London is a horrible horrible place. This is probably not an appropriate opening statement. If London happens to be your dream city, don't read any further. No doubt, London is a charming place to many people, especially the 20-30 single or young couple. It is a place where one can find loads of opportunities and other effluent people. It is a place for those whose priorities are not money or their long term financial stability, unless you are the few privileged ones who have unlimited funds. Well, again, that falls into the group who doesn't have to count their dimes.
For those have high disposable incomes/funds, London is probably the best place in the world. Where else in the world you can stroll along a river, the Thames in this case, and see so many recognisable architectures such as the Big Bang, the Parliament, the St Paul's Cathedral and Shakespeare’s Globe. The list will go on and on and on. Then, by turning one block away from the river, you come to probably the best theatre district in the whole wide world - the West End. Not far away, you come to Trafalgar Square, Queen's Guard House, Buckingham Palace, Piccadilly Circus, etc. The museums are not only world class but they are probably among the best of the best. The National Gallery and The National Portrait Museum are next to the Trafalgar Square. In short strolls, one will find yourself in Tate Modern, Tate Britain, The British Museum and British Library. Not far away for a bus ride you come to Victoria and Albert Museum, Science Museum and Nature History Museum, so on and so forth. So far, I think most people would have agreed that the quality of life seems to be one of a kind.
What is wrong with London then? Why do I dislike it? Am I nuts? The main problem of London is its lack of the magical human touch that gives something the warm and comfy feeling. Everything you do in London, you can do it by yourself. And in reality, you probably can only do it by yourself because no Londoners have any time for you. And that is the problem. No, I am not lonely, although you do feel lonely sometimes in this big city. This city is in fact very cold. This cold chill feeling come from everywhere, pedestrians, train passengers, hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, and everywhere where there are people!
It is a very difficult thing to accept when I did not see anyone laughing or even smiling since coming off from work. It has been a long day for me. I was on a train for an hour. Sitting opposite to me was a young pretty woman, dressed in a white coat made of a fine fabric. For the 40 minutes ride on the train, she closed her eyes for 35 minutes of that. A newspaper was sitting on the chair next to her. A young man asked if she could pass the paper to her. She did, but both of them did not exchange any pleasant emotion. They have only raw desire (of getting the paper from the man) and a robotic action (of picking up the paper and passing it to the man from the woman). What on earth is going on there? Are they in drugs or something? The gentleman sitting next to me was reading a stack of colour printout wearing a serious face. Looking closer to his paper, I found out that he was reading something about birds. I safely assume it is his hobby, but his serious look lead me to think that he might be the only expert who could save this world by stopping bird flu from spreading.
Leaving the train and stepped onto the underground. Passengers came in and left. I did not see anyone having a fun day. Is work really that boring? Or has work sucked too much energy out from every one of them? When I came out to the gate, a station personnel was prominently standing in front. I exchanged a slight eye contact with him and immediately felt guilty. I did nothing wrong but it was a sharp scornful look that made my whole body uncomfortable. I had to look away quickly, otherwise I feared that my body would be cut straight through into two halves right there. I pulled my collars close to my face and walked past him in quick steps. I dare not look at him twice.
Finally I arrived at the hotel in which I am going to stay for three nights. I was hoping to have someone to greet me with joy. Well, I actually have lowered the par - just some smiles would do the trick. This is my first day in the new job and it has been a long one for me. “Sir, do you have the booking number?” “You don’t? OK, what is your surname?” “I will have to pull out the booking information. Wait a minute.” “OK, we are full today, but there is a new hotel just around the corner. You can stay there. You won’t be disappointed. This is the address.” He was polite, but indifferent. It is almost like his emotion (especially the pleasant ones) will diminish his credibility as a businessman sitting in the front desk of the hotel.
Next stop is the new hotel. I have no luck squeezing any smiles out from the staff. This is a new hotel I am talking about but I can hardly find it welcoming. I may be partly guilty because I thought I have paid the fee online through my credit card. So I declined to pay them until I have confirmed that the transaction did not go through. I guessed the hotel staff was not very pleased although I felt it was only a more than reasonable request. The room has no internet connection and the TV aerial cable is missing. So I went back to the reception and asked them to fix them. After some friendly (although non-smiling) conversation with two junior staff, the hotel manager came who has completely changed the dynamic. One would expect a more seasoned manager would greet his guest with a bright smile, correct? On the contrary, he came with a short and disguised voice. His only action was trying to avoid taking any action. In the end, he hesitantly agreed to change to another room. New problems had arisen, at this time the power cord for the TV is missing, but no immediately corrective solution has been taken. Until I got really impatient, I looked for this guy only to find out that the power cord will be in place the next day, promised. Yes, it is likely a broken one … again.
Someone please tell me what is wrong with all these people!!
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
Ashley's end-of-term performance at Scottish Opera
I was sitting with another 30-40 proud parents. Yes, we were all proud because our younger ones were about to perform a wee musical, Pirates Of Penzance. It was the first time Ashley performs in front of a large audience. I was a proud father as usual, and I was sure the person sitting next to me, Bonnie, was a proud mother too. It is this little creature, sometimes shy, is now able to sing and dance in front of a bunch of strangers. There she was running from one end to another, scrubbing the floor, climbing a rope, then she also lined up straight and sang with other kids of similar ages as she. Aren't those things amazing? She may only be playing a small sharing role with all the other 3-5 years old kids. It is the confidence that they gain from this little show that counts. Good luck to all of you! Some of you may shine in the international stage one day.
Monday, March 27, 2006
Literacy skill for toddler?
Maybe we are too keen to transfer the literacy skill to Ashley, who is not even four. But who can blame us for trying too hard? Being literate is a critical survival skill in the modern world. When Ashley was just over two, we used to write a 'letter' to her every morning and slipped it through her room. Each letter would have a a big Chinese character in the centre. She enjoyed receiving a letter therefore was happy learning those characters. After she has learnt 20 to 30 words, we would randomly pick up some 'letters' to test her if she could recognise those characters. She usually got about 70% correct.
When she was three, Bonnie used to play Chinese reading cards with her. The cards are similar to our 'letters' - big Chinese characters in the middle. Ashley was able to recognise at least 30 of them. At a later stage, she was even able to put a few together to form a complete sentence. However, I feel that these activities did not create a context for her to read, i.e. the characters that she learnt did not create the flow of an idea like that in a story book. Therefore, she was only able to capture scattered concepts, not real reading.
In the last couple of weeks, she has developed an interest in words. She would point to words that she saw on a book, menu or road signs and asked us the meaning of those words. We would then spell the letters (which she has already recognised most of them), speak the word and explain the meaning to her. She seems to be genuine interested in learning to read.
Tonight, I was trying to make her start to read. So, when we had our bedtime story, I taught her a few words e.g. 'Who', 'You' and 'See', which appears on the front cover of a book, and asked her to memorize those words. Then while we were reading the book, I stopped each time when we came to the same words. Slowly, she was able to pick up those words and was able to start to read the book. I picked up another book where she could find those same words. She was very excited because she recognised those words. She is probably thinking that she can really pick up a book and start to read from now on. It is a tremendous step for her. I am thrilled.
One would probably ask, however, whether it is necessary for someone not even reach four to start to recognise words and read. To me, however, if he/she is really excited and happy, then why not? Once they have acquired the literacy skill, only the sky is the limit of their future development.
When she was three, Bonnie used to play Chinese reading cards with her. The cards are similar to our 'letters' - big Chinese characters in the middle. Ashley was able to recognise at least 30 of them. At a later stage, she was even able to put a few together to form a complete sentence. However, I feel that these activities did not create a context for her to read, i.e. the characters that she learnt did not create the flow of an idea like that in a story book. Therefore, she was only able to capture scattered concepts, not real reading.
In the last couple of weeks, she has developed an interest in words. She would point to words that she saw on a book, menu or road signs and asked us the meaning of those words. We would then spell the letters (which she has already recognised most of them), speak the word and explain the meaning to her. She seems to be genuine interested in learning to read.
Tonight, I was trying to make her start to read. So, when we had our bedtime story, I taught her a few words e.g. 'Who', 'You' and 'See', which appears on the front cover of a book, and asked her to memorize those words. Then while we were reading the book, I stopped each time when we came to the same words. Slowly, she was able to pick up those words and was able to start to read the book. I picked up another book where she could find those same words. She was very excited because she recognised those words. She is probably thinking that she can really pick up a book and start to read from now on. It is a tremendous step for her. I am thrilled.
One would probably ask, however, whether it is necessary for someone not even reach four to start to recognise words and read. To me, however, if he/she is really excited and happy, then why not? Once they have acquired the literacy skill, only the sky is the limit of their future development.
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Some of Ashley's interesting laundry lists
Just some of Ashley's interesting laundry lists:
1. Her personal carers / aupairs / nannies / mentors / role models ... whatever you call them:
- Dai Ping from Shanghai, China (Oct 2003 - Jun 2004)
- Anna Spik from Wroslaw, Poland (Aug 2004 - Oct 2004)
- Someone from Brazil (Oct 2004 for two weeks)
- Cecilia Wong from Newton Mearns, Glasgow but originally from Hong Kong (Jan 2005 - Feb 2005)
- Lynn from New Zealand (Feb 2005 for two weeks)
- Irene Cuevas from Zaragoza, Spain (Feb 2005 - Sep 2005)
- Ewelyna Kolodziejczyk from Wroslaw, Poland (Sep 2005 - Mar 2006)
- Nina Rasmussen from Ribe, Denmark (Mar 2006 - )
In between that, Bonnie's parents was in San Francisco for 3 months since Ashley was born. They were in London for 6 months we moved to the UK. They have also looked after Ashley in Hong Kong for two months (Oct and Nov 2004)
2. The second list is the places that she has been to in the past 4 years.
Places that she has lived:
- San Francisco (Jun - Nov 2002)
- London (Nov 2002 - Oct 2004)
- Hong Kong (Oct 2004 - Dec 2004)
- Glasgow (Jan 2005 - Jun 2006)
She also went to:
- Toronto (Sep 2002 for 2 weeks)
- Paris - Oct 2003
- Hong Kong - Jun 2003, Oct 2004, Dec 2005
- Esslingen (near Stuggart), Germany - Sept 2003
- Milan - Dec 2003
- Venice & Rome - Aug 2005
She has also been travelling around England including Manchester, Bath, Bristol and Windsor, and also Scotland including Loch Ness (twice), Edinburgh (so many times that it has lost track), Isle of Skye, Loch Lomond, Glen Coe, Oban, Isle of Bute, Ben Nevis, Cairn Golme and so many other beautiful places.
One of the things that she has done proud of herself was to climb up to the submit of Ben Lomond (over 1000 metres high) last March when she was not even 3. It took us eight hours to complete the trip. She walked about 2.5 hours up and 1.5 hours down. It is such a tremendous achievement for her.
For a 4 years old girl, this is quite a resume.
1. Her personal carers / aupairs / nannies / mentors / role models ... whatever you call them:
- Dai Ping from Shanghai, China (Oct 2003 - Jun 2004)
- Anna Spik from Wroslaw, Poland (Aug 2004 - Oct 2004)
- Someone from Brazil (Oct 2004 for two weeks)
- Cecilia Wong from Newton Mearns, Glasgow but originally from Hong Kong (Jan 2005 - Feb 2005)
- Lynn from New Zealand (Feb 2005 for two weeks)
- Irene Cuevas from Zaragoza, Spain (Feb 2005 - Sep 2005)
- Ewelyna Kolodziejczyk from Wroslaw, Poland (Sep 2005 - Mar 2006)
- Nina Rasmussen from Ribe, Denmark (Mar 2006 - )
In between that, Bonnie's parents was in San Francisco for 3 months since Ashley was born. They were in London for 6 months we moved to the UK. They have also looked after Ashley in Hong Kong for two months (Oct and Nov 2004)
2. The second list is the places that she has been to in the past 4 years.
Places that she has lived:
- San Francisco (Jun - Nov 2002)
- London (Nov 2002 - Oct 2004)
- Hong Kong (Oct 2004 - Dec 2004)
- Glasgow (Jan 2005 - Jun 2006)
She also went to:
- Toronto (Sep 2002 for 2 weeks)
- Paris - Oct 2003
- Hong Kong - Jun 2003, Oct 2004, Dec 2005
- Esslingen (near Stuggart), Germany - Sept 2003
- Milan - Dec 2003
- Venice & Rome - Aug 2005
She has also been travelling around England including Manchester, Bath, Bristol and Windsor, and also Scotland including Loch Ness (twice), Edinburgh (so many times that it has lost track), Isle of Skye, Loch Lomond, Glen Coe, Oban, Isle of Bute, Ben Nevis, Cairn Golme and so many other beautiful places.
One of the things that she has done proud of herself was to climb up to the submit of Ben Lomond (over 1000 metres high) last March when she was not even 3. It took us eight hours to complete the trip. She walked about 2.5 hours up and 1.5 hours down. It is such a tremendous achievement for her.
For a 4 years old girl, this is quite a resume.
Complaint from a proud dad
Ashley will be four in June. How fast things have happened in the past few years. She is a good communicator and a happy girl. As a parent, if ever I had to complaint, I would grumble about her waiting up too early every morning. Once she wakes up in the morning, she would come straight to our room and climb on our bed, eyes wide open with a big smile. Can't you sleep just for another hour please? I thought. But in a second, that does not matter any more. OK, if you are already awake, let's play! Then her laugh continues. It is another beautiful day.
Thursday, March 17, 2005
Singing talent
Ashley loves to sing. She can sing at least 5 songs with lyrics. They are Twinkle Twinkle Little Stars, Happy Birthday, Sunday Monday, Sleeping Bunny, Wheels of the Bus, etc. It is always wonderful to listen to her to sing. The most amazing moments, are the time when she suddenly turns so serious about singing a song. I have asked her to stand straight next to the piano to sing. So she stood there and sang Twinkle Twinkle loud and clear at every word. It is amazing!
We went to eat at a restaurant tonight. During dinner, we played with the candle light. She decided that it was like blowing candles on a birthday day. So she sang Happy Birthday to herself, then to me and Bonnie. It was a great pleasure to look at her little mouth moving and head nodding while she sang the song. I really have forgotten that I have had a long day of work. At those moment, I was a proud parent. Look and listen everyone in the restaurant, my daughter is less than three and she can sing a complete song, with correct words and the right pitch. Even it is not really my birthday, I was completed melted with her sweetness.
We went to eat at a restaurant tonight. During dinner, we played with the candle light. She decided that it was like blowing candles on a birthday day. So she sang Happy Birthday to herself, then to me and Bonnie. It was a great pleasure to look at her little mouth moving and head nodding while she sang the song. I really have forgotten that I have had a long day of work. At those moment, I was a proud parent. Look and listen everyone in the restaurant, my daughter is less than three and she can sing a complete song, with correct words and the right pitch. Even it is not really my birthday, I was completed melted with her sweetness.
Friday, March 11, 2005
Slope at the Edinburgh Castle
Bonnie has a business meeting today, a beautiful sunny sunday, at Edinburgh. Oh well, it's only one hour's drive. I would not mind driving. Let's get there together. Ashley and I dropped Irene off at the Edinburgh castle. We have been there many times now. So we decided to stroll down to the city for a walk, at least that was what I thought in the beginning.
On the right of the castle there are a few steps, following by a long winding path along a quite steep sloped hillside. We started to follow the path, which was a nice easy walk. The sun is out there and we were supposed to enjoy the easy stroll. But we were not. Edinburgh is not famous of a warm sunny day. Even there is one, it is ususally accompanied by a cold chilling wind. It is a tortune when half of your body tells you to enjoy the rare sunshine, while the other half is shivering. It didn't take long to make a decision - get down to the destination as quickly as possible. It is not those time to enjoy the scenic walk leisurely.
I asked if Ashley was happy to charge down the slope, instead of following the path. She rolled her small eyeballs and looked down the slope. Pausing for a moment, she quickly nod her head, seemingly equally hesitating and yet knowing that it would be an exciting adventure. We detoured and stepped outside of the path. Forget about conformity, let's be a little adventurous.
A path on the slope is obvious, showing that it has been explored by other people. But it is still slanted at a high degree. It has been walked, so the path has become sandy and muddy, after being washed overnight. It is still a challenge for Ashley, to balance and find a way to go down. She held my hand and walked slowly. She did not looked back what she has walked, but instead looking carefully at each step she was going to take. I had to go slowly and gave her instructions. I could have hold her and run down the slope but it would have lost the whole idea of being advantureous for her.
It took us a little time, probably more than what we needed to take the concrete path. In the end, we got down at the bottom safely. Maybe my original purpose taking a short cut to get to a warm place have not achieved. But when I looked at Ashely's eyes, filled with the sense of achievements and satisfaction, it is worth taking that little risk together with her.
On the right of the castle there are a few steps, following by a long winding path along a quite steep sloped hillside. We started to follow the path, which was a nice easy walk. The sun is out there and we were supposed to enjoy the easy stroll. But we were not. Edinburgh is not famous of a warm sunny day. Even there is one, it is ususally accompanied by a cold chilling wind. It is a tortune when half of your body tells you to enjoy the rare sunshine, while the other half is shivering. It didn't take long to make a decision - get down to the destination as quickly as possible. It is not those time to enjoy the scenic walk leisurely.
I asked if Ashley was happy to charge down the slope, instead of following the path. She rolled her small eyeballs and looked down the slope. Pausing for a moment, she quickly nod her head, seemingly equally hesitating and yet knowing that it would be an exciting adventure. We detoured and stepped outside of the path. Forget about conformity, let's be a little adventurous.
A path on the slope is obvious, showing that it has been explored by other people. But it is still slanted at a high degree. It has been walked, so the path has become sandy and muddy, after being washed overnight. It is still a challenge for Ashley, to balance and find a way to go down. She held my hand and walked slowly. She did not looked back what she has walked, but instead looking carefully at each step she was going to take. I had to go slowly and gave her instructions. I could have hold her and run down the slope but it would have lost the whole idea of being advantureous for her.
It took us a little time, probably more than what we needed to take the concrete path. In the end, we got down at the bottom safely. Maybe my original purpose taking a short cut to get to a warm place have not achieved. But when I looked at Ashely's eyes, filled with the sense of achievements and satisfaction, it is worth taking that little risk together with her.
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