5-Oct-2008

Over the one-week “Go West” Travelling, so fresh even though felt so tired and seems a little bit sick. Nice to make fds with Xiao Fan, Jessica, Fred from Fey, as well as Paul by Helen. Everytime for lunch, dinner or drinks, we always played the game called “Zhen Xin Hai” (honest sharing) in different forms and thus we knew all the background of each other. Paul is always our focus coz of his extra-ordinary and sex-related response. J

In Dunhuang, I have made a lot of “first times” – first time to ride “Luotuo”, first time to walk along the dessert, first time to fly high and look back to the dessert, first time to sleep on the dessert.

In Qinghai Lake, got many super beautiful picture. It’s such a spectacular landscape, so relaxing, I would say!

During the trip, known 2 interesting guys – Peter is working in American express as Traveler Check’s regional manager. Such a energetic person, and he shared his experience with Bain, our key competitor, on their business strategy. Again, it’s aroused my interest to be BA.

Another guy (Xiao Xu) is working as an engineer in a very famous computer game company in Zhang Jiang High-tech park (a science park of Shanghai). Thanks to Paul’s introduction, I know that this company produced a super addictive game which would lured you not to work. What interested me that he took pic by traditional camera (non-digital camera) and strong in using PSP function.

On the last day in Xining, the largest city in Qinghai Province, I had a very heart touching talk with Fey. Her passion to work really impressed me. Agree that our firm is a very human-oriented company which would not concern too much about the bachelor degree or work experience but more concerned about the individual’s quality. Also, thanks to her, I have got a better understanding of how to improve my Macro team.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

19-Sep-2008

Love this episode coz Mr. Chan really emphasized the key characteristics of Cuba. From the experience of Cuba, I have learned the difference from another side of the world. By understanding their skills for living, I really respect their courage and creativity. Actually, “problem-solving” is what I am learning too, esp. when living in Shanghai. The more challenges you have, the more skillful you need to adapt to this new environment.

Actually, it really inspired me to emerge myself to the society, not just to join the Christian activities, not just to join the company events, but to join more voluntary work, to understand this society, to understand the culture, esp. the group of ppl you didn't know.

Sometimes, I felt lost in this cosmopolitan city coz it's too huge and easily to get lost. I need to be tough, to be focused.

Another inspiring thought is how he transform himself by understanding his comparative advantages. He said, "if you ask yourself, how much do you love your job. If you answer 300% dedication, this is the promise to yourself, not to other ppl. And thus, you has to do your best to fulfill your aspiration" To me, I would say, I am 200% enjoyed the life at McK, esp. in Macro team. That's the promise to myself to devote my time and creativity on how to improve the macro-economic report and McK Global Institute's studies; and add more value to partners, to the firm and more meaningfully to the public. :)

Enjoy the frankly chit-chat with closest fds at U

In HK, seems that eating Shanghaiese food is more frequest tan in Shanghai. Today, went to Xiao Nan Guo for dinner even though it rained heavily outside. Beyond just updating everyone's latest life, we started to talk sth more in-depth. When listening to my fds' thoughts of "what does their life look like when they look back at the age of 56", I am learning amd appreciating them, whatever their living attitude and principles.At the same time, I understand myself and my fds more.

That's right, "long-lasting fd" is not counted by # times for meeting, but the depth of the talk or sharing. 

CFA Exam is OVER!!! Nice to have Siulam and Cyn for chi-chat after this hardship!

Lots of entertainment and gatherings ahead....

Tonight, just finished "My Blueberry Nights" movie DVD which have left at home for several weeks.....

and then, lot of shoppings....

...lots of movies to watch, esp. Sex n the City!

...lots of fds to meet up.....

Since relocated to Shanghai, seems all of the shoppings, entertainments and fd gatherings are too concentrated to only a few days....pretty exhausted and too high. I started to understand how busy Freda from Germany/Australia. But of course, after the HK trip, it comes back to normal and more balanced in Shanghai.

Maybe coz I have accustomed to the large living space in SH, I felt my home in HK too small. In SH, a 1000sq feet flat in an estate besides a metroline (such as Pudong) was about RMB2m while the similar location in HK should be more than 2 times of this amt. Recently, just start to think about how to raise my family's living standard, esp. on accomodation. If I told this to Shamus, he would comment it's not a wise decision to buy one in HK, given that you regard it as an investment. However, to me, my first housing is more on consumption, rather than investment. It's sometimes not depending on logic or calculation, but feeling and enjoyment. West kowloon....it's good but over-valued. At this moment, just pay attn to Whampao, which may have spill-over effect of ICC and possible subway line within a decade.