Fireworks and Chinese New Year in Pui O

Walk on the Beach

Pui O - Tai Long Wan - Lo Yan Shan Hike

Pui O - Tai Long Wan - Lo Yan Shan Hike

Quick post

This day turned into a longer day than I was expecting, I also lack the energy to make a great post so here's a list of the day from what I remember.

13,000 bolts of lightning hit Hong Kong last night, it was the craziest lightning storm I've experienced in Hong Kong, probably in the top 5 ever...

One of the bolts knocked out our electricity, I'm so glad I used my intuition and unplugged the TV and the Computer from the wall

However, our DSL modem and router weren't so lucky, I think the surge came in through the phone line and blew the modem and then the router, luckily it was diminished enough after that that the computer was unharmed, at least from what I could tell.

I had to go visit the YWCA to check out the place that i'm going to be coordinating a camp at next Monday and Tuesday.  I also called China Light and Power (CLP) and reported that we were dead in the water.

They ended up stopping by the flat when I was gone, but luckily the lady we have clean our flat once a week was here and let them in and by the time I ran back up the hill they had everything going but the air conditioners.

Long story short everything seems to be fine as far as the breakers go except for the damn, "Ground Leakage Breaker" I wasn't able to be home to let in an electrician the landlord sent over this evening, they never called to let me know until they were here at the doorstep and I was neck deep in camp coordinating down at the beach.

It's been almost 3 hours with no incidents...

Tomorrow is more planning, then Saturday off, then Sunday is half day prep, then Monday and Tuesday is camp time!

I also just confirmed to work with a camp in Sai Kung on the second week of October coaching a dragon boat team....

Macau Fever... (Part 2)

Now for the stunning conclusion:

6:51pm: A massive blast is heard and the blur of a vehicle slams to an instant halt in the blink of an eye. Dama throws some money towards the captain and the other three jump out and race to enter the airlock and clear security.  Dama collects his earth-money change and views the countdown board from the distance.  He thinks to himself, "Why is there no time showing?" Has his super sonic journey slowed time? Stopped time? No, that's crazy; it's just that the "Cut-Off" buzzer has already sounded.  This name is derived from what happens if any body parts exist between the outside world and the airlock when time is up.

6:53pm: A large group of Slowpokes were entering the airlock chamber.  Known for their speed and dexterity this tribe of people often travels aboard the fast vessel bound for the urban jungle.  However, the entry guards tend to be very cautious when tendering fare and this can cause vast hold ups.  Luckily for the quartet, they were able to hop on the coat tails of this group, literally, as the Slowpoke tribe is known for their vast coat tails.  Here is a security photo of the quartet entering the airlock:
 
6:54pm: The quartet was safely aboard their vessel and entering hyper sleep.  Just before nodding off Dama spotted his Janbo next to Samje and released a nervous sigh of relief.  He had completely forgotten about it in the chaos when leaving the transport.

7:35pm: The supersonic vessel battles tidal waves and eludes pirate boats as it enters the CCA (Central Containment Area) Dama awakens from his sleep, grabs his janbo, and leaves the terminal.  He emerges from the megalith and enters a busy concrete metropolis.  Nibra takes off on a quest to acquire something to cover his legs, as this is the generally recognized custom of Macau.  Dama, Samje, and Tane head to a special area where Dama's pocket computer can receive specially crafted radio signals.  These radio waves tell Dama the earth-location of their destination in the density of Macau.

8:10pm: The trio acquire their tickets from the Hyperjet Hydro-Plane Ferry ticketing robot, then try to contact Nibra through special radio waves emanating from Dama's pocket computer.  Nibra is outside the compound unsuccessful in his quest to acquire his leg coverings.  He enters the complex, utilizes the motorized stairs, purchases his ticket, and meets with the group.  Samje and Tane finished their ethanol bubble water, which just so happens to have a slightly higher percentage of ethanol than 7-up, and entered security clearance.

--------That's all I've got for today, tune in tomorrow for a conclusion, maybe, it all depends on how this sickness is treating me.......

Macau Fever... (Part 1)

Pretty crazy last few days, I'll try to reconstruct the events that transpired recently (names were changed to protect the innocent) **Some events dramatized**

Monday:

Approx 5pm:  Dama meets up with Tane, Samje, and Nibra to acquire food at a nearby establishment; the name of which comes from the large American bird otherwise known as the Kutrey. Tane proceeds to inquire to Dama about possibly going to the most densely populated country in the world. Of which Dama takes careful consideration over his blended yogurt/mango drink and earth-potato grease sticks.

6:10pm: Dama realizes that it would be fun to go back to Macau, a place he spent either fleeting moments under cover of darkness or later, in a rain soaked fog.  Dama relays his decision to the group and they take into account their time allotment.  Dama knows a fast ferry leaves at 6:50pm and explains that it will produce a more desirable outcome in relation to earth-time if they are present on this vessel when it departs. 

6:20pm: It comes to light that the outcome may be unobtainable due to the great distance between the eager group and their special pieces of paper.  These papers prove that they are who they are and are actually from where they were born.  The feasibility of the 6:50 option heavily depends upon returning to this very location within 30 earth-minutes.  Thus, the group is compelled to hire a nearby small blue carriage, knowing from past experiences that these carriages can sometimes approach the sound barrier, much to the distress of their occupants.

6:30pm: The quartet reach their village and scramble to reach their individual residences and acquire their necessary components for international travel as well as their highly glossed wooden noisemakers.  Their rocket chariot needs 10 minutes to warm up its afterburners before it can return, thus, the group knows it needs to be prepared for reentry by 6:40.  If this occurs,they will be present at the entry gate before the fast boat leaves.  Dama takes off to his flat to grab his identity book.  Nibra runs to the village washer-woman in hopes of donning a clean pair of trousers, rather than is multi-day old board shorts.  Samje and Tane run to acquire their documents and the noisemakers.

6:35pm: Dama sprints to his mansion on the bluff overlooking Pui O, passes three levels of security, and enters his vast abode.  He throws off his crocs, imitation Billabong shorts, and "Urban Man" shirt (Dama likes to dress down on occasion).  He then dresses in a Ralph Lauren polo shirt and D&G Trousers.  Dama still wants to maintain his casual fashion sense, but still give the impression that he's a man of fine taste.

6:38pm: Dama races back to the launchpad, down the hill and across the bridge.  He grabs his Nexus 1 cellphone, newly imported from The Union of 50.  This one is refered to as "Nexus 3" though, he always buys everything in threes; Nexus 1 and 2 remain carefully locked away.  The wonderful device shows a holograph of Samje getting suited up for his supersonic journey back to the place the quartet started their epic journey less than two hours previous...

6:45: Delays with the supersonic fabric coating cause the carriage to depart late and hopes of the four dwindle to nothing as they race "Fi-dee, Fi-dee" towards their destination.


Will the unrelenting quartet arrive at their destination unscathed and on time? Will Dama almost forget his noise making Janbo in the trunk of the supersonic carriage? Does Nibra have pants on?

----These questions answered and more next time in the stunning conclusion of "Macau Fever"----

Don't call my name out your window when you're leavin'

We had our T.I Christmas party today, which was preceded by a grueling adventure race that took 3+ hours to complete.


I didn't take part in the adventure race, I just made my way down to watch everyone cross the finish line. I also worked on making my "secret santa" gifts, which were an alcohol stove made from two Nescafe cans and two olive oil candles each with their own fuel and a lighter.

I ended up falling asleep on the bean bags in the restaurant for a few minutes before waking up and grabbing some samosas and a spring roll before going home to rest some more.

We all returned to the beach at 5 for appetizers, there were easels set up for paining and a Mahjong table, I learned how to play real Mahjong, not that tile matching game on the computer, it's more like rummy but with tiles.

We exchanged presents at 6:30 or so, I ended getting a pen holder had crafted from bamboo, it was pretty nice. Then the food was brought out and I was only really in the mood for the ribs and chicken wings, so that's what I ate. And some chocolate fondue afterward. Then I got a ride home in the van. Tomorrow is payday and maybe Chinese doctor time to see if I can shake this sickness with a little bit of powdered cobra tongue and powdered rat tail...