I wish I had more photos to capture the essence of Vancouver. I will update this album after I take more photographs of this special city. Vancouver and it's environs are extremely photogenic.
I grew up in Vancouver and feel a very special connection to it. Many of my most precious memories have Vancouver as the setting. When I moved there at the tender age of seven, I remember grabbing my father's shoulder as we drove into the city and saying, "Daddy, look! Daddy look at the mountains!!". I felt like I had just made an incredible discovery, much like someone who has never experienced snow before.
Vancouver IS my first love. It's nice that I was able to give birth to our son in this gorgeous city. One day our little family will settle down and enjoy ourselves in this city for the long-term....but first, our son needs to see the world a little...or a lot!
My year in Fukuoka, Japan (August 2003 - June 2004)
I lived and worked in Fukuoka city on Kyushu island in Japan. It is quite a contrast from the fast-paced lifestyle that existed in my previous home in Hong Kong. Fukuoka is a medium-sized city, not unlike my hometown in Vancouver, Canada. In fact, there are many scenes around Fukuoka that remind me of Vancouver, just on a smaller scale or with a Japanese twist! It's a relatively clean city and is touted as the least xenophobic part of Japan. I left Fukuoka in June 2004. What I will miss most about Fukuoka is the FOOD! Takoyaki, yakitori, okonomiyaki, yatai stalls....it's all very OISHI (delicious)!
During Hong Kong's peak of the SARS outbreak in April 2003, I left my suburban Hong Kong flat for some peace and calm away from the all the surgical masks and fear. I spent all of April and half of May travelling around the world (literally) from Hong Kong to England (Morecambe and London) to Greece (Athens, Crete, Santorini and Paros) to Canada (Toronto and Vancouver) and finally back to Hong Kong. My poor body had some work to do adjusting to time zones but I fared well all things considered.
I've put together some photos that capture some of the moments from my big trip. I spent some of the time alone while I traveled and some of the time with old friends, some new friends and also visited with loved ones. It was so good for my soul. Only wish I had even more time to continue on with the adventures....
I lived and worked in Hong Kong for a year. I settled in fairly quickly, became "acclimatised", and formed a great circle of friends. My life there was an incredible learning experience, both practically and personally. I've included photos in this album of the New Territories (Sai Kung), Cheung Chau island, Hong Kong island, Kowloon. I never did learn to speak much Cantonese, and probably never will, but I managed in a taxi or restaurant. I learned, explored and discovered so much as I went through the various stages of "culture shock". Hong Kong is such a fun city to live in!
Take a glimpse inside my former world, into Hong Kong - the Dragon of Asia....
Macau (Special Administrative Region) - October 2002, June 2003 & May 2004
Macau is an affordable and easily accessible get-away from Hong Kong. It takes an hour by jet-foil to sail away to the three islands that make up Macau - Macau island, Taipa island, and Coloanne island. It's a great little place to visit if you happen to be in the Hong Kong area and are looking for something different to do for a day-trip. If you are the type of person who enjoys the seedier side of things, Macau has gambling (among other things) available.
Overall, I like the feel of Macau and hope this album can relay that to you. The fusion of Portuguese and Chinese cultures is unique and worth seeing before it all disappears and ends up becoming too much like Hong Kong. Enjoy!
Manila & Boracay - March 2004Winner of the photo album contest of the month Mar 2004
My vacation to the Philippines was an attempt at getting some sunshine alongside azure waters. I was relieved to feel the heat of the sun's rays after having experienced my first winter in Japan. I spent a brief time in Manila before heading to Boracay island for some much needed "summertime". The 2nd annual Ultimate Competition had just started as I ended my visit to Boracay - I'm glad I left then because I really don't like crowds when I'm hanging out on the beach. I did get what I went there for.....gorgeous clear blue water, non-stop sunshine and powdery white sand. Yay! Here is my little album of my trip to the Philippines.
I visited the small town called Imari in Saga prefecture on Japan's Kyushu island. Savvy art collectors will know the town's name in relation to it's most famous export: Imari pottery. Indeed the ceramics are beautiful and well-crafted in their simplicity. Yet, I was equally taken by the beauty of the flora and fauna of the little town. The history of Imari intrigued and saddened me too. Apparently, in Japan's history, Korean artisans were kidnapped, taken to Imari, and forced to work as potters. I saw graves bearing Korean names both at the entrance to the town and along the trails that wind about Imari.
Take a look into a small, yet famous, town in Japan.
I was lucky enough to have had the chance to visit Bangkok twice in 2003. The year isn't up yet and I may find myself there again for a third time...you never know...
My first foray into the famous Thai capital was in February during the Lunar New Year for a brief vacation. Then, as luck would have it, I was invited to visit during the filming of a movie in the heart of Bangkok. Of course, I zipped off for this incredible opportunity and I enjoyed every minute of it.
Have a look at some images from both of these trips. Enjoy!
I visited Ko Tao in February 2003 based on a tip from a knowlegeable friend who taught scuba diving off of Ko Tao's shores. I'd heard stories of how AMAZINGLY BEAUTIFUL the island was and really wanted to see it for myself.
Yes, Ko Tao is beautiful. It's clean. It's serenely quiet. I can only imagine what it would be like to live and enjoy Ko Tao for an extended period...you'd probably really get in touch with yourself. Ideal place for reflection about life and such things....
I went for an all-out holiday on Ko Samui, Thailand, in early 2003. It was a great way to spend the Lunar New Year. Ko Samui is a Thai island that's covered in coconut trees and is very affordable once you're there. It's a wonderful place to "unwind" if you feel like you need to just kick back and relax on an exotic island. It is a great place for a honeymoon or a romantic getaway....mmmmm!
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