Biking and Bruce Lee Exhibit @ Hong Kong Heritage Museum 08292015

On the morning we planned to bike, it rained hard and I was afraid the plan will not push through. I've always wanted to bike, to feel the grounds while pedaling instead of walking and running, for a change. In my recent trip to Hong Kong I did just that but with rear bike trainers because I'm just a beginner and I'm not yet used to cycling and yet I biked some 20 km though not a traverse.

By the time we exited Sha Tin Wai Station, the rain had not yet stopped. We spent [read: wasted] time waiting for the rains to let up while engaging in conversation with the boys manning the bike rental shop across the MTR station. That plus a few arguments because they misunderstood us. I was already in a foul mood, mirroring the weather. So we all decided to visit the Hong Kong Heritage Museum first to check out the exhibits but I was sad to say that we didn't go around to see everything. There was a a temporary exhibit on Bruce Lee's life and we only came in for that. [Sad because there was also an exhibit in Chinese paintings but they were in a hurry to bike when the sun was out. #cries]

Photos were not allowed inside the gallery because it contained Bruce Lee's personal items on loan temporarily. While many of us know Bruce Lee as just one of the greatest kung fu artist in films, it should be noted that this man was also instrumental in making kung fu popular in the West. I have seen his academic records and he is pretty much an average student BUT he has an entrepreneurial mind with a clear vision. What I found interesting is that he is also a very insightful person with very little regards for anything shallow. He hates parties, the things that go with fame which separates him from his beloved wife and children many times, but his is a passion unsurpassed for his chosen field. That passion brought him to achieve the status of a legend for which he is known today.

Needless to say, his life provides much inspiration. Born in San Francisco, USA, he grew up and went to school in Hong Kong. He went back to the US to pursue his college studies and he met his wife Linda Emery there. What endears him to me and what I find common in us is that we both love reading, writing, and reflecting on things. He even wrote a poem "Walking along Lake Wash", incorporating many elements like the moon, the water, merging water and sky... common motifs I also use in my poems. Reading it, I felt like I should really read more about him as I might pick up a thing or two on how to also achieve my dreams. His is a philosophy that merges learnings from martial arts to everyday life. Also of note is his notebook, with clear legible handwriting in cursive form. Here he noted down cha-cha steps in a methodical way. 

After that quick museum visit, we proceeded with biking. Fresh air. I made sure to breathe very deeply because I seldom get a chance to have such fresh air. It also helps that we biked after the rain. And so we were treated to awesome city sights as we pedaled on the bike trail overlooking Shing Mun River.

heart-shaped rock art in Ma On Shan beach

stopover at the beach in Ma On Shan

where we had snacks of siomai and fish cakes

 Many times I would find myself almost falling over and I could feel my cousins being worried about me. I told them that I only bike around in circles in a very small area in UP. LOL. I do that without trainer wheels but well, its more manageable because I don't have to worry about cars and people. Here it was different. We crossed streets. We biked with other bikers. We had to be alert lest some overtaking jerks send us flying to the river. One thing I learned is to focus. Biking may just be the very thing  to help me work on getting a focused mind. Another thing is that a relaxed mind creates wonders. It helps that we passed by many picturesque views.

I LOVE reflection photos :)

one more reflection photo

 On the way back to my aunt's house, I could feel my butt hurting. It was my first time to bike that far. It was an awesome experience and one for the books [in my opinion LOL]. But I know that once I go back to Manila I will crave that pain, that I will certainly miss the tiredness, the sweat, the minor panic attacks, the adrenaline rush...

And my aunt, a very good cook, must knew how tired we were. We were treated to a sumptuous dinner of shrimps and  vegetables. YUM!!!

dinner after a tiring yet fun-filled day

Read: My Hong Kong 2015 in a nutshell
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I will have to thank IB for teaching me the basics of bicycling. And I hope that my other friends who promised to teach me how to bike will keep their promise. Except maybe they lose patience because I can be a scaredy cat sometimes. M invited me once to bike along NLEX and I had to decline her invitation because 1.) I don't have a bike 2.) I don't think I can bike that easily with cars moving on my side. @.@

I am so proud of my cousins for being such courageous bikers. I wish I could be like them... except I was so sheltered when I was young. #cries [This brings a resolve to never do the same to my children... But okay, I need a lover first. #criessomemore]

Batanes 05122014 Day 5

Day 5 in Batanes was spent waking up early in the morning to have a nice long morning walk to Shanedel Inn to have breakfast. I picked the place because it is near Basco Cathedral and my target destination, the NCIP, where I was hoping to buy books and/or gather more information about Batanes.

longganisa, sunny side egg, garlic rice, and tomatoes + a cup of Milo (P170) 

Since I came there too early, I decided to stay and just enjoy the nice vew. I watched planes take off, ships coming and going, while eating my simple breakfast. At 7:45AM I walked to NCIP.

Although I failed in my mission to procure materials for the Wiki project, I was still glad to have come to NCIP office. It houses artifacts and cultural items and I think these will be put on display in the National Museum branch they are planning to put up in Batan Island.

Then off to the airport to reunite with my buddy who had already checked in ahead of me. As I stepped out of the tricycle, I heard a couple talking about buying garlic. Without hesitation I asked them to buy an extra bunch for me as well. (Talk about befriending strangers before going home!)

I successfully got my garlic in Manila, happy to have these spices. I was already thinking of things to cook on my way home. Flight was delayed so I was not able to drop by UST to meet a friend and discuss about our respective projects. Was so tired from the heat and from lack of sleep so I napped upon reaching home.

Batanes Day 1
Batanes Day 2
Batanes Day 3
Batanes Day 4

Jewish Refugees Museum, Shanghai 04072013

Our last stop was the Jewish Refugees Museum. We had a hard time looking for it because suddenly we got disoriented for some reason when we came out of the subway.

The Jewish Refugees Museum has an entrance fee of CNY 50. My friends and I think that's expensive considering that there isn't much to see in this museum. Even a historian would be bored with it though the last part may be of interest to scholars who want to research on how Jews who sought refuge in Shanghai fared after the war.

The coming of Jews to Shanghai was made possible by Consul General 何鳳山 (Ho Feng Shan) in Vienna, Austria. He issued visas to Jews, risking his career. 

The museum is building a database of all Jews who went to Shanghai to escape the Holocaust.

Jewish altar inside the second exhibit hall

 The Holocaust is one of the most horrible human invention in the history of mankind as it sought to eradicate a race by means of torture. The exhibit narrates the events that led to the Holocaust and describes adequately how the Jewish people suffered under the Nazi regime. Jewish children were used as guinea pigs in scientific experiment, a clear dehumanization and objectification of fellow humans which can lead one to ponder on morality, ethics, and humanity at large.

The second part of the exhibit is about the life of the Jews in Shanghai during the World War 2. The Jews were very grateful for the refuge in those trying times.  

The third part, on the other hand, is about the Jews who stayed even after the war. Many started a new life in Shanghai. 

message of grateful Jews to Shanghai

The building is easily seen due to its unique architecture, the only one with red bricks. On the right are flags of nations which supported the Jewish cause during the WW2. I'm proud to see the Philippine flag.

Read more about my 2013 Shanghai Adventure

This is written while listening to Linkin Park's "Minutes to Midnight". "Shadow of the Day" playing as I was making the final touch.

Shanghai Museum 04052013

In the afternoon of our first day in Shanghai, we trooped to People's Square, intent on visiting the Shanghai Museum. In my research, the museum is one grand place where different sorts of artifacts are put on display. As an archaeologist, my main goal is to familiarize myself with objects from China. I think this will come in handy in excavations where we recover Chinese artifacts. Chinese porcelain still tops the list but occasionally we recover Chinese coins, like the ones we found in Intramuros in 2011.

What makes Shanghai Museum stand out is that entrance is free. (Now who doesn't like that?) The downside though is that one has to endure the long queue outside before one can enter. It is advisable then to go there early. We are still fortunate to have seen all the galleries. Still, it breaks my heart not to have had ice cream there. 

Ming and Qing furnitures made of fine lacquered wood

upper pictures: from Congo River artworks collection
lower pictures: traditional costumes and stamps

Shanghai Museum boasts of permanent exhibits on currencies used in Ancient China as well as those used in Central Asia. Most were donations to the museum by numismatists (coin collectors/ dealers/ scholars... Cool word. I'd like to become one, too). Ancient Chinese seals, furniture, Chinese calligraphy, ethnic minorites' arts and crafts, religious sculptures, and jade artworks--- these will surely take your breath away. The first time I took such pride in being Chinese, in being able to speak Chinese, was during my first trip to China in 2008 where Beijing's museums and grand palaces impressed me so much that from that time forward, I made a resolve to continue with my Chinese studies.

At the time of our visit, Shanghai Museum also exhibited art works from Central Africa. Dubbed "The Congo River, Central African Art", the exhibit puts on display the ritual wares of Congo River. The masks and sculptures, which inspire both relief and fright, trouble and serenity, reflect the ceremonies and rituals in the Congo basin. 

Another thing I love about this institution is that efforts to educate and inform visitors are obvious with the leaflets up for grabs at the entrance to each gallery. The information are never exhaustive but present a concise and brief history as well as a short overview of what the exhibit is about. This, coupled with descriptive plaques near artifacts are very much appreciated. 

Instead of buying accessories for souvenirs, I chose to buy three books published by the museum. One is on ancient Chinese ceramics (30 CNY), another on Chinese coins (25 CNY), and one on Chinese jade (30 CNY). I had wanted to buy one on calligraphy, too, but had to hold back since I had to stick to my budget. Next time I go there again, I'd be sure to buy as many books as I could. 

Tsim Sha Tsui 0214/162013

We arrived at Hong Kong on Valentine's Day. After lunch, while my relatives recharge themselves at the hotel, I roamed the streets of Tsim Sha Tsui armed with just a map. And a terrible explorer I was. I planned to go to the History and Science museums but ended up in the opposite direction--- to Victoria Harbour! Still I was happy to get lost because the Avenue of the Stars is part of my to-see list.

We had lunch in Macau Restaurant where food is good but people are rude.

Space Museum was unfortunately closed following the Chinese New Year. SAD!

Andy Warhol and his famous Marilyn Monroe art at the Hong Kong Museum of Art

View from above. There were many tourists...

sign says "Pop Art is for everyone"

outside the museum café. very typical of Westerners to read newspapers in this place.

At the Avenue of the Stars

Bruce Lee´s signature pose at the Avenue of the Stars

I smelled this treat from afar and traced it to a small kiosk selling jerky squid for HKL 30.  YUMMY! Except I felt like I was chewing forever.

Health Education, Exhibition, and Resource Center, near Kowloon Park

Van Lau´s "Ribbon", a sculpture crafted to commemorate the  fight against AIDS and HIV , as explained by  the text caption accompanying it.

I saw this in one of the scenes of "My Date with a Vampire"!!! :)

I saw and befriended this man who was feeding birds in Kowloon Park. I spoke in Mandarin, he answered in Cantonese. I realized I could understand him a little.

On February 16, I continued exploring Tsim Sha Tsui. This is after I went to Shau Kei Wan. This time, I got off at Jordan Station and walked. I almost lost my map when it slipped out of my coat pocket unnoticed and for a moment, I panicked though at that time I was just along Nathan Road. The thought of not being able to go to the places I wanted to go to scared me. At that time, I was already in the Antiquities and Monuments Office and I didn't want to leave without going to St. Andrews Church, and the Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre. Luckily, when I retraced my path, I found it lying on the road.

I had lunch here at 好好Restaurant, which claims to be the best Shanghai  restaurant. I ordered Beijing dumpling noodles and it was good.

St. Andrew's Church

A construction was in progress when I visited.

Hong Kong Museum of History

Hong Kong Science Museum

Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre which houses the History and Science Museums

Walking around a lot on our last day in Hong Kong, I decided to take the cab to the hotel after I saw the museums. I didn't go inside though, since it was already late in the afternoon and I promised my mom I would be back to the hotel early for our dinner.

The taxi driver was very friendly. We conversed in Mandarin. He even wished me a Happy Chinese New Year when I got off the cab.

Found out that I was too early so I took a two-hour nap. We would be waking up early tomorrow morning for the airport and I needed all the rest that I could get.

Shau Kei Wan ( 筲箕灣), Hong Kong 02162013

The third day of our Hong Kong trip saw me and my relatives splitting up again into three groups with me going solo. My plans for the day include going on a heritage trail in Yuen Long in New Territories then going southeast in Shau Kei Wan just to glimpse the Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence. Commuting was not a worry since the trains are fast and very efficient, unlike the Philippine MRT and LRT system where people are packed like sardines. However, due to my late departure from the hotel at 11am, I dropped Yuen Long and promised to myself that I will explore the whole New Territories some other time.

Shau Kei Wan is described as a haven for ships in olden times, being a coastal area whose population grew in 18th century when fishermen discovered the place. It is no wonder that Shau Kei Wan has small temples dedicated to fisherfolk deities like Tin Hau and Tam Kung. There is also a Western church named Tsung Tsin Church which was built in 1862. Aside from these, shipyards and a fish market can also be found in Shau Kei Wan. But the most interesting part, and also one of the highlights of my Hong Kong trip, is the Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence.

I started with Shing Wong Temple, the nearest to the MTR Shau Kei Wan Station Exit C, where I burned incense as a sign of respect, while admiring the big coils of incense hanging on the ceilings. The Shau Kei Wan tram passes by this temple. (And yes, I was ecstatic to find a monorail here.)

Shau Kei Wan tram. Notice a McDonald's restaurant in the area.

Shing Wong Temple

Next is Tin Hau Temple, which is dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea. The roofs have intricate designs composed of dragons and deities as well as murals which give the temple a magnificent aura despite its small size.

Entrance to Tin Hau Temple

Tsung Tsin Church was next on the itinerary and I almost missed it because one has to go inside an alley which slopes upward. I found the edifice under renovation, which is sad.

Tsung Tsin Church at the right, beside a school.

After Tsung Tsin Church, I walked along Shau Kei Wan Main Street East and found this small altar on the sidewalk. The god on the leftmost is unmistakably a fortune god. People obviously pray here as evidenced by the presence of incense sticks.

Straight ahead is Yuk Wong Temple which was originally a shrine. People pray here to solve flooding problems. The temple is small and simple, being made of cemented blocks with very simple designs that one can easily miss it.

Next up is the museum in Lei Yue Mun Fort. The museum holds a permanent exhibit of military memorabilia from the Ming and Qing periods, a must-see for every military history fan as batteries, cannons, tanks, and other articles of war are preserved in this 34,200 meters squared establishment. And all that for only HKD 10 which is already cheap given the many things one will see and learn in this establishment. One's feet will ache from all the walking but will be handsomely rewarded with beautiful views and cool refreshing winds. A very short film can also be viewed in the small theater. It explains the different weapons and provides a lecture of historical tidbits. Aside from the exhibitions inside, visitors are free to roam around the vicinity to check out ruined structures and armaments.

 On the day of my visit, the museum had a temporary exhibit on the Wartime Japanese Propaganda Publications which began last year on July 20 and will end this year on March 27. The exhibit showcases the propaganda used to justify Japanese imperialism, with media reports distorting the ugly truths of the war while Japan is suffering from social and economic crises brought about by World War I.

entrance to the museum grounds

entrance to the museum itself

The staff here are friendly and are chatty. In fact, I conversed with the shopkeeper who suggested many things to me. I bought two books and he was surprised when I told him I came from the Philippines. There's always a nice feeling when you talk to strangers, you seem so strong, so suddenly unafraid of the world full of strangers.

The last one on my list is Tam Kung Temple which I visited after spending more than 2 hours at the museum. Tam Kung is the patron of fishermen and is also believed to control the weather and to heal the sick. He is said to have become an immortal at the age of 20.

Because I have to go back to the hotel early to meet up with mom and relatives for dinner and I finished touring around Shau Kei Wan at 3pm, I decided to go back to Tsim Sha Tsui and continued my exploration in the area.