Gentle words to ponder 靜思語

Arriving back in Taichung台中 from a weekend trip Taipei台北 I was not to happy to discover that my bike had been stolen from the bike rack outside Taiyuan train station太原火車站. I ended up having to take a taxi to work. Now, many taxis in Taiwan have books or magazines to read in the front seat pouches. This taxi happened to have a book on Buddhism佛教 called 靜思語, or, in my humble translation, Gentle Words to Ponder. I took a quick look and to my surprise, I could actually comprehend some of it. I asked the driver about the book and he told me it's published by the largest Buddhist organization in Taiwan. He offered me the book and would not take no for an answer. So, in honor of his generosity I have started to decipher this book. I'll post updates as I get through each chapter.

Hong Kong a long

I just had to make a trek to Hong Kong to apply for a visa. Although I was only able to stay for one night, I had a great time. Let me just tell you, I love Hong Kong. Part of my love for this city stems from my childhood in a small town. There is no other city that I have ever traveled to that truly embodies all the characteristics of a world city that a country boy from Watertown could ever imagine. It's amazingly dense, has towering buildings of glass and steel, and is always awake. Hong Kong also represents the freedom that the world could strive for. Although I'm well aware that there are many problems that it faces, the city nevertheless exudes an air of liberty and freedom that I find intoxicating. I think that, like Muslims to Mecca, all good Libertarians should make at least on pilgrimage to Hong Kong. Anyway, I digress.

I had a great time sleeping in a TINY "room" at The Sun Kong Youth Hostel. I'm not picky so I was satisfied, but the rooms was certainly small, and the TV didn't work. The owner, Peggy, was friendly and picked me up at a Sogo nearby. I spoke Chinese better than she could English so we chatted a bit. She was originally from Fu Jian 福建, a nearby province in China. Later I met with a friend who took me to a great local restaurant, and then a bar at the top of a building in Kowloon, looking over the harbor. The views were amazing, although the music was less than desirable.

The next day I went to the Taiwanese trade office at the Lippo Centre, and from there I explored Central for a bit. I took the tram up to the top of Hong Kong island and took some pictures. The view was simply amazing, although the air was noticeably hazy leaving the horizon covered in smog. After picking up my passport I headed to Kowloon for some exploring, and snapped a picture of the place I stayed on my last trip to Hong Kong, the legendary Chung King Mansions 重慶大廈. I then headed back to Taipei, where I'm typing this now.

Evolution

Last year, when I was in Borneo with Tyler, I read a book called "The Alchemist" by Paul Coelho. It's quite famous and very well written. I read the book while sitting on the beach and afterwards, while contemplating the book's message, I decided I needed to make a change in my life. I quit smoking and started exercising. It has now been about nine months and the progress I have made has been great. Although I've struggled with the smoking, I've certainly been consistent with the exercising, and I've been doing Kung Fu now for a few months. I think I've found a new way of life, and I 'm happy with that.

Before

Middle

After

Kung Fu Delight

My friends and I all study Kung Fu together, with one of our friends as the teacher of the group. He is quite talented and is in line to become the next master of his kung fu, Ba Gua 八卦掌 style for all of Taiwan. Did I mention he is an American. He's also a talented musician and is trying to put together a music video. We filmed a few scenes tonight. The video is only in the beginning stages but I'll give you a sneak peak here.

What an idiot

So, I missed my flight to The Philippines this morning. I stayed at my friends place in Banciao so that I could be closer to the airport. Somehow I turned off my cell phone, so instead of waking up at 8:15, I woke up at around 12:30...my flight departed at 11:00. Luckily Philippines Air was helpful and put me on the flight tomorrow. End result...Instead of looking at this

I'm stuck looking at this

Yes yes, I've been lazy

Ok, I know it's been way too long since I've posted on here, but I've resolved to post more often. So, instead of a lengthy 'what I've been doing' post, I'll start light and slowly build up over the next few days. With that in mind, here's a few pictures of the recent Christopher Lawrence show at Luxy...Christopher Lawrence being my favorite DJ

Puts the crowd when I saw him in Seoul to shame

The man himself