The Little Things.: September 2014

Friday, September 19, 2014

Do you know what this fruit is?

Hey Everyone,

I hope you are all having a wonderful day. Today, I had the opportunity to try something new. I would like to introduce to you to.... drum roll please... the Custard Apple!

The Custard Apple

The Custard Apple is a fruit generally grown in subtropical climates. The skin covering the fruit is thin, bumpy and almost has a leafy sort of texture and appearance. When a Custard Apple is ripe it will turn a yellowish brown colour, and the fruit under the skin will become soft. The texture reminds me of a pear. It was slightly grainy and slimy, and had a similar taste; with after taste that I can only describe is nutty.

Peeling off the leafy looking skin

I had purchased this particular fruit after dinner with friends. They had both eaten the Custard Apple before and encouraged me to give it a try. While waiting for the bus, stories of bugs, or orange worms being found in the fruit were being told. I mean, who doesn't want to find extra protein in the fruit? (by the way, this is extreme sarcasm)... but look, no worms! I'm good!

Eat the flesh of the fruit and watch out for seeds

This fruit was different, but in a pleasant sort of way. I'm glad that I tried it, and enjoyed it. I encourage you, should you ever find yourself looking at one of these fruits, pick one up and experience it for yourself. Live a little and try something new.

Anyway, until next time... Take care!

Friday, September 12, 2014

Mid Autumn Festival 2014

Hey Everyone,

It has been a while. I hope you all have had a wonderful and restful summer. For those of you starting a new school year, good luck! And for those of you, like myself, who are in their final year before graduating,... we can do this! One more year to go!

Over the last few weeks, I have returned to Hong Kong from my month long visit back home. I have just started settling into my new routine and am happy to say that I have managed to hit the ground running. I have signed up for all of my classes and have
been very fortunate to have received my first choices in my elective courses
and my studio group.

As some of you may know, this past week was the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival. Last year, I introduced you to some of the traditional aspects of this holiday: spending time with family, wonderfully prepared dinners, and moon cake. This year, I decided that I would share with you how the rest of Hong Kong celebrated.

A small section of the Festivities

Other than eating dinner and spending time with family, I decided to visit Victoria Park and take part in the festivities. Victoria Park was one of the many venues made open to the public to enjoy cultural performances and buy souvenirs from the Moon Festival. There were a lot of people present at this particular location and everyone was
decked out in glow stick bracelets, flashing decorations and carrying around
paper or plastic lanterns.

Hand paintings sold during the Festival

Among the souvenirs being sold were hand drawn paintings, and traditionally made paper lanterns. The craftsmanship of many of the paper lanterns were spectacular, some were handed painted,

while others were composed of wire, and tissue paper like material and sometimes even a silk fabric.

Professional Lantern Maker
explaining how each lantern is hand crafter

Not all paper lanterns were collapsible, and there are many different shapes and sizes. The plastic lanterns that were available in some of the small shops, equivalent to a dollar store, were inflatable and illuminated with LEDs. Below were some of the paper flower lanterns available for sale at the carnival.

Beijing Lotus Lanterns

It was a pleasure being able to catch another glimpse of such a festive holiday. I am happy that I was able to participate and experience another Mid-Autumn festival in Hong Kong. If you ever manage to make it all the way here, be sure to check it out.

Thanks again for taking the time to view my blog,
Until next time, take care!

Saturday, September 6, 2014

100 Happy Days Challenge: Second Half

I now understand why so many people have failed to complete a consecutive 100 Happy Days Challenge. It wasn't for the lack of trying, but rather choosing to prioritize and living in the moment. I will not apologize for the incomplete second half of my challenge, but rather acknowledge the fact that when push came to shove, I made it through the tough days and managed to smile.

The last few months of my M.Arch 1 program were the most gruelling weeks of school I've ever encountered. I was sleeping four to five hours on a good night and was physically and mentally exhausted. The pressure I had placed on myself was holding me back, and the anxiety I felt was responsible for a fair share of those sleepless nights. By the time the school year had finished, I was too drained to continue, and before I knew it my challenge was over.

I'm not going to go back to fill in those blank days, because frankly, I don't remember and I don't care. What I took away from this challenge was that despite the fact that I can't remember all the little things that made me happy, there were enough fragmented moments that brought a smile to my lips everyday. Regardless, of whether or not I can recall these moments, I would be a fool to say that I wasn't happy at least once, even during the worst day ever. I realize that this blog is for those of you reading, but at the same time, it's for me as well. What is the point of filling in for the days where I was too tired to upload a photo anyway... what does it really matter?

At this time I would like to thank everyone who did their part in checking in on me once in a while, and say that your words of encouragement meant a lot to me. Thank you.

Day 51- April 24

Curry noodles, definitely sated my hunger
conversation of favourite books and movies

Day 52-April 25

Day 53-April 26

Conte Drawings
Made a mess but it was worth it

Day 54-April 27

Day 55-April 28

Day 56- April 29

Day 57-April 30

Day 58-May 01

This is how I feel
and the accuracy of this comic made me laugh

Day 60-May 02

Found a building on campus that we've never been,
Went to the highest floor,
Got onto the fire escape,
and then yelled at the top of our lungs.
With friends like this, it's hard not to smile on a horribly stressful day.

Day 61- May 03