Leaving the "American bubble," where comfort and convenience serves as our basic values has awakened my senses. Having stepped out of my comfort zone for almost a year now, I realize that I had been in a deep sleep this whole time... or well, at least asleep on the job.
The new roles that I have gained here over the year has awakened my senses and forced me to think realistically and address everything directly with those around me. Because instead of having something to fall back on if you mess up because you're, say, on default mode, you fall flat on your face. There's no time to react let alone respond. Reaction time equals cleaning up after your mistakes and making sure that it never happens again.
It's a tough working world out here, though I have to admit that it keeps me out of boredom. Working here is as real as it gets, and sometimes, I wish I could go back to the slower pace, where I could from time to time daydream in drawing mode.
Friday, 10 December 2010
Thursday, 25 November 2010
Falling in love in HK
The fast fast paced city allows for diverse experiences whether you want it or not. And dating is no exception. If you live in a crowded city like HK, you lose sight of the many many people that come your way. There's no better city for speed dating haha, since you lose or get lost within the masses.
The city's super efficient transportation allows 2 people to meet anywhere, coming from almost anywhere at any time. Despite everybody's workaholic tendencies, we still make time for 8, 9, 10 or heck 11 'o clock rendezvous for dinner after work. Or even have lunch rendezvous with friends during office hours.
The integrated live-work lifestyle goes hand in hand, the people here seem to make "life balance" a mix of extended social meetings during the day, which extend to night time and results in finishing up work late into the night. I guess you just have to learn to adopt that lifestyle if you're to assimilate with local culture.
That said, falling in love in HK is no exception. You can take advantage of the city's many restaurants and meander through romantic "expat" streets in Soho. However, I'd rather fall for the many overlooked sites in Wan Chai, where the little sights of any British Colonized streets remain. From expansive dinners to super fresh and cheap seafood restaurants spilling over to the sidewalk with red and green plastic tables. You can meet, have a good time getting to know each other, and follow up with more "quick" dates until you've had enough time together.
Only a city like Hong Kong can juggle such lifestyles and still make them work. No traditional Saturday planned dates, actually, just scattered rendezvous throughout the week. So urban I have become, since I can't think of any more exciting ways to get to know someone. With the lack of a domesticated scene, the city serves as your living room and you can still take advantage of the vast mini getaways to nearby islands, or even take an hour jet to Macau, that is when the time allows!
The city's super efficient transportation allows 2 people to meet anywhere, coming from almost anywhere at any time. Despite everybody's workaholic tendencies, we still make time for 8, 9, 10 or heck 11 'o clock rendezvous for dinner after work. Or even have lunch rendezvous with friends during office hours.
The integrated live-work lifestyle goes hand in hand, the people here seem to make "life balance" a mix of extended social meetings during the day, which extend to night time and results in finishing up work late into the night. I guess you just have to learn to adopt that lifestyle if you're to assimilate with local culture.
That said, falling in love in HK is no exception. You can take advantage of the city's many restaurants and meander through romantic "expat" streets in Soho. However, I'd rather fall for the many overlooked sites in Wan Chai, where the little sights of any British Colonized streets remain. From expansive dinners to super fresh and cheap seafood restaurants spilling over to the sidewalk with red and green plastic tables. You can meet, have a good time getting to know each other, and follow up with more "quick" dates until you've had enough time together.
Only a city like Hong Kong can juggle such lifestyles and still make them work. No traditional Saturday planned dates, actually, just scattered rendezvous throughout the week. So urban I have become, since I can't think of any more exciting ways to get to know someone. With the lack of a domesticated scene, the city serves as your living room and you can still take advantage of the vast mini getaways to nearby islands, or even take an hour jet to Macau, that is when the time allows!
Sunday, 1 August 2010
The Expat
Yesterday, I went to Tai Long Wan, on the east coast of the Sai Kung peninsula, known as on of the most beautiful area in Hong Kong. I have to say that it was indeed beautiful, remote beach bays islanded by amazing mountains and hills. It took us about 1.5 hours hike to reach Tai Long Wan bay, that's after skipping over 2 other very small bays and walking up and down steep steps and paved trails. Under the heat, it was so unbearable that we lost almost half the group--as they decided to head back--however, for those of us who did make it, it was well worth the effort.
Reaching Tai Long Wan was like reaching "the land before time" haha, paradise with vast clear blue waters and clear skies along white fine beach sand. I spent the entire day swimming in the soft and luke warm waters over lunch, drinks & snacks. And then we ordered a mini boat to jet us back without having to go through the hassle of hiking back, since we were all too exhausted to hike back. The area remains very untouched, with little restaurant huts here and there. Sai Kung is also known for it's local fishing villages and also as the destination living quarters of the so called expats, expatriates from UK EU etc. The beauty of HK is that you can escape from it all through mini vacations to it's various islands. And for us non-locals, it's essential to have an escape in order to clear our heads haha.
As remote as the place may sound, the village itself was well accessible via 45 minute minibus ride. More and more expats commute to and from work daily from HK island to Sai Kung because it offers them a break from HK's daily buzz. In any case, what I really want to talk about is the idea of the expat. In HK's so called "melting pot," why does the term expat come up so often?
As an Asian American from a very Vietnamese community, I too am considered an expat, however it completely confuses my own identity as expat usually refers to white foreigners of european or british descent, that is the dominant anglo saxon population. And all of the sudden, I switch roles, from a minority in California to this so called expat, which everyone refers me too. Quite puzzling on my behalf, how perspectives change, expectations in reverse. It's a total identity crisis--how do I fit into this category?
Why do I make such an issue out of a mere label you might ask? Because this term goes beyond the label. In a very hush hush manner yet through very clear action, I realize that HK isn't so much of a melting pot the way L.A. might be. Although everyone speaks English, it really isn't the preferred language and that's not to blame HK's history of past colonization, no one wants to be colonized. However, I am pessimistic about the ideals held of HK as a global player, as in my own experience, it neglects to embrasse non-locals.
In my own experience and through my own observations, I can almost conclude that HK is actually a very exposed yet localized city. Completely polarized between social and economic groups, from HK locals to Chinese "Mainlanders," between Cantonese speakers and Mandarin speakers and then add the "expats" from the UK, EU & US to the mix and you get oil in water. It's not to say that everything is black and white, sometimes you do see the mix but that comes very rarely when efforts are made from both sides to share and communicate common ground. As a Vietnamese American coming from a very mixed community of people, it's a very harsh reality to face.
Reaching Tai Long Wan was like reaching "the land before time" haha, paradise with vast clear blue waters and clear skies along white fine beach sand. I spent the entire day swimming in the soft and luke warm waters over lunch, drinks & snacks. And then we ordered a mini boat to jet us back without having to go through the hassle of hiking back, since we were all too exhausted to hike back. The area remains very untouched, with little restaurant huts here and there. Sai Kung is also known for it's local fishing villages and also as the destination living quarters of the so called expats, expatriates from UK EU etc. The beauty of HK is that you can escape from it all through mini vacations to it's various islands. And for us non-locals, it's essential to have an escape in order to clear our heads haha.
As remote as the place may sound, the village itself was well accessible via 45 minute minibus ride. More and more expats commute to and from work daily from HK island to Sai Kung because it offers them a break from HK's daily buzz. In any case, what I really want to talk about is the idea of the expat. In HK's so called "melting pot," why does the term expat come up so often?
As an Asian American from a very Vietnamese community, I too am considered an expat, however it completely confuses my own identity as expat usually refers to white foreigners of european or british descent, that is the dominant anglo saxon population. And all of the sudden, I switch roles, from a minority in California to this so called expat, which everyone refers me too. Quite puzzling on my behalf, how perspectives change, expectations in reverse. It's a total identity crisis--how do I fit into this category?
Why do I make such an issue out of a mere label you might ask? Because this term goes beyond the label. In a very hush hush manner yet through very clear action, I realize that HK isn't so much of a melting pot the way L.A. might be. Although everyone speaks English, it really isn't the preferred language and that's not to blame HK's history of past colonization, no one wants to be colonized. However, I am pessimistic about the ideals held of HK as a global player, as in my own experience, it neglects to embrasse non-locals.
In my own experience and through my own observations, I can almost conclude that HK is actually a very exposed yet localized city. Completely polarized between social and economic groups, from HK locals to Chinese "Mainlanders," between Cantonese speakers and Mandarin speakers and then add the "expats" from the UK, EU & US to the mix and you get oil in water. It's not to say that everything is black and white, sometimes you do see the mix but that comes very rarely when efforts are made from both sides to share and communicate common ground. As a Vietnamese American coming from a very mixed community of people, it's a very harsh reality to face.
Friday, 9 July 2010
Loc Ninh, Home of the Rubber Trees
I never thought that I would ever meet my dad's side of the family in my life. I kinda just grew up realizing that I had only known my mom's side and since it's a very large family, there were no expectations to further expand on my family tree. So this comes as a very rare opportunity, with all of the opportunities I've gained from working in Hong Kong is the chance to do business in VN & thus the chance to visit my family in a remote town two and a half hours North East of Saigon. My destination was Loc Ninh, home to "rubber trees" where my grandma and relatives reside.
To my surprise, the entire family showed up in Saigon to take me back to their home town, almost all 15 of them! It was a long and cozy ride in a van packed with warm people that I had never met before,with grandma by my side, holding me from time to time and openly sharing her thoughts over the duration of the trip. About an hour in, the urban development thinned out and a horizon of landscape and rural dwellings started popping up. The fully paved 4 lane road slowly transformed into a two lane paved, then an unpaved 2 lane and finally a narrow one way red dirt road, filling the air with dust. Revealing the town's all natural, poor and rural setting.
The homes were surrounded by beautiful and natural forests, consisting mainly of what they called "rubber trees," what makes up a lot of Loc Ninh's landscape and thus its rubber production economy. Fruit gardens of all sorts were planted in very large land plots, inhabited with some small domesticated animals like roosters, chicks, dogs and other birds. So I realized that there was no turning back, I was going to spend two nights in a dwelling with no hot water and poor plumbing.
Spending time with my long lost relatives in their home town was the most humbling experience ever. I lived under the many hierarchical rules that the Vietnamese culture consists of, however being on the opposite end of it, I was treated with the utmost respect, however still as if I were a child. My cousins were all very sweet and caring, through their spoken thoughts, I was able to grasp my own parents'traditional views.
Getting to know my grandma was most eye opening. She just has soo much energy and charisma even in her old age. She openly shared her past with me, including some fond memories of being with my grandpa during the French colonization period. Her old photos were beautiful, showing her French-Viet influenced style & bold character. Her memory was sharp as she recalled stories of her past and never held back in sharing them with me.
The nights were most reflective of rural country life, as the sky darkens everyone stays close to their family yet outside at the patio. There is no other need other than to spend time together in this rural setting and within the two nights there I quickly got to know everyone. Bed time was way past by 9:30. And I struggled to fall asleep with all of the insects calling outside. The many roosters around the neighborhood took turns calling in the morning by 5 am. No matter how much I forced myself to remain asleep, I was up by 5:30. With no hot shower waiting for me, just a cup of coffee. And a huge bowl of soup for breakfast, which I neglected to eat since it was just too early.
My departure was full of sad faces, even after only two nights of knowing each other, my relatives were sad to see me leave. Almost all of them, once again accompanied me back to the city. Oh the comforts of urbanization. With a visit to my dad's childhood place and lunch, we parted with sad goodbyes. Sweetnest that would never be encountered in urban life, the all so family country bonding despite all of the distance and time that had kept us apart all my life. Bitter sweet goodbyes, yet I am glad to have finally met them.
To my surprise, the entire family showed up in Saigon to take me back to their home town, almost all 15 of them! It was a long and cozy ride in a van packed with warm people that I had never met before,with grandma by my side, holding me from time to time and openly sharing her thoughts over the duration of the trip. About an hour in, the urban development thinned out and a horizon of landscape and rural dwellings started popping up. The fully paved 4 lane road slowly transformed into a two lane paved, then an unpaved 2 lane and finally a narrow one way red dirt road, filling the air with dust. Revealing the town's all natural, poor and rural setting.
The homes were surrounded by beautiful and natural forests, consisting mainly of what they called "rubber trees," what makes up a lot of Loc Ninh's landscape and thus its rubber production economy. Fruit gardens of all sorts were planted in very large land plots, inhabited with some small domesticated animals like roosters, chicks, dogs and other birds. So I realized that there was no turning back, I was going to spend two nights in a dwelling with no hot water and poor plumbing.
Spending time with my long lost relatives in their home town was the most humbling experience ever. I lived under the many hierarchical rules that the Vietnamese culture consists of, however being on the opposite end of it, I was treated with the utmost respect, however still as if I were a child. My cousins were all very sweet and caring, through their spoken thoughts, I was able to grasp my own parents'traditional views.
Getting to know my grandma was most eye opening. She just has soo much energy and charisma even in her old age. She openly shared her past with me, including some fond memories of being with my grandpa during the French colonization period. Her old photos were beautiful, showing her French-Viet influenced style & bold character. Her memory was sharp as she recalled stories of her past and never held back in sharing them with me.
The nights were most reflective of rural country life, as the sky darkens everyone stays close to their family yet outside at the patio. There is no other need other than to spend time together in this rural setting and within the two nights there I quickly got to know everyone. Bed time was way past by 9:30. And I struggled to fall asleep with all of the insects calling outside. The many roosters around the neighborhood took turns calling in the morning by 5 am. No matter how much I forced myself to remain asleep, I was up by 5:30. With no hot shower waiting for me, just a cup of coffee. And a huge bowl of soup for breakfast, which I neglected to eat since it was just too early.
My departure was full of sad faces, even after only two nights of knowing each other, my relatives were sad to see me leave. Almost all of them, once again accompanied me back to the city. Oh the comforts of urbanization. With a visit to my dad's childhood place and lunch, we parted with sad goodbyes. Sweetnest that would never be encountered in urban life, the all so family country bonding despite all of the distance and time that had kept us apart all my life. Bitter sweet goodbyes, yet I am glad to have finally met them.
Monday, 5 July 2010
Slowing Down
I spent my last 2 weeks working in Vietnam, where coffee shops open all day long and people take 2 hour lunches and leave the office by 5:30 on the dot. Completely going against the hectic daily routine I had laid out for myself, Hong Kong style was hard at first. However, settling into Vietnam mode put me back in touch with my softer side, you know, the one I left way back in Cali when I decided to work in Hong Kong.
Vietnam is a complete clash of Hong Kong culture. Talk about wanting to achieve perfection and go beyond "mediocrity" in my last entry, Vietnam opens up my perspective to well, enjoying life as is. People there, rich or poor, have this common ground by enjoying the little things in life. You can buy a cup of coffee at any price in any kind of place in Saigon. From street patios to platforms viewing the waterfront, ranging from 5000 VND to about 24,000 VND. Then, people just literally lounge around and relax while either talking or falling asleep under the shade. Happiness there is about the moment. People don't seem to save or plan too far ahead.
Vietnam is a complete clash of Hong Kong culture. Talk about wanting to achieve perfection and go beyond "mediocrity" in my last entry, Vietnam opens up my perspective to well, enjoying life as is. People there, rich or poor, have this common ground by enjoying the little things in life. You can buy a cup of coffee at any price in any kind of place in Saigon. From street patios to platforms viewing the waterfront, ranging from 5000 VND to about 24,000 VND. Then, people just literally lounge around and relax while either talking or falling asleep under the shade. Happiness there is about the moment. People don't seem to save or plan too far ahead.
Tuesday, 15 June 2010
Fast Fast Pace
After almost 2 months of plowing through the requirements for our competition entry, a central business district masterplan for Qianhai, I found myself jumping straight back into working for the masterplan in Ninh Thuan (Vietnam). The very next day, (even before our team submitted our entry) my boss and I flew straight to Vietnam to present our initial concept work to all of the city departments in the province. It's pretty crazy to think that I only spent the night before preparing these presentation slides.
But in the end, both jobs were well executed. Working day and night on the competition, my team and I quickly produced EVERYTHING left to meet the competition requirements during the very last 2 weeks-- complete with a bonus newspaper article piece---icing on the cake. I'm amazed and now very convinced that here in China, anything is possible. Despite the speed, Ninh Thuan's presentation was well received and our competition entry was beautifully put together. I'm confident enough to say that it definitely stands a chance to place.
So last Wednesday after the competition submission, without even taking a breath, I found myself flown to Vietnam to stay for the next four days, tuning back to design material that has left me more than a month ago. Meetings ran back to back between heads of departments and English/ Vietnamese translation. During our first meeting there, it was very apparent to our clients that I hadn't had enough rest, it spread like wild fire that we had been working overtime to complete another project (bad marketing hehe). We spent days presenting and nights being entertained by our clients & colleagues over dinner & 333s.
A few days later, I quickly recovered and was able to absorb Ninh Thuan's slower pace and beautiful weather. I realize that despite whatever life throws at you, you have to learn how to take it easy. So during this very high pressure time to perform in front of our clients, I decided that everything was going to be ok. Life is happening too fast for me to grasp & to mess up. And so I enjoyed my time with the clients, despite their very high ranks and I being the youngest one there. In the end, I saw myself making connections & exchanges that I would otherwise not make under that type of pressure. So in a sense the cup spilled over.
So I can go on and on about the beauty in & around central and South Saigon riding in open air, on the back of my uncle's moped during my last day there. But I'll keep it short. In a nutshell, Saigon is a well planned blooming city with so much more potential to becoming even better. Skipping ahead to my final thought (jumping ahead Hong Kong style hehe): Asia is forcing me to adapt & grow a lot faster than back in the states. Keeping up with everything has been very very challenging. There is no time to react i.e. learn, only time to act. The expression "growing pains" rings true, even at this age. I move from the comforts of academia (the world as I know it in theory) to the practical world. The practical, say corporate working world does not yield for you; when it turns you must follow. You must either face the challenges ahead & pull thru or fall behind alone.
But in the end, both jobs were well executed. Working day and night on the competition, my team and I quickly produced EVERYTHING left to meet the competition requirements during the very last 2 weeks-- complete with a bonus newspaper article piece---icing on the cake. I'm amazed and now very convinced that here in China, anything is possible. Despite the speed, Ninh Thuan's presentation was well received and our competition entry was beautifully put together. I'm confident enough to say that it definitely stands a chance to place.
So last Wednesday after the competition submission, without even taking a breath, I found myself flown to Vietnam to stay for the next four days, tuning back to design material that has left me more than a month ago. Meetings ran back to back between heads of departments and English/ Vietnamese translation. During our first meeting there, it was very apparent to our clients that I hadn't had enough rest, it spread like wild fire that we had been working overtime to complete another project (bad marketing hehe). We spent days presenting and nights being entertained by our clients & colleagues over dinner & 333s.
A few days later, I quickly recovered and was able to absorb Ninh Thuan's slower pace and beautiful weather. I realize that despite whatever life throws at you, you have to learn how to take it easy. So during this very high pressure time to perform in front of our clients, I decided that everything was going to be ok. Life is happening too fast for me to grasp & to mess up. And so I enjoyed my time with the clients, despite their very high ranks and I being the youngest one there. In the end, I saw myself making connections & exchanges that I would otherwise not make under that type of pressure. So in a sense the cup spilled over.
So I can go on and on about the beauty in & around central and South Saigon riding in open air, on the back of my uncle's moped during my last day there. But I'll keep it short. In a nutshell, Saigon is a well planned blooming city with so much more potential to becoming even better. Skipping ahead to my final thought (jumping ahead Hong Kong style hehe): Asia is forcing me to adapt & grow a lot faster than back in the states. Keeping up with everything has been very very challenging. There is no time to react i.e. learn, only time to act. The expression "growing pains" rings true, even at this age. I move from the comforts of academia (the world as I know it in theory) to the practical world. The practical, say corporate working world does not yield for you; when it turns you must follow. You must either face the challenges ahead & pull thru or fall behind alone.
Thursday, 20 May 2010
Is Mediocrity Better?
For the past few weeks, I've jumped on board on an intense high profile masterplanning and design competition in Qianhai, Shenzhen. The runner ups? leading design firms in the world, pressure is on and the competitive atmosphere between planners/designers (a relatively small world for us)is present.
Hong Kong has this very competitive edge, it's a hub for people from the UK, EU & US to converge with shared ambitions. Here, they strive to be the best and they work VERY hard at it, even if it means "selling your soul"-- there is little regards to any other aspects of your life other than that ambition. I find my seniors unmarried and at the office day and night, it's not to say that they are unhappy people, they just have their priorities straight. My department is more or less a group of bachelors & bacherettes, and we've become pretty good friends over the long hours working together. Other parts of life? None-existent for now, most of us are pulling 60-70hour work weeks...
And so, in the midst of living, breathing and being in this competition, at the height of its intensity (can't tell you much more about it or else I'll HAVE to KILL you HAHA) I wonder if mediocrity isn't so bad after all. To strive for perfection, in order to make a difference, to come up with something new in the world comes with a heavy price tag.
In this VERY unbalanced lifestyle of mine, I wonder, IS it worth trading off every other aspects of my life to fully realize my ambitions as an urban designer? Can I just be happy with doing good work-- town planning, community/neighborhood design and live a balanced life? Being "average"-- not that I'm beyond average-- is a fine thing to be, we all want to be happy and live a well rounded lifestyle with family and friends and hobbies, apart from work.
On the other hand, having been unemployed for almost 9 months prior to this, I realize that being a designer, an urban designer and working hard is me. Without that ambition, I feel incomplete, lost and depressed-- I dig up conflict & things to theorize about hehe. Perhaps time will tell, as the saying goes, career comes first right?
Hong Kong has this very competitive edge, it's a hub for people from the UK, EU & US to converge with shared ambitions. Here, they strive to be the best and they work VERY hard at it, even if it means "selling your soul"-- there is little regards to any other aspects of your life other than that ambition. I find my seniors unmarried and at the office day and night, it's not to say that they are unhappy people, they just have their priorities straight. My department is more or less a group of bachelors & bacherettes, and we've become pretty good friends over the long hours working together. Other parts of life? None-existent for now, most of us are pulling 60-70hour work weeks...
And so, in the midst of living, breathing and being in this competition, at the height of its intensity (can't tell you much more about it or else I'll HAVE to KILL you HAHA) I wonder if mediocrity isn't so bad after all. To strive for perfection, in order to make a difference, to come up with something new in the world comes with a heavy price tag.
In this VERY unbalanced lifestyle of mine, I wonder, IS it worth trading off every other aspects of my life to fully realize my ambitions as an urban designer? Can I just be happy with doing good work-- town planning, community/neighborhood design and live a balanced life? Being "average"-- not that I'm beyond average-- is a fine thing to be, we all want to be happy and live a well rounded lifestyle with family and friends and hobbies, apart from work.
On the other hand, having been unemployed for almost 9 months prior to this, I realize that being a designer, an urban designer and working hard is me. Without that ambition, I feel incomplete, lost and depressed-- I dig up conflict & things to theorize about hehe. Perhaps time will tell, as the saying goes, career comes first right?
Tuesday, 4 May 2010
Power Outfit
Today, I wore a power outfit. Yes, you heard me right, a power outfit-- a medium length skirt with formal & patterned halter top under a black form fitting vest in high hills. Define power outfit? It's every woman's dream to be able to dress like a woman at work and not have to feel sexually harassed or even ridiculed for it behind her back. The beauty of Hong Kong is that it is non-existent.
It's an equal world in the working place here in HK. Women undoubtingly gain the same types of prominent roles as men unquestioned. HK has moved beyond even having such connotations as "It's a man's world," not to say that it is deemed true all over the West for all fields, but the fact of the matter is, in the US, it still holds true as an issue necessary to raise (especially in architecture & design).
I once spent hours during a week long conference listening to debates on women in the workforce by very prominent women in design. At the end of the day, these women described different approaches to coping with negative stereotypes. Such as just dressing and acting like men; deciding that it doesn't matter and that women who are concerned are weak, (not supporting other women) or by playing the "bitchy" role which is essentially what it takes for women in the design field to rise up the ladder.
Therefore, after having spent a few months here, having been way intiminated by the dressing styles of my colleagues-- most dress up in high hills and skirts or a full on body dress as they please-- I realized that I no longer have to live by those negative connotations as they don't apply here. This of course, goes beyond my little story on the power outfit, it's about the role, attitude and involvement etc. between men and women. Here you can be a woman and be proud of that. Women in dresses are just as respected as men in suits. As a matter a fact, I feel that women here can be much bolder than men are here, holding very prominent roles. perhaps the roles here are reversed hehehe...
It's an equal world in the working place here in HK. Women undoubtingly gain the same types of prominent roles as men unquestioned. HK has moved beyond even having such connotations as "It's a man's world," not to say that it is deemed true all over the West for all fields, but the fact of the matter is, in the US, it still holds true as an issue necessary to raise (especially in architecture & design).
I once spent hours during a week long conference listening to debates on women in the workforce by very prominent women in design. At the end of the day, these women described different approaches to coping with negative stereotypes. Such as just dressing and acting like men; deciding that it doesn't matter and that women who are concerned are weak, (not supporting other women) or by playing the "bitchy" role which is essentially what it takes for women in the design field to rise up the ladder.
Therefore, after having spent a few months here, having been way intiminated by the dressing styles of my colleagues-- most dress up in high hills and skirts or a full on body dress as they please-- I realized that I no longer have to live by those negative connotations as they don't apply here. This of course, goes beyond my little story on the power outfit, it's about the role, attitude and involvement etc. between men and women. Here you can be a woman and be proud of that. Women in dresses are just as respected as men in suits. As a matter a fact, I feel that women here can be much bolder than men are here, holding very prominent roles. perhaps the roles here are reversed hehehe...
Saturday, 24 April 2010
2 Parks in 1 Day
After almost 3 months of living in Hong Kong, I have desperately tried to find pleasant open/ park space to relieve myself from the congestion of the city and eventually gave up. As the saying goes, when you least expect it, well you find it… or something like that. So in the midst of my compounding work load, constrained to my chair day in and day out, I accidentally managed to 1.) Run into the nicest park by my neighborhood and 2.) Be informed of a pretty large one near my office by my own boss.
Wow, what a relief. Nice park space does exist in Hong Kong after all and the funny part is that it's not that far away from where I live and work! Have I been blinded all this time? You may be thinking, why does she long so much for park space, is she an old lady or something? Well, the longer I live here the more I sense that relatively speaking, I am like a country girl to Hong Kongers...
I have yet to adjust to the speed of things. I can't stand crowds and it frustrates me when everyone just walks right thru me as though I'm a ghost, or someone stops suddenly in front of me. I feel overwhelmed when masses of people walk towards me. Last weekend, I waited for someone by the MTR stop and had to watch everyone walk in and out, I felt kinda dizzy after awhile. So I realize, I like to be alone sometimes, my sense of individuality is heightened being here. But everyone here does everything in groups, I mean large groups, its about the whole rather than the individual.
So in discovering these parks, I pleasantly spent my alone time in the open air, going back to the simplicity of eating a packed lunch... something you never hear of here, It gets really tiring eating out with lots of people all the times. Nobody cooks here,--I once spent 20 minutes explaining why I cook to someone--everyone eats lunch and dinner out. So I hide from my colleagues just to get away. And I enjoyed every bit of time facing that artificial pond, stretched out on rubbles of sand and grass, sloped towards the water, watching the sky and eating, alone.
So perhaps I'm not as Asian as I thought after all. No one here perceives me to be. And my interests are definitely different from the locals. The more I live here the more western I find my views to be. My sense of individuality, independence, simplicity and convenience are under conflict in my day to day life here. It’s a constant internal battle between east and west. And right now, west is winning hard.
Wow, what a relief. Nice park space does exist in Hong Kong after all and the funny part is that it's not that far away from where I live and work! Have I been blinded all this time? You may be thinking, why does she long so much for park space, is she an old lady or something? Well, the longer I live here the more I sense that relatively speaking, I am like a country girl to Hong Kongers...
I have yet to adjust to the speed of things. I can't stand crowds and it frustrates me when everyone just walks right thru me as though I'm a ghost, or someone stops suddenly in front of me. I feel overwhelmed when masses of people walk towards me. Last weekend, I waited for someone by the MTR stop and had to watch everyone walk in and out, I felt kinda dizzy after awhile. So I realize, I like to be alone sometimes, my sense of individuality is heightened being here. But everyone here does everything in groups, I mean large groups, its about the whole rather than the individual.
So in discovering these parks, I pleasantly spent my alone time in the open air, going back to the simplicity of eating a packed lunch... something you never hear of here, It gets really tiring eating out with lots of people all the times. Nobody cooks here,--I once spent 20 minutes explaining why I cook to someone--everyone eats lunch and dinner out. So I hide from my colleagues just to get away. And I enjoyed every bit of time facing that artificial pond, stretched out on rubbles of sand and grass, sloped towards the water, watching the sky and eating, alone.
So perhaps I'm not as Asian as I thought after all. No one here perceives me to be. And my interests are definitely different from the locals. The more I live here the more western I find my views to be. My sense of individuality, independence, simplicity and convenience are under conflict in my day to day life here. It’s a constant internal battle between east and west. And right now, west is winning hard.
Thursday, 8 April 2010
'lil update
A little update on what I've been up to, since to some it seems like I have disappeared off the face of this earth hehe... fyi, no internet access at my new location and therefore no facebook, how I've suffered without access to the rest of the world... awww.
In any case, days here are getting a bit more comfortable, I'm starting to filter everything out, all the branding, crowds, seemingly chaotic spaces. I'm also starting to get into the routine of things and with work keeping me real busy, there's not much else that I've been exposed to... Fortunately, though I haven't had much time to make new friends, I've been in the good company of many old friends from Harvard. It's a nice and comfortable social GSD circle here, I've enjoyed getting to know them outside of the school context... so I feel that I'm def. getting to know them better. And I've even met extensions of networks into the local Taiwanese group while hiking the other day. My little excursions are semi- satisfying, I'm getting lil flavors of HK's natural environment.
So just wanted to keep y'all posted. I appreciate the comments from many of you and am glad that these blogs are keeping us in touch in one way or another. It's made my efforts worthwhile, and every now and then when I feel like I don't want to be writing about myself anymore, I think about how much I want to keep you guys updated and just write... Ok, gotta get back to work now... I think that my brain is all fried , not many thoughts at the moment.. just tired.
In any case, days here are getting a bit more comfortable, I'm starting to filter everything out, all the branding, crowds, seemingly chaotic spaces. I'm also starting to get into the routine of things and with work keeping me real busy, there's not much else that I've been exposed to... Fortunately, though I haven't had much time to make new friends, I've been in the good company of many old friends from Harvard. It's a nice and comfortable social GSD circle here, I've enjoyed getting to know them outside of the school context... so I feel that I'm def. getting to know them better. And I've even met extensions of networks into the local Taiwanese group while hiking the other day. My little excursions are semi- satisfying, I'm getting lil flavors of HK's natural environment.
So just wanted to keep y'all posted. I appreciate the comments from many of you and am glad that these blogs are keeping us in touch in one way or another. It's made my efforts worthwhile, and every now and then when I feel like I don't want to be writing about myself anymore, I think about how much I want to keep you guys updated and just write... Ok, gotta get back to work now... I think that my brain is all fried , not many thoughts at the moment.. just tired.
Thursday, 18 March 2010
2 Hours Away from Vietnam
Last last week, I went to Vietnam. My long awaited trip to my perceivingly far far away homeland "Mecca," lasted only 2 and a half hours, that is from Hong Kong. After one episode of Sex and the City and two more of 30 Rock, staring blankly and a full meal, we arrived in Saigon. At first the airport scene was nothing new, typically empty with Vietnamese speaking people. However, the minute I stepped outside to catch our taxi, the humidity and mega infrastructure overhead were immediate indicators of how much Saigon has changed from my parents' romantized depictions of the old Saigon.
My cab ride to our hotel in the heart of the city was eye opening. The flow of traffic seemingly chaotic at first-- full of mopeds and cars and people all at onces-- has a very rythmic flow of order, people move with the flow rather than being regulated with traffic lights and traffic signage, how freeing. The city itself, fully urbanized with stores, offices, luxury condos from all periods of architectural form. The French have definitely left their mark on Saigon, as the entire layout of the city consisted of tree lined boulevards intersecting at monumental sites, and well dispersed public squares and parks. It was an overwhelming sight, 3-5 story dense perimeter block buildings amongst the masses of mopeds and people seemingly hovering randomly in the streets.
In a sense, the current day Saigon, now HCM city is no longer a reflection of little Saigon, it is contemporary, Europeanized, and economically booming with global businesses. The romantized outlook on the once French colonized city has transformed into modern day living.
On the other hand, the province of Ninh Thuan, 8 hours North-East of the capital, is rural in character, untouched by communism or globalization, true depictions of Vietnam's history. Ninh Thuan inhabits Vietnam's localized small village lifestyle, a more simple way of life within agricultural fields and fishing seaports. Colorful housing units of all sizes, shapes and period of typology reflect the Vietnamese culture's playful and charming way of life. The local character of towns are shown through the faces of many of the inhabitants there, openly friendly with eye to eye smiles. The sense of humor in my interactions with people as well as the shyness shown across young faces is a true characteristic of what I've come to know and love about my culture.
Ninh Thuan has left a mark in my heart.
My cab ride to our hotel in the heart of the city was eye opening. The flow of traffic seemingly chaotic at first-- full of mopeds and cars and people all at onces-- has a very rythmic flow of order, people move with the flow rather than being regulated with traffic lights and traffic signage, how freeing. The city itself, fully urbanized with stores, offices, luxury condos from all periods of architectural form. The French have definitely left their mark on Saigon, as the entire layout of the city consisted of tree lined boulevards intersecting at monumental sites, and well dispersed public squares and parks. It was an overwhelming sight, 3-5 story dense perimeter block buildings amongst the masses of mopeds and people seemingly hovering randomly in the streets.
In a sense, the current day Saigon, now HCM city is no longer a reflection of little Saigon, it is contemporary, Europeanized, and economically booming with global businesses. The romantized outlook on the once French colonized city has transformed into modern day living.
On the other hand, the province of Ninh Thuan, 8 hours North-East of the capital, is rural in character, untouched by communism or globalization, true depictions of Vietnam's history. Ninh Thuan inhabits Vietnam's localized small village lifestyle, a more simple way of life within agricultural fields and fishing seaports. Colorful housing units of all sizes, shapes and period of typology reflect the Vietnamese culture's playful and charming way of life. The local character of towns are shown through the faces of many of the inhabitants there, openly friendly with eye to eye smiles. The sense of humor in my interactions with people as well as the shyness shown across young faces is a true characteristic of what I've come to know and love about my culture.
Ninh Thuan has left a mark in my heart.
Monday, 8 March 2010
At the Office past Midnight....
While feeling completely unjust about staying so late tonight, especially after having spent the weekend here, I just wanted to write down my immediate thoughts regarding the working culture in HK, while plotting out our site documents for my trip to Ninh Thuan, Vietnam tomorrow.
If there is a place in the world where workaholics fit in perfectly, it's here. Hong Kong is super modern, competitive and highly globalized for a reason. It's because the work ethics is sooo well ingrained into the culture, it's a way of life. It's the first time in my life I could not outlast my own peers in working long hours, and I don't intend to. Funny thing is that my department is by far the latest group to stay night after night. They actually jokingly call themselves the "Panda" crew because of the dark circles characteristic of pandas, symbolizing bags under their eyes. Staying late into the night apart from work is a time for bonding and socializing over dinner.
So the work ethics is very admirable and the work produced is at the utmost quality. People here take great pride in their work, you could even find yourself talking about work outside of the office. As the modo in China goes, "time is money," and money makes the world go around. "o yeu dor di chin!!," that is, "I want more money!" was my first phrase learned instead of "I need to go to the bathroom!"...It's all about capital flow, super free markets and super lucrative finance. People work long hours not only because they are profit driven but also because they enjoy being a part of the larger system; and it's a custom, a daily ritual. I think that it replaces family and religious traditions here.
So I couldn't have picked a better place to go all out and work my ass off. At least here, everyone else is working hard and barely complaining about it, so it almost feels habitual. Within 2 years time I will have probably gained 5 years experience. I'm confident that all this hard work will pay off in the long run, it's definitely a way of speeding up the process. Tomorrow I go to Vietnam to survey 5 different zones within Ninh Thuan province. We'll be working on 5 different masterplans in 4 month!!
If there is a place in the world where workaholics fit in perfectly, it's here. Hong Kong is super modern, competitive and highly globalized for a reason. It's because the work ethics is sooo well ingrained into the culture, it's a way of life. It's the first time in my life I could not outlast my own peers in working long hours, and I don't intend to. Funny thing is that my department is by far the latest group to stay night after night. They actually jokingly call themselves the "Panda" crew because of the dark circles characteristic of pandas, symbolizing bags under their eyes. Staying late into the night apart from work is a time for bonding and socializing over dinner.
So the work ethics is very admirable and the work produced is at the utmost quality. People here take great pride in their work, you could even find yourself talking about work outside of the office. As the modo in China goes, "time is money," and money makes the world go around. "o yeu dor di chin!!," that is, "I want more money!" was my first phrase learned instead of "I need to go to the bathroom!"...It's all about capital flow, super free markets and super lucrative finance. People work long hours not only because they are profit driven but also because they enjoy being a part of the larger system; and it's a custom, a daily ritual. I think that it replaces family and religious traditions here.
So I couldn't have picked a better place to go all out and work my ass off. At least here, everyone else is working hard and barely complaining about it, so it almost feels habitual. Within 2 years time I will have probably gained 5 years experience. I'm confident that all this hard work will pay off in the long run, it's definitely a way of speeding up the process. Tomorrow I go to Vietnam to survey 5 different zones within Ninh Thuan province. We'll be working on 5 different masterplans in 4 month!!
Sunday, 7 March 2010
My Neighborhood in Lai Chi Kok
So I've finally settled into my new apartment, it's located in Lai Chi Kok, in the heart of a local community, an urban regenerated post industrial area, within convenient access to Central (Hong Kong Island) and work (of course). I'm on the 11th floor and my apartment is South-East, facing an amazing portion of the city of Kowloon looking towards HK Island. It has been my retreat from the craziness of the city and my everyday work madness. So I've gotten over not going sight seeing. What I'm more into for the moment, is local culture and being a part of it =) (promise I'll get back to the touristy trips later!).
Today was a beautiful misty Sunday afternoon. Having been recommended a few local bargain places to buy furniture by some of my colleagues, I decided to go furniture hunting around town-- without knowing where it's really located. So as expected, I got lost and wandered my way into Sunday's open air markets, which was a pleasant surprise. I meandered through the narrow streets, as always, full of people, this time truly Chinese and only Cantonese speakers. The past few weeks have been a slow yet gradual Cantonese learning process (I was even named in Cantonese by all of my colleagues!), so I thought I'd take a shot at buying stuff in Cantonese though I wasn't any good. Having regressed back to my cravings for fast food (KFC, Mc Donald's), I also took the opportunity to buy some fresh produce and even fish!
It was nice to see the less materialistic side of HK though a bit of a sight with ducks, chickens and pigs hung across the way and live fish ready to be eaten. Blocks after blocks of fresh & raw food stacked up out in open air, so at times my thoughts went into how sanitary things might be and whether or not I should attempt to purchase them. But the flower markets and clothing vendors made up for that sight, I will definitely have a collection of flower pots to arrange at my balcony-- how I love the freedom of having your own place to live!
Well, that's my spill for now. I never got to the furniture store. fyi, work has been very hectic as I prepare for site surveys and meetings in Vietnam. I am scheduled to go there next week and will be gone for an entire week. I'm excited yet afraid of what lies ahead, lots to be done in Vietnam, wish me luck!
Today was a beautiful misty Sunday afternoon. Having been recommended a few local bargain places to buy furniture by some of my colleagues, I decided to go furniture hunting around town-- without knowing where it's really located. So as expected, I got lost and wandered my way into Sunday's open air markets, which was a pleasant surprise. I meandered through the narrow streets, as always, full of people, this time truly Chinese and only Cantonese speakers. The past few weeks have been a slow yet gradual Cantonese learning process (I was even named in Cantonese by all of my colleagues!), so I thought I'd take a shot at buying stuff in Cantonese though I wasn't any good. Having regressed back to my cravings for fast food (KFC, Mc Donald's), I also took the opportunity to buy some fresh produce and even fish!
It was nice to see the less materialistic side of HK though a bit of a sight with ducks, chickens and pigs hung across the way and live fish ready to be eaten. Blocks after blocks of fresh & raw food stacked up out in open air, so at times my thoughts went into how sanitary things might be and whether or not I should attempt to purchase them. But the flower markets and clothing vendors made up for that sight, I will definitely have a collection of flower pots to arrange at my balcony-- how I love the freedom of having your own place to live!
Well, that's my spill for now. I never got to the furniture store. fyi, work has been very hectic as I prepare for site surveys and meetings in Vietnam. I am scheduled to go there next week and will be gone for an entire week. I'm excited yet afraid of what lies ahead, lots to be done in Vietnam, wish me luck!
Friday, 26 February 2010
Bearing The Harvard Name
Saying goes, "The further away you go from Harvard (as a Harvard grad), the better it is for you."
Well, here I am, all the way across the world, in the far far east... and boy am I paying a steep price for it. There's sky rocketing expectations here for being from Harvard, it's by far the biggest brand tag to be bearing. And today was living proof, that some times (or most of the times), I just can't live up to it.
Despite being a complete junior in the field, I was given the huge responsibility of submitting a complete RFP, (Request For Proposal)for a large scale project near New Delhi. And failed I did, over and over again. I had never done a complete RFP submission and definitely was not ready to take on full responsibility for one. However, when put to the test, I did not respond well and failed to use my common sense to pick up after written mistakes and to respond to the client's requests.
I guess that the best way to overcome the Harvard name is to lower expectations by not performing up to its standard. At least I know where I stand or at least they do now...
Live and learn.
Well, here I am, all the way across the world, in the far far east... and boy am I paying a steep price for it. There's sky rocketing expectations here for being from Harvard, it's by far the biggest brand tag to be bearing. And today was living proof, that some times (or most of the times), I just can't live up to it.
Despite being a complete junior in the field, I was given the huge responsibility of submitting a complete RFP, (Request For Proposal)for a large scale project near New Delhi. And failed I did, over and over again. I had never done a complete RFP submission and definitely was not ready to take on full responsibility for one. However, when put to the test, I did not respond well and failed to use my common sense to pick up after written mistakes and to respond to the client's requests.
I guess that the best way to overcome the Harvard name is to lower expectations by not performing up to its standard. At least I know where I stand or at least they do now...
Live and learn.
Tuesday, 23 February 2010
Chinese New Years from an Outsider's Point of View
Thought I'd write down some thoughts before I stop writing in this altogether. Ever since I've started working, seems that's all I do. It's kind of frustrating always having to work when you're in this amazing city with sooooo much more to explore. I have yet to see HK's natural environment. Hypothetically, there are hiking trails, villages within access to fishing ports and fresh seafood restaurants. Outdoor recreational activities are a huge weekend endeavor here, most locals try to get away from the crowd during weekends and even leave to China during long weekends. I have yet to go to the Peak, the famous touristic trail all the way to the top where the ultimate aerial view of the city from Lantau Island lies... it's ashame that I've already lived here for almost 3 weeks and still haven't explored such popular destinations.
So this entry isn't going to be so descriptive to HK's surroundings. Nothing reflects local culture more than spending Chinese New Years here. For me, it was lonely. I waited for the firework show along Victoria harbor for almost 2 hours, listening to others chit chat in Cantonese with family and friends. However, the fireworks were worth the wait, like everything in HK, it was multiplied by 10, it was liken to watching 10 shows in a row... all across the harbor with a backdrop of skyscrapers. The fireworks appeared to be shot directly from the buildings and large ships across the way. For the first time ever, I watched a firework show displayed horizontally across the horizon. The residue of pollution across the sky in the end was evidence of the intensity of the show.
Throughout the 1st three days, (since all of my local contacts had left town to be with their families in various cities in China) I made my way along popular sites, where families clustered outdoors at temples, along commercial corridors along the harbor and to flower markets. I could see just how family oriented the locals are and how CNY traditions are still very much a custom. When asked, 100% of my friends told me they spent their CNY going to their relatives' homes to fill their bellies and collect money. It's a total "family obligation" some of their attitudes implied, and two of them got food poisoning! I finally got a taste of Chinese New Years after the 3rd official day came to an end. Like Tet, it is celebrated all week long, and even though HKers are sooo hard working that they come back to work after the 3rd day, their new year spirit stayed with them. Despite being totally new to everyone, I was given money envelops that came in all different colors and sizes, many with cute imprints. Which was also accompanied by traditional lion dances, (you could hear drums from the dancers beating all day long because they danced across the shopping mall from door to door to collect money!), a company dim sum lunch celebration and a trail of other special lunches with coworkers. It felt like Christmas in the east, everyone was just so jolly. I got another money envelop today, I think in all, I collected HK$ 100.
So this entry isn't going to be so descriptive to HK's surroundings. Nothing reflects local culture more than spending Chinese New Years here. For me, it was lonely. I waited for the firework show along Victoria harbor for almost 2 hours, listening to others chit chat in Cantonese with family and friends. However, the fireworks were worth the wait, like everything in HK, it was multiplied by 10, it was liken to watching 10 shows in a row... all across the harbor with a backdrop of skyscrapers. The fireworks appeared to be shot directly from the buildings and large ships across the way. For the first time ever, I watched a firework show displayed horizontally across the horizon. The residue of pollution across the sky in the end was evidence of the intensity of the show.
Throughout the 1st three days, (since all of my local contacts had left town to be with their families in various cities in China) I made my way along popular sites, where families clustered outdoors at temples, along commercial corridors along the harbor and to flower markets. I could see just how family oriented the locals are and how CNY traditions are still very much a custom. When asked, 100% of my friends told me they spent their CNY going to their relatives' homes to fill their bellies and collect money. It's a total "family obligation" some of their attitudes implied, and two of them got food poisoning! I finally got a taste of Chinese New Years after the 3rd official day came to an end. Like Tet, it is celebrated all week long, and even though HKers are sooo hard working that they come back to work after the 3rd day, their new year spirit stayed with them. Despite being totally new to everyone, I was given money envelops that came in all different colors and sizes, many with cute imprints. Which was also accompanied by traditional lion dances, (you could hear drums from the dancers beating all day long because they danced across the shopping mall from door to door to collect money!), a company dim sum lunch celebration and a trail of other special lunches with coworkers. It felt like Christmas in the east, everyone was just so jolly. I got another money envelop today, I think in all, I collected HK$ 100.
Friday, 12 February 2010
Working in HK
Arup's office is located at the capping end of this huge shopping mall complex called Festival Walk. It's 5 stories high with a beautiful central atrium space and a structurally extensive skylight truss system. It's very engineering dominant, so it's nice to be a part of its smaller division of urban design and planning team--much more intimate than the corporate structure. It feels like an entire month has gone by after only a week of working here. However, the entire week went by in a flash, continuously day in and day out, or should I put it from morning to night to morning again. The work ethics here is amazing, it's over drive with over time all the times, no wonder it's such a competitive economy here. Everyone is dedicated to work, work is life, as a matter a fact, it's a way of life here.
I got a taste of that "lifestyle," just from the week of working at Arup. Despite how hard working everyone is, everyone was very kind and always had more than enough time to stop what they were doing to answer all of my questions or even over extend themselves to solve my problems such as computer and account set-up. At first I thought that I had just lucked out with a very kind neighbor, but now I know that it's just the way people are. So, it appears that friendship does exist during working hours and we spent many moments laughing and exchanging thoughts covering things well beyond of the scope of our working projects.
What I'm starting to understand is that beyond the crazy 12 hour shifts people work daily, it's actually a lifestyle that locals here set for themselves: they work long hours in order to enjoy themselves throughout the day. Despite how close a deadline is they ALWAYS seem to set out enough time to eat out for lunch and have their tea time break etc. rather than finishing the work asap. My boss was concerned when she spotted me eating at my desk. She acted like my mother when she described the health risks of not eating right. So in HK, working in a team also means working in a big family where everyone makes sure that everybody is on board. Tasks are shared and beyond that snacks, food, jokes... it seems like a cultural tradition to just share everything just the way Asian families do (I'm starting to realize that my roots really do hold true!).
So for the first week, I worked day and night towards a deadline for today. Despite being totally fresh with the project in Shengzen, (a looping campus/mixed-use masterplan between the city of Shengzen & HK), with the support of many and in collaboration with our senior architect/designer, I was able to further develop an entire illustrative masterplan. This really personally re-affirmed my "abilities" in executing design. So despite the long hours, hard work pays off in a team of supportive people (who are never in any rush to go home)and the "rush" I felt in meeting the deadline was, well, exciting. Moreover, the scope of projects here are so interesting and fast pace that it's given me some purpose in life again hehehe... trust me after the past few months of being out of the corporate structure you lose sight of things.
I got a taste of that "lifestyle," just from the week of working at Arup. Despite how hard working everyone is, everyone was very kind and always had more than enough time to stop what they were doing to answer all of my questions or even over extend themselves to solve my problems such as computer and account set-up. At first I thought that I had just lucked out with a very kind neighbor, but now I know that it's just the way people are. So, it appears that friendship does exist during working hours and we spent many moments laughing and exchanging thoughts covering things well beyond of the scope of our working projects.
What I'm starting to understand is that beyond the crazy 12 hour shifts people work daily, it's actually a lifestyle that locals here set for themselves: they work long hours in order to enjoy themselves throughout the day. Despite how close a deadline is they ALWAYS seem to set out enough time to eat out for lunch and have their tea time break etc. rather than finishing the work asap. My boss was concerned when she spotted me eating at my desk. She acted like my mother when she described the health risks of not eating right. So in HK, working in a team also means working in a big family where everyone makes sure that everybody is on board. Tasks are shared and beyond that snacks, food, jokes... it seems like a cultural tradition to just share everything just the way Asian families do (I'm starting to realize that my roots really do hold true!).
So for the first week, I worked day and night towards a deadline for today. Despite being totally fresh with the project in Shengzen, (a looping campus/mixed-use masterplan between the city of Shengzen & HK), with the support of many and in collaboration with our senior architect/designer, I was able to further develop an entire illustrative masterplan. This really personally re-affirmed my "abilities" in executing design. So despite the long hours, hard work pays off in a team of supportive people (who are never in any rush to go home)and the "rush" I felt in meeting the deadline was, well, exciting. Moreover, the scope of projects here are so interesting and fast pace that it's given me some purpose in life again hehehe... trust me after the past few months of being out of the corporate structure you lose sight of things.
Sunday, 7 February 2010
The Symphony of Lights
It's been about a week since settling here and I'm still adjusting to the fast pace flow of the city, lost amongst the masses of people and visual noise of building ads and signage. I'm so impressed yet exhausted by what the city has to offer, with only enough energy to go out a bit over half the time. The other half is spent doing what many HKers do to relax: stay indoors, at home.
The last few days were spent roaming around Kowloon's harbor, Mongkok, Central and Soho. Kowloon's harbor is breath taking, the visual sight of HK island's panoramic--180 view skyline of skyscrapers is overwhelming. HK's steep mountains make up the skyline's backdrop, while the towering masses of buildings appear to float above the ocean.
The sea of buildings were highlighted ingeniously during the showing of "The Symphony of Lights," where rays of lights beamed right thru building facades in rhythm to the sound of music. Imagine how amazing the view was when blinking facades spread across masses of towers along the horizon, not to mention beams of laser lights appeared to compete between buildings traversing the sky. The city's plan to attract more tourism with the light show is definitely effective, swarms of families gathered along the harbor at 8 sharp, to watch the lights.
The last few days were spent roaming around Kowloon's harbor, Mongkok, Central and Soho. Kowloon's harbor is breath taking, the visual sight of HK island's panoramic--180 view skyline of skyscrapers is overwhelming. HK's steep mountains make up the skyline's backdrop, while the towering masses of buildings appear to float above the ocean.
The sea of buildings were highlighted ingeniously during the showing of "The Symphony of Lights," where rays of lights beamed right thru building facades in rhythm to the sound of music. Imagine how amazing the view was when blinking facades spread across masses of towers along the horizon, not to mention beams of laser lights appeared to compete between buildings traversing the sky. The city's plan to attract more tourism with the light show is definitely effective, swarms of families gathered along the harbor at 8 sharp, to watch the lights.
Thursday, 4 February 2010
To my dear family, friends and colleagues:
I just wanted to start a blog to keep everyone posted on my new life now that I have officially moved to Hong Kong. I arrived in Hong Kong the morning of February 2nd, after a 16 hour flight departing from LAX. It was an amazing view riding from my shuttle at the outskirts of the city to HK and to the island of kowloon over a couple of bridges. Apart from it's prominent skyscrapers, a panorama of steep mountain tops made up the skyline... in my perspective, a very impressive juxtaposition of nature and the built environment.
The following days, I explored the city by foot and was overwhelmed by the intensity of people, material wealth, and commercial luxury branding. Despite the lengthy and continuous pathways within the masses of commuters, I was able to easily find my destinations due to superb signage and transit organization. To summarize my thoughts, HK's transit is like a gigantic airport, from ground to retail and restaurant sites to streetscapes.
In one word, it's all hyperdense--hyperconnected!
I just wanted to start a blog to keep everyone posted on my new life now that I have officially moved to Hong Kong. I arrived in Hong Kong the morning of February 2nd, after a 16 hour flight departing from LAX. It was an amazing view riding from my shuttle at the outskirts of the city to HK and to the island of kowloon over a couple of bridges. Apart from it's prominent skyscrapers, a panorama of steep mountain tops made up the skyline... in my perspective, a very impressive juxtaposition of nature and the built environment.
The following days, I explored the city by foot and was overwhelmed by the intensity of people, material wealth, and commercial luxury branding. Despite the lengthy and continuous pathways within the masses of commuters, I was able to easily find my destinations due to superb signage and transit organization. To summarize my thoughts, HK's transit is like a gigantic airport, from ground to retail and restaurant sites to streetscapes.
In one word, it's all hyperdense--hyperconnected!
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