I Wish You Were Here

'I dig my toes into the sand...

The ocean looks like a thousand diamonds strewn across a blue plate
I lean against the wind, pretend that I am weightless
And in this moment I am happy
I wish you were here.'

Today I woke up and was dropped off by my cousin at a local dim sum restaurant. I was supposed to meet yet another aunt of mine for lunch. I was standing around, aimlessly looking about the plaza for her. I heard a voice "Ng Cheuk Kayyyy!". I didn't really recognize her at all, which was unusual, since I easily recognized my other family members quite easily. We quickly called for a table and sat down. Shortly after, I met my little cousin, of whom was only a baby last time I saw him. Twelve years later, he is taller than me and bigger than me. What the heck! My uncle also joined us for lunch.

We debated on all the various activities we could do and where they could take me. Ultimately they decided to take me to the beach for swimming.

We headed back to their apartment via its own personal direct shuttle. Their place was ridiculously beautiful. Palm trees where everywhere, a pool in the centre of a circular plaza surrounded by small apartments. Everything was renovated with a glossy wood finish. We went up to my uncle's place and grabbed some swimming gear as well as water. Oh, one thing I realized is that it's important to bring water.

On that topic, remember my key lesson learnt about bug spray yesterday? Well, today I brought out sunscreen, bugspray and deodorant in a sport bag. It paid off to be prepared!

We drove along the highway and my uncle pointed out all the projects he took part in along the way. We drove in loops around mountains until we reached an enclosed portion where the ocean met a U shaped portion of the mountains. At the bottom of the U was the beach and to the left and right was mountain. There are also islands studded in the ocean. It was stunning!

We parked and went to the strip of stores nearby to purchase a pair of shorts. It was quite cheap. I saw a pair of billabong shorts for 70 dollars HKD (or 10 dollars CAD). I wouldn't know exactly if they were real, but whatever. I got myself a decent pair of shorts for cheap. The funny thing is - my aunt asked - "Derek, what's up with those shorts? They're not for swimming"... Apparently in Hong Kong, Speedos are all the rage! I wouldn't mind them, it's just that I would prefer not to use them in Canada =P.

The water was nice and warm! However, it was SALTY!!!! My eyes burned whenever a wave crashed into me unexpectedly. Swimming was really fun and I loved it there more than anywhere else I've been in Canada (no surprise though)

I told my uncle a lot about my life and where I plan on going with myself. Which brings me to my next point - manners. However, I have to meet Matthew Chan at Mong Kok now and I really gotta wrap this story up! I've got way to much to blog and way too little time to type it out. I miss everyone in Canada!

Four days until Shantou where the real work begins!

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