倫敦/香港生活的點點滴滴
1/ Dissertation進度20%. Tutor滿意我已經做了的,希望是一個好開始吧.
2/ Final year project完結的日子在望,自問真的出盡了我110%的努力去挽回我上個學期所失去的分數,只好聽天由命吧.
3/ 要回學校的日子用十隻手指都數得完了.
4/ 單身太久,我想我還需要多一點時間去適應忽然有多一個人在自己的世界,也需要多一點的時間和力量去放低過去.但跟他一起的那種感覺,很奇妙.
5/ 有時我會想,其實身邊的好友會不會寧願我是自己一個?Mood swing得200個勁的我並非一個得人鍾意的高小姐吧,要安撫我也令他們忙上加忙.
6/ 而且,跟他素未謀面的好友們都站在他那邊,我很沒癮.
7/ 我拒絕別人的技巧,很差.我不知道如何才可以告訴那些他他他,其實我真的沒有時間去想其他…
8/ 工作的地方氣氛和士氣差到極點,管理層混亂到震.先減人工,再減工時,雖然我也明白這是大勢所趨.I miss the fun we used to have.
1/時間過得像飛一樣快,new year’s eve party才過去,二月份又到了!會否因為這個月去了丹麥,路過了瑞典和到蘇格蘭跟細佬遊玩了幾天,因而時間過得這樣快?
2/細佬在倫敦的兩個星期,有他跟我嘻嘻哈哈令我覺得很愉快.有個了解而又關心自己的人在身邊真好.
3/丹麥很美,瑞典很美,蘇格蘭也很美.不用說也能夠理解我正在為錢而煩惱吧?
4/final year很癲,邊做final year project邊做dissertation的生活並不是正常人可以處理得來.分得到時間做好份報紙,又會覺得’咁dissertation呢???’
唉.這就是我現在的人生.壓力一大,皮膚就差.
5/忙到已經很久沒跟好朋友們一起出去吃喝玩樂了.
6/最近都在緊記兩位好友B先生的’take it as it comes’和P先生的心與腦袋平衡論,每日都要默念數次來保證自己不會再次失去重心,失去平衡.
7/開心還開心,final year project跟dissertation還是我的first priority.
8/廿二歲人還要像小孩般被迫講大話,400個無奈.
過了兩個月的newsroom+cafe仔生涯(屋企幾乎變成我的酒店),我經已練成了零食/junk food可以當正餐的特異功能!
唉,超悲哀.
朱古力/salted cashew nuts/薯片/baked beans我無一不愛,也養成了一日一cheese and beans on toast這習慣.
那天到bar買早餐時,那manager告訴我baked beans沽清時,我簡直有點欲哭無淚的感覺 – 我每天都依賴它去供給我能量的呀…
最忙的時候試過兩星期未吃過一口飯,因為我根本沒時間回家吃飯.就算家中有呀姨煮給我吃,放工回到家已經是晚上十一時多的時候,還有好幾篇故事等著我去edit,很多時我寧願沖個涼吃點餅乾就開工做功課了.
說那麼多是想表達些甚麼呢?就是想解釋我為何我很像中了不瘦降般,體重及腰圍都居高不下了.
越忙,我越吃得多零食:生日收到的六筒各種各樣的朱古力,給我一個月吃掉了,即是我平均個半星期吃一筒!以前在香港的時候,一年也吃不到兩筒呀,唉.
最近還發掘了新歡 – Julian Graves的yogurt coated raisin!
痴線,人在香港時我根本連提子乾也不多吃,現在卻吃到停不到口,電腦旁長期放著它和salted cashew nuts,方便我不停地吃,很變態.
但看到自己的大腿時,就覺得自己是時候收手了.唉.
剛完成了Men’s Health的work experience,我真的很喜歡這個地方噢.
雖然要做的工作,都是你可以想像到的,又不太重要的task – 包括包禮物!我包了一個星期禮物,為他們走上走落準備聖誕派對!
不過他們肯取錄我已經是一件非常非常幸運的事,申請的時候已有心理準備有哪些工作是必要做的了,所以我從來都未介意過.
在這兩個星期內,我都是被很友善很可愛的人包圍著,包括所有editor,其他department的人,以及最最最重要的editor in chief!
就算我們在包禮物,他們也在不停地感謝我們(這真的令我非常不好意思,因為我包得很肉酸..);而他們,又不會因為我是intern而對我有所不同,都會跟我們有兩句,玩在一起,所以這兩個星期也是充滿歡笑的兩個星期啦.
而更幸運的,是他們容許我為他們執筆!我開心到傻了!
在這一行走的每一步,每一個work experience,都令我明白自己有多喜歡做記者.所以,我真的很感激老媽子的努力,以及上天的安排,帶了我來這裡.
為自己而努力的感覺,很踏實,很美好.
1/Blackberry不再因為不停有email有text message而拚了老命地震.
過了兩個月editor的生活,即是’24/7 on call以防有人需要甚麼協助而找不到我就拖慢整個team的運作/有人寫好article要我朝早返newsroom之前edit好如果唔係會冇左news value’的非人生活,你可以想像現在的我是如何地享受沒有time pressure,沒有deadline,可以自己靜靜地待在家裡的日子.
2/有得選擇自己的工作時間.
身為’老臣子’,呀頭早就任我挑自己喜愛的shift來做,有extra shift也會第一時間致電給我,因為知道我應承了上班的話就一定會到,不會令他們’leh咁hea’.
事實上,也因為上個月做了超標的鐘數;這有辣有不辣啦,辣是因為返工返得太多要交稅而白做了幾個鐘,不辣的,就是自己有選擇權,不用再有shift一定要自己返,因為這個月我夠錢過活了(看我多短視!).
有了選擇權,令我覺得快活似神仙!
3/期待work experience.
下星期開始到Men’s Health上班,又另一個朝十晚六的開始.過完了editor的生活,我期待當一個小薯仔,做沖咖啡,影印等工作,而不用再想news value/story angle以及boss people around之事宜.
唉,別人甘之如飴的權力我竟然不想要,弄到我聽落很像一枚賤骨頭似的.
4/不用搬弄是非都可以交到好朋友.
女生們交朋友,不外乎八卦ABC的最新動向,又或者交流一下化妝品/減肥/男人/飲飲食食等可以講個沒完沒了的話題;我最討厭的,是那些只顧中傷別人來突顯自己可愛,但在你面前又扮沒事那種.
幸而這些人都離我遠遠的.
身邊那些我可以稱為朋友的,都是可以講笑,不會太過take things serious的人;讀書而已,那些在背後做中傷別人的事,到出來社會做事才做也未遲.
我比較享受真心對待別人,交朋友也要計算過的話,做人也未免會有點太累.
5/有人錫.
真心待我好的,在我需要他/她時會在我身邊的,關心我的well-being的,會照顧我的,會為我稍為遮擋一下風雨的,替我抹眼淚的,聽我講同一件事100次的,跟我一起去旅行的…太多了.
剛來到的時候我根本沒想過會遇到這些可愛到震的好朋友;幸好有他們,於是有好些傷口比我想像中癒合得快.
整個11月裡,我究竟做過些甚麼?
沒有.
除了月頭因為慶祝自己生日,跟L小姐走到Oxford一趟以外,每天就是上學,做報紙,催人交稿,催自己做好所有準備功夫,催人幫我放news stories上網,同時又怕被人在背後說我太pushy(做group project就一定有這個煩惱!);上班,做到發自己爛渣,做到想劈炮然後又死死地氣再上班;生活充實得可怕.
就因為每天都過得如此飛快,害得我每星期就只有星期日可以跟家人稍為閒聊一會,也很難才有機會跟身在老遠的好友們談天說地一番.
也終於都開始了做畢業論文,學校派給我的tutor看上去像非常helpful,感恩中.
而對某人的怨恨,也因為之前的篇幅已經詳細報告了一次,不再講了.What is done is done.
出外吃飯也甚少,幾乎每一次dine out都是在chinatown的好年華(姨姨的飛佛酒樓),所以也沒有甚麼食評可以寫.
撐多四天,這個編輯身份就會成為過去 – 一定要好好慶祝一下…
1/我真的覺得很累,身心俱疲那種.
每天朝10晚5,然後每隔一晚再晚5晚11地工作;朝早用的是腦袋,夜晚用的是勞力,這樣子過了6個星期.
是為我來了英國以後哭得最頻密的一段時間.
工作的地方,由以前我視之為半個家,到現在恨不得越快離開越好,當中的變化,我也不懂得怎樣去解釋.
以前有的秩序,當我離開了一個夏天之後,就完全消失了.
管理層出現問題,但卻要我們這班最低層的來承受他們的錯誤,唉.
雖然,我得強調我是愉快地承受著那些壓力,因為與此同時,我是在為追逐自己的夢想而努力.
沒有甚麼比這個來得幸福吧?
至少,我可以很proud地跟自己說,I’m trying hard to live my dream.
除了父母,這就是我堅持下去的動力 – 因為我知道,我距離那夢想,就只有一步之遙.
2/當初以為自己忙成這樣子就不會被那些麻煩纏繞著,但結果他還是找了上門;然後自己還十分天真的相信,他所做的一切,都是友善兼且毫無機心的舉動,彼此之間真的有存在友誼的可能性.
這一次,我錯得徹底,還要因為自己拒絕讓自己break down而弄得苦不堪言;你要知道,我一向都是不吐不快的人啊.
跟他一向無所不談,(也可以說,除了我們之間的事)所以一直以來我都為失去這個朋友而耿耿於懷.
我真的以為只要我肯努力,就可以修正以往的錯誤,把行不通的男女關係變成單純的朋友關係;但原來,單純的,只有自己.(就算你看完之後想嘔我都會咁話!)
我再也不想知道究竟我是在意還是不在意了;怪就只怪自己的愚昧,令自己無厘啦肺地因為同一個人同一件事傷心多一次 – 我信這個錯誤是完全可以避免的.
感謝那些努力讓我不傷心的好友們呢,還有我的細佬 – 又再多個原因期待他的大駕光臨了,哈.
3/很多東西想寫,但我打字慢之餘,我間房又實在太亂,所以我找不到我的手寫板…
我個仔終於在上星期一出世了.
決定到英國讀書前,雖然我對體育版一無所知,但憑著自己對足球的興趣,以及對摩生的熱愛(明顯地不是一個好理由啦),做體育記者是我的夢想.
想不到在兩年後的今天,這個夢想終於實現了!
OKOK,我不是做要不停出街落球賽睇波寫的那位,而是做個坐在newsroom指指點點的編輯.
每一天的工作,就是要10am回到學校,開會,閱畢所有email,然後再開會,不停跟其他editor保持聯絡,保證他們知道Sports這部門有甚麼故事,有多少故仔可以出,有哪些內容;有新idea浮現就要立即跟tutor討論,跟總編討論,看看是否合適,再決定會否派人將那些idea化為一個起碼500字的故事.
有時4時多可以走,有時就要留到6時許才可以撐著倦透的身體回家.
在這個崗位做了整個月,由當初一頭霧水,到現在覺得自己應該向著正確的方向走著,對我而言,是一個很大的進步.
做體育版其實都頗為幸福,因為大學有自己的sports team,所以只要能夠肯定旗下的體育記者會去報導大學聯賽的賽事,每星期有兩至三場,加上其他features,我們這邊都不愁沒有新聞可以報導.
其實,令我最不安的,就是要跟那些記者開會 – 閒聊沒有問題,但在一個會持續一個小時的對話裡面,理解完再講自己想表達的話,我就覺得難過登天.
尤其我緊張,一緊張時舌頭就更加打結了,所以有時我也會恨,為甚麼我不是生於一個講英語的地方?!
另一方面,由上班那邊當一個最基層的小員工,到在newsroom裡扮演一個領著20人小隊的編輯,感覺很精神分裂.
由take別人order到自己發施號令,而這個角色,有時候可以在一天裡面互換數次;於是,當回一個小員工時,有時我都會擺脫不了那bossy的editor角色.
希望沒有得罪人吧.
辛苦是很辛苦,壓力大到不為人道,但也總算近距離地了解自己夢想的行業嘛,所以我是很滿足很滿足的.
copyright: HK Magazine, Asia City Publishing
September 19th, 2008
If the term “street eats” conjures up images of eating curry fish balls from a cart, it’s time to get out there and try the new generation of pedestrian delights.Cherry Ko takes to the streets.
Ali Baba Kashmir Curry House
At Ali Baba, it’s easy to imagine yourself standing by a street stall in India. From the bustling kitchen to the naan-flipping chef everything seems perfectly authentic—until the hospitable Indian staff greets you in Cantonese. Be warned: go with an empty stomach since you’ll want to sample every one of their dishes, including savory or sweet paratha, curries and tikka. A hint for the indecisive: go straight for their mutton paratha ($12). Fused with mild curry, the mutton filling isn’t overwhelmingly huge, making it a perfect eat-while-you-walk snack. If lamb isn’t your thing, their fish tikka is also definitely worth a try. Wash it all down with a glass of chai to complete the experience.
1 Kwong Wa St., Mong Kok, 2388-6671. Open daily 11am-11pm.
8 Way Taiwanese Dumplings Shop
A Taiwanese chain with over 400 branches in Taiwan, this is a store that many Hong Kongers have awaited with much anticipation. Hence the massive queue blocking the entrance every day. 8 Way is the local epicurean’s new favorite for a reason—not only are their dumplings tasty, they also only cost $2.50 to $3 each. There are four fillings to choose from: the original cabbage and pork ($2.50), Korean-style kimchi ($3), leek ($2.50) and yellow curry ($3). We simply adore the Korean filling: crunchy on the outside with refreshingly spicy kimchi on the inside. Apart from dumplings, you can also find traditional Taiwanese snacks like spearfish soup ($12) and sweet and sour soup ($12).
171 Tung Choi St., Mong Kok, 2395-5058. Open daily 11am-11pm.
Happy Lemon
Another Taiwanese business creating a stir in Hong Kong is Happy Lemon. A perfect pit stop to refresh your palate, this cheery stall sells a wide selection of drinks, with everything from tea and coffee to lemon-based drinks and even cocoa. Be sure to try the Pearl Sago Roasted Milk Tea ($11 for a small, $13 for a large). Designed to be sipped slowly, the tea has a slightly toasted aroma that’s a perfect and unexpected complement to the milky sago pearls. If the crowds of Mong Kok are starting to get to you, try the Passion Yakult with Aloe ($10 for a small, $12 for a large). The sour Yakult is sure to pep up flagging spirits.
Shop A, 60 Bute St., Mong Kok, 3188-4818. Open daily 11:30am-midnight.
Shibazhi Coconut Drinks
Coconut-based drinks have always enjoyed widespread popularity in Hong Kong and it’s difficult to walk down any street in Mong Kok without coming across at least two. Even in this competitive market, Shibazhi—which means “18 sons” in Chinese—has distinguished itself as the undisputed expert. Opened by the Li family, the store has been making coconut drinks since the 70s in Sham Shui Po and their 30-plus years of experience shows. They follow the traditional recipe—breaking up a coconut, cutting up the flesh into small pieces, and blending it with ice, evaporated milk, water and sugar. A small cup costs $8, and it’s $18 for a bottle if you want to savor it at home. Not a coconut fan? The fresh lemon juice and papaya milk are just as delicious.
70 Bute St., Mong Kok. Open daily noon-midnight.
Prince of Bun
When people think of Chinese buns, the ubiquitous cha siu bao usually comes to mind. But step into Prince of Bun and you’re in for a surprise. Managed by a group of former bun chefs, the shop sells buns that are softer and fluffier than any others we’ve tried. The “Best Bun in the Universe” ($10)—made with chicken, mushrooms and abalone—is the store’s modest recommendation. The pumpkin bun ($4), sesame bun ($4), and pork sweet-potato bun ($4.50) are just a few of the other choices. The shop is located right opposite to the Mong Kok Food Market, hence the meat fillings are as fresh as they come. The Golden Peach bun ($28) is highly recommended, with a sweetened lotus mash and salted egg-yolk filling.
26 Mong Kok Rd., Mong Kok, 2392-7938. Open daily 7:30am-11pm.
Ireland’s Potato
Although Mong Kok is still the indisputable go-to district for street eats, Causeway Bay has always come a close second. Ireland’s Potato is a good example of the diversity of the food found in this crowded shopping district. Though their store may be tiny, it sells 700 mugs of fries a day. There are always 10 toppings on offer, but they vary regularly to keep up with the demanding and fickle tastes of Hong Kong diners. On the menu right now are pickle mayonnaise, fruit cream and plum pepper powder. One of our current favorites is the fries with mimolette cheese ($30); hot-foot it down there before it’s pulled out of rotation. Prices range from $18 to $30 with one topping, and if you fancy a little variety, it’s $5 for every extra topping.
518 Jaffe Rd., Causeway Bay, 2151-0089. Open Sun-Thu noon-midnight; Fri-Sat noon-1am.
copyright: HK Magazine, Asia City Publishing
September 5th, 2008
Cherry Ko heads north to see what’s happening in Yuen Long.
Tanaka Japanese Restaurant
It’s not too difficult to spot Tanaka—the queues for seats stretch out of the door and down the street at Yuen Long’s worst kept secret. This Japanese restaurant is so busy that staff have to ask the customers to finish their food within 45 minutes so that the waiting customers can get a seat. And at $17 for 2 huge portions of salmon sushi and $58 for a big plate of fresh sashimi, you realize why everyone is happy to queue. 18 Yuen Long Main Rd., 2474-7874
Wing Nin Stall
A famous go-to for delicious and inexpensive “cart noodles.” But again, prepare to wait if you’re ordering takeaway. Choose from a huge selection of local specialties like fishballs, chicken wings, pig intestines and pig’s blood jelly, and remember to ask for extra spice if you like it hot. There’s no price list anywhere to be seen, and you’ll only find out how much your meal costs once it arrives at your table. But with a bowl of noodles plus three toppings coming in at $15-$20, we’re not complaining. Bo Shing Building, Fung Nin Rd.
Tsang Heung Egg Roll
Although the self-proclaimed egg roll expert is tucked away down one of the small pathways along the Yuen Long Main Road, the aroma of their crispy and richly eggy rolls—$35 for 25 or $18 for 8—is what has attracted local Yuen Longers for years. Egg rolls not your thing? There’s a selection of other traditional snacks, too. 124E, Yuen Long Main Rd., 2476-1334
Red Penny
Sure, Thai restaurants are a dime a dozen in Hong Kong, but when you find a really great one, your run-of-the mill joints will never be quite the same. Red Penny is one such restaurant, their specialty being fresh shellfish, fish and crab. Their most popular dishes include crab curry ($198) and fish flake salad ($98). It’s not the cheapest restaurant in town, but it’s so popular, reservations are highly recommended. 148 Kam Sheung Rd., 2488-3263
Hong Kong Wetland Park
Want to be one with nature? The 61-hectare Hong Kong Wetland Park is a good place to start. This world-class conservation area is a habitat for a wide range of wild animals that you never knew lived here. The huge visitor’s center complements the reserve and is an educational and thought-provoking way to learn more about ecology and conservation. $30 for adults, $15 concession. Or you can apply for the annual pass ($100, or $200 per family of four). Wetland Park Rd., Tin Shui Wai, 2708-8885
Tsim Bei Tsui Organic Farm
Getting to the great outdoors in Hong Kong isn’t easy, but there is a place you can rent out a real Mongolian yurt. Tsim Bei Tsui Organic offers tents of different sizes, suitable for everyone from a pair of lovers looking for a romantic getaway, to a 12-person barbecue party. There is also a dragonfruit farm, the only one in Hong Kong, and lots of other organic vegetables for sale. Be sure to notify staff if you’re going to visit five days in advance so they know to arrange barbecue food for you. $800 for a 2-5 person yurt, $1,500 for 8-10. Tsim Bei Tsui, 2472-6962, www.yl.hk/birds
Tai Tong Lychee Valley
The weather is finally cooling down, and what better time to get out of the aircon and head outdoors? Tai Tong Lychee Valley is famous as a lychee farm where you can learn more about organic farming and even grow your own vegetables, but it is also packed with other activities. From barbecues to pony rides, petting zoos to fruit picking, there are tons of activities on offer for a fun day out. 11 Tai Tong Shan Rd., 2470-2201
Ping Shan Heritage Trail
The very first heritage trail in Hong Kong, Ping Shan has one of the longest recorded histories among all the districts of Hong Kong. It was once the home of the Tang clan, one of the five great clans of the New Territories whose history can be traced back to the 12th century. Check out the elegant structures that remain today, a testimony to the historical and the social development over the past centuries. The trail is about 1 kilometer long, meandering through Hang Mei Tsuen, Han Tau Tsuen and Sheung Cheung Wai, linking up a number of traditional Chinese structures along the way. Ping Shan, 2721-2326
Pat Heung Old Temple
This temple was built back in the 18th century, and although it may be built for the people to worship, it’s the delicious “poon choi,” or big bowl feast, that really draws the crowds. During traditional Chinese festivals, people will drive all the way to Pat Heung Old Temple to feast, and if you want to order poon choi takeaway during peak seasons like the Lunar New Year, you may have to order it a couple of months in advance. A big bowl, which is enough to serve 12-13 people, costs $808, while a smaller one is $538 for 6-8 people. They can arrange delivery for you. Plus, if you order 5 or more, they will deliver for free.Pat Heung Sheung Tsuen, 2472-6962
