The Chinese certainly has a way of making things complex and gross. It's not a tradition; it's more like a superstitious and low quality of brain functions. A funeral, should be nice and respectful to the deceased. And shared the memories of the love one. But....
To start, before even a funeral or wake to begin the deceased birthday has to be calculated so that what ceremonies needed to be performed. Based on my grandma's birth date and time, she was to send down the hell. But with extra prayer, it can be broken and sent her back up; so we had this priest performing an extra ritual. We walked around in circle following the priest while he prayed. And at each "station stop", he used his staff breaking a tile with a "hellish animal face" symbolizing breaking the one of 9 layers of hell. We did that for nine times. Then, we had to lead the deceased thru two bridges to cross over to the other side. To symbolized that, we had her paper "altar" with dad holding it to walk over the paper bridge twice while we followed. At the end of that, everything was to be burned for her - cars, house, servants, the bridge and amongst other day to day used household items; and less but not least, lots and lots of money. I was surprised the US spy satellite did not pick up on the extra heat worrying about Macau firing missiles ( you know, we have that bank the US kept saying laundry North Korean money). The heat from burning the paper was intense. I thought there was a shortage of paper and the cost of that is high. And that was only one of many ceremonies.
Then, after the prayer services. There was one by the Buddhist monks directly from Hong Kong; from the temple in Lantau Island where the big Buddha sits on top of the hill. The head monk was there with six of his disciples. That lasted over two hours; we did a lot of kneeling, up and down, bowing, I was worry about dad's knees; there were certain "acts" of the prayer must be done by the Eldest son.
That lasted until 10:30pm at night. The ceremony began at 2:30pm. Very weird, prior to that, we were at the funeral hall by 2pm; we were suppose to "meet" our grandma. But someone she had been shipped and was in the process of being make-up in the back. Literally. The make-up guy, fully gown in protective outfit and all, came out and told us to take a look to ensure everything was fine. Huh? Well, everyone went in and looked. And my aunts and some uncles requested to place about 20 coins in my grandma's hands. After the cremation, we were suppose to find them and hand out to each of the family for good luck. Huh?
The body was fully dressed in a very loud traditional 'death robe'; even had a bandana on. Then she was covered by yet another loud 'death blanket' with lots of patterns. After all was done, she was encased in an air-conditioned casing; clear, of course, so people could see and paid their respects.
That was yesterday with all the ceremonies, burning of symbolic items that she would need in the after live, lots of praying, burning, praying, burning. And during some praying ceremonies, the "helper" from the funeral hall placed a yellow paper blanket on top of the body; it was for ...
Today, the "day" where we placed the body to the coffin and send for the crematorium. That by itself was another experience. We were all back at the funeral hall early meeting the "big house"; that's the Chinese way of saying the coffin. It arrived just before the 1030am departure for cremation. And a quick ceremony. First we all bowed our heads when the "big house" arrived and rolled in front of everyone thru the main hall into the back where the body was stored. Then we were all on our knees and the Chinese priest did his praying to lead the soul to the final resting place. After that, the announcer, yes there was one hired, to tell us bow again as the body is being placed in the coffin. The Chinese background was blaring in the background until the coffin was rolled out to the center of the funeral hall. Dad was told to stand at one end of the coffin and check the head's position ensuring it was centred. My two aunts came forward and checked my grandma's palms ensure there were 20 coins in her hands. The announcer actually dug thru and showed them. Everyone then did paid a final respect to the body by filing around it. Once that was done, the announcer told us to turn around before the coffin was being sealed up. As it was being done, he said lots of "lucky" phrases to the family. Since this body was to cremated in China, legal steps were taken like certification, wax seal. The coffin was rolled to the back of a bus; the front with family members. Dad said up front holding the "symbolized" grandma and a big incense. His second brother hold the picture as well as spreading the "road" money on the street for the deceased. We followed in three different vehicles.
Cutting thru the Chinese bother was not difficult using the special car route. But passengers still had to get off and walked thru to the immigration hall, took about 10 minutes. We then proceed to the crematorium about 30 minutes away. As we approached the gate, I noticed a sign: free range chicken. How odd to have a chicken farm just outside of the crematorium. When we arrived, the coffin was whisked to the back quickly while we went to a temporarily place to pay final respect, more incense and more burning. Then we went to the viewing area where the coffin was being rolled out to us for final viewing and the to the 'oven'. 35 minutes later it was done. The queen of Macau had a friend following the entire cremation process. It was because, if not, what you get is not "full". After the ashes were bring pulled from the 'oven' , he called us to have someone there to be the observers. So, dad, me, and two other close family members went; literally to the back of the crematory where the end of the 'oven' was. I was in the middle of it all. Go figure. The ashes just got spread on the floor in a designated circular area. Three guys, without gloves, went thru it like picking rocks. One guy used a magnet to pull off all the metals, nails. Then another guy pulling off all the burning wood fragments. Another guy pulling out whatever didn't seem "right", left by previous burnings. Then they all trying to locate all the coins left in the palms before. This was meant to be good luck. Yeah, ok. I saw fragments of bones and skull; the rest pretty much just ashes. All white. O yeah, they even found four calcified pills. Yeah, calcified. Go figure. Once everything was picked clean, the ashes were prepare to be placed in the urn. Very scientific approach, a garden shovel. First all large pieces of bones were pounded to smaller pieces, then shoveled into the urn. I was afraid won't fit; but one guy just kept hammering and grinding the pieces. Finally, everything fitted. Couple cloth wipes and it was handed to us, in the back of the 'oven'; no ceremony, no anything. Done. After all those fanfare and huge ceremonies and all, in the end, the bones were just scrapped off from the oven and pounced into small pieces. Big in, small out.
On the way back to Macau, the guy that 'observed' the entire process told us that he did the same to someone not long ago; he was very descriptive to his previous observation; apparently the door was opened for more 'intimate observation'; he described how the wood was split into half and then saw the head kinda exploded with brain gushing out; thanks buddie!
As traditional went, after the funeral is done; a meal was to prepared for guest who sent the deceased to the final resting place; we had our lunch at 2pm. Good thing, this time was not at the funeral parlor but at a real restaurant. I was really turned off by eating at the funeral parlor with the very traditional chinese vegetarian meal on top of another funeral hall while listening to other funeral ceremonial music going on in the background. I might have an imagery floating in my head next time I sit down and eat the very traditional chinese vegetarian meal.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Double Whammies
Talk about double whammies; parents' apartment (both units) is totally gutted; they are doing a major renovation, started on Monday. Then Friday, grandma passed away; have to organized the funeral. Nothing better than turning things inside out all at once with two major things happening. We have been cleaning and cleaning to keep the dust down in the apartment. And packing things together for the burial. Tomorrow and Tuesday will be very busy. The body will be moved to the funeral parlor; we will have to be there with all the burial items. The wake will last from 2:30pm to 10:00pm at night.
Friday, April 25, 2008
My efficient travel agent
Man, my travel agent was quite efficient. I called her to book my flight to Macau, we communicate in Mandarin, of course; she got me a discounted ticket via Shanghai Airline; it's star alliance; bonus; I can use my SuperElite to check-in quicker; lounge access, well, not exactly a nice place to be. Anyway, she got me a one-way tix first thing in the morning at RMB$1905.00, taxes in. Short notice, that's cheap for the first flight out. Then later this aft, she called and apologized; she got me a better price for the same tix. RMBR1760.00; the face value of the tix is RMB$2300.00; pretty good. She didn't just book and forget; but she followed up and tried getting you a better price. And she has attached a note reminding me to use the new Terminal 2 building and my pre-assigned seat of 9B as aisle. Not bad. If I were to take a Air Macau flight in Biz class leaving an hour later, I would have paid over RMB$3600.00.
Contrasting views
Was talking to some locals about the t!Bet issue. The younger generation always think of it as part of the whole country. They are not sure what is the fuss all about with the foreign press bringing such negative views. The views from the w3st certainly is different with the US news media leading a negative view. Whoever has visited the Potala Palace should reflect that prior to the new "ownership", the people were in serfdom. They were living pretty much like the medieval European class system. I was in awe actually to see the awesome wealth put into the Palace. The contribution from the "common" people must be huge. How else can such a construction in such high altitude. The shrines for previous "heads of state" are embedded in a 5 storied high tomb with rubies, gold and other expensive jewelries. I wonder how "common" people existed back then. There is now a museum displaying the treatment of serfs there with some graphical pictures of "king" chopping commoner's hands, feet off - sometimes just for kicks. I not siding with anyone; but interesting to see such a big contrasting views of this issue; and seems people providing the negative views and publicities are only reporting a stage in history that only began in 1940's rather than a bit further back. Interesting.
Pricy
Me start looking for an apartment to purchase; the numbers from Feb and Mar indicating apartment prices were beginning to fall; but not right now; it actually has gone up, ridiculously too. And there were developers "paying" people to line up in front of the sales office making it looks everyone must buy.
I have checked some real estate website and talked to some people that are looking too. Yikes. The area around where we are staying, it can go as high as RMB$30,000 per sq m. The Jing'An district where we are, it goes from RMB$20,000 to 35,000 per sq m. The Four Seasons resident just down the road is all sold out. I took an average of the per sq m price to calculate our current rental apartment value; well.... for our 1,400 sq ft apartment, it is being valued at RMB$2,4Million! $2.4Million for a 80 years old apartment. People are looking else where to live, can be as far as 60Km away because apartment is cheaper - about RMB$8,000 to 10,000 per sq m. Yikes. Who said the gov't policy is working to curb the real estate market.
I have checked some real estate website and talked to some people that are looking too. Yikes. The area around where we are staying, it can go as high as RMB$30,000 per sq m. The Jing'An district where we are, it goes from RMB$20,000 to 35,000 per sq m. The Four Seasons resident just down the road is all sold out. I took an average of the per sq m price to calculate our current rental apartment value; well.... for our 1,400 sq ft apartment, it is being valued at RMB$2,4Million! $2.4Million for a 80 years old apartment. People are looking else where to live, can be as far as 60Km away because apartment is cheaper - about RMB$8,000 to 10,000 per sq m. Yikes. Who said the gov't policy is working to curb the real estate market.
Very funny
On my way home this morning from my errands, there was a huge line for this new Jackie Chan movie in front of a shopping mall. Apparently, the premier is a sold out; this movie is a must see kung fu movie. Well, just around the corner where you can buy counterfeit scarfs and things, right there on the front was the ready to release Jackie Chan movie which people were lining up to buy tickets for. Go figure.
Another one bite the dust
Things goes in three, this is number 2. After my great aunt almost 4 weeks ago, my grandma (on my dad's side) finally left for a better world; poor woman had been suffering for the last 15 years in bed with no way of communicating with people. The pacemaker kept her going. This morning at 730am in bed, couple quick gasps of air, gone. I am heading down to Macau tomorrow. Funeral is expected to be Tuesday sometime.
Wonder whose next.
Wonder whose next.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Food prices
Well, food prices definitely have climbed; seem just overnight. Came back from a foreign owned supermarket next to the Ritz at Portman. A jar of Tahini is RMB$74.00 vs RMB$55.00 since I bought it last month or so. A chunk of brie cheese, that place is selling for RMB$88.00. Yikes. Seems prices for all foreign products have jumped over night. The only things that are relatively cheap are the local produced products. Vegetables, fruits, whatever else. Funny to compare RMB$88.00 today. I can spend this amount on one of these: (1) a cobb salad and a cup of coffee, (2) a chunk of Brie cheese, (3) a 4-course meal at our regular vegetarian restaurant for two, (4) a US b'fast with coffee and a fresh juice, (5) 7 times of two packages of sandwiches and a 3.86L bottled water at a corner convenient store, (6) two set lunch meals at the same regular restaurant, (7) 80 steam buns at this local bakery down the street between our apartment and the Marriott hotel, (8) not even a sandwich at 360, the Marriott's canteen type confectionery stand, (9) 11 times of buying the Shanghai famous fried pork dumplings (4 per pack) at the not so clean food street behind our apartment, or (10) a replacement water cooler for the apartment, or (11) have a AYI to clean the apartment for a day with RMB$33 left over. Or (12) 44 bottles of water at this convenient store at the half way point between Shanghai and Sheshan golf course (our 40K one way bike route), or (13) 11 bowls of hot spicy soup noodles outside of Shanghai, or (14) 38 fresh coconut juice from a coconut at Hainan over the weekend. Or (15) less than 4 bottles of this Irish beer at the mentioned Portman supermarket. Or (16) two sets of Japanese lunch boxes from this Japanese supermarket. or (17) First half of the year for the TV subscription at this apartment building. I guess there are lots of way to spend RMB$88 these days in China.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Nothing is really opened
The commie promised to open up the firewall for Olmpics; not quite; screening is still going on; and random choking seems to occur to the speed. Right now, I am typing from a computer remotely from Canada. Gmail chat is blocked; the blog site is blocked. Even the proxy server couldn't route the blogging site. Something big must be happening. Or maybe some hick computer tech in the backroom of the Shanghai Telecomm ADSL support screwing around with the firewall. Some sites are fast, some are not accessable. NYtimes put a stupid big ad at the front page, the commie firewall could not interpret it so the site is not accessable except with the proxy i used; but then I had to wait for the ad server from NYTimes to time out before I can read anything. AC website, not accessable again. Not sure what AC put in the background to cause the blocking; must be a picture acts as a background.
As of today, someone form the property management place posted a sticky note (reminder) us to report to the police station. Actually more for my iron-wife than I. She uses US passport; so by law, she has to report to the police station within 24 hours arriving. She has not done it in years. But now is being enforced. This is from the Olympics clamp down people. And will be more "rules" as Aug 8 comes closer. Watch it on TV, nevermind coming. The foreigner visa has just doubled the price. Mutliple entries are not issued until at least oct 1 of this year.
As of today, someone form the property management place posted a sticky note (reminder) us to report to the police station. Actually more for my iron-wife than I. She uses US passport; so by law, she has to report to the police station within 24 hours arriving. She has not done it in years. But now is being enforced. This is from the Olympics clamp down people. And will be more "rules" as Aug 8 comes closer. Watch it on TV, nevermind coming. The foreigner visa has just doubled the price. Mutliple entries are not issued until at least oct 1 of this year.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Met an interesting fellow
After we arrived at Shanghai from Haikou, we bumped into a guy that was in the same race; he was from Mexico and has been in every Ironman race since he started 17 years ago; he was skinny but strong; according to him, he used to be over 200 lbs and chain smoked (since 11 years old). Now, he's doing Ironman everywhere around the world and had been interviewed by magazines. Sponsorship, of course...
Yummy
We got on the flight from Haikou to Shanghai; when breakfast was serve, it was a sesame bun lathered with butter, katchup, microwaved eagg and spam wrapped in tinfoil. For the vegetarian one, less spam. That reminded me of the A & W b'fast bacon and egger. Went down smoothly but you would hate it afterward.
Speaking of that, on the way down to Haikou from Shanghai on China Eastern Airline. The flight attendants came up to us and confirmed our vegetarian meals. Well, dinner boxes. Rather than just confirming, they wanted to drop off the boxes to us BEFORE THE FLIGHT WAS TAKEN OFF! Brains? She had two boxes in her arms ready to deliver. After take off, we had our meal; all steamed veggies with a boiled potato. Hee hee... You just never know what you get.
Speaking of that, on the way down to Haikou from Shanghai on China Eastern Airline. The flight attendants came up to us and confirmed our vegetarian meals. Well, dinner boxes. Rather than just confirming, they wanted to drop off the boxes to us BEFORE THE FLIGHT WAS TAKEN OFF! Brains? She had two boxes in her arms ready to deliver. After take off, we had our meal; all steamed veggies with a boiled potato. Hee hee... You just never know what you get.
Sticker shock!
After the race, we had a beer with the Shanghai Tri-club that iron-wife trained with 4 weeks ago. It was just outside of the park at a roadside shop. Huge beer bottles. And huge coconuts (size of a small basketball). We ordered the fresh coconuts. Nice. The price, RMB$6.00. That was not CAD$1.00! When the lady quoted the price, RMB$26.00 I was ready to pay until someone said: "no, no, only these two coconuts". That lady quoted me the entire table's drink. 3 bottles of large beer, Chinese size and 3 fresh coconuts (including my two). That was cheap! I couldn't get a cup of coffee at the Sheraton! Yikes.
Yes, at the Sheraton; don't stay there! Better yet, skip the entire city - Haikou. Crap, crap, crap. When I checked out, I got a sticker shock again! It came to a grand total of RMB$10,957 and some change!!! I initially budgeted RMB$6,500.00 at the most; well.... Couple of room services and the UNICEF tax which I was never agreed to pay (mandatory). And the other service charges and service charges and local taxes. I didn't see that much good services at all at the hotel. Incidentally, my letter was never responded by the GM.
I had chat with this Aussie on the shuttle to the finish line, he worked for the Hainan Airline (a local airline group). He said there are only 200 foreigner in the city of Haikou. Getting things done around there is hard. He used to be a pilot but now heading up the English program making the pilots to communicate with the Control Tower in English; the Chinese gov't has mandated 60% of the flights, pilots must be speaking English to the Control Tower in China! According to this Aussie, Chinese pilots always have an interpreter sitting behind the pilots in the cockpit translating English instructions to Chinese. Or vice versa; yikes. Interesting to see what this will transpire later.
Yes, at the Sheraton; don't stay there! Better yet, skip the entire city - Haikou. Crap, crap, crap. When I checked out, I got a sticker shock again! It came to a grand total of RMB$10,957 and some change!!! I initially budgeted RMB$6,500.00 at the most; well.... Couple of room services and the UNICEF tax which I was never agreed to pay (mandatory). And the other service charges and service charges and local taxes. I didn't see that much good services at all at the hotel. Incidentally, my letter was never responded by the GM.
I had chat with this Aussie on the shuttle to the finish line, he worked for the Hainan Airline (a local airline group). He said there are only 200 foreigner in the city of Haikou. Getting things done around there is hard. He used to be a pilot but now heading up the English program making the pilots to communicate with the Control Tower in English; the Chinese gov't has mandated 60% of the flights, pilots must be speaking English to the Control Tower in China! According to this Aussie, Chinese pilots always have an interpreter sitting behind the pilots in the cockpit translating English instructions to Chinese. Or vice versa; yikes. Interesting to see what this will transpire later.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
What a day - on Race Day.
OK, race day was very hot! And I mean hot! By the time the bike transition came, participants starting to cramp up on both legs. Some just couldn't walk. But my iron-wife finished the 1/2 ironman race in 7 hours and 35 minutes. Waiting for an official time.
For the swimming evening, the water current was very strong. After the Ironman participants had completed the swim, the race official changed the course layout for the half Ironman participants. Short swim, about 1500M. Good! The current was pushing people totally away from the finishing line. Sighting of the markings was tough as well. There were two people missed the time cut for the Ironman swim. Bummer.
Quite interesting to see all the participants racing in and out of the transition area between swim, biking and running. I have to say though, not the participants were athletes. The kids (volunteers) at the bike's transition area, they were awesome. Felt sorry for them. Under high heat, they were instructed to catch the bikes as participants arriving. And then take each bikes back to the proper numbered parking spot about 400M plus away. And there were only about 8 kids doing this. Now, 800 participants, 800 bikes, 400M going down to park the bike (at the correct numbered parking spot) and then coming back up for another set of wheels continuously for hours. Under 36C with over 80% humidity, you can do the math the conditions these kids were in. O yeah, no one actually remember to give them water!!!! Until one of the local volunteers passed them bottled water and Gatorade from the athlete's desk. That volunteer was another kid. The more senior adult so called "staff", just stood there with the umbrellas shading from the sun. I also notice, there was no medical staff right at the bike transition. These poor kids with no medical training, had to try to handle medical problems too like severe cramping and dehydration. The medical staff were sitting back over 200M away chatting, smoking (although continuously being told not to at times).
I am telling you, this Ironman event really sucks money from people; you need money this, and money that - for equipments, Gels, protein bars, Areo bars, photos at the finishing line... It's just milking money. Saw the guy that created the Ironman brand. A tiny mustache 50-ish skinny guy. Not sure why he was there, maybe just to be there.
The logistics behind this event was poorly organized. Not worthed my money, maybe to the participants. Shuttle bus to the finishing line from the Sheraton, due to traffic gridlock, we didn't have regular shuttle going; some guys finished the 1/2 Ironman before the first shuttle arrived. Not sure how the organizer arrange transportation; there are back roads that could have been used. And trying to take a taxi there; good luck as there was no taxi outside the hotel or even couple KMs down; all blocked off for the race. And we did not know the name of the park where the finishing line was! In Chinese that was. I hopped on the second bus to the Finish Line after sending iron-wife off to the run. You know how fun that was when the driver asked us where the park was? People's Park. That was a bit ridiculous! We made the driver called his boss, after 30 minutes or so we got there! U know what, no signs saying the location was for the Ironman race. I spotted a red air filled giant arch with the Chinese words about the Ironman race. Ah, the right place, finally. One good thing about the commie always make fanfare events with bold red arches! Didn't know who the fu*K planned the layout of the finishing line; probably some commie party committee members in conjunction with local commie party chief with the no brain Ironman organizers. First off everything was fenced off including trying to access the toilet or even a walking path. Then, the toilets was over 500M from the finishing line up on a hilling walkway with stairs. What? The participants didn't have to use the bathroom when they arrive? Granted most would have collapsed into the available wheelchairs to the medical tents; but still! Then, the massage tent; if the athletes could have self propel up the long grandiose commie built stairs to a landing in the middle of the park for a massage, they would NOT need one! Stupid. The 1/2 Ironman Post race BBQ was closer to the finishing line than the massage tent and the toilets! While I was waiting for Audrey, I spotted some portable toilets setup between the 1/2 and full Ironman finishing lines. I "created" openings in order to get to it. After all, this is China. You acted as if you know what you were doing, people don't ask questions. Specially me, a Chinese looking like a foreigner. When my iron-wife arrived at the finishing line 7 hours and 35 minutes after the start, I took her there first. People followed afterward. Those two toilets on the ground level, I suspected the organizers put there for their own use. Tough. I cared less.
When we tried to catch the Official shuttle back to the hotel with iron-wife Audrey after the race, the bus driver refused to drive claiming no more gas in the tank. There were people finished way ahead had been stood at the stop for over an hour waiting for a shuttle. Taxi, yeah right at rush hours in the middle of a bloody chaotic downtown Haikou. Well, we started walking with another couple; the husband just finished the race. We walked, I repeated walked!!!! 22KM walk back to the hotel if we wanted to do it. That was after a "fun day out at the park". Jumped into a taxi not far from the finishing line. "Pretty much pleading with him to take us all back. After some 5 minute discussion, he drove; but still under protest. He rather not trying to drive to the other side of the city thru rush hour traffic. Turned out; taxi drivers were stupid that; they don't use their heads to think about which road to take. When we came upon the road block from the race, the taxi driver told us to ask the cops which road to take. Well, it turned out, there was back road virtually with NO car on the road; 3 lanes, bi-directional!!!! By the time we arrived at the hotel, I gave a bit more then the negotiated price. At that point, I didn't care; we were all in the sun from 7am till 730pm at night. 35C with high humidity; I had the luxury taking two showers during that time, but we were all beat. Hurray, we finally "home". As to those people taking that bus with the driver on strike - 2 hours! Fun, fun, fun.
BTW, there were plenty of vehicles for "officials", "vips", "official organizer used only" all over the place; empty with engine running....
For the swimming evening, the water current was very strong. After the Ironman participants had completed the swim, the race official changed the course layout for the half Ironman participants. Short swim, about 1500M. Good! The current was pushing people totally away from the finishing line. Sighting of the markings was tough as well. There were two people missed the time cut for the Ironman swim. Bummer.
Quite interesting to see all the participants racing in and out of the transition area between swim, biking and running. I have to say though, not the participants were athletes. The kids (volunteers) at the bike's transition area, they were awesome. Felt sorry for them. Under high heat, they were instructed to catch the bikes as participants arriving. And then take each bikes back to the proper numbered parking spot about 400M plus away. And there were only about 8 kids doing this. Now, 800 participants, 800 bikes, 400M going down to park the bike (at the correct numbered parking spot) and then coming back up for another set of wheels continuously for hours. Under 36C with over 80% humidity, you can do the math the conditions these kids were in. O yeah, no one actually remember to give them water!!!! Until one of the local volunteers passed them bottled water and Gatorade from the athlete's desk. That volunteer was another kid. The more senior adult so called "staff", just stood there with the umbrellas shading from the sun. I also notice, there was no medical staff right at the bike transition. These poor kids with no medical training, had to try to handle medical problems too like severe cramping and dehydration. The medical staff were sitting back over 200M away chatting, smoking (although continuously being told not to at times).
I am telling you, this Ironman event really sucks money from people; you need money this, and money that - for equipments, Gels, protein bars, Areo bars, photos at the finishing line... It's just milking money. Saw the guy that created the Ironman brand. A tiny mustache 50-ish skinny guy. Not sure why he was there, maybe just to be there.
The logistics behind this event was poorly organized. Not worthed my money, maybe to the participants. Shuttle bus to the finishing line from the Sheraton, due to traffic gridlock, we didn't have regular shuttle going; some guys finished the 1/2 Ironman before the first shuttle arrived. Not sure how the organizer arrange transportation; there are back roads that could have been used. And trying to take a taxi there; good luck as there was no taxi outside the hotel or even couple KMs down; all blocked off for the race. And we did not know the name of the park where the finishing line was! In Chinese that was. I hopped on the second bus to the Finish Line after sending iron-wife off to the run. You know how fun that was when the driver asked us where the park was? People's Park. That was a bit ridiculous! We made the driver called his boss, after 30 minutes or so we got there! U know what, no signs saying the location was for the Ironman race. I spotted a red air filled giant arch with the Chinese words about the Ironman race. Ah, the right place, finally. One good thing about the commie always make fanfare events with bold red arches! Didn't know who the fu*K planned the layout of the finishing line; probably some commie party committee members in conjunction with local commie party chief with the no brain Ironman organizers. First off everything was fenced off including trying to access the toilet or even a walking path. Then, the toilets was over 500M from the finishing line up on a hilling walkway with stairs. What? The participants didn't have to use the bathroom when they arrive? Granted most would have collapsed into the available wheelchairs to the medical tents; but still! Then, the massage tent; if the athletes could have self propel up the long grandiose commie built stairs to a landing in the middle of the park for a massage, they would NOT need one! Stupid. The 1/2 Ironman Post race BBQ was closer to the finishing line than the massage tent and the toilets! While I was waiting for Audrey, I spotted some portable toilets setup between the 1/2 and full Ironman finishing lines. I "created" openings in order to get to it. After all, this is China. You acted as if you know what you were doing, people don't ask questions. Specially me, a Chinese looking like a foreigner. When my iron-wife arrived at the finishing line 7 hours and 35 minutes after the start, I took her there first. People followed afterward. Those two toilets on the ground level, I suspected the organizers put there for their own use. Tough. I cared less.
When we tried to catch the Official shuttle back to the hotel with iron-wife Audrey after the race, the bus driver refused to drive claiming no more gas in the tank. There were people finished way ahead had been stood at the stop for over an hour waiting for a shuttle. Taxi, yeah right at rush hours in the middle of a bloody chaotic downtown Haikou. Well, we started walking with another couple; the husband just finished the race. We walked, I repeated walked!!!! 22KM walk back to the hotel if we wanted to do it. That was after a "fun day out at the park". Jumped into a taxi not far from the finishing line. "Pretty much pleading with him to take us all back. After some 5 minute discussion, he drove; but still under protest. He rather not trying to drive to the other side of the city thru rush hour traffic. Turned out; taxi drivers were stupid that; they don't use their heads to think about which road to take. When we came upon the road block from the race, the taxi driver told us to ask the cops which road to take. Well, it turned out, there was back road virtually with NO car on the road; 3 lanes, bi-directional!!!! By the time we arrived at the hotel, I gave a bit more then the negotiated price. At that point, I didn't care; we were all in the sun from 7am till 730pm at night. 35C with high humidity; I had the luxury taking two showers during that time, but we were all beat. Hurray, we finally "home". As to those people taking that bus with the driver on strike - 2 hours! Fun, fun, fun.
BTW, there were plenty of vehicles for "officials", "vips", "official organizer used only" all over the place; empty with engine running....
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Ironman China briefing
Attended the race briefing today; maybe I am getting really picky or overly critical, I found lots of improvements to be made. #1) tell everyone to shut off the cell phone prior to the start of the briefing, #2) have a laser pointer to pin out routing, #3) have a mic for people to ask questions, #4) get more seats rather than asking people (non-athletes) that come early to give up seats for tardiness athletes; in my book, tough. #5) have signs directing people to the proper meeting rooms; there were rooms specifically for non-English speaker athletes.
It really annoyed me when you try to focus and a bunch of yahoo athletes sitting behind you playing around with their cameras with annoying clicking sound. Or talking loud commenting on a specific point that was totally irrelevant. I got pissed. Four times, I had to turn around and give these Korean participants stern looks. Have a brain!
Seems this Ironman organization has a lot to improve in terms of logistics; I am sure they put lots of thoughts into the race itself but information/communication/directions are less than stellar.
Speaking of less than stellar, I have not seen any upper Sheraton hotel management around. Seemed all we saw were little lowly staff fending on their own. Pretty bad. I dropped a letter off regarding the readiness of the staff as well as the condition of our room to the GM of the hotel yesterday, have not received any response. Maybe he's hiding out from the Typhoon.
It really annoyed me when you try to focus and a bunch of yahoo athletes sitting behind you playing around with their cameras with annoying clicking sound. Or talking loud commenting on a specific point that was totally irrelevant. I got pissed. Four times, I had to turn around and give these Korean participants stern looks. Have a brain!
Seems this Ironman organization has a lot to improve in terms of logistics; I am sure they put lots of thoughts into the race itself but information/communication/directions are less than stellar.
Speaking of less than stellar, I have not seen any upper Sheraton hotel management around. Seemed all we saw were little lowly staff fending on their own. Pretty bad. I dropped a letter off regarding the readiness of the staff as well as the condition of our room to the GM of the hotel yesterday, have not received any response. Maybe he's hiding out from the Typhoon.
Friday, April 18, 2008
The sun is out
It's a beautiful morning! The typhoon landed just east of us and now has weakened into a tropical storm continue to cut north by north east to mainland China. Everyone is out getting into the water for a swim, a quick run and a quick cycle. Basically, the place has come alive with activities. Now, it is more like a hopping place. The weather after a typhoon is generally hot and humid. It will not going to be a fun day out there for the race participants.
For those who is doing the 70.3 Ironman, that is 70.3 KM. They have 8 hours to finish. The finishing line, is NOT at the Sheraton. That was a bit weird. The route take it all over. We'll see if someone will get lost or if traffic is blocked for the participants. Yesterday, there was a huge accident not far from the hotel; 3 died at the scene; apparently, a motor ricshaw type vehicle collided with a lorry. Guess who won? The 3 died were just lied on the road.
Traffic driving in Haikou is dangerous at time. Vehicles routinely running red lights, stopping, backing up with no warning or forethought. And if convenient to the driver, he/she will drive to the opposite lane direction in order to "conveniences" himself or herself.
For those who is doing the 70.3 Ironman, that is 70.3 KM. They have 8 hours to finish. The finishing line, is NOT at the Sheraton. That was a bit weird. The route take it all over. We'll see if someone will get lost or if traffic is blocked for the participants. Yesterday, there was a huge accident not far from the hotel; 3 died at the scene; apparently, a motor ricshaw type vehicle collided with a lorry. Guess who won? The 3 died were just lied on the road.
Traffic driving in Haikou is dangerous at time. Vehicles routinely running red lights, stopping, backing up with no warning or forethought. And if convenient to the driver, he/she will drive to the opposite lane direction in order to "conveniences" himself or herself.
Pictures from Haikou
Beach view with the storm blowing in. From today's Haikou news website... see here.
It's blowing right, dark, down pour, 3 minutes later, sun shine, then down pour.
It's blowing right, dark, down pour, 3 minutes later, sun shine, then down pour.
Storm to pass us by
Seems the storm will skip the eastern part of the island coast and continue north east direction to mainland China; looks Sunday will be a very nice day for a race. The storm is getting close to the island at the moment, sea surge is high compare to this morning; even the wind is getting stronger and cooler air prevails.
I have never seems such an unorganized bunch of people hosting a race. This reflected why this event has been missing in China for the last two years. I had hosted a National event with less man power, less resources; here, this Ironman organization from the US has 100 times more people to help out. Seem no one knows what's that. Getting questions answered were like pulling teeth. Or non existent.
The hotel itself is being overwhelmed. We ordered a meal and after an hour and a half, nothing came. So we cancelled it. Initially, we were in the restaurant called Breeze; very unorganized; we just sat wherever; but no one actually cleaned the tables. We just left. I just wrote a personal note to the GM of this hotel as I received one from him personally greeting message in my room. Gold member has it's privilege, perhaps. Well he did say if I need anything, just contact him. Well, is he here in the hotel or in mainland somewhere waiting out the storm? Just kidding here. I'll drop it off at the front desk or at the business centre.
Well, let see how tonight's Carb loading meal is like. For spouse, ticket is either US$30 or RMB$210; should have given them US dollars; cheaper.
I have never seems such an unorganized bunch of people hosting a race. This reflected why this event has been missing in China for the last two years. I had hosted a National event with less man power, less resources; here, this Ironman organization from the US has 100 times more people to help out. Seem no one knows what's that. Getting questions answered were like pulling teeth. Or non existent.
The hotel itself is being overwhelmed. We ordered a meal and after an hour and a half, nothing came. So we cancelled it. Initially, we were in the restaurant called Breeze; very unorganized; we just sat wherever; but no one actually cleaned the tables. We just left. I just wrote a personal note to the GM of this hotel as I received one from him personally greeting message in my room. Gold member has it's privilege, perhaps. Well he did say if I need anything, just contact him. Well, is he here in the hotel or in mainland somewhere waiting out the storm? Just kidding here. I'll drop it off at the front desk or at the business centre.
Well, let see how tonight's Carb loading meal is like. For spouse, ticket is either US$30 or RMB$210; should have given them US dollars; cheaper.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
We are here
Arrived at Haikou on time. But the taxi driver at the airport tried to rip us off. I was ready to jump back out but Audrey used a very "strong" Mandarin tone. This guy tried not to use the meter than he was going to charge us a "return to airport empty car" fee. Since we were here just over 4 weeks ago, there was no such thing. I was too tired; otherwise, I would have taken down the licence plate and complain.
Sheraton is where we are staying. Even though in the grand scheme of things this hotel is of International standard; I preferred the Gloria Hotel we stayed about 4 weeks ago. The Sheraton looks nice and all; staff is exceptional friendly; but the room was a bit disappointing for the $ we are paying. Per night, it is about 5 times as much as the Gloria. We have an ocean view here and the CNN, the Bloomberg and various foreign TV channels. Some room details are not of the value. They are: the telephone receiver stints of bad breath from long uses; yuck. The air condition fan never works; we had it on all night and set to 18C, not even cooling down; good thing we have this ocean breeze. The floor, there are stints from previous visits, never cleaned up; the sink drain has a yellow stint ring around it; that just seemed ridiculous. The shower stall, as the Chinese goes, has yellow stinting toward the drain. Other than that, it's ok. Gloria Hotel, even though was a bit smaller, everything looks clean and in perfect functioning order. One night at Sheraton is about 3 nights at Gloria's. Well, the race begins and ends in Sheraton; so we pretty much have no choice but to stay here.
The restaurant for b'fast at the Sheraton seemed chaotic; no people were greeting us; we just walked in, found a table, ate and left; when we checked in, when we checked in, we were told we need to pay for b'fast; well, we couldn't even find someone to pay for that if there was no one doing the hostess thingy.
Sheraton is where we are staying. Even though in the grand scheme of things this hotel is of International standard; I preferred the Gloria Hotel we stayed about 4 weeks ago. The Sheraton looks nice and all; staff is exceptional friendly; but the room was a bit disappointing for the $ we are paying. Per night, it is about 5 times as much as the Gloria. We have an ocean view here and the CNN, the Bloomberg and various foreign TV channels. Some room details are not of the value. They are: the telephone receiver stints of bad breath from long uses; yuck. The air condition fan never works; we had it on all night and set to 18C, not even cooling down; good thing we have this ocean breeze. The floor, there are stints from previous visits, never cleaned up; the sink drain has a yellow stint ring around it; that just seemed ridiculous. The shower stall, as the Chinese goes, has yellow stinting toward the drain. Other than that, it's ok. Gloria Hotel, even though was a bit smaller, everything looks clean and in perfect functioning order. One night at Sheraton is about 3 nights at Gloria's. Well, the race begins and ends in Sheraton; so we pretty much have no choice but to stay here.
The restaurant for b'fast at the Sheraton seemed chaotic; no people were greeting us; we just walked in, found a table, ate and left; when we checked in, when we checked in, we were told we need to pay for b'fast; well, we couldn't even find someone to pay for that if there was no one doing the hostess thingy.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Heading to a typhoon....
OK, we will arrive at Haikou just one day before the typhoon making landfall on the south side of the island. Since this is organized by Americans, don't think they know the severity of the typhoon or if it is about to hit. I sure hope so. Based on the last projection, it will cut on top of Haikou at 3am race day. And as it passes, its the tail end of the storm that kicks out the strongest and damaging wind. This is according to the latest update at 10am Shanghai time; who knows now. I emailed the organization early this morning; of course, no reply. Keep track of the typhoon path here. In case you don't know where is Hainan Island. It's the big island smacks in the middle of the typhoon path at Longitude 20N and Lattitude 110E, there about.
I have packed flashlights. Let see what's going to happen. Will do an update tonight once I arrive there.
I have packed flashlights. Let see what's going to happen. Will do an update tonight once I arrive there.
Back in Shanghai from Singapore
Alright, we are back in Shanghai at 5:45am this morning; left Singapore at 0:55am this morning. China Eastern uses Singapore's new Terminal 3. Man, it is such a nice terminal. The colour coordination, the decor, the lighting and the layout really make this terminal a world class. I am willing to spend an extra hour in this terminal just to check out the place. I cannot describe how nice this airport is; you guys have to go there and look!
Foggy and rainy when we arrived in Shanghai; only 12C. A big drop from the 30C with high humidity. Just finished unpack and did laundry; car is booked for tomorrow afternoon heading to the airport; going to Haikou for Audrey's triathlon. We'll be staying at the Sheraton where the race begins. And as it happens, we are heading to a category 1 typhoon. Right now, a tropical depression developed over the Philippine sea has turned north by north east up toward Vietnam and the Hainan Island (where Haikou is ). I believe we will land at Haikou just ahead of the storm cutting across the Hainan Island. But who knows; last report indicates this typhoon will hit landfall by Vietnam instead; if so, that will be good. Otherwise, based on projection the typhoon will cut across Hainan Island Friday night; just west of Haikou then continues northward to mainland China. Yikes. I better pack more batteries for my flashlights. Sheraton is located by the sea. But it is kinda protected by the bay; no trees though. Will be interesting. Funny the organizer of the Ironman China is not aware of the typhoon. So is most competitors. I emailed the Shanghai Tri club president telling him about the weather; he simply does not know there is one. Actually, I wouldn't know if I didn't by chance had the TV on in Singapore tuned to CNN. Caught a glimpse of the weather reporting. The Chinese News Media definitely does not have any info. Haha, I just got on to the Chinese's equivalent of Google; it's called Baidu.com. I did a search on Haikuo news, in chinese of course! Now, I am getting the local evening newspaper; it does report the typhoon.
Foggy and rainy when we arrived in Shanghai; only 12C. A big drop from the 30C with high humidity. Just finished unpack and did laundry; car is booked for tomorrow afternoon heading to the airport; going to Haikou for Audrey's triathlon. We'll be staying at the Sheraton where the race begins. And as it happens, we are heading to a category 1 typhoon. Right now, a tropical depression developed over the Philippine sea has turned north by north east up toward Vietnam and the Hainan Island (where Haikou is ). I believe we will land at Haikou just ahead of the storm cutting across the Hainan Island. But who knows; last report indicates this typhoon will hit landfall by Vietnam instead; if so, that will be good. Otherwise, based on projection the typhoon will cut across Hainan Island Friday night; just west of Haikou then continues northward to mainland China. Yikes. I better pack more batteries for my flashlights. Sheraton is located by the sea. But it is kinda protected by the bay; no trees though. Will be interesting. Funny the organizer of the Ironman China is not aware of the typhoon. So is most competitors. I emailed the Shanghai Tri club president telling him about the weather; he simply does not know there is one. Actually, I wouldn't know if I didn't by chance had the TV on in Singapore tuned to CNN. Caught a glimpse of the weather reporting. The Chinese News Media definitely does not have any info. Haha, I just got on to the Chinese's equivalent of Google; it's called Baidu.com. I did a search on Haikuo news, in chinese of course! Now, I am getting the local evening newspaper; it does report the typhoon.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Gloobbbb...... Gloobbb....
Did fine during my first swim session until.. I have to do rotate over to take a breath; that was when all hell broke loose. Haha, I think I have drunk couple gallons of water. Rally have problem turning over - not because I have such a big bellie weighing me down. I having the opportunity to do the new technique. Seeing and doing are two different things. Well, let see how this afternoon's sessions will become. I mean "session" with a "S" 4 hours worth of it.
Swimming I go tomorrow
Ok as part of my "to do's", tomorrow I will start my 10-hour program in learning this new swimming technique. It's call Total Immersion. This technique supposes to make you use less energy yet swim like a fish. Will report more after the end of this week.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Did a 10K run - forest trail style
We did a 10K run today in the reservoir area in Singapore just north of us. Very nice and lush forest. There were hiking trails/running trails all spread out. Lots of people. The reservoir itself is being used for kayaking and canoing practice for clubs. And the two most posh private golf clubs are located just on both sides of this place. Man, I don't remember when was the last time I sweat like that; I was soaked from top to bottom; my running shorts was soaked with sweat. When I stopped, sweat dripped down from the end of my shorts to the ground. The place was hilly too; up and down. Because of the down pour from this morning, the trail was a bit muddy and slippery. But overall, nice to be able to breath fresh forest air vs breathing Shanghai style air.
When I got back to friend's apartment to cool down, I felt embarrassed. When I got up ready to leave, the chair was wet and there was a pool of sweat at where I sat as well as where my feet were. Yikes.
Silly me, I didn't take the water bottle and waist pack like I was ready to; but my iron-wife convinced me not to; I was dying of thirst after 5K. Sweat too much specially in the tropic. Must not let her convince me again :-P
When I got back to friend's apartment to cool down, I felt embarrassed. When I got up ready to leave, the chair was wet and there was a pool of sweat at where I sat as well as where my feet were. Yikes.
Silly me, I didn't take the water bottle and waist pack like I was ready to; but my iron-wife convinced me not to; I was dying of thirst after 5K. Sweat too much specially in the tropic. Must not let her convince me again :-P
Sampled lots of curry dishes
Yummy. It was pouring outside at lunch time; lightning and all. So we decided to stay in to eat. Apparently the hotel we are staying, the Rendezvous Hotel, has a very locally famous curry restaurant (vegetarian no need to visit). Got all sorts of seafood and chicken curry. Fried boiled eggs. I was in heaven. My iron-wife not. Brent and Chooi would have been in heaven as well. Also, we ordered Chandol. It was a dessert drink/snack with palm sugar, shaved ice, coconut milk, green jelly and red beans. O la la. The place is called Nasi Pandang.
My iron-wife would have preferred the vegetarian restaurant called the Green Curry house of something on the 4th floor of Fortune Mall at Middle Road; after we finished eating the other night with some friends, we felt good and not greasy. The place sells organic food products as well; bought some nice black sesame seed powder; it is very good to be on food - sprinkled on. Or make a dessert soup out of it and put some nice dumpling balls w/ lotus past in them. Service is pretty much self serve. But staff were very friendly. The total with 5 of us and about 8 dishes or so costed S$60.00. Not bad at all. The menu included Japanese set, Korean's Bim Bim Bop, the locally famous beef bone soup on rice, Vietnamese fresh roll, sushi roll; all dishes are made of vegetarian ingredients; no meat or seafood at all. Nice... And the price is right.
Speaking of food. Our hotel seems to be tardy in collecting room service dishes. Everyday now, we saw lots of baskets of fruits not being picked up; whole apple, pears, grapes, oranges. Because we stay on the club floor, those were free fruits for the rooms. Guests don't seem to like eating them; so just left the basket with fruits outside the room. We in keeping of "why not". We have been picking up oranges and pears along the hallway to our room. How silly is that? But hey, it will be thrown out anyway.
My iron-wife would have preferred the vegetarian restaurant called the Green Curry house of something on the 4th floor of Fortune Mall at Middle Road; after we finished eating the other night with some friends, we felt good and not greasy. The place sells organic food products as well; bought some nice black sesame seed powder; it is very good to be on food - sprinkled on. Or make a dessert soup out of it and put some nice dumpling balls w/ lotus past in them. Service is pretty much self serve. But staff were very friendly. The total with 5 of us and about 8 dishes or so costed S$60.00. Not bad at all. The menu included Japanese set, Korean's Bim Bim Bop, the locally famous beef bone soup on rice, Vietnamese fresh roll, sushi roll; all dishes are made of vegetarian ingredients; no meat or seafood at all. Nice... And the price is right.
Speaking of food. Our hotel seems to be tardy in collecting room service dishes. Everyday now, we saw lots of baskets of fruits not being picked up; whole apple, pears, grapes, oranges. Because we stay on the club floor, those were free fruits for the rooms. Guests don't seem to like eating them; so just left the basket with fruits outside the room. We in keeping of "why not". We have been picking up oranges and pears along the hallway to our room. How silly is that? But hey, it will be thrown out anyway.
Question: how many employees it take to pay Visa bill?
at HSBC with Premier status? Answer: four staff (one receptionist, one private banking manager, one HK-based relationship manager and one Visa card call centre staff. And 40 minutes of my life I will never get back; that was how stupid this bank is. A simple transfer from a savings account to a Visa card; in Canada, this will be done in 2 minutes at the bank with a teller. This was just over the top. And HSBC prouds itself to have around the clock worldwide assistance for its Premier customers. Well, I have found out this is not the case. The reason I went to the branch in Singapore to do my payment was the HSBC Internet site sucked! It would not switch from one tab to another to get to where you wanted; it did sometimes but not others; I had to sign in and out every time to get the tab changed properly on the site. So, my test is almost completed with HSBC; will probably move my account to another bank.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Singapore now
4:55am, touch down; pretty smooth until I think the pilot forgot applying brakes soon enough. Thank god for mandatory seat belt during take off and landing. Haha... We got to park at the new terminal at Singapore; nice. Very soothing feeling as soon as we stepped into the terminal. The lighting fixture from the ceiling use a combination of reflective surface and energy efficient lighting. I think it would be just nice to sit there in the building to soak it all in; maybe, because it was 5am when we arrived and no one around.
Exchange rate sucked of course w/ the US$. The exchange counter was very efficient; fast; and even provided us with a Green (environmentally friendly) zip bag to hold our Singapore dollars. I also got a Singapore Mobile number; I can call Canada, US, China, Macau, Hong Kong and 10 more other countries for free from my mobile using 018 dialing. Wow. I have not heard of this before; of course, the lady forgot telling me about my cellphone number; so I do not know what it is yet! Normally, the number is in the package; but not there. maybe it is on the outside. Have to SMS someone to find out.
Hotel, the Rendezvous Hotel. Looked nice; but cost too much money for a very small room. Not worth the money; it charges $340 per night plus taxes; the Four Seasons charges $375 per night including b'fast for two. This hotel here, only gives one free b'fast; if you want for a second person, you have to pay additional fee; the total cost, same as staying at the Four Seasons; gee, why didn't I do that! Dah. But since this is the "work" hotel for Audrey this week, no point of moving hotel twice. Not worth that hassle. Location is good though; lots of food places opens 24-hours. I'll explore later.
Exchange rate sucked of course w/ the US$. The exchange counter was very efficient; fast; and even provided us with a Green (environmentally friendly) zip bag to hold our Singapore dollars. I also got a Singapore Mobile number; I can call Canada, US, China, Macau, Hong Kong and 10 more other countries for free from my mobile using 018 dialing. Wow. I have not heard of this before; of course, the lady forgot telling me about my cellphone number; so I do not know what it is yet! Normally, the number is in the package; but not there. maybe it is on the outside. Have to SMS someone to find out.
Hotel, the Rendezvous Hotel. Looked nice; but cost too much money for a very small room. Not worth the money; it charges $340 per night plus taxes; the Four Seasons charges $375 per night including b'fast for two. This hotel here, only gives one free b'fast; if you want for a second person, you have to pay additional fee; the total cost, same as staying at the Four Seasons; gee, why didn't I do that! Dah. But since this is the "work" hotel for Audrey this week, no point of moving hotel twice. Not worth that hassle. Location is good though; lots of food places opens 24-hours. I'll explore later.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Now I know
why all the Chinese squad; they were practicing for the toilet. All public washrooms provided squad toilets. You don't sit. I had to use one today while running; that dawn on me instantly! Ha ha. The public toilet I used was quite good. It had two people maintaining it. You put in RMB$1 and the door opens. You have 20 minutes to do your business; after that time, the door will automatically open, ready or not. Bring your own toilet paper. It's not provided but if ask, you will supply with this rough piece of paper. The toilet is automatically flushed once you exit and the door closes behind you.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
I survived another bike trip
Well, my iron-wife has been wanting to do a bike trip (day trip) in preparation of her Triathlon. Saturday was a write-off as I was battling some form of jet lag and arthritic induced diarrhea. Good thing we waited until today. My iron-wife's mountain bike was not tuned properly; and had to change out the tires to street tires. All done yesterday. Still... I had problem keeping up with her titanium street racing bike. But I survived. Not the riding part but the problematic gears, the traffic (bus stops were the worst), the people (seemed to stand in the middle of the road for some strange reasons), the other riders with cellphones on - either talking or watching videos! The silent running motor bikes (cruising on neutral) sneaking up on you but kept pace w/you in your blind spots. Or the same trying to turn right from the left - almost got killed once this aft.
I was hoping not to get a new bike but use Audrey's old mountain bike; but after this ride, will have to get a new one; otherwise, I will be lagging behind and not doing one heck of improvement to her cycling. But then again, in Shanghai traffic how can one improve on one's steady cycling. We always have to watch out for taxis going right in front of you, bus stops with pile of people; people dashing out in front of you as they were like Canadian children at school zones - not aware of anything.
O yes, the distance was 44 miles or 70.8KM. Not bad. With proper gears; I might be able to do more. Time for bed.
I was hoping not to get a new bike but use Audrey's old mountain bike; but after this ride, will have to get a new one; otherwise, I will be lagging behind and not doing one heck of improvement to her cycling. But then again, in Shanghai traffic how can one improve on one's steady cycling. We always have to watch out for taxis going right in front of you, bus stops with pile of people; people dashing out in front of you as they were like Canadian children at school zones - not aware of anything.
O yes, the distance was 44 miles or 70.8KM. Not bad. With proper gears; I might be able to do more. Time for bed.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Vegetarian Hotpot
Man, it's night and day comparing New Delhi to Shanghai; there is none.
We went out for supper last night to this place about 30 minutes from our apartment by Metro and a little bit of walking; it was a vegetarian hotpot place. Bill and Michele, you two would have love it there. The setting was soothing. It turned out, the hot pot is a buffet style; each of us had a personal small hotpot to cook our food. You picked your food from different stations spred out in the restaurant. On one side, a shelf full of organic vegetables (leaves and roots), uncut; you can cut yourself or request the staff to do so for you. Then on another side of the wall, all fresh fruit including coconuts, a table top full of appetizer dishs with lots of tofu products, edamame, hot sauce, soy sauce. One corner had steam dumplings and steam buns. Another station had self-make pasta; yes, you make your own noodles. Then at another quiet corner of the restaurant, drawers full of different type of teas. Base on what you want for your body/system, you pick the type of tea and brew it yourself. We were in heaven. The soup base was prepared using a combination of mushrooms and Chinese herbs. Sweet and aromatic. Everything was fresh. Staff was helpful in explaining everything. And guess how much the cost for the buffet per person? RMB88. That's about CAD$11.00; better than Four Seas or Peking House huh Rod? ;-)
We went out for supper last night to this place about 30 minutes from our apartment by Metro and a little bit of walking; it was a vegetarian hotpot place. Bill and Michele, you two would have love it there. The setting was soothing. It turned out, the hot pot is a buffet style; each of us had a personal small hotpot to cook our food. You picked your food from different stations spred out in the restaurant. On one side, a shelf full of organic vegetables (leaves and roots), uncut; you can cut yourself or request the staff to do so for you. Then on another side of the wall, all fresh fruit including coconuts, a table top full of appetizer dishs with lots of tofu products, edamame, hot sauce, soy sauce. One corner had steam dumplings and steam buns. Another station had self-make pasta; yes, you make your own noodles. Then at another quiet corner of the restaurant, drawers full of different type of teas. Base on what you want for your body/system, you pick the type of tea and brew it yourself. We were in heaven. The soup base was prepared using a combination of mushrooms and Chinese herbs. Sweet and aromatic. Everything was fresh. Staff was helpful in explaining everything. And guess how much the cost for the buffet per person? RMB88. That's about CAD$11.00; better than Four Seas or Peking House huh Rod? ;-)
Staggered back to Shanghai from Incredible India
It was a struggle getting back from New Delhi; the flight was at 4am; due to the chaotic renovation at the airport, we left the hotel at 12:30am as suggested by the hotel. Got there after 1:30am or so. There were 3 gates at the International airport labeled as Gate 1, 2 and 3. There was no sign as to which airlines using which gate; so you picked up in hope that was correct. As we arrived at the airport, it was the beginning of the real Incredible India. The Sh!t hole of India; Gandi would have turn in his grave! As we approached the drop off, the place resembled a place from Out of Africa in a chaotic backward train station. Things were all over the map, honking, cars stopping and parking wherever the drivers wanted, people with luggage wondering aimlessly looking lost because there were no signs for directions. India gov't, this is your bloody freaking International airport! You have shown people how stupid and inept you are! And confirm it!
The airport was in better shape back in 2006 December. Granted there is an airport improvement / renovation going on. But the way that is being conducted, really make things looked like crap. The airport interior ... Good thing there is nothing being done to the outside for the renovation; otherwise, it would have added more problems. As we walked into the airport, the first thing we encountered were stupid people that seemed never traveled before; had their carts sitting in the middle of the pathway to the X-ray machines talking on their cellphones. Then you put your bags thru the X-ray machine and security straps were put on your bags; well, well, well, only one guy was qualified to put the strap on and two helpers to "transfer" the bag to the strapping machine. The guy left to chat with people! Leaving all the bags piling up at the end of the X-ray machine after being screened. As luck had fallen upon us, the China Eastern check-in counter was in front of the X-ray machine. Good! There was no screen or signs tell you where airline counters were! There were non existed back then and non now! It was an Easter hunt. Checking was smooth with the airline. And the staff was very accommodating to make a worse situation better. They ensured we were going to the right direction - immigration. Ha, what a joke for the immigration. We snaked thru this line going towards the immigration counters I was stunned. We had this corridor with the wide of about 5 feet squeezing into a line. The immigration counters were perpendicular to the lineup with no direction as to which counter you should go. Take your pick; every so often, someone would hurl you toward the start of the line. But you wouldn't know which counter you should use, no sign, no anything. Then the immigrations people were taking their time processing; they talked as if you were there. And while we were waiting, one immigration guy saw his friend in the back of the line and just flagged him over while he already had a tourist in front of him being processed. Not good! And the guy even had the balls trying to introduce this friend to his supervisor pacing behind the counters. I didn't that superior was too amused. Give your head a shake! Once we had gone thru the immigration, we were pretty much in a no-man's land. The airline lounges were between immigration and security check. We went; and what a hell hole it was. There were only three lounges hosted by airlines. The one we used were shared with about 15 airlines. And the place was cramped, smoky, crowded - Indian gov't schedules all International airlines leaving approximately the same time in the middle of the night; so you could imagine the crowd of people in the lounge with that many airlines. We didn't stay for long as there were no seats; some seats were taking up by people sleeping. After about 45 minutes, we decided getting thru security to the departure gate waiting area. Another hell hole. The classic Indian style. Not enough seats, but there were shops for Duty Free, Chinese Dim Sum, Hot Dog stand, Subways and an Indian snack shop. That was it. Gate 10 and 11 were just next to this renovation area; so the sign was a 2' x 2' piece with Gate 10 and 11 labeled almost at the floor. Most of the time, the TV screen with the flight status was in Hindi. See English status listed was rare. I had to kept going back to behind the security check-in to see that huge status board; I believe it was the only one still in use after the one in Hong Kong's old airport over 10 years ago. I really didn't see how this Indian International airport will be modernized. Just keep on building on top of old stuff. With the Indian speed, everything will be old by the time it is done.
Finally after waiting that seem eternity in hell, it was our turn to board. As always, Indian confusion style. O right, forgot telling you the experience of going thru security. Each carry-on bag, no matter what size, what shape or what form - plastic bag included, must have a name tag. After our bags had been screened, there was this guy at the end of the X-ray machine putting a stamp on the name tag; this was to "say your bag is a OK". Of course, remember these guys were all single task. One person stamp, one person transfer the bags from the X-ray machine to the collection area; well the transfer guy was missing in action, so the bags were piling up at the other end. Not being transferred. And the guy with the stamp, as if he had blinds drawn still stamping whatever bags went thru the X-ray machines. Didn't even bother stopping the machines. Dumb. Word of warning - check the name tags of all the bags, make sure they have stamps on them! As this leads to the boarding experience. When it was time to board, a security guard checked your boarding pass ensure there were enough stamps on it as well as your bags; if you did not have all the proper stamps, you were being ejected from the gate and had to get all the right stamps. There was a family of four - Indian family got ejected; they sat there wondering what to do. So was this Chinese guy. Finally, we just told him, grab a name tag from the airline staff and have the security guy stamping it. People, people, this place is not North America; whatever they want to screw you they will; that's the land of India.
Ok, since we knew the drill from previous visit and from the hawk like observation :-P Remember, in India, you do need the wondering eyes observing your surrounding; you do not want to get screwed; and watch how people getting screwed so you can avoid the same. Pretty harsh words but they are true. We passed without much fan fare; got on the flight; ready to leave. Well, my personal hell began. While we were waiting to depart, this guy sat across the aisle from me starting to snore, snore was not the word. I believed he was making noise. So loud, my ears hurt. Passengers from behind him complained and requested ear plugs. That was all the way back to Shanghai with the except when we were being served our meals. The flight was 5 hours; but we were delayed for an hour due to the incompetence of the Indian traffic control. No paper work was being issued! The captain had to come out of the cockpit and got one of the inflight staff to chase down the airport staff getting the paperwork done! Welcome to the Incredible India, the land of Incredible incompetence - India style. We finally got off ground local time 5: 15am! An hour and some delay. And the long snoring back to Shanghai.
I was totally wiped by the time I landed in Shanghai. Stomach cramp, prickly skin, legs like jello; this must classified as one of the excellent adventures of Schroeder-Lo. O yeah, we did scheduled time with our PT in the evening. So off we went to the gym.....
The airport was in better shape back in 2006 December. Granted there is an airport improvement / renovation going on. But the way that is being conducted, really make things looked like crap. The airport interior ... Good thing there is nothing being done to the outside for the renovation; otherwise, it would have added more problems. As we walked into the airport, the first thing we encountered were stupid people that seemed never traveled before; had their carts sitting in the middle of the pathway to the X-ray machines talking on their cellphones. Then you put your bags thru the X-ray machine and security straps were put on your bags; well, well, well, only one guy was qualified to put the strap on and two helpers to "transfer" the bag to the strapping machine. The guy left to chat with people! Leaving all the bags piling up at the end of the X-ray machine after being screened. As luck had fallen upon us, the China Eastern check-in counter was in front of the X-ray machine. Good! There was no screen or signs tell you where airline counters were! There were non existed back then and non now! It was an Easter hunt. Checking was smooth with the airline. And the staff was very accommodating to make a worse situation better. They ensured we were going to the right direction - immigration. Ha, what a joke for the immigration. We snaked thru this line going towards the immigration counters I was stunned. We had this corridor with the wide of about 5 feet squeezing into a line. The immigration counters were perpendicular to the lineup with no direction as to which counter you should go. Take your pick; every so often, someone would hurl you toward the start of the line. But you wouldn't know which counter you should use, no sign, no anything. Then the immigrations people were taking their time processing; they talked as if you were there. And while we were waiting, one immigration guy saw his friend in the back of the line and just flagged him over while he already had a tourist in front of him being processed. Not good! And the guy even had the balls trying to introduce this friend to his supervisor pacing behind the counters. I didn't that superior was too amused. Give your head a shake! Once we had gone thru the immigration, we were pretty much in a no-man's land. The airline lounges were between immigration and security check. We went; and what a hell hole it was. There were only three lounges hosted by airlines. The one we used were shared with about 15 airlines. And the place was cramped, smoky, crowded - Indian gov't schedules all International airlines leaving approximately the same time in the middle of the night; so you could imagine the crowd of people in the lounge with that many airlines. We didn't stay for long as there were no seats; some seats were taking up by people sleeping. After about 45 minutes, we decided getting thru security to the departure gate waiting area. Another hell hole. The classic Indian style. Not enough seats, but there were shops for Duty Free, Chinese Dim Sum, Hot Dog stand, Subways and an Indian snack shop. That was it. Gate 10 and 11 were just next to this renovation area; so the sign was a 2' x 2' piece with Gate 10 and 11 labeled almost at the floor. Most of the time, the TV screen with the flight status was in Hindi. See English status listed was rare. I had to kept going back to behind the security check-in to see that huge status board; I believe it was the only one still in use after the one in Hong Kong's old airport over 10 years ago. I really didn't see how this Indian International airport will be modernized. Just keep on building on top of old stuff. With the Indian speed, everything will be old by the time it is done.
Finally after waiting that seem eternity in hell, it was our turn to board. As always, Indian confusion style. O right, forgot telling you the experience of going thru security. Each carry-on bag, no matter what size, what shape or what form - plastic bag included, must have a name tag. After our bags had been screened, there was this guy at the end of the X-ray machine putting a stamp on the name tag; this was to "say your bag is a OK". Of course, remember these guys were all single task. One person stamp, one person transfer the bags from the X-ray machine to the collection area; well the transfer guy was missing in action, so the bags were piling up at the other end. Not being transferred. And the guy with the stamp, as if he had blinds drawn still stamping whatever bags went thru the X-ray machines. Didn't even bother stopping the machines. Dumb. Word of warning - check the name tags of all the bags, make sure they have stamps on them! As this leads to the boarding experience. When it was time to board, a security guard checked your boarding pass ensure there were enough stamps on it as well as your bags; if you did not have all the proper stamps, you were being ejected from the gate and had to get all the right stamps. There was a family of four - Indian family got ejected; they sat there wondering what to do. So was this Chinese guy. Finally, we just told him, grab a name tag from the airline staff and have the security guy stamping it. People, people, this place is not North America; whatever they want to screw you they will; that's the land of India.
Ok, since we knew the drill from previous visit and from the hawk like observation :-P Remember, in India, you do need the wondering eyes observing your surrounding; you do not want to get screwed; and watch how people getting screwed so you can avoid the same. Pretty harsh words but they are true. We passed without much fan fare; got on the flight; ready to leave. Well, my personal hell began. While we were waiting to depart, this guy sat across the aisle from me starting to snore, snore was not the word. I believed he was making noise. So loud, my ears hurt. Passengers from behind him complained and requested ear plugs. That was all the way back to Shanghai with the except when we were being served our meals. The flight was 5 hours; but we were delayed for an hour due to the incompetence of the Indian traffic control. No paper work was being issued! The captain had to come out of the cockpit and got one of the inflight staff to chase down the airport staff getting the paperwork done! Welcome to the Incredible India, the land of Incredible incompetence - India style. We finally got off ground local time 5: 15am! An hour and some delay. And the long snoring back to Shanghai.
I was totally wiped by the time I landed in Shanghai. Stomach cramp, prickly skin, legs like jello; this must classified as one of the excellent adventures of Schroeder-Lo. O yeah, we did scheduled time with our PT in the evening. So off we went to the gym.....
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Day 3 in the compound
Been in my hotel since we have arrived on Monday morning. I got lots done since India has a faster Internet speed than back home - the great Chinese Firewall. Actually, just a serious of smart routers for content screening that make things really really slow in particularly now with the Tibet thingy. Most sites are blocked; even some WSJ articles were not rendering.
Tried getting outdoor here in Delhi; that is, to the outdoor garden on the 12th floor lounge. Well, at 8:30am, the temperature was very comfortable; I thought, by sitting that high up and with a nice breeze, pollution should not be a problem to me. Wrong! My throat burn after sitting there for 15 minutes; at first I thought it was me! I kept drinking my freshly squeezed water melon juice; no luck. Then finally, it dawned on me. The pollution! Wow... Too bad, India has such a deep cultural thing but well traveled people know that there is nothing much to see here. Head out of town whenever one gets a chance.
Tried getting outdoor here in Delhi; that is, to the outdoor garden on the 12th floor lounge. Well, at 8:30am, the temperature was very comfortable; I thought, by sitting that high up and with a nice breeze, pollution should not be a problem to me. Wrong! My throat burn after sitting there for 15 minutes; at first I thought it was me! I kept drinking my freshly squeezed water melon juice; no luck. Then finally, it dawned on me. The pollution! Wow... Too bad, India has such a deep cultural thing but well traveled people know that there is nothing much to see here. Head out of town whenever one gets a chance.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
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