Double Rainbows in Stonehenge

On the way to Stonehenge, the rain starts to pour down again and it gets so heavy for a while that the road is almost flooded and it feels the coach just swimming across the water. But then rain starts to get lighter, and when it is still drizzling, there are two beautiful rainbows hanging in the sky. “rainbows!” someone shouts, and “two” I can’t conceal my great surprise, and they are two full rainbows, so perfect that it is almost surreal.

Ten minutes later, we arrive at the Stonehenge, which is located on a massive open land. And to our deepest joy, the rainbows are still there. I rush off the bus and take some photos of the rainbows. Who knows, the rainbows in this sacred land might bring good luck for the new year!

The wind is really strong when we are circling the Stonehenge, but the late afternoon sunlight shed beautiful glow on the stone, making this an ideal time for photos. I am delighted to take photos of the stones from different angles and with different light effects while listening to Hilary telling the myth of the Stonehenge and the latest research on this site. It is very chilly up there with the wind, but standing in the middle of prehistoric site which is listed as world heritage makes it all worthwhile.

And almost right after we get back on the coach, it starts to rain again, and actually quite heavy as well. So we nearly just escape the worst and I say to myself, maybe it is a sign that I will get lucky in the new year. After all those drama in 2006, for sure I need a fresh start and outlook for the new year.

Salisbury Cathedral

After two weeks of foggy, misty and gloomy weather, this morning the clouds start to move away and it looks it is going to a good day for outing. I have signed up with London walks for an exploration day to Salisbury and Stonehenge. The train journey going to Salisbury is quite uneventful, it is southwest train off London, passing through a lot of farm lands (two thirds of Britain is covered by farm land).

The Salisbury cathedral was built on water meadows in 13th century, a bit unusual for an architecture of this scale as it has the tallest spire in Britain. The foundation is only 4 foot high which is not that much considering the height and the size of the cathedral. It is noon when we get there, a quiet but very picturesque small town. There is a fisherman standing in the water fishing trout. Hilary, the guide from London starts telling us the stories behind this legendary cathedral. Legend says that the founder of the cathedral shot an arrow to decide where the cathedral should be built and the arrow landed right on the water meadow where the cathedral stands today. It’s been an inspiring place for a lot of writers and artists. Constable had a few famous paintings showing the cathedral and its surroundings.

As we walk passed the old houses around cathedral, we heard more sometimes rather amusing stories about the old owners/founders of these magnificent houses, one of which until today has been a house for widows. And across the street, there is a big house which used to be kings wardrobe, a bit mind blowing really to imagine the royal family life in the old days.

The cathedral is quite a massive building in typical early English Gothic style, and my eyes are soon attracted by the blue tinted glasses in the back of the cathedral where the high altar is displayed. I have seen many churches/cathedrals around Europe, and nearly all of them have beautiful tinted glasses, but the blue ones here are really eye catching due to a very distinguishing blue colour they used. There are quite a few tomb stones laying on different parts of the cathedral, and the stories behind these stones are anything from mysterious, enchanting to bloody and violent. Then we are led to the high altar where there are a few white angels hanging in the air.

The chapter house connected to the cathedral is a historical treasure due to some very important documents stored here. Magna Carta (1215), the first and closest version of the rights of the liberty has been kept here, which is one of four surviving copies to date. Personally to me, it is amazing to realize how history has evolved in the development of democracy. I guess it is fair to say that democracy is a long bumpy road but we have to take.

A long journey home

One week before Xmas, the holiday atmosphere is definitely in the air. It is the time for last minute gift shopping and wrapping. In all those years I lived abroad, Xmas always imposed a strange feeling on me. It is a holiday for families to get together, but what if you are the only family member in that country, you don't really have any family event to go to. But I still enjoy the Xmas lights on the streets, but not so much those plastic Xmas trees every where these days.

I had a short business trip to Sweden. This is not a smooth trip to start with. We landed in Copenhagen on time, but the train going to Sweden was delayed for almost an hour, so here we are, waiting in the cold and finally got on cramped train. I have to appreciate the Scandinavians for their mild temper and good manner. In the jammed train, nobody really complained and pushed around. Maybe those nordic countries are not the most exciting places to live, but their well educated people really make their countries a more attractive and welcoming place. The train delays are not so often, but it could happen when union strikes for better pay, etc.

Had a two rather uneventful days in Sweden, everybody seems to be in good spirit - well, why not, we have had an extremely good year in our business, as they say, money pouring in, and Xmas is a few days away. In a country where everybody is relatively equal in terms of living standard, they are in preparation for a merry Xmas and new year.

The jouney back home is a bit ordeal. Again, plane landed at heathrow on time despite the fog. But then it turned out that tube from heathrow was shutdown due to some fire alarms. We were directed to tak the bus to Hatton cross so we can get on the tube from there. In the overly crowded bus (totally like in a third world country), a very loud frenchwoman just can't stop her criticism of all the woes in Britain. And when we were finally getting off the bus, she shouted something very loud "I never want to come to your FXXXing country anymore". I turned to her, can't believe some people could be so rude. All of sudden, I start to appreciate the patience and decent manners of Scandinavians. After all, complaining doesn't get you anywhere, and tolerance and understanding could help big time in a situation like this.

Apparently London is a popular destination for tourists around Xmas and new year. Standing beside me was an American woman and her French companion (very usual indeed!) and they had Eurostar train to catch in Waterloo. They were looking at the tube map trying to figure out where to transfer. I pointed out the jubliee line they should take from Greepark, and they asked me if they can still catch the Eurostar departing at 7:40, I said "it will be tight", feeling quite sorry for them. The tube system in London is not great, and not that reliable either, there are unexpected delays all the time. But what can I say, obviously this hasn't stopped people from coming here!

Welcome to my virtual place?

Myspace has been agressively pushing into China, a hot potato that is not so easy to eat for a cyber community based business. Obviously, online community has been the new hype, ranging from my space, Youtube and virtual place where you can build your virtual world. I am not sure if I am just too old fashioned to get too excited about the new hippy thing, believe it or not, I do have a home page in myspace, but I rarely use it. The reason is very simple, I find it way too superficial, and most people profiles tend to be very graphic than narrative. But I guess it is not really the thing targeting poeple like me anyway, I was not raised in an environment where cyber space is quickly transforming the community we used to be familiar with.

A friend of mine questions that 11 hours a week as average usage of Internet (based on the statistics) is too little, as one of the averge users, personally I think that is way enough. I think I spend 30 minutes reading the news, 30 minutes doing my emails, and occasionally doing some online shopping and chatting with friends. That is really about it, well, yes, my blog which I might spend 3 to 4 hours a month to keep it alive!

Computer and Internet, along with other modern technology, has brought us wonderful things - information becomes more transparent, fast and no boundaries, and we get to talk with people from anywhere in the world. And of course, Internet has facilitate across-border tradings and gambling. And indeed Internet has created a lot of innovative new jobs that you wouldn't think of otherwise. In essence, Internet represents speed and sharing.

However, is speed always a good thing? And the bigger question is, is the online (virtual)community ever going to replace the real world/network/community we live in? Or at least is it healthy to spend more than two hours on Internet unless that is your job? When I see a seven years old boy completely addicted to computers games, I get quite worried. And I still couldn't understand the appeal of that virtual world, or any other virtual world really? Recently there are some savvy computer programmes that enable you to build yourself in the virtual world, where you build your house, dress up yourself and invite your virtual friends to join your party. I still struggle to understand how people could spend hours building their fantasy in this online wonder land.

My childhood was a typical example of pre computer/Internet era, I spent eight years in countryside where I joined other kids running in the field, climbing the trees and playing those simple games. I admit they are might not be as inspiring for the brain as computer games, but I had a fabulous time and it was certainly good for me physically as I was a very weak and small child when I was born. And I still believe fresh air, the green and outdoor fun help the children build relationships with the nature, which is not something you get by playing computer games five hours a day.

I guess I would be classified as nostalgic, don't get my wrong, I emrace modern technology as everybody else, I certainly don't want to go back to caves and hunting for wild animals :) I wouldn't be able to survive in that kind of harsh environment. But I think it is about a fine balance between making good use of technology but not letting it take your life away. Sometimes I don't think faster is always better, life becomes so fast paced in most big cities these days, it is nice to have a break from all these noises, so we have time to think and indulge. And I am still a strong believer in human contact, hopefully we won't enter an age when everybody only meet everybody in their virtual place, that would be a bit sad, wouldn't it?

Happy Anniversary Blogger!

Today I am celebrating for being a blogger for one year! Last year on the same day, I started my blog with the first journal "break away", it was an emotional piece in a lot of ways, by then I already knew I would be moving to London in three months. Now I have been a proud Londoner (if I can claim that) for ten months.

When I was walking down the street in Notting hill this afternoon, the sun just started to come down, painting the clouds in lovely pink and orange colours, I suddently realize why the sunset is more beautiful when there are clouds in the sky. It is the same in life, when everyday is as peaceful as a sunny day with clear sky, it might be too boring. We all need something to inspire us. The thunders and storms in life just make us appreciate the sunshine and peace more.

I actually feel quite settled here, the feeling I never had during the three years in the USA. Don't really know why, maybe partly because I grew up reading English literature, so somehow I find connection here. So far it has been quite an interesting experience, and I love the diversity and dynamics here. And in terms of blogging, this is probably one of the most liberal places to be.

Another Wave of Takeover Race

This week Nasdaq has launched another attempt to acquire London Stock Exchange, and again has been rejected by LSE, as no surprise even to outsiders. As much as a lover of globalization and enthusiast of cross-Atlantic marriages, I am not sure I quite like the idea. This is not new headline story anymore, the new economy rejuvenlized after the Internet bubble, has been gaining more momentum and launching a full scale contest with old, traditional industry. We live in a dynamic world, Google's share price has hit new high -$500 a share, forget about old texbooks on valuation, this is the new generation!

And yet, I have some reluctance to have all American companies rule the world economy, although like it or not, that is what is happening. Airbus, is losing the game to Boeing. And I used to work for Reuters, still a big name in journalist world, but has already lost its edge to Bloomberg, a firm started by Michael Bloomberg only in the 1970s.

Maybe I am just nostalgic, there is a Chinese saying that the new wave will push the old waves, it is a given I guess. But if both the world military, political and economic power is centred in one country, I am not convinced it is a good thing. To overturn this trend is not an easy task though, our beloved European fellows (or maybe China) has some serious catch up job to do.

Journey via Euro Tunnel

It was 2 o’clock on Saturday morning, we started driving to Folkstone where we would take the Euro tunnel to France. The country road was a bit dark, but there were many bright stars shining in the sky. We arrived in Euro tunnel terminal starry eyed. It was only 4 O’clock, the terminal was empty, with only one coffee shop open. While having our morning coffee in the rather cold building, I was getting quite excited about the journey. We drove onto the train carriage, inside which there are several divisions. The loading and uploading or the drive on and drive off process were rather smooth, and it is only 35 minutes through the tunnel. And when we drove off from the carriage, voila - we were already in Calais, France.

At the crack of dawn, we stopped at a small town Arras on our way to Paris. The morning light shed warm glow on the old buildings in the big square at the city centre. The square and lots of buildings were rebuilt as they were destroyed during the 1st war. The Saturday morning market was in full swing, offering great variety of vegetables, meat, fish and cheese. I was especially intrigued by the green sausages covered with herbal ingredients, very exotic looks! There were plenty of cheap clothes, toys and plastic utensils sourced from China, apparently global economy has reached the farming community in France. And for a town of forty thousand residents, this Saturday market is quite impressive.

It was still drizzling on the way to Paris, but the autumn scenery was very appealing with trees changing colours and green fields stretching miles after miles. French countryside has its own charms.

The hotel in Paris is on a tree lined street in Latin Quarter, very close to Montparnasse. Rain had stopped and we were greeted by the clear sky and beautiful afternoon sun. We took a stroll at the Cemetery in Montparnasse, very quiet and peaceful. A bit chilly in the air, but the sun was casting nice shadows on the pavement. Some of the tombs were quite old, with rather broken and shaky sculptures on the top. A lot of artists and painters were buried there, which is not a surprise given the popularity of Paris as an inspiring place for art.

Luxemburg park is a small park in the city centre with nice trees splashed by lush autumn colors, sculptures and fountains scattered around. We walked along the trails covered with falling leaves in the park and it was just the time they were about to close, there were policemen whistling to get people out of the park.

The metro system in Paris is still as good as how I remember it from last time in Paris three years ago, and fare seems to be staying on the same level, much cheaper compared with London. The trains are lighter, running on rubber wheels and they are quite frequent with no strange delays caused by the rather cumbersome signal system in London underground.

The Corneille concert was in a development area at the north of the city, with modern new complex consisting of cinemas, theatres and opera/concert halls. Obviously it was a very popular show and security was high at the entrance. But the queue moved fairly quickly, we just got in on time. Music is really the centre of young people’s life these days, I also spot my company’s ad on the big screen outside the concert hall. Well, I guess this is our target audience and that goes together with our music proposition.
One and a half hour later, after two bands warming up the stage, the long awaited Corneille emerged on the stage. Sitting in the back row (it is free seating, we didn’t get in early enough to get the good seats), I can’t really see his face very well. But his songs, seamlessly go together with his unique style, dark, enchanting smile and warm character. The crowd went crazy for him, especially the young girls in the inner circle, all stretching out to give roses to him.

When we walked out of the concert hall, rain unexpectedly poured down. Catching the last subway back to hotel, I literally fell asleep several times on the train, I think the lack of sleep just caught up on me.

After breakfast at a local brassery, we decided to go for a walk along the river. This was part of the river bank I didn’t walk on last time, quite different landscapes compared with more touristy part. There are quite a few high rise buildings on the side of the river, which reminds me of the south bank area on the river Thames in London. Some new development is still on going, with big signs that said “Nouveau Magasin” (new shops) open soon, that actually reminds me of Beijing, so many constructions are going on right now, I might hardly recognize my city when I am back there in January.

In the afternoon we rushed ourselves to Galleria Lafayette, to our big surprise all the shops were closed, and that was only 2 o’clock on Sunday afternoon. Well, I guess French enjoy a much laid back life style. Coming from Asia, this is still a cultural shock to me once in a while since the shops in Asian open 7 days a week and 12 hours everyday. I was spoiled in that sense.

After just 24 hours in Paris, we started driving back to Calais again. It was quite beautiful landscape all the way back, with clouds hanging in the sky like Chinese painting colours. Not much traffic on the road, we were driving at 100 miles an hour most of the time, and French police didn’t seem to be interested in stopping the English tourists. After all, they are the ones buying loads of French wine, cheese and chocolate.

Real Heroes vs. Action movie stars

Yesterday I saw the “Casino Royale”, just as every blockbuster movie I have seen, it’s always been a rather disappointing experience. Don’t get me wrong, I do think it was quite entertaining, but I do have to admit that my mind drifted away when there was the endless car chasing, car crashing and gun shooting. This is the kind of stuff never grip me or make me engaged in any way. And to be honest, I am still puzzled why people haven’t got tired of movies like this – don’t they just tend to tell very similar stories and the “heroes” in those movies are so homogeneous that in a while they become very blur and I always mix them up when I think about those action movies I have seen.

Without a doubt, these movies still generate the hype, boosted by the huge marketing campaigns, and yes, admit it or not, it is probably a vanity thing, but don’t we all like stars for its sheer glamour.

Maybe I am simply too old to be attracted to a hype like this, however, I can’t recall I have ever been attracted or remotely inspired by those action movies. I have long thought it is a big waste of time and money to make movies that don’t reflect the realities in life. But maybe sometimes because reality tends to be bleak and imperfect, so seeing a hero fulfilling his mission in a action movie helps a lot of people mentally. I am not sure.

I found myself more touched and inspired by reading stories of real heroes in our life. The other day I was reading an article on Reuters, it was about a young journalist who had been covering the civil war in Sri Lanka. His neck was broken during a roadside ambush, and he has been paralyzed since. He is still in hospital, but he is determined to go back there to cover the stories in the battle field whenever it is possible for him. “I will go back, in any form I can. “ he said. There is no regret about going there – he was aware of the danger, and he is only 25 years old, he could enjoy what life has to offer, but he picked one of the most dangerous profession in the world, and he is still passionate about it.

Sometimes I think maybe most of us are cowards in a way we don’t dare to live a life that might be short and fulfilling. We get so carried away by the comfort of modern life and the thought of sacrifice of all these make us scared. But is it really better to have a long but ordinary and most of time boring life or to live life to the full even just for one day, because on that day we feel so much alive.

Still not sure I know the answer yet. But I guess I am not alone.

Should we give nature a helping hand

In the BBC programme “planet earth” this week, there is an interesting story which triggered some debate around the topic “should we give nature a helping hand”. When the TV crew was shooting the penguins in South Pole, they spot this new born baby penguin stuck in an ice pole and couldn’t get out. Her parents were helplessly watching their baby trembling in the hole trying to get out but couldn’t help. The TV crew, who have been there for months in that cold winter filming these penguins, first thought they should stick with their rules – don’t interfere, let the nature rule, but later on decided to help the poor little thing to get out of the hole. The baby penguin joined her family, though the question remains for the TV crew and the audience, should we give month nature a helping hand?

Personally I think it is very difficult not to, when it is such an easy job for us to help out the vulnerable, why not. After all, we all have sympathy for the vulnerable and less fortunate ones. And consciously or subconsciously, we always have been interfering or trying to influence what is happening in the nature. Admit it or not, we human beings, is the biggest enemy of nature. We have done so many terrible destructions to the forest, and endless poaching has driven a lot of animals into extinction. Needless to say, global warming is testing the limits of how far this could go before we have to fight for our own survival.

On the other hand, we have been gearing up efforts to help the beloved animals. Panda presents a classic example of an animal which is very vulnerable to climate change, destruction of the certain forest, but let’s face it, this is not an animal equipped to deal with the change. And its poor ability of breeding contributes partly to its rapidly decreasing number. Yet, we decided since all children and adults love this cute bear, so we have to help them to survive. And how far we have gone, well, we have forced the panda couples to watch panda porns so that they would be more interested in getting intimate with each other so that they could make more baby pandas for us. I am sure there are a lot of other animals out there on the verge of extinction but we choose not to “interfere” that much because the nature of the law has to rule. Well, in Panda’s case, we are very reluctant to let the nature rule. But other less fortunately animals, such as crocodiles, even they are being killed by human being for their skin and meat, we don’t seem to worry that much, after all, they look quite scary and they are aggressive animals and they might attack human beings.

The land of Gossip

The land of Tabloid newspaper, and the center of gossip. And today, it is proved that even the serious political event can turn into soap opera. Tony has to go, we all know that, and his legacy (if you can call it legacy anyway) is ending with a quite controversial note. And Cherie, his lovely wife, is certainly not helping at this point of his career. She has been allegedly reported saying "that is a lie" when Mr. Brown was giving his tribute to Tony. Well, we don't know if she really said, it would surprise a bit if she did, even though we know by now she is a very outspoken first lady who won't just sit around as supporting wife and mother for the kids. But a lawyer by training, that is a bit losing grip?

"You know the biggest newspaper (by circulation) in this country is those Tabloid newspaper", when my friend told me this a month ago, I was quite surprised. Well, I guess we all like gossip news these days, some pressue in our own life is taken away by talking lightheartedly about the "celebrity" gossip, after all, mocking other people is always easier than solving our own issues!

Is this why (at least partly) the tabloid survives and thrives? After all, those "stars" are the lucky birds, for a fine balance, they should take some heat as well!

Late English Summer

After an utterly depressing August, we have had a lot of sunny and warm days in Sep. Some Swedish folks in the office said, "actually weather in London is not that bad compared with the rest of UK, you sometimes get this very nice late summer weathter in Sep, and if you are lucky it could be quite warm around Xmas. " Even though I think this comment is in relative terms, as weather here is better than most part of Sweden. But there is still some truth in it. London is relatively dry and sunny compared with west coast and certainly better than the weather in North island. So in that sense, I am quite lucky to be in London and I certainly have enjoyed the fabulous late english summer so far!

After six months being in London, I thought I should make a move on my "cultural education". So I went on and got myself a ticket to see the play "Antony and Cleopatra" at Shakespeare globe on south bank. It is a semi open air theatre right beside Tate Modern, so only good time to go there is summer. I was glad I was able to catch the last glimpse of summer glow before it gives away to the autumn! When I got settled in my seat in the upper gallery, I was geniunely delighted to find out that this is a rather old fasioned place. Small, mostly wooden structure, simple, cozy and you hardly find any touch of modern architect. It is a perfect fit for what is being played there, I thought. The only downside I found is that the seats are not very comfortable, there is no seatback, so after a while, your back starts to hurt, and the play was three hours. There are also standing seats, where people just stand around the stage. I actually think it is a better spot to be in. Although I didn't find any old people there, I guess standing three hours is a privilege reserved for young people. And sadly I am nowjuggling between youth and mid age. Crisis stage in life :)

The acting was very good, although the guy playing Antony is a bit old - maybe 55 to 60 I think, not much hair left, I thought Antony was a bit more handsome than that! Listening to a Shakespear play still imposes a quite challenge on me, as the English is a bit different.

Walking out the theatre, I saw the fireworks lighting up the night sky over the river bank. It was fabulous display, people are lined up on the bridge watching it. On my way to the tube station, I gazed at the St. Pauls cathedral illuminating in the distance, for a moment, I was quite content with life.

A day to remember

A day to light candles, but for a better day tomorrow, maybe it is better to learn from yesterday than indulging ouselves into sadness, anger and fear. We won't forget that day, marked by shock, sorrow and devastation. I closed my eyes after watching the BBC movie "the path to 9/11. ", my heart is still unsettled. It takes more than five years to wash down those vivid memories, even I was not eithe the witness or the victim family members. But I was there in America, and working in an office building right across street from Sears tower (the same height as WTC towers) when the first plane hit the WTC.

I am not sure it is just me, but on a positive note, I think being there and experiencing the fear, anger and sorrow somehow made me a stronger person than I was before. The truth is, the terror won't go away, most likely we will have to live with it in our generation or even longer. And as more materially affluent than ever, we are not necessarilymentally stronger than the generations who had been through wars.

We all like watching dramas, but experiencing them ourselves, I can't say all of us are mentally equipped to deal with the roller coaster ups and downs. However, the reality of life, as the way history evolves, is rather a bumpy road with a lot of confusing detours and unexpected dangers and risks from the collisions.

Three years anniversary since first visit to Sweden

Yesterday marked my three year anniversary visiting Sweden. And I am staying in this exactly same hotel. That was a warm sunny day three years ago when I arrived here, and the sun was just starting to come down. It was early in the evening, I had a walk around the hotel and was quite impressed by the tranquillity and the green here.

Now I have been to Sweden for at least ten times, though embossing enough that I still don’t understand much Swedish at all other than “hej”. It is so easy to get around since everybody speaks good English. To celebrate my three year anniversary for being a regular visitor to Sweden, I decided to take a long walk after work yesterday. When I was walking through the green with country houses in the woods, I was quite indulged in this peace and utterly refreshing scene. This is the kind of Scandinavian beauty, simple, fresh, peaceful and humble, but I can certainly see the attractions here. I took a deep breath of the crispy air mixed with fresh grass smell, I could almost feel the clean air going deep down through my lungs.

Apart from the weather, Sweden is a lucky country in a lot of ways, but obviously the government has done a good job to make it an industrialized country but at the same time preserving the natural environment. Its success is built on highly educated population and well run welfare system that give most people a comfortable life. And even famous for being a liberal society, the traditional family values are well reserved. And it is also a very equal and harmonious society, class is not something people tend to have in their mind.

South Sweden (represented by Malmo and its vicinity, which used to be ruled by Danish hundred years ago), it is quite different from Stockholm. Clearly, there is subtle competition going on between the south and the north, like in any other countries. It is warmer and sunnier in summer, and it has much more open land for houses and it is generally a more laidback life style.

While I was walking along the road along the forest, there are bird with very pretty long colourful tails flying over the bushes and trees, and wild blue berry tree spread all over the small hills, it was such a good feeling to be so close to the nature.

Coming from a country so populous and still poor at large, sometimes I can’t help to envy a country like Sweden. However, it is much easier to run a small country which has enjoyed two hundred years of peace and with much ample per capital resource. As for China, there are too many issues we need to tackle at the same time.

A overdue promise

I was watching the documentary "promises", and tears welled in my eyes. It was such a good documentary, it didn't focus on shooting on the war torned Jerasulem, the kiling and being killed. It makes us think, as part of human nature, we always try to find shortcut for a rather complicated issue. But in this case, we have long come to realize that it is such a complicated issue tangled by clashes of culture, religion and ideologies and the peace mission if it ever materialize, will be a long bumpy road.

The world is not on childeren's hands, but maybe the hope of the peace is on the childern's hands. That is one of the key messages the film sends out. When the parties in the middle of the conflicts only get to see one sided stories everyday on TV, the hatred is natural. However, peace could never been won by war or carrying on revenge.

Peace, can only start from understanding each other (the differences and similarities), take part of the existence as given, remember the history but prepare to move on. And compromise and forgiving, it is part of the peace formula.

Chinese had a long war with Japanese during second world war, both nations suffered, as the invaders, the Japanese had to be held responsible for the war crime and killing of millions of Chinese civilians. And I am sure taking revenge has always rooted in some Chinese's mind, but is it something that should be encouraged and glorified? No, peace only starts when we are ready to reconcile and make compromises.

Peace in the middle east, such a remote dream to come true, and for the kids in shattered homes, that is a overdue promise. Our hearts all ache when we see the endless killing and destruction of ordinary life, but sometimes I doubt if the rest of the world has really done enough to help. Children, when their minds are still not tinted by one sided stories, could be something we put efforts on as a long term solution. In the end, I believe mind is more powerful than guns.

Hampton Court

It was a beautiful sunny day and it was Saturday - the best day of the week. I had a long walk along the river from Richmond all the way to Hampton court. There are old houses and modern buildings on both sides of the river, under the warm sunshine, people are fishing by the river, cycling around the river path, and kids are playing in the water. It is a 6 mile walk, I enjoyed it very much except when I finally arrived at Hampton court, my feet started to ache a bit :)

No pain, No gain or lots of Pain with no gain?

We all used to have a lot of sympathy for Jewish people, given what they had suffered during the second world war, which nearly put the whole race under extinction. And we all have a lot of respect for them too, given the fact they are very talented and hard working people who have contributed tremendously to the world. And personally, I think they share a lot of similarities with Chinese. And we at somepoint all braced the idea of giving them a home - establishing a Jewish state.

And it is absolutely right for Israel to defend their country and its people from terrorist attacks. However, self defence should have guidelines which says they should seek best possible ways to avoid casualities of civillians and help the affected in whatever way they can.

Lebanon didn't support the hizbollahs and they didn't choose to be the base for the hizbollah guerrillas. And yet, the people in southern lebaonon are forced to leave their homes and their businesses which they have relied on for a living and go on to seek refugee somewhere. "We have given you ample time to leave, and you stay then you will be treated like terrorists.". That is the voice from the people whose grandparents had been forced to the concentration camps. But why I should flee my own country and end up in a refugge camp (if I am lucky) or end up on street begging for a living? My home is the only thing I have and there is no possibility for me to make a living elsewhere.

Well, tough life, if you don't want to be killed in the air raid, you better leave, cause whe we drop bombs even UN observers might be killed. So no one is safe to stay there.

Theoratically, whoever starts the war and make the damage should be responsible for reconstruction and providing aids as well. You can't just throw people out of their own homes and don't care about their well beings. All lives require same respect.

Unfortunately we can't count on the Israelis because they are too busy defending their own state. So here comes the UN, the organization set up after the second world war to safeguard peace in post war era. Although as a weak, bureaucratic and probably corrupt organization who have failed to do anything to prevent war or promote the diplomatic corridor for peace, the only task he can take on is providing aids. Pathetic!

I am still puzzled by what is going on there. So it seems self defence is a justified cause even it means flattening out half of a sovereign country. If we follow this logic, then whenever there is a conflict, we don't go out and seek help from internaltional community we just go in and do our own job and let the UN and international community clean up the mess and take care of post war reconstruction. Because we don't believe negotiation and diplomatic means could lead to ceasefire and avoid humantarinian disaster.

I am worried, if this simple logic applies, then we can abandon police force in every country and just let the victims or their relatives try to catch the criminals by themselves, even that could mean a lot of irrational act and unneccessary damage to other people's lives.

Something has gone very wrong here.

And do I believe this single minded military act will root out Hizbollah completely? No, I don't. On the contrary, I worry this will provoke more hatred and violence in the middle east. This might be a war with not much gain. And it certainly doesn't help Israel's image in the Islamic world.

Roman Holiday

It is a city embraced by the history, a place where you stand in the ancient ruins and fascinated by the past glory. Yet the modern Romans have a life style that I admittedly envy. I was certainly overwhelmed, after walking for two hours in the 36 degree heat, and all of sudden, in the middle of the busy road, I saw this giant amphitheatre there. The sheer scale catches your eyes, but it is the complexity of the building and the thoughts what had happened here make you really wonder. The fearless (or rather frightened) gladiators, the fearful and agitated animals were set on the stage and the privileged crowd were sitting there and being entertained by the fight between the live and death. That would have been such a visually disturbing scene. The forum, with arches, temples and monuments built in a square stretching for a mile, and sadly it is only ruins. When I was there, it was sunset and I was truly amazed by what I saw. The ancient ruins, painted by the warm glow of sunlight, looked stunningly beautiful and surreal. For a moment, I was deeply indulged.

That was definitely the highlights of my day two in Rome, but I was also very delighted by the riverside Trastevere too. It is a fashionable residential area, a lovely blend of old buildings, small squares, local shops, restaurants and cafes. Having stuffed myself with lots of gelato, pasta, cheap but fine house wine, I took a stroll in the neighbourhood, all restaurants and bars were busy, people sat outside enjoying the summer evening blessed by nice cool breeze. And then in a little square, where they had set up some books stalls and a small stage, there was a guy playing electronic guitar. Very nice acoustics, I thought, and noticed there were a big screen set up on the stage and it read “La Notte di Q”. I wonder if it is a movie or a musical… Very vaguely I remember Notte means night in Italian, so it would be “The night of Q”. I was quite intrigued and tempted to stay and watch but then it was late in the evening and I was exhausted from the 8 mile walk during the day.

I found Spanish steps a bit disappointing and trevi fountain too crowded. Although I do love the fountains they have all round in Rome, such a nice treat when you splash some cold water on your face during a hot summer day in Rome. The Sistine Chapel inside Vatican museum is a real gem but moderated by other treasures in the museum. I just love Michelangelo and his devotion to the ceiling paintings. In some way, I always think artists (painters, musicians alike) live in a wonderful world that none of us boring corporate people could experience. It is a never land built for the pure mind and sensitive heart.

It is 7th of July

It is 7th of July, I am on a tube to Wimbledon to see men’s semi finals. There is a two minutes silence in the office to commemorate the ones who were killed in last year’s bombing in London. Across London, there are various of memorial services to remember the death and injured.

There are some light showers during the day, as if it knows the pain the city and the nations suffered one year ago. The matched are delayed due to the rain, but when it finally starts at 3 pm, the stadium is absolutely packed. During the breaks, people walk around and have their favourite summer drink “the pimms”. It looks just like an ordinary day. I am impressed by the resilience and upbeat spirits of the people here, and indeed this is what we need for this great city that should never be let down by any terrors. This is a city that has been through a lot. It survived horrendous bombings during the second world war.

I have to admit this is just kind of the attitude that I like about the people and the nation. It is important to remember the death, the existence of terrorism, but more importantly, for the people who are living, life should be cheerful, fun and most importantly worry free. When I was at the USA during the post 9’11 period, I often felt the government is intimidating the nation and its people by the propaganda on the war towards terrorism – we are at war, and it is inmiment, look at our enemies, they are using all kind of mass destruction weapons against us. The anthrax thing was unfortunate amid of all the after shock. It is by no means a normal life if people start reporting white powder popping up everywhere, which later on all turn out to be either baby powder or just coax. Mentally and psychologically, this kind of propaganda only pushes the nation down to a very unhealthy and depressing situation. And I am not convinced that what the people needed at that point.

Life, as the way it is, is in the hands of people who are alive, and we should never live in fear. I agree as the government needs to do for national security but the blasting of terror and war every day is not needed. Put the shadow behind us, remember the death and the pain but move on to a hopefully better future.

Wimbledon is nice, the stadium is massive and I also enjoyed my walk to southfield.

Swedish countryside

Spent last week in Sweden, a city in the south with only 45 minutes on the train to Demark. Have been there for so many times, I rarely feel that is an exciting place, and after two gloomy days, I was getting very bored there. Then on the last evening there, the sun started to come out and I decided to take a walk in the woods near my hotel. Then slowly during my walk I started to appreciate the peaceful and green Swedish countryside. It is the tranquility that really strikes me and the simple style of farm houses, nothing showy but has its charm as well.

Paradise now

It was late Sunday night, I just finished watching “Paradise now”, my mind was filled with something rather heavy and gray, and I was still very much absorbed by this provoking story about two young Palestinians. This is such a mature, intriguing and sophisticated movie. It is a movie telling the dark truth of people living in a world that is rarely well covered by the media. And it makes you to ponder, to think deep on the complicated issues we are facing in this world. Also it is a good movie because it is using its very sharp observation to present the facts, the different perspectives of thinking and they are all woven into a very intriguing and grippinng journey that this movie takes us onto. And unlike a mainstream movie which a lot of time serves as a propaganda machine, it doesn’t give you answers to the issues or provide solutions, because the movie maker knows that these are extremely difficult and complex issues and there are no easy solutions to them.

Murdering of innocent people can not be forgiven or justified, that I fully agree. However, what we do need to understand the underlying courses of the acts by those young men who volunteered to be the suicide bombers. There is not much hope in their lives, it is all shattered dreams, miserable childhood, isolations by their own society and above all, there are no lights at the end of tunnel. The emotional despair pushed them to this belief that if they fulfil this special mission their god would save them from the misery in life and they will become someone more respectful in heaven.

It would have been a rather dark and utterly depressing movie if there was not the very lively female character in the movie, which represents more liberal and civilized views of young Palestinians who are lucky enough to be educated in the west and have developed more balanced view and prefer more peaceful solutions. She is a like a refreshing breeze blowing through the world that is torn by endless war and poverty. The character might be too perfect so it feels a little bit surreal, but it certainly paints a nice warm glow in the story that is centred on a suicide bomb mission.

It is also a very sensitive movie, with subtle touch on humanities, the good and bad side of human nature. One of the scenes in the movie, which I think it is well done, is when they accidentally find out that the videos of suicide bombers and or the traitors are both on the shelf for sale or rent. I could feel a deep sigh inside me, so what perceived as martyr or enemy may as well be good entertainment material for others. That is sad, but it is the cruel truth we live in.

Two thumbs up for this first Palestine movie, very insightful and delivering heart felt insider view from a well rounded perspective. Personally I think movies like this help us understand better the conflicts on the other side of the world, we may not have immediate solutions, but understanding in a profound manner, could be a good start.

English Countryside

South Coast - Eastbourne and Brighton

Beautiful coast with white cliffs.

Cookham - very typical English countryside, lots of green, nice gardens on the hills. And the walking finishes off by the river Thames. Lovely sunny day!

Security and Prosperity, the Rich and the Poor

Do I have sympathy over the people killed on the plane United 93? Yes, I do, just as million of others. But not to be simplistic and naive here, one reason we do feel sad and devastated is that because this is something we easily relate oursleves to, something that could happen to ourselves.

How many people got killed during 911 compared with how many people who got killed everyday in Africa and other developing nations due to hunger, disease and war? That is an easy math. One of the reasons these people have long been ignored by the wealthy nations is that the people in those developed countries can't really relate themselves to them, it is something they don't really encounter in their lives, so they just don't feel the pain.

I believe all good natured human beings deserve love, security and prosperity. Those hijikers on United 93 should be condemned but don't forget when we spend a lot of resource and time on anti terrorists, there are million of others who desparately need help. Are we better off trying to help these people, so at least they get to enjoy a fraction of what we enjoy in life, or should we sit here mourning the dead and condemning the terrorists? For me, there is a clear answer.

How much do we know about the lives in those poor nations and how much do we know about war against terrorism? The media coverage can tell us quite a lot. It is so easy to say "the trouble in those countries is their own trouble, we should focus on our own people", but the reality is if the countries and people who have resource to help but not doing it, who else they can count on?

911 is a wake up call, but it seems that for a better world and a better earth, maybe we do need another wakeup call on other ongoing devastating issues. After all, even we are not born to be equal but we should try to give everyone equal opportunities.

Three very distinct movies

The three movies I have watched recently: the Da Vinci code, Crash and United 93. Very distinctive movies, from the storyline, the characters to its target audience.

The Da Vince code, a Hollywood blockbuster type of movie, leveraged on the hype of the book, didn't make me either disppointed or thrilled. I simply didn't have much expectation for this type of commercial movies. I thought it was quite entertaining, and Andrey Toutou didn't look as great as she was in "Amelia" but that was 6 years ago, she was much younger by then. I think French women have a charm and elegance that are hard to beat.

Crash is such a good movie that it blends the racial issues, humanity and social and moral values into one box and shakes it up, make you really thinik deep and comtemplate on who we are and what are the secret hidden thoughts inside us. It is a rather sad movie, which I prefer in some way, because happy ending usually doesn't leave much space for you to linger and digest. On the other hand, I think dramas with a rather sad, sentimental ending are more powerful and it puts a weight on your mind.

United 93, a very vivid restrospect on what could have happened on that day on that flight, the story itself is gripping and heart-braking enough, although at the end I was surprised I didn't shed any tears. I think maybe it is much of a documentary than a movie, so I don't feel it really extends beyond the story itself which we probably already know the piece by piece details from media coverage. One of the extension or inventions by the movie is one of the hijikers who looks rather scared and nervous, and less determined than others. This is a character who was struggling between justification of his act, his love for life and the shadows on his heart. I like the way this role is portrayed in the movie because it gives a certain degree of sophistication behind the drive of human beings.

Dead people don't talk

Why people committed suicide ? That is always a mystery when they were already dead. Though we live in a world that this kind of drama do happen, and certainly boosted by media coverage early this week when it was unveiled that the three prisoners hanged themselves at the Guantanamo bay detention center. It is an act of war cause, the Washington official said. Well, too late to prove it is really an act of Jihad, or rather it is an act out of desperation or mental illness. They were not charged or convicted before they killed themselves. Now it seems we can inteprete what prompted this in whatever way we want to, after all, dead people don' t talk.

One thing, I realize recently, is that we are facing a choice between "innocent until proved guilty" or "guilty until proved innocent". This famous hypothesis , which I learned also in school how to use statistical model to project its probability. But mathematics itself doesn't give us answers, the fact even the probability of danger is small, like the recent police raid (which proved to be led by faulty intelligence later on) in London, we still have to pursue it, because the potential damage could be huge. Living in a world troubled by certain conflicts for which we don't have a total solution, we simply can't afford to take chances.

But is this approach "Guilty unless proved innocent" the right thing to do?

Well, the question is, is there a better approach?

In love with the green

It's been more than four months since I arrived in London, somehow I feel it is a landmark time, from now on I can't really call myself as a newbee in town anymore. But the truth is, I think I have fallen with the city. Summer is late here, and so was spring, but even before it finally warmed up, the tree lined streets with old buildings on the side, the gardens in the park or even your frontyard and backyard started to show its resistable charm. For someone who had been fed up with the dust and dirt in a deeply polluted mega city, this is a real blessing. Just a few shots to give you a flavor of the beauty of the city and its vicinity.

This is the massive botanic garden "Kew garden", quite a nice place to spend a lazy Sunday strolling around, have ice cream and do some reading.

I also had a walk through St. James park on a rainy day, after passing by the famous big ben and heard the chime. It was quite a nice feeling. And St. James park in the rain looks a big foggy.

London's bazar

I had heard about the market at Camden town, but it was only when I was there on last Sunday, I came to realize this is London's bazar - vividly reminds me of the night bazar in Thailand. The similarities is that they both carry a lot of stuff from Asia, but the difference is that the market here is mostly indoors, fairly organized and less haggling than you would do in Thailand.

There are some interesting shops, and as the achievement of the day that I bought a coffee table for my living room. It is in simple style but quite nice looking, and good size to fit to my place. And a real wooden coffee table for 69 pounds is a bargain in London.

I always like walking around in the market, everywhere I go, sometimes not in a mood of buying anything but just sheer flair of so much life there is amazing!

Back in Beijing as a visitor

The plane slowly descends through the grey smog and land at the Beijing capital airport. I look out of the window, the sky is pale grey, and people are going around in summer shirts. Welcome home! I pick up my luggage and jump into a taxi outside the airport. “Where are you going?” the driver asks, after learning that it is only a short ride, he starts complaining, “I have waited for four hours in queue just to get a job like this…” Well, now I really feel I am home, having to deal with tricky issues like this again. I want to tell him that it is his choice to come to the airport and it is not my choice that I have to go to this hotel that happens to be just off the airport highway. But, I keep my mouth shut. It is no use arguing with him, it is only making it worse. They only want me to pay them some nice tip, but instead of offering a good service, they get grouchy and hope to use this to win your support. Sad really, I am sure this kind of trick would ever work for anyone. When I arrive at the hotel and pay him the taxi fare with a few Yuan extra, apparently he is not satisfied with my tip, so he just sits there and don’t even bother to open the trunk where my luggage is placed. I have to ask him very politely “could you please open the trunk so I can get my luggage”? Then he slowly pushes the button, fortunately by then the guy from the hotel lobby has come out and help me to get my rather heavy luggage from the taxi.

So three months have passed since I moved to London, the first impression is that the service level has not improved much in Beijing. The same ordeal you still have to deal with!

Taking a deep breath in the hot and dusty air, such a different world here compared with mild and cloudy weather in London. The traffic is not getting any better, but I noticed there are new grass and flowers planted along the third ring road – after all the government is trying hard to improve the image of the city.

It is a bit strange to be back in Beijing as a visitor and stay in a hotel. When I am out in the famous Yashow market and seeing the tourists doing the haggling, I have to say I am impressed by how lively the business is here. I guess the universal rule for shopping is that to get more for less, and that is the attraction for most people at least, and with the variety of things they carry, no wonder they think it is a heaven for budget shoppers. And I am even more amazed when I accidentally leave the market when it is just closing for the day. The crowd, including both shoppers and vendors are going out at the same time, moving like a wave in the sea to the main gate. The scene reminds me of the Chinese word “the human air” (Ren Qi) which I haven’t found the right translations. It basically describes a phenomena that presence of mass population makes the place or event more appealing and exciting.

On the last evening I am hanging out with some friends in a bar, it turns out two of my friends are leaving Beijing soon too, we are joking maybe 2006 is the year of leaving Beijing (not a bad choice considering the fact it is a major construction site right now), though I am sure there will be more people coming as well. This is a city still attracts people with its dynamics, history and unique culture. I would hate to see my beloved city turning to be just any of those metropolitan cities with no character. I have liked London a lot since I moved there mainly because it is a city with a character, that is what makes it an enchanting place to live. My worry for Beijing is that people tend to focus too much on material things, after all modernization doesn’t mean just ugly tall buildings which would only do further damage to the environment which is already endangered.

The race just started

Today the "super jumbo" had the test run in London heathrow airport, the new airbus A380 that will take up to 555 passengers for long hauls, and with less noice and more fuel efficiency.

The white monster looks fantastic, though airports have to expand their runways and other facilities to accomondate its size. It remindes me of the long gone concorde. What a beautiful plane and it really stretched the limit of our fantasies. At lease I knew part of my dream was shattered when the last concorde retired.

Boeing, on the hand, is suspicious if this kind of huge plane would be the way to go for the future. Instead of big, more efficient planes flying from hub to hub, they think point to point short commutes are where the growth is.

Well, I certainly hope this giant thing will fly our dreams across the globe. Though it is a huge investment, 200+ planes are needed to break-even.

This could be a very good business case study for the MBAs, the race between two giant airplane makers betting on the future market. Sometimes, being creative, courageous and taking on risks could get handsome reward as well, but sometimes they will fail and left people with its past glory, like the beloved concorde.

Dynamic environment and multi-cultural babies

Anther ordinary day in the office, yet, the rainy weather is finally over so we are blessed by sun and blue sky again. While sitting out having lunch, one of them said, “don’t you realize that we work for such a dynamic company, we have people from every continent in our office.” I guess I never really thought about this, well, I always know that I work for a multi-cultural company, the fact we are a joint venture between east and west does make a difference on the company’s culture.

Then I got into thinking, so exactly how many nationalities we have in our office in London.

Here is my count:

Come in office in the morning, I would be greeted by two nice South African girls at reception, and on the floor I work, we have Chinese, Japanese, English, Scottish, Dutch, Swedish, Chilean, Australian and American. And we also have Italians and French working here.

Considering we only have 70 people officially based in our office in London, that is quite a good representative of the continents.

Personally I am not a big fan of corporate conglomerate, even I have always worked for big multinational companies. And the truth is, in this new century, we have seen more than ever the flow of people across countries and continents.

But is it the dynamic environment that creates those multi-cultural babies who at least speak two languages and who thrive in a fast moving, seamlessly integrated global market. Or rather it is those people who are the driving force of the free flow of goods, services and naturally the people across boundaries?

Foreign National

Back in London, well, not quite yet, I am standing in the long queue marked as "other foreign national" in the passport control area at heathrow airport. This is my third time coming into London from overseas. It seems this time I got lucky again - my flight from Copenhagen happened to arrive about same time as two flights from Mumbai and one from Bangkok, so there is a big crowd waiting at "other nationals" to get through the passport control.

Maybe it is just me being sensitive, but I kind of feel there is probably no other airport than heathrow airport that makes you think we still live in a world that is divided by first, second and third world countries. There are three different paths at passport control - UK and EU citizens, commonwealth countries and other nationals. And even Japanese natually should fall into other nationals but as some sort of exception, they can stand in the line for commonwealth countries.

Standing in the long line consisting mainly of Indians, I can't help to think why they don't get any special treatment for once being the colony of the British empire. I guess that is one of the differences between a colony and one of the "commonwealth" countries.

After one hour waiting in the queue, finally it is my turn, the officer in charge didn't give me a hard time. She looked at my work permit visa on the passport and asked me "so which company do you work for?" After hearing my answer, she gave a "Ahh" with a grin. I was cleared through within a minute.

Now I am back in London, a place I could almost call home, and yet it is a long way to come home!

Spring in London

I like taking a walk in hyde park on a sunny day. It makes my mind completely free.



This year spring comes quite late in London, now it is mid April but weather wise it still feels like March. But if you walk around the London, even with the chill in the air, you will feel the spring is here, and it is very lovely with the cherry trees and the green everywhere.

this is the green in my neighbourhood, every morning I pass it on the way to work and every evening on the way back home. I like it there, there are always people walking their dogs, kids playing balls.

Immigration

Immigration seems to be a hot topic these days. There is upheaval by the latinos (mostly Mexicans) in the USA and there are occasional anti-immigration moves in Europe as well. Immigrants, whether cross the borders or between different regions within one national border, is a natural phenomenon fuelled by economic needs. Cheap labours go to more developed countries for better pay. And in the USA, the immigration policies have shifted so much over the recent years, a few years ago when Bush just came to office he was talking about giving green cards to thousands of illegal Mexican workers in the USA and now they are taking a step back – a 600 mile wall might be built near the US/Mexico border.

I always have mixed feeling over immigration issues. I have lived overseas, so I understand fairly well the identity crisis for immigrants. I can’t imagine myself working under illegal status, but I do admire their courage. After all, people are stretching their limits for a better life should be respected. I have a lot of sympathy for them, but of course those illegal acts should not be encouraged, partly because there are always crimes and mobs involved in those illegal labour trafficking.

The economic benefits of those immigrant workers should not be undermined, unfortunately it could be in conflict with nationalism a lot of times. There is no easy solutions, if you open the door, they will come, both legal and illegal ones, if you close the door, they might still come driven by the prosperous of living in a land of opportunities. For people living in poverty, there is not much to lose really.

Maybe we should have a more liberal view about the world. Who is to say that Europe has to be “pure” Europeans’ Europe, and America should be dominated by the descents of Anglo Saxons. The globe is round, and people can move easily thanks to the modern air line industry which revolutionized our lives. People should be allowed to choose where they want to live as long as they are contributing to the society and community and help to build a more dynamic, open minded and diversified world.

You are beautiful

It was Friday evening, I was taking the tube to Piccadilly Circus, on the stairs going up to the street, I heard this song by James Blunt “You are beautiful”. The singer was a girl with a guitar, standing in the middle of the platform, her voice was very pure but also profound, drifting in the air. For a minute, my eyes just turned misty. Not that I was so much touched by the song, I have the CD and have listed to it many times, I actually didn’t think it was my type of song. Somehow I have to admit I am in a sentimental mood right now, and easily get very emotional about things.

I had a stroll in Hyde Park one evening after work, it was a day of tremendous emotional turbulence in the middle of crazy work trying to meet the deadline. I was stressed and sad, walking along the green in the Park. It was early evening, a fairly relaxed atmosphere in the park, I can see the white birds flying over the pond in the distance. Kids are playing on the grass, people walking their dogs and there are some serious joggers sweating themselves on the track. Then strangely enough, I feel my mind start to feel settled, for a second, I feel free and become part of the beautiful and peaceful nature.

Then little by little, this soothing effect kicks in, all the emotional ups and downs and endless struggle in my life start to disseminate. Life as the way it is, you have to live it to the full but at the same time not to push it too hard. Nature has its own rules, and so does life. You can join the force to influence and enrich it but you can’t fight against the rules. Certain things are meant to happen, when it happens you grasp it and enjoy the ride, when things have to go you can’t take it back.

There are people and moments in your life that are so beautiful, it is so hard to let it go, especially when they become part of you. But you are who you are and they are who they are, it is a game with no winners if you fight with it.

London is beautiful, and its beauty is not limited to skin deep. Sometimes, its charm, class and sophistication are not so obvious, but you will find them when you walk around the backstreets with old buildings, little stores around corner, the gardens illuminating in the sun and its unpredictable English weather which could change from sunny to drizlling in one hour.

Environmental Consciousness

It is a sunny day in London, as I cross the green on the way to work, I can’t help to appreciate this quiet and nice neighbourhood. Environment does have an effect on our mental health, which is becoming a problem in the modern society we live in. A peaceful, clean and eco logically balanced environment could help us calm down, relieve pressure and create harmony in life.

On the first day I moved to my new flat in London, I found a roll of trash bags in the hallway. Later on I found out that these orange bags are not just “free trash bags”, they are used to collect recyclable items from households. And they have very detailed instructions on the bag what can go in as “recyclable objects.” I have started sorting my household trash and find most of the trash items can actually go into these big orange bags. Well, I admit it takes a little more efforts to sort your trash but it is worth the time considering the benefits for the environment.

Europe is more advanced in environmental protection than other continents I have lived. The first time I was travelling in Europe (that was one year after I left the USA) I found that most of the soft drink bottles are made of glass instead of plastics, apparently because they can be used/recycled even glass bottles are heavier and easy to break so it is probably not cost effectives in terms of the logistics. And also I found in many hotels throughout Europe, they have started using the refillable Shampoo/Body wash bottles (those bottles stick on the wall) to replace those disposable little bottles.

Three years living in the USA, I rarely saw good initiatives to protect the environment. In a way I guess they don’t have to worry that much as Asians and Europeans, where the land has been used for thousands of years and certain measures have to be in place to prevent the deterioration of the environment.

In China, I find there is a tendency to get things started, but not getting it done so the expected result is never achieved. In the apartment I used to live, which is in a brand new modern complex, there were two separate trash bins, one for recyclables and one for non-recyclables. But there is no clear instruction what should go in which one. So in the end, most people just dump everything to non-recyclable bins.

Then today I read this interesting article on the “recyclable phones.”

The UK's Science Museum is due to open a new exhibition this Wednesday which is to showcase pioneering phone technologies as well as the environmental impact of mobile phones. The exhibition, opening in the science and technology news gallery of the Science Museum - will include the first UK display of NEC's phone with a biodegradeable cover? currently only available in Japan. Also on display is a prototype phone cover with an implanted sunflower seed. As the sunflower grows, it gets additional nutrients from the biodegrading phone cover. This unique design, yet to hit the shelves, should give you the option to simply bury your used phone cover in your garden? thanks to researchers from Warwick University and materials company PVAXX.

Phone with a real sunflower growing on it, that does sound quite innovative!

News Coverage

I was sincerely expecting to see a broad range of news coverage on the British TV when I moved here. Coming from a country with news censorship, I am happy to embrace what the free press has to offer. But I have to admit so far I am very disappointed by the news coverage on the five channels I have. The local news is dull, dominated by crimes (bank robbery, missing persons, etc), polictical scandal and sports. The international news coverage by BBC world is more or less like CNN and other news channels. When there is a "breaking news" like bird flu, sharon is gravely ill, the news channels will be bombarded with the close watch on the development of the case...As if this is something on everybody's agenda!

I once talked to a friend who is a senior producer at CBS, and surprisingly he has the same frustration about the variety of news coverage. He said he even sent a letter to the president in their news division with a proposal on reforming the news content and production so that news could be something more interesting, enlightening to watch rather than the same story repeated by the different network TVs.

It is fair to say that reading news on Internet is a good alternative, it has all the information you want to know and you can customize it to your own interest and taste. The downside as compared to conventional TV news is that it is not as multi media as TV news (this of course will improve with broadband and streaming technology). Also people tend to have their TV on when they get up in the morning, so they can do multi-tasking but with Internet news, you literally have to sit there and click your mouse. But who knows, we have video on demand now so news on demand is probably on the way.

Three years, Peace is still a remote dream to come true

Three years after, the country is still on the brink of civil war, and very doubtfully the life is getting better for the average citizen in Iraq. Dictatorship has to go, but the question is what kind of benefits this has brought to its people. Free Election is one step further towards democracy, but do most people gain anything practical from this? A sense of pride, participation and making decision for themselves, yes maybe, however, when the basic security is not guaranteed, it is a bit like asking someone living below poverty line if he likes a luxury cruise in the Caribbean’s. Of course, it is something nice to have, but how much help that really is for someone who is looking to have his bottom line secured.

There tend to be a big gap between the reality and illusion. The reality is that the world, as much as the complexity of life itself, is a place with imbalances and inequality everywhere. The illusion is that we think there is a cure for all the issues we have in life, once we get the action in place, the world will be a better place. But the trouble is, do we always have the golden formula for all the complicated issues we have, not really. So maybe it is wise to wait until we make a bridge between what we think they need and what they really need.

Everybody's London?

"It doesn't get more international than London." Someone in the group said. I was at a London internatonal community social event, a few local Londoners, mostly people from other parts of Europe, and as usual, I was one of the few people from Asia. I looked around, well, yes, I guess you can say that, even though to me, Europe is like one big family and even culture and economy wise, there are still distinctive differences.

It is always a good idea to get 0ut and meet people, I admit it is a bit difficult to be in a foreign land again, but then again, I am not alone. It was a rainy night, and it was my third week in London, I was very glad I didn't choose to stay in the hotel room. That would be a pity, for being in such an exciting city.

Then I was surprised to hear some comments about British by some of the newcomers to London. "I feel people are kind of cold here, I have been here for 3 months now and still don't have any local friends. "

Well, I think it is never easy to the newcomers to any community, especially in big cities, you easily get lost - you see the excitement and dynamics of the city but you feel isolated and not part of the aciton. I don't feel I should make a judgement yet, after all, four weeks is too short time to get to know a city and its people.

Loneliness is something we as human beings always have to fight against, it is natural to feel lonely, because essentially only you knows yourself the best, nobody else does. But should this stop us from communicating and sharing with others? the answer is no. I always believe it adds some real meanings to my life when I am connected with others.

After a few emotional ups and downs in the first four weeks, I start to feel quite happy with being here and eager to explore what is out there in this city.

And it is a sunny day today, my fourth week in London. Had a nice walk by the river Thames, lovely day. When I was sitting in a polish cafe in Ravenscourt, the sun was streaming down in the table, I was content with the moment; and then I realize maybe we get too greedy and demanding for what life could offer, to live the moment, and remember every single good moment you have lived, that is one way of living too.

Weekend in London

It is a lovely day to take a walk in the Hyde park, the chilliness is still in the air, but we have beautiful blue sky, and the grass is already green (or it stays green all year long, I am not sure). I think I start to like the city a lot, apparently it has a very metropolitan life as I experienced last night. Walking down the street in Chelsea, it almost feels like the busy streets with stores, restaurants and bars in Shanghai. And yes, it is just amazing to see how British really like to drink a lot – even during lunch hours, you see people having beer in pubs. Funny though I think I spot the Chinese beer “Tsing Tao” on one table during the dinner in a trendy Asian restaurant in Chelsea. And again, the price for the standard cocktail drinks shocked me. A majitto would cost 8 pounds in a nice pub in Chelsea, which is far more expensive than centro, the swanky lobby bar in Kerry Center in Beijing.

The UK representative to Euro Vision was selected tonight and to my big surprise and disappointment, the rap singer Daz Sampson got the ticket to Athens. I thought that was totally a strange performance, not that I don’t like rap, I actually do, but “this mid aged guy had this old fashioned stone wash Jacket on, singing and dancing along with some under aged girls” – as one of the panellists pointed out, “everything was wrong and altogether it looks right.” He is not my favourite for sure, and I seriously it is a joke to send a singer/performer like him to Euro vision, it is very doubtful that UK will get a chance this year in the competition.

A lady in the office who helped with the relocation asked me how I am getting along with the life in London, as she said “ I guess it could be difficult that you might find people are not super friendly here as they don’t tend to make eye contact.” It is probably true, but well it is more or less the case with most major big cities, there are always some snobs there, but once you manage to break the ice, you will find the nice warm people around you.

I like the Parkinson show, compared with Larry King, who annoying like to take over the show, trying to be smarter and outshine the guests. Mr. Parkinson, knows how to get the best out of his guests and let them shine and be themselves.

House Hunting in London

I spent two days on house hunting in London, quite an experience I have to say. The lady from the relocation company drove me around in her big landrover SUV, and we managed to see 16 properties in day one and 8 properties in day two, I was amazed by what we were able to achieve. And at the end of day two, we actually made our offer. I finally set my eye on this one bedroom house in Brook Green, a very nice residential area with lots of trees and green and beautiful period houses. My to be home is on the 1st floor (by British standard) of this converted period house. The reception room has two big bottom up windows overlooking the garden and street. It is high ceilings throughout and the bedroom is on the slightly lower level, with big wardrobes and shoe cabinets. The main reason I chose this flat over the much spacious two bedroom flat in a modern block is that I just love the style of those flats split in the period houses, they got a bit more charactern and flavor than the new modern flats. And this house is only 10 minutes to my office, which is a real plus considering the traffic situation in London.

Even I had been told many time that property price in London is just outrageous but I was still shocked to learn how much I end up paying for my rent. That is £1200 ($2000 or CNY 16000) per month for a one bedroom flat, not even in the most expensive areas like Kensington or Chelsea. But then again, it is London, there is a certain life style you don’t get elsewhere, so there is a price to pay.

Rain, Rain and Sun

Back in London, greeted by gloomy weather, rainy and wet, then today it turned sunny in the morning- beautiful blue sky, and gusty, it doesn't feel like spring. Walking around in the neighborhood of Hammersmith, Kensignton and Baron's court, some of the residentials are quite nice.

Hitting my emotional low point last night, feeling a bit stranded in a strange foreign land. But then again, this is my choice to get out of the "comfort zone", so I can't really complain. Tough start, but it will only get better.

And yes, we only grow when we have to overcome challenges! London, a place I will call it home soon....

The real socialism

Back in Sweden again - 6 months since my last trip here. It was actually snowing yesterday here, something very rarely happen in Beijing in late Feb. And today it feels colder with the wind chill. Working in this half Swedish company for three years, I have come to much better understanding of this Nordic country. It is a socialist country in reality, even it never claim itself as a socialist country.

It is a fairly balanced society, you still find poor people, but overall people have a good life and their welfare are taken care of by the government. It is actually a smart system in a way that people are motivated to work for 10 years before they decided to have kids because by doing that they will be able to fully enjoy the benefits of the social welfare - the government make sure you can raise your family in a fairly decent way. It makes sense to me, people work hard and pay tax for ten years, then they are entitled to receive those benefits as the payback. You contribute, you will be helped out. Simple logic but has proved to work well.

Then of course, this kind of system has to have certain foundations - well educated population supported by well established infrastructure. We don't have either of those elements in China. But the Nordic socialism has its drawbacks too, people are fairly laidback. lacking of the sense of crisis which sometimes leads to losing competitive edge. And certainly lazy people find their wam bed under the procetion of the welfare system, but it is not always fair for hard working people who have to pay heavy tax to feed them.

Farewell Beijing and Welcome to London!

In a mad rush yesterday - left Beijing around noon on Saturday, 10 hours later, I arrived in London. A bit misty today in London, have ventured out and checked out the neighbourhood near Novotel hotel in Hammersmith. Looks like a convenient location. Feeling a bit mixed being a foreigner again in a country!