Asia Adventure 08

The China Price

2008-07-31T03:14:13Z

Every Wednesday we have been lucky enough to have industry speakers come to Multifunction Hall A and lecture us on how achieve our dreams.
Alexandra Harney was by far the best seminar speaker we have had so far. Her book The China Price is about the topic of those cheap items that come out of China and what we pay for it. How it affects our lives and everything from politics, to policies written by the government to our family budget. How it affects the daily lives of Chinese workers and other migrant workers in China.
She was an eloquent speaker, never boring, knew exactly what she was saying and could even give the background information of detailed issues, themes, policies regarding her topic. Which led us to believe she was on top of her game. At the end of the speech my fellow students fired some tough questions that she was readily poised perfectly to answer. Alexandra was able to retort in smart and calculated ways.

The thing that Ms. Harney said that stuck out in my mind the most was how to make a difference as an American.

Know your purchase. Know where items come from and what the company policies are of those objects that you buy the most or prefer. Learn about how and where things are made. Most importantly, ASK QUESTIONS!!

All in all if I had a dream job it would be hers. Challenging yet it would be fulfilling, interesting and difficult, basically to be knowledgeable about issues theat matter to a majority of the world. To make informed decisions and have your word carry weight on paper about things that matter, by going out there and exploring them firsthand.
In her book, Alexandra Harney explains how China as a country has redefined the global manufacturing map. “China has put legions of people out of work around the world and become an open wound in international trade relations. “ She writes, “Shopping has become cheaper because of China, in fact one estimate says that products made in China have saved the American family $500 dollars a year.
She mentions, how wages in China, even out in the middle of nowhere, have gone up and the cost of goods are increasing, wages having gone up almost 30 percent in the last two or three years. Ms. Harney asks us how this affects the environment and the daily lives of those indirectly dealing with the effects of careless actions. She opened her lecture with personal tales of individuals who live the lives that most consumers in first world countries pretend don’t really exist. The big box companies and our government almost truly believe that America doesn’t care where or how they get what they consume, as long as it’s cheap by the actions we lead. Do we really not care? Why does everyone think this way about the U.S.A.? Several of her accounts on personal details of lives of factory workers left much to think about and deeply ponder. One story was about human rights and how Chinese workers are beginning to demand their rights. Another story told of what it takes, for sweatshops and large factories to cook up fake documents, to fool employers like Wal-mart and Target to make more money. While in the meantime not paying employees even $100 dollars a month for 18-hour shifts and denying them insurance or health benefits.

The aim of her lecture was to bring awareness as to discovering the true cost of China’s competitive advantage. “Who are the people behind the China price? How do they make goods so cheaply? At what cost to them and to us? And how long can they keep it up?

The China Price remains copyright of the author Pamelieux, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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What are we doing to the earth and ourselves!!

2008-07-29T07:12:49Z

For the last two days the Southwesterly wind has died and the pollution up in the air has descended to eye-level into the Hong Kong. Since yesterday views across the city have been clouded out by a reddish haze. I am from Mexico City so I know about pollution, but geez, this is ridiculous! Walking outside at 36 degrees and 95% humidity with an API of 93 air pollution (yesterday the API was 117), it really makes you think about carbon emissions, global warming, water pollution and the loss of 6 million hectares of land per year. Where will this earth will be in 50 years if we keep going as we are? After not feeling physically well after being outside (walking from train to office). I did some research as to what we've been breathing the last 48 hours. I found that the majority of the pollutant in the air has been composed of Nitrogen Oxide. Scary.

Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)

The many chemical species of the oxides of nitrogen are collectively termed as nitrogen oxides (NOx). This group of gases usually enters the air as a result of combustion processes which involve high temperatures, such as those produced by power plants and vehicular engines.

Nitric oxide (NO)
Nitric oxide is the main NOx emitted during combustion and it can be converted into nitrogen dioxide.

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2)
Nitrogen dioxide is a corrosive and highly oxidising light brown gas which has a characteristic pungent smell at high concentrations. It is the reaction of nitrogen dioxide with reactive organic substances, such as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), in the presence of sunlight that produces ozone (see information on 'Ozone and Photochemical Oxidants)'. Nitrogen dioxide is, therefore, an important part of urban haze or photochemical smog.

Station ------ ----API----- Air Pollution Level --------Contributing Pollutant

Causeway Bay --------93 -------------------- High ------Nitrogen Dioxide
Central---------------87------------------------ High -----Nitrogen Dioxide
Mong Kok-------------83------------------------High-------Nitrogen Dioxide

What are we doing to the earth and ourselves!! remains copyright of the author Pamelieux, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Article about the Olympics

2008-07-31T03:23:07Z

Let the Games begin!

Article about the Olympics remains copyright of the author Pamelieux, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Hong Kong

2008-07-25T03:18:57Z

Hong Kong has been good to me. Let explain a fraction of the reason why.
The city has so much to offer to inbound travelers from all over the world. This community includes, residents of Hong Kong (those born abroad but living here), visitors (everyone from backpackers to high end visitors from the mainland as well as abroad) and serious expats who have left their home countries and claimed Hong Kong as their own. Every person I have met here that fits into this category has shown me wonderful qualities of those who travel or live abroad. Qualities that include adaptability, determination and courage all with a dose of happiness and ingenuity. People in Hong Kong are generally those who have immigrated here for the great weather or incomparable unique lifestyle, so I guess my category includes everyone one the island!! What a great opportunity to have ben able to come here and to make it even better, having people facilitating and adding quality aspects to my stay has been the icing on my cake. The potential Hong Kong has is astounding and there is so much going on and so much left to do. I have enjoyed my stay and will miss the tea drinking culture, excellent public transport and the awesome city lights. I will think about those that I have met along the way and those who left a deep impact on my life. It has been imbedded in me, the wonderful cultural imprint the city offers and I know I will have no choice but to come back to taste and experience it again!

Hong Kong remains copyright of the author Pamelieux, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Food in Hong Kong

2008-07-23T06:33:32Z

Food in Hong Kong is great. At least in my opinion. I love steamed dumplings for breakfast, english tea time (I am a teaholic) and Morrocan food. Cantonese food comforts me everyday even though I am a meat and potatoes kind of girl. Traditional Chinese in a way is like food from my home country Mexico. Tasty, varied and can be spicy or not! Every item has a million ingredients and is made from encyclopedia-like recipes. Although Chinese food is renown for Monosodium glutamate (MSG), it is not served everywhere anymore. Don't try to be a vegetarian here cause if you ask for no meat they'll give you vegetables boiled in chicken broths or fried in pig fat. NO VEGANS HERE! When you ask for vegetables in Hong Kong you get boiled kale but after you get over the essential changes and food shock, you'll find that is really quite good.

Yes, I've eaten the pigeon at the tai pai dong in Tai Po next to the bus station and it was succulent, and yeah snake soup really does warm you up but don't believe when they say "you eat this, you live long time."........'Cause that is not the case with some food, especially the deep fried food no matter what it is stuffed with. In some restaurants now, but traditionally in all places you were given a bowl of lemon tea to clean yourself (and what ever else)! See how it's done!
Fred before lunch is served!

Food in Hong Kong remains copyright of the author Pamelieux, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Lamma Island

2008-07-10T04:45:37Z

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Lamma Island is just a 40 minute ferry ride from central Hong Kong and tends to be a favorite among locals and expats alike. It is known for its no car policy and bohemian atmosphere, not to mention the best seafood I have ever had!
This island is the third largest island in Hong Kong spanning 14 sq. km. "Lamma" in Chinese means the southern tree branch, which is similar to the shape of the island. In 1931 a priest discovered several stone containers, believed to have been produced in the new stone age. Most historical pieces found in Hong Kong, most having to do with the ocean and fishing industry, were found on Lamma Island. It is believed that early human settlements were found on the island even in ancient periods. There are two small villages on Lamma where most of the population dwells. Upon arrival to the first town, Yung Shue Wan we jumped off the boat and walked into a row of seafood restaurants all with huge tanks filled with a variety of sea creatures. Everything ranging from live eel, shrimp, grouper to shark, lobster and some undistinguishable creatures. Most places on Sunday morning serve Dim Sum similar to an american Sunday brunch. After a rocky boat ride, due to stormy weather on Hong Kong island, shrimp dumplings and breakfast tea were in order, to settle our stomachs.

Following breakfast we began the easy walk down the 1.5 hr coastal path on the peaceful island en route to the second town of Sok Kwu Wan. The path named the Lamma faimly trail, winds around the small island and faces many different directions on the way south, giving 360 views of surrounding islands and passes several beaches, non of which were very clean. Along the path we encountered several points of interest, some being cultural while others environmental. While walking through the area you encounter countless butterflies, mostly Painted Ladies but several other species are seen as well. The diversified ambiance of the surroundings are peaceful, except for the view of the Lamma power plant in the distance.

There are many variations of plant life that we came across, from the succession of pioneer plants to strangling plants and regenerated forests, all the way down to the importance of mudflats. The most impressive environmental finale was the multitude of Wood Spiders ( Nephila Maculata) nestled off the path, a reassuring distance away. It is recognizable by the pattern on its body that resembles a human face not to mention being a humongous arachnid, just the body measuring up to 15 cm long. Its webs are large multidimensional configurations.

Nearing the end of the trail we noticed the Kamikaze Grottos, where during the Japanese occupation, tunnels were carved into the mountain side to store equipment, boats and also used as shelter. Arriving to Sok Kwu Wan we discovered a Tin Hau temple over a hundred years old in which the mascot was a rare enormous sea monster truly caught off of the islands coast. This creature is an Oar Fish (Regalecus Glesne) and legend has it that one glimpse of this fish will ensure eternal happiness.

At the end of the trail we sat down for a well deserved seafood lunch at one of the local harbor side restaurants that had great meal choices and the price included the ferry ride back to Hong Kong Island! A great ending to a wonderful day!

Lamma Island remains copyright of the author Pamelieux, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Dragons Back

2008-07-09T08:08:03Z

This holiday weekend has been full of exploration and green surroundings. Begining with a wonderful not too streneous hike up the famous Dragons Back which is stage 8 of the Hong Trail. The Dragons Back has been hailed by Time as Asia's best urban hike "the city's finest and most surprising ramble". Located on the Southeastern part of Hong Kong Island, it is 8.5 km long and takes a little under 3 hours to complete. There are the most fantastic views from the ridge of the coast and sea, including the dynamic south coast of the Hong Kong peninsula. Starting from Tei Wan, passing between Pottinger Peak and Mount Collision with the trail ending at Tai Long wan. The name Dragons Back derives from the shape of the ridge that rolls up and down like the back ridge of the legendary beast. When the northeast monsoon is blowing, Dragon's Back is popular with paragliders who climb up with their heavy packs, then launch themselves from grassy slopes, hang in the air, and eventually drift down to a beach at Shek O. And birds of prey like the rising air currents too - you can often see Black Kites here, and could spot a White-bellied Sea-Eagle. The path takes you through bamboo forests to areas with trees that are covered with Painted Ladies, the local butterfly.
At the end of this trail you are on the beach, you exit at Big Wave Bay a popular surfing spot or further south at the well known, preferred by the locals beach called Shek O. In the past a fishing community, Shek O is now quite mixed with luxury houses. For amazing views and a great ending, this is the hike for you!

Dragons Back remains copyright of the author Pamelieux, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Typhoons in Hong Kong

2008-07-14T05:10:31Z

Typhoons in Hong Kong are notorious in combination with 98% humidity during summer months. June through early September. If you happen to be in Hong Kong during a typhoon you are quite out of luck as almost everything comes to a standstill. The Hong Kong Observatory has typhoon warnings according to how close and how strong they are, this usually begins with a typhoon number one signal which tends to escalate to three. When the number 8 signal is raised it mean HK will directly be affected. School, offices, stores and public transportation close immediately and everyone goes home. People are advised not to go outside, and like hurricanes in Miami after the excitement of watching the storm getting closer dies down you are left with nothing to do but stay inside and wait it out. I know friends who are in the Philippines now who suffered much worse then us, a few days earlier due to the same typhoon. The following is the message sent to those in my program during our first (and hopefully last) HK typhoon.

Typhoon Fengshen

The No. 8 Southwest Gale or Storm Signal is in force.

This means that winds with mean speeds of 63 kilometres per hour or more are expected from the southwest quarter.

At 11 a.m., Tropical Storm Fengshen was centred about 90 kilometres north of Hong Kong Observatory (near 23.1 degrees north 114.0 degrees east) and is forecast to move north or north-northwest at about 14 kilometres per hour moving further into Guangdong.

Fengshen is gradually weakening after making landfall. The Observatory will issue the Strong Wind Signal No. 3 soon.

Conditions over the Western part of the Territory are still rather windy and rainy. The public should remain on the alert.

In the past hour, the maximum sustained winds recorded at Chek Lap Kok and Cheung Chau were 59 and 57 kilometres per hour with maximum gusts 69 and 77 kilometres per hour respectively.

(Precautionary Announcements with No. 8 Signal)

1. Since seas are rough, you are advised to stay away from the shoreline and not to engage in water sports.

2. Flights at Hong Kong International Airport may be affected by the weather. Please contact your airline for the latest flight information before departing for the airport.

3. Please listen to your radio or watch your TV for the latest weather information broadcast at the 15th, 30th, 45th and 58th minute of each hour. You can also browse the Hong Kong Observatory's web site for the information. http://www.hko.gov.hk/contente.htm

Amber Rainstorm Warning Signal Special Announcement issued at 10:10 a.m.

The Rainstorm Warning Signal is now Amber. This means that heavy rain has fallen or is expected to fall generally over Hong Kong, exceeding 30 millimetres in an hour, and is likely to continue.

There will be flooding in some low-lying and poorly drained areas. People who are likely to be affected should take necessary precautions to reduce their exposure to risk posed by the heavy rain and flooding.

Please continue to exercise due care. People who have to travel should carefully consider weather and road conditions and take necessary precautions.

Please listen to radio or watch television for traffic conditions and further announcements on the rainstorm.

Here is regulations issued by the Hong Kong Government regarding working issues related to the weather. For more detailed information, please refer to the attachment.

The warning/signal is in force before normal working hours

◆ All employees other than essential staff are not required to report for duty.

◆ Essential staff are required to report for duty.

◆ Essential staff should inform their supervisors as soon as practicable if they have difficulties in reporting for duty.

Typhoons in Hong Kong remains copyright of the author Pamelieux, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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First week in China

2008-06-22T09:59:15Z

China, it is a place like you've never imagined till you get here. Then it exceeds your expectations. You might hear it from others, but don't form your opinion till you get here. It's a place where you walk left and stand on the right. When you cross the street its where you first look left ALWAYS, then right. Where down starts on the left side and up starts on the right.
In Hong Kong the public transportation arrives on time every time. You begin to understand why it might be the next world power (or already is) by the mechanical way people work like mad from 9 am to 7 pm with hardly a break. You might just understand when you look to see that 80 percent of what you own says "Made in China". Here I can get any type of massage 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Instead of hurricanes there are typhoons and black rain, sometimes even an earthquake or two. Here in HK there is a large expatriate community and if your in Central or SoHo, can close your eyes and only hear english. My first week in China has been an intensive immersion into an amazing culture. Working with Oriental Travel I have learned so much about HK in this short week and being able to experience it first hand is mind blowing. I am happy and well, with good company, great food and a pretty awesome internship!

First week in China remains copyright of the author Pamelieux, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Ashton

2008-06-22T07:25:42Z

Ashton[u]

Attentive
Social butterfly
headstrong and successful
top cook
original
never a dull moment

Ashton Winkler is the kind of friend you want to have where ever you go. She's the type of friend who wakes up early to see the race and you at the finish line, the one who will take pictures in your greatest moment. She's the girl who remembers your birthday and even throws you a well planned out themed bash. She not just the life of the party but the one who knows all the owners of the places you've been dying to go in the city you've been dying to see. She exemplifies fun. Ashton is the girl who's there for you even from halfway across the world. Thanks Ashton.

Ashton remains copyright of the author Pamelieux, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Aquathon!!!

2008-06-24T02:11:28Z

June 22 Aquathon

Sprint Distance (2km run & 275m swim & 2km run)
Swim leg – 275m, 1 lap – competitors swim around two marker buoys in a clockwise direction.
Run Legs (x 2) – 2km, 1 lap – an out and back course along South Bay Road. Turning Point A is 900m from the start line. Participants then return along the same route back to South Bay Beach. After the first run leg participants will go to transition to prepare for the swim. After the second run leg, participants will cross the finish line on the road. Drink stations: There is one drink station on the run course.

This will be my adventure on Sunday. I have never been involved in a multi-sport activity and I have to say that I am quite excited. I am the only person I know out of the 400 that will be participating in this race.
After the race:
Wow it was challenging, what they didn't mention was that the running part was uphill! The swimming part was the difficult part for me...after you get out of the water, all the tension from the first 2k has been released and you can just feel gravity asking you to lie down. But.. I kicked my butt in gear and made it in 32 minutes and 40 seconds! The coolest part that in my age category 20-29 I came in top 10 as # 7! With an overall place of 35 out of 250 people!

Aquathon!!! remains copyright of the author Pamelieux, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Oriental Travel

2008-07-10T04:37:33Z

Oriental Travel
19/F Keen Hung Commercial Building 80 Queens Road East, Wanchai HK

The office where I work is very small and consists of 4 people plus me. The owner Mr. Ngai who I have not met, Fred my supervisor, Noelle and Esther the ladies who hold down the fort and keep it together. The focus of this travel agency is to promote inbound travel to China. Which by 2010 will be the most visited country in the world surpassing the current leader, France. The target market is travelers from the U.S. and Canada. The work environment is wonderful and the views from the office are spectacular. Located in the heart of Wan Chai it is a short walk from the MTR station. Wan Chai (Little Bay) had a reputation during the vietnam war as the anything goes red light district, but today it is mainly a centre for shopping, business and more upscale entertainment. I have been given a refreshing amount of freedom to come up with the project that I will work on, and I have chosen eco-tourism in Hong Kong. The island of Hong Kong - total area 1,098sq km, 40% is protected country park, 40% rural land, 20% urban. With hundreds of peaks, the highest being 965m. 230 islands surrounded with clear jade water, coral, sea caves & arches and powder white beaches it definitely is worth marketing to other ecotourism lovers! So my idea is to come up with a guide and maybe a few different itineraries for Hong Kong's green areas so as to appeal to different travellers. It has been exhilarating so far, I have learned so much about this destination I can even boast knowing more background info than some expats who have lived here for a few years! Any creative ideas? Writing tips hints and suggestions are always welcome!
http://www.orientaltravel.com/

Oriental Travel remains copyright of the author Pamelieux, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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Hong Kong Central Library

2008-06-20T09:27:54Z

The Hong Kong Central library is pretty amazing. The Library was open to the public on 17 May 2001 and it is now the largest public library in Hong Kong with a capacity of holding 2 million items of library materials. Equipped with state-of-the-art technologies and digital library facilities so really none of the books are very old and they have an extensive travel section in English. In fact they have quite a large selection of books in English. The most interesting thing about it is the type of people who are here and how into the books they are. In the U.S. you don't see people flocking to the library on their lunch breaks to read like they do here. People are so involved in their books that they hardly look up during loud distractions. The children are in quantity and seem ready to soak up what ever the white little pages have to offer, they even bring carts from home in which to wheel the books around behind them. It really is a breath of fresh air to find such a relaxing place with a great ambiance and an amazing view of the skyline!

Hong Kong Central Library remains copyright of the author Pamelieux, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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The Big Apple

2008-06-09T15:33:40Z

It is always amazing, making the trip to a city that really never sleeps. Also, it is a great transition to China, as Vicky's apartment is smack in the middle of the New York Chinese community!
Today is my birthday and at 5:45 a.m. Jasmine showed up under the fire escape like my prince on a white horse (only that it was a big white van) and sang me Happy Birthday. Making my day even better everyone is planning a sushi night at our favorite NYC "Iron Sushi" where I'm sure we will endure a generous long winded song, a cappella, oriental style, by the neighborhoods notorious owner. Tomorrow we are driving out to the Hamptons to beat this brutal heat wave and take advantage of my last North American beach day! Great Birthday and thanks for the birthday wishes everyone!!

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Pre-departure

2008-06-04T22:34:15Z

Exactly 5 days before I embark to New York............
Feeling pretty prepared, I am beginning to gather what will travel with me and decide what will stay. It is pretty exciting and leaving via New York, is always a great send off! It has been great having mom here, we have been working out together and its great! I won't forget to mention the scrumptious food in the fridge! I know Allegra will be super happy in Mexico but It is still hard to see them both go. Today is a no wind day in Miami there are about 6 knots of wind caressing the already HOT beaches to the east, and I know that in Hatteras it is 25 knots! Jasmin I'm sure will be in the ocean all day.

Packing..

Pre-departure remains copyright of the author Pamelieux, a member of the travel community Travellerspoint.

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