If I were to go I'd definitely want to go to visit Raffles in Singapore. I really enjoyed JC descriptions of HK. Don't know where there heads are at after their whirlwind trip. I know she wasn't impressed with housing. I'm thinking that the government is insisting on their having a full time maid so they can keep an eye on them. Janice doesn't want a maid but may have to get one at least part time to keep officials happy. Keith got a suit made at Sam's. Prince Charles is a customer too.
It would be worthwhile for you to travel around seeing it's a 12 hour flight!
Here is her last long email.
"we had circumvented the eastern/southern half of Hong Kong island and on Friday we did the western half. We drove through the fish market area where there seems to be dozens of open market shops selling fresh seafood and fish, including dried cuttlefish, clams, and scallops. Dried mushrooms are supposed to be fantastic too, once rehydrated. My gastric juices were flowing (as Dad used to say) for some seafood chowder. These shops look like the owners are so poor but apparently they are all very wealthy people being in this market.
One fascinating thing: they have shops that sell things made completely of paper. Anything you can think of: a wok, a toaster, a bicycle, a house, laptop, you name it. The detail was amazing. They are all folded down flat when you buy them and then you open them up to their shape. What the Chinese do is take these to the temple for offerings where they are burned, thus sending the article up to heaven for the deceased person's use.
When someone dies at home, they are sat upright and moved quickly out of the house and taken to the hospital. This is because the Chinese will never buy a property if they know someone has died there. We heard a story about the Milkshake Murder, which evidently was a highly publicized event here in 2005. You can Google it for more details, but an ex pat's wife prepared a strawberry milkshake laced with sedatives and had her daughter serve it to her husband. Then the children were sent out of the home and she burgeoned him to death, rolled his body up in a carpet and had the carpet taken down in their apartment unit's storage room. Anyway, she was finally convicted of the crime, but to this day the apartment stands unoccupied.
In the afternoon Keith and I made our way back to Kowloon by MTR, a highly efficient train service. It is so cheap to use and combined with their buses and Mini bus systems, there is no need to have a car here. Besides, I think I may have already said that there is very little parking, so a car is slower and more costly to use. That said, you can buy a used car for about $80 to $100,000 HKD ($8 to $10000 roughly in CAD). Very low mileage makes it attractive. Keith looked up on Gumtree (like Kijiji) and you can get a 2005 Honda Accord for $9800 with 10,000 km.
We arrived at Sam's to pick up Keith's new suit, jacket and shirt, they checked the fit and we were out of there again in about 5 minutes! Now he wishes he had bought two pairs of pants. Inside the jacket is an embroidered label with Keith's name and invoice number, so we could always email them and ask for them to make a pair. What a great fit everything is on him.
.......something neat if you lived here: local shoemakers custom make shoes for you in any style, tread, padding and colour for about $50.00 CAD. You could easily have a matching handbag made up as well. Now that could be dangerous.
We walked to Hong Kong Garden, not far from our hotel late in the afternoon. The humidity was high yesterday so it was a bit of an effort but we were so happy we did because they have an amazing aviary, both a caged display and a much larger enclosed area. I could have spent hours there, but we arrived only 15 minutes before closing time. I will send photos separately.
Once back at the hotel we had green tea in our room, showered and then went to dinner, as I wrote about last night.
Pat,
Thanks for your recent humorous account.
Sylvia takes the pictures with her camera (Canon Powershot), downloads them into the Ipad II and from there we can weed out and send where appropriate. Evidently, the pictures from the Ipad are inferior in quality. You need to buy a cord from Apple to be able to download.
I'm grateful that you have linked up with Jim and Christine. I think it has helped to make their hoilday memorable and perhaps they will return one day when we are at home. Jim must have done very well with the steaks as that old BBQ has its hot and cold spots. His is a much more sophisticated machine and we have been using it with the local meat and fish. Finding the food in this country very good indeed.
Hope you manage to get Jim out this morning as I 'm sure he would enjoy talking rugby with Rod, although I understand from Peter that Rod has had some illness of late.
Don't think I know John McLean. Probably after my time at the VRC.
160 K is an awful long ride. With the kind of base you have developed in the last year, you should be able to achieve it. I' m wondering if a lightweight bike on rollers for the winter which can then be adjusted for the road once the weather improves is the way to go. You might be able to reduce your time over that distance by an hour or two with a lighter bike.
I know what you mean about distractions whilst on the bike. As we were riding to an old ruins last week, Sylvia looked across to enjoy the view and crashed into a curb. Fortunately, I managed to shout as I saw it happen which reduced the impact and she didn't come off. No riding lately - more walking for us and I' not sure that my fitness levels will be good enough on return. I'll work at it and try and return to former levels ASAP. It least I'll have no work to make excuses for reducing the distance in the first few weeks.
Picked up Jenny and her friend last night right on time at York train station. Erica seems like a lot of fun and she wants to ride into town this morning with me to the butchers and bakers. She works for Blackberry in London, who are undergoing difficulties and 3 of her team of 10 were let go on Friday. Then we are off for the day to the coast; Staithes near Whitby where 3 of my cousins have caravans in a nice, rural area within easy walking distance of both the moors and the beach and North Sea. Always cool there unfortunately. Ray
Hi Charlie,
Here are my thoughts on trip.
Leave for Fiji around the 8 or 9 of March, get to Melbourne by the 16th of March and then to Cairns from Sydney in late April around the 26 or 27 and then to Darwin a few days later and then from Darwin to Japan around the May 7 and then to Hong Kong around the 27 or 28 for 4 or 5 days and then home.
Let us know whats possible or if not what alternatives might be. Thanks Corinne
Hello Patrick,
I have been on the Sunshine Coast until a couple of days ago so I may have missed your friends call. I am in town now until the 23rd of August, when I leave for Europe for a couple of weeks. i would love to have coffee with you if you have the time when in Victoria.
Looking forward to hearing from you. Irene
Looking forward to hearing from you. Irene
Hi Irene!
Glad you were enjoying yourself on Sunshine Coast! Chris and Jim didn't have time to call, as it turned out, but thanks anyway. They ended up staying but one night. Unfortunately, looks like we might miss you as we will probably have to delay our trip until the 22nd or 23rd now. Cora Lee has promised to help a friend move week before and it is Chloë's 35th birthday on the 18th. Originally, she had planned to go to Penticton, with friends whose parents have a lovely home overlooking lake, to be away on her actual birthday but a concert here in Vancouver now seems to have changed all that! At any rate, we do plan to visit Victoria at some point so I'll keep in touch.
Had a more than delicious meal with Chris and Jim last evening. Arrived just after 6:00pm and enjoyed wine and appetizers on deck. Gorgeous in the setting sun. Jim quizzed me about many of the nicknames I've given to various people. He had an actual checklist and wanted to know history and origin of each! Quite touched by his interest as first time anyone has ever asked for a Rosetta Stone! (Actually, not quite true as Pat Coffaro, wife of winemaker of one of our favourite wineries in Sonoma, asked for clarification, a year or so ago!) Around 7:30pm we repaired inside to a veritable feast of steak, (done poifectly on bbq by James), roasted potatoes, mixed with carrots, (from back garden), a lovely salad, (with home-grown lettuce), to be followed by a smashing trifle, one of my favourite desserts. (Made this fact known to Chris when she asked what dessert she could bring a few weeks ago!) Returned to deck to savour trifle as it was still warm and quite comfortable without a sweater or wrap. Unusual, as I know I probably needn't remind you, as most evenings have been quite cool after sun goes down, in spite of heat, such as it's been, of the day.
Really a delightful evening. Have so enjoyed meeting them both and sorry that their holiday is almost over. Couldn't persuade Jim to ride to Steveston tomorrow morning. He feels that there is too much to do to get ready to leave on Sunday. I have offered to take them to the airport so will probably pick them up around 4:00pm or so.
If you are going to be in Northeast England, anywhere near Hartlepool, you should look them up! If interested, let me know and I'll send contact information and tell them that you plan to stay for a month! Enjoy your European junket. Cheers, Patrizio!
Glad you were enjoying yourself on Sunshine Coast! Chris and Jim didn't have time to call, as it turned out, but thanks anyway. They ended up staying but one night. Unfortunately, looks like we might miss you as we will probably have to delay our trip until the 22nd or 23rd now. Cora Lee has promised to help a friend move week before and it is Chloë's 35th birthday on the 18th. Originally, she had planned to go to Penticton, with friends whose parents have a lovely home overlooking lake, to be away on her actual birthday but a concert here in Vancouver now seems to have changed all that! At any rate, we do plan to visit Victoria at some point so I'll keep in touch.
Had a more than delicious meal with Chris and Jim last evening. Arrived just after 6:00pm and enjoyed wine and appetizers on deck. Gorgeous in the setting sun. Jim quizzed me about many of the nicknames I've given to various people. He had an actual checklist and wanted to know history and origin of each! Quite touched by his interest as first time anyone has ever asked for a Rosetta Stone! (Actually, not quite true as Pat Coffaro, wife of winemaker of one of our favourite wineries in Sonoma, asked for clarification, a year or so ago!) Around 7:30pm we repaired inside to a veritable feast of steak, (done poifectly on bbq by James), roasted potatoes, mixed with carrots, (from back garden), a lovely salad, (with home-grown lettuce), to be followed by a smashing trifle, one of my favourite desserts. (Made this fact known to Chris when she asked what dessert she could bring a few weeks ago!) Returned to deck to savour trifle as it was still warm and quite comfortable without a sweater or wrap. Unusual, as I know I probably needn't remind you, as most evenings have been quite cool after sun goes down, in spite of heat, such as it's been, of the day.
Really a delightful evening. Have so enjoyed meeting them both and sorry that their holiday is almost over. Couldn't persuade Jim to ride to Steveston tomorrow morning. He feels that there is too much to do to get ready to leave on Sunday. I have offered to take them to the airport so will probably pick them up around 4:00pm or so.
If you are going to be in Northeast England, anywhere near Hartlepool, you should look them up! If interested, let me know and I'll send contact information and tell them that you plan to stay for a month! Enjoy your European junket. Cheers, Patrizio!
Dear Minister and UBC Planners:
I cannot say how strongly I support having a demarcated bicycle lane on SW Marine Drive. I use this route to cycle to Steveston and back, and elsewhere of course, on a regular basis and think this would be a much needed improvement to the existing thoroughfare. I urge you to act on implementing such a bike lane as soon as possible for a host of safety, environmental and recreational reasons. Let me thank you, in advance, for giving careful consideration to this matter.
Yours Sincerely,
Patrick Dunn, Librarian, Retired, UBC Library
I cannot say how strongly I support having a demarcated bicycle lane on SW Marine Drive. I use this route to cycle to Steveston and back, and elsewhere of course, on a regular basis and think this would be a much needed improvement to the existing thoroughfare. I urge you to act on implementing such a bike lane as soon as possible for a host of safety, environmental and recreational reasons. Let me thank you, in advance, for giving careful consideration to this matter.
Yours Sincerely,
Patrick Dunn, Librarian, Retired, UBC Library
Hi Cactoosian and Donna Forget-Me-Not!
I am more than happy to let Pat know that you will pick up our stash on 20th. We would certainly love to come south this Fall but whether that will transpire is unclear, at least as of this writing. Have to dovetail proposed trip with Coriandre's foot surgery, among other things/events. How is your shouldare, by the bye?
I am more than happy to let Pat know that you will pick up our stash on 20th. We would certainly love to come south this Fall but whether that will transpire is unclear, at least as of this writing. Have to dovetail proposed trip with Coriandre's foot surgery, among other things/events. How is your shouldare, by the bye?
Hi Patrick and thanks for the update!
The dinner in observation of Corinne's 64th birthday sounds fabulous. You must have all been bursting at the seams. It seems that all is well there, as here. We are indeed starting to fret over and get ready for the next harvest season, which will be upon us soon. In the meantime, we are going to host the August pick up party and even though you cannot make it, we hope you will send your emissaries the Berkelites....uppity Californians indeed! We'll look forward to a possible visit in September...you can come help crush grapes and get your feet (and teeth) all purpled up.
Til then, take good care, ~Pat
Til then, take good care, ~Pat
Hi Pat and David!
Funnily enough, I just sent an email to Cactus and Donna Florida, (The Uppity Californians in question!), now home for the Pacific Northwest, as they plan to attend your bbq on 20th. Do I need to send you some sort of release, either to you or them, for my "emissaries", (The Berkeloids, as opposed to The Berkelites, which sounds more like Bud Lite, than a beefy Petite Sirah!), to pick up wine on our behalf? We trust them, (although perhaps we shouldn't, given their wrankling over the "upppity" appellation!), if you do! Just let me know when you have a moment in your busy, busy schedule.
Funnily enough, I just sent an email to Cactus and Donna Florida, (The Uppity Californians in question!), now home for the Pacific Northwest, as they plan to attend your bbq on 20th. Do I need to send you some sort of release, either to you or them, for my "emissaries", (The Berkeloids, as opposed to The Berkelites, which sounds more like Bud Lite, than a beefy Petite Sirah!), to pick up wine on our behalf? We trust them, (although perhaps we shouldn't, given their wrankling over the "upppity" appellation!), if you do! Just let me know when you have a moment in your busy, busy schedule.
Hi Legs!
Delighted to learn that you will be joining us! Arrive whenever it suits your busy schedule. Simply glad that you can squeeze us in between golf, squash and soaking in the Jericho pool/hot tub! Do you need directions? Ragin's number is 604-505-5194, in case you have misplaced/deleted earlier emails. Send out an SOS/distress call and we'll dispatch a search and rescue mission if you are lost somewhere along the shores of False Creek!
If you can bring dessert of some kind, that would be ultra fab! However, I should warn you, in advance, be prepared to be grilled about your latest visit to The Big Apple, by Cora Lee, in particulare, as she turned green, (greener than a Granny Smith), when I mentioned that you had been there again!!! Her very words were: "I HATE, (emphasis hers), Legs!" Doesn't take much for The Sisterhood to turn on one another, does it!
L'Chaim, Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizio!
PS: How is your Dad?
PPS: Your brain has always been frizzed. Don't blame the humidity! Focus! Move-up!!!
Delighted to learn that you will be joining us! Arrive whenever it suits your busy schedule. Simply glad that you can squeeze us in between golf, squash and soaking in the Jericho pool/hot tub! Do you need directions? Ragin's number is 604-505-5194, in case you have misplaced/deleted earlier emails. Send out an SOS/distress call and we'll dispatch a search and rescue mission if you are lost somewhere along the shores of False Creek!
If you can bring dessert of some kind, that would be ultra fab! However, I should warn you, in advance, be prepared to be grilled about your latest visit to The Big Apple, by Cora Lee, in particulare, as she turned green, (greener than a Granny Smith), when I mentioned that you had been there again!!! Her very words were: "I HATE, (emphasis hers), Legs!" Doesn't take much for The Sisterhood to turn on one another, does it!
L'Chaim, Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizio!
PS: How is your Dad?
PPS: Your brain has always been frizzed. Don't blame the humidity! Focus! Move-up!!!
Hi Champagne, or should I say, more correctly now, Single Malt Man!
Thanks for great snaps! Just heard from Legs and she will be joining us for bridge so will need even more prizes! Cheers, Patrizio!
Thanks for great snaps! Just heard from Legs and she will be joining us for bridge so will need even more prizes! Cheers, Patrizio!
Legs!
Great but make sure you don't arrive with frizzed card sense! L'Chaim, Cheers, Il Conduttore
Great but make sure you don't arrive with frizzed card sense! L'Chaim, Cheers, Il Conduttore
Hi Whirlygig!
Now you will be able to shout "First United" at the Lexus Polizei!
Have a call into Peter and he is going to confirm that ride is on to Steveston domani. However, he wants to meet at Marine/Cypress at 7:00am! Are you up for that? Let me know. Jim feels he cannot ride tomorrow but I'm going to try to twist his arm, nevertheless.
Before I forget, or if I did forget,are you planning to bring a salad tomorrow?
Now you will be able to shout "First United" at the Lexus Polizei!
Have a call into Peter and he is going to confirm that ride is on to Steveston domani. However, he wants to meet at Marine/Cypress at 7:00am! Are you up for that? Let me know. Jim feels he cannot ride tomorrow but I'm going to try to twist his arm, nevertheless.
Before I forget, or if I did forget,are you planning to bring a salad tomorrow?
Hi Whirlisimo!
I always suspected, FU too, your "fused" vertebrae compression fracture story was a, FU too, rather unsuccessful, overly elaborate ploy to cover your Tourette, FU too, induced facial tics! Anyone can use make-up putty to fake, FU too, indentations in one's forehead. Look how well Captain, FU too, Barnacle covers up his pointed head! FU too!!!
Haven't heard back from Sneaky Pete yet but will confirm as soon as I know what is on. Thanks for salad but never mind the stinkin' life jackets, don't forget the strait-jacket! Cheers, Il Conduttore!
PS: Almost forgot, FU too!
I always suspected, FU too, your "fused" vertebrae compression fracture story was a, FU too, rather unsuccessful, overly elaborate ploy to cover your Tourette, FU too, induced facial tics! Anyone can use make-up putty to fake, FU too, indentations in one's forehead. Look how well Captain, FU too, Barnacle covers up his pointed head! FU too!!!
Haven't heard back from Sneaky Pete yet but will confirm as soon as I know what is on. Thanks for salad but never mind the stinkin' life jackets, don't forget the strait-jacket! Cheers, Il Conduttore!
PS: Almost forgot, FU too!
Hi Brenda Louise!
Really liked your quip about pretending to be rich! Have to get up pretty darn early to put one by that gal Brenda Louise!!! Thanks for further installments of your sister's diary/travelogue. Wonderful to read about Hong Kong, in partiuclar, as think her description will tip us toward stopping over, en route home from Japan, this coming May/June.
Really liked your quip about pretending to be rich! Have to get up pretty darn early to put one by that gal Brenda Louise!!! Thanks for further installments of your sister's diary/travelogue. Wonderful to read about Hong Kong, in partiuclar, as think her description will tip us toward stopping over, en route home from Japan, this coming May/June.
Hi Dom Marcellino!
Thank you and Gianna, especially for introduction to trail in Stanley Park. Very, very enjoyable, in spite of numerous stops!!! Let us know about Kersten and Per and possibility of getting together, as well as when you might like to ride again. I am more than prepared to meet you at your place and then continue on to Seymour, per esempio!
Thank you and Gianna, especially for introduction to trail in Stanley Park. Very, very enjoyable, in spite of numerous stops!!! Let us know about Kersten and Per and possibility of getting together, as well as when you might like to ride again. I am more than prepared to meet you at your place and then continue on to Seymour, per esempio!
Hi Sarge!
At the moment, Steveston is on for 7:00am, rendezvous at Marine/Cypress with Rod/Peter, my new best friends, indeed! Whirlygig is on for then BUT I'm happy to go later, 8:00am or 9:00am if you and Flamin' prefer a more reasonable starting time. Let me know so I can inform rest of peleton! Cheers, Patrizio!
At the moment, Steveston is on for 7:00am, rendezvous at Marine/Cypress with Rod/Peter, my new best friends, indeed! Whirlygig is on for then BUT I'm happy to go later, 8:00am or 9:00am if you and Flamin' prefer a more reasonable starting time. Let me know so I can inform rest of peleton! Cheers, Patrizio!
No comments:
Post a Comment