Showing posts with label GET SOMETHING BACK THAT IS INSPIRING. Show all posts
Showing posts with label GET SOMETHING BACK THAT IS INSPIRING. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 26, 2020
Valentine Festival and Lanterns
Today Cultural values exist more in rural towns and cities but
are celebrated in the big cities across China and in extravagant and
colorful displays and events
The Story of Valentine's day is unique In China, it is also well-revered today with a love poem to support the ideas and festivity of the
evening
What is Qixi Festival?
The Double Seventh Festival (Qixi Festival) is one of the Chinese
traditional festivals celebrated on the evening of the 7th of the
seventh lunar month.
(Qixi Festival)
Also
called Qi Qiao Festival, meaning Ingenuity-Begging Festival. This unique Chinese Valentine’s Day food custom expresses Chinese people’s desire to find ingenuity (sweet love and good marriage).
Legend States
The legend of Chinese Valentine’s Day rotates around star-crossed lovers, Zhinhu, a weaver girl, and a goddess Daughter, The Boy named Niulang is a humble cowherd.
Niulang met Zhinhu, and they fell in love, they got married, living a happy life together, and their offspring, a boy and a girl were born.
However, when Zhinhu’s mother discovers that her daughter married a
mere mortal, she brings her back to heaven and created a huge river
between earth and the heavens to separate the couple – this river is now
referred to as the Milky Way.
The Birds being magpies were moved by the love between Zhinhu and
Niulang, and by forming a bridge to help the couple to meet giving
Zhinhu a way to cross.
After some time Zhinhu’s mother realized this was a special love she
decided to permit the couple to meet once a year, that same day,
which is the seventh day of the seventh lunar month.
Has it ever occurred to you that time is relative to what we have achieved and experienced during our gifted Lives? Epiphany of what significantly marks the Schedule of our time in this mortal existence?
Let's not get too philosophical now, Whoa!
FAMILY
I am ecstatic today after actioning one of the most significant calls to action of my life.
My Son's Birthday!!
Ben is an undergraduate at London University, and never asks for anything, this comes from believing that what he wants in life comes from his own efforts, independent you can say.
Today is his birthday and no mention of what he wants or expects, he has learned much thankfully, Hallelujah!
His surprise is sorted!
I am in china and the distance makes it difficult at best, But all is well.
Contemplating other landmarks preempted by this Birthday has given me much to reconsider and make notes, something I wanted to do some years ago so here are a few that spring to mind and are significant, see if it coincides with yours, ladies and gents
Being told I was to fly to the UK from Brazil at age 9 with my 7-year-old sister, to live with my parents
Meeting my other UK-born, brother, and sister for the 1st time ever! ~UK
A 1st ever family Christmas, ~UK
First day at primary School [language difference and cultural shock]
1st real Job, Royal Navy ~UK
I.T for Sun Microsystems Unix ~ [ working in London banks]
My 1st English Rose [Girlfriend] at 18
1st Home bought UK
Serious love to Marriage
Daughter 4 years later ~ {Olivia}
Son 4 years after ~{ Ben}
e-commerce Business startup [active today]
Travel to China [Opened an Office]
Family to china, scary but cool
Passed Driving test China Purchased 1st car
Mother to china at 68 scarier still, but worked out [holiday visit]
1st ex-pat Home in China [purchased]
Part-time weekend Teacher ENGLISH FIRST CHINA [ TEFL crash course passed]
Blog writer and affiliate marketer [currently]
This has really been a roller coaster an incredible change of interest, family development, and concerted efforts, cultural leap, only now I assess the primary or significant aspects do I gauge an astonishing snapshot of all that happened.
I think a book of experience and travel is on the horizon, my next goal
WA has been a completely off-the-wall area of personal investment and creative goal I needed and found in a timely period, maybe I am fortunate but I appreciate every significant aspect of my varied road and its Journey. Have you had such moments to recall your significant and memorable moments?
It Was a Late Lay-in after a Friday of Heavy Winds and Chiling evening, we were simply worn out, Our plan was set to get up at the break of Dawn and amble off to Central park for our 2-mile Jog.
Well, that was a Great Plan, However, during the night I had a Nightmare, we wouldn’t go into that now, but was one to forget.
We struggled to come to a decision at 7am [Mainly due to my sleep being poor most of the night. All the same, my partner insisted it was a good idea, I wasn’t convinced and remained in bed to enjoy another few hours of the weekend.
She promptly got up dressed in sporting attire and disappeared out the door!
PROMISING DAY
Out and About Covid Break Ends Nasty!
After The long Restrictions of the Coronavirus, I wanted to be out and about today however, My Previous night's Nightmare should have been the signal of what was to come in the form of a unique and interesting day, So to skip forward let's move to the part where we took the Metro and headed off to SHEKOU. This is approximately 45 mins from our apartment,
The Day Sunny and Warm, promised a nice gentle outdoor change from the local area we resided, especially with this Coronavirus stuff in Shenzhen.
Arriving at Our Destination we were surprised how we both displayed a similar uneasy feeling in the stomach, but putting it aside assuming it was just the trip which in most cases train or metro rides tended to make us feel lethargic and sleepy, it’s like being on a boat and the rocking motion tends to give feeling tiredness.
The Barber Shop
We arrived at the Metro Station where I often used to visit my Barber, [strangely enough, each time I return seems a new Barber was in place, but I am a creature of habit in this situation and still make the special trip] either ways I had to wait for my turn and had no problem with that.
Charlie my partner, was happy to bask in the sun and walk around outside reviewing the newly opened local food shops. only still accepting a collection of orders and not allowing sitting customers, [we actually did go in and eat after some discussion with the waiter, we were the only clients may be why that was allowed]
I Was Ushered to Sit, I gave some instructions on my choice of haircut and styling, and charlie came into the shop to confirm my requirements removing the potential for any misunderstandings with the barber, with all this done Mr. Barber set-about hacking away what I had left of this rather thinning mop, it was a pity to see what curls I had disappeared onto the floor, but win some lose some!
Cut and Dry
Opting For the Simple Cut without the additional wash and scrub, my calm moment of being groomed was over and I paid my dues and waved goodbye with a quirky moment of chit-chat about foreigners [laowai not having washed hair] this caused an outburst of laughter and i grasped the not so subtle humor therein.]
SHEKOU EX-PATS COMMUNITY
This Location is Well-known for foreigners establishing into the Chinese community and with some money, those who choose to move to Shenzhen on a permanent or long-term basis as residents, ex-pats, and retired businessmen/women. The area boasts expensive apartments, a good location on this Peninsula south china opposite Hong Kong territories seen clearly over the water in the distance.
Modernization is constantly taking place and the reclamation of land from the sea is amazing and inspiring, there are family areas, evening and weekend staged water display shows around an old french cruise liner ship placed in dry dock and converted to bars, restaurants and a hotel, worth a peek if you are in the area. this was given to china some years ago by the French government.
THE BIKE RIDE
Our First Bike Ride began here in Shekou, knowing the area very well, I spent much time here in the early days living and working in the area previously, I was nominated to take pole position and lead showing my riding skills and knowledge of the local interests and cute highlight spots.
Away our rented bikes are easy to use just scan a QR CODE on the bikes with either ALIPAY OR WECHAT you can ride and pay, [time-related costs] pretty cheaply, and most importantly of all Swanky new bikes are not worn-out, squeaky, or rundown rusty aged machines, (in less popular areas on the outskirt of the city you will inevitably find those)
Then riding does literally become a pain in the proverbial backside
Our Banana Yellow Bikes were well built, purpose designed for casual use and activities, single gears more than suffice too!
ICE CREAM ~ BIKE~ A PERFECT SUNNY DAY
This 20-Min Ride was just what the doctor ordered, a breeze on our faces it was just a ‘cool’ start. We negotiated small streets and markets, and admired the buildings and courtyards, further on we couldn’t resist stopping for a McDonald’s Ice cream cone each, why not the sun, bike, and ice cream it was perfect!
Back on The Bikes and arriving at our planned destination we parked up and pressed on walking through a small communal park, A quaint creative landscaped area offering clean toilets, a beautiful garden, and gorgeous big trees, some colorful and in bloom. We took turns keeping watch on the bike so while she visited the toilet, I made a video for uploading to YouTube later.
A 5-min walk through the Thoroughfare to the peninsular promenade was both relaxing and gave us the opportunity to discuss how the day was developing so far, we agreed it was promising and ‘Enjoyable’
The Seaside was not busy as expected being that officially people are still returning to the city from their hometown after the Coronavirus outbreak, so perfect time to make the most of the weather and weekend before the crazy rush time starts on Monday.
PROMENADE STROLL AND PRIVATE HOMES ADMIRATION
We Deliberate on how people can live in these expensive huge homes, even asking ourselves why would anyone would want it that big?. The question” DO these people feel satisfied with their lot or seek more”?. We concluded that it was human nature to look for more and always unsatisfied with what they attained, driven and striving for better and more, perhaps just to accumulate wealth and power.
We wandered on along the winding road reviewing the landscape and back to the sea and its strange collection of boats, these consisted of Junks [Chinese boat homes] speed boats, powered military security crafts, police boarding vessels private jet-skis, and one manned small power boats all sitting together in a neat line.
It was a Strangely odd combination, some a real eyesore others sleek and designed for speed or specific tasks quite contrasting.
COMMUNITY RECREATION AND BATS
Further on we stopped to sit and watch kids and mums play in creative play areas, we were starting to feel thirsty a drink was forthcoming, so our trustworthy flask was out and tea quenched the need.
The evening was drawing in and the sun was setting, small fruit bats appeared diving and swerving dangerously and erratically sometimes taking drastic action to avoid collision with each other, a real acrobatic display and great to watch. I had this realization and wondered what do they eat as there were no visible fruit trees around here?
BARS RESTAURANTS AND MEDICINE SHOPS
Circling Around to finish our walk we couldn’t help noticing the amount of ex-pats bars, restaurants, and 3 medical shops alongside each other, 2 medical shops closed, under-subscribed maybe?
Once Upon a Time, this was a thriving heaving bar and night spot area, now it’s difficult to say as many seem permanently closed, whether because of the coronavirus knock-on effect on the business or just outdone their useful time is anyone’s guess, but I dare say this coming week the reality will confirm if this is just a temporary blip.
We arrived at the metro boarded and headed home, but shortly after deciding to go to charlie’s home to collect products we ordered online called [sha ji] [sea buckthorn].
Its Potential Ingredients help with my blood pressure, and now I don’t rely on prescribed medicine tablets since returning to china 8 months previously I applied this alternative and gradually reduced my intake of medicine as it stands recent BP check shows a near normal pressure reading so hallelujah!
Of Course, I use to continue with other antioxidants in conjunction with drinking green tea and eating other fruits, I feel better and my blood pressure has improved considerably.
METRO TO BIKE RIDE MISADVENTURE
Arriving at Charlie’s Metro: This is where the fun begins folks, fasten your seatbelts and all hands in the vehicle, please!
Charlie wanted to walk, I wanted to ride, and Riding was decided [i know she loves riding bikes for hours] Anyway after collecting our bikes prepared our bags and set off, it was less than 50ft when an array of yellow/black and orange bollards came into view, charlie negotiated and passed I, on the other hand, didn’t.
Crashing Into the Tallest One, legs one way, bike another, everything was a whirl, finally getting up and checking the damage, I found a bruised shin and inner calves, not bad brushed off, and followed her [at which time she turned to ask if I was OK].
Steadying Myself and trying to catch up with her, I witnessed her go down one Kerb and approach the other one in readiness to mount, however, suddenly the pavement was higher, not inclined or sloped as expected for cyclists.
Charlie hit the brakes, what follows appeared to me in slow motion as she partly flipped over the handlebars falling and trying to protect her face on impact with the pavement, she turned her head to the side with some grace and went down on the ground.
WOW!
I Have to Say This Looked Serious and the Sound of the ambulance was ringing in my mind. I dropped the bike and ran over to where two other passers-by rushed to the rescue. She was noticeably shaken and tearful, sat for a while, and collected her senses, we didn’t move for what seemed like forever.
I Checked Her Over and realized contusions to the chin, legs, and knees these started to appear in dark patches, shaken we ditched the bicycles seeing she showed no interest in riding. We slowly limped on discussing the unique calmness of this day and how it changed into this calamity.
FAITH, INTUITION, OR A JUST WITCHCRAFT?
Minutes Prior to the Incident: In the Metro, I took a photo of a BIKE with a professional terrain cyclist wearing full protective gear and we discussed using it in my blog. Little did I know it would be so immediate, relative, or profound to our current situation.
CONCLUSION
The Moral of the story is We never know what’s coming around the corner in life’s intricate tapestry of events, so live life to the fullness as you can!
A cool morning for this area of China, No jogging today as I am exhausted after the weekend's events and walks,
Today I just wanted to deliver and be optimistic about your coming week and days whatever you happen to be doing,I wanted to offeryou a light blog chat about the weekend's interests and places of interest should you ever make a trip to Shenzhen in the south of China
A Resourceful, Unassuming, and Intelligent Lady with no baggage or Expectations as I see it, Someone you can actually hold a meaning full conversation pas the hello how are you and what's your job questions, and my girlfriend!
SHEKOU aka [HAI SHENG XI JIE]
A popular visiting and resting place for foreigners to Shenzhen seems
Quaint shops the kind of ones you see on the continent with small designed roads and collections of small businesses, coffee bars, tea shops, clothing even a jazz record and bar establishment I was surprised to see
This is a Theme Style environment setting, a 5-10 mins walk from the main Shekou thoroughfare area, where bigger more popular known businesses reside, Namely Starbucks, bars, restaurants, BBQ cuisines, and so on
The Week of Flower Shows is almost at an end, yet the fervor and excitement i receive in people's faces seems undiminished or likely to extinguish well into the following weeks of November
I personally have Embraced the whole atmosphere of this collective events, Flower shows, Book reading month, Sponsors, and support groups everywhere to help and guide folks around the City
I feel fortunate to be here experiencing and being part of this movement and passion
A Super Weekend that is one to tick as a Major Memory landmark, it was just a complete experience in every way I could possibly imagine.
A Great Return Trip to see an area I thought I would not be interested in after too many visits in the past years
But Wheyyyyyyy!!!, that was not the case, in fact it brought another level of appreciation and enjoyment than before.
Witnessing a Great Operatic Live water display show with Music and lights integrated with explosive fire bursts as you can see below in video.
On Sunday was another similar experience where i wanted to stay away from being that i had lived there and was tired of the idea to return again,
Yet yes, again another surprise that was rewarding,
This little Dude is a hand full and damn teeth like needles, We Had to take a video of his antics with great joy!!
This was Wutong mountain, photos attached so you can see for yourself, even the 1hr bus trip back filled with people from the mountain was entertaining and lighthearted.
Well it's only around the corner BLACK FRIDAY sales and weekend, what will you be doing, any plans on shopping?
The Perfect opportunity to put yourself in a stronger position financially next year 2020, Wealthy Affiliate is offering Free joining,s website, support, community, training video and audio with the option.
As You Feel Confident to upgrade for more features in their Premium Membership Plan, Currently over the BF Period this special offer $299 if you wish is a huge reduction on the normal annual fees.
Introducing Young Poets From The Mountains of China
Last Update: November 06, 2019
For all you avid readers worldwide a heads up on China's celebrations and continued revelations on sharing and supporting reading, studies, and superb libraries! There is a drive to Promote Young Children in impoverished areas of China who are writing poems showing their skills and application to get involved, Stalls have been set up in spacious Metro stations, with several dispensing machines on the walls, [and resident hosts to explain the background of this promotion and its goals ]
The dispensers issue poems that were written by these children, What you get is a foot-long printout of short cute and endearing but smart poems when you contribute 1RMB.
Please follow this cause if you poss no pressure, via my website in a few days a post will emerge This is a practical and meaningful approach to raising funds through the effort and participation of the children. Shenzhen is now entering the reading month, with aged traditional historic books in unprotected glass stalls to be viewed and others to read.
The interest it is receiving is astonishing from young and old.
The book city areas and designated locations are ready to receive everyone.
also, like the flower show which is also in tandem at this time,
Thanks for your time reading this blog
Chris x
48hrs
ago I was laid up feeling like the flu but not actually the same symptoms, no
sneezing, runny nose or headaches, however, I had hot and cold rushes, feeling
of weakness all over and lethargy,
ok ok
you could on that basis state some flu symptoms were evident, anyway feeling a
little sprite yesterday I decided to go out and stretch my legs in the park
across the road, great day and nice breeze, why not! go ready and made my way
5mins walk to the park started off a gently walk then sometime later a gently
jog,
I arrived at the Kite Square and service
machines, benches, and a few people around, settled down to some stomach
crunches again keeping it gentle and slow, felt good and continued on to a few
light pull-ups and stretches, side bends and back home, On reaching for the
keys to my astonishment they were gone? legged it, disappeared!
SHIT
now how to get in, no mobile or other contact devices to get hold of anyone
else, so back to the park, I wandered covering the area I was previously,
nothing was found, disgruntled but remaining optimistic I sought out the park
administrators, explaining what happened leaving my wechat and phone number in
a hope they would get back to me with some positive news at least a few hours
later, no chance that was not the case,
I
wandered to the nearby social area and shops to sit and consider my next
decision and plan.
A few
mins later this girl comes running over to me saying hey remember me from TT
cafe? to which I didn't but decided to hear more, she spoke of TEFL course and
acceptance to UK Leeds university January 2020, however, that her scores on
TEFL examination was not as expected on the Oral aspect, this was odd as I was
dealing with my situation which to me was mega important.
So
trying to end this conversation hastily and moving on She then blurted out that
her recent news was of her mum's cancer discovery and she was suddenly watery
eyed and emotional- making me more confused and uncomfortable,
I was caught off guard, like a cat on a hot
tin roof, unprepared nothing to really raise the game on that, WTF was
happening today I thought inwardly, is this what my day is going to be a succession of unwanted situations and people?
Anyway
I did my best to comfort her with kind words and an optimist view of how things may
not be as bad with modern medicines in this area of the topic, bid farewell and
pressed on to another location, a few mins later I found a siting auditorium
and quickly got as comfortable as I could, began assessing my situation again,
Not much longer and after coming into a plan
of action I was ready to go and collect my things, getting to my feet, I
noticed a mobile phone sitting without an owner? it was feet from me, I looked
around couldn't see a returning person, decided to ask in Chinese '' ni shi de
shou jie ma? [Is this your mobile?] To others and getting a ''Bu shi'' [not
mine],sitting around about it and
decided to leave.
Enough
was enough for one day thank you.
Stayed
out all day without money or a phone to buy food, so luckily KFC provided free
flowing hot water on tap from an Urn, this I decided I needed even if I was to
last the whole day until 7pm when I can go back home to my flatmate after they
were back home would at least keep the thirst away and some hunger pangs, until
4pm it did, then Mr hunger pangs started to rear its f**king ugly head, I was
starving,.
And
what was worst is I was in KFC of all places,? Crispy chicking and pie smell
exuding in every area of the dining area, it was like a bloody gauntlet and the trial, The decision to leave was now imperative, I got up and left at 6:30pm
return home and food glorious food again
Never again such foolishness, hat's a promise to myself, carry a mobile always and
check my damn keys at every given opportunity when outside and in my pocket! a
lesson well learned.
