yet more bedding and cot sheets.....just in case.