Foreign Babe in HK

the year of the dragon

2012-01-31T16:41:00.002+08:00

The Dragon is a creature of myth and legend. In ancient China, the celestial Dragon represents an emperor and power. Today, it is the ultimate auspicious symbol signifying success and happiness.

We have left the Rabbit behind us and since the year of the Dragon is considered the luckiest year in the Chinese Zodiac I want to wish that the celestial Dragon brings great luck to everyone.

It is interesting to note that in Chinese astrology the dragon is the only animal of the Chinese zodiac year that is not real. Does that mean that this coming year will be a bit of a fairytale?

I have no objections to a year of fairytale life with lots of luck, success and happiness. Sounds perfect to me to be honest.
Must also mean that getting married during a year of luck is a favorable thing to do don't you think?

humbling

2012-01-29T00:48:00.004+08:00

On our last day in Cambodia we had 2 real humbling experiences.
In the morning we went to the big "Pol Pot" prison in Phnom Penh, "Security Prison 21" (S-21). This is the prison that the Khmer Rouge from 1975 to 1979 used to torture and kill an estimated 17,000 people in.
We walked around this building that still today is enclosed in barbed wire and has tiny prison and torture chambers, and all windows are covered with iron bars and barbed wire.
The pictures of some of the people that was killed during this time brought tears to my eyes, and it really makes me wonder what ever made some people so cruel and how we can do things like this towards each other over and over again.

In the afternoon we went to a school that supports children that grows up on the old city dump of Phnom Penh. Again, absolutely heartbreaking.
I am so blessed and fortunate having grown up under the conditions that I grew up in and living the life that I live now compared to these poor kids.

Leaving Cambodia I felt like I really had been taken down to earth. And for that I thank you Cambodia, and I promise to try and help you in return.

cambodia

2012-01-26T22:47:00.006+08:00

I was seriously contemplating getting one of those t-shirts that says I love Cambodia.
What an amazing place - ancient temples, beautiful surroundings, super friendly people and yummy food. I most definitely want to go back! 5 days is not enough, but it was a good start!
Sunshine, lazy days and heaps of girl talk combined with sightseeing, horse riding and a few massages. Could not have had a better start to the new year.

cny twentytwelve

2012-01-20T11:04:00.002+08:00

For cny 2012 I'm heading to Cambodia with a bag full of kids clothes/shoes (for charity) and with 3great girls to explore with.
Speak to you later.
xx

quick wedding

2012-01-17T10:30:00.003+08:00

With one little one on the table and one more on the way Evania and Sean decided to get married on their 6th year anniversary.
A quick and efficient wedding and a nice long lunch afterwards.
C
ongratulations guys and thanks for a lovely Saturday.

first week back at work

2012-01-10T22:39:00.000+08:00

the picture above simply sums up how my first week back at work was.
Welcome back!!!! (my boss sarcastically said)

the new year wedding

2012-01-10T18:14:00.008+08:00

The New Years weekend was spent in the English country side, in an old grand stately home. Very beautiful.
We did not only celebrate the new year though, first and foremost we celebrated the matrimonial union of Rhys and Katie.
The wedding was beautiful and the party afterwards was fun!
(And I have a new favourite drink - warm winter Pimms - yum).

happy new year

2011-12-28T23:27:00.000+08:00

We have reached the end of 2011...
It has gone incredible quick.
But year is over and to finish it off the last days of the year will be a great representation of as well as a great end to the year.
A quick tour of England, from east (London) to the north (Hull) to the west (Bath) in 5 days including a wedding on New Year Eve.
All the best for 2012!
See you on the flip side.

teddy's x-mas

2011-12-27T19:15:00.000+08:00

Teddy got to stay in HK for X-mas.
And although both I and Ant missed him heaps, I don't think he missed us just as much...
He was busy playing with his new toy the ginger man and his girlfriend Ruby...

christmas eve

2011-12-26T19:03:00.004+08:00

After a couple of hectic days before X-mas the peace and quiet and all yummy food that Christmas to me these days are all about finally arrived.
And so did Santa!
And believe it or not, but yet again I had been a good girl...

Ant got to meet our special Santa for the first time and he was most excited, just couldn't stop smiling :)

x-mas spirit

2011-12-16T21:36:00.006+08:00

The Christmas spirit is slowly getting a hold of me this year.
Too much work to really feel it, but my home is looking a little Christmas like and we've got a new family member - Harry the reindeer.
I saw Harry in a window and it was love at first sight, so I made sure he got to share his life with us. (Teddy felt a little jealous at first, but Harry and Teddy are now friends...)

Also after singing Christmas carols twice in one day with white gowns on the spirit grabbed hold of me a little tighter. (Always fun to see the reactions of all outsiders that have no idea of what Lucia is when we walk down the streets in HK!)

and there was silence

2011-12-11T19:10:00.003+08:00

So sorry guys, have been MIA for almost a month...
Since I got back from my travels I have been completely snowed under in work. Not only did I have to do the normal catch up game after my days out of the office, we are also in peak season plus that we are working towards a IT deadline that is coming closer and closer by the minute. So I've have worked from 09.00 until 01.30 more or less everyday since I got back, with exception for the weekends when I have only worked a couple of hours every day...
Hence the real world has had to take priority over the blog world.

I have however done a couple of long walks during the weekends to clear my head, and the photo above is from 2 weekends ago when Teddy and I climbed up the second highest mountain in HK. Stunning views and fresh winds.

zurich

2011-11-22T00:23:00.004+08:00

Very unexpectedly I got to spend 24 hours in Zurich.
Flight from Stockholm got delayed and that resulted in my connecting flight back to HK leaving Zurich without me. Hence me spending a day in Zurich.
Would rather have stayed one more night in Sweden or actually made it to HK, however at least I've had a nice walk along the lake with the sun in my face and fresh air in my lungs.

sthlm again

2011-11-17T05:57:00.002+08:00

Back in Stockholm again.
With hat, gloves and warm jacket on - it was only +3 degrees this morning... brrrr.
Good to be home though!
I now have 2 intense work days ahead of me, and am happy that I've had 3 days of leisure before this.
Leisure as in long nice sleeps, meeting up with friends and spending time with family but also doing something I've never done before - trying on wedding dresses!! Very exciting.
Time for bed - over and out.

belated birthday surprise

2011-11-07T23:23:00.004+08:00

I was more or less kidnapped and taken to a surprise lunch by the girls yesterday.
There I was thinking I was going to help my friend Katie with a fight promotion thing.... But I was sooooo wrong.
I was taken to a belated birthday champagne lunch instead!
Ate so much we more or less rolled out of there.
I am so blessed to have such amazing friends.
LOVE

me and eric gadd

2011-11-06T16:57:00.002+08:00

Friday night I got to meet my favorite Swedish "pop-star" since 20 years - Eric Gadd. And not only that - I got to introduce him before his performance and declare my love for him in front of 200 people!
Still marrying Ant though if anyone wondered... :)

w t f

2011-11-02T01:48:00.000+08:00

relaxing weekend

2011-10-31T15:42:00.003+08:00

I have just spent a lovely relaxing weekend with Ant and a great view.
More of weekends like this please!

birthday bear

2011-10-29T10:08:00.002+08:00

My little Teddy bear turns 1 today.
We celebrate this with a new fun toy and some yummy treats and lots and lots of cuddles of course!

stomp

2011-10-27T17:42:00.002+08:00

Antony managed to get free tickets to the opening night of STOMP.
and just like last time I saw them in London the guys put on an amazing performance!

STOMP's performers can definitely make a rhythm out of anything they can get their hands on that makes a sound. Stiff-bristle brooms become a sweeping orchestra. Zippo lighters flip open and closed to create a fiery fugue. Wooden poles thump and clack in a rhythmic explosion. STOMP uses everything but conventional percussion instruments – trash cans, tea chests, plastic bags, plungers, boots and hubcaps - to fill the stage with compelling and infectious rhythms.

Big thumbs up for sure!

the man on bridges street

2011-10-21T09:00:00.003+08:00

Ever since I moved to HK there has been a homeless man living next to this market.
I used to live right opposite this market so the homeless man is a person I used to see every day.
At times we have given him clothes and also a big duvet to keep warm during those cold night in winter.
The other day I found out that he had passed away.
Sad.

cardigan

2011-10-20T14:14:00.003+08:00

After months and months of hot and sticky weather it gets quite surprising when you all of a sudden need to dig out a jumper/cardigan.
Surprising - but also quite nice.
The air feels fresher and no more clothes that stick to you as soon as you walk out the door.
Give it another month and I'll be digging out my duvet as well from its resting place.

5 days

2011-10-05T21:29:00.000+08:00

I had 5 days in Stockholm and I loved it.
Even though I had to work, even though I was sick.
I still got to see my beautiful home, I got to meet up with my family and my "bestest" friends and I had good meetings with old familiar faces at work plus that I went and saw the wedding venue.
Mission accomplished.
Short and sweet - hope to see you soon again...

birthday

2011-09-30T21:00:00.000+08:00

hip hip hurray - I am one year older again....

dad in singapore

2011-09-30T17:35:00.006+08:00

Dad turned 70 a few weeks ago.
To celebrate his birthday in style we decided that a trip to Singapore was the way to go!
I met up my dad at the airport and there after the sight seeing started.
Dad also got to experience proper heat, Singapore Slings, fish eating his feat and
F1!
The world also proved to be a very small place and my dear friend Tiina stayed at the same hotel as us, so we got to spend some time with her as well!

jet-lag tour

2011-09-22T22:49:00.000+08:00

The jet lag journey has begun - Singapore/Sweden/UK in less than 2 weeks time.
22/9 - Singapore - where we will have a client event at the Grad Prix, plus that I'm meeting up with dad (!)as well as regional management meeting.

Thereafter, 28/9, I’m arriving in Sweden for work, celebrate my birthday with my family and hopefully meet up as many of my friends as possible. Also need to do some wedding planning at a few venues.

And my final stop is UK, for a wee bit more work.
Will be back in HK again on October 5.

Tiring, but will be good!

autumn

2011-09-20T22:44:00.003+08:00

Over night it was all of a sudden autumn in HK.
Still warm (t-shirt weather) but not scorching hot.
There is a cool breeze outside and no need for air con inside.
We will be able to start having breakfast on the roof top again during the weekends, yay.
Fall I welcome you.

good thought

2011-09-17T00:57:00.000+08:00

fruit basket

2011-09-11T18:41:00.004+08:00

Got a big beautiful fruit basket from one of my suppliers.
So nice and so good to have healthy snacks an arm length away. Very enjoyable indeed.
Other members of the family thought thought the decorative bow that was placed on the basket when we got it was more enjoyable than the fruit....

dangerous goods

2011-09-07T23:16:00.004+08:00

I'm attending a Dangerous Goods course this week.
Who would have thought that a normal ping pong ball would be regarded as a dangerous good. Now I know...

a hidden jewel

2011-09-02T13:54:00.005+08:00

I found a to me hidden jewel the other day.
The China Tee Club.
A calm relaxing oasis, away from the bustling streets of Hong Kong.
In one of Hong Kong's few remaining beautiful examples of early 1930's Colonial architecture.
When you walk in there you get swept into an atmosphere that transports you to another era.
Love.
but a very short love, since they have to close down due to a big American clothes chain that is over taking loads of space in this beautiful old building...
If you snooze you loose I guess...

However I am slightly wondering if the Americans will keep the tiles on the floor, if not I will be standing outside ready to collect them as they start to renovate and throw the old interior away!

air pollution

2011-08-31T17:24:00.002+08:00

Yesterday I was told that if HK was a factory it would get shut down!!
Why? Because the air pollution is so very high at the moment that 20% of HK's population should not be outside, and if that was the facts in a factory it would be shut down.
What am I doing tonight? Taking the dogs for a walk whilst breathing in some beautiful HK air... Nice... NOT!

afternoon tea

2011-08-29T16:06:00.002+08:00

When the heaven all of a sudden decides to open on a Saturday afternoon and the rain is pouring down it is pretty nice to sit around a table with 13 girls talking about this and that whilst filling the stomachs with lovely and yummy sandwiches, scones and cakes.
To be absolutely honest - it is probably one of the most brilliant ideas ever...
:)

team lunch

2011-08-27T01:13:00.002+08:00

A Japanese lunch on a Friday with the team is a rare occurrence (we usually do lunch by our desks...)but not a bad way of starting the weekend with...

tug of war

2011-08-25T21:07:00.004+08:00

Tug of war is a sport that directly pits two teams, or in this case two dogs, against each other in a test of strength....

three dogs and a tourist

2011-08-21T21:43:00.005+08:00

We've had an other weekend with beautiful weather.
A wonderful sun made sure that we didn't get cold when we went for a swim in the rock pools.
Our visitor, Gemma, got to see HK from it's best side - both the stunning country side and the beautiful waterfront of HK island, and so did the three dogs.
They have had so much fun playing in the water, running along the beach and jumping in the grass. The grown ups have had a very enjoyable weekend as well.
I'm prepared for yet another busy week at work.

encore

2011-08-19T20:01:00.002+08:00

Friday again, yay.
And time for another mini holiday in Sai Kung, yay.
This time with 3 dogs in tow and also one of Ants friends from home.
A lazy day in the sun tomorrow, and also a hike is on the schedule.
Encore. I like it.
Pics to follow.
Have a good weekend all!

mini holiday

2011-08-15T09:53:00.007+08:00

A weekend out in Sai Kung feels like a mini holiday.
We've chilled, talked, walked and eaten good food (both home cooked and at restaurant) together with friends.
A smaller hike up to some rock pools was included as well.
Good times for both the grown ups and the dogs.

champagne lunch

2011-08-12T15:08:00.002+08:00

Two glasses of champagne at lunch is definitely the way to go!
Bye bye you long week of work. Hello weekend!
Just need to finish a few more things in the office first...
And sip some more tea to sober up...

sai kung weekend

2011-08-11T20:47:00.001+08:00

We were meant to spend our weekend in the money driven Macau, but instead we have decided on going to Sai Kung, where we will be house sitting and dog sitting Teddy's girlfriend Ruby whilst chilling out completely.
Sai Kung is just lovely, a dream really out there just by the sea. Quiet and green, with local fishermen offering their merchandise right from the sea returning boats. The whole pier becomes a fresh market. Really can't wait to get out there early Saturday morning! And I know that Teddy will absolutely love this weekend of endless playing.

Macau has simply been postponed to October...

morning routines

2011-08-05T15:34:00.002+08:00

- At 6.30 (regardless of if it is weekday or weekend) - I'm hungry.
- Wake mummy and daddy up by whining to tell them that I'm hungry.
- Get breakfast, because mummy can't stand my crying... (got her totally figured out!)
- Hurry back to bed to thank mummy for the food with loads of wet kisses.
- Plonk myself down in bed, preferable on top of mummy.
- Eagerly await for daddy to get up.
- Spread out in bed, starfish next to mummy.
- Refuse to go for morning walk when daddy comes into the bedroom to get me.
- Make sure that mummy has to get involved to get me out of the room.
- Go for walk.
- Come home.
- Jump up on mummy again to tell her that I'm back.
- Go to sleep.

today i wish

2011-08-03T17:06:00.002+08:00

Today I feel a bit homesick.
Today I wish I was here:

evening walk

2011-08-02T22:18:00.003+08:00

Teddy and a beautiful view over Aberdeen reservoir during tonight's walk.
This was taken before it got a bit too dark and creepy (literally - lots of bugs and other creepy things come out in the dark...) to walk on a small path in the woods.
But other than that we had a great walk the Teddy bear and I.
A perfect way of recharging the batteries before heading back to work...

mid-week entertainment

2011-07-28T14:07:00.009+08:00

We've managed to squeeze in some mid-week entertainment in our busy schedules two weeks in a row now, yay!
So good to just get your mind off work for a couple of hours and do something different than the usual - work late, go home, feed Teddy, walk Teddy, feed yourself, pee Teddy, go to bed, sleep.

Last Thursday we went to the movies and saw Kung Fu Panda 2 in an executive movie theater. This means that the theatre had big reclining chairs and waitresses coming around with drinks and popcorn all through out the movie. I like :)

And last night we went and to a stand up comedy show.
With a guy called Wali Jones (he has apparently performed on David Letterman). Funny guy indeed. One of the highlights, or at least the most memorable from the evening was when he told off a little Chinese guy for texting right in front of him.
The little Chinese guy (named Carl and 21 year old we later found out) didn't get how rude he was though, even though it was clearly pointed out to him so he just continued texting and said to the performer - go on dude, I can multi-task, I am listening.
Wali looked gob-smacked, and so were most of us I think, and just said: you have no idea do you?
Little Chinese guy: No.
Wali: You have no idea how rude you are doing that in front of me, do you?
It took a little while for the words to sink in cause Carl just continued texting but then I think he finally realized and stopped.
That or he was just done.
Come to think of it, probably the latter...

I'm not trying to be prejudice or anything here - but honestly - Chinese people can be sooo rude. And most of the time they just don't get that they are. We just don't share the same common sense. Or they just lack it, I don't know...

very hot weather warning

2011-07-25T13:01:00.004+08:00

The HK authorites have issued a Very Hot Weather Warning.
The warnings they issue are always just too funny.
But here in HK we do not rely on common sence, probably because at many times the locals don't seem to have any....

The Very Hot Weather Warning is now in force.The Hong Kong
Observatory is forecasting very hot weather in Hong Kong
today. The risk of heatstroke is high.

When engaged in outdoor work or activities, do drink plenty
of water and avoid over exertion. If not feeling well, take
a rest in the shade or cooler place as soon as possible.

People staying indoors without air-conditioning should keep
windows open as far as possible to ensure that there is
adequate ventilation.

The Hong Kong Observatory advises that prolonged exposure
under sunlight is to be avoided. Loose clothing, suitable
hats and UV-absorbing sunglasses can reduce the chance of
sunburn by solar ultraviolet radiation.

Swimmers and those taking part in outdoor activities should
use a sunscreen lotion of SPF 15 or above, and should
re-apply it frequently.

graduation and relaxation

2011-07-24T18:31:00.005+08:00

The weekend started off with Teddy's graduation from his obedience course.
The trainer said he thinks Teddy is fantastic and a very smart dog. And somehow I knew that already... :)

After we had been given a certificate we thought we deserved some relaxation.
So we took the ferry out to Lamma island where my friend Sandra lives and chilled on the beach.

Teddy and I stayed over night and had beautiful green walks in the evening as well as in the morning. Feel all recharged now and that is a wonderful feeling.
Hurray for relaxing weekends!

Now a bbq Sunday dinner is on the cards, an evening walk and then maybe even some wedding planning before it is bed time.

diets

2011-07-21T10:42:00.002+08:00

My two boys are dieting.
For different reasons obviously, but still.
One is trying to loose weight, the other one is trying to stop scratching.
Both diets are making them constipated though.
Oh the joys of having smelly boys in your life.. :)

busy working bee

2011-07-16T17:30:00.002+08:00

I know I am neglecting the blog.
Sorry.
As per usual I am being a busy bee at work.
I hardly ever talk about work on the blog, although it is the one thing that takes up the most time in my life...

It is almost all good though. the busy bee part that is.
I have just signed 3 new clients, I have 2 more up my sleeve that say they are going to sign. If all this go through as I want then I can not only say that I am doing a good job, I can actually say that I am doing a bloody good job.
Because signing new clients takes time... And that together with all the micro-management that is needed when you work in HK (unfortunately) is the reason that I am such a busy bee.

Speaking of the micro-management bit, sometimes I dream that this office was situated in Sweden or somewhere else in the western world, it would be so interesting to have a team like I do here that thought for themselves, that took initiative and that didn't rely on you to make things happen regarding this that and everything. We've done really well here, but just imagine how much we could have accomplished if it was with people that didn't need the micro of the micro-management... But I guess that is also the big challenge here in HK that keeps me on my toes...

Anyway, it is weekend now.
Last night I collapsed on the sofa with a chocolate brownie in my hand. I fell asleep 3 times whilst eating the cake, so in the end I just shoved it down and went to bed instead.

Have a great weekend all.
I'm off to a girls night with PJ's on, pizza, home made chocolate cake and Bollywood movies.
Bring it on!

play date

2011-07-07T18:02:00.003+08:00

Teddy and his girlfriend Ruby have got a play date on Saturday night with these two cuties.
We are going to be there too of course, can't wait to hold that little chocolate puppy! But I guess most of my focus will have to be on the humans that we have a play date with, but it is going to be tough - me love puppies and the Teddy bear!

friends and sun

2011-07-04T14:07:00.003+08:00

We've just had a long weekend in HK.
I absolutely l o v e long weekends. It's amazing what a difference a day makes.

Friday was more or less dedicated to walks with Teddy. Started the day with a walk in Aberdeen country park with friends and other dogs and actually managed to get Ant to walk Dragons Back with me in the afternoon! The glory of both walks are that you're so close to the city, but could hardly feel farther away. The stress of the city evaporates as soon as you stand there in the midst of the green trees.

Saturday we had doggy training (Teddy is a fast learner, but also a bit of a bully to the other puppies there - so he got a time out 3 times... boo). We then went out to Sai Kung and spent a lovely afternoon and evening with friends out there. An evening that consisted of lots of food and laughter, good music, limbo dancing and rope skipping... yep don't even ask me how that happened, but we had fun!

Yesterday we had brunch on our rooftop with friends and literally melted away together with the cheese. It was super sunny, hot and humid. However, once the sun was about to set, we took Teddy on another nice walk in one of the country parks and then finished with a nice meal in one of our favourite restaurants.

Friends, walks and sun - a perfect combo for a very nice long weekend. :)

engagement surprise

2011-06-24T13:39:00.002+08:00

Got engagement surprise number 2 last night!
Had planned to meet up Katie for a quick catch up dinner, but as I walked into the restaurant I saw balloons and a table full of my girlfriends - surprise!
And what an amazing surprise!
The evening made me smile both inside and outside all night. I have the best girlfriends in the whole world.
Got a wedding planning book, so here we go - the planning can start.
:)

tropical cyclone season

2011-06-23T16:34:00.004+08:00

From the warm sun in Tuscany to the tropical cyclone season in HK.
My phone got so wet in my pocket last night when I walked the Teddy bear that it is no longer working.
Oh the joys of rain, rain and more rain.

under the tuscan sun

2011-06-20T13:07:00.015+08:00

I have arrived back to HK with a tan.
Since we spent all our days under the beautiful tuscan sun I am now golden brown.
Golden brown with great memories from an amazing holiday.

holiday views

2011-06-12T03:42:00.005+08:00

We headed south to Corsica after our days in the UK.
Spent a couple days at a place by the beach with this view and attended Ant's best friends beautiful wedding.

Today we got on a ferry and are now in Tuscany and the view from our bedroom window does not leave much to ask for...

Loving these holidays and the holidays views.

fmp

2011-06-06T22:22:00.000+08:00

We drove out into the beautiful green Yorkshire countryside.
We stopped by a little stream.
We rescued a little baby rabbit.
We arrived at the cutest little village with stone houses.
We ordered sandwiches.
Whilst waiting we went for a little stroll by the river that runs through the little cute village.
We jumped the river.
Ant landed on one knee and pulled out a ring.
I laughed and said - get out of here, are you serious.
I laughed a bit more.
Ant started to shake and said, you can say yes whenever you want.
So I did.
Then we went back and ate our sandwiches.
And had ice-cream for dessert.
Me= FMP
FMP= Future Mrs Phillips.
The above - totally crazy - but in a good way!

yorkshire

2011-06-05T21:00:00.000+08:00

Early morning walks is definitely the way to go when you suffer from jet-lag.
Especially if you can breathe in fresh Yorkshire country air and walk amongst fields of gold...

europe bound

2011-06-03T08:12:00.003+08:00

Flying towards the north west tonight.
Europe and sweet holidays here I come!
UK, Corsica and Italy - get ready - I want nice beautiful sunshine, blue skies and fresh air as well as lots of yummy food.
Please.

growing up

2011-06-01T14:03:00.004+08:00

My little Teddy Bear is growing up.
He is actually not that little any longer.
7 months, 18.5 kg, he lifted his leg for the first time this morning when he had a pee and he has got a girlfriend!
Me - just a proud mum! :)

may ball

2011-05-30T13:28:00.005+08:00

We sipped champagne, ate a beautiful dinner (very yummy desert - plate licking yummy to be honest...), and danced away on Saturday night. May ball 2011 - tick.
That the night ended up with red wine stains all over my dress plus a special someone mistaking his sock for his toothbrush is nothing we have to talk further about... :)

stalker

2011-05-28T16:48:00.004+08:00

I have an unusual stalker.
My stalker's name is water leak.
Every place I've lived in so far in HK has had a water leak of some kind, and this place have just proved to be no different.
The stalking water leak has arrived to Tai On Terrace as well...

The pictures shows how the roof in the master bedroom looks like since last week, and it seems like the water stains are growing by the day.
Not sure where the source is, but it is most likely a leak from the roof.

Let's hope they can fix it quickly, but more importantly thoroughly.

title fight

2011-05-24T10:52:00.004+08:00

Go the following email in my inbox last Friday and I couldn't control myself - I got so nervous that I had to run out of the office...

Hi Ulrica,

Since you are one of the original pioneers of the female White Collar Boxers I write you this email. We have had seven female applicants already for our next event, very different from when you first started out.

Fiona who fought at the last event and then here in Singapore has applied again which would seem an ideal match for you. With the only other strong female (Ivy Lim) retired, we would apply for a it to be a WWCBA AP Title Fight.

Good plan?
Rgds

Ian

A title fight!!
Are you kidding me?!
But I haven't trained at all for over a year...
But how can you say no?!

I don't know what to do... what do you think?

girls weekend

2011-05-23T16:14:00.003+08:00

Had a girls weekend on the beach.
Just as nice as it sounds.
Although it rained for 24 hours... However, we didn't care.
We talked and talked, we ate and ate (yep dessert every day again!), and we just chilled.
A-K is soon leaving HK returning to Sweden, so this was Marta's and mine little goodbye weekend.
But it's never goodbye really, it's always see you later!

lionheart

2011-05-19T14:56:00.003+08:00

I've decided that an important part of Ant's Swedish education is knowing some of Astrid Lindgren's stories.
So on last Sunday, which was a perfect day for reading since it was a grey and rainy day, we started reading one of her very best stories - the Lionheart Brothers.
As I was reading chapter 1 and 2 out loud I started crying (it is two sad but beautiful chapters...). After a while I wasn't just crying, I was bawling my eyes out and I had difficulties reading as a result. My crying and the sad story made Ant cry too.
So there we were, two grown ups, reading a kids story, crying our eyes out....
That's a new way of spending a Sunday afternoon for me... :)

dxb paradise

2011-05-14T12:18:00.007+08:00

Lazy days by the pool and on the beach disappears by a blink of the eye.
But the memories stays forever.

Thanks Kristina and Richard for having me. And Kristin great seeing you again.

palm tree

2011-05-09T13:35:00.002+08:00

Early morning walks on a palm tree is a very pleasant way of starting your day.
Especially since you, whilst listening to birds singing, get to enjoy the sights of beautiful houses with beautiful green gardens full of colourful tropical flowers as you walk along a long quiet beach in the sun.

shawermas

2011-05-09T02:41:00.005+08:00

My stomach feels like a ball.
It is totally stuffed, full, chock-a-block - of chicken shawermas...

I have a favorite place in Dubai where you get amazing shawermas, tabbouleh, hummus and fruit juice mixes (that are like desserts...) etc and I went there tonight - hence me sitting here now with a stomach big as a ball.
Let me tell you that I am thoroughly enjoying this holiday. :)

early morning in dxb

2011-05-06T11:42:00.003+08:00

Yesterday I arrived, felt very excited, saw Kristina and Richard, went out for dinner, and then I crashed in bed.
Now it is early morning in Dxb and I am looking forward to everything this day has to offer!
Yep in a little bit I will be enjoying that pool, the sun and the ocean! Woop woop! LOVE holidays!

dxb here i come

2011-05-04T12:45:00.003+08:00

In February 2003 I made a pact with my friend Kristina.
If we were not married by the time we turned 40 we would go to Dubai, stay at the amazing hotel Royal Mirage and live like princesses for a while (until we ran out of money...).
Kristina is turning 40 next month...
But she is married...
So the saga could end right there.
But it doesn't!
At 8.am tomorrow morning my plane takes off and some hours later I will be arriving at DXB international airport surrounded by all the familiar smells and sights (can't believe that is is almost 15 years since I lived there now...).
Dubai i have missed you!
And Kristina I have missed you too!

Looking forward to days in the sun by the pool, looking forward to lots of laughs and chats and looking forward to chicken shawarmas!

outdoor movie

2011-04-27T18:15:00.004+08:00

We sat in a red sofa on a rooftop in the middle of HK surrounded by high buildings last night whilst watching Point Break.
Fabulous!

easter

2011-04-26T13:09:00.004+08:00

The Easter holidays allowed us to get relaxing beach time as well as catch up with old friends (host parents) time.
The sun was shining most of the time and we have had yummy desserts every day!
You can't have a much better Easter than that :)

an other view

2011-04-21T12:00:00.002+08:00

From a big city to a completely different view.
It is time for Easter holidays on the beach!
Under a swaying tropical tree with a sweeping view of the South China Sea is where I will be eating breakfast, lunch and dinner during tow days time.
I'm not going alone, am of course taking both Teddy and Ant but also Marta. Our 'front yard' will be one of Hong Kong's longest beaches and our agenda will be pretty empty... Relaxing times in the sun, hikes and good food - that is about it.

Happy Easter everyone!

a shanghai weekend

2011-04-18T12:00:00.011+08:00

I heart Shanghai.
Spent a beautiful weekend there with Ant.
Friday night was devoted to dinner and massage.
Saturday was spent on the Bund.
We walked the Bund, we felt Shanghai chic on the Bund and did cocktails, afternoon tea on the Bund as well as listened to an afternoon poetry reading on the Bund, we did a headstand on the Bund.
We walked in old parts of the city, we walked through bustling markets.
And on Sunday we chilled and shopped in the charming old French quarters of the city.

shanghai weekend

2011-04-14T23:13:00.004+08:00

Finishing off a busy week with the boss in town with a business trip to Shanghai.
Boss going back home to Singapore though, so only me going.
After the meeting I am planning on relaxing... And sightseeing (Ant is arriving a few hours after me in Shanghai and it will be his first time there).
Have a good weekend all - I'm planning on having one.

de-sex

2011-04-13T23:30:00.006+08:00

After a fun weekend of playing with his good mate Walls and digging in the sand on the beach the D day was suddenly upon Teddy.
The day when his daddy refused to take him to the vet because he said he would not be able to look him in the eyes, the day when Teddy no longer would get a chance to become a real man.
My little boy got de-sexed yesterday, and today he looks like this:

He is not a big fan of his cone, he keeps banging into things the whole time, but I think he is dealing with it pretty good anyway.

early mornings in hk

2011-04-08T14:27:00.002+08:00

This week I have had to crawl out of bed earlier than usual.
Ant is away, which means that the morning walk with Teddy has become mine as well.

Now I am definitely not a morning person, although I desperately wish I was, but I have quite enjoyed my mornings since I through them have gotten to know a new part of HK.
The new part I am now familiar with is the part were HK wakes up, stretches the arms above its head and wipes the sleep out of its eyes. The streets are still quiet, the old locals are out warnming up with some Qigong whilst the sun starts to warm up all the concrete houses and tarmac roads this city consists of.

I like this new part of HK that I have discovered. But I unfortunately think I love my bed more... Good thing Ant is back tomorrow!

women are angels

2011-04-04T12:56:00.002+08:00

Women are Angels.
And when someone breaks our wings, we simply continue to fly…... on a broomstick. We are flexible like that.

i heart hk party

2011-04-03T22:44:00.003+08:00

We got invited to a party.
A party where you had to dress up.
Dress up like what you love about HK.
I love dressing up, in beautiful dresses and also in crazy outfits.
Or as Ant expressed it - dressing up with a twist.
So that is what we did.
Photo in taxi on our way to the party.

ave a go

2011-04-01T09:42:00.008+08:00

A couple of days ago it was boxing time again.
Not for me, but for my friend Katie 'Ave a Go' Lowe.

Katie put on a real performance, she fought really well, her fans yelled encouragements all the way but unfortunately she did not win...

We had a very good night though and in spite of the loss Katie smiled all night. And in our hearts she is a winner!

rugby 7's 2011

2011-03-27T22:02:00.006+08:00

9.30 on Saturday morning the south stand of HK stadium was full!
So we got up at 6.30 to get the costumes on and to have some champagne breakfast before we went to the stadium. I tired to check out my new favourite - no 10 of the Spanish team - a bit more, but most of the day was dedicated to the full blown party that the south stand really is all about!

ladies night

2011-03-25T18:46:00.006+08:00

¡Olé!for ladies night!
¡Olé!for the Spanish Rugby 7's team!
"¡Olé Olé Olé!" for putting those two together!
¡Olé! for having a boyfriend that runs events like the one just mentioned.
And ¡Olé! for player number 10!

grey weekend

2011-03-22T16:59:00.006+08:00

The sun disappeared as quickly as it arrived unfortunately.
But we did not despair.
We did things that didn't get affected by the weather instead.

I took my parents and my cousin to high tea at the Peninsula.

The following day we took the ferry over to Macau where my dad and cousin had big plans on winning big money.
That didn't happen.

But we had a great dinner at the Venetian and then I took them to experience the amazing House of Dancing Water.
They loved it just as much as Ant and I do.

And then all of a sudden it was my cousins last day in HK.
Nicke - it was gerat having you here! You are welcome back anytime.

view

2011-03-17T18:06:00.004+08:00

When we went to the peak the other day to admire the view over HK, Teddy decided that he also wanted to see what we were looking at. :)

sunny weekend

2011-03-14T18:11:00.005+08:00

My mum, dad and cousin brought the sun with them.
HK showed us beautiful weather during the weekend - and we took advantage of it.
Breakfast on the roof.
Rugby in the sun.
And some beach action.
No wonder I have the Monday blues today...

eta

2011-03-11T13:46:00.003+08:00

My mum, dad and cousin is getter closer by the minute. ETA 2 hours.
Teddy is excited to meet his grand parents for the first time and I am obviously excited to see them again too!

love

2011-03-07T17:58:00.002+08:00

When your boyfriend says to you on the Sunday evening - do you want to watch Dirty Dancing, puts the DVD in the player and wraps you up in a blanket - you just have to love him - lots.

insides

2011-03-03T14:04:00.009+08:00

There has been a few complaints on the lack of photos of my new place...
Well folks, here you go a few photos of the insides of my home. My living room, the kitchen and the two spare rooms. (Bed had not magically been made in the bedroom, so pics of that will have to come another day, as well as pics of the roof top).

What I love the most about the apartment is all the windows and the light they let through. Feels quite Scandinavian because of that, even though it is not. (And a Scandi would never ever have a sparkling kitchen. Sparkling clean perhaps but not white doors with silver glitter on them - of that I am sure!).

short sleeve

2011-02-28T09:53:00.001+08:00

And suddenly there was sun and short sleeve weather!!
Aahh. :)

alice in wonder(snowy)land

2011-02-22T02:54:00.003+08:00

Instead of falling down a hole I came flying through the air.
And I didn't arrive in a strange place, instead arriving and being in Sweden feels very very normal.
But when you live in HK and have not been in very cold weather for years it really did feel like a bit of a fairytale when the captain announced that we were arriving to a city covered in snow and too a temperature of -17.
My first thought was - Holy Mother of God!

In 3 days time I have experienced proper Swedish winter.
It has been cold, it has been snowing, the sun has been shining and I have gotten a proper Swedish cold. So on Saturday I sat in my parents sofa feeling a bit sorry for myself whilst looking out on the blue sky, the sun and the glistering snow.

But I have met up with friends anyway and I just got back from a short but very efficient shopping spree, so I'm feeling very content and happy - even though I have this stupid cold.

The joy of the fresh air and being home is priceless - I do miss this place and all my beautiful friends and my family lots and lots. (And right now I am wondering (quietly) when this foreign babe will become a not so foreign at all babe in Sthlm... Not yet is the answer to that, but some day, some day...)

yesterday

2011-02-16T13:04:00.005+08:00

My story of yesterday:

Got stuck in the thumb print machine yesterday morning as I was leaving HK.
The man that let me out told me my visa had run out.
I said what – no no it runs out on April 1.
He said, nope it ran out on Jan 4.
1.4 or 4.1, same same but different…
Me = an illegal immigrant in HK!!
Had to go through a quick immigration procedure right then and there, pay some money and off I ran to the plane.
(Need to sort out visa sap when I get back!!!)

Was asked as I was buying water to have on the plane where I was going and managed to say New Zealand! Too early in the morning for me that is for sure… Ok was flying Air NZ – but was going to London...

Anyway, got on the plane and flight was ok, watched 4 movies.

Got to the hotel and my colleague Ruzina arrived at the same time.
Thought I’d check in quickly.

NOPE.

Madam, your credit card is not working – have you got another one?
No.
Then you need to go and get some cash.
Ok, keep smiling, although you def don’t want to – go get money…
Cash machine will not let you get all that money you need out.
Need to go to bank – which is not close by.
Get a cab to bank, ask cab to wait will be quick.
Bank lady tells me I need to talk to their customer service before she can help me – gives me a phone.
Get to talk to phone center in India.
I explain what is going on – lady on phone tells me she needs my credit card number – I give it to her – she tells me it has no info connected to it. Could she have my account number – she gets it.
But tells me that is not the kind of number she wants it should be 14 digits long and mine is only 10. I say that is all I have.
We repeat this conversation about 5 times, before she gets a supervisor involved.
I tell him what is gong on.
He tells me he my credit card number – I give it to him – he tells me it has no info connected to it. Could he have my account number – he gets it.
But tells me that is not the kind of number he wants it should be 14 digits long and mine is only 10. I say that is all I have.
He asks to speak to one of the staff in the bank – I get one.
They talk and then realize that since I’m from HK they can’t help me.
I am asked to try their cash machine. It works! I have enough money to be able to check in.

Taxi driver very annoyed when I get back because it took such a long item.
Anyway in the end I have to pay him 36 pounds, so he should just be happy. Bloody rip off.

I get to the hotel. They ask for my credit card. I tell them – but I just went to get cash because you said it didn’t work.
They say, oh but you have a Chinese Credit card, it usually doesn’t work in this machine, but in this – do you want us to try?

I say – yes please try,
IT BLOODY WELL WORKS!!!

But I still have this bunch of cash so even if it works I pay them with the cash and also ask them to deduct the 36 pounds that I had to pay the taxi to go and get cash, which in the end seems to have been a total waste of both time and money.
They agree. (yay!)

I get to check in.
Ruzina and I finally get to sit down and have our meeting (she came with me though to the bank so at least we were efficient)
We have some dinner.
She leaves and I fall asleep in the bath tub.

possession street

2011-02-09T09:20:00.003+08:00

I learnt something the other day.
The street where I work and also used to live is quite special in HK.

On 20 January 1841, Charles Elliot of Britain and Qishan of the Qing Dynasty agreed to the Convention of Chuenpee. A navy official Edward Belcher led a fleet to land in Hong Kong. The surveyors of fleet found an elevated plain near the shore suitable for camping in the west side of the island. A road was built from the shore to the camp.

6 days later, in 26 January 1841, the commander of Far East Fleet James John Gordon Bremer came to Hong Kong by HMS Calliope. A flag rise and gun ceremony marked the official possession of Hong Kong. The landing venue was renamed as Possession Point, and the road from the shore to the camp became Possession Street later.

The street was to start off with full of brothels but those, I'm sure eventful premises of pleasure, are long gone and have been replaced with housing and offices.

So this is where I spend most of my days - on a little piece of land that used to be quite special. Who would have known...

my neighbourhood

2011-02-05T21:35:00.015+08:00

I love the neighbourhood I live in now (ok I have lived in this area most of the time that I've lived in HK to be fair - but even so the streets that surround me now are by far the best location so far). What is known as Tai Ping Shan (the area lying roughly between Aberdeen Street and Possession Street, and Hollywood Road and Caine Road) was carved out after the great plague epidemic of the 1890s that killed 20000 people. In an attempt to control the outbreak, the British government burned 384 tenements in a teeming district built expressly for the colony's Chinese population.
However, there are still some remains of the old Tai Ping Shan: both the Museum of Medical Sciences and the Chinese YMCA are housed in lovely old Edwardian buildings. What makes the area special and nice too is that the entire area, still only on the cusp of gentrification, is remarkably low rise relative to the rest of the city.
Interestingly, the coffin makers that became a result from the plague remain. And the Pak Shing Temple, where the first victims of the disease dragged themselves to die, remains too - though it is so engulfed by high rises now that it is easy to overlook, but I pass it everyday walking to work.
Today, this neighbourhood of ladder streets, terraces (of which I live on one) and alleyways is pleasantly international. Large Chinese families (like our neighbours that we wave to through the window each day) increasingly share their walk-ups with gweilos like me and Ant.
The neighbourhood feels something like Montmarte with its crumbling stone walls, potted plants and funny mix of printing press shops, temples, dai pai dongs (a type of open-air food stall very popular in HK) art galleries and boutiques.

Alarmingly, there does appear to be a movement afloat to raze and replace the old stone stairs that form the skeleton of this neighbourhood with escalators which I believe will destroy the charm of this area. For the time being though, it is pretty much perfect here.

The photos of my hood are from my walk yesterday morning - enjoy. :)

the year of the rabbit

2011-02-03T21:42:00.005+08:00

Kung Hei Fat Choi - It is Chinese New Year again!
We leave the Year of the Tiger behind and enter the Year of the Rabbit.

According to the Chinese Zodiac, the Year of 2011 is the Year of the Golden Rabbit, which begins on February 3, 2011 and ends on January 22, 2012. The Rabbit is a lucky sign. Rabbits are private individuals and a bit introverted. People born in the Year of the Rabbit are reasonably friendly individuals who enjoy the company of a group of good friends. (Sofia, Teresa, Malin and Pia - you are rabbits and good good friends :))

According to Chinese tradition, the Rabbit brings a year in which you can catch your breath and calm your nerves. It is a time for negotiation. But don't try to force issues, because if you do you will ultimately fail. To gain the greatest benefits from this rabbit year, focus on home, family, security, diplomacy, and your relationships with women and children. Make it a goal to create a safe, peaceful lifestyle, so you will be able to calmly deal with any problem that may arise.

Not many people know that the Rabbit is the symbol of the Moon. It is said that anyone making supplications for wishes to be fulfilled are certain to get what they want... and in the Year of the Rabbit, the wish-granting aspect of the Sun and the Moon combined is multiplied. Thus on each of the Full Moon nights of this year, go out into your garden to gaze into the Full Moon and visualize plenty of Moon dust and Moon glow flowing into you, filling your whole body with bright white light and granting you fearlessness, love and courage. This will not only strengthen your inner "Chi" energy, it will also bring wisdom into your life.

Happy New Year guys.

a day on lamma

2011-02-01T11:35:00.007+08:00

The weekend that just past was pretty relaxing. Ant, Teddy and me made sure we spent some quality time together, since Ant didn't have any rugby.
We took the ferry out to Lamma island which is the third largest island in HK. Lamma is peaceful and tranquil, with relatively natural scenery. Buildings higher than three storeys are prohibited and there are no automobiles. So it is a perfect place to take your little "concrete" baby dog to experience some greenery and sand.

We started off by having a quiet organic lunch there and then walked through a few little villages, along side of a nice beach and over a little hill. At the end of the day we had "fresh" air in our lungs and a Teddy bear that was both happy and very tired.
On the ferry out to Lamma.
On the beach
During the walk
On the ferry back to HK island.

shark fins drying in the street

2011-01-26T13:20:00.004+08:00

Many species of open ocean shark are under serious threat says an assessment by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Many are caught and killed for their fins and Hong Kong is a paradise for lovers of shark fin soup. However, I defintiely don't eat it!
Around Wing Lok Street, Ko Shing Street and Des Voeux Road West, which is the area where I work, you will find many shops selling shark fin.
I love my hood, but I the this fact...

fearless bicycle man

2011-01-20T15:30:00.001+08:00

There are not many left anymore but now and then you will still see the fearless bicycle delivery man in Central Hong Kong.

teddy at work

2011-01-14T11:17:00.007+08:00

Teddy has become an office rat - just like his mum. However Teddy likes going to work every morning. He knows exactly where he is going and he jumps up on a little stair where he knows his mummy wants him so she can put him in the bag that she carries him into the office building in.

Once in the office Teddy runs around and spreads love to everyone. He also likes to take his water bowl in his mouth and spread the water around (mummy doesn't seem to appreciate this too much though...). Looking out the window at cars is also fun.

But boy oh boy is work tiring - snoozing is probably one of the favourite things to do in the office - that and playing with the pink flamingo Floyd.

no fires

2011-01-12T10:28:00.004+08:00

It's been cold and rainy here in HK the last few days.
The weather forecast for today is as follows:
Very cold and cloudy. A few rain patches in the morning. Moderate north to northeasterly winds.
Outlook : Remaining cold in the next few days. Brighter close to the weekend with temperatures slightly rising.

It is so cold that our government has issued a warning.
A Cold Weather Warning that makes me giggle a bit:

The Cold Weather Warning is now in force.Cold weather is
expected in Hong Kong today.

People are advised to put on warm clothes and to avoid
adverse health effects due to the cold weather. You must
also ensure adequate indoor ventilation.

If you must go out, please avoid prolonged exposure to
wintry winds.

If you know of elderly persons or persons with chronic
medical conditions staying alone, please call or visit them
occasionally to check if they need any assistance.

Make sure heaters are safe before use, and place them away
from any combustibles. Do not light fires indoors as a means
to keep warm.

The office is freezing at the moment and a fire actually doesn't sound like such a bad idea... ;)

resolution

2011-01-03T18:11:00.006+08:00

So did you guys make any new years resolutions?

I didn't really - well I've been saying for along time that I need to stop working such long hours - so that is one of my promises to myself. And since that will mean that I will have more time on my hands - I should finally be able to start going to the gym again.

The end result of the above will hopefully be a happier, healthier Ulrica that is less tired. Brilliant!

And speaking of the gym - I will let three great pictures of my friend Vusi speak for them selves. To me these three pictures resembles three words.
Focus. Do it. Glory.
Because that is how it is right?! - If you have a goal (a new years resolution or any other goal) all you need to do is focus, do it and in the end you will succeed and you will feel the glory of your success.

Good luck with your goals for 2011 or any other goal too for that matter.

happy new year

2011-01-02T22:16:00.002+08:00

This is how we spent our first hours in 2011.
Happy New Year to you all!

introducing teddy

2010-12-31T10:20:00.004+08:00

Teddy is 2 months old.
Teddy was found on the street and rescued by inspectors.

Ulrica and Ant was out for a walk in Sai Kung.
During this walk they went past a dog rescue place.
In the dog rescue place was Teddy.

Teddy looked at Ulrica and Ant with beautiful puppy eyes that said - take me home, please.

Ulrica and Ant took Teddy home.

Teddy is full of kisses, play, love and mischief.
He is always hungry and he likes to be cuddled.
And he likes his friend Kipper - they usually go to sleep together.