Thursday 28 September 2006

I have safely returned to London from a two-week workshop in Hong Kong. It was the crowded, bustling city that I expected. The people were friendly, but everyone is in a hurry! The streets are crowded at all hours of the day and night and the city never really stops moving. Long days and evening teleconferences kept me from seeing much of the city – it WAS a work trip.

I did manage to have a free Saturday and went with a few co-workers on a day tour. We took the turbo jet ferry from Hong Kong Island to the city of Macau. Macau is a former Portuguese colony and is a unique mix of Eastern and Western cultures. We visited several miu temples. All were quite impressive, especially the A-Ma Temple dating from the 15th century. It consists of several structures and shrines beautifully positioned among the natural environment on a hillside. Another highlight was the Ruin’s of St Paul’s. Only the façade remains of this church destroyed by a fire in 1835. It is the centrepiece of the city and stands as a tribute to the Jesuits.

We also took a drive by the Barrier Gate that serves as a border between China and Macau. China wasn’t on the agenda, but we could see it! Lastly, we spent an hour or so in one of Macau’s most modern attractions, the Las Vegas style casino. Of course I had to try my luck at the blackjack table. Betting with Hong Kong dollars and hosted by non-English speaking dealers was a treat. The beauty of playing cards is that it transcends language. My lack of luck is not unique to English!

One evening the local work team hosted us to a fabulous multi course dinner complete with traditional Peking duck. Many delicacies were included in the meal and I had a taste of all (including jelly fish and piglet). The duck was excellent and carved and served with such pride. We were also treated to a noodle pulling demonstration – not something you see very often!

A good trip overall, but I found myself longing for this tiny, little London flat that we now call home.