The end and beginning

I had to make an exception for my last 'Nia in Macau' post because technically I am not in Macau. I happened to leave before I could wrap things up. Considering there were so many rich and plentiful postings, I can leave knowing that I was able to share quite a considerable amount of experiences.

I left Macau, but that doesn't mean it's over. Nope, not even close. I continue onto the next adventure which hopefully will be filled with a wide array of stories that reveal me successfully adapting to new challenges. I must confess that I left out some intriguing tales that I never had the chance to share, but not to worry. Maybe one day I will write a book.

Next stop: France...

The Japanese: A Rich Culture

The Japanese are wonderful people. They are constantly thanking you. The bus driver thanks someone every time he stops; when you walk into a store the employees greet you and also when you leave; people bow (more like a nod) and say hello wherever you go; and even when you go into a restaurant and try to communicate with no success, they are still thankful you came. I was at the airport trying to change my ticket and I got some wrong information. The woman ran up to me, apologized, and corrected her mistake. What!? It all seems so genuine. After some self-reflection, I feel rude.

It's unbelievable. I have never been to a place like this in my life. Everything has the upmost quality, which is probably why they are so successful and wealthy. Even after a disaster, the people are so beautiful. No, they are wonderful. I do not doubt that they will make a strong recovery. I was thanked so much for being in their country visiting. I didn't meet anyone who wasn't having a good time.

All the streets are so clean! I have never seen cleaner streets anywhere else besides Germany and that was in small towns. They have a very organized method of recycling. I was always very conscience of what I was throwing away and how I did it. I rode a bike for two days while in Kyoto and I kept stopping and noticing all the house exteriors were so clean. I rubbed one with my figure and it was virtually spotless.

Kyoto has all the things I love in life squished together in one package. I am still impressed. I am thinking of starting a "You Must Go To Japan" campaign. I don't think anyone would be disappointed.

Kyoto: the city of many treasures

If I were not moving to France, I would live in Japan...

My first and only taste of Japan was Narita Airport. We were flying from Los Angeles to Manila and we stopped in Narita. I was quite fascinated by the calm nature of the people and the tidiness. I knew that there was so much more to experience, but we were not staying so my thoughts shifted to our final destination.

When I moved to Macau, I wanted to go to Japan no doubt about it. The only question was: When? I was so overwhelmed by all the inexpensive places to visit that Japan faded into the background. Then the tsunami hit. I was so discouraged because I didn't know if it was a good idea to go. I read about the status of the country online through the eyes of locals. It seemed like there were more exaggerations from other countries than from Japan itself. I went to Yuki, my Japanese friend I currently work with, and asked where I should go. She recommend Kyoto and I did not hesitate. I knew it was further away from the dangerous places and probably the best choice.

I could not have imagined what I saw. Kyoto is truly a treasure to behold. Like some guidebooks say, you do have to go seek out these treasures. Once you begin to find them, there will be something fascinating around ever corner.

This is just a taste...

Still here

It's difficult to see the sunset here. You have to be in the right place at the right time. Usually while the sun is setting, I am leaving work. Depending on whether the sky is clear, I may be able to catch a glimpse of the sun descending just before it is covered by the mountains. I captured this moment on my way home one evening.

This one idea makes me think of my life here. I just catch a glimpse while missing the greater picture. Life here is perfect, almost too perfect. I get a good salary, living expenses are reasonable, I can travel every week, there is a fusion of culture, and it's different. Macau has given me a glimpse of life and caused me to reflect on what I want, my true desires. I could be satisfied with what I have here, but deep down I know there is so much more. I want to see what is behind the mountain, I want the complete view and not just a glimpse...

A Year in Review

Right now I am sitting at one of my favorite spots in Macau. There are five round benches in a row. One night I danced around on bench while it rained. I felt so free. I have now been in Macau more than 1 year, it seems like so much has happened.

I have seen more this one year than I have seen in the past ten. My experiences are priceless. I discovered Hong Kong with new friends. I dared friends to try snake blood in Taipei. I discovered interesting customs in mainland China. I went diving for the first time in Borneo. I had a 3-day marathon half awake and half sleep in Singapore, only to return wanting more. I rode an untamed elephant, risking death in Phuket. And that's the shortened version.

Something I have realized is the idea of entitlement. I came here with expectations ingrained in me from my youth; yet when I fully experienced life here, all of that was thrown out the window. People are all different. They all have values and beliefs that are not always shared with mine. My eyes have been opened to the fact that I cannot assume everyone has the same mindset as me. It's narrow-minded to have such a minute view of people. I have been awakened to truth. Once you have tasted the splendor of God's creation, you keep wanting more. I can't say what is next, but all I know is I want more.

Out-of-towners

I am at home now, in Macau, living out of my backpack. Actually, I am choosing to live out of a bag because it's much easier. My parents are in town this week. They are experiencing life on the other side of the world. What is weird, new, and different to them is actually normal life to me. I have been here almost a year and the place is starting to get less strange. It's great having them here. They are so quirky and fun, much cooler than I. Being around them defines me more and more.

We explored Hong Kong and saw a few of the many sights there are to see. We walked and walked, which felt terrible and great simultaneously. A funny thing is we kept having to stop and find a toilet. Though I felt inconvenienced by this fact, I usually I had to go every time. I wonder what the means? The great thing is when you gotta go, I will almost always be able to find a place in Hong Kong or Macau. My apologies in advanced for the squatty potties, but you get used to them.

Next on the agenda: Explore Macau, and then off to Singapore. We have a full trip and are not even half way there. So far so good, and they are still smiling...

My Job

This post should have been written earlier. As a February bonus, I am going to explain my job in the most unbiased way. There will be much restraint. This post, in essence, will explain why I am here and how I have remained in this country. I realize that this post may take the intrigue and excitement out of my job but it's been gone for a while.

My day starts like most others. I arrive close to 9am, which is my start time. There is not much preparation so I don't need to arrive earlier. My actual preparation takes place on the 15 minute walk to work from my apartment. We start with laundry. Actually we enter the drying room to remove racks of clothing that block the shoes. For those who don't know, I started working on costumes and now my expertise has turned to shoes. Basically it's the same as before so instead of repairing costumes, I repair shoes. I have replaced my constant use of needles and thread with toxic glue and toothpicks. Once there is room to get near the shoes we start the magic. Susana and I split the work load, and together we examine every shoe so that we can identify if there are loose soles, holes, or any other needed. A special glue is used for most of our work along with leather and, at times, needles and thread. (My partner in crime on the left.)

Everyday can have it's own unique challenges. At times we may have fittings with "the artists" or there may be a mass fitting with many at one time. We may need to attend the beginning of training sessions to issue shoes. Usually the mornings are quiet, which we love. Once the attendants arrive, they may throw more work at us which is attempted to be done swiftly before the show call. After lunch is usually when I paint, which is my favorite part of the job. Most of our shoes need to be painted so we try to do that after repairs. There is also inventory, alterations, and general upkeep that needs to be done daily. Basically that is my job. When people find out what I do and they think it sounds cool. Yes, it sounds cool but it is not much more than a cool sounding job. Sorry for any disappointments...

Photos are the joys of my job. (The slave-driving attendants below)

Gong Hei Fa Choi

So January has passed before my eyes.

It's now Chinese New Year. I have fully experienced the wild shenanigans that occur once a year. Gratefully, I remain unharmed. The chaos is almost unexplainable. Basically what happens is there is a specific area along the waterfront for people to come shoot off fireworks. Men, women, and children participate in this long tradition of filling their pyromanic tendencies. I have to point out that there are fires lit daily in Buddhist worship, yet this is much more extreme.

While walking toward the festivities, I felt like I was in a war zone. It seemed like we were under fire from all sides. I never thought I would see what lies ahead. You have to pass the stalls of vendors selling the fireworks first. Once you have made your purchase, the good times begin. The fireworks are set off in a gated barrier in the sand. Still there is no reassurance that anyone is safe. At any time fireworks shoot in unexpected directions, which makes for a constant alertness at all times. It really seemed to wrong and so right. My method of firing was to set on off and quickly flee the scene.

Technically people do this all week. They spend tons of money lighting things on fire. This is just another great thing about this country. There are loose rules and surprisingly few consequences. More photos to come...

A New Year

As the year draws to a close, I reflect on my many adventures. This year I moved from Boston to live in Macau. From here I have been able to see Hong Kong, China (a bit), Taipei, Borneo, and Singapore. I have crossed cultures, dealt with culture shock, and expanded my mind in ways I never imagined possible. Being away from everything familiar has allowed lots of time for self reflection. I have seen the person I am and could be.

Tonight I was reading my journal. I wondered about what I was thinking almost a year ago. Surprisingly some of the same thoughts were in my mind then, but they have transformed. I am not fighting with myself in this uncontrollable rebellion. Now I am faced with the possibility that I am not the same person, yet instead a better version of me. Macau is a strange place. I am living somewhere that doesn't seem real. Everything is so easy and I don't worry about anything, expect the occasion break-in. Still I cannot say I would stay for too long. I think one day I will wake up and decide to leave. I will realize my time here is done and then move to another destination in this life-long journey. I am in a place where I can dream, safely and freely dream of endless possibilities. The is only thing I have to do is have faith to believe there is more to all of this and a purpose for everything.

I don't regret mistakes I have made or the decision to move here. Only because then I would not be in this place where I found a deeper part of me and a stronger faith. It seems that I am becoming equip to handle what comes next, and that fills me with excitement and joy.

So cheers to the New Year. May it be more that you could have ever thought or imagined!

My Macanese/Chinese Christmas

As Christmas approaches, I realize how much I miss my family and friends. I hope and pray not to be too sad this Christmas by being in a foreign country away from the people closest to me. Though I have to say I am at a loss. I have no idea how to spend my Christmas. It's not cold here, I don't see the Salvation Army people ringing their bell, and there are no real Christmas trees. It doesn't seem like the Christmas I know and love. My favorite holiday has lost it's magic. I even have to work on Christmas because our company does not recognize it as a holiday, therefore

no double pay. Ignoring Christmas feels so wrong. So this is what's going to happen. I am going to suck it up, pull through, and have a damn good Christmas (pardon my language). I will do my best have a good time. So it looks like I am going to have to improvise...

Merry Christmas!

Borneo

It's been a long time since my last entry. I will do my best to pick up where I left off. On my most recent trip, I ventured further out. It was a perfect getaway that left me wanting more.

The only reason I knew about Borneo was because of a friend I met in Guangzhou, China. He was so excited about this place he had been and he even had the pictures to show. I was convinced then even though it look me a long time after to buy my ticket. Now some more of my money is gone and I have beautiful memories instead.

Borneo is the 3rd largest island in the world behind Greenland and Australia. It consists of 3 countries: Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei. I went to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah which is in Malaysia. For those who know more about Borneo then me, I already know that it's not even close to the nice area of Sabah. Still, I was not disappointed in surroundings. My time was short so I made the most out of where I was. I went diving for the first time in my life and also laid on the beach and stared out at the ocean. I think I always knew I was a coastal person, but visiting Borneo has confirmed this fact for me and left me with no doubt. I made goals for myself while I was there which were not all entirely met, but I did successfully watch a sunset which is hard to do in Macau.

Guangzhou

I finally got a multi-entry Chinese visa! First stop Zhuhai and from there I went to Guangzhou.

Guangzhou or Guangdong is not very far from Macau. You take a bus from Zhuhai, which borders Macau, and it only takes 2 hours 15 minutes. My first observation is that China doesn't seem as strict as I thought. You don't get facebook and google is limited. Along the way, was most surprising is I was able to see parts of Zhuhai on my way out that intrigued me to take future visits. Our route was along the coast for about 20 mintutes, which had breathe-taking views of the ocean, boats. Most people I know who visit Zhuhai (including me), go directly to the underground mall for cheap items such as clothing, bags, DVDs, and anything else you can imagine.

The journey was quick and I arrived in Guangzhou without a map or destination so I started to wander. I went to the zoo area because I thought I would find a nice place to stay. When that failed I went into a hotel for a free tourist map. Then I went in search of food so I could also sit and make a plan. Also when traveling in China if you go to a sit-down restaurant, there are better chances of clean toilets. I have to say most places have the squatting toilets that I have yet to master. After eating some very bad pad thai, I ventured to Shamain Island which comes recommended by Lonely Planet. Shamain is right along the Pearl River and when I walk along the path it reminds me of walking along the Seine in Paris. All the buildings are Colonial style and painted in various bright colors. This one mile area perimeter (1.6km) has so many different characteristics. Once I got a room for the night, I went in search of food and beverage. Afterwards I met some friendly fellow travelers who were staying in the same place, they enlightened me about Guangzhou and other places to visit. We sat outside and drank the local beer, which isn't so bad and spoke of life and experiences. This all happened the day I arrived, which I surprisingly had to say I didn't get too badly lost.

The next day I got lost constantly and wandered mostly. I thought I knew where to go but I didn't. The problem with Guangzhou is there is so much development everywhere that it completely covers all the scenic areas. It reminds me of Taipei because you could be walking near different buildings then all of a sudden there is this gigantic park with wonders to see. I found a nice cathedral and a couple temples, but what I really loved was the park which I accidentally found and had to pass. I was staving because I had not eaten a meal all day so once I was well-nourished I returned to the park. It reminded me of Central Park in NYC because it of size and multiple sights within the grounds. I saw an amusement park, museum, memorial, and huge goat statue. I didn't even see everything. While in the park I met this kind Chinese man who helped me find the goat statue and the exit. He was kind to even take my photo. I really loved that fact that people were so friendly because I find that most Chinese people only stare at me because I am always so out of place and then they have nothing to say to me except: "Can I take you picture?" or "Where are you from?"

I sadly did not have much time to spend in Guangzhou. I missed so much because of sheer exhaustion; but I know I can easily return. Here are some strange things I noticed:

Chinese muslims

A lot of Africans

Overloaded bikes

Very few Westerners

Painfully hot weather in October

Recycling bins

Crossing guards

Chinese people playing hacky sack

Only a few Starbucks locations...

Personal space

Say you are walking down the street. There are usually 2 flows of people going in each direction. If someone has to stop, they usually step off to the side to let others pass. Generally speaking people know when they are blocking traffic, I am speaking strictly in the pedestrian sense. Now you get to Macau or even Hong Kong, and once you are there you realize walking as you know it has become a struggle. Now I have to preface the fact that applies to everyone. The truth is you will face these difficulties in supermarkets, shopping areas, going sight-seeing, and basically anywhere there could potentially be people.

In Macau people stand in your way completely oblivious of other people. They will push you, cut you off, and even block any escape routes. I am not sure how this reality came to be, but I am realizing that I have to fight back. If I even want to get anywhere in a sensible amount of time, I have to make my presence known. You will have to master weaving in and out of crowds because there are never clear pathways. God forbid if I were running late. In those situations I prefer to run in the street. Did I mention how slow people walk here? Slow as molasses is like speed walking to almost every local. There are always exceptions, but my advice to you is if you are in a hurry and there are tourists or a family in your path, just take another route.

Now I want to clarify the "fight back" I mentioned earlier. I don't want to come off like I have been beating up Chinese people because it's not true. There have been circumstances when it was quite necessary to push people out of the way. "Mm goi jeje" is the phrase for people to get out of the way. If it is a noisy, crowded area people will not hear or choose to ignore you. So this is when the gentle, yet forceful push comes in handy. It's better to do this because people will drive you mad. People here literally stand in a busy area thinking they have the power to block others from passing. They have no idea what they are doing, because if they did, they would move to the side. I also recommend big bags on both sides to get people out the way. Nothing says "move!" like a big-ass bag pushing you to the side. So if you feel bad about the gentle yet forceful push, you have the bag to blame instead. "It wasn't me, sir/mamam, it was the bag."

The key creating your own personal space is not to get carried away. I am still trying to find a balance so I have become a little aggressive. Oh well, it's not personal so make some space!

*The visuals are examples when you need to use these methods.

Lamma Island

Even though it seems like I go to the same places, I still find there is so much to see.

Recently I had two encounters with Lamma Island so I thought I should share it with the rest of you. My first encounter was planned and the second was a happy accident. I don't know much about Lamma but here are the basics. It takes 30 minutes to get there on a ferry from Hong Kong (Central ferry terminal), it's quite popular for expats, there a restrictions for vehicles, therefore no one really drives on it. There are motor vehicles people may use but they are smaller and less harsh on the land. Lamma Island is the 3rd largest in the Hong Kong next to Hong Kong Island and Lantau.; if you did not know Hong Kong consists of many islands. The great thing about Lamma is there are such of a variety of people, which allows for a variety of food. Personally I love being in place where I can easily find a vegetarian restaurant.

You can walk around Lamma because there are clear paths to take. The tricky thing is some are steep because they are built into the terrain, but the view if the coast along the paths are breathe-taking. The stipulation is that you don't rent a bike and assume you can ride the paths, you are certainly wrong. There are beaches to chill on and adventures to be had. Personally I could see myself exploring Lamma constantly because it fascinates me.

Taipei Take 1: Just a Taste

It took a while to post this, once again. Recently I went to Taipei for 3 days with a few friends. Sadly my friend who I wanted to see was moving back to Boston earlier the day I arrived so I barely missed her. I still was quite excited to do some international travel which consisted of a 2-hour plane ride with food. I don't even get that in the states! I've had the itch to travel since I arrived in Macau so this was my chance to go before worked picked up. This post will be in parts because spare time has been quite scarce lately. We are on a 6-day work schedule and it's really busting my butt. I did not have much time in Taipei so we basically tried to cram as much as we could into each day. In addition, we had to take rests because it was ridiculously hot.

Here are some of the highlights, details to come.

1. 101

2. Chang Kai-Shek Memorial

3. The Palace Museum

4. Snake Alley Night Market

5. Friendly People

6. Peace Park

7. High Speed train

8. Japanese food

Est-ce que tu parle français?

Ok. I have a confession. I have not been taking photos. Most of the time I just don't bring my camera with me. My lack of new entries has nothing to do with Macau becoming boring. Most days I forget. Not to worry, new entries will be arriving in July. Here is little something to keep you hungry for more.

I have restarted something which has given me great joy. It's learning and speaking French. I am doing an exchange with our make-up designer. I am teaching her English and she is teaching me French. My plan is to speak French and gain confidence while returning favor. I explain an English word in French at times or we consult the translator. Carmen is a lovely woman who forgives my lack of teaching skills and my poor pronunciation of French. She happens to be Spanish, which makes me wonder... Should I finally be learning Spanish? No worries it's on the list. I ambitiously plan to learn French, Spanish, German, and Cantonese, of course.

The House of Dancing Water, the show I am working on, opens in September. We are all working hard to make this a reality, but not too hard because we still get two days a week off. Here is a video of a portion of our wardrobe dept. and some other new friends having a good time. We are quite eclectic!

Cheers!

Stranger in the Night

Wow! I did not realize how long it's been since I have posted a blog. This one is very personal because it's the juiciest story to tell.

Have you heard the Frank Sinatra song "Strangers in the Night?" If you haven't you should go hear the song, then read this story. Trust me. It will help lighten the mood. Here goes.

Two Thursdays ago I was peacefully sleeping , when I awoke to a buzz in my ear. I really hate these bugs because they wake me up, but is time I was thankful. I opened my eyes and saw this man. I thought I was hallucinating so it took a couple of glances before I realized I was not dreaming. My first response was to cover my head with my blanket and pretend to be asleep. But something inside caused me act boldly. I guess I watched the Bourne movies too many times!

I yelled and ran after him to get a better look. Of course, he bolted towards the door. All I could grab was my waterbottle. Don't ask me what water would do. I did not catch him or see him clearly. When I called the police and I told them the wrong floor so they woke my neighbor who was able to translate. My voice was trembling on the phone so it took a few tries before she got my address. The police questioned me, took some prints, and stayed a little too long. Police in Macau seem so young and inadequate. I don't even think their guns are real. Thankfully, I was planning on going to Hong Kong that next day with friends so I did not have to sleep at my apartment. While I was away my locks were changed by the agent in charge of the property.

In conversation with friends, it was assumed that this intruder had a key. Who knows how many keys to my apartment are floating around Macau. The door was opened when I ran after him so he must have left it open upon entering. The only pieces of proof to this attempted robbery was a displaced pair of shorts and a bag that was taken and then returned. It was empty because I never use it so the thief must have felt stupid for not getting anything of value. Since then I have been much more cautious. People would tell me how safe Macau is, but sadly there is not any place completely safe. I had some trouble sleeping for the next few days, but slowly I have been getting more sleep. The fact that my security was questioned makes me angry because I want to feel safe in my own home. I am thankful to be safe. I still enjoy my apartment, but it will take a while to feel safe again. I will continue to take walks at night knowing it is safer here. I guess "safe" anywhere is completely relative. I do have some handy devices next to my bed which do help me fall asleep at night.

(top photo: City of Dreams, the theatre is on the left side; bottom photo: my "kind-of-safe" neighborhood at night)