Observations on Life - Hong Kong Park

Today I took a stroll through Hong Kong Park. I love to walk through this park and looked at the multicoloured Koi (carp) in the large pond. It is very peaceful and relaxing and a great place to spend some time.

This Park, which cost HKD$398 million and opened in May 1991, covers 8 hectares in Central (the central business district of Hong Kong) and is an outstanding example of modern design and facilities blending with the natural landscape. For example, large workshops and garages are hidden under the large pond and accessed from a pathway further down the slope from the pond.

A further attraction is the way of flowing water, which has been employed as a thematic motif to link the different features of the park by waterfalls, streams, ponds and cliffs from artificial rocks.

The park occupies the upper area of the former garrison area known as Victoria Barracks. The lower area of the is used for commercial development (Pacific Place Shopping Mall) and Government buildings while the remaining portion became a park.

The park site is quite steep but amid the old vegetation are good specimens of large trees, which were originally planted by the military. Most of the trees have been retained during the development

The concept for this park was to provide an enjoyable leisure experience for the community as well as being educational. The main features are an aviary, a conservatory, a squash centre, a sports centre and landscaped gardens, which include children's playground and restaurant.

Today my observation focused on at guy who I later called "Joe". This guy works for the security patrol at the park and I first saw him as I entered the park. He was about 5' 3", approximately 40 years of age and came striding towards me in his light blue uniform with peaked baseball style cap, but not one of those baseball type caps with the rounded top, no, this one was one of those baseball style caps has sides that go straight up and has a flattop like the military wear or Fidel Castro and makes the wearer look like they mean business.

Anyway, as this guy came walking towards me, he had a look on his very expressive face that said " don't mess with me, I am a very serious guy" (well, as serious as you can be when you're wearing a light blue uniform and you are only 5' 3" tall....). He looked like he had just returned from a dangerous mission saving a damsel in distress from some killer butterfly somewhere in the deep dark reaches of the park. As he came towards me I noted that he looked like a cross between a Cantonese G.I. Joe and one of the characters out of the Thunderbirds puppet/cartoon series ('Brains' I think). He strode along purposely with his hands hanging loosly at his sides ready to spring into action again. He had an equipment belt with so much stuff on it I thought that it was no wonder he was not very tall, all this jangly, jangly stuff was weighing him down. As he walked past me, he eyed me up and down and I thought that he was going to arrest me for standing on an ant or something but he kept striding off into the distance looking for another soul to save.

I saw Joe again later in the afternoon. He was down near the koi pond letting his presence be felt by a group of children and Filipino housemaids who were at the waters edge so that the children could get a close-up view of the fish. Joe was standing close by, hands on hips looking like a sugar bowl, knee of one leg slightly bent in a haughty attitude with a look on his face that said to all closeby " don't go any closer to the water's edge or I will arrest you for intimidating a fish, for I am Joe, slayer of butterflies, rescuer of little children and protector of Filipino housemaids ".

I had to leave at that point as I had an appointment in Central to attend so I never did find out whether one of the little children was arrested or saved from attempting to swim with the koi. Nevertheless, I tip my hat to you Joe (metaphorically speaking of course because I don't actually have a hat) and wish you well in your job as a superhero and protector of Hong Kong Park.

Until next time,

Tales of Asia signing off.....

Alan

Observations on Life - Growing Old

Old age........................... getting older..................... looking old............ when does it all happen?

Tonight I was walking home after dinner from an adjacent suburb and I passed three older Chinese gentleman walking towards me. One of these gentlemen was talking very loudly and very seriously and got my attention. As I looked at them coming towards me I made some visual and mental observations. Side pocket grey trousers pulled up so that the belt line was approximately at navel level, zip up shoes, checked shirts tucked in tightly to accentuate the curve of the tummy, thinning and receding hairline's, and a walk that says " I am old" even though they only looked about 60. I wondered to myself as I walked towards these guys when I would make the transition from middle age to "old bloke".

Is it a transition that people don't notice until it's too late? Is it something that people just don't care about? When does a person realise that its time to hang up their favourite pair of jeans in favour of some grey side pocket trousers? When do T-shirts become flannellete checked shirts tucked in so that the look resembles a Gut Buster's advertisement? Does sharing a meal mean that you eat half of it and then pass the false teeth to your partner so that your partner can finish the meal? Does going to bed involve putting your false teeth and your hair on the side table, checking that you have really exhausted every drip in your bladder so that you don't wet the bed, and try to remember your partner's name before you say goodnight so you don't get into trouble?

I pondered these mysteries of life as I passed these three gentlemen and looked at the one who was gobbing off at the other two and thought to myself " I hope getting older takes a very long time"........

For now, Tales of Asia signing off.

Alan

Tales of Asia - Memorable Moments

This weekend, I had some memorable moments centred around customer service.

It all started when I went to Shenzhen on Saturday to do some shopping. One of the ways to get to the city of Shenzhen and the Lo Wu border crossing is by train. The East KCR (Canton -- Kowloon Railways) rail line goes from East Tsim Sha Tsui in Hong Kong through a number of stations before arriving at Lo Wu in Shenzhen China. A person normally takes one train that stops all stations long the train line. This time however things were different.

The journey from Hong Kong to Shenzhen usually takes around 45 minutes. The journey is a pleasant one and its simply a matter of finding something mindnumbing to do during the train journey before realising that you are at Lo Wu and then getting off the train to go through border control.

This time however the train pulled into the station of Fo Tan and I sat there blissfully looking out the window and waiting for the journey to continue. A Chinese gentleman tapped me on the shoulder and asked me if I was going to Lo Wu. When I answered in the affirmative, he told me that the train I was on was terminating at that station and that we all had to get off and wait for another train. Upon looking around I noticed that I was the only person on the train so I heeded his advice and we all piled onto the platform whilst I wondered why this train was on going any further. Shortly afterwards, all the lights in the carriages on the train that I was on were turned off, the doors were secured and the train was driven off to some dark, desolate and lonely location until required for service the next day. I give a nod to this Chinese gentleman for not only suggesting that I needed to get off that train and get another train, but for saving me from spending the night as a train prisoner in some cold, steel railway carriage prison in the middle of nowhere. This gentleman then proceeded to look after me until I got to Lo Wu. The next train we got on at Fo Tan only went as far as Sheng Shui and we had to get off again and wait for another train. This kind gentleman even went so far as to suggest that I come with him when he moved further along the platform so we could be at the position of one oncoming carriage that will have less people in it and be less crowded and be more comfortable for us. When we eventually got to Lo Wu some time later we parted company with a smile and a few words. To my friend who I affectionately call "Mister Chong", when I said to you " thanks very much for your help, I really appreciate it", I meant every word I said because you saved my bacon.

When a foreigner goes from Hong Kong to mainland China it is necessary for them to go through border control both with Hong Kong customs and also with China customs. In my past experiences, there usually has been a noticeable difference between the customer service skills and attitudes of Hong Kong custom officials to Chinese customs officials. This may be because the Hong Kong counterparts may have been better trained in the past. I am not sure and it is only my observation. This weekend though I was delighted with the attitudes of the Chinese border control customs officials in both when entering and exiting the mainland. The gentleman who handled my documents for Chinese customs at Lo Wu border control was extremely pleasant and greeted me in English. He not only engaged me in small-talk but also wished me a pleasant stay in China. So " Mister Border Control Customs Official", I give a nod in your general direction for your pleasant manner and for continuing my weekend of awareness of good customer service.

After I had cleared customs I walked a few hundred metres to a hotel that I stay in when in Shenzhen. The Shen Zhen Hui Zhan Hotel is not the smartest or most modern hotel in the world, the décor might be straight out of the 1960s and the cockroaches seem to have been from the same family that were there last time, but the place is reasonable. Situated right next door to the Shangri-La hotel it looks more like it should be in Gotham city with Batman than sitting in the largest city of the southern Chinese economic zone. It also beats the Shangri-La hands down on price if not star rating. After all, when I stay in a hotel I only want somewhere to sleep. I don't want to feel as if I am taking out shares in the place. If the establishment provides me with some free company in the form of my cockroach family then who am I to argue. Outside I was greeted by the usual throng of spruikers, sidewalk salesmen, prostitutes and thieves and was again delighted to be approached by a hotel employee by the name of Sawyen (yes I know, but that's how he spelt it) and was escorted into the hotel where he helped me negotiate my arrangements for my overnight stay. It's always helpful to have somebody like this in China or any foreign land if you don't speak the local language fluently as is my case. Sawyen assisted me to complete the paperwork and the financial transaction before escorting me to the same room I have stayed in before where I had my reunion with Bob and Betty the familiar cockroaches. So, a nod to you Sawyen for your good service. I know you'll never read this but perhaps somebody else will and think well of you, so it's worthwhile.

Again, went exiting the mainland and coming back to Hong Kong, I was pleased to observe some really nice customer service from the Chinese customs officials and the Hong Kong customs officials. One way I measure this is when a customs official gives me my passport back after processing the document. If they flick it back in my general direction through the little hole that separates me from them so that my passport nearly spears me in my chest like a Ninjitsu throwing star, then I consider this bad service. However, when they place my passport on the countertop for me to take or when they hand it back to me in a pleasant manner, than I consider this good service. Very simple.

And finally, a nod to "Jimmy Starbuck" at Starbucks coffee, Shatin Plaza, Hong Kong. While on my way home from Lo Wu, I decided to break my journey and stop off at Shatin and take a walk around the shopping mall, Shatin Plaza. Shatin Plaza is one of those shopping centres that always has me wondering how they stay in business. It is big like all Hong Kong shopping malls, has many specialty shops such as Benneton, Laura Astley etc, and although I see people in the shops looking at stuff, I rarely see anybody ever buy anything. Anyway, whilst I was walking around and looking and not buying anything I decided to have a coffee and went into Starbucks. Now, you have to understand that in Australia I wouldn't go within 500 metres of the Starbucks coffee shop but in Hong Kong good coffee is few and far between so a tall soy latte and the lemon tart at Starbucks is quite acceptable to this coffee lover. Having made my purchase and with latte and tart in hand, I looked around for a place to sit and begin my feast. Having looked around it soon became obvious that all the tables and stools were taken and I might have to sit on the floor. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed one of the Starbucks employees, a young Hong Kongese guy who stopped what he was doing and came over to me asked me if I was looking for somewhere to sit down. When I answered that I was, he took off like some old day American Indian stalking here and there, scouting this way and that, checking out quiet corners and secluded positions before coming back to report that he had successfully negotiated a seat at a low table with two lounge chairs occupied by a young lady who seemed to be using Starbucks as a quiet place to do her school homework whilst having a coffee. After seating me and making sure I was comfortable, he then went back to take up his former duties. So, I nod in your general direction Jimmy Starbuck. With an attitude like that, you are destined to go far.

So, herein ends my blog for customer service memorable moments. My thanks to Mister Chong, Mister Border Control Customs Official, Sawyen and Jimmy Starbuck for bringing my attention to good service. My hats off to you all.

Until next time, Tales of Asia signing off.

Alan

Tales of Asia - Lost in Penang Malaysia

Greetings truth seekers,

February 22nd 2007 and it was off to Penang Malaysia for nine days to celebrate Chinese New Year and my birthday on February 24.

Penang, the Pearl of the Orient, is an interesting fusion of East and West. The state embraces modern day living while retaining its traditions and old world charm which are reflected in its harmonious multiracial population and well preserved heritage buildings. Long regarded as the food capital of Malaysia, it also entices visitors with its beautiful coasts and delightful cuisines.

Penang needs little introduction to many visitors to Malaysia, having long been known as one of Southeast Asia's finest destinations. Penang's outstanding beaches and exotic sights have made it one of the most popular destinations in the region.

I stayed at the G Hotel on Gurney Drive. It's convenient location overlooks Penang's most famous boulevard, Gurney Drive. The location is right next to a large shopping centre, Gurney Plaza and directly across the road from the beach. Luckily for me there were no tsunami's forecast as this was one of the areas that was hit two years ago during that Asian disaster.

As fabulous as its beaches are, some of Penang's deeper mysteries should also be experienced.

The People -

Cultures have been meeting and mixing in Malaysia since the very beginning of its history. More than fifteen hundred years ago Malays welcomed traders from China and India. With the arrival of gold and silks, Buddhism and Hinduism also came to Malaysia. A thousand years later, Arab traders arrived in Malacca and brought with them the principles and practices of Islam. By the time the Portuguese arrived in Malaysia, the empire that they encountered was more cosmopolitan than their own.

The Food -

Malaysia's gastronomic heritage has drawn from each of the constituent cultures of Malaysia as well as from neighbouring states to produce what many people consider to be the most delicious cuisine in the entire world. The internationally-renowned cuisine of China's Canton and that of southern India are significant sources of Malaysia's culinary heritage, as is the sublime cuisine of Thailand. Fresh tropical fruits and succulent Malaysian seafood are featured ingredients, and the chilies and curries of India and Thailand form the basis of spicy preparations. Coconut milk is ubiquitous in Malaysia, imparting a delicious smoothness to curries and other dishes.

The mainstay of every Malaysian meal is rice. At each meal, a generous helping accompanies a selection of dishes, including fish, seafood, vegetables, and poultry. Beef is conspicuously absent, as it is across much of Asia. Individual recipes vary widely from state to state. Basic ingredients may be the same, but the method of cooking and accompanying dishes changes with each state's own tastes and special produce.

Breakfast is a major meal of the day, not a neglected snack. Dine on fragrant nasi kandar, fish curry served with meat in chili sauce and boiled eggs. Or try the nasi dagang, glutinous rice cooked in coconut milk, served with fish curry, coconut sambal, and cucumber pickle.

Excellent and inexpensive food can be obtained virtually anywhere in Malaysia, largely because of the strength and ubiquity of food stalls, often called hawker food. Whether it be in villages, small towns, or big cities, visitors can find stalls offering mouth-watering treats. Dining at a cart or streetside stand may sound plain and piecemeal, but in Malaysia eating food at the roadside stalls is a much-loved practice. The best stalls are as popular and as crowded as any permanent restaurant--VWs and BMWs are equally likely to be parked close by, and their owners rubbing shoulders in the long line. Some stalls are open from morning to evening, while others are open from evening to dawn. Others are open around the clock, seven days a week.

Sightseeing -

Kek Lok Si Temple - at Air Itam, is reputed to be the most beautiful and largest Buddhist temple complex in Southeast Asia. Its seven-story pagoda, over 90 feet high, is a harmonious blend of Chinese, Thai, and Burmese architecture and craftsmanship.

Wat Chayamangkalaram Temple - This Buddhist temple of Thai architecture houses a magnificent gold-plated reclining Buddha that is said to be the third largest in the world. The niches behind the statue house urns containing the ashes of devotees

Fort Cornwallis - the fort was built on the site of Sir Francis Light's historic landing in 1786. Originally a wooden stockade, it is now a concrete structure and currently houses cannons, a history gallery, cafe, handicraft and souvenir centre as well as an open air ampi-theatre.

Chinatown - large and well preserved, its numerous clan houses, shophouses and temples provide a fascinating insight into the lifestyle of early Chinese immigrant settlers who came to Penang in the 1800s.

Little India - this quaint Indian town dates back over two centuries and includes the 167 year old Sri Mahamariamman Temple. Worth browsing for the pre-war terrace buildings which housed restaurants, jewellery and textile shops, dress retailers, music stores, Barbers as well as shops selling spices, sundries and cutlery.

Batu Ferringhi - this village houses a world renowned beach retreat. Its beautiful coastline, budget inns and five star hotels as well as its golden beaches make it an ideal choice for a holiday getaway.

Penang Butterfly Farm - this well-planned butterfly farm is home to hundreds of species of butterflies and insects. One will be truly amazed with the number of butterflies fluttering in the air. A subterranean subway made of stone's lead a visitor to a live scorpions pit. The farm abounds with beautiful gardens, waterfalls and ponds which add beauty and splendour to the farm. Be careful though, foreign visitors are charged twice as much as locals for entry. As I was with three families of local Chinese and paying for everybody's entry, it left a sour taste in my mouth when I had to pay double. Even my friends complaints fell on deaf ears and this is the one experience that I remember about Penang that was very disappointing.

Penang Bridge - stretching over 13.5 km, the Penang Bridge is the longest in Southeast Asia. The bridge links the island of Penang to the Malaysian mainland. Very busy in peak times but quite quick to travel over late in the evening as I did when I went over to look at some buildings in a place called Auto City.

Khoo Kongsi - also known as the "Leong San Tong", the history of the Khoo Kongsi spans more than 70 years. Considered the most beautiful temple in Penang, and I definitely agree, it's carved beams are made of the finest would an architectural design which never fails to awe its visitors. I visited this on the evening of my birthday as there was a multinational cultural festival taking place. Definitely a place to visit if going to Penang.

Botanical Gardens - covering an impressive area, the botanical Gardens is an attraction that is not to be missed, not because of its vegetation and tropical plants but for the monkeys. The monkeys linger around visitors eagerly waiting to be fed. Even though they can be quite friendly, be careful if you pull piece of candy out of your bag as the monkeys show no fear when going after food. So, be warned.

Beach Street - some of the best examples of colonial architecture are located in Penang's banking district.

Gurney Drive - to protect the environment and the sanitation problem, the Penang state government established a permanent hawker centre at different places in Penang. Other land the tasty and mouthwatering local foods, some local singers will come to Penang to perform and entertain tourists. Among the hawker centres, Gurney Drive is very popular as hawker centres for local and tourist from abroad. I didn't get the opportunity to go here, but I was not disappointed, as the Chinese family that I went to Penang to visit used their local knowledge and took me a call over Penang to backstreet hawker stalls were delicious food was the goal.

I would like to thank all of the Lee family for their generous hospitality, generous nature, for including me as a member of their family and for being some of the nicest people I have ever met. I hope to see you all again soon. On another note, I thank Stuart and Christina for "keeping the doors open" on Monday and Wednesday night. Much appreciated to you both.

Until next time take good care,

Alan