Short drive down to the south side of the island. Picnic out at the beach. Nice to get away from the city. Plenty of laughs.
Saturday, 18 April 2020
Sunday, 12 April 2020
Hitting the pavement
Gyms and fitness studios have been instructed by the Hong Kong government to remain closed for another 2 weeks. For some reason, I cannot for the life of me get into online fitness or yoga sessions. It's similar to being in a hotel gym, I just can replicate the same intensity or motivation. I suspect it has something to do with familiarity but also the subtle motivation of having other people.
With that being said, I have purchased a yoga mat, a skipping rope and some resistance bands. This has eventuated to 15-20 minute "workouts" at home. When I say workouts, the term is loose, i break a sweat, but my heart rate isn't racing, but it still feels good to get the blood moving. My primary form of exercise has shifted to running. I no longer have the luxury of Bowen Road, however I've found an equally amazing running route near to home. 10 minutes away down by the harbour is Sun Yat Sen (SYS) Memorial park. On weekends, you can find plenty of people working out and casually lounging (well, at least before what happened).
Lately this park has become a surrogate fitness studio. I challenge you to go there during the week where there's not somebody running, boxing, using a TRX, doing yoga, HIIT. It's pretty cool and thankfully it's not summer in Hong Kong, yet.
So back to running, I have been running two to three times a week down by the harbour front along Victoria Harbour. My route, takes me from SYS along the harbour, through to Sheung Wan, up to Central along the CBD and the ferry piers, around past Admiralty over to the Golden Bauhinia. As far as runs go, it's a pretty epic 7 km roundtrip. Sometimes if I'm feeling ballsy I'll keep the run going past SYS and continue west towards Kennedy town and that tops the run up at approximately 10 km. The great thing about this run is that you get to see the entire harbour and all of the iconic buildings of Hong Kong. I sometimes have to pinch myself that the two regular running tracks that I have had are Bowen Road and the harbour front.
I am enjoying running, I do see my pace improving, not drastically, but enough to give me motivation. I do notice the difference between running when there's a headwind, or when I'm running in a fasted state. Admittedly I have become a little obsessed as I'll run now even if it's raining.
I don't usually run with my phone so haven't had the opportunity to take a photo, but I'll try to get something up soon.
With that being said, I have purchased a yoga mat, a skipping rope and some resistance bands. This has eventuated to 15-20 minute "workouts" at home. When I say workouts, the term is loose, i break a sweat, but my heart rate isn't racing, but it still feels good to get the blood moving. My primary form of exercise has shifted to running. I no longer have the luxury of Bowen Road, however I've found an equally amazing running route near to home. 10 minutes away down by the harbour is Sun Yat Sen (SYS) Memorial park. On weekends, you can find plenty of people working out and casually lounging (well, at least before what happened).
Lately this park has become a surrogate fitness studio. I challenge you to go there during the week where there's not somebody running, boxing, using a TRX, doing yoga, HIIT. It's pretty cool and thankfully it's not summer in Hong Kong, yet.
So back to running, I have been running two to three times a week down by the harbour front along Victoria Harbour. My route, takes me from SYS along the harbour, through to Sheung Wan, up to Central along the CBD and the ferry piers, around past Admiralty over to the Golden Bauhinia. As far as runs go, it's a pretty epic 7 km roundtrip. Sometimes if I'm feeling ballsy I'll keep the run going past SYS and continue west towards Kennedy town and that tops the run up at approximately 10 km. The great thing about this run is that you get to see the entire harbour and all of the iconic buildings of Hong Kong. I sometimes have to pinch myself that the two regular running tracks that I have had are Bowen Road and the harbour front.
I am enjoying running, I do see my pace improving, not drastically, but enough to give me motivation. I do notice the difference between running when there's a headwind, or when I'm running in a fasted state. Admittedly I have become a little obsessed as I'll run now even if it's raining.
I don't usually run with my phone so haven't had the opportunity to take a photo, but I'll try to get something up soon.
Sunday, 5 April 2020
Working From Home
Working from home, or WFH, is my hot pick for acronym of the year (although, technically Covid19 is also an acronym, and well that basically owns that title). Work has split us into two teams, Team A and well no surprises with the second team name, Team B. What does this mean? Well, Team A members are forbidden from fraternising with Team B members. So work has arranged a rotation schedule where one team can be in the office while the other team has to work from home, or remotely.
I will say, there are benefits to working from home. My productivity on tasks is a lot more focused, probably attributable to the fact that people aren't stopping by the desk asking questions or having a general chat. The other thing is, meetings are a lot more structured and planned so the days ultimately revolve around meetings, I can segment my day in to things that need to be finished; although I should be doing this anyway. I still spend time going to the kitchen and the bathroom but given the size of my apartment these necessities barely dent the time away from the desk.
My day is usually as follows: Wake up at 7 am (same time if I needed to get to work by 8 am), Boil Water, brush teeth, meditate for 10 minutes, drink warm water with apple cider vinegar, listening to the news. However, here's where things deviate, instead of changing clothes, doing hair, packing bag and running to the bus stop. I do thirty minute of breathing exercises and light stretching, (sometimes) I will change out of my PJs. At around 7:50 am I'll log into computer. I'll scan emails, and make a breakfast smoothie before dialling in for the 8:30 am morning call.
I make an effort to get out of the apartment, either going downstairs to pick up some groceries, grab some Vitamin D (if weather permits), after work I'll either go for a run, or wander around the neighbourhood just to mark up my step count for the day. I have been enjoying cooking lunch and breakfast and these chores provide a good break from the continuity of being apartment bound for the entire day.
My setup for work isn't perfect - But, that being said, I am fortunate enough to have space and a dining table where I can setup a half decent work station. I have an extra monitor and do miss the extra real estate but humans adapt and it's become very manageable. In hindsight, moving apartments was a a genius stroke because I couldn't imagine working from home at my old apartment. I'm also aware that not every person in Hong Kong has the luxury to work from home so my setup is definitely more on the desirable side than the non-desirable.
In other news, I finally have a sofa. However, I still haven't signed up for Netflix. I have switched from Spotify to YouTube Music, though. Currently watching a YouTube video about how to prepare Korean instant noodles.
I will say, there are benefits to working from home. My productivity on tasks is a lot more focused, probably attributable to the fact that people aren't stopping by the desk asking questions or having a general chat. The other thing is, meetings are a lot more structured and planned so the days ultimately revolve around meetings, I can segment my day in to things that need to be finished; although I should be doing this anyway. I still spend time going to the kitchen and the bathroom but given the size of my apartment these necessities barely dent the time away from the desk.
My day is usually as follows: Wake up at 7 am (same time if I needed to get to work by 8 am), Boil Water, brush teeth, meditate for 10 minutes, drink warm water with apple cider vinegar, listening to the news. However, here's where things deviate, instead of changing clothes, doing hair, packing bag and running to the bus stop. I do thirty minute of breathing exercises and light stretching, (sometimes) I will change out of my PJs. At around 7:50 am I'll log into computer. I'll scan emails, and make a breakfast smoothie before dialling in for the 8:30 am morning call.
I make an effort to get out of the apartment, either going downstairs to pick up some groceries, grab some Vitamin D (if weather permits), after work I'll either go for a run, or wander around the neighbourhood just to mark up my step count for the day. I have been enjoying cooking lunch and breakfast and these chores provide a good break from the continuity of being apartment bound for the entire day.
My setup for work isn't perfect - But, that being said, I am fortunate enough to have space and a dining table where I can setup a half decent work station. I have an extra monitor and do miss the extra real estate but humans adapt and it's become very manageable. In hindsight, moving apartments was a a genius stroke because I couldn't imagine working from home at my old apartment. I'm also aware that not every person in Hong Kong has the luxury to work from home so my setup is definitely more on the desirable side than the non-desirable.
In other news, I finally have a sofa. However, I still haven't signed up for Netflix. I have switched from Spotify to YouTube Music, though. Currently watching a YouTube video about how to prepare Korean instant noodles.
Sunday, 22 March 2020
Update
So just a short update, things have become more hairy. The US has now become the epicentre of all things Corona, Surpassing China and Italy. Globally, there has been an increase of cases and consequently Covid19 related deaths. Some countries have closed borders, whilst some have enforced mandatory quarantine periods (see interesting etymology of the word: Quarantine). Hong Kong has enforced a 14 day quarantine for all new arrivals into the SAR. This comes on the back of an increase in infections. Globally we have seen governments enforce lock down laws of non-essential services.
This will undeniably have far reaching impact on economies and affect the livelihood of many industries and individuals. It has started and we are only starting to see the this train wreck unfold. We have already seen many governments push through emergency stimulus packages to stem the bleeding, we are seeing manufacturers change workshops to assist with medical supply manufacturing and we are already seeing behavioural changes in the way people interact and work.
Update, gyms and fitness studios have closed. LKF and Soho are ghost towns and the maximum number of people in public areas must be limited to four people. I have a solid group: Albert and Andrew, who I see on the regular, sometimes sneaking out for a beach wine, or just casual pizza. We are pretty lucky in that Hong Kong residents are still quite free to move around.
It's interesting to see the types of things that people are finding refuge in. Most staying at home, Netflix seems to have benefited (there's talk of YouTube and Netflix both throttling streaming quality in order to be gentle on broadband infrastructure). People are having virtual Zoom meetings (another candidate for Oxford Dictionary word of the year: 'Verb, Zoom'). Cooking, in particular Baking seems to be on the rise which captures the attention of creating something and keeping busy in these awkward times.
For me, it's been a good opportunity to re-connect with people. Read more. I've noticed that being home so much more makes me crave the dishes that I grew up on: Kway Teow Tong, Har Mee, Lasanga, Mee Goreng, Instant Noodles, Congee. So I've been cooking a lot more. I've also realised, that a lot of my year, actually my life, is made up of travel and exercise and now that these things have been taken away I feel a little insufficient in the hobby and experience department. Thankfully (?) I'm still in the process of setting up my apartment, so furniture is still arriving, and occasionally i have to assemble something, or i'll head out and buy some plants or ornaments for the apartment. Home decorating is currently what occupies most of my time, that and well cooking.
This will undeniably have far reaching impact on economies and affect the livelihood of many industries and individuals. It has started and we are only starting to see the this train wreck unfold. We have already seen many governments push through emergency stimulus packages to stem the bleeding, we are seeing manufacturers change workshops to assist with medical supply manufacturing and we are already seeing behavioural changes in the way people interact and work.
Update, gyms and fitness studios have closed. LKF and Soho are ghost towns and the maximum number of people in public areas must be limited to four people. I have a solid group: Albert and Andrew, who I see on the regular, sometimes sneaking out for a beach wine, or just casual pizza. We are pretty lucky in that Hong Kong residents are still quite free to move around.
It's interesting to see the types of things that people are finding refuge in. Most staying at home, Netflix seems to have benefited (there's talk of YouTube and Netflix both throttling streaming quality in order to be gentle on broadband infrastructure). People are having virtual Zoom meetings (another candidate for Oxford Dictionary word of the year: 'Verb, Zoom'). Cooking, in particular Baking seems to be on the rise which captures the attention of creating something and keeping busy in these awkward times.
For me, it's been a good opportunity to re-connect with people. Read more. I've noticed that being home so much more makes me crave the dishes that I grew up on: Kway Teow Tong, Har Mee, Lasanga, Mee Goreng, Instant Noodles, Congee. So I've been cooking a lot more. I've also realised, that a lot of my year, actually my life, is made up of travel and exercise and now that these things have been taken away I feel a little insufficient in the hobby and experience department. Thankfully (?) I'm still in the process of setting up my apartment, so furniture is still arriving, and occasionally i have to assemble something, or i'll head out and buy some plants or ornaments for the apartment. Home decorating is currently what occupies most of my time, that and well cooking.
Wednesday, 18 March 2020
Social Distancing
So things have changed since my last update. The virus from Wuhan has officially been named COVID19 (SARS-CoV2), aptly named after Corona Virus Disease 2019. it has now spread internationally with velocity. Finally, the WHO have called this a pandemic. At the time there is a sense of uncertainty and experts and governments are asking people to exercise "Social distancing". The details and complexities of the virus still remain largely unknown. It appears to be more fatal for the elder and for men. Countries have enforced lockdowns of varying degrees in order to curb the spread and limit the impact on respective medical infrastructures, or to "flatten the curve". Social Distancing, and flattening the the curve maybe very well be the words of 2020.
Around the world, you hear story of humanity being left at the door and anecdotes of toilet paper scarcity and people stock-piling basic food items. Markets have not been spared the uncertainty, with volatility and markets at 10 year lows (although, the impetus may have actually been the Oil war). People are working remotely, effectively mind you and families have been torn apart, but also pushed closer, there will be a cultural change at the end of all of this and frankly, I'm optimistic.
Back to the Social Distancing, I am enjoying this period. I can't be sure, but I would say I'm fortunate in the sense that the period in my life is probably the less impacted. I'm not a kid stuck indoors, I've finished studying so there's no additional stress outside of the day-to-day and I've probably past the stage where socialising and frequenting bars and crowded areas are required to maintain a healthy social life. That being said, I have started wearing a mask and have become a hand sanitizer merchant. There's been more reading, and I have a select group of friends that we see on a weekly basis. So, am I enjoying the social distancing? Kind of.
Currently (appropriately) Reading: "The Shock Doctrine"
Around the world, you hear story of humanity being left at the door and anecdotes of toilet paper scarcity and people stock-piling basic food items. Markets have not been spared the uncertainty, with volatility and markets at 10 year lows (although, the impetus may have actually been the Oil war). People are working remotely, effectively mind you and families have been torn apart, but also pushed closer, there will be a cultural change at the end of all of this and frankly, I'm optimistic.
Back to the Social Distancing, I am enjoying this period. I can't be sure, but I would say I'm fortunate in the sense that the period in my life is probably the less impacted. I'm not a kid stuck indoors, I've finished studying so there's no additional stress outside of the day-to-day and I've probably past the stage where socialising and frequenting bars and crowded areas are required to maintain a healthy social life. That being said, I have started wearing a mask and have become a hand sanitizer merchant. There's been more reading, and I have a select group of friends that we see on a weekly basis. So, am I enjoying the social distancing? Kind of.
Currently (appropriately) Reading: "The Shock Doctrine"
Sunday, 1 March 2020
India
First time in India! Pretty excited, not sure what to expect. The reason I'm in India is for another friend's wedding. Back to back weddings, each on different sides of the world. Quietly excited as it's the proper Indian three day affair. Will let the photos do the describing. My highlights from this trip:
1. Did not get food poisoning
2. Culturally rich wedding
3. Delicious food
4. Bollywood Dancing
5. Everybody dressed up in traditional Indian attire
Both weddings were very different. It's such a celebration to see the families and friends who have gathered from all around the world to celebrate these unions. Hearing stories of how these relationships formed and the journeys that each couple has had is kind of a kick in the nuts about how far away I am from it all.
1. Did not get food poisoning
2. Culturally rich wedding
3. Delicious food
4. Bollywood Dancing
5. Everybody dressed up in traditional Indian attire
Both weddings were very different. It's such a celebration to see the families and friends who have gathered from all around the world to celebrate these unions. Hearing stories of how these relationships formed and the journeys that each couple has had is kind of a kick in the nuts about how far away I am from it all.
Tuesday, 25 February 2020
Missed flight
Missed my flight, from Hong Kong to Kuala Lumpur. Got to airport and didn't have a printed out copy of my India Visa so they wouldn't let me check in. Seems like a ridiculous reason not to check me in. Oh well, re-booked another flight with Singapore Airlines, the upside is that I have a layover in Changi Airport.
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