Ageing Gracefully

I have always had this interesting dream of being at the end of my years, relaxing on a beautiful large southern porch, while waving my cane at suspicious youngsters as they walk by my house. Yes, I desire to be the crazy old man on the block. However, along with that, I also desire being that individual so wise and delicate that individuals in my community come to me with their woes and troubles. The youth would flock to hear my stories about my travels to the Motherland, and the East; and, I would undoubtedly engage in hyperbolic pratices turning that one love in Hong Kong into 20 beautiful Chinese women all trying to court me at once. I will probably make a simple day trip into Shenzhen, China an independent espionage mission where I had to jump the fence, and out run 30 armed guards just to get a massage. I don't know what you see, but that's what I see at the end of this life. No doubt, I am going out with a bang.

Last Tuesday, I stepped one year closer to that dream, and I waved goodbye to 23 and said, "what the hell do you want" to 24. My Birthday was August 28th. Many people know that I usually don't make a fuss about my birthday; in fact, I usually walk silently through it, which often results in some of my closest friends never noticing that my birthday has come and gone. That was my plan here, but it was thwarted by the magnificent Manie. There was a B-day dinner planned for me in town; which was suppose to be a surprise, but do to an e-mail malfunction I received an invite. Nonetheless, it was wonderful. There was a nice assortment of Chinese and American food, and two small cakes, one covered in slices of Mango (once again missing Mozambique). Afterward, one of my colleagues treated me to a healthy desert, it was a strawberry/mango/rice balls/syrup/some other stuff concoction that was delicious (remember, you can't ask me about food, I don't remember such details). As for gifts, I don't exchange gifts with my friends. I always consider the friendship as the gift. I don't need to give you a gift, I give you myself, my hand and service, because we are friends (Yes, my wife is going to be pampered). Nonetheless, there were a few gifts. One was a wooden train with the inscription "Ben's Thinking," on it. One of the students named Po gave it to me. Manie gave me a beautiful cross keychain, which I have on my room key right now. My Brown sista Shanita gave me the gift of poetry, which of course is very dear to me. I also received cards and an interesting mechanical pencil.

Lastly, and this deserves it's own paragraph, my Malaysian friends Epin and Val gave me a cell phone that one of them had received as a free gift at a bank. Now, I have been debating getting a cell phone my entire time here. At first, I didn't want one. I didn't want to pay $60 USD for a phone I will only use one year. The phone isn't for talking just so people can find me. I had decided that if I am going to buy one, it will have to be a nice one that I can take home and use. However, I am trying to budget until our next paycheck, so I couldn't buy one until October. I actually prayed about, because I didn't want to be extremely inaccessible to the group, but I didn't want to spend the money either. I prayed for God to make it simple, and threw wonderful people he did.

All in all my birthday was one of the best I have ever had, truly.

Switching topics, I went to get my Hong Kong ID card on the 29th, and ran into an interesting conversation with one of the ladies that worked their. I was wearing my crucifix, and she asked whether I was Catholic (She is Catholic). I said "no, but I am Christian." Then she asked whether I am a Christian by choice or because of culture or my mother, and I said choice. She asked me several other questions, and we had a wonderful conversation. I have come into contact with many Chinese Christians who are interested in such conversations with me. Wanting to know about my church, and beliefs, one even wanted to learn to read the Bible in English. This is all very unexpected, but very refreshing. Also, this week, I have begun sitting in on tutorial classes in Human Development. In Hong Kong, as well as other countries, the students attend a mass lecture, and then a smaller class later in the week to tease out some of the issues from the mass lecture. I sat in on two Human Development tutorials this week. In one, everybody got into four groups of about 5 and discussed a couple of the questions from class. I sat in on two of the small groups and cleared up any confusion that they might of had with some of the terms. These students are taking a Human Development class in English, which is their second language, and a language that they are not proficient in; thus, you can see the difficulties. Many come from mainland China where there isn't much opportunity for them to practice their English that they learn in school, which is quite different from the Hong Kong natives. Nonetheless, I did what I could and listened to them debate the questions. Here is where it gets a little interesting. While I was with the other table, my ears kept floating to the table next to me, because there was one student who spoke English fluently and I was surprised. I went to investigate, and found out that the student was from Canada and her parents where from mainland China. They were talking about nurture vs nature and she was commenting on how sometimes you can go against nurture; and to make her point clear she began to make a comment about dating, and turned to me and said, "no offense" and turned back to the group and said "my parents would be very upset if I dated a Black man or White man (I felt a little better since she threw White man in their too), but I don't feel that way." Now, I wasn't offended. I live in America. Not to mention, Birmingham, Alabama, and I have several white female friends who have at least one side of their family that would be upset if they brought me home. Consequently, Race is my life, there really isn't much you can tell me about race. However, in this environment (although I know in many instances Chinese aren't too fond of Blacks. That enemy list just gets longer every year. LOL) I was caught off guard, and didn't know what to say. She meant no harm, and didn't cause any, but color follows me everywhere.

Let us move to some random pictures shall we. I forgot to mention that my next door neighbor Ramon, bought me some PB&J and bread. The perfect lunch on any day.

Poetry is slowly coming back to me, but I have still switched to drawing. Here are my first attempts.

Let's talk about laundry. Our dryers are horrible. So, I have resulted to utilizing my balcony as well as my room.

And for my Finale, here is the entire gang posing for our debut photo shoot.

Gigantic Thanks to all of the B-Day wishes. Today, I say goodbye to my first month in Hong Kong, and now I began my academic endeavors. As always, you all are in embedded in my heart. Continue to keep me in your prayers, and occasional day thoughts. Until I blog again.

The Deep Breath Before the Plunge

I spend most mornings at the outside cafe, sipping coffee and listening to the wind carry random sounds pass my ear. People rambling in Cantonese, hellos and good mornings. Cars and buses faintly in the distance. My thoughts mingle with this natural rhythm, while I nod to familiar faces on their way to work and orientation events, and sometimes I think of home for a moment. My mother is back at school, my brother is 3 months away from his 2nd marriage anniversary (yeah, it's been that long already). LeAnthony (a young men I use to mentor) has started his first year in college, and my talented friends are all moving along in their lives, which does nothing but make me smile from time to time. Birds of a feather truly flock together, because I dip my cup into the well of success on occasions, and my friends are never far behind, many are in front actually; and I am just trying to catch up.

The other day, which many of you are still on as I write this, was the induction ceremony of the CLE (center for language and education), which is the dept. I will be working in. Now, induction ceremony really means faculty and staff meeting with two breaks for coffee, lunch, and mingling. Keeping the theme of the last blog, change was definitely the atmosphere of the gathering, and my colleagues and I are a huge part of that change. It is very refreshing to be apart of something new and evolving. Currently, I am a culture/language/psychology/poetry prostitute and will undoubtedly be pimped out to several areas on campus. In fact, Monday I start as a TA(teaching assistant) for a human development class (my resume is going to look so damn good after this trip). I will be spending plenty of time in the Educational psychology department, oh how I miss psychology. Additionally, in the coming weeks we will each be responsible for creating a tutorial (not a formal class) for English speaking and English writing enhancement. The classes will be no more than 5 students. I like to call it a super duper study group. I and three others will also be managers of a new language/cultural exchange venue called Club IEd(institute of education). This will be a place where students can experience casual informal conversation in english, as well as in mandarin, french, and whatever else, while sitting comfortably in a Starbucks type atmosphere (Yes, Starbucks are everywhere here). It will also be an entertainment spot for open mic events, small music performances, guest speakers, and basically anything we can fit into the space. I am very intrigued by all of this and cannot wait to get started.

So that is the near future, as for the past, I have two events to share with you. Yes, yes, there will be pictures. Sadly, I didn't pay alot of attention on this trip so an explanation of the photos may be very simple. On Thursday, we were given a small tour of parts of Hong Kong Island. Of course, we must start with God, there is no other beginning.We went to a lovely cathedral (see what I mean), I actually believe it was St. John's Cathedral.

The picture below is the Anglican Bishop of Hong Kong's house. The first thing I thought when I saw it was, I am in the wrong business. "But, religion is not business", whatever helps the pastor sleep.

One of the most interesting sites, only because I am use to seeing churches, was the temple of the god of War and god of Literature. I have a video below.

One of the administrators/professors told me that students will flock there when exam time comes around. The hanging baskets have incense in them, and there are several altars were those that are praying can place there incense or fruit. Similar to the Taoist temple I posted about earlier. I didn't light any incense this time, my openness only goes so far (John 14:6), but I simply enjoy seeing all the religious sites, and watching the locals pray and such. In the video you will see my colleague Dhwani speaking with an elderly woman with a smile that is warmer than some summer days.

While we are on religion, I went to Church again this Sunday, to the same place as before. Three of my colleagues joined me. Sarah Sebastian and Sarah Kim are in the photo below, and Ramon Mislang, who lives next door to me, took the picture. We all enjoyed the service, and most importantly, I met an African gentleman named Jolt, who said that he could cut my hair (for free by the way, I love being a Christian, I am going to pay him anyway). Yes, I know. God is good to me. Where there are three brothas, clippers won't be far away.

Walking through the small markets of Hong Kong you learn a couple of things. One thing to note is that Hong Kong has wonderful cuisine, and on the streets you may find something somewhat familiar, but just prepared in a different fashion.

And then again, you may run across something that we usually call the exterminator for, creatures that act as the afternoon entertainment for adventurous young boys. We even saw shark fin, someone else has that picture.

The tour was wonderful, but exhausting. We toured from 9am to 3pm, but the day was far from being over. My good friend Shanita and I had been discussing the desire to do some artwork, thus we decided to stay on HK Island (remember I live an hour north of were our tour was), and find an art supply shop. Long story short, about six of us went and found the shop, bought some supplies and I will let you know how that is going for me later. Since poetry seems to not be coming to me at the moment, I have decided to draw and journal more. Later that evening I and the others in my dorm were invited to a BBQ with the Residence Hall Association.
Here are Sarah and Meghan enjoying the festivities. There more pictures, but in other cameras that I don't own.

Here is our dinner.

And, here is the result of a great day that I thought would never end. We did many other activities at the BBQ, like camp fire songs and games. I met alot of students whose names I no longer remember.

This weekend I rest, and try to keep my wallet as tightly closed as possible. So it seems that the orientation/greet and meet part of my trip has ended. Monday the real work begins, and I am nothing but ready to dive right in. By the way, if you ever have any questions, since my overviews are usually quite skimpy, don't hesitate to ask in the comment section. Until I blog again, be well.

What can a year do?

Changing

Why is this necessary? This pruning of personality.
This shifting of sensibilities how time teaches
me to be. It’s rough at first, a sudden jolt of self-
justice, let me make you right. Watch as those
surrounding elements force you to adapt and adopt
new fashions for living. I can already feel it as this
vessel chases the late evening, as my heart pounds
for the unexpected and yet I am expecting nothing
less than to become new. Something is changing,
and it could be me, I hope it’s me; and I keep
seeing myself as being something else, someone
greater. I know you feel me, because you want to be
something better than you are. It looks like things
are changing; and I’m just hoping to change with it,
Darwinism. I must deliberate with my schisms,
the compilation of my isms and ities and re-stitch
my tapestry of identity. This is nothing but change
in motion, it fluctuates from a calm creeping to chaotic
commotion like a tropical breeze converted to a gust.
You can if you must, fight against that personal drifting
That character sifting, a foe that is rarely bested. You
will surrender, to better or worsen, rendering your person
To philosophical motion. It’s rough at first, it’s not paved
Yet, not until you see purpose, reason for such moments.
It’s all a lesson every second we share with this cage,
It’s just my spirit trying to teach my body and intellect
Righteous intentions, despite the external interruption
Those same natural impressions that gives necessity to
Changing; and my goodness is challenged to be unconquered,
but I am wounded; and it gets harder by the day, by the step,
by the thought. Changing, a chastisement of what I am.
I know it’s coming as Cooke sings the blues, I’m just
hoping it will make this monster marvelous.
Aug 9, 2007

This is the first poem I have written while in HK. I actually started it on the airplane ("as this vessel chases the late evening") To be honest, writing has been very difficult lately. My heart hasn't been tugged on in the right way for something to bolster out. In fact, the poem above is actually bits and pieces of a poem I started about a year ago. The picture above is just one of my nights staring at my book for an hour or two, just to write six words. Poetry is like that sometimes, like a good first kiss, you should never force it.

A year is a long time and I keep wondering how will I be different, and what will it feel like to come home from this. What if home is different? I remember returning from 3 weeks in Mozambique in 2005; and I was frustrated, because I had been moved, but everything I came back to was still the same. A year is a different story or a different bowl of rice (hahaha). I will change, I know this. But, home is a mystery; and I can't help to wonder if it will be different as well.

In the meantime, I am soaking in the Eastern sun, and all of the beauty that is prevalent here; be it the people (even the ones that stare at me for a second or two, who invited the Negro) the landscape, or city lights. Now don't get me wrong, I am still infatuated with Africa. I would sacrifice my first born to Baal to go back to Africa (It's a joke, hahahaha, I only sacrifice helpless children to Jesus). WATCH OUT! here comes some pictures.

Okay, they aren't great pictures, but they are informative. The first is the door into my building where I take three elevators to my room, because the building is in a cascading pattern. If you look to the right of the door you can see a machine where I wave my ID card to open the door. No, I don't swipe it just wave it like magic. In fact, I don't even have to remove it from my wallet, just wave my wallet in front of the sensor. I know what you are thinking Dana Bekurs, "why can't BSC have that." I have a small closet for all of my clothing. My mother is probably saying, "Ben you took alot of clothes, where did you put it all." Momma, you know I manage wherever I go. I am very comfortable in my can. Here are some more campus pictures, both near the bus stop.

So, I have had a week of Cantonese classes, and I am sure you all are wondering how it is going. Well, you should all go to your ovens right now and turn them on to the highest temperature. Let it preheat all the way, then grab a rag and a bucket of soapy water. Now, try cleaning your oven. No, don't turn it off. Actually, it isn't that bad. I am learning little by little I just need to practice. I received my Chinese name the other day, I think it was (Ma4 jing1 Min4). The numbers represent the tone, which is vital. I will probably get an e-mail tomorrow about how I just called myself something horrible. This is just a sample, I will give you more Cantonese lessons during the coming weeks.

Let us leave this boring technical stuff and get to the interesting fun stuff. Last Thursday, while many of you were just waking up, I was at a Gwen Stefani concert. Yes, that's right I went to a Gwen Stefani concert. "Ben, what are you doing at a Gwen Stefani concert?" I am a Renaissance man, I have a "No Doubt" CD. I didn't go alone. My good friends went with me; actually, I went with them, just following the crowd. Needless to say, I had a blast, and she was such a great performer.

Yesterday, we were given a tour of the New Territories, which is the area where I am located. It is ironic that it is called the New Territories since it was one of the first places to be settled in.

Our guides were Francis (your left) and K.Y. (your right).

My eyes aren't close, they are just barely open. This wonderful looking lady is Man Ni. She is the person that we bombard with a million questions daily, and she always comes back with an answer. I usually have a mother everywhere I go (I am thinking about you Madre Betty down in Mozambique; you too Delinda in Cambine), and I've got dozens back in the states. In Hong Kong, Man Ni is my mother. she has really been exceptional at helping us with all of our petty needs and such. I see her most mornings when I am having my coffee and Ham/Egg bun. We are very blessed to be surrounded by so many individuals who offer us assistant with almost anything. I wasn't listening very hard the other day, so I may not be able to explain any of the pictures that follow.

I call this a Chinese pavilion. We see them all the time, I don't think that there is any thing particular special about them, but if there is I will let you know.

The first picture below is actually us looking into China at the city of Shenzhen. (Kate, my Friend, I can almost see you.) The picture right after that is a close up of the border fence and of an abandon house that was just across the border. Abandon, suurrrre it is. Big brother is watching.

The structure below is one that I have seen several times. There is actually one on campus, and I first thought that it was a shrine of some sort. Well, my assumption was somewhat true, but actually they are graves. It is not pictured, but to the right there is another smaller structure where the bones of a person would be placed. I think you have to be important in order to have such a burial.

Now, look at this colorful chap. Each temple entrance has a guard on each door for protection.

Okay, last photo. What was most interesting to me was that most of these historically rich places were directly in the mist of people's living space. We have not been exposed to overcrowded tourist areas, but real intimate history. It felt a little intrusive that I was trying to take pictures, while passing the front door of someones flat (Memories of the Chicuque Hospital). I may see an open door and peek inside only to realize that I am looking into someones kitchen; and they are standing there looking right back at me (awkward moments).

Yes, good times are still rolling, and I am still waiting on the school year to begin. I am very anxious to get involved in the campus life as well as tutoring in English. The faces of many of you have been floating in my mind, and I wish you all were here to share in this with me. Until next posting, be extravagant, and nothing less. And, if you must, change for the better.

Can a Brotha Get a Fork

It has been a week. A week that has been filled with small adventures while making new friends. The campus is slowly filling up as those students that are part of the Residence Hall Association settle in for orientation.

For all of those that are wondering, I am enjoying the food. I must be honest, the first time that I was confronted with eating with chop sticks, I had horrible flashbacks to PF Changs or any other Chinese Restuarant where I attempted to eat with chopsticks only to consistently give up and grab the fork next to my plate. The case is different here. The plates never have forks next to them; in fact, you have to ask for a fork. My pride is far to strong for that, so I forced myself to do it. Despite the hand cramps and asian giggles from those at surrounding tables (Apparently the Chinese enjoy watching Americans attempt to use chopsticks). I have only eaten with a fork once since I have been here. Yes, I have been eating; and no, I haven't been just buying sandwiches. Additionally, and this will make my mother happy, I haven't been drinking many sodas. The majority of my meals are either accompanied by Jasmine/Green Tea or water.

Continuing this discussion about food. My friends and I did enjoy an evening out with some of the locals. Our colleagues at the institution, Epin and Valentina, are english teachers from Malaysia. One of the Fulbrighters, let's see if you can guess which one, was craving some Indian food so we all set out for Kowloon, which is about 30 minutes south. Once we arrived in Kowloon, we exited the subway and I was amazed to see, BROWN PEOPLE. The restuarant was located in an area where there was nothing but Indians and Africans. My friend Shanita and I looked at each other with a glance that said, "hey, so this is where they stick us." Nonetheless, the food was wonderful. For those that know me, I don't pay much attention to food so I don't remember what I ate. No, it wasn't dog or cat.

Let us chat about religion. One my colleagues from the states practices Daoism. He had decided to visit the Daoist temple in Kowloon, and I decided to go with him. How many times do I get to see a daoist temple in B'ham? The temple was beautiful and what made it more special was that it wasn't a tourist attraction, therefore all the people you see are most likely locals praying. Okay, the little girl below is shaking a can of sticks with an inscritpiton until one of them falls out, then she is suppose to take it to one of the fortune tellers (however, she is actually playing and not praying).

Above, is one of the altars. There were three altars I believe, and each one represented either Confucist, Daoist, or Buddhist (Don't qoute me on that). Another prayer that they do involves the lighting of incense. Once your incenses are ablazed, you go to the altar and bow a couple of times while praying to whatever god you pray to. Then you stick it into the altar. Nobody panic:

I had my crucifix on the entire time, and I prayed to Jesus. We can argue about it later. Once again, I am a people watcher and I loved watching all the people congregate to pray. Adjacent to the temple was a couple of shops that sold small trinkets. My friend (Joe) and I did a little window shopping. It reminded of Mozambique. Venders trying to persuade me to look at there goods, claiming that they will give me a special price, even though I know what that really means. Sadly enough, we had one vender try to convince us that she was from North Carolina. Sure it is possible, but then again, her English was not that good. That was probably the only state she knew. I started to ask her if she liked living up north next to Washington State. Yes, I am that mean sometimes.

Lastly, today is Sunday and I went to Church. The younger sister of a freind of mine recommeneded a church called the Vine Centre (they have a website feel free to google it) located on Hong Kong Island. To be honest, it sounded like a cult at first (The Vine Centre) to me, but it is a church. The service was very contemporary, and the pastor is British. I didn't take any pictures this time, it was an hour and fifteen minute commute, not too mention I have never been to the area. I was too tired to take photographs. I was proud that I found it with little problem, not bad for a boy from a place where public transportation is your next door neighbor or a family member (London helped). Now, the most exciting part of the church. Some Africans actually attend the church also. After the morning service, I quickly approached one of them to ask about my haircut issues. Sorry, I only trust Black folks with my hair. I greeted him and began to ask about Black barber shops in the area, and he looked at me kind of puzzled. He doesn't speak English, a small road block. Actually, he spoke some English, but I was speaking too quickly. He told me that his friend, who also attends the church could cut it. Who says God doesn't make a way. On the other hand, I will hold off on that comment until after he actually cuts my hair.

Tomorrow, we start our Cantonese classes, which is wonderful, because I am tired of waitresses giving me strange looks when I ask whether a dish comes with rice or not. Okay, okay, that only happen once; but it will still be nice to know a little of the language. Well, that's one week down and 47 to go.

Random Junk

The thought that I am in Hong Kong still seems surreal, but then I leave my closet that they expect me to sleep in and say, "hey, there is nothing but Chinese people here." LOL. Quickly, I get knocked back into reality. It is so beautifully to truly be surrounded by another culture. Sure, my fellow Fulbrighters act as a wonderful safety net, but it is something intriguing about being the darkest thing on the block, you could find more color in Mountain Brook. I am loving it though, and I am sure that some of you have been waiting for a real update, pictures and all that.

Hong Kong Airport

I arrived tired and aching, but was too curious to care. I am an people watcher so I spent countless moments watching people while in the airport. After we all had gathered we hopped on a bus and headed for the Hong Kong Institute of Education (HKIEd), which took about an hour.

My room isn't the best of places, but I am not too picky. However, the view outside on my balcony makes up for the tightness of space. All of the following pictures were taken from my balcony.

As you can see, HKIEd was placed in a mountainous area, complete with hiking trails that my colleagues and I will explore once the temperature drops a little. Everywhere you go on this campus there is a magnificent scenery.

This is me early this morning talking to my boy Will on Skype. My good friend Will is in England at the moment (yes, all of my friends are movers and shakers), and will be most likely paying me a visit in the coming months.

To be more technical, orientation began today. We actually had a little session on Saturday, but we accomplished many task today. The most exciting part about today was that I opened a bank account where my living allowance will be deposited. WE received a tour of the campus earlier as well met some of the staff. Many people are very excited about our presence, since this is actually the first Fulbright program in Hong Kong, not to mention it may be the only university based one. Usually, one lives with a host family. In other words, we are truly trail blazers. We have gone into town a couple of times so far, but not into Hong Kong city. HKIEd is located in New Territories, while HOng Kong Island is about one hour south. If you want a better geography lesson consult a map (Sorry, I am actually a little sleepy while I am writing this). We have done some exploring in Tai Po and Shah Tin. In Shah Tin, there is a huge mall that was crowded and somewhat expensive. Tai Po is better as far as prices, and has more smaller shops. Sadly enough, we went to a pizza Hut in a Tai Po mall and it took us about 30 minutes to get the waitress to understand that we wanted two pizzas, one with cheese, and one half pepperoni and half chicken. I know, stupid Americans making things difficult.

Our Waitress was very nice and patient. She actually understood some English, otherwise we would probably had bits of eel on top of our pizza. We tipped her well for being so patient with us. So things are looking good so far. I know many of you are interested in what I will be doing, but I am still not too sure myself. When I know, I will let you know. I hope seeing my smile has put some of you at ease.