----->>>>>>------

Random stuff:

• most of my friends already know this, but for confirmation sakes, I am extremely gullible to the extent that at times it verges on stupidity and/or over-trusting

• where are you from? Is probably one of the simplest conversational questions out there; in fact, I bet if you are learning a foreign language, it will probably arise in Lesson One. But it is also one that trips me up every single time. What do I say? Australia? (if so, Sydney or Melbourne?) Hong Kong? China? Whatever answer I give is never entirely satisfactory. For instance, if I say Australia, then they go, okay, but whats your origins? If I say Hong Kong, then they go: how come you speak English fluently. By now I probably had regurgitated half my biography. I dont even know which country or city to call home now.

• on the same topic, can you believe what this Saudi Arabian guy in Starbucks (yes, that evil capitalist conglomeration has finally got me hooked on their expresso frappucinos) said to me. After asking where I was from, and me replying, from Australia, he exclaims: Are you one of those convicts? OMG. My breath was taken away.

• speaking of Starbucks, where I was studying today, this girl next to me had her mobile stolen! This is the second time I have sat in a coffee franchise type of place and witnessed a mobile stolen (and considering I hardly go, I find that quite prevalent). Honestly, Starbucks, Cafe Nero, Coffee Republic are hotspots for thieves. The staff actually handed this list of phone numbers of various mobile networks to the girl for her to call to cancel her phone – I guess they deal with this kind of stuff every day. Shortly after this incident, this guy had his jacket stolen. Sounds odd, but me thinks the thief took a chance thinking they will find some valuables or cash in the pockets.

• Im a terrible correspondent - whether its email, letters, postcards. Oh wait, there is an exception, which is SMS-ing. I am pretty good at responding to those messages since they are sort of in your face. As for everything else, its easy to shove the mail underneath the bed or let them accumulate in the dusty closet, but with every good intention to reply soon...eventually. For instance to illustrate what a lazy personI am, I sponsor this kid in northern India. In two months time, it will mark one year. I have yet to send a card or letter introducing myself, less any photos of me, or family or friends. ahhh. I am determined to send one when I get back to HK. Oh, but lo and behold, look beneath...yes, it is a envelope package. Yes, this calls for a special toast to the first mail Laura has...ahem..will...(because I intend to post tomorrow) send from the UK. Look, I even got stamps in it. haha. Okay, fine, its only to France. I will make it across the Indian Ocean one of these days (p/s: so if in the past year you have emailed me, or posted me a letter, the chances is I have 100% read it, but have well intentions to reply...before I leave! just to let you know it isnt because I hate you. haha lol).