Remember what Bilbo used to say...

" It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to."





Sunday, February 06, 2011

Snoopy World in Sha Tin

Snoopy World !! 

Snoopy world wasn't what we planned today it just happened. Our plan was to visit the temple of 10,000 Buddhas and we saw a sign for Snoopy World... we made a short detour. This is a great place to come when you are planning a day out in the Sha tin area.


 
 
From Hong Kong Extras "GETTING THERE – MTR Shatin Station (East Rail Line). New Town Plaza is connected to the station via Citylink Plaza (two minutes walk). BUS – Routes 83K,83S,282,283,284 and 299 serve Shatin Central Bus Station opposite New Town Plaza Phase 3. There are escalators leading into the mall from the bus station. Routes 85K,86K,89X,170 and 263 serve Shatin Station Bus Terminus by exit A2 of Shatin Station. New Town Plaza is two minutes walk via station concourse and Citylink Plaza. HomeSquare is located in Grand Central Plaza about 5 minutes walk from exit A2 of Shatin Station and Shatin Station Bus Terminus. Grand Central Plaza/IKEA is clearly visible from exit A2" http://www.hongkongextras.com/_shopping_malls_lantau_new_territories.html
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CoCo Ichibanya ( curry house)

We found CoCo!!
These photos were taken with the iphone, so they are not as clear as I would like. No worries though I will be going back and I will take Better ones.












COCO's home page http://www.ichibanya.co.jp/english/index.html
CoCo's in Hong Kong web page: http://www.ichibanya.com.hk/main/


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Today

For my coffee lovers out there!



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Thursday, February 03, 2011

Chinese New Year - Year of the Rabbit 2023

... and now we are back to the year of the Rabbit from 2011 to now 2023.

Year of the Rabbit - 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023, 2036, 2047

http://www.travelchinaguide.com/intro/social_customs/zodiac/

The rabbit has represented hope of the Chinese people for a long time. It is tender and lovely. The moon goddess Chang'e in Chinese legend had a rabbit as her pet, which stimulated the thought that only the rabbit was amiable enough to match her noble beauty. The Chinese character 'Tu' (rabbit) is part of 'Yi' (escape or leisure) indicating speed and distance. The Han people have a custom that a pregnant woman is not allowed to eat rabbit meat for fear that the child will be born with a harelip. The newborn is given paintings of children and rabbits representing that the child will have a peaceful and happy life.

People born under the sign of the rabbit are gentle, sensitive, modest, and merciful and have strong memory. They like to communicate with others in a humorous manner. They cannot bear dull life, so they are good at creating romantic or interesting spice. But they lack meditative abilities and often sink money into ideas that may cause failures in their career.


Compatibility - Best match: sheep, dog, pig; avoid: rat, ox, dragon, rooster, horse

Chinese new Year- the year of the Tiger 2022

Year of the Tiger - 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022, 2034, 2046
http://www.travelchinaguide.com/intro/social_customs/zodiac/

Tigers, considered to be brave, cruel, forceful and terrifying, are the symbol of power and lordliness. In ancient times, people usually compared emperors or grandees with the tiger. Court officials often said that 'accompanying the emperor is just like being at the side of a tiger'. There are also many legends on hunting tigers dealing with struggling against evil might.

People born in the year of the tiger are tolerant, staunch, valiant, and respected. In their middle age, their fate may be uneven, but afterwards will enjoy a bright prospect. Their shortcoming is to project themselves before others. But most women under the tiger sign are intelligent, faithful and virtuous.

Compatibility - Best match: horse, dog; avoid: snake, monkey

Chinese New Year- Year of the Ox 2021

Year of the Ox - 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021, 2033, 2045
http://www.travelchinaguide.com/intro/social_customs/zodiac/

Ranked as the second zodiac, the ox has a large volume. In the life, people often used the ox to indicate something big or large in number. The ox is sedulous, simple, honest, and straightforward. Fractious people are said to have an 'oxen temper'.
People born in this year are probably honest, laborious, patient, obstinate, and poor at communication. Leaders in their career may not discover their abilities. In their old age, they would be bestowed with happiness. Women are usually good wives who pay attention to children's education, but are likely to believe others' cajolery, so should be cautious.
Compatibility - Best match: rat, snake, rooster; Avoid: dragon, horse, sheep, dog, rabbit

Chinese New Year- Year of the Rat 2020

Year of the Rat –1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020, 2032, 2044


http://www.travelchinaguide.com/intro/social_customs/zodiac/

Though in people's eyes, the rat is not adorable, and even some Chinese sayings that related to it have almost derogatory meanings, it ranged as the head of the Chinese zodiac. It was recognized as an animal with spirit, wit, alertness, delicacy, flexibility and vitality.
People under the rat sign are usually smart and willing to accumulate wealth and to make efforts to be successful. Throughout their lives, there will be many other people who can bring great fortune to them. Thus despite timidity, most of them are happy and harmonious with others.
Compatibility - Best match: dragon, monkey, ox; Avoid: sheep, horse, rabbit, rooster

Chinese new Year- Year of the Pig (Boar) 2019

Year of the Pig - 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031, 2043
http://www.travelchinaguide.com/intro/social_customs/zodiac/

A pig is not as smart as a dog in understanding human thought. It likes sleeping and eating and becomes fat. Thus it usually features laziness and clumsiness. On the positive side, it behaves itself, has no calculation to harm others, and can bring affluence to people. Consequently, pigs were once regarded as wealth.People born in the Year of the Pig are honest and frank. They have a calm appearance and strong heart, but they lack patience and independence. As they do not like to talk in a roundabout way, they are thought to be unsociable. Luckily, they are tolerant and optimistic, so not until they become your friends can their virtue, advantages and fidelity to friendship be found.
Compatibility - Best match: sheep, rabbit; avoid: snake, pig, monkey

Chinese New Year- Year of the Dog 2018

Year of the Dog - 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030, 2042, 2054
The dog is the human's friend who can understand the human's spirit and obey its master, whether he is wealthy or not. The Chinese regard the dog as an auspicious animal. If a dog happens to come to a house, usually the host will be very glad to adopt it, for it symbolizes the coming of fortune. Poodles, especially black poodles, bring more luck. The masters of dogs are not only humans, but the immortal in legends as well. The invincible God Erlang used a wolf-dog mix to help him capture monsters.
One born in the Year of Dog has a straightforward character. In their career and love, they are faithful, courageous, dexterous, smart and warm-hearted. Most women under this sign are appealing but lack stability. Correct this defect and good fortune will come to them.
Compatibility - Best match: tiger, rabbit, horse; avoid: ox, dragon, sheep, rooster

Chinese New Year - The Year of the Rooster 2017

Year of the Rooster - 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029, 2041, 2053
The rooster is almost the epitome of fidelity and punctuality. For ancestors who had no alarm clocks, the rooster's crowing was significant, as it could awaken people to get up and start to work. Another symbolic meaning the rooster carries is exorcising evil spirits. People used to worship ancestors and believed in fortune telling for a long time.


Roosters are considered to be honest, bright, communicative, ambitious and warm-hearted. They might be enthusiastic about something quickly, but soon might be impassive. They have strong self-respect and seldom rely on others. As most roosters are born pretty or handsome, they might have several loves in their lives, treating each lover seriously. If they can overcome their arrogance, they will make more progress.
Compatibility - Best match: ox, dragon, snake; avoid: rooster, dog, rabbit

Chinese new Year- Year of the Monkey 2016

Year of the Monkey - 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028, 2040, 2052

The monkey is a clever animal. People used to compare it to a smart person. During the Spring and Autumn Period (770 BC – 476 BC), the dignified official title, marquis with the pronunciation 'Hou', was the same as the monkey's. The monkey was thereby bestowed with auspicious meaning. It appeared on pictures pasted on the walls and doors to predict good fortune in officialdom.

Most people born in the Year of the Monkey are lively, flexible, and versatile. They love moving and sports. To help others they put their own business aside. When communicating, they do not like to be controlled and have a strong desire to present themselves. In their work, they will show amazing creativity. If they are not impatient and mouthy, they can gain more achievement.

Compatibility - Best match: rat, dragon; avoid: tiger, snake, pig

Chinese New Year-Year of the Sheep 2015

Year of the Sheep - 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027, 2039, 2051
http://www.travelchinaguide.com/intro/social_customs/zodiac/

The sheep is among the animals that people like most. It is gentle and calm. Since ancient times, people have learned to use its fleece to make writing brushes and skin to keep warm. As it is white, people describe delicate and precious white jade to be 'suet jade'. Thus it is close to the meaning of good things.

People under the sign of the sheep are tender, polite, filial, clever, and kind-hearted. They have special sensitivity to art and beauty, faith in a certain religion and a special fondness for quiet living. They cope with business cautiously and circumspectly. In their daily life, they try to be economical. Women born in this year are willing to take good care of others, but they should avoid pessimism and hesitation.

Compatibility - Best match: rabbit, horse, pig; avoid: rat, ox, dog

Chinese New Year-Year of Horse 2014

Year of Horse - 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954,1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026, 2038, 2050

http://www.travelchinaguide.com/intro/social_customs/zodiac/

The spirit of the horse is recognized to be the Chinese people's ethos – making unremitting efforts to improve themselves. It is energetic, bright, warm-hearted, intelligent and able. Ancient people liked to designate an able person as 'Qianli Ma' (a horse that covers a thousand li a day).
People born in the year of the horse have ingenious communicating techniques and in their community they always want to be in the limelight. They are active, clever, kind to others, and like to join in a venture career. They cannot bear too much constraint. However they are interested in only the superficial level of an object, neglecting the essence. Once they suffer from failure, they become pessimistic.

Compatibility - Best match: tiger, sheep, dog; Avoid: rat, ox, rabbit, horse

Chinese Newy Year-Year of the Snake 2013

  Year of the Snake - 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025, 2037, 2049

In the Chinese zodiac, snake is listed after the dragon, but its place and the significance as the symbol of worship is far behind the dragon's. The snake carries the meanings of malevolence, cattiness and mystery, as well as acumen, divination and the ability to distinguish herbs. In some places, people believe that a snake found in their court can bring delight. In Spring Festival, people like to paste onto their doors and windows the paper-cut 'Fu' character (happiness), combined with the snake twisting around a rabbit as a popular pattern indicating wealth.People born in the year of the snake often have a good temper, a skill of communicating, and a gracious morality, but they are likely to be jealous and suspicious. They should be cautious about discussion with others, as that might cause them to lose friendship and opportunities. Women under the sign of the snake do well in housework but are irritable. They might gradually enjoy happiness in their old age.
Compatibility - Best match: ox, rooster; avoid: tiger, monkey, pig

Chinese New Year 2012- The year of the Dragon

I am a Dragon

Year of the Dragon - 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024, 2036, 2048


The dragon enjoys a very high reputation in Chinese culture. It is the token of authority, dignity, honor, success, luck, and capacity. In ancient China, a dragon was thought to speed across the sky with divine power. Emperors entitled themselves exclusively as 'dragon'; their thrones were called 'dragon thrones', their clothes 'dragon gowns'.

People under the sign of the dragon are lively, energetic and fortunate. They often can be leaders and try to go for perfection. When they meet with difficulties, they are not discouraged. But they are a little arrogant, and impatient, and women are over- confident. If they overcome these defects, they can have a brighter future.

Compatibility - Best match: rat, monkey, rooster; avoid: dog, ox, dragon, rabbit

Oh no...my husband is a rabbit

Chinese New Year for the next few years.

Chinese New year:

2011 is the Year of the Hare (rabbit)

2012 is the Year of the Dragon

2013 is the Year of the Snake

2014 is the Year of the Horse

2015 is the Year of the Ram (sheep, goat)

2016 is the Year of the Monkey

2017 is the Year of the Rooster

2018 is the Year of the Dog

2019 is the Year of the Pig (Boar)

The year of the rabbit

2011 - The year of the Rabbit
http://www.theholidayspot.com/chinese_new_year/

What does the year of the rabbit have in store for us?

"A placid year, very much welcomed and needed after the ferocious year of the Tiger. We should go off to some quiet spot to lick our wounds and get some rest after all the battles of the previous year."


"Good taste and refinement will shine on everything and people will acknowledge that persuasion is better than force. A congenial time in which diplomacy, international relations and politics will be given a front seat again. We will act with discretion and make reasonable concessions without too much difficulty."



"A time to watch out that we do not become too indulgent. The influence of the Rabbit tends to spoil those who like too much comfort and thus impair their effectiveness and sense of duty."
 "Law and order will be lax; rules and regulations will not be rigidly enforced. No one seems very inclined to bother with these unpleasant realities. They are busy enjoying themselves, entertaining others or simply taking it easy. The scene is quiet and calm, even deteriorating to the point of somnolence. We will all have a tendency to put off disagreeable tasks as long as possible Money can be made without too much labor. Our life style will be languid and leisurely as we allow ourselves the luxuries we have always craved for. A temperate year with unhurried pace. For once, it may seem possible for us to be carefree and happy without too many annoyances."

Year of the Rabbit.



February 3, 2011 is the first day of the Chinese new year.

THE RABBIT PERSONALITY

http://www.theholidayspot.com/chinese_new_year/more_zodiacs/rabbit.htm
A person born in the year of the Rabbit possesses one of the most fortunate of the twelve animal signs. The Rabbit, or Hare as he is referred to in Chinese mythology, is the emblem of longevity and is said to derive his essence from the Moon.


Year of the Rabbit - 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023, 2036, 2047


"The rabbit has represented hope of the Chinese people for a long time. It is tender and lovely. The moon goddess Chang'e in Chinese legend had a rabbit as her pet, which stimulated the thought that only the rabbit was amiable enough to match her noble beauty. The Chinese character 'Tu' (rabbit) is part of 'Yi' (escape or leisure) indicating speed and distance. The Han people have a custom that a pregnant woman is not allowed to eat rabbit meat for fear that the child will be born with a harelip. The newborn is given paintings of children and rabbits representing that the child will have a peaceful and happy life."http://www.travelchinaguide.com/intro/social_customs/zodiac/

Tuesday, February 01, 2011

Sham shui po today

We are off today to visit Sham Shui po. This was my 8 year old daughters idea. She is out from school for a week do the Chinese New Year.

To get there:
take the MTR starting point ------- then get on line 1 . Stay on that line and it is 6th stop "sham shui Po".


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