On the weekend we made it back to Langkawi to check that the beach was still ok without us :-)
Thursday was a holiday in HK so we headed off on airpoints flights to KL. A quick whip through immigration and straight onto the connection through to Langkawi, arriving just in time to get to the beach for a couple of hours before the sun went down.
Friday, sitting around on the beach and doing nothing, finishing one book and starting the next. Then Saturday the same again! Sunday we woke up, had breakfast, then caught a taxi out to the airport. The trip home was rudely interrupted by a four-hour wait in KL between when we arrived and the flight left!
Anyway, some decent photos of sunsets at the beach - will post them later on.
Monday, May 28, 2007
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
A New Job
Today shall go down in history as the day I signed a contract to return to my Talisman life and begin work with Bravura - the company that bought out Tacit. It is two years (almost to the day) since Tacit was bought out, I was made redundant and we lost a heap of money we had invested in the company. So why go back you may wonder? I am wondering to0, but basically it seems like the right thing to do and they have been very persistent in chasing me :-)
My contract with Pru ends in June, and I start working for Bravura on the 2nd July - I think they forgot that was a public holiday in Hong Kong when they wrote the contract, so my first day I will be paid for doing nothing - perfect :-).
Bravura has a very small office here in Hong Kong - actually in the same building as Pru, so I should still get to see a bit of my dearly beloved. I am off course going to be located on a higher floor than he is, but that is only fitting don't you think... They also have one major client based out of Hong Kong that I will spend a lot of my time working with. It will be interesting to see how another insurance company does things after being entrenched in Pru for so long.
Other than that life is really just toddling along. Really looking forward to getting to the beach in Malaysia this weekend - 4 days of sun and surf- perfect (the sun in Hong Kong is usually hidden behind a thick layer of smog, although just lately it has been real thick cloud and torrential rain that has been the problem). Jonathon has suggested some quick getaways in the Philippines as well, so that might have to be the next bit of planning I do. I am still trying to convince Andrew to commit to a week or two back in NZ (via Australia) in late September - we shall see.
We have been going to a different church for the last few weeks (after happy clappy waving to Jesus got just too much for me). Andrew is disappointed in the music, but overall we think it is going to be 'home' here in Hong Kong. The church is big - several hundred people, and meets in various different rooms at the convention centre each week - basically which ever room has not been booked by a higher paying client I suspect. We really like the signs on the 'reserved for parents' seats that have a really cute baby and the words "If your baby becomes unsettled, please step out to the foyer (and don't forget to take the baby!)" Something tells me that is the American pastors sense of humour rather than the locals, but it kept us amused.
Thats about it - will take some photos in Langkawi and post them next week.
My contract with Pru ends in June, and I start working for Bravura on the 2nd July - I think they forgot that was a public holiday in Hong Kong when they wrote the contract, so my first day I will be paid for doing nothing - perfect :-).
Bravura has a very small office here in Hong Kong - actually in the same building as Pru, so I should still get to see a bit of my dearly beloved. I am off course going to be located on a higher floor than he is, but that is only fitting don't you think... They also have one major client based out of Hong Kong that I will spend a lot of my time working with. It will be interesting to see how another insurance company does things after being entrenched in Pru for so long.
Other than that life is really just toddling along. Really looking forward to getting to the beach in Malaysia this weekend - 4 days of sun and surf- perfect (the sun in Hong Kong is usually hidden behind a thick layer of smog, although just lately it has been real thick cloud and torrential rain that has been the problem). Jonathon has suggested some quick getaways in the Philippines as well, so that might have to be the next bit of planning I do. I am still trying to convince Andrew to commit to a week or two back in NZ (via Australia) in late September - we shall see.
We have been going to a different church for the last few weeks (after happy clappy waving to Jesus got just too much for me). Andrew is disappointed in the music, but overall we think it is going to be 'home' here in Hong Kong. The church is big - several hundred people, and meets in various different rooms at the convention centre each week - basically which ever room has not been booked by a higher paying client I suspect. We really like the signs on the 'reserved for parents' seats that have a really cute baby and the words "If your baby becomes unsettled, please step out to the foyer (and don't forget to take the baby!)" Something tells me that is the American pastors sense of humour rather than the locals, but it kept us amused.
Thats about it - will take some photos in Langkawi and post them next week.
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Brunch
Today is Saturday again - this morning we managed to struggle out of bed before midday. This was an achievement for me, although Sonia was awake (too awake) at some unearthly hour - probably around 8.
We went out to have brunch and decided to try a place we'd seen on the street and in writeups - called Wagyu. An Australian bistro/cafe type of place. Very nice Eggs Benedict, with lots of sauce. The coffee wasn't bad, although not up to the standard of Zambra in Causeway Bay. The menu for dinner was very impressive, so I guess they will see us again sometime soon.
New boss on Friday. Well Thursday really, but I was in KL. It will be interesting - the rumours around HK are that she is not the easiest person to work with or for. Friday appeared to bear this out somewhat. We will see what happens. Worst comes to worst there is heaps happening in the financial services industry.
Both Sonia and I went to KL on Wednesday for a meeting with the local team. I stayed on for Thursday to meet with a few other people, while Sonia fly up to Bangkok. I managed to get home by about 10:30 on Thursday night, and Sonia walked in the door at 9:30 last night.
This coming week has Thursday as a public holiday (I think it's Buddha's birthday?), so we are off to Langkawi for a long weekend. It will be nice to lie in the sun and relax, instead of peering through the humid smog of HK to see if the sun is actually above the horizon.
We went out to have brunch and decided to try a place we'd seen on the street and in writeups - called Wagyu. An Australian bistro/cafe type of place. Very nice Eggs Benedict, with lots of sauce. The coffee wasn't bad, although not up to the standard of Zambra in Causeway Bay. The menu for dinner was very impressive, so I guess they will see us again sometime soon.
New boss on Friday. Well Thursday really, but I was in KL. It will be interesting - the rumours around HK are that she is not the easiest person to work with or for. Friday appeared to bear this out somewhat. We will see what happens. Worst comes to worst there is heaps happening in the financial services industry.
Both Sonia and I went to KL on Wednesday for a meeting with the local team. I stayed on for Thursday to meet with a few other people, while Sonia fly up to Bangkok. I managed to get home by about 10:30 on Thursday night, and Sonia walked in the door at 9:30 last night.
This coming week has Thursday as a public holiday (I think it's Buddha's birthday?), so we are off to Langkawi for a long weekend. It will be nice to lie in the sun and relax, instead of peering through the humid smog of HK to see if the sun is actually above the horizon.
Monday, May 14, 2007
Another week
Just realised that another week has gone by without updates to the blog. So here goes...
Last week was a slow return to the travel bug. Both Sonia and I attended a meeting in Bangkok on Wednesday afternoon (to get agreement to close down a project). Then I took off to Taipei (first trip in a few years) while Sonia stayed in Bangkok to spend time with her favorite Finance team...
Taipei was interesting, seeing Taipei 101 from a small distance. The work was interesting, and hopefully will result in opportunities for further visits.
Saturday night we went to the movies and watched Spiderman 3. A little long at 140 minutes, but it was ok. Just in case you've not seen it yet, he saves the day - sort of. I think I'm probably more looking forward to Ocean's 13, which comes out later this month.
Wednesday morning it's off to KL for a short visit. I'll return to HK on Thursday night, while Sonia goes to Bangkok on Thursday morning, getting in HK on Friday.
Oh, and I went dragon-boating again on Sunday afternoon. Still a little sore, although that may have been a result of the squash games on Saturday morning!
Last week was a slow return to the travel bug. Both Sonia and I attended a meeting in Bangkok on Wednesday afternoon (to get agreement to close down a project). Then I took off to Taipei (first trip in a few years) while Sonia stayed in Bangkok to spend time with her favorite Finance team...
Taipei was interesting, seeing Taipei 101 from a small distance. The work was interesting, and hopefully will result in opportunities for further visits.
Saturday night we went to the movies and watched Spiderman 3. A little long at 140 minutes, but it was ok. Just in case you've not seen it yet, he saves the day - sort of. I think I'm probably more looking forward to Ocean's 13, which comes out later this month.
Wednesday morning it's off to KL for a short visit. I'll return to HK on Thursday night, while Sonia goes to Bangkok on Thursday morning, getting in HK on Friday.
Oh, and I went dragon-boating again on Sunday afternoon. Still a little sore, although that may have been a result of the squash games on Saturday morning!
Monday, May 07, 2007
Dragon-boating is fun
Except that I've ended up a little sore. Surprisingly not just my shoulders, but also my behind! The seats are basically planks of wood running across the boat. Sitting on planks of wood for an hour and a half is not the most comfortable experience, and it is only made worse by the need to rock backwards and forwards as you paddle.
We started practicing strokes so that the leaders could work out how good we are. Then we progressed to a sequence of 10-long-slow-strokes, 20-fast-strokes, then 30-moderate-strokes. This is apparently a lead-in so that we get the hang of things. We were informed by Lisa-the-drummer that we need to end up working even faster than the 20-fast-strokes part. And we are guaranteed at least two races on the day (one towards the final, then one more towards the "consolation plate"). Great!
We started practicing strokes so that the leaders could work out how good we are. Then we progressed to a sequence of 10-long-slow-strokes, 20-fast-strokes, then 30-moderate-strokes. This is apparently a lead-in so that we get the hang of things. We were informed by Lisa-the-drummer that we need to end up working even faster than the 20-fast-strokes part. And we are guaranteed at least two races on the day (one towards the final, then one more towards the "consolation plate"). Great!
Sunday, May 06, 2007
Justice is served
Paris Hilton jailed for 45 days. I particularly like the comment she's reported to have made that she would pay complete attention to everything from now on. I guess we all suspected that her focus on reality was a little tenuous?
Swimming in Saudi Arabia
A great article on BBC News about the first woman to swim in Saudi Arabia. Well worth a read through.
Saturday, May 05, 2007
Brownies
Forgot to update on the progress of Sonia's Kitchen Aid. We've used it - twice!
The first time was to make some brownies. Water, oil, two eggs, and a packet mix. Add chopped marshmallows, chocolate chips, and cherries. Mix it up (takes about 30 seconds), then throw it in the oven. Stop to lick the beater - OH NO - it tastes of peanuts. Check the box - no mention of peanuts. Think. Check the oil - "nut oil" - must be the problem. Check the brownie when it comes out, then throw it into the rubbish bin.
Walk down to the supermarket, purchase another packet, plus a bottle of vegetable oil. Try again. Works perfectly!
Total mixing time - about 1 minute. Maybe 2 if you stretch it.
The first time was to make some brownies. Water, oil, two eggs, and a packet mix. Add chopped marshmallows, chocolate chips, and cherries. Mix it up (takes about 30 seconds), then throw it in the oven. Stop to lick the beater - OH NO - it tastes of peanuts. Check the box - no mention of peanuts. Think. Check the oil - "nut oil" - must be the problem. Check the brownie when it comes out, then throw it into the rubbish bin.
Walk down to the supermarket, purchase another packet, plus a bottle of vegetable oil. Try again. Works perfectly!
Total mixing time - about 1 minute. Maybe 2 if you stretch it.
The Election and Dragonboats
In France, that is.
Is anybody interested? It would seem that this is an event of vital importance, based on the coverage around Asia. The papers and the news seem to be full of it. It's hard to figure out why - inward-looking politicians manouvering their way through a sales process, trying to please everyone while at the same time differentiating themselves from the competition. I guess at least it will all be over within the next couple of days.
Meanwhile in the real world, the first practice for the company's dragonboat tournament entry will be held at 4pm on Stanley beach this Sunday afternoon. Between now and June, we practice every Sunday. Then in June we will pit our immense collection of skill and experience against a motley collection of other teams formed from around Hong Kong. It seems a foregone conclusion that we won't win, but it should be a great laugh.
Having seen dragonboats on TV previously, it looks like we're going to get very wet (not by capsizing, although that's not out of the question). This was confirmed by Linna (the organiser), who warned us to bring a spare change of clothes to each practice.
Stay tuned - we will let you know how things go!
Is anybody interested? It would seem that this is an event of vital importance, based on the coverage around Asia. The papers and the news seem to be full of it. It's hard to figure out why - inward-looking politicians manouvering their way through a sales process, trying to please everyone while at the same time differentiating themselves from the competition. I guess at least it will all be over within the next couple of days.
Meanwhile in the real world, the first practice for the company's dragonboat tournament entry will be held at 4pm on Stanley beach this Sunday afternoon. Between now and June, we practice every Sunday. Then in June we will pit our immense collection of skill and experience against a motley collection of other teams formed from around Hong Kong. It seems a foregone conclusion that we won't win, but it should be a great laugh.
Having seen dragonboats on TV previously, it looks like we're going to get very wet (not by capsizing, although that's not out of the question). This was confirmed by Linna (the organiser), who warned us to bring a spare change of clothes to each practice.
Stay tuned - we will let you know how things go!
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Musings
It's strange what you become used to and accepting of. Yesterday was a public holiday in Hong Kong (Bank Holiday for the brits amongst the audience). After a long sleep in (one of us managed to see 2pm still in bed), we dragged ourselves out to purchase coffee beans. This was important, as it gave us a reason for being out of the apartment, and therefore a reason to stop somewhere for a late lunch.
We ended up at a cafe/restaurant that we had previously passed in our meanderings through Mid-Levels. It's called Cru, and on our previous wander past the Eggs Benedict looked very good. However, we didn't go for the Eggs Benedict this time. Instead, Andrew targeted the Ham and Cheese French Toast (can anyone spell cholesterol?), while Sonia had the breakfast burger (bap roll with bacon and eggs inside).
What was interesting was when partway through the meal two persons of french extraction sat down at the table next door. To return to the original topic, what we realised after leaving the restaurant was how some of their mannerisms grated on us (clicking fingers at the waiters? really!), whilst at the same time we are quite happy to sit in a restaurant surrounded by people having a competition to see who can slurp their noodles the loudest. I guess as you age you change...
We ended up at a cafe/restaurant that we had previously passed in our meanderings through Mid-Levels. It's called Cru, and on our previous wander past the Eggs Benedict looked very good. However, we didn't go for the Eggs Benedict this time. Instead, Andrew targeted the Ham and Cheese French Toast (can anyone spell cholesterol?), while Sonia had the breakfast burger (bap roll with bacon and eggs inside).
What was interesting was when partway through the meal two persons of french extraction sat down at the table next door. To return to the original topic, what we realised after leaving the restaurant was how some of their mannerisms grated on us (clicking fingers at the waiters? really!), whilst at the same time we are quite happy to sit in a restaurant surrounded by people having a competition to see who can slurp their noodles the loudest. I guess as you age you change...
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