Sleepy sun rolls over, still time to snooze Moon moves Pai Gow tiles more time to loose   Surrounding dark holds shadows at bay   From too short sleep I greet new day Greedy Chop Stick clings to rice            Stomach growls as I kick the mice  Waste not time to eat, no…

Heaven sheds life tears to river flowing.     River warmed to mist by sun’s glowing   Mountains gathers mist in high embrace   Heavens lost life tears Clouds now replace   

In battle armour with perfect bow                     One solitary battle left me low  Centuries under ground with brothers slept              No movement save tears from river wept Weapons stolen whilst we burnt                     Trapped…

Having conquered the land below Qin Shi Huong must prepare for the next life.  To remain Emperor an immortal army must be created  to protect the tomb.    This army will be like no other army in the next life – with weapons, horses, chariots and more.   Even up to 1/3 the national budget, this…

Now that China is one, to protect the land as   Qin Shi Huang, I will build a Great Wall that will stretch across all the nation – a land moat to keep out the hoards.      Many may be sacrificed, but not in vain. They will save their Emperor, their people and their families  The…

  When they put up my epitaph no words will be written on my monument because no words will be strong enough to describe my power.    For generations wars have been fought with no ending. First one and then another tribal leader, prince or “king” grew strong and conquered his neighbours.  Soon after to…

You have longed for this day!  Dreamed of this day!  Why then are you so fearful!!! You have been invited/commanded to appear before a dignitary and then perhaps, Heaven Forbid, the Emperor.  In The Forbidden City.  Always seen from afar and always with awe.  What awaits could change your life to one far better ….but…

As you approach the wall  a shadow moves just to the side.  Was that a whisper calling your name from behind.  A touch or just the breeze caressing your arm.  Ancient walls. Gargoyles and statues.   Hidden within is a connection to its origins.  That connection longs to touch their place of birth or tell their…

Our official guided tour of Hong Kong.  Met up with fellow travellers from Calgary, Toronto, and others from the U.S. Guide was a local who was helpful but not the most knowledgeable about history. First up was a trip to the island of Lantau – even bigger than HK. Some amazing engineering with bridges and…

Yin and Yang Defined Thought of as opposite or contrary forces but may actually be complementary and interdependent in the natural world.   As they interrelate  in a dynamic system the whole is greater than the assembled parts. Everything has both yin and yang aspects. The art of photography is a pure examle as shadows cannot exist…

Within and surrounding Hong Kong there are places of tranquility to escape the crowds, noise and pollution. Within the city is the garden Nan Lian with greenery and flowers to sooth a hectic day.         Further afield is the island of Cheung Chau.  Less than an hour by ferry this little village island…

From down to earth to the heavens.  Delayed by a sudden storm we taxied to the Ritz worried that even with required reservations in hand we may have lost our table if late arrival past 15 minutes.   A long ride up over 400 meters straight up to Tin Lung Heen.  With a view over the harbour….