You can find my pictures of the trip at:
http://s222.photobucket.com/albums/dd180/cl8onj1s/Cathay%20October%202007/
Unfortunately they are slightly out of order at the moment, but I will likely be re-sorting them before you read this!
Enjoy and thank you for reading.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Thursday, November 1, 2007
The World Has Turned and Left Me Here
There is a great lyric from Weezer that states, "The world has turned and left me here, just where I was before you appeared". For Weezer they were singing about being back in the same place after a relationship gone awry, but in my case, I find myself typing in my blog back in somewhat familiar San Francisco. While physically everything is the same, through my adventures, I think I am a little different.
No adventure should ever be measured by numbers, but I think it can be a fun game to play and so here are some interesting stats:
+ 3 out of 4 Asian Tigers/Dragons visited (Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore and missing South Korea)
+ 9 cities visited with a population over 3 million
+ 4 new "countries" visited (counting Hong Kong and Macau... though officially they are Special Administrative Regions of China)
+ 3 Hong Kong passport stamps (one during my visit, one coming back from Macau, one this morning switching airlines between Singapore and San Francisco)
+ 6 different airlines (United, Cathay Pacific, Dragon Air, China Eastern, China Air, Asia Jetstar)
Someone asked what my favorite part of the trip was and I would have to say the day I spent catching up with Susanne (and later Clea) in Shanghai. Shanghai had been such a place of my imagination; a place where east and west collide, old and new share the same address, poor become rich. Certainly such a place can only exist in myth, but Shanghai comes very close (in they myth it would be a fair bit cleaner). In the backdrop of this amazing place, Susanne and I caught up on each other's lives and talked a lot about where the economy and world was going. Me being so young an naive in the ways of global development, it was the type of all day conversation typically reserved for only students. I am indebted to Susanne for not only her wonderful hospitality but reminding me how wonderful it can be to engage in ideas (and not the type of rosy, student optimism from college... but the pragmatic type that is born from real experience and understanding).
I can honestly recommend to any would be traveller any/all of the places I visited. My "guide" in writing this blog has been Marco Polo, and while I fall far short of his abilities, I hope that maybe I have interested you in visiting Cathay (or including Singapore the Sino-sphere). Please feel free to contact me for more information (or just to grab a cup of tea).
I will post the link to my pictures when I have them all sorted!
No adventure should ever be measured by numbers, but I think it can be a fun game to play and so here are some interesting stats:
+ 3 out of 4 Asian Tigers/Dragons visited (Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore and missing South Korea)
+ 9 cities visited with a population over 3 million
+ 4 new "countries" visited (counting Hong Kong and Macau... though officially they are Special Administrative Regions of China)
+ 3 Hong Kong passport stamps (one during my visit, one coming back from Macau, one this morning switching airlines between Singapore and San Francisco)
+ 6 different airlines (United, Cathay Pacific, Dragon Air, China Eastern, China Air, Asia Jetstar)
Someone asked what my favorite part of the trip was and I would have to say the day I spent catching up with Susanne (and later Clea) in Shanghai. Shanghai had been such a place of my imagination; a place where east and west collide, old and new share the same address, poor become rich. Certainly such a place can only exist in myth, but Shanghai comes very close (in they myth it would be a fair bit cleaner). In the backdrop of this amazing place, Susanne and I caught up on each other's lives and talked a lot about where the economy and world was going. Me being so young an naive in the ways of global development, it was the type of all day conversation typically reserved for only students. I am indebted to Susanne for not only her wonderful hospitality but reminding me how wonderful it can be to engage in ideas (and not the type of rosy, student optimism from college... but the pragmatic type that is born from real experience and understanding).
I can honestly recommend to any would be traveller any/all of the places I visited. My "guide" in writing this blog has been Marco Polo, and while I fall far short of his abilities, I hope that maybe I have interested you in visiting Cathay (or including Singapore the Sino-sphere). Please feel free to contact me for more information (or just to grab a cup of tea).
I will post the link to my pictures when I have them all sorted!
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Penultimate Post
I am in the Hong Kong airport and will soon leave to be back home in the US. Hard to believe that after almost a month, I will soon be back. Harder yet to believe are all the adventures (and mis-adventures!) I have enjoyed, people I have seen and met, and all the places I have been. Throughout the trip my only mission has been to be a sponge and try to absorb and learn as much as possible... and I believe that has been accomplished. Lots to think about when I get home.
Singapore ended up very well. Based on a recommendation from one of the gentlemen I interviewed with I went to a great complex called Chjimes (and pronounced as if there was not the 'j'). It is a former church complex converted into a series of outside restaurants and bars. I am convinced that food taste better al fresco (outside ;-)). On all the trees they hung lights and it creates a great atmosphere.
After dinner I headed back to the river area and walked a bit. The night before I had dinner on the Boat Quay (pronounced "Key") but a little further down is Clarke Quay. Based on the same gentleman's recommendation I went to a bar called China One. Live music and nice people. I ended up meeting the manager of the place and happened to catch her on her "drinking night". We had a few from her private Vodka stash and overall had a great time discussing Singapore, her family, and life in general.
Heading back I wonder what it will be like to be "home". After getting back from Taiwan/Tokyo in August I had a little bit of culture shock and that was after a little less than 2 weeks. I have been gone over twice as long and I wonder what it will be like this time. I also come back to a lot of opportunities but with no clear path. Far from being worried or anxious, however, I am ready to embrace the next challenge and I am looking forward to building a great organization and team (where ever it might be and whatever we might do).
Next stop San Francisco/reality!
Singapore ended up very well. Based on a recommendation from one of the gentlemen I interviewed with I went to a great complex called Chjimes (and pronounced as if there was not the 'j'). It is a former church complex converted into a series of outside restaurants and bars. I am convinced that food taste better al fresco (outside ;-)). On all the trees they hung lights and it creates a great atmosphere.
After dinner I headed back to the river area and walked a bit. The night before I had dinner on the Boat Quay (pronounced "Key") but a little further down is Clarke Quay. Based on the same gentleman's recommendation I went to a bar called China One. Live music and nice people. I ended up meeting the manager of the place and happened to catch her on her "drinking night". We had a few from her private Vodka stash and overall had a great time discussing Singapore, her family, and life in general.
Heading back I wonder what it will be like to be "home". After getting back from Taiwan/Tokyo in August I had a little bit of culture shock and that was after a little less than 2 weeks. I have been gone over twice as long and I wonder what it will be like this time. I also come back to a lot of opportunities but with no clear path. Far from being worried or anxious, however, I am ready to embrace the next challenge and I am looking forward to building a great organization and team (where ever it might be and whatever we might do).
Next stop San Francisco/reality!
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Singapore Part Deux
This morning I got out and did some more sightseeing. Went to the Bugis market and was heading down Orchid Road when it started to poor rain. This was the first inclement weather I had encountered on this entire trip, so I consider myself very lucky.
Got back to my room and prepped for the interviews. I interviewed with 5 folks, and I believe it went pretty well. Still much to do before any decisions are reached (assuming they still want me!), but I liked the people I met. Could this be a reality?
Tonight I am heading to a couple of places suggested by one of the guys I interviewed with... then up at 4am to catch my plane to Hong Kong and from there back to San Francisco.
I am back in time for Halloween and I know of a couple of events... not sure if I will be awake to handle them!
Got back to my room and prepped for the interviews. I interviewed with 5 folks, and I believe it went pretty well. Still much to do before any decisions are reached (assuming they still want me!), but I liked the people I met. Could this be a reality?
Tonight I am heading to a couple of places suggested by one of the guys I interviewed with... then up at 4am to catch my plane to Hong Kong and from there back to San Francisco.
I am back in time for Halloween and I know of a couple of events... not sure if I will be awake to handle them!
Monday, October 29, 2007
Singapore
Arrived in Singapore this afternoon. First thing you notice (especially coming from China) is that it is incredibly clean and very few people are smoking. Pretty little downtown area by a river running through the city. My hotel is pretty central and there is a bar on the 70th floor that offers great views of the city (which is best seen with a "Singapore Sling" in hand!).
For those who did not know, I am actually interviewing here tomorrow. There is a company based in Mountain View (Silicon Valley) but that was founded and has most of their engineering and sales team in Singapore. I have interviewed with the Mountain View folks, but now need to interview with the Singapore group. The job itself would be in Singapore. SHOCK and SURPRISE, but I may be moving from San Francisco. Lots needs to happen before that happens, but it is an option that is attractive to me.
After my trip to Tokyo, I realized how limited my business views had been. While not saying it, I had adopted an attitude of "if it aint in the Valley, it aint really business". Very clearly this is not the case (and was somewhat snobby of me). In particular, in my sector of technology (mobility) there are far more interesting opportunities in Asia and Europe than in the US.
We will see where this leads!
For those who did not know, I am actually interviewing here tomorrow. There is a company based in Mountain View (Silicon Valley) but that was founded and has most of their engineering and sales team in Singapore. I have interviewed with the Mountain View folks, but now need to interview with the Singapore group. The job itself would be in Singapore. SHOCK and SURPRISE, but I may be moving from San Francisco. Lots needs to happen before that happens, but it is an option that is attractive to me.
After my trip to Tokyo, I realized how limited my business views had been. While not saying it, I had adopted an attitude of "if it aint in the Valley, it aint really business". Very clearly this is not the case (and was somewhat snobby of me). In particular, in my sector of technology (mobility) there are far more interesting opportunities in Asia and Europe than in the US.
We will see where this leads!
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Penultimate Destination
Last night was Halloween in Lan Kwai Fong. Really fun as crowds of people swarmed the streets in costume. I did not put together a costume, but enjoyed it all the same. At least some cities are not afraid of having a good time (San Francisco and "Honorable" Mayor Newsom, I am looking your direction... shame on you for canceling Halloween in the Castro... a San Francisco institution).
Today I went to Macau (or Macao) which, like Hong Kong, is considered a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China. Like Hong Kong (and parts of Shanghai) it was a concession to a European power in the aftermath of the Opium Wars. In this case the colonial power was Portugal and only as recently as 1999 was it handed back to China. The architecture definitely reflects the Portuguese influence. The sidewalks also have a much more romantic feel (romantic in the sense of architecture).
Despite its interesting colonial ties and links to associated tourism, Macau is being driven by casino-money. Unlike Hong Kong or mainland China, wide spreading gambling is legal. Think of it as the Vegas of the East, it currently has major hotels from Sands, Wynn, and MGM Grand. Within a 4-hour flight of Vegas is roughly 300-400 million people. Within a 4-hour flight of Macua is roughly 2.5 BILLION (most of China and India). While the average person around Macau does not have the wealth of a typical North American... it is still a huge opportunity. The casinos themselves were nice (not quite as nice as Vegas) and had many baccarat, kai pow, and other games I do not know how to play. Oh well... I will be going to Vegas in a month or so with my swimming alumni friends.
One of the interesting aspects of getting to Macau is you take a 1-hour long ferry. It is a fast moving jet boat and the inside is designed to resemble an airplane. You also have to have a passport and get new stamps!
When I got back from Macau I headed over to the Peak Tram... basically a cable car going up a hill that at times feels like a 45-degree angle. Very nice and very nice view at the top. I am now even more embarrassed that I have never done the cable cars in San Francisco!
Next time I am in Hong Kong, I need to head to the southern part of the island!
Next (and final :-( ) stop Singapore in the morning!
Today I went to Macau (or Macao) which, like Hong Kong, is considered a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China. Like Hong Kong (and parts of Shanghai) it was a concession to a European power in the aftermath of the Opium Wars. In this case the colonial power was Portugal and only as recently as 1999 was it handed back to China. The architecture definitely reflects the Portuguese influence. The sidewalks also have a much more romantic feel (romantic in the sense of architecture).
Despite its interesting colonial ties and links to associated tourism, Macau is being driven by casino-money. Unlike Hong Kong or mainland China, wide spreading gambling is legal. Think of it as the Vegas of the East, it currently has major hotels from Sands, Wynn, and MGM Grand. Within a 4-hour flight of Vegas is roughly 300-400 million people. Within a 4-hour flight of Macua is roughly 2.5 BILLION (most of China and India). While the average person around Macau does not have the wealth of a typical North American... it is still a huge opportunity. The casinos themselves were nice (not quite as nice as Vegas) and had many baccarat, kai pow, and other games I do not know how to play. Oh well... I will be going to Vegas in a month or so with my swimming alumni friends.
One of the interesting aspects of getting to Macau is you take a 1-hour long ferry. It is a fast moving jet boat and the inside is designed to resemble an airplane. You also have to have a passport and get new stamps!
When I got back from Macau I headed over to the Peak Tram... basically a cable car going up a hill that at times feels like a 45-degree angle. Very nice and very nice view at the top. I am now even more embarrassed that I have never done the cable cars in San Francisco!
Next time I am in Hong Kong, I need to head to the southern part of the island!
Next (and final :-( ) stop Singapore in the morning!
Saturday, October 27, 2007
I <3 Hong Kong
Another great day in Hong Kong. After a leisurely stroll around Wan Chai (the area where my hotel is at) I met up with a friend of mine from the Good (Technology) days... Jessica Hwang. We went to Lantau island (still part of Hong Kong) and went to see a "Big Buddha". Usually there is a cable car ride that takes you over a lush tropical forest, but sadly it was out... so we took a bus instead. Glad I was not driving, but the bus afforded some beautiful views of water, rock, and wood. We also saw some interesting small villages. I often wonder what keeps these small towns (regardless of country) in business, but I guess there is always (or at least always should be) someone to love the land.
Needless to say it is a Big Buddha on top of a peak that gave great views all over the island. After spending much time in urban Shanghai and Hong Kong, it was great to get back to nature (well... kind of nature). Reminded me a lot of the Daibatsu in Kamakura (Japan) when I was there in August.
After parting with Jessica I headed over to pick up my suit and shirts. They did a marvelous job and I can not wait for a chance to wear them. If anyone needs a formal date, let me know ;-)! In fact, I learned that my tailor had done a suit for David Bowie. If you are reading this blog, chances are you are my friend. If you are my friend, chances are you have seen Zoolander. If you have seen Zoolander, chances are you know the importance of Ol' Ziggy Stardust.
I then walked back to the Golden Mile (the southern most tip of Tsim Sha Tsui... so named because of its view of the island and its expense). By this time it was evening and the haze that sometimes envelops the island was lifted and offered an incredible view of the illuminated skyline. I got lots of pictures and will post them at the end of the trip.
Still much to do in Hong Kong (Peak Tram in central, Stanley, and the whole south of the island), but I am still planning on heading to Macau tomorrow (and Singapore on Monday). I know I will be back to Hong Kong, so will leave some things to do then (though I will try to do the Peak Tram tomorrow evening).
Needless to say it is a Big Buddha on top of a peak that gave great views all over the island. After spending much time in urban Shanghai and Hong Kong, it was great to get back to nature (well... kind of nature). Reminded me a lot of the Daibatsu in Kamakura (Japan) when I was there in August.
After parting with Jessica I headed over to pick up my suit and shirts. They did a marvelous job and I can not wait for a chance to wear them. If anyone needs a formal date, let me know ;-)! In fact, I learned that my tailor had done a suit for David Bowie. If you are reading this blog, chances are you are my friend. If you are my friend, chances are you have seen Zoolander. If you have seen Zoolander, chances are you know the importance of Ol' Ziggy Stardust.
I then walked back to the Golden Mile (the southern most tip of Tsim Sha Tsui... so named because of its view of the island and its expense). By this time it was evening and the haze that sometimes envelops the island was lifted and offered an incredible view of the illuminated skyline. I got lots of pictures and will post them at the end of the trip.
Still much to do in Hong Kong (Peak Tram in central, Stanley, and the whole south of the island), but I am still planning on heading to Macau tomorrow (and Singapore on Monday). I know I will be back to Hong Kong, so will leave some things to do then (though I will try to do the Peak Tram tomorrow evening).
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