I have some great friends here.

It hurts to leave. Like reopening a wound to have it heal again.
It hurts to leave and not be a part of their lives. And that they won't be a part of mine.

Louis invited me over for dinner. Siu King is invited too, and Fai will be coming over. I find out it's been maybe 3 years since he's been there.

On Louis' cellphone, his girlfriend Michelle asked me for advice. She has a job interview tomorrow, and she recently graduated from University. I feel humbled a local Hong Konger asking me, a foreigner for advice. She told me she would give me the most notice ahead of time when she gets married. Anyone's guess when that is - Louis and Michelle are waiting to see what work Michelle will have. Louis's job as a Fireman is going well. Here getting a stable job is important. Seems we sort of forgetten about that in Canada - in Canada stability is important if it means moving ahead eventually.

Cellphones charges are cheap(er) here. Better than using landlines. Encourages their use too.

I am realizing how great Hong Kong is to visit, but perhaps not to live.



News headlines:

• Someone set a fire to an apartment in MongKok. (My friend Louis was there, and I did go by the fire. I didn't know he was there at the time.)
• A 20-something year old guy called the police after having stabbed and decapitated his girlfriend.
• A girl shattered the glass of the door of the sports community center with her head.
• A newborn baby was left in a shopping bag by a building.

I love how everything is so close in Hong Kong, and taxis go anywhere for cheap. And the levels. Such high buildings, so much going on. Gardens under passageways, residences above malls that are above the metro station.

Apple's wedding

Apple's wedding was emotional. I feel honoured to be a part of her wedding. She made me one of the bridesmaids actually - which was great.

The wedding was super-interesting. Morning - the groom plays games at the hotel to show his love for the bride. Answers questions, eats spoonfuls of hot sauce, salt, etc. when he gets them wrong. Sings a song to get the bride out. Then there are pictures.

Then we took photos in Central, Hong Kong.

We visited their new apartment for a bit and then left to wedding registry. I've been thinking about how to have a wedding that isn't religious. It was great. Family and close friends. They walk down the aisle, read their oaths, and sign the registry. They sit at the table with a parent from both. Then there are pictures. Apple invited me up for a picture of the bridesmaids. I felt honoured.

Then we take pictures at the city garden.


Then we went to the hotel, where there were 30 tables of 12 people.
People bring in envelopes of money - about $500 HKD. The attendance list checks off if they brought one.

A slide show of pictures - there is a stage. The bride and groom are available for photos.


The event is hosted by two friends who animate what's going on. A raffle goes on with bills by guests - names are drawn and they try to grab as much money as they can.

When the event takes place, lights are off, wedding music, they come in and tour the floor, meeting the tables, while confetti is shot out, to great music. They entered the stage under swords of the Sea Cadets. It was beautiful.

Then a video goes on about the bride and groom, each of their past and how they met - and we see what happened earlier that day. Super smart idea.

The cake is cut. Wedding party gives a cheers.

We eat.


360 view of the marriage reception #3

The bride and groom return to the stage to receive heads of families and receive red packets. Family members go to the stage to share a cup of tea with the bride and groom.

Photos - different groups - family, friends, classmates, people with 5-letter names.



The wedding party again later goes to all the tables later in the night, sharing a cheers and tip of the glass to every table. Some tables are more flamboyant than others.

People leave after a thanks from the couple. People leave giving thanks to a line of family at the exit.

I gave Apple two cards - one completely in French (ha!) and another to my "Sister" which is supposed to be a birthday card, but I made it a wedding card. Another one was a goodbye card (because when you get married, you're not seen again), signed by people we know. Another was a "Brother-in-law" card to her husband.

At the wedding I sat beside Siu King and Louis and his girlfriend Michelle. Great people to sit beside. I have a video of our table.

I was surprised - no dancing, no karaoke. I did go after with Apple's brother and a bunch of others. Out drinking until 4am.

After marriage drinking and playing

00:45 From: d00gle

After marriage drinking and playing

00:52 From: d00gle

Singing Karaoke with Macy/Siu King

00:27 From: d00gle

After marriage drinking

00:36 From: d00gle

Apple's husband is great. I don't know him well, but he's certainly forgiving for his fiance's male friend from overseas - he picked me up at the airport, helped with my bags, paid for a dinner, drove me home. I don't know him well.

I impacted my friend Apple.

Photo taken 2004, the night she got a new name

Yes, I did. Intentionally.

Before I left I set myself a goal to name someone. You see, the Chinese in Hong Kong are born with Chinese names, but don't necessarily have an English name. They usually get one given to them by a teacher in High School, or choose one then themselves. Sometimes these names are ridiculously spelt or just plain ridiculous. Like Captain, Shadow, Pretty, Princess, Power, or...Apple.

So Apple wanted to consider other names. After a week of testing out names of all my relatives and close friends, over several beers we came to a name she liked. "Haley". It's a great name. Sounds nice, and it has a meaning if pronounced right in Cantonese tones. She has adopted it as her (new) English name. My work was done.