1freeworld Groups - Print Page


    
      
        1freeworld Groups
        (http://www.1freeworld.net/cgi-bin/Yabb/YaBB.cgi)
      

        On the Lighter Side >> Blog Central >> Dandpatta's FORAY on Blogs
        
(Message started by: dandpatta on Dec 8^th, 2005, 6:47am)

Title: Dandpatta's FORAY on Blogs
Post by dandpatta on Dec 8^th, 2005, 6:47am

So here I am .. sitting in my office, workload is not too much and I log into a free web based chat messenger that goes something like HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEYAAAAH..

HEEEYAHHH.. .. the Pro-Democracy slogans and the marches are off the streets of HK. That was 4th December 2005. I was out that day.. not to be a liberal amongst the many wannabe democrats & liberals.. but a LIBERAL in my own sense. I saw the blue winter skies accompanied with a good sun on my head. The families were out in full form. Some wanting to enjoy what I was enjoying, whereas some, determined to join the pro-democracy march.

And here.. today .. four days later, 8th of December I am being convinced by a chatter I havent seen in flesh (but on webcam and on pictures).. to write a blog. A blog.. !!! She is out there .. somewhere in Hong Kong. We haven't even spoken on phone.. but here I am .. being convinced by her black words on the chat screen.. "oh please.. just post any thoughts of yours.. it would be fun." It would be FUN !!

I dunno if this debut blog of mine will put others to rest in eternal boredom induced sleep (for the day). But well, MY-DEAR-LADY-WHOM-I'VE-NEVER-SEEN-NOR-TOUCHED-NOR-HEARD-NOR-HUGGED-NOR-CARESSED-NOR-KISSED... I have done just that.. posted a blog. Or did I just loose my sense?

Title: Re: Dandpatta's FORAY on Blogs
Post by nOrKAy on Dec 8^th, 2005, 6:53am

Dan,
WELCOME , my friend from Hong Kong! Finaly, you have made to join with me ,here, in this forum I love ,so much. WELCOME, I am so happy ,too that you decided to have your own space--your blog. I definitely will be loving to "hang out" here.

Keep writing Dan and again, WELCOME TO BLOGGING! ;D

Title: Re: Dandpatta's FORAY on Blogs
Post by nOrKAy on Dec 8^th, 2005, 7:05am

on 12/08/05 at 06:47:37, dandpatta wrote:

the Pro-Democracy slogans and the marches are off the streets of HK. That was 4th December 2005. I was out that day.. not to be a liberal amongst the many wannabe democrats & liberals.. but a LIBERAL in my own sense. I saw the blue winter skies accompanied with a good sun on my head. The families were out in full form. Some wanting to enjoy what I was enjoying, whereas some, determined to join the pro-democracy march.

I am not going to talk with you about that. Hahaha. I am afraid to be thrashed left and right by you! Hahaha.

Oh well, I just hate the crowd! I was in Causeway that time and dang, it took me an hour to reach IFC ,in Central.

Title: Re: Dandpatta's FORAY on Blogs
Post by okasantina on Dec 8^th, 2005, 8:00am

Welcome to
BLOGGIN LAND

D A N D P A T T A!!!

[smiley=huepfenicon111.gif] [smiley=huepfenicon111.gif]

Title: The Pen that belonged to no one..
Post by dandpatta on Dec 8^th, 2005, 10:34am

Nairobi Airport. Queue of 20 plus ahead of me. Behind me, another 40-50 passengers in the corridors of the air-side section of the airport.

The queue was moving slowly.. painfully so, for I was carrying a heavy shoulder bag that had aprox 9 kgs stacked in it. The night before, the cold Nairobi air had played tricks with my tendons & muscles and now it was getting difficult to handle the heavy entrapment I was carrying along.

Barely I had put it down to rest a few steps ahead of me, a woman came by. “Sir.. does this ball pen belong to you?” I studied it, thinking it did belong to me. But I declined its ownership in all honesty. She asked a few passengers spread behind me. Each of them gave the same replies.

After a few hapless minutes of no claim, she went to the Kenya Airways counter. There too she enquired on its rightful owner but alas… NO, it didn’t belong there too.

This woman then approached an airport officer and told him “Sir, this ball point pen was found lying on the floor.. and it seems it belongs to no one here. I will be soon going off to another destination and the boarding gates are going to open soon. Do you mind giving this ball point pen to any needy child who cannot afford one? I would be really happy if you do so.. and God Bless You if you will do this for me..”

Like the woman before him, the officer was a middle aged man. Like her, from the looks of his face, he empathized with her – or at least it seemed like that. I don’t know the fate – of, either the pen, nor the lucky child who may get or have gotten it). But..

This is Kenya. A relatively well off country in the East African region. An economy that has its base largely on tourism and fresh produce. Millions of passengers fly in and out of Nairobi and Mombasa airport every year and it is for a good reason. The climate is great, the people are largely educated, political stability is better than that compared to neighbouring countries. Income levels too are – perhaps – by my rough estimation, higher than neighbouring nations.

Yet, this was one prime example. A lost ball point pen. A woman who picks it up, asks around for its ownership, then, dejected with its “orphanage”, decides to donate it to a child less fortunate to buy one for him/herself. This was Africa. No. This IS Africa. How simple it is, to be swayed by our misconceived notions that the dark continent is a potboiler of everything evil, everything wrong and everything untrustworthy. Yet, here was one WOMAN and with her there was another MAN – who decided NOT to pocket it for their own benefit. Their desires were different. The desire to GIVE !

There will be many examples like this on any part of the globe. But I mention here.. so much so, because in Hong Kong, the value of a ball point pen on the roadside is not only NIL, but people would just not pick it up and use it. To pick up a fallen $0.10 coin off the pavement is frowned upon. To pick up a pen in similar circumstances would have meant, that you are “CHEAP” enough to scavenge. This is what HK society is, and slowly, I too was beginning to think that way. Thanks to that experience on Nairobi Airport.. that I now value EVERYTHING. Cos now I know.. if not me, someone else less fortunate – NEEDS IT !!!

Title: Re: Dandpatta's FORAY on Blogs
Post by Gracia on Dec 8^th, 2005, 11:15am

Quote:

I have done just that.. posted a blog. Or did I just loose my sense?

You've used your sense wisely Dan...and WELCOME TO BLOGGING and WELCOME TO THIS FORUM... hope you will enjoy your stay and share your variety of experiences and the creativity of your mind.

Quote:

But well, MY-DEAR-LADY-WHOM-I'VE-NEVER-SEEN-NOR-TOUCHED-NOR-HEARD-NOR-HUGGED-NOR-C ARESSED-NOR-KISSED...

This can be remedied Dan...Krissy is just a phone call away... ;)

Title: Re: The Pen that belonged to no one..
Post by nOrKAy on Dec 8^th, 2005, 4:34pm

on 12/08/05 at 10:34:31, dandpatta wrote:

The Pen that belonged to no one..

Dan,
WOW, I want you to know, that after reading this entry, I was speechless. What a poignant story. Thank you for deciding to join me here, and share what you have.

on 12/08/05 at 10:34:31, dandpatta wrote:

There will be many examples like this on any part of the globe. But I mention here.. so much so, because in Hong Kong, the value of a ball point pen on the roadside is not only NIL, but people would just not pick it up and use it. To pick up a fallen $0.10 coin off the pavement is frowned upon. To pick up a pen in similar circumstances would have meant, that you are “CHEAP” enough to scavenge. This is what HK society is, and slowly, I too was beginning to think that way. Thanks to that experience on Nairobi Airport.. that I now value EVERYTHING. Cos now I know.. if not me, someone else less fortunate – NEEDS IT !!!

This is an irrefutable avouchment, in Hong Kong. I am also a witness on this. I wouldn't expect someone to pick up if there were cents scattered on the ground, unless, a beggar. And I feel sort of embarassment, here. Geez, I do the same,and this reminds me of coins I didn't care of throwing them away, thinking they were just cents. Whew!

Again, Dan, tenk yaw !!!

on 12/08/05 at 11:15:28, Gracia wrote:

This can be remedied Dan...Krissy is just a phone call away... ;)

Geez, Gracie! Don't make me run away! Hahaha! Dan is just 10 minutes ride from where I live. A phone call might even make me scream! Hahaha. Joke Dan. ;D

Title: Re: Dandpatta's FORAY on Blogs
Post by dandpatta on Dec 9^th, 2005, 10:44am

HI Okasantina, Gracie and Krissy.. thanks for dropping by into my "B.. B... B.. Blog!" It's been a pleasure reading some interesting reflections churned out by various brains active on this forum and I must say, it will take me a lot of time to read everyone's blogs & comments & discussions.

Today's the 9th and I started off my day early but mentally I was just asleep till 8.00am. Awakenings do not happen until or unless I douse my esophagus with a good strong tanin - courtesy of Assam Tea, brewed & boiled with some crushed ginger. Add some milk and it becomes a refreshing concoction of "rising to the day".

I thought I'd go walk the entire mile or two walking to my office. By the time I stepped out, the winter sun was already up and about. The shadows of winter months are longer, the afternoons a lot more fresher and the evenings a tad bit --- ahh.. depressing. I've always loved winter mornings.. adored them to the hilt. The smell of fresh brewed coffee wafting through my house (courtesy of my neighbour who has a perennial coffee-esque aroma to her house) has always awakened me.

The evenings of winter - as I anticipate tonight's will be an expected early darkness. Plainly, I dislike the transition of day into darkness. But when it is dark, nothing beats the winter moon - when it is above our horizons. The best scenes of winter are the MOON-RISES which can be seen from some of the most remotest (and darkest) parts of Hong Kong. The best vantage points are Mt.Parker and Tap Mun Island. Camping on Tung Lung Island is perhaps the MOST voted for MOON-RISE watchers.

And yes.. coming back to the tea. Nothing beats a moon-rise on a cold camp with a TUMBLER of hot tea in ur hand.

Title: Re: Dandpatta's FORAY on Blogs
Post by MissFartyPants on Dec 9^th, 2005, 1:39pm

Wow! Just wow! Such eloquence. Glad to have you here Dan, welcome! ;)

Title: Re: Dandpatta's FORAY on Blogs
Post by dOnUtz 9urL on Dec 10^th, 2005, 11:55am

wow 8) new blogger wowieeeeeee ;D

welcome to the blog world, dan ;D our place to talk outta sense hihihi ;D

Title: Re: Dandpatta's FORAY on Blogs
Post by nOrKAy on Dec 20^th, 2005, 9:48am

Dan
Where are you? ::) . I hope you were not one of those violent demonstrators last weekend, and was detained. Hahaha. ;D

Title: Re: Dandpatta's FORAY on Blogs
Post by dOnUtz 9urL on Dec 24^th, 2005, 10:37pm

l dunno whether u r here or not, but merry christmas danpatta ;D

Title: Re: Dandpatta's FORAY on Blogs
Post by dandpatta on Jan 5^th, 2006, 9:13am

The mere change of the year from 2005 to 2006, or for that matter, any other change and transition has been wearing me thin.

The last transition – 2004-2005 was marked with the bleak happenings of the way mother nature wants events to be. The year before that, was marked with the earth-quake in Iran.

Lest I should say, 05-06 has been smooth as compared to the last few transitions. But here is where I shall depart from my comments made – past this.

IN all the hoola hoopla of celebrations that much of the developed and the first world elates to, there is much of a dejected and a rejected third world that knows no novelty of a new ANNO DOMINI . They are still hungry. They are still unclothed and still bathed in the squalor of poverty and civic unrest. Their ashes of grief of a cascade of bloodletting – thanks to third world politics fuelled by first world interests know no ears to the U.S.Dollar millionaires. Their’s is a new year eve that is like any other day and night. Spend the night with the eyelids covering the pupils and rise to the first rays of the sun the day next. And back to the routine !

I decided to stop celebrating from this year on. IN fact, I have stopped celebrating my own birthdays, my own anniversaries and my own buddies school & university reunions.
I might be crucified ‘crazy’… but looking at the duplicity of my own self, I shall.. hopefully, desist, resist and persist in non-celebrations. Instead, I will just celebrate every day of my survival. For I – or anyone remotely concerned with me – will never know when the next step, the next second, the next hour or the next day will pronounce me mortal.

Title: Re: Dandpatta's FORAY on Blogs
Post by nOrKAy on Jan 6^th, 2006, 5:34am

Dannnn,
I am smiling as I end reading this. Well, may you have the best of everything this year.

I missed ya ! Sheeeshh ! ;)

Title: Re: Dandpatta's FORAY on Blogs
Post by Gracia on Jan 6^th, 2006, 10:38am

Wow Dan! What a notion. Anyway, speaking of 05-06... maybe it's the right time to venture 5-6 business??? Any financier out there??? (joking) ;) Anyway, even if you stop celebrating, that doesn't mean you can't receive greetings ....Happy Valentines Day... ;D

Title: Re: Dandpatta's FORAY on Blogs
Post by nOrKAy on Jan 19^th, 2006, 10:39am

Dan wants me to go to his office and poke him for not checking on his place and just let me take care of it. I am counting how many poke or punch you will get, Dan. Hehehe. ;D

Title: Re: Dandpatta's FORAY on Blogs
Post by dandpatta on Sep 26^th, 2006, 2:04pm

The gradual slide of the earth into the winter solstice has brought in the cool morning breezes back to Hong Kong. For the last few weeks I have risen from my bed at 6.00am to experience the slight change in temperatures. The rising sun from the east has slid a bit to the south east and the sunrays and shadows have given a different dimension to my apartment walls.

The varied hues of purples and reds and oranges are a sight, very few people get to see.. unless of course you are a morning riser. Add to that the dash of colors reflecting off the harbor in the virgin morning sun.

People often talk of romantic evenings and the process of romance into the twilight skies. I don't disagree.. but the process of a romance in the early hours of the day.. is an experience.

I wish perhaps.. one day, soon.. I have the pleasure of holding a woman close to me, cuddled up in bed with the entire vista of the dawn sky before us. Wishful thinking .. perhaps.. but in the cat-chase-mouse world of deadlines, memos, corporate meetings, reports and strategies, less and less young people like me are getting to see the glimmer of simplicity in the smallest and modest of things nature has to offer us.

I wish, like me, most 20-50 somethings had the benefit to watch the day break from darkness to light. The dances of the clouds, with the sun-rays .. is a sight to see. More so, with a special someone.

Title: Re: Dandpatta's FORAY on Blogs
Post by nOrKAy on Sep 27^th, 2006, 11:42am

Dan,
First, welcome back to the forum. I missed you and well, it's great to see you here once again and I'm always so happy to read your blog. ;D

Yes, temperature is now changing in HK as the winter is coming. But opposite to what you do, rising up as early as 6 in the morning, it's hard for me to rise up as I don't want to leave my big nemo stuff toy that's warming me up. Hehe.

Quote:

I wish perhaps.. one day, soon.. I have the pleasure of holding a woman close to me, cuddled up in bed with the entire vista of the dawn sky before us. Wishful thinking .. perhaps.. but in the cat-chase-mouse world of deadlines, memos, corporate meetings, reports and strategies, less and less young people like me are getting to see the glimmer of simplicity in the smallest and modest of things nature has to offer us.

I wish, like me, most 20-50 somethings had the benefit to watch the day break from darkness to light. The dances of the clouds, with the sun-rays .. is a sight to see. More so, with a special someone.

I hope one of these days, I will hear your wish had come true and ofcourse....I would like to hear the story, too...not necessary about the cuddling in bed [LMAO] . So, I hope it will happen.;D