Marco’s shop from Ken Roberts on Vimeo.
Ken visits Marco’s bike shop in Tuen Mun, western New Territories
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Marco’s shop
January 17th, 2011No snow…
January 16th, 2011
Blighty under a blanket of snow. The sort of thing that was the norm for Bulgaria. Where I’d spent the previous Christmas. Being introduced to Nanette, Nicky and their son Michael (pictured). But in what seemed to be a straight weather swop, not a single flake this year. The only snowmen artificial. Warm enough for an outdoor barbeque.
[Photograph reproduced with permission]
Perceptions
January 15th, 2011I’m sure his words were heartfelt. The offer of condolences to those who’ve lost loved ones quite genuine. Sincere. But as a reflection on how the Queensland floods are perceived around the world. Intriguing.
I’d been catching up on BBC coverage of the disaster. Watching an interview with a well known British public figure. Bit heavy on the crocodiles, although, to be fair, not that many of them around Balmoral so you could see how they might grab the attention. In all probability, if you do encounter one in Brisbane, chances are it’ll be somewhere between the elephants and the orangutans. In the zoo.
A much more credible threat is waterborne diseases. Waterlogged ground ideal breeding ground for mosquitos. Which accounts for quite a bit of Queensland. Fortunately, this is one of the few parts of the Tropics free of malaria. But no one would be surprised if Dengue Fever put in an appearance.
Ominous signs..
January 15th, 2011Bit of a pattern emerging. Bishkek. Central Asian city. Bloody riots a few months before I rode into town. Then there was Urumqi in western China. Civil unrest not so long ago. Now Queensland. Huge swathes devastated by flooding. Trouble, it appears, seems to travel ahead of me. Which is good news for me. But not necessarily so great if you’re in New Zealand or North America this year. I’m coming… You have been warned.
Reflections on Hong Kong
January 14th, 2011Part of China it might be, but Hong Kong remains de facto a separate – I wouldn’t go as far as to suggest independent – nation. Passport control. Immigration. Chose to fly there from mainland China and it’s classed as an international flight. You’d be hard pressed to tell otherwise.
With its order, sophistication, all the facets of a developed nation, Hong Kong is what the rest of China wants to be. Materially, I’d imagine that’d be possible in perhaps fifty years or so. Politically? Bit more tricky. For parity in the tolerance of dissenting views, likely to be closer to a century away.
I’d been quite surprised to discover how much open space there was in Hong Kong. True, not in the centre, around Kowloon or Hong Kong Island. But, out in the New Territories. Extensive trails. Campsites. Backpacking country. Not an obvious choice of destination for a trekking holiday. But a good one nevertheless.
Hong Kong, I was assured, hadn’t changed that much in the days since the hand back to China in Ninety Seven. I’d felt pleased about this. For, if what I had seen was largely a colonial legacy, then it was something to be proud about. Never been an apologist for the Empire.
Outward Bound in Hong Kong
January 14th, 2011
Around the centre a few groups. One readying to depart on expedition. Sorting out rations. Another raft building. Others cleaning up after journeying by kayak. The remainder out trekking or on the water.
I’d come to Outward Bound Hong Kong’s centre on the eastern side of the New Territories. Met with Safety Manager Aaron for a quick introduction before setting off to explore the site. Although independent, both the UK Trust and the Hong Kong charity share very similar philosophies towards helping young people discover their true potential. What they’re really capable of.
Elements of the UK centres. The relative seclusion of Loch Eil. The waterfront facilities of Aberdovey. The tranquility of Ullswater. A confidence building high wire course. Variety of boats, including an ocean going yacht.
And a few overseas instructors. Brian from Minnesotta. And Tom. Whom I’d met well over a year previously. Back in The Outward Bound Trust’s Aberdovey centre. And then there was local instructor Morris. Accomplished touring cyclist with plans to ride from Hong Kong to England. We agreed Somerset might be a good spot to finish. Small world.
[With particular thanks to Laura, Tom (pictured), Lars and Aaron for making the visit possible]
Interview with Iris
January 13th, 2011Interview with Iris from Ken Roberts on Vimeo.
Ken chats with Iris, a hugely experienced touring cyclist. With over forty countries to her name. And plans for a few more.
Emotional times
January 13th, 2011A passing aberration I told myself. Feeling for a politician. Anna Bligh. Queensland’s Premier. Morning press conference. Bit of a quiver in the voice. But she kept it together. To be fair, flood my cottage with mud and raw sewage, deprive me of sleep and I’d get a bit emotional. She’s got an entire State to contend with. Huge swathes devastated.
Amongst the saturation news coverage of the Queensland flood disaster, there’s been the odd glimmer of incidental humour. A piece this morning. Dwelling briefly on a flooded Brisbane milk factory. Before quickly focusing on the city’s submerged “XXXX” brewery. Extensive aerial footage. You could sense the tears.
Who knows whether the end is in sight. For the wet season continues into April. But do hope television schedules return to normal sooner rather than later. Can’t wait to catch a new Aussie reality show “Conviction Kitchen“. Not sure if it’s actually meant to be ironic…
All at sea
January 12th, 2011Wet season it might be in Queensland – top right chunk of Australia – but some regions to the south have suffered the worst flooding for almost half a century. And seem to be pretty stoic about it.
I’m hopeful the waters will have subsided by the time I reach there. But, if not, perhaps I could take some inspiration from the above video… Except the beard that is.
[Please note Ken is not responsible for the content of other websites – material posted can change after the usual suitability checks have been carried out. If there’s a problem, please let him know via the ’contact’ page. With especial thanks to Peter for providing the video clip link]
A bit embarrassing
January 12th, 2011Few things rate worse than my linguistic abilities. But cards are one of them. Which has always struck me as a bit odd. Mathematics one of my stronger suits at school. So I’d felt pretty confident when I’d explained to host Phil, and his friends Iris and Fiona, just how terrible I was. Snap usually had me foxed.
Perhaps it was Phil’s erudite explanation of the game. I shan’t try to repeat it here. Maybe it was a more honed nose for spotting tactical advantage. And then exploiting it. Ruthlessly. Or just plain, old fashioned, beginners luck. Either way, it was a bit embarrassing. I won. By a healthy margin.
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