Since we returned from the Philippines I have been wearing long-sleeved shirts and enduring nearly constant rain and fog...the general consensus is that we miss the Philippines! I have actually been propositioned to go back to with some people that want to experience what we were all raving about after our return, but I think I will hold out so that I can afford a trip to somewhere I have not been yet.
Despite the crappy weather I have been out and about. Went out with Megan the other day to develop pictures, eat sushi, and partake in the national past-time... shopping (see pictures). We were passing through the Hong Kong/Central MTR station and saw something very strange; the wedding of two imaginary characters named ‘Hello Kitty’ and ‘Dear Daniel’... I don’t get it. Every time I have passed by since then there is ALWAYS a crowd of people taking pictures with A) their cell phones, or B) Massive, expensive, digital ‘SLR’ cameras with all of the bells and whistles.
This weekend I happened across an inter-catamaran-club regatta... and crewed in it! Unfortunately I didn’t bring my camera because I wasn’t sure if I would have a dry place to keep my things.
The quick-and-dirty version of the story is that I saw a gentleman here at HKUST doing something in an area that I knew there was a Hobie 16, so I started talking with him. It turns out that it was his boat and he mentioned that there are several sailing clubs in Hong Kong including Fleet 179 (the Hong Kong Hobie Club). Feeling the itch, I naturally found them on the internet, sent them an email saying how I would like to meet them and would be available to crew if anyone needed a hand for a race. I got a phone call the next morning informing me of a spot that needed filling, so of course I jumped on the opportunity to sail in the Cheung Chau Challenge which is a meeting of the Hong Kong Hobie Club and the Lantau Boat Club.
It proved to be a great weekend of sailing and socializing with fellow sailors from around the world. The wind wasn’t very good on Saturday, and the Sunday race was cancelled due to lack of wind. However, the socializing more than made up for it. I was fortunate to meet and spend some time talking with some local and international sailing legends which was a great experience to say the least.
Last night (Saturday) there was a seafood dinner which consisted mainly of beer and laughter. After a few minutes I realized that these folks were a good time and I didn’t want to go all the way back to HKUST for the night (Cheung Chau is an island ~1.5 hours by ferry/MTR). Fortunately one of the local ‘legends’ had an extra bed in his room and was more than willing to let me crash there... so the night was that much more enjoyable.
Now I am back at HKUST pondering how to extend my stay here so that I can take up some of these guys on their offers to crew on a Hobie Tiger (my dream boat)!!!
PICTURES of my room and other misc HK stuff: 4.Mar
Sunday, March 4, 2007
