Harbin 10th World Snow I Ice Festival

I have never been so cold in my life. It was -30C and my hands were freezing. Took my gloves off to take photos of the immense ice constructions and I froze them in seconds.

Top 5 Tips:
1. Wear Warm Clothing. These were my layers: Thermals, inner shirt, long sleeved shirt, wool jacket and outer jacket. We bought RMB100 (USD14.50) "fur-lined" boots. We were lucky the boots weren't the disposable-kind. We can use it again!

2. Hydrate. Drink water. The cold dried me up.

3. Choose the sites to visit. We walked the frozen Songhua River. It was a pleasant picture taking opportunity with the cable car in the background. I don't recommend the Russian district, lined with old homes selling knick-knacks. I liked St. Sophia's church. I spent 15 minutes inside but took more photos outside. I didn't go up the tallest tower in Harbin because I figured I wont able to see anything anyway due to the thick fog that day.

4. Food. Try their cuisine. Michael, our tour guide, brought us to a restaurant near the Tiger Reserve. Their specialty is the Songhua River fish or the-fish-from-the-Songhua-River. Lost in translation... Our meal for 5 was RMB585 (USD85) which is expensive! The fish alone cost RMB400 (USD58.50). The veggies cost RMB10 (USD1.5).

5. Spare Batteries. If you're going to Harbin, bring spare batteries for your camera. They drain fast because of the cold.

Thanks to Lord and Arlene for arranging the trip!

Mabuhay!

Stop The Killing of Children

I am apolitical. I have not been following the world news. But this morning, BBC mentioned that 40% of casualties in the Gaza Strip are children. "Almost an entire generation is wiped out," the news reporter said.

I changed my status in Facebook. Please stop the killing of children.

NY Wish and Resolution

First post. Didn't want to post since my wife was an English teacher and I always get red marks for grammar from her. But I am resolved!

Lara held a party last Saturday in the house for her colleagues and she asked everyone what their wishes and resolutions are. They've shared openly their wishes of successes in their work, good health and finding their one true love.

I thought I was safe from the party question. But they saved me for last. It got me thinking what I really wish for. I never thought about it. Never did wish nor made resolutions. Responding quickly, I said with heartfelt sincerity, "I wish all of you achieve all your heart's desires for this year."

I resolve, too, that I shall update this blog as much as I can. Not of ranting but of sharing. I still feel quirky about having an on-line diary.

Oh yes, adding to my resolution, I shall take more walks to a healthier me. Mabuhay!