It was July 2020 I had the misfortune to lose a good friend, an ex-force buddy, a guy with deep moral values, a mindful Disposition, and very intelligence, Who additionally accepted the risks his Work Entailed.
My beef is simply this.!
His life was not taken in military action, Nope instead, it was taken one unfortunate evening shortly after de-fusing a heated argument between the bar staff and a group of Unpleasant probably drunk morons, the waited for him followed, and attacked him, beating him to death,.
Cowardice and Intent?
After serving in Afghanistan, Syria, and Iran this was how to end a life for a military man, night outside a bar not far from his home a few blocks away.
Ironic as it is, it was revealed he assisted the bar owner who was having no effect in finding a resolution, Leon’s training primarily was to de-escalate problems as a soldier, yes, a very special set of skills and he was good at it, it was well suited to his personality and character, his best asset.
To me this was premeditated, and no word can sympathize with his young son and wife!
I remember speaking to him only 1 month previously. and only because I persisted in contacting his social media, did I get a response from his wife, who normally doesn't reply to his account.
I am here to remember good times, also to continue this plan we had to get people, fitter, through education, simple structure, and implementation of our own ethics and workout on a daily basis.
Additionally, relay something of my background and drive to stay fit and healthy, I am not fanatical just aware, purposeful, and respect what I have in well-being, a healthy body, and an optimistic approach to life.
These daily exercise activities are here to enable anyone at any level to get involved, and bring a sense of respect to their tattered lives or a disillusioned lot! Cov-19 doesn't help but we don't need to bend to its temporary existence as long as we live,
These classes or routines are free and will continue to be as I personally enjoy my work, my pastime, my goals to remain without illness or infirmity,
Life is far from experiencing, making fun of, and sharing with others, This is me and I don't want anything from that pleasure.
Where?
If you wish to join you can review my videos on either [Facebook, olieben]
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?
Today has been a variable day, one that started like any normal day, however, within a few hours this was history
Now i am seeing heavy thunder and lightening storms, growing dark clouds looming over the southern Mountains and horizon
The sudden drop in temperature is a surefire sign of changes and weather patterns, as a southernmost part of china this area is now in sun and heat for the time of year,
So I can only assume that global warming is hitting continents and throwing the weather every which way and on short notice.
I personally reflect on how similar it is to UK spring showers, but without the thunder and lightning spells, these are deep and cracking in nature of sounds
I am sitting on my Balcony on the 20th floor overlooking Long gang city, a mix of old and modern combined to offer a favorable and interesting aspect to the city and residents
Today i reflect on my struggles with trying to get my mobile phone to work?
last night it suddenly flicker and the screen went blank, nothing was going to change that seems
I received calls strangely after that happened,
Murphy's law right?
so an new phone was ordered after scanning through a selected few on the chinese equivalent Ebay site my choice were pressured as time was not on my side, so the following i had narrowed down as reviews suggested.
Samsung a70 and a70s
huawei 10 +
samsung nova 7se
samsung galaxy a90
Finally i went for the samsung A70s
The specs ticked all the boxes and though not a ''gamers powered mobile type'' it was more than well equipped for my uses
HORRAY!
So i expect it to arrive to my apartment today, afternoon
Soooo much to get through today and a phone is a must, its incredible how in fact we need these devices, perhaps its more to do with my circumstances here in china
I have just heard from recentent news that USA is in a crisis [ISN'T IS ALWAYS ]with its highest level of unemployment post 2nd world war,1930's
housing evictions are in process, people ar sleepless and worried of next day not having a home, its perceptive, landlords are not offering grace on rents or default payments
people are struggling to pay rent and its getting worst with the coronavirus, i can foresee some crazed people flipping and start a shooting randomly, so look out
Live performances are taking a huge hit worldwide and business performers are resentful as they see no way forward
On the good News side Queen elizabeth 2nd made a speech
70 anniversary of VE DAY speech by the queen hopefully keeping the country consolidated and optimistic in unprecedented trouble times
I have to say that regarding a time scale on
racism, nationalist means in a loose response, people that love their country and lifestyle in a very protective and dangerous way
they welcome or endear themselves quickly to foreign nationals
By not accepting others [outsiders easily] they try to keep their distance and criticize unknown religions, lifestyles, beliefs, and appearances
Chinese regardless of past years' uproar and
violence, Foreign influx, and racism has always been there, Just in ignorance and
uneducated in the majority of cases to bring it to bear or care
What activists in china have managed to do is bring it to the
forefront, and faster this century
Many Chinese from small towns and villages live out
their lives in a somewhat simple setting, with few needs and wants, comfortable daily things are bliss, and to regard any outside occurrence or influence beyond the periphery is
neither considered nor important.
color is a duplicity of social misconceptions, what I
mean is if you are from UK, PORTUGAL, GERMANY, FRANCE, or USA you are expected to be Caucasian, Other
countries Africa, and India for Black people only
That's what the majority of Chinese understand and believe as i found out
Another point is wealthy
nations, ITALY, PORTUGAL FRANCE, USA UK GERMANY to mention a few, are perceived as
wealthy and rich, with a history
The reasons I expect are past historical events between these
countries and China also the movies, advertisements, and trading in specialized products
and services also played a part
I have been living working and teaching in the
early days in china since 2005
After the China outbreak in Wuhan [Hubei province] approximately middle of December 2019, China is showing a slowing down of the contagious disease and its death We are led to believe without conclusive proof or tangible evidence
Recent Interview on BBC Radio
The topic of unpreparedness was asked by the Interviewer:
The response from an official was horrendous stating that because the problem was in china and because it was not oriental features entering Italy it was regarded as safer to not apply stringent checks?
USA STATE OR READINESS
Seattle is one of the worst areas for contagious patients
US has tested fewer people than other countries in view of this COVID-19, the slow and lethargic approach to this threat in the US is disconcerting by many, just because the blame was placed on oriental types only? and not the travelers to the country in question, i.e China.
ITALY, LOMBARDY
TOTALING 16M PEOPLE
Italy's Lombardy City has reported 500 critical infections that are serious with a daily increase in deaths of 130 across Italy
Italy have also cordoned off wealthy area of the country to contain the outbreak of the country
The recent intake of Patients has proved that not enough hospital Beds are available in the city
NORTH & SOUTH DIVIDE IN ITALY
CORONA VIRUS Has Drawn a definitive line separating the Residents in the North and South, thereby Dividing the Country During the Rise of the COV19 Contagious Viral Outbreak The citizens are now Tagged as Infected MIGRANTS and told to go South
KOREA'S STATUS
SOUTH KOREA: Shows Signs of Virus Infections Slowing Down
NORTH KOREA: Opened The Border to Send foreigners to Russia's VLADIVOSTOK, Following the high-risk Coronavirus Outbreak
UK STATUS
UK awareness as many were media driven, were their sufficient measures taken to secure the people.
Government procedures had encouraged people to not arrive at surgeries or hospitals, but instead immediately call and advise of their symptoms so that action can be taken quickly. And containing any possible infections
It is believed that in particular the aged, older group of the community will be less likely to go see a doctor or hospital, feeling they don't want to bother the doctors, a selfless approach and view, others were advised not to be heroes by returning to work are you felt unwell
RECEPTORS: THROUGH EYE TEAR DUCTS, NOSE AND MOUTH TRANSFERAL [ENT]
WE HAVE VERY FEW WEAPONS TO FIGHT THE VIRUS, AND KNOWING THE CONSEQUENCES OF THE ECONOMIC, AND SOCIAL DISRUPTION, ARE IMPORTANT FACTORS.
MATHEMATICS IS A CONSIDERATION TO TRACK WHEN, NOW, AND FUTURE PATH OF THE OUTBREAK
LOOKING AHEAD IS CRUCIALLY IMPORTANT
Interview Dr. Hannah Fry
PROFILE
Dr. Hannah Fry is an Associate Professor in the Mathematics of Cities at the Centre for Advanced Spatial Analysis at UCL. She works alongside a unique mix of physicists, mathematicians, computer scientists, architects, and geographers to study the patterns in human behavior - particularly in an urban setting
Map
A map showing cities that could experience a coronavirus epidemic status
Scientists believe Mapping these trends and identifying high-risk areas, countries can inform public health services and interventions initiated, such as screenings and healthcare readiness.’
FROM THE INITIAL VIRUS-ACTIVATED PERIOD:
Scientists conclude that cov19 remains on surfaces for approximately 2 to 3 days but can be up to 7 days, depending on conditions
QUESTIONS?
China's situation and world Criticism was this not proof enough to begin preparedness worldwide
Was the world only looking at how china will cope or fail?
Did we believe we were exempt from this Virus?
Preemptiveness was ignored, leading to the current state of unpreparedness to limit or contain NCOV19
SUMMARY
Let us not forget the Spanish flu [Post war] which Claimed 50 Million lives
Complacency seems to be upon us again and countries have dismissed the urgency to act and become ready for what was inevitable worldwide
PRECONDITION AND ELDERLY ARE WORST AFFECTED AS HIGH-RISK GROUPS, BUT AWARENESS, PERSONAL CLEANLINESS, AND OBSERVATION ARE KEY TO CONTAINING THIS THREAT,
REMAIN SOCIALLY RESERVED WILL BE A MAJOR PART OF MAINTAINING NORMALITY
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!
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
