Am I a Honky now?

I've made a decision. I am gonna stay in Hong Kong for about a month. As a Canadian, I am allowed to stay for 90 days, upon entry into Hong Kong. So, it's a non-effort for me to stay here. All I have to do is find a place to stay (and I am working on that part).

Over the last few days, I've been absorbing all there is to Chinese New Years. It's considerably different than it is in Vancouver. Back in (my old home) Vancouver, it's almost transparent to the non-Asian residents. There are the obvious "Kung Hei Fat Choy" posters all over the place, but unless you're Asian, that's about all you really notice. Here in Hong Kong, it's WAY different. It seems to be the most important event in the Chinese year. The whole city/country/race shuts down from their regular hectic life, to observe all manner of tradition and superstition.

It's kinda weird to walk around Hong Kong on a weekday afternoon, and see empty streets and closed shops. This is a city that normally runs 20 hours a day, every day. It was like a ghost town here. Very odd. Now that it is "day 4" of the new year, shops are open again, and it's back to normal.

Now that I am in Hong Kong, I am venturing out of my comfort zone, and trying all kinds of other foods. Stuff that I would not normally eat. The Honkies love to put all sorts of things into buns. If it's in a bun, it must be good. Today, I had a green bun with stuff in it that I cannot identify, but it was very tasty - whatever it was. I think that the Chinese have a passion for baked goods that is only equaled in France.

It will be interesting to stay in Hong Kong for a month. I will be spending time working on my portfolio. I've shot a LOT of photos over the last 3 months while I've been traveling. Stay tuned for a Flickr site with a bunch of photos that should allow you to see what I've experienced. I will likely head into China sometime in March.

Happy New Year (again)

Today is New Years Day in Asia, using the Lunar Calendar. I am in Hong Kong during this period, and it's an interesting celebration to witness. Of course, Chinese New Year is celebrated in Canada and around the world, but it's not quite as spectacular as it is here in Asia. The crowds of people here make the celebration a huge awe-inspiring event.

The Chinese people are pretty traditional, and superstitious. I am slowly learning all the various traditions that are to observed, so as to not bring myself bad luck. My Ex, John is here visiting his Father, and he has been very helpful with explaining the superstitions that I need to be aware of. For instance, you have to wear new underwear on New Years eve. Apparently, it's bad luck to be wearing old Y-Fronts when the clock hits midnight.

Last night, on NY Eve, we went to Victoria Park, which is where the Night Market takes place in HK on CNY. It was SOOO crowded. The throngs of people were so thick at some places that it was impossible to move. Most of the items for sale at this market were flowers, inflatable toys, and anything to do with the Ox (since this is the Year of the Ox). Tomorrow night, there will be a large fireworks display over Victoria Harbour. I am sure that will be super crowded, too.



I think there will be a lot of photo opportunities over the next few days. It's kinda cold here, but it's nice and not raining. So it's great to be outdoors to take it all in. It will be nice to see my local friends again, since many of them are off from work and school, for the New Years period.

The Philippines Observer

I've had a few days in the bustling metropolis that is Manila, to take it all in and make my list of observations. It's a very curious city, that is unique in it's own way. It's kinda hard to define Manila, and the Philippines, in comparison to other cities/countries, but I will do my best to help you, gentle reader, to understand what this place is like. Strap yourself in, and lets go....

1) The Filipinos are a proud people. They are deeply religious, in a Catholic way. It controls all that they do, and affects them in ways they can't comprehend. Since about 90% of the population is Catholic - it's the 4th largest Catholic nation in the world, in terms of sheer numbers (ahead of even Italy) - the Vatican has a significant influence on daily life here. Contraception is difficult to talk about, or find information on. It is not taught in schools, and counselors that are willing to help with contraception are underground. I've seen an alarming amount of young people with children of their own. It's not uncommon for families to have 8 - 12 children. It's quite amazing to witness.

2) Manila is bereft of cultural things. I tried in vain to find something to do that had a smidgen of culture attached to it. It was pretty difficult to find anything. There is nothing like a world-class museum here, a la MOMA or the Tate. All of the listings I've found online, were for 'museums' that are a small room in a University or office building. The Centre of Culture in Manila is in the form of a large shopping mall. It's called "The Mall of Asia". I think you're supposed to say that in a booming voice.

3) Continuing on the 'proud' mention earlier, it's interesting to note that people here are quite proud to wear a uniform. Of any kind. It seems to give them a sense of belonging. It doesn't matter if it is a uniform from a fast-food outlet, or for a school, or a department store...they wear it everywhere. In Canada, people would not be caught dead in an outfit that identified where they work. The moment they leave the job, the uniform is off. Not here in the Philippines. It's like a badge of honour.

4) Dogs have jobs. I've been sniffed by 'guard dogs' lots of times here. The dogs look quite bored, because they never smell anything. I wonder just how often they get to sniff anything other than some humans butt?

5) Filipinos have an amazing capacity to accept things that are already old in other parts of the world. Case in point: I was in a magazine store, and there were many magazines that had dates from 2006. This, in a store that should thrive on up-to-date information.

6) Traffic is abysmal here. Sometimes it's just easier to walk. Cars just go nowhere. During rush hour, traffic lights are ignored, and traffic directors take over, but not everyone observes their direction. It's total chaos.

7) People are smaller here. It's hard to describe, but just imagine that most men here are about 8- 12 inches shorter than their counterparts in Canada or USA. It's quite interesting to note. Sure, there are the exceptions, but the general population are tiny. Both men and women. Finding clothes that fit me is kinda difficult.

So, tomorrow I am heading back to Hong Kong. It's been close to 3 months since I've been there, and I am looking forward to being back. I will be there to observe Chinese New Years. It should be fun. When I am there, I will also attempt to obtain my Visitor's Visa for China. The offices in Hong Kong are closed for CNY, but once they open, I will be there, waiting.

No Thrilla in Manila...

So here I am in Manila. This is my second time here, having been here about 8 months ago, back in May of '08. Back then, oh-so-long-ago, I was less then enamored with the place. Manila seems to me to be one big slum followed by another big slum.

There are a few things about Manila that stand out to me, and this visit just confirms it.

1) There is a much more visible divide amongst the rich and poor here. There is a significant middle class, but the poor largely outnumber them. It's very common to see large, expensive shopping malls with high end shops in them, and across the street you will see shanty towns with thousands of shacks made from spare sheet metal and cardboard. It's also normal to see young children begging on street corners or selling newspapers or flowers at stoplights. Sad, really.

2) What is with all the armed guards everywhere? It's a standard routine to be frisked and metal-detected every time you enter a mall or hotel here. In the one day I've been in Manila, I've gone through about 10 metal detectors and been patted down more times than I can count. Is the terrorist risk that high here? Or is it just a way to keep people employed? I get the impression that it's a prestigious job to be a security guard in Manila. You get to wear a uniform and carry a gun. Hot.

3) The posting I made about the traffic system in Asia is being proved right here. Traffic is a constant snarl here, and I think it is because they've adopted the American traffic rules here. There are stop lights everywhere, and traffic seems to be at a standstill all the time. It's like one big red traffic light. Nothing seems to move.

I have a few more days here in Manila (or Po-Land, as I like to call it. Hey Ritchie!). I am hoping that I will find some interesting, cultural things to do. I am sure there must be a museum or art gallery somewhere here. I have not taken any photos yet. So far, I have not seen anything worth the pixels.

Buh Bye, Thailand

Today is my last day in Thailand (for a while, at least). I've been in Chiang Mai for the last 4 days or so. It's been nice and relaxing. It's quite a contrast to Bangkok. Chiang Mai is like Bangkok's lazy kid brother that sits around all day, drinks Singha beer and spends it's nights shopping. The hustle and bustle that I am familiar with in Bangkok is conspicuously absent here. Sure there are a LOT of street-side hawkers, but it's just not on the same level.

Yesterday, I visited the 26th Annual Bor Sang Umbrella Festival. It's not as boring as it sounds. It was very colourful and informative. I never really knew what went into the making of a paper umbrella (not the ones in fruity drinks - but the real ones). It was pretty fascinating to see the construction process of this centuries-old handicraft. And I got some terrific photos as a bonus. While I was there, I got my camera backpack painted too. The same guy that paints the umbrellas painted a big gold and red dragon on my backpack. Pretty cool.

It seems that all the street shopping in Thailand is done at night. I assume that is mostly because it's usually too freaking hot in the day time. Outside my hotel, there is the 'Famous' Night Bazaar. They call it famous, but I am not sure what makes it so. Also, on Sunday nights, there is another market called the Tha Pae Walking Street market. Basically, a normally busy street is shut down to traffic and becomes a night market. This one in particular is full of vendors that sell home-made crafts and art. There is very little of the knock-off polo shirts and Diesel jeans at that market. And, I've come to the conclusion that every blind person in Thailand works as a music busker in a market somewhere. There were dozens of performers - all blind - in this market. Good for them, I guess.

I ate at a great restaurant in a new hotel in the street market area. The hotel is called "U Chiang Mai". It's a very beautiful hotel, and the street-front restaurant and bar was a nice respite from the crowded market. I was expecting to eat some yummy Thai food, but instead I had a cheeseburger. My choice was quickly made, when I saw the item listed on the menu. They called it the "U Bugger". It was the obvious choice.

Tomorrow, I am heading to Manila for a few days. I have not made too many plans yet. I assume some shopping will happen. It's supposed to rain, a lot.

Tough Choice

So, I've noticed two 'opportunities' since I've been here in Thailand. They are very different, but both have their charms. I've added a Poll to my site, so you can vote on which one you think I am more suited for, after you read about them.

First up is "Monk for a Month". In 30 short days, I can be ordained as a Novice Monk. I could actually do it sooner (in 7 days), but why not go 'all in'? If you check out the link, you can see all the benefits that I would enjoy, along with the costs of enjoying them. I'd have to give up a lot, though. Listed here are the 10 precepts required of a Novice:

1. Refrain from killing living things
2. Refrain from stealing
3. Refrain from sexual misconduct
4. Refrain from lying and gossiping
5. Refrain from taking intoxicants (drugs, alcohol)
6. Refrain from taking food at inappropriate times (after noon)
7. Refrain from singing, dancing, playing music or attending performances
8. Refrain from wearing perfume, cosmetics and decorative accessories
9. Refrain from sitting on high chairs and sleeping on luxurious, soft beds
10. Refrain from accepting money

It might be tough giving up drinking, singing, soft beds, money and sexual misconduct. But think of the benefits! Orange robes, shaved heads, being amongst lots of other men (oh wait, that's #3).

The second choice is becoming an Island Caretaker for an island in the Great Barrier Reef, off the coast of Northern Australia. This is a tourism promotion from the Queensland Tourism Board, called "the Best Job in the World". Basically, I'd get to sit on a beautiful island for 6 months, and get paid heaps of money for very little work. I would have to write a blog once a week (I think I can do that, clearly), shoot some video footage, take a bunch of photos for the blog, and wander around the island every day. Oh - and snorkeling in the Reef every day, too.

This second one sounds a lot like a reality TV show, but even if it is, it'd be worth while. Plus, if I apply and win, I'd get to bring a friend. Please start your applications now. Just in case.

So? Place your vote.

Gold Scaffolding

Today was my first full day in Chiang Mai. It was rather enjoyable. I started the day off with big mugga Starbucks (2 stores within a 2 block radius of my hotel). The weather is a tad bit chilly, but it's still quite pleasant. It was warm enough to wear shorts. All the Thai locals were wearing wool sweaters and scarves, but us Farangs were wearing shorts and t-shirts. I guess we are a hardier bunch. =)

This morning, I went to the local tourist trap: the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple. This temple is perched high atop the local mountains, and requires a lengthy climb up a few hundred steps. The road leading to the temple is one of the windiest (snakiest?) I've ever encountered. I can't imagine walking or cycling it. On the way up the staircase to the temple, there was a nice old elephant gladly taking food donations from willing tourists. It was fun to watch the elegant beast vacuum up the offerings with it's trunk and stuff it into it's mouth.

Once in the temple itself, I was a little disappointed. The temple is famous for being totally covered in gold. But now, it is also covered in gold scaffolding, as it is undergoing some maintenance. Bad timing, unfortunately. Though, I still managed to get some great photos of other areas of the temple. It was supremely crowded today, so there are pretty well no photos without people in them, but I am still satisfied.

Later in the day, I visited the local shopping meccas: Nimmanhaemin Road, and the Night Market. Neither were worth writing home about (oh, too late!). But they are worth seeing, just to say I did. I have seen WAY too many Hill Tribe women peddling wooden frogs. These are carved frogs with ridges on the back, that you are to rub with another piece of wood, in a vain attempt to make it sound like a frog. I've heard frogs before (and eaten them too, yum), and they certainly don't sound like wood being rubbed against wood. Who buys this stuff?

Traffic

Brrrr……it’s cold in Thailand. Recent news reports say that it’s the coldest it’s been in Bangkok for at least a decade. Overnight lows are in the low teens, and daytime highs area about +22 or so. I know, I know….it’s much colder where you are. But, I paid good money for this, and I think I should expect some heat, right? I want to sweat out all the toxins I’ve been putting in to my liver.

I’ve had a pretty lazy few days in Bangkok, again. Something about this city makes me just want to do very little. I wonder if it would be that way if I lived here? Perhaps it is the environmental influences. Most people in Thailand seem to work at a slower pace than, say, Hong Kong. It’s not a bad thing, by any means. But it is a noticeable difference in speed and energy.

I’ve been giving a lot of thought to the traffic here. Well, not just here in Thailand, but in Asia in general. I’ve made a few references to how I was a bit frightened about the traffic, before. But the more I see and experience it, the better it seems to me. Back in Canada, it’s common to hear people complain (and joke/tease) about bad Asian drivers. But, I am here to defend them now. I think that drivers that learned to drive here in Asia are taught a much different style of driving. Drivers here have a much more fluid style of driving, than in Canada. There is no aggression. Rules of the road are casually observed, not rigidly. Lane dividers? Who needs those?

Once someone is taught to drive on the streets of any Asian country, and then placed on the roads in Canada, its like a fish out of water. The rules are much more strict, there is a lot of road rage, and you see a lot of accidents. I contend that it’s the Asian style of driving that works best. People here are much more relaxed about the rules, and they are far more courteous about sharing the road. Sure, it’s slower, but it works a lot better. The fish analogy is actually pretty accurate. You see thousands of fish occupying the same small space, but you never see them crash into each other.

I have far more respect for Asian drivers now, than I ever have before. I have been a passenger in many a taxi here in Asia, and I've always felt safe.

I am now in Chiang Mai. I will be here until next Tuesday. This is my first time in Northern Thailand. I've heard nothing but good things about this city. I am looking forward to getting some great photos.

Joy Juice and Fish Nibbling

I've had a nice time here in Kuala Lumpur, again. This city has always been good to me. It's not the most beautiful, or clean, or interesting. But, it's still enjoyable. The last few days have been spent being pretty lazy, and hanging out with the people I know here. All the guys I know in KL are genuinely nice and friendly, and make me want to return again and again. Now, if only I could get a decent pork meal...

Today, I had two experiences that require mentioning:

1) I was thirsty, and stopped in a local store and picked up a can of pop. I chose a brand called 'Kickapoo Joy Juice', simply because of the name. I mean, who wouldn't chose that brand? It was a sweet, carbonated citrus soda pop, and it did the job to quench my thirst.

2) I had my feet nibbled by fish. I am not kidding. It's a normal thing here in Malaysia, at a few spas. Basically, you roll up your pants to the knees, and stick your feet into a pool of warm water. Then a few hundred little fish start nibbling your feet, toes and legs. They are biting away the dead skin on your feet, leaving you with baby-soft skin. My feet are not usually that soft. But they are now.

I am not too sure what the benefit is to the fish - dead skin doesn't sound too appetizing to me. But, they sure took to my feet like they've not eaten in weeks. At first, it was quick ticklish, but after about 10 minutes you get used to it and it feels pretty cool. The spa also offers a "whole body experience", but since this is my first time, I thought I better stick to the feet. I wonder if you're supposed to wear a swimsuit, when you do that one? Check it out: Kenko Fish Spa


Tomorrow, I head back to Bangkok. I am wiggling my way back up to Hong Kong, in time for Chinese New Years. I will be in Bangkok for a few days, then I go to Chiang Mai for a while. I will spend a short time in Manila (and maybe Boracay) before I get back in to HKG. I've never been in Asia during CNY before, and I am really looking forward to it.

Farewell, Land of Oz

I have left Australia now, and I am on my way back 'up north' in an effort to reach Hong Kong in time for Chinese New Years celebrations.

I've already said it, but I will say it again: I quite like Australia. I am not sure if I would want to live here, but if I did, it would be quite comfortable. There is the obvious advantages, like everyone speaks English (even if it doesn't sound like English), there are Starbucks everywhere, I can get pork at every meal, the climate is nice most of the year, and I can get clothes in my size easily. But maybe because it is too comfortable, I would not be happy. After all, I am trying to find a new place that provides me with significant challenges. Not one that is so easy to adapt to.

So, some final observations from my keen eye and weird way of looking at things ....

- The girls dress quite hoochie in Australia. I'm talking seriously short skirts and boobs up and out. I am no prude, as you know, but I was shocked by a lot of what I've seen.
- The boys don't dress that way, sadly.
- Australians look a lot like Americans and British, body shape wise. Most straight men look slovenly and don't take care of themselves.
- Melbourne has the 'second city' attitude. It doesn't try to be bigger or better than the First City. It just tries to make it a truly livable city with lots to enjoy in arts, sports and culture. For more examples of this, think of Montreal vs. Toronto, Osaka vs. Tokyo, Shanghai vs. Beijing.
- There are just as many Thai restaurants in Australia, as there are in Thailand.
- No matter where you go in the world, including Australia, you will see a Peruvian pan flute band busking for cash in the tourist areas.

On my way out of Melbourne, I was unfortunate enough to encounter the most surly of check-in counter staff at the airport. I don't know why I was chosen to to be the lucky one to suffer her wrath, but she made me think twice about ever returning to Australia. I swear I did nothing to incite her vitriol. I just happened to be at the wrong place in line.

It started with her asking me to prove I had a ticket onwards from my next destination. I explained that I have an e-ticket, but she told me that I must have a paper ticket in order to board this portion of the flight. She sent me away, to print out my next flight ticket, even though it was with the same airline. I am sure she could simply look it up with the reference number, but she wouldn't. When I returned with a paper copy, she told me that my carry-on luggage needs to be weighed. She said that the limit for cabin luggage is 7 kg, and since mine was 11 kg, I would have to get a second bag, and split it into 2, with neither weighing over 7 kg. Since it was all my camera gear, it was pretty difficult. Off I went again, and purchased a small cheap carry bag to stuff what I could into it. Her reasoning was that if I have a heavy bag in the overhead bins, I would drop it on some baby's head when I pulled it out. Promising her that I would be careful, was not sufficient.

I returned to her counter again, this time with 2 carry on bags. She weighs my luggage. I know it is overweight, since it always is. Malaysia Airlines has a really strict limit of only 20 kg per person. My luggage, with all my clothes, and computer stuff, etc, weighs in at 30 kg. She tells me that the excess charge is $24 per kg. I was shocked! $240 for excess luggage! I told her that I've never paid so much before. She replies "Yer in Australia now. You should know better." Off I go again, to pay this ransom to the sales desk. Last time I flew on Malaysia Airlines, I paid $15 ringit per kilo. That's roughly $6 UAD. She didn't care.

When I was finally checked in, I was booked into a seat that was 4th in a row of 5 in the middle, despite booking an aisle seat online. Clearly, she was not doing me any favours. Thankfully, the plane was only about 70% full, and I switched to another row by myself. That woman was a discredit to Malaysian Airlines, and is enough reason to not fly with them again. Or visit Australia again.

I was surprised to see my luggage pop out on the conveyor belt in Kuala Lumpur.

*Update*
Malaysia Airlines redeemed themselves when I flew from KL to Bangkok yesterday. When I checked in for the flight, the girl at the desk told me that I should carry one of my bags on to the flight, rather than check it. I was surprised, and she told me that I was allowed 2 carry on bags, if one of them is a camera bag. Even when I showed her my camera bag, she said it was OK. It is not considered luggage to them. She said that this way, I would avoid the excess luggage fees. What a sweetheart.

Melbourne, City of Arts

The last few days, I've been in Melbourne. I have to say, after a few days of looking around the city, I prefer this place much more than Sydney. If I were to live in Australia, I'd choose this place easily.

Melbourne clearly has the city planning process down pat. The transit system (lots of trains and trams) is extensive. The city embraces it's old Victorian era buildings and restores them into modern spaces. The Yarra river runs through the city to the ocean, and is one of the main focal points for restaurants and condos. There are countless galleries, stadiums and arts venues in this sports and culture-crazy city. Coincidentally, while I am here, there is a showing at the National Gallery of one of my favourite photographers: Andreas Gursky. Gursky has the honour of having sold the most expensive photograph ever (at $3.3M USD).

Yesterday, I met with a photographer I've known online for several years. He and I have corresponded a few times, so it was nice to meet with him in person. Marcus Mok, is an accomplished photographer, with several shows and many publications. I admire his work, and it was a great meeting over the last few days. He gave me a lot of good insight into the realities of working as a photographer in Australia, and in his previous home of Singapore. Marcus shoots much of the same stuff I do, but makes a decent living doing it. He was generous with his time, and showed me around the city.

Today, I met with another couple of photographers that Marcus knows from Sydney. One was Garrie Maguire. We talked at great length about the process of self-publishing your own book. This is the current trend known as "Print on Demand", where you can advertise your book online and when people order a copy it is printed and shipped overnight. It avoids the whole process of printing and warehousing thousands of copies of a book that may or may not sell. With Print on Demand, you have no cash outlay upfront, but you can make a higher profit if your book is popular. It was a very enlightening conversation.

I will spend tomorrow, my last day in Melbourne, wandering the city and taking in as much as I can. I dunno when or if I will return, so I need to absorb the Ozzie culture all in one day. That means I need to drink many kinds of Australian wines. I need to eat some kangaroo or emu. I need to see if the water really does flush down the opposite way in the toilets. Should be a busy day.

BTW, thanks to all of you that sent along Birthday wishes to me. It was a nice treat to spend my Birthday down under. Nice, sunny and hot. Just the way I like it.

Out with the old, in with the new

It’s now the 4th of January, in 2009. I am on a train heading south to Melbourne. The last time I wrote, it was just about to be the last day of 2008. I guess I am slowing down with my posts. I will try to pick up the pace a bit more, loyal readers.

On the last day of ’08, I went on a trek to the Blue Mountains – so called because of the blue hue that is seen from a distance. I am told that it’s bluer than most vistas, because of the large amount of eucalyptus trees on the mountains, and they give off blue reflections. Coming from Canada, I have to say that they didn’t seem too mountain-like. More like small rocky hills. Yes, they were several thousand feet about sea level, but they were quite low compared to anything else I’ve experienced.

The main draw for me on this trip was the chance to see Koalas and Kangaroos. Sure, I’ve seen them in zoos, but this time I got to touch them, pet them. It was encouraged, even. It was quite touristy, though. The animals were in a glorified petting zoo for adults. There were dozens of Koalas in pens that you could reach out and touch. But most of them were sleeping in the trees far away from the pen walls. Koalas sleep about 18 hours per day, partly because their entire diet consists of eucalyptus leaves, and the toxins in the leaves make them kinda dopey. One of the handlers brought a 2 year-old female Koala around so that we could get up close. Very cute creatures, and the fur was oh-so-soft. I was not disappointed, despite the touristy side of it.

The Kangaroos, Wallabies and Wallaroos were roaming about the park freely. I guess they could hop over any fence that they try to pen them in with anyways. Several of the Roos had young Joeys in their pouches, which was cool to see. Interestingly, the Wallaroos are all white, like an albino Kangaroo. I guess it’s something in the mixing of the genes. The ‘petting zoo’ had plenty of other interesting creatures that are unique to Australia, like Echidnas, Dingoes, Flying Foxes, Emus, etc. I looked for a Platypus, but it was not visible.

The rest of the tour that day was spent driving to and from the Mountains. We stopped several times for various vistas and areas of historical significance. A couple of cable cars and ‘the world’s steepest railway’ later, we started to head back to Sydney. We stopped off one last time, cracked a bottle of Champagne, and watched as wild Kangaroos hopped on by. I got quite close this time to get some decent shots.

Later that day, it was New Years Eve. It’s not often that I spend NYE in a warm climate. I was in Hong Kong a few years back, but generally I spend it on a cold rainy night in Vancouver. So it was a treat to be wearing a t-shirt and enjoying +30 weather. The big event in Sydney on NYE is the fireworks. It’s akin to the ones that Vancouver displays every summer. But in Sydney, the iconic Harbour Bridge is the centre point of the display. It’s become world famous as the start of the New Years festivals (although New Zealand is really first). I didn’t bother going to the event, since I think of fireworks as a bit ho-hum. I suppose I should have gone, but people spend all day jostling for a good position with a view of the bridge, and I am just not that kind of person.

I did go out on NYE, though. I went to the famous Oxford Street, where many of the pubs and dance clubs are. The road was littered with debris from the earlier fireworks revelers, and by 1 AM there were lots of young kids learning what their alcohol tolerance is, the hard way. Police presence was clear, and it was pretty calm. Most bars in Sydney close at 5 AM or later. And most have a rule that requires them to lock out new patrons at 2 AM. If you’re in by then, you can stay until 5. But no new people can come in. And all the bars don’t serve alcohol for 10 minutes, every hour, in a strange attempt to reduce the amount of drinking. Although, now that I’ve experienced it, the stereotype of the drunken Australian seems somewhat accurate. I’ve seen my share.

Overall, I quite like Sydney. It has its charms, and I understand why people like to come here. There is enough to do in the city and surrounding areas to keep most people busy for a week or two. I went to a few museums, lots of parks, the Opera House, a theme park, a few harbours…I was never bored. The Australians are a proud and patriotic people. They love to show off their country.

As mentioned, I am on a train as I write this. I decided to take a train to Melbourne, rather than my usual last-minute flight. I thought it would be a good way to see more of the country. Although, after the firs 6 hours on this train, the country is beginning to look a bit repetitive. Hues of yellow and brown, with some more brown and yellow thrown in. Rolling hills, and the occasional tree from a distance, houses with metal roofs, and lots of cattle and sheep. Maybe the next 6 hours will be tougher. I am in a First Class coach. But I fail to identify anything about it that is First Class. No pillows, no blankets, no TV’s, Internet. Nothing. The First Class cars are the two most forward coaches, so maybe they should just call them “First Coaches”, not “First Class Coaches”.

I am looking forward to Melbourne. I am told it is ‘the centre of culture and the arts’ in Australia. Many people tell me that it is THE place to see in Australia. It will be my last stop in the country, after which I will head back north to SE Asia, winding my way back up to Hong Kong by the end of the month, and then into China.