Wednesday 30 March 2016

Mount Kinabalu

"It's not easy, but if you're relatively fit and healthy - you'll be fine" is what everybody said of Mount Kinabalu. How difficult would it be? I decided that I would climb the stairs from the platform of Quarry Bay to the entrance; that would be my preparation. I, like most of my friends had drastically underestimated the climb, it wasn't so much the ascent but the descent which would prove to be the most challenging.



Mount Kinabalu is a 7 stage climb, it's not so much of a climb but more of a hike. There were moments of hands on knees, hands on hips, hands on the ground but for the most part it was like being on a stair master for two days. Our biggest fear at the start was not so much the physical challenge but Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) or altitude sickness. Our sherpa was a middle aged lady, with rosy cheeks and a portly, low centre of gravity. She would be our guide up and down the mountain and had made a living escorting tourists up and down the mountain twice a week. Her stout appearance gave us encouragement as we set off in mid morning.




The first few stages were relatively straight forward, we were passing groups with relative ease and making quick work of the provisions of muesli bars and snacks. It was around stage 6 where things got a little challenging, the goal was to reach base camp before sunset otherwise the park would be closed. We arrived at base camp ahead of schedule. Unfortunately the temperature had dropped significantly and we were starting to feel cramps and niggles, a good night's sleep was critical. Unfortunately our dorm had no showers, and the the dorm that did have showers had no hot water. We cleaned up as best as we could and socialised with the other tourists (so. many. tourists) and no surprises here we were the group late to Ferrata training! The afternoon was spent chilling and mentally preparing ourselves for the morning start.





Nobody slept, the dorm creaked and of the person who slept, his snoring kept everybody else awake. We rose at 2 am, to some warm coffee and some biscuits. The point of the overnight stay was to start the day early to reach the summit before sunrise. It was bloody cold, we made it to the top and the view was breath taking. Our afternoon was spent ferrating around the mountain, a lot of fun and a challenging to the motor skills.






What people failed to mention was the challenge of coming down the mountain. The jagged, uneven steps were like jolts to the joints.. Each step like a test of the shock absorbing ability of the body. Still, our sherpa pushed on and as quickly as we scaled the mountain we had made it down. Our legs like jelly, our faces covered in sweat and rain. We had made it off the mountain, but only just. It's times like this you question your own fitness levels particularly living in Hong Kong.



Next stop Shangri La. I looked at our group, there was visible signs of stress and physical exhaustion. I turned to my friend and asked "Why would you climb this mountain twice?".

Thursday 24 March 2016

Easter: Wedding

A wet Thursday evening, the ceremony was scheduled to start at 5 pm. I had just climbed into an Uber, it was already 5:30. The rain teamed down and not surprisingly the wet weather wreaked havoc on the roads. There's something calming about rain, except in Hong Kong. Rain brings a heightened sense of anxiety, the additional umbrellas, the lack of taxis and the congested roads coupled with the formidable T8 and Black Rain storms add to the the already humid climate. This evening felt different. The blaring of the horns, the stagnant traffic jamming the Aberdeen tunnel adding to my already late arrival had me calm. Work has been busy, but productive and it was a nice end to the week. I had the Easter long weekend to look forward to and a trip to Malaysia scheduled and it all started with a Easter wedding in Hong Kong.

This would be my second Hong Kong wedding, my first was a huge production and this was billed as an intimate casual affair with close friends and around 60 people who had made the trip over from Australia. Anthony and Sylvie get married at The Verandah in Repulse Bay, followed by a late night romp in Mahalo, Wan Chai and late night ramen in Ichi Ran, Causeway Bay. Happy Easter!

Thursday 17 March 2016

Locked myself out of the apartment

That moment, when you arrive home and you realise, that you don't have your keys and that the only spare set is back at work. The round trip back to Quarry Bay from Sheung Wan is brutal. I really should have a spare set of keys somewhere, closer.

Currently reading: "The Light Between Oceans"

Wednesday 16 March 2016

Hope

The concept of hope and expectations. It can be so uplifting and dramatically change perspective and mood.

Three interesting roles, all different, all different firms. The interview process continues ...

Monday 7 March 2016

Southern Sri Lanka

Admittedly, Sri Lanka has never been high on my list of countries to visit. So when a last minute invitation came my way it roused interest without any real desire. The interest wasn't so much from the country, but more from the company and from whom the invite came from. After consulting a few friends, it turns out most people all shared the same sentiment that it was a very special place worth visiting.

Given the last minute notice, I luckily secured annual leave and book tickets with 50,000 miles and 400 HKD. The flight is perfectly timed after work on the 4th Friday and despite being in business class I don't really manage to sleep throughout the 4.5 hour flight. We arrive in Colombo and negotiate a driver to take us straight to Weligama for 10,000 LHK. Despite a horrible first night hotel we wake early on the Saturday and head to W15.



For two days, we become familiar with the art of haggling Tuk Tuk Drivers navigating our way between Weligama and Mirissa Beach. Enjoying fresh juices, plenty of seafood all whilst learning to surf. On the 7th we head to Galle, for an evening at the Sunhouse, a beautiful Colonial guest house serving delectable Egg Hoppers and Mahi mahi Roti wraps.



The highlight of this leg is the train from Galle to Colombo. The weather is sticky and angry, and despite our attempts to get first class tickets, we find ourselves at the train station 30 mins before departure trying to secure a spot in the non-air-conditioned carriages of second class. At 3:30, we realise the train is late and the heavens open up lashing the platform and surrounding Galle with a cleansing storm. Suddenly the platform rouses from the lethargy and people shuffle along the platform as the train pulls in. Second class is warm, the deep smell of spices and the trace sound of flute players. We find a seat in front of a group of nuns as head north with our back to our destination. Sometimes you can't see what's in front of you, but you know you're heading somewhere special and all you can do is just admire what's passed. Pause, reflect, absorb and then it's gone, part of the horizon.