First of all, Merry Christmas to all my friends and the readers of this blog. My apology that I post the greeting one day later. But still to catch on Boxing Day.

There are Christmas decorations everywhere here, but the atmosphere still different. I know Christmas is a big thing in many western countries. But here in south China, it’s more like an opportunity for most businesses. Well, I should say it’s a huge business opportunity anywhere in the world, but in western countries it’s both festival and shopping seasons, whereas here it’s purely a business opportunity. I saw a lot of adverts about having crazy Christmas party in the bar, spending a romantic Christmas with your lovers, buying Christmas presents and so on. Maybe only the “buying presents” one close to what people do in real Christmas, I doubt a real Christmas is for crazy party or romantic dating.

From what I seen and experienced, Christmas in eastern countries is like New Year in western countries – partying and going out with friends. Whereas New Year in eastern is like Christmas in western countries – gathering with families and relatives.

Why do I have to put everything so serious? Anyway, Merry Christmas!!!

(C) RichardHong.com / My name badge in Nandos

I went out for a drink with my friend the other night and saw something amazed me.

When my friend asked for bill using his credit card, I asked is it safe and common to use credit card for billing in China (more specifically, Shantou). He said for decent place it’s ok, and he will get text message notification every time his card is used. I didn’t quite believe what he said. But soon he gave the card to the waiter, he got a message to his phone about his card is used, include where and how much was charged. The message was received even before the waiter came back, I think it was sent the second when the card was slashed.

I was totally amazed by what I saw, how come I didn’t see that in Japan or UK? And in UK my card was even charged few days after used.

I’m writing this post in word and will publish it when I get back to Shantou this afternoon. It’s 5:10am (13th Dec) now, although I’m tired but can’t sleep anymore, jetlag. So instead of rolling around on the bed, I want to write something.

Fly with Virgin

Long before I came to England, my friends who study abroad told me Virgin is a good airline and they always fly with them. For some reasons I didn’t have a chance to fly with them in the last four years, more often with BA. But after this journey with Virgin, I think I will go with them next time.

The service is better then BA. Not sure I was lucky or not, but the one took me home was Airbus A340. All the facilities were very nice and well designed. But what I like most was a plastic bag they provided with all the little items like toothbrush and a pen. A pen was important for people who need to write a landing card, but this is the first time I got one from the airline, before I always need to borrow from somebody or claim myself up to the shelf to get a pen. Such a little thing shows a lot caring, and that’s what a good service should be!

I didn’t get much sleep in the fly. There were several babies around me, one cried after another. Also, the seat was too small for a guy like me. They have a new class call “premium economy” which cost a little bit more but the seats are bigger and more comfortable, I may consider that next time. I did watch quite a few movies. I might write some movie reviews after this post, haha.

In Hong Kong

My friend Martin came to pick me up from the airport, and took a coach back to Shatin. Martin’s parents are closed friends of my parents, they always take good care of me every time I am in Hong Kong. It’s like a family now and I always refer them as my relatives.

Last night was the same as before, uncle (Martin’s dad) cooked me a very very nice family dinner. He is a good cook. Then a few cups of tea after dinner and I showed them some photos and caught up with each others about life. It’s life my other family and I do feel like home every time I stay in their house.

Going to Shantou

My direct coach back to Shantou is 7:45am today. It takes 56 hours. It’s going to be a long journey again. But my parents are very happy and looking forward to see me back, I can tell from their voice in the phone last night. So am I :)

To Jenn

A little message to Jenn.

We can still communicate with text. She said she feels very lonely now because all her good friends are left and I am not with her neither. I know how it feels, because I spent my last Christmas in Durham by myself, all the friends were left and family is miles away. Imagine Christmas Eve, being alone with a computer screen, it was sad and lonely. But life sometimes needs a moment and time like that, they makes me appreciate more when I have friends and family around.

I hope she can handle it well and I will call her once I got back home in Shantou.