Pictures of a Low-Down, Dancing Shane

Macao Returns, 10 years later

First of all, what happens when you cram one million sardines in a city the size of Saskatoon?

This. And let me tell you, when it's your turn to squeeze out because the bus has reached your stop, it ain't pretty. Little old ladies, young grown men, they're all fair game when you elbow your way out. (They shove equally)



Was par to an event put on by TPR (my school, Total Physical Response) tonight that finally happened, and without many problems. As in any underdeveloped country that I've heard about, ie Africa, China, Brazil, there are many logistical nightmares and problems that arise simply because, well, I don't know. After waiting for half an hour for a taxi (that would take us more than half an hour away, during rush hour, AND during the only time taxi drivers switch off from their shifts, thus NOT picking up people) our boss man organized a van to take us to a port, where we could catch the ferry that would take us sightseeing to Macao. (a private van, for some indeterminate fee)


This is our bossman, and me. His name is Orpheus, or Morpheus, I'm not sure which for reasons that began before the free red wine that I had no choice to drink because the wine here sucks, tastes like vinegar, and this stuff was from Chile and tasted like sweet Canadian Merlot. But, he was really cool.


And this is our cruise.
Colby: I would definitely like to take a cruise in the future, longer than the two hours it took tonight. It's magical.
It took us from the Gongbei district of Zhuhai

to the other side of some as of now unknown river, aka Macao

I could feel it when large waves hit the boat. It was an odd feeling, but not enough for anyone to spill their wine. Three levels, the topmost of which was used for viewing the sights, which were stunning, although I could only spot one star in the sky from the haze, which was most likely Jupiter. Major casinos such as the Lisboa, Sands, and MGM Grand were visible.

Walking aboard was fairly magical. Having caught a quasi-taxi just in time, racing along (we nearly crashed and died twice), and finding ourselves boarding a large cruise ship with a party atmosphere, I had no idea what was in store.



The person taking the photo (Chinese) told us to say something sweet, and hold out our fingers in a peace sign. This group includes Joshua and Amanda, an American couple and fellow teachers, and John, my co-teacher at New Xianjo.

The food was great Western Chinese food; chicken fried rice, fruit and vegetables, noodles, and clams, among others, along with free bottles of wine. (Will I regret this tomorrow morning at six, waking up to work a full day? No.)
Here is John and .


After finishing the buffet supper, we made our way to the top deck to gaze on the horizon and converse.

Saskatchewan says that Saskatoon is the city of bridges, but so is the Macao-Zhuhai waterway. (Macao Tower on the left)



While atop the cruise I was approached by this extremely attractive individual who heads an upcoming agency company. (www.modelstaragency.com) I'd met him a few weeks ago at the local expat bar, Ryan's Bar, and was informed of the opportunity to be an extra in an also upcoming Chinese (major) movie nearby. F yeah.

During the night there were various singers, some good, some mostly bad, some reminiscent of Tina Turner.

This fellow played a local Chinese instrument while balancing numerous plates that spun on sticks, which seems to be tradition here. I was informed seconds before our group was to move to the front, with a beautiful singer, to dance, being from TPR. I was joined eventually by Joshua, thank god.
I did the robot. (More photos to come of that...)

If you're white in China, you get noticed. On a cruise, with other 'famous' people, ie famous Chinese people, you become alike. I felt quite famous getting numerous photos taken with these personalities, including one of whom was the second coolest baba ever. (You know who you are, number one Baba)

She reminded me of the Western Elizabeth Taylor, what with the platic surgery and all, but she kicked ass.
Later she was interviewed by a television station. She must have been famous.


Toward the end all the personalities (I got the feeling these people were famous; art types, and musicians)accumulated onto the stage and sang one final song, as the lights flickered on and the boat slowed to dock.


I was immensely pleased with tonight, especially since I was unable to venture to the mountains I wanted to see this week. Orpheus informed me that he's a hiker, and is going to take me to visit not only a tall mountain far away, but as well an island with ultra-exotic features, along with his friends.

I've become enamored with Desperate Housewives, thank you Heather and Kristen. (Try it, it's worth it) Monday I might visit Hong Kong, along with getting up early to see the low tide (.51 m, as opposed to a high of 3.2 m; should make for good photos)

Here the moon rises, nearly full, on Macao Port.

Face of Jesus Reported on Fruit; Christianity Deemed Most Creative Religion to Attract Newcomers

Shane Hladun, 22, of Zhuhai, China, spotted the image while preparing a snack.
He says the stunning resemblance to Jesus Christ has reassured him that "life is going to be good".
The 22 year-old said the image looks just like Jesus and proves "he's listening".
He said he won't be eating nectarines any more and plans to purchase new fruit.
According to the Boston Globe, he shared the photo on Facebook, and was reassured by friends that they, too, saw Jesus on the fruit.
"So I said, 'OK, I'm not crazy'," Mr. Hladun said.
When asked to comment further Mr. Hladun said, "I've seen other so-called miracle faces before, and mine is the most distinct. I'm obviously the best."

First of December

Happy first December at plus 20 degrees!

The beach soundtrack seems appropriate as I remember this evening, Moby and all that. After a lovely day at the beach (although it was a bit windy), I had a great evening.
When Chinese people go to the beach, they do so in suits and dresses. The particular beach I was at today, a place I call Sands beach, regularily has photo shoots for newly wed couples. This afternoon I was the mode of interest for beach goers and Married-makers alike, even becoming a part of the photo shoot once for the latter. It's been very smoggy lately, so there isn't much to be seen on the ocean's horizon, but with a UV index of 6, it's still adequate for a suntan. (in december)
This was taken on Saturday, as I left for class at 7 am. It seems I've fallen into a routine lately, waking up earlier than I would have in Canada, around 8 am. I guess I'm getting old.


Tonight I left for Gongbei to meet John, my co-worker, his girlfriend, and Matt and Alyssa, from America, for Go Kart Racing. Unfortunately I didn't bring my camera, but let me tell you.
We all sat around drinking a beer, to liven things up, as we watched three Chinese drivers take the curves. This was an underground racing circuit with fast cart cars. The track took about a minute to finish at our fastest, and with curves was approximately 500 m long. I could be very wrong on my estimation.
We put our helmets on, and took off. I was m'f-ing Tokyo drifting, alright. This was such fun, I think it will become a weekly mainstay for us, overtaking each other, screeching around corners, and losing control. In China, there is a saying among us foreigners: There are no rules here. Therefor we can do whatever we want; crash into the tires that surround the track, into each other, go as fast as we want, endless.
40 kwai for ten minutes (which did feel like a while), or about 7.50 CAD.
We took a walk down Walking Street to a place John had dranken snake blood and Baijo (the local hard liquor). The reason for this: live snakes (in cages). Vipers, Kraits, Sea serpents, and other snakes I couldn't recognize lay in cages for the curious to behold. It was a draw in for business, and it worked on me. Although the shop wasn't busy, after we stayed to drink beer and chat, it opened up with customers.
Being white, I can take advantage of some great things here in China. As well, however, I am also taken advantage of. While sitting down in this open restaurant, our group was approached by seven people throughout the night who wanted to polish our shoes for three kwai. In addition, three people who wanted to sell us roses for our 'girlfriends', but one of them came back repeatedly, I think. They were very persistant, and even when we ignored them they still usually did not go away. It's fun in these situations to say things in English, and know they would not realise what was said.
Partially through our stay here, I looked outside to see the owner had lifted out a snake from its cage, cut its head off, and drained its blood into a shot glass. The body still writhing minutes after decapitation, John told me it was an expensive delicacy to order a snake that cost upwards of 400 kwai, drink its blood and eat its flesh. One day I will try this, merely because its available, but that night was not tonight.
I shared a taxi home with the Americans, after getting sugar cane/bamboo (I'm not sure what it was, or if there is a difference) to try. It was fibrous, and filled with sugar water. Again, something in China I'm glad I tried, but not willing to get again.


This week is chock full of fun stuff. Tomorrow I'll finish climbing Phoenix Mountain, this time with Laura, and with more daylight. Hopefully, I'll run into a snake so I can drain its blood! :)

ah, Nida

bugs and ancient artifacts

Was walking along the island's rocky beach and found a fragment of what could probably be second century Ching Dynasty. there was a thin layer of what looked like quartz, or rocky plastic, on the inside. Any thoughts?


Also, found a bug on the ground.