Time Travel

The other day, I took a quick flight back to Hong Kong. I found myself wandering on one of the streets in Kowloon, near where I grew up. On this narrow street, all the buildings were either two or three stories tall. The weather was absolutely beautiful with clear blue sky and minimal clouds. On this street, I saw a woman, an older lady, and a two year old little girl climbing up a public stairway up to the roof top of a three storied amber-colored building. I decided to follow them from behind. The adults were chattering about immigration and family matters while simultaneously enjoying the amazing views of swaying river boats and Hong Kong skyscrapers across the water. The little girl with a pony tail clothed in her favorite deep blue velvet dress was left alone meandering around. Something soon was going to happen to the little one and I was going to prevent it. If I didn't, this little girl will forever be traumatized from this experience throughout her adult life. I knew because that little girl was me from the past.    

Now, wouldn't it be marvelous if we could travel back in time, or even into the future! I am currently reading an interesting book called Physics of the Impossible by Michio Kaku. Mr. Kaku is a renowned theoretical physicist. I rarely read such brainy scientific literature, but I couldn't help being intrigued about what Mr. Kaku had to say about teleportation and time machines. There are theories about black holes and wormholes, the latter being shortcuts between two places in the universe. Mr. Kaku further explained that if the universe rotates, and you were to go around the universe, you will come back before you left - hence, theoretical possibility of time travel. But the remarkable advances in science and technology over the years have now made teleportation actually possible?! Yes, you heard me right! According to Mr. Kaku, it's no longer science fiction but a science fact. Well, at the level of atoms that is. But simply the fact that it is possible, is incredible! Like Mr. Kaku said, "impossible" is often a relative term. Sometimes, I wonder if those extraterrestrial objects and aliens that some people claimed to have seen are our descendants on aircrafts from the future traveling back to our time to visit. I would like to believe it is feasible. We are constantly undergoing change. We used to look like monkeys. Maybe in the future we will look like creatures with thin bodies and colossal eyes. If we could believe that we can build planes to fly, I would like to believe that in the future we can build machines to take us back in time.

Time travel has always been an intriguing fantasy for me. If I can choose a point in time to travel, I would probably pick traveling back in time instead of the future. I want to leave room for some hope and anticipation in the future. Life would be uninteresting and pointless if I knew my destiny. I wouldn't need to use my brain or have any room for personal growth! But the past is a different story. I can revisit history, perhaps even going as far back as the dinosaur periods. I want to see how my ancestors lived and how they handle their daily activities that we now often take for granted. I want to help solve inexplicable myths and crime cases. I want to change some parts of my past and redo it all over again. For instance, preventing myself from touching some yellow viscid spit that day when I wore my favorite blue velvet dress! Yes, it was traumatic because I still remember it today! And heck, what we all probably desired most, I want to visit my younger parents and force them to purchase some stocks and real estate that had increased exponentially in value now! Haha. But I know situations and circumstances had to happen to lead us exactly where we are today. We can't change the past. But how cool it would be if I could check off "time travel" on my to-do list! That would definitely be an ultimate journey of a lifetime! 

Condolences to Japan

This morning in NY Times, I've learned about a huge quake and tsunami that pummeled the coast of Japan and killed more than 600 people in Sendai, Japan. We'll undoubtedly brace further losses. Sendai is the closest major city to the epicenter. The 8.9 magnitude earthquake is one of the most severe since the 9.1 magnitude quake that struck Sumatra in late 2004. Any news of tragedy is devastating. But news of Japan hold dear to my heart because I love the Japanese culture, food, and language. When I was in college, I did a summer abroad in Hokkaido and studied a full year in Kyoto. I also interned in Tokyo for several months. I really like Japan, and it's unfortunate that this archipelago is located above an area where several continental and oceanic plates meet that causes frequent earthquakes. I've never been to Sendai, but been to its neighboring town, Matsushima. I'm sure this tremor was quite strong and had terrified people. I had my fill of shock when I experienced a minor flutter when I was in Japan. The building that I was in swayed hard and I seriously thought it will collapse on top of me. I can't imagine how the force of this quake had imposed. I just want to send my deepest condolences to the people in Japan. おくやみもうしあげます.

A Journey of a Baby Fish

     My aunt came by today to drop off some additional fish for my tank. Amongst the school of fish, one was a baby who perhaps accidentally got netted out from its original home. Sitting in front of the tank staring into their new world, I couldn't let my eyes off on this particular creature. Unlike the other sprightly larger and older fish, the baby was so cute and teeny. If you are not paying attention, you would think it's a piece of a floating poop. Marveled at my unexpected addition, I decided to follow this cutie pie's tracks. I wondered where this baby was going and what it was thinking because it seemed lost and frightened, perhaps pondering where its siblings were. Worried because the baby isolated itself from others swimming cautiously throughout, I wondered whether this baby would even survive in its new home. How would this baby even fight for food during meal time?! But how marvelous, I thought, that even a fish has its own journeys and destiny. For instance, I presupposed this baby fish had been born into what I called a low-middle class because its home is of a moderate sized fish tank. If it were wealthy, the fish would probably be in the ocean filled with endless possibilities. However, this baby is now in my tank and will at least be loved, fed, and safe. This baby fish was also fated to travel abroad very early in its life. This morning the cutie left birth home Brooklyn and moved to new home Manhattan. Translated in the human world, it's like saying the fish had traveled from birth place Canada to residential NY. And now fated to be in its new world and separated from its identical siblings, this baby fish must venture on in its new journey. I guess the life of a fish is really not that different from us.

Separated from the school of fish on the other side of the diaphanous tank divider is my longtime gobbling goldfish. I think of this fish as an old, grumpy, and gluttonous bully who managed to outlive his peers for several years. He had the whole tank all to himself for at least three years until few months ago when we adopted some fish from my aunt. Ever since his neighbors moved in, I see him ramming his big fat lips against the divider, hoping to magically navigate to the other side. Fortunately as advertised, the divider works wonderfully separating my clueless fish from harming the smaller ones by a clear screen with tiny pores that allow unrestricted filtration. After a few minutes, and seeing that my tank could use more water, I went to the kitchen and came back with a bucket of water to fill up the tank. After filling up to a level of my satisfaction, I glanced one last time at my beautiful water world. Then I noticed a strange moving poop in my goldfish's domain. Wait, it's not a poop but that baby fish!! How did it get to the other side?! Does it not know it had traversed to a dangerous place?! Swim back from where you came from!! And then, to my horror, that big fat blob opened it's annoying large mouth and gulped the victim. I was beyond mortified. Standing speechless, I couldn't believe what I had just witnessed. I felt dumbfounded and guilty for I could have perhaps prevented this outcome. Instantly, I should have pounded my fist against the window to scare off that bully and then quickly net out the baby. But I wasted on those seconds hailing the fish's dexterousness of slipping through the other side and searching for clues on how the fish swam through. And a part of me naively thought big goldie would not possibly eat the fish. Not my goldie. But was I wrong and now too late. The baby fish had journey its way from Brooklyn to be sacrificed as a snack and laid to rest in goldie's belly. I'm saddened but I guess it holds true in general to all aspects in life, sometimes a journey can be long and sometimes brief. The life of this baby fish abruptly came to a halt but at least it had traveled, explored, and me to write about it.

Adieu 2010

Another chapter has ended as we begin a new chapter in our lives. In hindsight, 2010 had actually been a wonderful journey for me. I had the opportunity to travel around the world and explore new cultures. As for personal growth, I started discovering who I am and how I wanted to live my life. But I know, 2010 had been a mediocre year for many, and perhaps abysmal for some who are still struggling emotionally or for those who have been trying to dig their way out of the economic mess. But that is why we celebrate the new year, in aspiration for a new life and new hope for the future. I'm not worried about the happy folks. But for those who had a terrible year in 2010, embrace the heartaches, the adversities, the sadness and then leave them behind. I know, easy said than done. My intention is not to be morose here but we should appreciate every moment and value its worth. For every downfall lies a hidden blessing. No matter what happened in the past, I know the journeys taken only groomed us to become who we are intended to be and bring us to where we needed to go. But letting go the past and moving on is a must. Because look what just happened, another year has gone by. We have a limited ticking time clock, which we often take for granted. Let's use the new year wisely with smiles. Astrology tells us that we have cycles in life, sometimes good and sometimes bad. But one thing is for sure is that we can always wish for a better new year. And it will be. Over time, our chapters will only get better, more joyful, and serene. Let's bid farewell to 2010, and begin our new journey, another 365 days of blissful adventures and magic! Happy New Year to you all! 

Snow Blankets NYC

A snow path with my footprints

A street covered with snow

Snow finally blanketed the city though a bit late, a day after Christmas. I walked outside and saw absolutely zero traffic, which is a rarity in NYC. About two feet of snow fell across our region burying vehicles and trash bins underneath powder white sand. Sidewalks transformed into layer of bulwarks surrounding the buildings, causing a Himalayan trek for me to get to the streets that had become pedestrian passages.                                                                                       

              The scene is absolutely beautiful. But I feel a bit fuddled. Today has become a Monday nightmare for commuters and travelers. Train, subway, and bus services had been suspended. Flights delayed and cancelled. Cars skidding and spinning dangerously across the roads. And the cold temperature is of no help. Gusting winds kicking up and about frustrating bedraggled shovelers and aggravating my progessing popsicle nose and fingers. On the other hand, a big winter storm also means no need to go to work, a bonus day to do whatever we wanted. On the streets, I heard plenty of cackles and laughter and saw snowballs flying and splattering across the ground. People generously helping one another digging and pushing for ways to get their vehicles out. I stepped outside in hopes to capture a bit of the white powdered fluff and enjoy some snow-frolicking. But, the journey was short lived. During my arduous hike of only a few blocks to the Chelsea Market, my fingers frozen up into ten speared icicles as drips solidified down my nose. It wasn't as fun as I thought. Perhaps, me sitting here in my cozy apartment, sipping on a cup of nice hot chocolate, and peering outside is the best way to embrace the winter wonderland.

Another Type of Journey

When people discuss traveling, it's often about taking a trip to another destination. But a travel, or a journey, does not necessitate a physical gesture. Sometimes a journey could be manifested by some thought that had changed over time or by a psychophysiological experience of an individual's mind. A metamorphosis of values over the years is a journey. The process of overcoming hardships and difficult times is a journey. The feelings attached to changing jobs or switching careers is a journey. An atheist turned agnostic is a journey. A healthy individual turned sick is a journey. Savoring a bite of a dark chocolate cake is a journey. Getting to the altar is a journey. Becoming parents is a journey. A moment's bliss is a journey. Life offers infinite array of adventures and odysseys. Do you realize that we are constantly taking journeys in life? From all the travels that I've been to thus far, this journey so called "life", and its incorporated roller coaster state of consciousness, is truly the most spectacular, remarkable, and complex. Beside sharing stories of the countries I've been to, I also hope to share in my blog some of the nonphysical journeys. (Otherwise, I would run out of things to write given that I can't afford to travel to every location in this world. Though if you are reading this and happen to be Anthony Bourdain, or a rep from National Geographic, I wouldn't mind taking an offer to travel all over the world and work for you!!) Like you, I have gone through many emotional rides in the past and have many inspirational journeys to share. The nonphysical blogs that I hope to write over time might be beneficial, sad, happy, or entertaining. Ultimately, I just want to share with you some of my so called "life" journeys I have had or will have in the future. So do stay tuned! And thank you for taking the time to read my blogs.

My Western Eurotrip Galore: Ireland - Dublin

Sixth Stop: Ireland


Grafton Street

Like all things in life, the eurotrip had to end. After Sweden, my friend and I flew our separate ways to return home. She went to London to visit some friends and I stayed at Dublin, Ireland for a day on my own before heading back to NYC. It was my second time in Dublin.



Glendalough

The first time I visited Dublin, I went with a few colleagues of mine. One of the guys that I worked with at the time was from Ireland and a few of us decided to join him for a trip back to his hometown for a couple of days. We received the best hospitality - he welcomed us to stay at his charming abode and his family fed us generously. We had a wonderful time so I had only fond memories of this verdurous island.

One thing I do have to agree is that Ireland is truly green! In the city, you will see gift shops adorned with everything green: Irish shamrock key chains, chocolate leprechaun cans, Celtic T-shirts, and St. Patrick jigsaw puzzles to name a few. Even Aer Lingus, its airline is green. The outskirt of Dublin is even more prevalent. My friend drove us to Glendalough in the Wicklow county. Along the way, we passed by vast sprouting lush fields of organic green adorned with charming cottages and black spotted cows! The vegetation exude raw, so fresh that I felt I landed on a healthy planet of salads. And the cows were not the brown or black ones you see in the US, but white cows with black spots! The landscape reminded me of sketches in the pages of my favorite Strawberry Shortcake coloring book when I was a kid. In that coloring book, I had to color in those fabricated cows with spots, which I somehow knew should be in the colors of white and black. But I finally saw the real deal in Ireland! If Strawberry Shortcake exists, she would probably be a local from Ireland.

Enya's Castle on the right

On that first trip, I also saw breath-taking coastal views of Ireland. And from the spot we were at, we were able to see celebrity mansions such as those of Bono and Enya. And of course, no trip to Dublin would be complete without a visit to its city center. We visited the vicinity of Grafton Street to shop for souvenirs and took a tour inside Trinity College. The beautiful library inside houses over 4.5 million printed books and manuscripts. Stunningly archaic and whiff of aged barks, the library reminded me of those from Harry Potter's. After great sightseeing, we joined what the locals do - spend time at pubs drinking the acclaimed Guinness, which we assuredly tried, but I unfortunately didn't like. The mugs are monstrous and locals can drink more than one glass! Ok, maybe I'm just a wuss. But, Irish people can really drink! We also visited local bars and had the tastiest jager-bomb shots ever! Now those shots were delicious that I engulfed more than eight!

My second trip to Dublin on my own wasn't as eventful as the first time. I wish I could tell you more but I only visited Dublin's city center and went shopping along Grafton's. Nevertheless, I had a great solo time miles away from home. I really like Dublin and Ireland in general. I love the Irish accent and people there are so kind. I can't say that I will visit some parts of Europe again, but I can definitely say I will visit Ireland again. I like it that much. And with that, I wrap up my eurotrip galore! Back to NYC I go. Boo!

TRAVEL EXPENSE: (excluding attraction fees and food):

Hotel: $69usd for 1 night at Hilton Dublin Airport

Bus: from hotel to airport: free