Archive for the ‘Travel’ Category

In London

Travel, United Kingdom | Posted by Terence
Feb 25 2007

I’m in the UK at the moment, so please excuse the infrequent postings though i’m back in Beijing tomorrow. I hope everyone had a great Chinese New Year – 恭喜發財 and 新年快樂 to all!

It’s actually quite pleasant to see rain again, and this February has been extremely mild – both in Britain and in Europe. Though with the pound so strong right now… crikey is this country expensive! It’s bad enough that the public transport doesn’t compare with that of any major Asian city, but to charge an arm and a leg for it is extortion. Hotels are typically £100 per night for something VERY average and food… it makes me wonder how people afford to live here!

Heathrow Terminal 5 is still under construction it seems (they could have built two whole airports in this time in China), Luton Airport is an even bigger shithole than it used to be, roadworks appear to take forever, and the streets sometimes just feel darnright unsafe.

But why do I keep coming back? At the end of the day the lush greenery, friendly countryside folk, and sticky toffee pudding (ooh I do miss that!) lure me back.

Programs like ‘Living in the Sun’ really say a lot about ‘British culture’ ; but if it’s any consolation, perhaps once everyone has moved to Spain, no doubt eating Fish and Chips and visiting English pubs, we can invite the Spaniards to come here and take over the Island :-)

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In Taipei

China, Travel | Posted by Terence
Dec 02 2006

A Busy StreetI’m in Taipei at the moment for the weekend – enjoying the food and perfect temperature. It’s my first time here: this ‘province’ of China is much more developed than the rest of the mainland, traffic more orderly, it’s cleaner, and people appear to be much milder mannered towards each other. Taiwan is, afterall, an entity that is able to function entirely on its own. And with a higher GDP per capita, fully independant financial, defence, political, and judicial structure, it’s easy to understand why the issue of reunification is not that easy to resolve. Who wants to become a subordinate of a one-party state that suppresses political and expressive freedoms and harbours an insanely complicated financial system?

Well, quite simply, if it makes money then many would ask “who cares?”. That appears the sentiment here – China is as much an opportunity for the Taiwanese as it is for Hong Kongers, or indeed everyone else, and people are starting to take notice. Co-operation is improving between the two governments and indeed many Taiwanese businessmen now thrive on the mainland. (Note new year special direct flights still childishly go through Hong Kong air space).

But whether you believe in the ‘one China policy’ or not is a matter of opinion – one thing is almost certain though: until China develops to even close to the level of Taiwan (both politically and economically), I don’t see the Taiwanese giving up their freedom and livelihoods just yet.

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Great Wall on the Lake

Beijing, China, Travel | Posted by Terence
Nov 02 2006

GreatWallEnglish Spotted at the Xiao Xi Hu Circuit (小西湖), at Xi Shui Yu (西水峪) – i’d appreciate any suggestions on what this English is supposed to mean!

This was a yet another pleasant hike – in the HuangHua Great Wall area (黄花城 or 水长城). The area is now under control as a country park, much like other scenic spots in China, with the aim of the management to direct you towards the lake area where you can partake in paddle boating or other similar activities by the water. It’s easy however, to ignore the ‘no entrance’ signs and wander off into the wilderness – the area provides for a great hike with beautiful views and a more authentic experience of the great wall.

Well recommended.

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15 year-olds on the road

General, Travel | Posted by Terence
Oct 04 2006

Apparently the driving age in New Zealand is a meagre 15 only. That is, in my opinion, too young to be driving a car. But it seems like i’m not the only one who’d think that: reports recently by brain experts claim that “[the] frontal lobes of 15-year-olds’ brains were not fully developed, and as a result many struggled to recognise and react to hazards and took extra risks.”

That is true. Although kids these days are learning the co-ordination and car-control skills very quickly (thanks in part probably to computer games!), they can lack the sensibility and self-control when it comes to making decisions on the road. I’m not sure i’d trust a 15 year old with my car (if I had one).

That said, i’m not sure some drivers in China should be allowed to drive… ever! Maybe we shouldn’t judge by age but give drivers a mental test before issuing a license. Now that would be a first!

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In Kiwiland

General, Travel | Posted by Terence
Sep 27 2006

I’m currently away on a holiday through New Zealand – and with sporadic Internet access only it does mean I won’t be updating this blog much. Not that i’ve been updating it much lately anyways…

So far NZ has been very nice – despite being welcomed by rain. Everyone here is dressed for summer already even though actually it’s still below 20. We arrived in Auckland then started driving south – through Hamilton, Te Kuiti, New Plymouth, Wanganui, and we’re currently in the capital, Wellington. Tomorrow we’ll be crossing to the South Island then will keep driving down… hopefully eventually reaching Milford Sound.

It’s true what they say: the grass really is greener on the other side. Or at least it is here. The air is fresh too – coming from Beijing i’m not sure I can handle it.

I’ll be posting up photos to the usual place after my trip. Meanwhile, I wish everyone a pleasant moon festival and (China) National Day holiday.

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Shariah Banking

General, United Kingdom | Posted by Terence
Jun 27 2006

Lloyds TSB in the UK have come up with an innovative new business model: Islamic Financial Services. Whilst this is probably nothing new in the Muslim world, i’ve never seen it advertised by a Western bank.

The idea is truly brilliant. ‘Shariah approved money management’ means that no interest is paid on your bank account – since in Islam you should not make money from money, only through “legitimate trade in goods and items” – where you share the risks and rewards.

For Lloyds it couldn’t be better: they save money on unpaid interest, provide services for a sizeable market, and that means more money for the coffers. That’s what I call a plan!

Those interested should also note that Lloyds also provide Islamic Home Finance – an alternative way to finance your home purchase.

I wonder when banks in China will start offering Communist Friendly Banking. Presumably this means dividing your riches between all other bank accounts. It’s a shame this isn’t yet available: with the amount of money I have, i’d gain from it for sure!

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The World’s Local Bank

United Kingdom | Posted by Terence
May 27 2006

- so local (Swansea too, I might add) that they have trouble following a simple instruction that is to have my credit card posted to my registered overseas address.

It’s not difficult, really. After getting all my stuff nicked back in February, i’ve cancelled and subsequently had my HSBC credit card re-issued. One month later there was no sign of it – a call to the card centre revealed my card was in my ‘local’ branch. Centre said they’d arrange for a transfer – instead, I now got a letter informing me if I don’t collect my card soon it would be revoked.

Another call to the call centre, who issued me with yet another new card, promised to send it to Hong Kong – but of course, it went to Swansea again, and all i’ve received here is yet another letter telling me the card is ready for collection.

I’ve called again yesterday, but frankly i’ve given up… wagers on the table please for the number of re-issues i’ll have before I get my card!

I don’t need the card, I have local ones here, but that’s not the point – for such a large ‘global’ corporation to fail to carry out such a simple instruction is just disappointing (though sadly not surprising). They have my overseas address registered in the system, so they should just send the damn card there – it’s not against policy, they’re just incompetent.

They definitely got the local part right… they’re just seriously having problems knowing where the rest of the world is.

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Who’s that random bloke on the Beeb?

United Kingdom | Posted by Terence
May 21 2006

That would be, of course, Guy Goma – a Congolese man who was first reported to be a taxi driver but later confirmed to have been applying for a job within the BBC. He was broadcast live on BBC World – a channel which unforunately I have not seen much of lately since being in Beijing.

It started with the victory of Apple Computer over the lawsuit by Beatles’ Apple Corps, for which presenter Karen Bowerman welcomed Goma into the studio as computer expert Kewney. Not realising she had the wrong person, she proceeded to interview ‘Kewney’ by asking “Were you surprised by this verdict today?”

Goma responded:

“I’m very surprised to see the verdict come on me because I was not expecting that… When I came, they told me something else.”

The look on Goma’s face when he discovered he was live was just priceless. In fact, you can view a copy of it online.

Meanwhile of course, the real Kewney was sitting at reception watching himself on TV – live. Now that’s something you don’t see every day.

As for Goma – there is no word yet on whether he got the job he applied for.

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