Thoughts beyond my life & my travel - Bel

I wanna tell you that you are an amazing person. No matter what you have to go through now will be over. Believe what you can do and what you can do in the future.  There will be a rainbow showing up for soon.😗

  Among my recent hiking journey, I am mostly shocked about how fragile butterfly is. I spotted over tens of butterflies died when I hiked on a small island. Butterflies are so colourful and so free to wander around flowers. They simply give one the impression that they are young and free like a bird, but they never fly up high to the sky or fly across the ocean. It seems like they are relatively local and bound to the area they are born. I don't mind to be a butterfly in my next life even though life is short. 

It looks like a deserted island but this island was packed with people during Easter holidays. It looks speculator when you are not able to go overseas. Water does not discriminate land, and equally erode rock and sand no matter where you go. In the old days, you probably travel far away to see similar cliffs and special rock formation. Probably you can find similar landscape in one fine corner in the country you live. Only that the water colour looks a bit different; the shape may be a bit more awkward in a foreign land because of the slightly different rock composition and less impact by habitants.   

People tend not to eat the skin of an apple or cut out the crust of the bread loaf nowadays. I find it not necessary and more like a waste of food. My friend introduced me these tiny tangerines from Japan where I am supposed to eat the skin as well. I must admit that it's a bit weird to eat the whole thing, but I feel less "guilty" when I eat the 2nd one. Actually, there is a Japanese version of bananas that you can eat the whole thing including skin. It's almost like $100 each, I will guess it's more a weird feeling of having the "skin-included" banana in your meal, even though it's eatable.  Our brain is programmed with habits, especially eating habits and preference.   

  It's only late March that many HKers need to turn on the AC and fan apart from the dehumidifier. The air is a bit stuffy, even with some wind, you still feel it's damp wind. Basically I have the dehumidifier and fan on for drying my laundry and floor dry after a cleaning session.  Styling for my hair is quite difficult. I blow it dry. My thin hair still sticks to my face. I could simply call it a "bad hair day".  Well, the good thing is that we can forsee the beaches will open soon as the hot weather helps fight the virus. I also look forward to the Easter holidays for a good break. 

Dim sum usually comes with 4 pieces, but nowadays you could order 1 piece of siu mai or shrimp dumpling as the max number of people gathering was restricted to two only. Well, the price for one can sound a bit steep, somehow the restaurant manages to make it more like a more luxurious version. If you go to the Chinese restaurant with one friend only, you can now manage to try a few more dishes because of the flexibility to order. Not a bad thing.  Business mind evolves over time to adapt to restrictions and people's changes of taste. 

How is the family doing when different people have diverging political views? Jojo Rabbit tells a very good story about it. They try to advocate their ideals in a non-conflicting ways. Mom lets the son join the youth propaganda training, but does her own propaganda to "free Germany".  The son finds out the secret of his mom but doesn't report it to the authority; on the contrary, gradually embrace it, and even becomes the friend of the Jewish girl.  In real life, people joined a political party, and might shift to another after a few years. It might reflect how their mindsets have been changing, or means that they are seeking another path that fits with goals and career development.  Is that a harmonious choice? Not necessary. We do compromise to make life happier in certain ways.  Jojo Rabbit is a movie about war? Not exactly, somehow the ending with David Bowie music just makes it happier and edgier.  Have a good weekend.  

When being guided to meditate, I am always asked to imagine myself in a comfortable zone, like feeling the sun warming up my body, or being a scenic beach enjoying a view. When I hike today, I'm hoping to take a picture of the blue sky that aids my meditation exercises. The weather truly gets better today, but not to the extent of the blue sky that I'm looking for. I will bear it in mind and hope to get the ideal picture for thoughts and meditation.   

At the time of the pandemic, our mind is congested with COVID news every day and many stresses. My fitness routine is being interrupted, hanging out with friends are also not quite possible. Apart from Chinese medicine, I came for meditation to create head space in my mind.  Our body and mindsets are amazing. Endorphins created by exercises make our body feel better, and spending time with people also create positive feelings. Now, the technique of breathing, being grateful also help the mind more focused, relaxed every now and then.  I wanna thank the special moment my brother and I visited my parents' resting place again, feeling blessed by my parents and feeling better to reconnect with my brother a little bit more.   

Do you like crisps but look for something healthier? This crispy crackers made of chia seeds, flax seed powder, sesame seeds and assorted nuts are a perfect choice for mid-morning snack. I usually do not have the patience of spending hours for baking, but this thin crisp takes only a few minutes to mix all these ingredients with water, then you add on honey or salt, and lay it out for baking half an hour. It's ready to serve and so delicious.  Honestly, this protein-rich and fibre-rich cracker does not add any guilty feelings when you have it during a mid-day break. Embrace it with its anti-oxidant content as well many nuts as well.  Bon appetite.   

  There is a surge of satay beef fans who look for good HK-style cafes serving satay beef noodle in soup. I like satay beef; somehow I prefer satay beef with vermicelli as one of my favourite comfort foods. Having this pot with rice is just perfect, especially in winter. I love the flavour, I love the tender beef, I like the onions and vegetables soaked with satay sauce and the vermicelli is simply a perfect match with the beef and rice.  Surprisingly I never bother to learn how to cook it at home as it is served better with a clay pot to make it more flavourable and warm. 

It isn't a normal rocky hole. Situated by the sea, it is probably formed by sea erosion. It's at least 2.5 - 3m high, and looks amazing from inside the hole. The top view is even more stunning. On a lazy weekday, you can sit under the arch and watch the water gently waving in, obviously calming your mind. 

  Two hours from where I live, Oh la la, this is the coastal area where Hongkongers feel proud of. This is supposed to be a protection region but somehow it has become a popular hiking spot as the roads are so flat and family friendly that I even saw the fashion filming on site the other day.  The benefit of living in Hong Kong is that it's never too far to go to a shop, or go to a certain place even though people complaint certain places are out of the way. I realised that it took me less time to have my iPad fixed in the shop rather than spending over 1.5 hours on the phone for trying to get it fixed but without success. 

Isn't it such a joy to see doggies jumping around so freely under the care of their owner? They seem to understand what the owner said and reacted like a human being. They are adorable, amiable and can be a very good companion. One day, I might get a pet to spend time with me, but more likely a cat than a dog. I will probably enjoy seeing her to jump up and down here and there, and then sit on my lap for a minute or two.   

The scent of flowers helps calm me down tonight, and I use a very positive approach just to cheer my friend up. I realise that it also makes me happy.   Positive energy - we need you boost ourselves when travelling is still difficult. Because of the ultra-encouraging motive taken by the Icelanic government for setting up the Eurovision museum in the small town "Husavik" and the super-fun video campaign, we've made something small happen!  "Husavik" is now officially being nominated to compete for the Best Original Song at the 93rd Academy Awards.   

I felt so warm in a winter in London when I walked in Tate Modern Museum. This sun is ridiculously so close, so big. It's so unreal, not a typical sun. I happened to watch the latest documentary on Netflix - Abstract: The art of design, in which the artist of this weather project Olafur Eliasson explained the power of "yellow". Then I realised that it's the yellow colour that gave me the warmth and calmness. I happily lied down on the floor with my friend, enjoying the sun. I could stay there for hours. "Is that modern art?" I was thinking at the time. It's not that abstract to be unapproachable. Contemporary art can be penetrating our normal life, and forms part of our daily experience.  The online art experience can never be as striking as the physical one. When can I go to Tate Modern or a museum abroad again?   

So many artists and fans were so disappointed when Eurovision 2020 was cancelled. Many artists felt they had a shot, but some lost their chances. Lithuania is strong, Iceland is excellent. Switzerland one has an emotional song. Bulgaria has great potentials. Russia is fun and entertaining.  Eurovision 2021 is definitely a "go". With more and more songs revealed, many artists are proved to be "not a one song" artist. Their creative juices still flow. I feel stunned with the Roop 's new song, and amazed with Gjon's one . Even I found Macedonia 's got a better song. Everyone seems to gain great strength and become stronger this year.  I can't wait for the Iceland's song. 😏 Gjon'  

The pandemic spreads through the Central and Western district this time. When I walked through this shopping mall last Friday, you feel everything is normal and nothing has happened. Nice decoration is like a therapy to calm down our anxiety and create cheerful feeling. Why do women like to buy flowers home from time to time. It's almost like shopping therapy that adds "feel good factor" in my life.   

It is not only me who tried to chill a bit when spending more time at home; therefore muscles and tendons are a bit more tightened than usual. In the old days, I liked to go to the massage parlour on and off to loosen the muscles. Since the number of COVID cases are going up and down and nobody could ensure anywhere is safe, I opt for a massage cushion instead. It is wireless, it looks more modern than the old gadget, and can be a part of the furniture pieces, not awkward at all😆.    

Satay beef has become a big hit all in a sudden. People joined a particular fan group on social media, just for tracking down good restaurants to try out satay beef with noodle. Company canteens do also include this dish in its menu as it's become so famous. I could also see a frozen pack of satay beef with noodle in the supermarket, too.  Guess what? Here's the restaurant's version of the satay beef with noodle that I ordered the other day.  I might try to cook it at home during the holidays.   

I organized an online zumba class for children with special needs. The teacher is a very pleasant and cheerful person. The young children may not be able to follow all the dance movements, but they should all feel the warmth of this charming yet energetic teacher. The 45-minute class was a lot of fun, you could still feel the connection and care among the teacher and the young participants. It's almost like having the "sun" around you in the afternoon. Your mind and body balance is simply being recharged. Love this great afternoon. Look forward to the Friday session.   

How to make events work at the time of COVID? A flock of event organisers go online to host different kinds of events to get things moving. Is that the best solution? It can be if the content is well-planned and interesting and they've found a way to attract people and draw their attention.  I recently joined a few yoga and fitness classes. Actually the instructors are way better than those who taught in a physical class. I just wonder if I could have the same yoga instructor if I came to a gym for a class one day.  Another amazing things happened in a public park nearby. The amazing flower show just turned up in my neighbourhood so close that it's almost like my little private garden, full of flowers in vibrant colours. We can't resist their charms and simply could only smile. It cheers us up in the rainy damp weather.    

You live in a small town, somehow an ordinary man and woman in the town have become famous and drew enormous international attention in a singing contest. How proud you feel about their success and achievement?  Now the "villagers" decided to launch a campaign to promote the song " Húsavík" to be included in this year's Oscars shortlist for Best Original Song. Not only they got the support from the children, the fisherwoman, and also elves, will they make it?  I just admire their courage and positive vibes for getting together to fight for a spot. The announcement will be made on 15 March. 

The Festival da Cancao result was really surprising that either Neev or Carolina or Karetus and  Romeu Bairos  won. They have been the top of the lists by bloggers and fans.  Neev's song is very touching, his performance was good but his connection with audience was lacking. He was simply too focused on singing and looking down the piano. The stage setting looked very much like Duncan Laurence but lacked depth and creativity. I loved the edgy image of Carolina and her song sounded soothing, just not the type of Eurovision song.  I actually really like Saudade by Karetus and Romeu Bairos . In the Semi-final 1, Romeu looked nervous, lacked the energy. Many people gave them honest feedback. They truly listened with stronger presence on the stage. Romeu looked more confident with more body movement that the beat of the song should deliver. The lyrics was a bit weak. Overall, I'm content with it for their creativity and sound arrangement. Well done!  

The first time I met squirrel was in Stanley Park in Vancouver. I enjoyed the tranquil, lovely environment even though it's a fabricated nature. They move so freely from trees to trees. It seems like they are so carefree that they just focus on finding food, enjoying life and nothing else. Their slim, fit body enables them to move around so effortlessly. No diet plan needed, no exercise plan needed. What else you are still looking for with an able-bodied and freedom. Rest and chilled maybe? 😀

Hello, it's only the end of February, and I have already spotted Easter goodies in the shop. Not only the trend of stock market is well ahead of us, but the holiday presents.  Well, they look very happy bunnies.  I don't mind to stay around the shop, maybe get a "bunny" egg home later, simply to cheer myself and my friends up. 

How do you like to spend with $5,000 coupons, $1,000 max per month? Hongkongers should get $5,000 electronic spending coupons this summer as the government wants to boost the economy though many of us prefer to have $5,000 cash for paying rent or daily expenses.  It may not be ideal but we may be able to use it for daily groceries at online stores. My colleague plans for buying a new mobile phone or donates part of it for supporting a child in need. Donation is meaningful idea. Meanwhile, I hope to stock up groceries as we can't roll over the remaining value of the e-coupon per month. Alternatively, a good meal with friends or even a short trip to Macau (if the quarantine rule is cancelled) will be wonderful for boosting up our spirit. 

Be open to try something that you might have tried or tasted before.  I had a bite of this Sunny Hills pineapple cake today, surprisingly it's not the very sweet and fake taste that I always find in pineapple cakes before.  On the Sunny Hills' website , it says their eggs come from a farmer who plays classical music for his hens, and they use pineapples sourced from local family farms.  I must say that this tasty comfort food is like mild sunlight that pleases my palette, but I'm more intrigued with the farmer who likes classical music 😊.

Saudade is an important word in Portuguese language. The portuguese even say that the special nostalgia feeling is unique in their culture and can never be translated perfectly in English or other languages.  Do you find a bit of "sadness" or a sense of "loss" when hearing this language? I can't even recall how many "saudade" that my Portuguese friend told me. Maybe a Portuguese lover is particularly "sticky" and always missing every one he connects with.   Whilst Fado has remained in the soul of many Portuguese music, I'm happy to see that Karetus and Romeu Bairos tried to find a way to "modernize" this traditional tune. Check out their entry Saudade in festival da canção. 

Love this crooner  by Gary Barlow and Boy George. I was a fan of Boy George and even had the urge to go to see a Culture Club concert a year ago, of course, before the pandemic.  I am always amazed with how Boy George transformed himself from an anti-social, fat, hopeless man to become one of the coolest middle-aged singers now. His voice is a bit hoarse now but it fits perfectly his edgy and sexy image. He's no longer a "bad" guy but seems to pursue healthy lifestyle and embrace balance.   The making of "Do they know it's Christmas" video proved that his voice added a reggae touch to the song. All in all, I admire his courage to reinvent himself to be a very much different Boy George. That's the spirit of a true artist.   

This swimming pool artistic display stands proudly along the harbour front. It reminds me the famous "Swimming Pool" interactive installation in the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art in Kanazawa. You simply had to line up for at least 1.5 hour to buy the ticket and get in. I almost gave up getting in to see this swimming pool in my last journey.                      (Right: from the museum website)

Coffee shops and drink outlets have become the coolest hanging out places for young people or people who want to relax. There must be over 10 coffee shops / cafes in this so-called "museum mall", and all were full in this sunny Sunday afternoon.  We managed to find a table in this cafe. Look at these coffees: the left one is called "Sesalt banana snow" and the right one is named as "Rose raspberry cappuccino". When being asked the ingredients of the coffee, the waiter simply described that the names of the coffee are the artistic conception for the drinks.  We had a high expectation before the drinks arrive, in my opinion, the "artistic work" could be a bit better but luckily the taste was good. 

Quite a few people that I know encountered health problems in the past year. Today, I learnt that my relative also experienced a life-threatening moment, luckily she got a bypass surgery just in time. Her voice was so weak and I could only wish her good health but not to visit because of her age and the threat of the virus.  Not surprisingly, all the Chinese new year greetings are about "good health" in 2021. With the restrictions loosening up a bit, I hope to embrace happiness with more contact with friends and hanging out in libraries, museums and a lot more places.    

The shopping mall seemed to look different today as many of the restaurants could open up to 10pm. Cinemas, gyms and museums are also open. All in the sudden, all kinds of entertainment are back to our life.  But many people seemed to get used to buying take-outs and are still a bit hesitated to dine out at night time. Wait for a day or two, this weekend should be a lot different with many others gathering around.  We embrace our "new normal" life. 

My friend told me that he's got a cologne being placed next to his bed. He will check whether he can still feel that smell or is at risk of catching a COVID. I never consciously check whether my sense of smell is being affected, but the lilies are well blossomed at home and my apartment is full of pleasant fragrance. 😊

"Stay at home" cultivates the culture of "binge-watching" TV series, no matter it's Netflix, Amazon Prime, HBO or Korean episodes.  I came across a TV series about an American poet, Emily Dickinson. Somehow audience can connect to her as women today can enjoy the freedom to love and purse your dream career.  Will Emily marry Sue if she's born in 2000s? As tuberculosis is no longer a dying disease now, will she choose Ben or Sue if she were born today? The "modern" Sue needs not to marry Austin and can live independently.  Nevertheless, I love the simple life in the 1800s - no TV, less pollution, and more space for everyone. The joy of simply focus on a hobby or flowers that you like. Don't be surprised if you've found some unrealistic youthful elements in the series, it just lightens up the subject of death Emily always wrote about.   Luckily I could find a more pleasant poem written by Emily:  "Hope is the thing with feathers "Ho...

"Walking around" during Chinese New Year is believed to bring you good luck. I took the advantage of the perfect weather and my work location to have a special walk around the Peak area this year.  This trail is very scenic, enabling you to enjoy a breathtaking view of skyscrapers in Hong Kong. It's simply breathtaking and refreshing except the crowd though we do not have any tourists these days.  I must say that I enjoy the harbour view from the top as much as I look at it from the pier. But I prefer giant trees that form "tunnels" along the trail or smaller trees that touch up the harbour view and the blue sky.  Happy Chinese New Year.   

Everyone has become caring so much about mental health as "lockdown" and "isolation" are so common. I'm grateful to see some academic experts researched on the impact of these measures on human beings. The virus can be dreadful, somehow extreme restrictions can drive people crazy.  In the past few months, we learnt to embrace the sense of freedom, just by going out on the street, not necessarily seeing friends. A solitude feeling of being alone at home for a few days is really devastating and uneasy no matter how much I love my home and enjoy learning a few recipes. Isn't it an amazing feeling to get a little bit more of the sunlight or a little bit more of an open space when you're down on the street?  On a quiet day, I also decided to try a short mediation online, to feel my own energy.  Try this . 

The pandemic has been lingering for over a year. Somehow we need uplifting energy and happiness to enjoy our life, so my plan is to find something positive to share every now and then while the social distancing rule still applies.   I'm having a Portuguese language partner online whom I practise a few times a week. While my memory of many Portuguese words and grammar are fading, I still try to say something simple in this foreign language, just to cheer myself up. Today, I've got a chance to see her write in Chinese. Bravo!  Recently a Portuguese friend also showed up online and said hi. It's always comforting to get to know that your friend still remembers you. We might enjoy spending our time alone occasionally, but somehow feels great to get connected to someone you know. Good memories stay on and give you energy throughout the days.