Hong Kong is...

People-watching is one of the nicest things to do especially when you are alone. As I spend my days in the metro, on the streets, on the buses, just being in the middle of one of the world's most crowdest places, I have noticed quite a lot of interesting things of this land.

There are A LOT of people!
7 million of them.
Which ever part where buses or metros take you, there are high-rise buildings everywhere, be it commercial, or residential.

Inside a metro.

It's an interesting contrast to Costa Rica where you can EASILY bump into people you know. San José having 346,000 people, made me even feel familiar within my first month of stay as being on the main street for a while can easily lead to bumping into familiar faces.



Hong Kong is diverse.

This high amount of people in a concentrated place in Hong Kong means a diversity squeezed together.
Not only am I now seeing distinctly dressed and behaved people in different areas of Hong Kong, I am seeing a lot of VERY different characters.
Perhaps our freedom to speech, freedom to protest, amongst other rights have led to people NOT shy about making their own statements. In the land of fashion of Hong Kong, I have experienced many head-turning fashions, hairstyles, behaviours on the streets that I would have used my familiar word 'choque' to describe my reaction. Things that would be considered as absolute awkward fashion back in the Americas is a common scene for me now. I have gotten to appreciate how comfortable people are into making themselves stand out.

The familiar Canadian Roots brand =)

The scene of seeing so many Filipinos for me is always a phenomenon, especially where I live. There are around 140,000 Filipinos who reside in Hong Kong, most of which are female domestic maids who live full time with Hong Kong families. Sunday is the standard day off for the domestic maids, and that's where they spend a day out with other compatriots where they eat their prepared food, sing, play card games, and even sell. Since I live near the main business district of Hong Kong, and all offices are closed in area, it becomes a huge Filipino land all around, especially in sheltered areas. It's been such a tradition that the normal 'no littering' signs are in three languages: Chinese, English, and Tagalog :)

Since the overwhelming majority of Filipinos are females, it may be a reason why there are more 'tom-boy' type filipinos around. It is not an uncommon scene to see two hip-hop style filipino women holding hand to hand, and kissing in public.


My metro station - Central

Hong Kong people are NICE!!!

When I was in Buenos Aires, where our home and office were quite centrally located, I have encountered many street experiences with local Porteños (people from Buenos Aires) that would utterly shock me with how they would interact with me. During my stay, I thought ok, it's maybe because I'm coming from an ultra friendly Central American environment, so perhaps everybody I meet or see may turn out not to be so nice.
Well, coming back to Hong Kong, arguably like Buenos Aires, a metropolitan city, my whole theory on urban, individual-minded people are challenged.
I have time and time again been greeted by very friendly strangers, especially when I need to ask for directions on the streets.
I was once very touched when I was COMPLETELY lost, (and late! to an AIESEC event in Hong Kong), a pregnant lady with groceries bags hanging off both arms, got out of her way to walk me and showed me how to get to the university. I was so thankful not only then, but repeatedly wherever I feel like a complete tourist just LOST.


Cellphones and PSP, or whatever you call those handheld gaming machines EVERYWHERE!

As I spend quite a lot of time going in and out of subways, I see a lot of people also commuting from one part of Hong Kong to another.
One quick observation, is that most individuals travel by themselves. (I presume when it's not the weekend) And each individual are doing either: talking on the cellphone, OR, playing those new-school gameboys (do they still exists??), the PSP, or DS or whatever you call it. And I'm not just talking about teenage boys playing it. I am talking about kids, AND adults. And to my surprise, most adults I see playing are females!!!

Nadya, you (and your cool magazine) are right! Hong Kong DOES have the most cell phones per capita in the world! And it's EVIDENT!!!
And well, HK people love talking on the phone, constantly even when they are alone. So when are HK people really alone? I wonder.
Another observation, since monthly cell phone rates are VERY cheap (I believe, if you find the right deal, it can be around US$ 7 for HUNDREDS of minutes!!!), the whole point of text messaging is only to leave messages. This for me is a HUGE difference in Costa Rica, where it's exactly the opposite. I have been told the textmessaging system is the cheapest in the world (0.003 US dollars per SMS sent!), and so you don't see much Ticos talking on the phone, but rather, everyone working out their thumbs on their pads.

The Rich are RIDICULOUSLY RICH.

It's been a long while since I have seen a Porshe around. And it's been VERY long since I have seen so MANNY Porshe's within one afternoon. And I don't think I have ever seen more Ferrari's than Porches in one day!
Buying a special number-ed license plate requires a LOT of money to specially order and purchase in Hong Kong.

Catch this: Last night I saw a Ferrari with a license plate 'BEATLES' on it. Oh my, some people are rich!

The interesting fact is that most families don't have a car. The transport system is just soooo good, the streets are just too narrow, and the cost of maintaining a car, taxes, gas, means it's even cheaper to go everywhere with a taxi than to have a car.

And Hong Kong is the place where it has the most Rolls-Royces per capita again. 1500 of them rolling around Hong Kong.



Hong Kong is a City of Lights.

Living in urban area of Hong Kong means you don't see stars. The city is soooo darn lighted that you just don't see the sky! It's nothing to be proud of, but it makes those camping trips, and to the beaches all that more special, as we remember what a 'Star' really means. =)


An example of a VERY lighted street at 10pm.

Two National Sports.

Eating out and Shopping. =)
In the transition in Southern Cone, we had cultural evenings through our 8 nationalities of 11 people of the two MC teams. When it was my turn, I really had a serious issue on what to cook to represent my Chinese culture. I just didn't have any maple syrup with me to show some of our lovely Canadian pancakes. The issue is that in Hong Kong, we don't have ONE dish, but I would say we have hundreds of dishes! And we never eat ONE dish, with so many people, we usually eat at least 8 dishes!! And since it's so much more convenient, and CHEAPER, and tastier to go out and eat in Hong Kong, it's a popular pasttime for us in Hong Kong. on top of that, our traditional Dim-Sum is NEVER cooked at home...we ALWAYS go out and eat.

Food is sooo yummy in Hong Kong, and I'm gradually gaining the weight I lost through the last two years. I've been going to all-you-can-eat sushi restaurants with my uncle, and well, it's only $45 or so Hong Kong dollars, which translates to US$6 :) I come home very stuffed each time. Oh I missed real SUSHI sooo much!!!

A personal favourite: Flat noodles with Cow Tripes i.e. Stomach o en español: mondongos. YUMMMYYY!!!

The shopping exercise, I haven't done so much yet. I will do more exercise when I have time!
For now, I have bought a very nice tie for US$2 =)

Hong Kong was British, and still is!

Even to the extent that the cars drive on the wrong side of the street! =P
I am having so much trouble crossing busy streets, and being on the right side of the street to get on a tram or a bus. Grrrrr.....

The very classic double decker trams at a stop on the wrong side of the street.

Buses (like British ones) are all double deckers, also the fact that it conveniently carries more people! Notice the bus is also on the wrong side of the street. =P

Hong Kong is Chinese.

Yes, it's obvious. But it's very nice to celebrate both the Western AND the Chinese holidays at the same time! Celebrating X'mas, Easter, Budda's B-day, Hong Kong return to China day, China's National day are just one of the perks of working in Hong Kong! =) Imagine being a teacher in Hong Kong. Although teaching at a local school can stress the heck out of you, you get SOOO many holidays! =)

Preparing for the China's 59th year - Same age as AIESEC ;)

Preparing for the Beijing Olympics


The Traditional JunkBoat in the harbour - a common symbol of Hong Kong.

The Golden Bauhinia - a statue of Hong Kong's flower to commemorate Hong Kong's return to China.

The Hong Kong flag - displaying the Bauhinia

Celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival, where families traditionaly light lanterns and burn candles in parks. On this date, the moon is always full.

Hong Kong is Automatic.

A set of elevators without ANY buttons inside possible? Yes! In Hong Kong!
We have these super cards that is like the size of a credit card and it stores electronic money inside. All transport uses it, and so you don't have to pay coins anymore, and just refill it whenever you need to. It's good because it's even designed so that you don't can put it in your backpack, and the detector can also sense it. It's similar to Santiago's Metro pass =). It has been in use for around 15 years, and each time I come back, I am amazed by even more and more functions! Apart from paying your cell phone bills, to buying a beer in the convenient store, or a bigmac and McDo's, you can now ride elevators!

I was at my uncle's home a few days ago, and from his metro station, we went up the shopping mall, and directly into his building of two set of security doors, and two sets of elevators. Each time he only needed to swipe his wallet (with the card inside) and it opens, and the elevator even gets us all the way to 33 floor - where he lives, without a press of a single button in the 5 minute journey from the metro to his door! =) Automatic!


...the Hong Kong discovery continues...

When the best thing you can do is Nothing.

I'm patiently waiting now. My Fate is not in my hands. I've done all I could.

It's a weird feeling because I'm just waiting for time to past. I feel helpless, useless.

I usually feel proactive in taking decisions, and make those dreams happen. Feeling a bit restless doing nothing.

How long do I have to wait?

A tease of inspiration...

With a smirk, I continue to Discover.

Individuals whose desire, dream is to dance?

Yes, it's possible.

Individuals who are interested in Tango?

Yes, it's possible.

Individuals who have learnt Tango for 2 years, and have dreamt so ever lingeredly to go to Argentina?

Yes, it's possible.

All this in Hong Kong?

I didn't know how possible the possiblity was. I didn't know I can still learn Tango, on literally the other side of the planet of the San Telmo neighbourhood of Buenos Aires...Yes, last night, I found out: it's possible.

-----

Perhaps this is just an example of one of the many discoveries I have had last night.

A simple message to Patsy, a dear 6 year long-distance-friend, 'are you in hong kong??' on facebook, has led to a sincere phone call during my 3rd day in Hong Kong, which has led to an invitation to go to a charity ball with her, an 11-day wait...to what was to become a very memorable evening.


Not only was I able to see other highschool mates again: Hay, and Anna-Mae (thank you so much for the invite!!!), I was able to have an experience. Sitting in a Chinese style round-table (gotta love them!) of 10 people of around the same-age - aruguably the youngest table of 60+ that were at the venue. Interacting with the energizing generation of young, promising career personalities in Hong Kong. I would have to say I was observing with intense curiousity on the environment that I found myself in last night.




My first western-styled meal - of stellar quality; my first sip, my first glass, and my first series of glasses of red-wine since I was last in Chile. As if it was a sign, and to make me feel the bittersweet force of nostalgia, it was a wine bottle from the beloved land of Chile. The steak reminded me of the Saturday night Argentine steaks I would buy and cook at Coto 2 blocks from home.




And then came a lot of unexpected moments. Perhaps it was maybe I didn't know much of the event, perhaps it was because I didn't have expectations to begin with. Hong Kong celebrities were there, the new, and the old.


Music. It is an integral part of the Hong Kong culture.

Perhaps we are not traditionally a dancing culture when compared to Latin American cultures for example. But what links us is music. Not only listening to it. But MAKING it. That is art. The majority of the HongKongcitos would know how to play an instrument or 3. And the majority frequently visit a Karaoki venue where they sing to express themselves.
The songs that are sang, in the Hong Kong culture, the majority are soft, romantic songs - about relationships, break-ups, missing each other...etc. Does that mean it's a romantic culture? That's the question I posed to the table. 'no' was the common answer. Interesting response. Perhaps it's pure art then...it was a way to express oneself, to let go, through singing, listening to music - compared to the dancing ways I have been exposed to, and gotten to feel.

The dinner ended with exactly an experience of such - by midnight, I found myself in a live-concert of talented soothing voices with the exact same peers in a karaoki bar. I personally loved karaoki during my stays in Hong Kong. Me too, I like singing, albeit my friends don't like me singing... it was my first time visiting one in 2.5 years. And probably the first time I did not grab the mic and sang, but instead...I was sinking into the ambience. Of listening to the new, old, and classic songs in cantonese and mandarin. Completely feeling an integral part of my Hong Kong culture.

And of course, as I always do personally in such situations...I read the lyrics of the songs on the TV, and take it as my seldom Chinese lesson. =)

After following the crew to another, very different venue and environment...

It showed me a different aspect of a Hong Kong society. A very real one.

It got me thinking about the number, 7 million, a lot. The number of inhabitants there exist this beautiful land.
Too much to discover, too little time, too little $$$ =P

For now, an experience that ended with a 5am taxi ride home will do.

Thank you Patsy, Anna-Mae, and Hay for the wonderful evening.

labios compartidos

Amor mío...Si estoy debajo del vaivén de tus piernas. Si estoy hundido en un vaivén de caderas. Esto es el cielo es mi cielo. Amor fugado...Me tomas, me dejas, me escribes y me tiras a un lado. Te vas a otros cielos y regresas como los colibríes. Me tienes como un perro a tus pies. Otra vez mi boca insensata...
Vuelve a caer en tu piel. Vuelve a mí tu boca y provoca.Vuelvo a caer. De tus pechos a tu par de pies. Labios compartidos...Labios divididos mi amor. Yo no puedo compartir tus labios. Que comparto el engaño y comparto mis días
Y el dolor. Yo no puedo compartir tus labios. Ooh amor ooh amor compartido

Amor mutante...Amigos con derecho y sin derecho de tenerte siempre.Y siempre tengo que esperar paciente.El pedazo que me toca de ti. Relámpagos de alcohol...Las voces solas lloran en el sol. Eh, mi boca en llamas torturada te desnudas angelada. Luego te vas. Otra vez mi boca insensata...Vuelve a caer en tu piel de miel. Vuelve a mi tu boca, duele. Vuelvo a caer. De tus pechos a tu par de pies. Labios compartidos...Labios divididos mi amor. o no puedo compartir tus labios. ue comparto el engaño. Y comparto mis días y el dolor. Ya no puedo compartir tus labios. Que me parta un rayo...Que me entierre el olvido mi amor. Pero no puedo más. Compartir tus labios compartir tus besos. Labios compartidos. Te amo con toda mi fe sin medida... Te amo aunque estés compartida. Tus labios tienen el control. Te amo con toda mi fe sin medida...Te amo aunque estés compartida. Y sigues tú con el control.

Brave or boludo?

Song: Maná - Labios Compartidos /labios%20compartidos.mp3

Am I being brave or acting stupid?
Is this being myself or being a 'boludo'?

Moving on my decisions into the second phase. As emotional as the decisions seem to be at first, it is now one step closer to realization, or non-realization. What I have done is done. It's not up to me anymore. My soulmate Fate is coming once more and deciding my Destiny.

Things happen for a reason. We may not know the reason at the time, but we can always look back when you feel right, and are where you want to be. You reflect, look back, and say to yourself: yes, indeed, things did happened for a reason.

There are just too many coincidences in our lives to say you planned things that way. Of course you can affect your life's path with your attitude, and with your first step. I would be a complete boludo to say that I was not going to that hard-earned return flight from Istanbul to Santiago - and it did happen.

It has since been one month since the IC experience started. It has since been 2 weeks (o quince como dicen mis queridos ticos =P ) since I found myself at home. It has since been 2 weeks since I have commenced my intense self-discovery, and re-integration experience.

Through this experience thus far, I have gotten to value not just my years in Costa Rica and Panama, not just my short months in Argentina, Chile, and virtually with Uruguay, not just in the Utopic experience of IC...I realize something beautiful is blossoming. I am learning to value and to treasure who my dear ones are.

Actually HAVING the time to connect with friends once more has meant the World to me. I completely understand the toughness of balancing work, life, family, love, and hockey at the same time - I have been there. I feel it.

Even within the 14 days I have been here...I have gotten to discover who these true, genuine individuals maybe. Those who make that extra effort to have that connection.

The intensity of studies, and work, especially at our age where we are working SO EVER hard to establish ourselves in the World, pollutes what we thought was the most important, just even a few years ago, in our highschool days. At that age, who honestly cared so much of our careers apart from spending time with our buddies, and for some of us, homework and exams???

Yes. Maybe sometimes all we need is a break from it all. But not necessarily to just go to your bed, passout and sleep forever. But really...to have that space, be in that suitable environment to reflect. To really reflect.

Is what I am doing towards my destiny bravery or being a boludo?

...I will know the answer when I can say to myself: Yes, things DID happened for a reason

No regrets. That is the worst feeling in life, wondering what could've or would've happened.

Don't analyze, follow the heart and be FREE...

A good conversationist.

Something I realize that helps during this entire reintegration process is really just to talk about your experience.

Fortunate enough, I have been invited to more AIESEC Hong Kong activities to share my experience with current, and future members - the joy of recruitment time! Getting more comfortable with the way things work, and understanding more on why things work that way.

I'm feeling more comfortable with my Cantonese, and even able to facilitate a session in Cantonese this week. That for me seems to be a personal achievement, as I haven't expressed myself in Cantonese except for simple hellos and good byes on the phone VERY seldomly during my past two years. My friends may agree that I may be able to sweet talk a girl better in Spanish than I can in Cantonese =P. Saying 'hola' would be a good start. jejeje...

And last night, I had one of the best conversations I have had with the person I am living with again...my mom. It's honestly been difficult to live under one roof again. And our clashing talkative characters make conversations seem like two monologues rather than one dialogue.

Somehow last night, we were able to sit down on the couch, JUST for the purpose to talk. And for her to hear what my thoughts are for future, especially within AIESEC - while sharing my honest cultural views on how Chinese parents think. We managed to have a very peaceful, and productive conversation. The best feeling of all, she was ATTENTIVELY listening to me. That is the biggest mircle so far in the past 10 days.

That is the exact art of being a good conversationist - being a good listener.


My mom, my 'sister', and my life-long friend... doesn't she look my younger sister rather than my mom?

A disgusted feeling.

Song of the moment...good ol' classic Argentine Tango.

Carlos Gardel - Por Una Cabeza /Por%20Una%20Cabeza.mp3

I just came back home after a nice local Chinese tea with my mom. After lunch, we had a stroll around the neighbourhood business district of Hong Kong. Went into a mall where it's where arguably where the richest of the rich of Hong Kong shop.

I was disgusted.

Throughout the 45 minutes that I was in that environment, I was thoroughly disgusted with what I saw. The artificial happiness of what money can buy. The way people walked, the way people behaved, the way people spoke disgusted me. There were lots of businessman, passer-bys, with suits, and ties, and hands-free phones plugged into their years seeming, acting, and walking all-ever importantly. That is fine. Perhaps they WERE really important people, on an important mission, an important task, an important call. But what disgusted me the most were the individuals who were there not to work, but really to spend their days. Spending their money.

I was in a shop when I overheard a lady (well dressed, mid-30s) asked the store-assistant:

Lady: Are these the belts you sell?
Shop assistant: Yes ma'am
Lady: Do you have anything more expensive?

There were a lot of internal thoughts running through myself. I needed to explode. It directly interferred with the values I have. I felt helpless in that environment. I left the shop, and continued walking around. Seeing beautiful, relaxed people, strolling around... I continually expressed my disgust to the money-mentality of some individuals towards my mom. She listened to me, also wondered what the hell was wrong with that lady.

It was an interesting walk in that mall. Outside the mall, I started noticing the beautiful cars all around, the beautiful people with sunglasses when it was a cloudy day in the concrete jungle, the ever fashionable office-wear with full suits, when it was 28 degrees, and I was drenched in sweat in my t-shirt and jeans. The beautiful faces on the street of girls, and the melting make-up that covers their real beauty. The wacky woolen winter hats that looked sleek, and the most idiotic thing at the same time. The muscled-tone men who seemed to have nothing to do but to build on their muscles each day, and walk around Hong Kong with an mp3 player to their ears.

Maybe there are lots of stories behind these people. Maybe they are indeed happy people. Maybe indeed they worked hard to be themselves. Maybe they deserve all this.


But that lady in the shop, of what she said, I cannot help myself but to ponder on what happened.


How does it feel to be the shop-assistant?

An event to remember.

The picture of the morning.

Scene: at the end of the AIESEC discovery activity for applicants in PolyTechnical University in Hong Kong. Full of energetic applicants. Have left a 'huella' in me. I will always remember it.

Thanks Kieren for the pic.

Reminiscing the past.

Going through some old photos at home. Reminiscing the past... especially my Kingston home...

Made my day.

A kind thoughtful act has made my day.

Not undertanding the words yet, but feeling the beat.

Multumesc =)

Why I am poor.

So whose fault was it to match me on my exchange? Whose fault was it that a lovely email:

Hey do you SN: SN-Yo-CA-QN-2005-1225 want to have a match with my
incredible TN form: TN-Yo-CS-CR-2005-1239

An innocent communciation some 3 years ago, has led to me where I am now. After starting off as a matching long-distance relationship. I was then her trainee when she became the leader, I chaired a conference for her newies, then I became her leader for a year, interesting how we swap roles. After 2 months of being away, I got a taste of the lovely Costa Rican, pura vida culture again during our Istanbul days...

Maecita, gracias por ser mi agente de cambio. me has cambiado por lo bueno, no podés imaginar!!! Matchadora fea!!! Es tu culpa que estoy tan pobre. =P

Pura vida Glori! TE QUIEEEEEROOOO MUCHOOOO!!!!
Nos vemos en brasil...o talvezcito antes?

VAMOS TM!!!

Estoy siempre con cada uno del nuestro equipo talentoso!!!

VAMOS VAMOS VAMOS Chicos!!! AAAEEEEeee!!!!

Tocame, soy TM =)

Los quiero un monton!!!

A little bit of Bryan.

Lost my ipod in Istanbul. My life to music. But surviving with a nice stereo at home. Just need to make sure the doors and windows are closed, the air conditioning is on. My mom is asleep or not home. Then I can put my home disco on.

Haven't enjoyed my high school CD collection this much before. Bryan Adams - on a day like today is the album of the afternoon. Putting on full blast, singing it. A little bit of good old canadian music. Loving it. Shouting out the lyrics. And jumping around like nobody is watching.

Thanks Bryan for a little old-school canadiana.

Latest story to come out: I was in a 36 hour coma. Interesting how stories are being told. They get more and more exciting each time. =) jejejee...

Picture of the day: The wall of mailboxes in my apartment building. 28 floors, 6 homes per floor.



More sights of Hong Kong taken today Click here!

Sight and sound.

...two days of discovering Hong Kong with music playing to my heart...

Matt White -Best Days /Best%20Days.mp3
Every time I look at youYou always look so beautifulDriving on the road again The Chevy’s packed then it is dustAnd I would take some photographsSo I can dream of youCan't say I've felt such a twisting in my heart this wayWe pitch a tent and I wont sleep in while you stay awakeFires burning singing slow songs so close to youDo you believe In love at first sight I think you doWe're lying naked under the coversThose are the best days of my lifeCan't take away those timesWe stayed in bed and talked all nightChain smokes of cigarettes and Three bottles of red wineFalling asleep togetherHolding your body close to mineOh and in the morningYour eyes opened so innocentThe sun is blazing we are sweatingYou look lovelyNothing else matters anymoreBecause you’re in my arms againDo you believeIn love at first sightI think you doWe're lying naked under the coversThose are the best days of my Those are the best days of my Those are the best days of my lifeOh I never want to be without youSo just stay with me I will love you endlesslyOh darling, darlingThose are the best days of my Those are the best days of my lifeDo you believe In love at first sightI think you doWe're lying naked under the coversThose are the best days of my lifeThose are the best days of my Those are the best days of my Those are the best days of my life

Gracias.

I feel very grateful. I have been in Hong Kong now for exactly 1 week. I am overwhelmed by the feeling of loving and caring, and more specifically friendship. Thanks for really showing genuine care for me. Be it through SMS, MSN, facebook, email, skyping, and even somehow finding out my new phone number to just to ask me how I am. Thanks for all the personal invitations in how I can get involved in your countries. Thanks for physically caring: sending me hugs, special abrazos from latinos and warm besos from latinas =).

I'm going through a heavy self-reflection process in being in a familiar, yet foreign environment. I'm learning a lot of how my Chinese, Canadian, Swiss, and Latino culture fits in this beautiful land of Hong Kong. I'm learning how to speak in Cantonese again, and to express myself in Cantonese again. I'm trying to listen to the Honky (the way I use Hong Kong as an adjective) radio talkshows...I think I am failing miserably, as I just do not get the point of listening to two paid people talk non-sense when I can talk nonsense as well but not get paid. I am exploring the Hong Kong culture from a native and external perspective. Analysing WHY things are. WHY do people do it that way.

Yesterday was my first time in my life getting involved in an Asian Pacific AIESEC activity, during an orientation type event in Polytecnical University of Hong Kong. I was thoroughly shocked, challenged, learning, exploring, discovering on WHY. Why AIESEC functions that way, WHY was there an event like that, WHY did people laugh at WHAT situations, WHY was the agenda like that, WHY were the people behaving that way. Fortunately, I met Francois from France, and James from Tanzania who were there to make me feel less foreign. I was the Hong Kong person there, I was the one speaking Cantonese, or Chinglish. I was the one that is familiar with the culture. Yet, I probably arrived home being the MOST culturally challenged of all. Because it was my people. It was my culture. A simple observation of Hong Kong people clapping when there was a funny situation was so built in to the system. Maybe it takes some 16 years to live abroad with years of being in touch, and then an impactful interaction such as last night to really understand the culture.

Francois gave me an insight on how he feels being and living in Hong Kong (has been here 2 months). Hong Kong, due to its history, is a mixture of the WEST and the Chinese. This is a very common distinction HK has in Asia. However, Francois told me something very interesting. It is in the HKers - the people, on our behaviours as well. If I can try to paraphrase his theory: We can act and think like a Westerner for all we want...but then the Chinese side of us will tell us the limit. The opposite is true: We can act and think like a Chinese...but then we can completely shock people on a sudden 'western' way of being.

Now, magnify by the international flow in Hong Kong. The fact that there are TONS of non-chinese people not just as tourists, but as citizens has continually injected the Western influence into the environs of Hong Kong. I have encountered all kinds of languages on the roads of Hong Kong, from Swahili to Hindi, to Tagalog to Slavic languages, to Dutch, and French. A bit of a personal dissappointment is I haven't come across any Spanish speakers yet. This month is the independence month in many countries in Latin America...and an idea popped up of going to the Chilean counsulate and say: weon, dame un pisco. ;)

Money. No money, lots of problems. I think that's the motto I personally believe and my friends have agreed. I have arrived in Hong Kong with $8 US dollars in my pockets. My life savings of my past two years was lost in Istanbul =(. But even with being home, I feel trapped in a cage in a paradise. It is something of a personal decision that I cannot ask for any money from my parents. And this is being recipricated from my parents' side where they are not going to give me any money. Perhaps this is a Chinese way of saying I love you, I care about my son. Or perhaps it's a way to say, you are 24, you have a university degree, stop volunteering, I don't care if you are happy or not, I don't want you to get involved with that thing called Eye-SEC. Get an important job at a famous company, that's all i care about. You are soon going to be 28, full of years of volunteering. Nobody would want to hire you.

Luckily, I have had super friends and relatives who understand the philosophy of a pair of recently separated parents and an only child who is very much free-spirited, and has not been living under the same roof for 8 years. And maybe that's where it all ties in. Love and caring is maybe all we really need. Happiness is the result. And all the things you cannot bring to your coffin - like your money...will come and go as you live. As you smile. As you are free.

Thank you guys for being with me. Gracias por todo. You know who you are. And I will see each and everyone of you very soon. I promise I will smile a lot and get myself there.

With much love, un abrazo, y un beso.
Martin

My family.

Missing you guys it pains me. You have no idea.

THE REAL re-integration

A short informal chat with a friend yesterday made me realized that this is THE re-integration of my AIESEC career, culturally.

I never had an re-integration when I finished my internship in Costa Rica. I just continued to work full time there and Panama for a year. And I never had a re-integration from that Central American experience. I just continued to work full time in Argentina, Chile and Uruguay. And interesting I'm not having my re-integration in Canada, where it was my home for 5 years prior to my internship...but to my Asian home, where the last time I lived here (not as a f-ing tourist for a few weeks at a time, or in a bubbled boarding school) was 1995. Some 12 years ago.

This is a very strong experience, and let's take advantage of being at HOME. Intriging perfect Opportunites are popping into my face everytime I connect to internet. I'm confused, Hildur =). It seems to me there is an always an international force that brings me on a nomad path again...I'm just a sucker for these types...flirting with leaving home and finding a new home already. =)

Crossing a street in Mumbai

Thanks Vish for showing me a bit of your country ;)

News.

So the news is now official, and I might as well put it here if I have put it on facebook already.

I am no longer The Southern Cone Member Committee Vice President Talent Management, and am currently in Hong Kong.

This is completely due to personal reasons. Please feel free to approach me, and I will let you know the story!!!

It's been 6 days since my arrival, after nearly 2 years of my last visit to Hong Kong. And I'm experiencing the reintegration process to Hong Kong for like the 10th time. Each time it-s different because Hong Kong just does not seize changing so rapidly.

at eastern home. missing my northern, central, and southern home.

I'm TM

Tell me, trust me, take me, turn me, taste me, twist me, train me, tickle me, tie me, treat me, tickle me, teach me, try me, tear me...I'm TM.

The result of an intense conversation with my beautiful collegue, Katia!!!
Feed her grass, she's a Russian TM. ;)

Yo AMO Conosureños!!!

Ay...Laru! sos lo maximo!!!

Todos tu equipo ya tienen tu nick en MSN, como
"nombre" - Taste me, I'm TM
"nombre" - Trust me, I´m TM


MCVPTMs of the world!!! I think that Trust me, I´m TM thingy-dingy is working, and the southern conians are all putting them as their nicknames on MSN...jeje...love you guys!!!! Barbara, your Czech TM team rocks!!!!

A new one my lovely VP told me:

Twist me, I´m TM.

What is an Achiever for you?

Why I can't shut up.

I got it figured out.

I know why I talk so much, and I can't shut up.

After being under the same roof with my mom for a few days (it's been around 1.5 years since I last saw her), I realize she talks A LOT. She just CAN´T STOP.

As a certifed Biolinguist from Queen's university, I have concluded I talk a lot because of genes, a biological factor. Nature vs Nurture: Nature wins this time.

I will learn to shut up one day. I swear. I will listen to black eyed peas's "shut up" more often =)

Wish I Could Fly

I woke up this morning at 11am...my first time in 2 months to sleep for 10 hours. =)

And to this song I woke up to, and it's been the song of my morning...

Roxette - Wish I Could Fly - don't know if I am doing illegal stuff if I'm sharing my music! /Wish%20I%20Could%20Fly.mp3


Halfway through the night I wake up in a dream Echoes in my head Make every whisper turn into a scream I dreamed I could fly Out in the blue Over this town Followin' you Over the trees Subways and cars I'd try to find out Who you really are In the middle of the night Cool sweatin' in my bed Got the windows open wide Thinkin' about all the things you said I wish I could fly Out in the blue Over this town Followin' you I'd fly over rooftops The great boulevards To try to find out Who you really are Who you really are I wish I could fly now I wish I could fly now I wish I could fly now I wish I could fly Around and around Over this town The dirt on the ground I'd follow your course Of doors left ajar To try to find out Who you really are To try to find out Who you really are.



I'm doing fine. Thanks for the kind messages to facebook or email or msn. I will write a post soon on where exactly I am, and why I'm here. The important thing is that I'm happy and smiling.

Besos!
Martin

I learn.

You live, you learn. You love, you learn.
You cry, you learn. You lose, you learn.
You bleed, you learn. You scream, you learn.

-Alanis Morissette

Our Generation: our Path of Achievers

Happy. Free. Smile.

Happy. Free. Smile.

The eternal wait of a moonrise has commenced, with an intense 9-hour spark.
Is it eternal or is it a mission in disguise?
Is the sunflower a sisterhood mirror of what's to come?
Will it faithfully follow the moon the way its counterpart loyally faces the shine?

Will it be night or can it be day?
Can the gemini meet?

Who am I in this?
How do I play?
How do I sing?
When do I do?
The dream is distant it seems to me.
But so true its start.

How will I survive this jouney? a question is asked.
How will I swim? the question comes.

Alone or together? Alone?...alone?

Can't a journey be travelled separately together?

A dry tear is shed, an empty hug is given.

When will that day come?
And when the waiting seizes, when is the next wait going to start?

Is this an eternal wait with a blinded optimistic hope towards togetherness?

The moon shines at night. The sun shine during the day.

Without sun, moon cannot be seen.
Without night, sun is an an annoying fly.

But it CAN! It CAN, It CAN, It CAN!

The moon is forgotten and not considered an element of the day.

The existance is known, yet ignored, even forgotten.

Why so? Why so? Will the answer be known?
Does it matter?

Happy. Free. Smile.

A shining moon, a radiating sun. The pair is dancing.
The cloudy cotton is blocking its audience.

It's there. It's known. But how will it show?

How will they do?
How do we do?

Happy. Free. Smile.

That's all I know now.
That shall be what's going to be done.

The eternal wait is a happy one.
I feel free, and I am smiling.

Happy. Free. Smile.

What I like.

My beloved sports teams who either win a lot or never win: Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Blue Jays, Saprissa (Costa Rica), Bocas Juniors, and anything national of Canada, Hong Kong, Costa Rica, or Argentina. Swimming, because it lets me be free, just like my favourite animal, a dolphin. Tennis and badminton, especially when there is someone to play with. Mountain biking and skiing, to satisfy the adventurous side as well as the connection with Mother Nature. Talking allows me to express myself verbally, and dancing allows me to express myself in all other ways =P. Salsa and merengue particularly, because it's too beautiful to be danced alone. I love making people laugh because apart from the joy of laughing and getting a work-out on that six-pack abdominal muscles, by making someone laugh, we are avoiding a lot of other things. I enjoy loving and caring for others because my friends and family are ALL we have in the World. Activating Randomness, because that's what my friends have awarded me. Thanks Vish :) Backpacking and travelling, because we can speak the languages that we learnt, and contribute to the "My trip around the World" album. Living in a country for a year or two and then moving to a new one, because being a World Citizen is the way to Live. Being Crazy, because Life is Crazy, and you gotta be even CRAZIER. Dreaming, because we can let the eternal inner child come out and dance freely. Learning languages, because it's the invitation to understand cultures. Smiling, because you never know who can be falling in love with your smile. Be free, because that's the only way you can be yourself.

ONE

'1' always had been a special number to me.
Back in the days of high school (some 10 years ago), I gradually developed an obsession with that number, and it has been my favourite number ever since.

With the this year's AIESEC's theme of ONE AIESEC, as well as it's recurrence throughout the conference, especially with the closing plenary with the video below being played...

I admit I was in tears...

U2 - ONE

Is it getting better?
Or do you feel the same?
Will it make it easier on you now?
You got someone to blame
You say
One love
One life
When it's one need
In the night
One love
We get to share it
Leaves you baby if you
Don't care for it

Did I disappoint you?
Or leave a bad taste in your mouth?
You act like you never had love
And you want me to go without
Well it's

Too late
Tonight
To drag the past out into the light
We're one, but we're not the same
We get to
carry each other
carry each other
One

Have you come here for forgiveness?
Have you come to raise the dead?
Have you come here to play Jesus?
To the lepers in your head

Did I ask too much?
More than a lot.
You gave me nothing,
Now it's all I got
We're one
But we're not the same
See we
Hurt each other
Then we do it again
You say
Love is a temple
Love a higher law
Love is a temple
Love is a higher law
You ask me to enter
But then you make me crawl
And I can't keep holding on
To what you got
When all you've got is hurt

One love
One blood
One life
You got to do what you should
One life
With each other
Sisters and my
Brothers
One life
But we're not the same
We get to
Carry each other
Carry each other

One...
One...

A TM video of Córdoba

A video made by the Talent Management team of Córdoba, Argentina. And Laru, my lovely VPTM from Córdoba wanted to send a special "saludos" to whomever is reading this, eventhough she doesn't know who you may be =P

quote of the day

The quote of the day comes from Franklin, MCP of CAS.

After spending a year with a Canadian and a Slovak on the same team last year, he said something today that will forever touch my heart.

It goes something like this...

Martin: "What does a hockey jersey mean to a Canadian?"
Franklin: "that's the way Canadians say "I love you""

free

Decided to change a bit the template of my blog, and the theme.

During the experience of IC in Istanbul, I have been able to do a lot of self-discovery processes. One of the main realizations taken place was that I realize being FREE motivates me. Letting myself run FREE, do what I want, go wild, be myself. FREEdom, FREE from everything.

FREE

So, as a start of this newly discovered source of energy, I decided to change my theme a bit to FREE.

FREE