點滴31 Sharing 31: 倒數月歷 Advent Calendar

12月頭，收到一樣叫Advent Calendar的東西，從來未接觸過，不知甚麼葫蘆賣甚麼藥。每個Advent Calendar 包含24份小禮物，可以是糖果，零食或任何你想送的物件，由12月1日起每天拆開1份，直至24號，目的是倒數平安夜的來臨。聽說歐洲很普遍，給小朋友帶來歡樂及聖誕的期待。
In the beginning of December,  I received something called Advent Calendar. To be honest,  I never heard of it.  Every Advent Calendar contains 24 items.  It could be candies,  snacks or whatever you want to gift.  You open one each starting from 1 Dec until 24 Dec.  It aimed to count down to Christmas.  It is a common idea in Europe.  Parents get this to the kids,  so they will look forward to the coming of Christmas and also bringing the joy.

我望著一包二包大小不一

點滴30 Sharing 30: 瞬間轉移 Teleport

這兩個平凡的香蕉蛋糕背後有難以置信的誕生。

There two simple banana cakes have an unbelievable stories. 

上：美洲版香蕉蛋糕，美國的朋友深夜烘培

Above: America Version, baked by a friend at night in USA

下：亞洲版香蕉蛋糕，早上新鮮出爐
Bottom: Asia Version, freshly baked in the morning

點滴29 Sharing 29: 親密情人 Intimated Couple

實不相瞞，我認為每對情人總有一天彼此的關係會變得更親密，大家在對方面前表露無遺，最真的一面呈現於眼前。如果大家是同居關係，相信見識對方另一面更多。

Honestly, I believed that every couple will ultimately become close to each other, having intimate relationships. You are not only open your heart to him/her, but also expose the REAL YOU in front of each other. If you are cohabitant, you will be able to see and experience more of your other half.

久而久之，你眼前這個人跟初相識時很不一樣，以前他不會只穿內褲屋裡走；以前她會化妝跟我約會；以前他不會在我面前放屁；以前她一定會清理體毛；以前他不會挖鼻孔；以前她吃飯後打嗝會不好意思….....現在！？你懂的！

As times goes by, you realised the person in front of you is a bit difference from the one you first met. In the past, he will not walking around the house with only the underpants on; she will never go out with you without make-up; he will never fart in front of you; she would definitely clear her body hair; he will not pick the nose; she used to feel sorry if she burp after a meal.... but NOW?!?!? You should understand!

當看見對方做出不能忍受的行為時，會毫不猶豫直斥其非，或面露難色感到無奈。就好像那次我和Moritz到了台北陽明山，天氣突然變差，下起又密又細的雨，不時括起大風，很快鞋和襪已經濕透，很不舒服。晚上在巴士回程途中，坐在旁邊的Moritz突然說：『這輛巴士有陣怪味！』。這麼一句令我心情十五十六，如果我和應他，回到酒店房間後他最終會發現真相；但如果告訴他真相的確令我很尷尬…... 猶豫了一會…...醜婦終需見家翁…... 還是決定坦白，我對他說：『應該是我雙腳…...』。之後他說了什麼已經忘記了，只記得他表情帶點驚訝，然後下車第一時間他語帶滿足的說『新鮮的空氣』。

When you see he/she did something unbearable, you would immediately address it without hesitation or showing it on your face. It reminds me one time Moritz and I went to Yang Ming Shan, Taiwan. Without any expectation or preparation, the weather turned really bad. Little rain started and became windy. My shoes and socks were totoally wet and soaked with water. Apparently I did not feel comfortable. At night, while we were taking bus back to the hotel, Moritz sitting next to me said "This bus smells bad!". This 4-word sentence mean more than just it means. If I agree with him, he will find out the truth when we are in the room. However, if i tell the truth now, I feel so embarrass. After a while of hesitation and struggling in my mind, I chose to be honest. I said "I believed it is my feet...". I forgot what did he said afterwards, but he was definitely shocked and the first thing he said when we got off the bus way "FRESH AIR". 

點滴28 Sharing 28: Halloween Scary Pumpkin

萬聖節買了兩個南瓜做曲奇，Moritz把一個南瓜切粒，我就在一旁把玩著另一個南瓜，玩厭了就拋掉離開廚房找其他樂子。
Two pumpkins were bought on the day of Halloween to make some cookies. When Moritz was cutting one of the pumpkins, I was playing with another one on the side. However, the pumpkin brought me just a short time pleasure, I had to look for something more fun after a while. Thats why I left the kitchen and he kept on working.

點滴27 Sharing 27: 生炒栗子 Stir-fried Chestnut

「秋風起三蛇肥」，秋天不單止是時候吃蛇，還是炒栗子的季節。舊時入秋經過巴士站、大街路口或天橋底，不難發現生炒栗子/鹽焗鵪鶉蛋/煨蕃薯的車仔檔，但近年慢慢成為集體回憶，特別六七八十後，由我爸爸到我這個年代！
“When autumn comes, the snakes are plump.” is the saying for Chinese. Autumn is a good season for snack soup, and also good time for chestnut. A decade ago, walking across the bus stops, the main streets or under the bridges, it is not hard to find the cartful selling stir-fried chestnuts/ baked quail eggs in salt/ roasted sweet potatoes. However, recently it became the Hong Kong memory especially for the 60’s to 80’s like from the generation of my dad to me. 

To My Dear Friend

My Dear Friend,

I just reviewed the messages and conversation we had since we met on Facebook. I am so glad I still have something to memorise you. :) But sadly you will never use Facebook anymore, I can't check out more of your pictures.

點滴26 Sharing 26: 成功男人背後的女人 Women Behind their Successful Men

成功男人背後的女人？前題是我的男人是否成功男人！？

Be the women behind their successful men? The premise is "If my man is a successful man..."

去完海灘游泳，他打算把醃滿鹹水的泳衣直接晾乾？飯菜煮好，直接從碗櫃拿碗碟上碟？在相反方向等巴士，待上車後才發現擺烏龍？那是失敗嗎？

Sundry the sea water soaking swim wear directly after swimming in the beach? Use the plate from cupboard without washing? Wait for the bus in reverse direction and find out after boarding? Are these counted as "Failure"?

事實是：他有我

[新加坡Singapore] 快閃新加坡 Flash Visit in Singapore

突如其來的假期加上廉航機票當道造就了新加坡之行，早機去晚機返。新加坡面積比香港還小，兩日半時間尚算足夠來個重點旅遊，美中不足是沒有吃海南雞飯及未能到環球影城。

The unexpected holiday and the excessive supply of the budget airlines nowadays are the reasons for the Singapore (SG) trip. Leaving in the early monring and a midnight flight back, SG is smaller than HK, 2.5 days is good enough to visit the key attractions. It is a pity that we don't have time to visit Universal Studio and didn't have Hainan chicken rice. 

我們住在小印度區，所以這趟旅程吃了許多印度煎餅Naan, Roti, Murtabak, 由第一餐到最後一餐都是以印度煎餅作結。每天在無數印度人身邊穿梭，令我以為新加坡只有印度人，明顯新加坡的印度人比印度那些素質還好，應該鮮有那些荒謬不人道的｢強姦沒有罪」的新聞吧。大多數餐廳都是自助形式，就是跟快餐店一樣，點菜後稍等，準備好他們會通知你取餐。我在無聊等待時總喜歡四處看看，發現很多人點了炸雞飯配咖喱加點素菜，SG$5-6 價錢跟Murtabak一樣，但份量是double。下次來新加坡，一定會試，還有印度炒飯也是主食，有次吃飯時跟一位印度人撘傘，他說一定要試。

We stayed in Little India District which gave us a reason to have lots of Indian food like Naan, Roti and Murtabak. We started and eneded the trip with Indian food. Walking along the street with tons of Indian around, it almost gave me the impression that there is only Indian in SG. Obviously, the Indian here are just different from those in India in terms of quality, behaviour and attitute....etc. I believed in SG,it is rare to hear about the ridiculous and inhuman belief of "rape is innocent". Most of the restaurants in SG is in self-service mode which is same as the fast food shop- order and wait, get your stuff once ready. I like looking around while I was waiting for my meal, I found that it is common to see people having a set with deep-fried chicken with curry rice and some veggie. It costs SG$5-6 which is the same price as Murtabak, but double the portion. I told myself, I must try it next time I am there. The Indian fried rice is also on my bucket list, which is highly recommended by a local Indian we met by accident.

除了小印度，牛車水和聖淘沙也是遊客來新加坡必遊的景點。先說牛車水，

點滴25 Sharing 25: 塑膠花 Plastic Flowers

我不知道他從何得知七夕中國情人節，他送我兩枝花，我都反應不過來，也醒不起那天是20日。打頭第一個問題：｢是塑膠花嗎？｣因為花的顏色十分鮮豔，但觸碰下又感到花瓣的質感，所以才有這個懷疑。他瞪眼認真說｢Noooooooo❢ I will not buy that kind of shit❢｣
I don't know where did Moritz learn about ❝Tsak Tsek❞ (One of the Valentine's Days in China/ Hongkong - A love story between a human “Cowboy" and a goddess. “Cowboy” and the Goddess met once a year on Chinese Lunar 7th July. ) Moritz bought me two single flowers. I felt unexpected and didn't realize it was the 20th. My first question was“Are the flowers plastics? ” The flowers have bright and sharp colour which is too beautiful to be reap.  But the texture made it too real to be plastic. As a result I had the doubt.  Moritz looked at me immediately and said“Nooooo!  I will never buy that kind of shit! ”

點滴24 Sharing 24: 感覺VS現實 Feel vs Real

感覺和現實總是兩回事，我感覺他是對我有feel，但現實是我一廂情願；我感覺六合彩開這些號碼，但現實我連半個號碼也不中；這次我感覺在這新工做了許久，但現實才剛到三個月。

Feel and Real are always different. I feel that he has a crush on me, but its just not true. I also feel that I got the right numbers for Mark Six, but its just not true. This time, I feel I have been working in this company for a long time, but it is just 3 months only.

點滴23 Sharing 23: 失業中 Being Unemployed ***FINAL***

很難想像如果今天我還是失業中，我會變成怎樣。也許社會多了一個廢青或者我會身在意大利威尼斯坐著貢多拉聽著船夫唱歌，優閒地吃著紅莓檸檬芒果Gelato, 然後身邊有位中英歐美混血美男子溫柔地對我說Ciao Bella~~

It´s hard to imagine what would I be if I am still being unemployed. Maybe there will be one more redundant youth with no value in the society or I will be in Venice, Italy, take a ride on the Gondola while the Gondolier singing to me. At the same time, I am having a Raspberry-Lemon-Mango Gelato and the Euroasian-American handsome guy is flirting with me saying "Ciao, Bella"

以上總總都是也許和我的想像，現實中的我過著朝九晚五半的打工仔生活。打工仔！？無錯，大家不用"想像如果今天我還是失業中…..."，因為我已經找到工作，一份我仍然很喜歡的工作，一份其待星期一上班的工作。

All the above are just my imagination, because I am having a nine-to-five working life. Working?! Correct. No more "imagination on what would I be if I am still being unemployed..." I have a job, a job which I still like and a job with incentive to work every Monday.

上文題要我拒絕了那杜拜公司的offer, 因為我對這公司背景感到陌生，還未上班便要我到杜拜受訓，怕其實是個陰謀，擔心自已安全。現在回想起來，真的可笑，都是看太多電影的後遺症，怕自已成了救參系列的肉參。

Previously: I rejected the offer from that Dubai company because I was not familiar with the background of the company and they needed me to attend the training in Dubai made me worried my safety. Now, it is hilarious to think back what I was thinking. Blaming on too many movies and scared to be the victim in "Taken".

拒絕了offer 後我真的很沮喪，好不容易機會來到但我又放棄，想到又要埋首找工作感到苦惱，總是覺得自已做了錯誤的決定。

I was quite depressed after I rejected the offer. It is not easy to have a chance but I just let it go. Thinking of back to the beginning of the job hunting cycle, I felt frustrated and blamed myself to make a wrong decision.

怎料不久接到那駐香港經理的電話接他們能安排專人到港給我培訓，希望我能下星期一上班。天啊！我是做太多好事還是他們真的需要我，為什麼上天再給我機會？

However, I received the call from the manager from Hong Kong a few days later. She said they could arrange someone to provide me training in Hong Kong and hoping I could work coming Monday. OMG!! Did I do too many good things in my life or they really need me? Chance came again!!

最後我當然答應了。所以，現在已經工作了一個月：)

Of cos I accepted their offer eventually and now it is already a month since I joined. 

點滴22 Sharing 22: 失業中 Being Unemployed 2

當你因為還未找到合適的工作而苦惱，開始有點怯，而這個時候電話響起，你一定希望是個約見面試的機會，甚至乎是一個好消息。所以當我收到這個區號+971不明來歷的電話時，我是有一絲懷疑是騙局，但好奇心驅使下還是接聽了。

When you are depressed because you can't find a suitable job and started feeling panic, at the same time, the phone rang. You would love to know you have a interview opportunity or even a good news. Thus, when I received the call with country code +971, although for one second I thought it is a scam, I picked up anyways due to curiosity.

電話中傳來外籍女士的聲音"Hello, Can I speak to Trianne please?" 我完全沒猜到這個電話會改變我接下來的命運...

From the other side, a foreign lady said "Hello, Can I speak to Trianne please?" I have no idea how this call would change my fate in the following...

點滴21 Sharing 21: 失業中 Being Unemployed 1

失業時找工作，感覺一點都不好受。也許起初幾星期你享受能平日去購物、日上三竿才起床或多留在家。但隨著日子一日一日過去，每天也待在家，不安感便會增加。上一次我用了超過一個月時間找工作，所以這次我以一個月左右為期限，希望這段時間可以找到工作。

When you have to look for a job during unemployed, you do not feel good. Maybe at the first few weeks, you enjoy the freedom of shopping in weekdays, sleep till noon, spend more time at home. However, the feeling of joy will decrease while the days of redundant increase. Last time when I was jobless, I spent more than a month to get a new job. As a result, I set myself a deadline, around one month, to get a new job this time.

 

越臨近期限，我越感到苦惱。我開始思考問題所在？是否因為要求薪金過高或是cover letter出事呢？雖然家人沒有給我儘快找工作的壓力，但我知道他們其實很擔心我。這一切令我心情十分低落。每清早醒來，我沒有立刻起床而是賴在床上什麼也不去做。我很討厭這種感覺。

The closer to the deadline, the more frustrated I was. I was wondering what the problem is? Did I set my expected salary too high or did my cover letter went wrong? Although my parents did not urge me to get back to work immediately, I know they worried about me. These made me really depressed. When I woke up every morning, I did not get up but kept laying on bed for nothing. I really hate this feeling.

 

點滴20 Sharing 20: 走遍香港 Exploring Hong Kong

Moritz對著我微笑，似乎有什麼想說。
Moritz looked at me and smiled. It seems that he wanted to say something.

＂什麼事？＂我問。
＂我已經在香港兩個月了，但感覺上時間更長，因為我們這段日子到過許多地方，做過很多事情。＂
"What's up?" I asked.
"I have been in Hong Kong for two months, but I feel like longer. We went to a lot of places and did a lot together."

想一想，的確只是兩個月時間，但日子很充實，回想每一個週末我們都在忙東忙西，東奔西跑。
Its only two months time and we had a tight schedule. Every weekends we were busy with shopping, hiking and meeting friends.

點滴19 Sharing 19: 玩味家居 Playful Home

經過一輪點綴，我對於這個家是很滿意的。除了廚房和浴室，每一個角落都有其特色，不會只看到白蒙蒙的牆身，份外感到寂寞。

After spending time and effort decorating the living place, I am totally satisfied. Every corner, except kitchen and bathroom, has something special. You will not see a plain wall which make people feel lonely.

1) 牆上特大地圖圖案 Giant World Map Sticker on the Wall

2) 香草植物增添生氣 Herbs bring Lives

3) 飯桌加上不同相片 Various photos on the Dining Table

4) 溫馨甜蜜的睡房 Sweet and Warm Bedroom

5) 善用空間突顯個人風格 Limited Space projecting Personal Style

點滴18 Sharing 18: 沒有煮食爐的日子 Time Without Cooking Stove [Part II]

由於不用工作的關係，時間多了，加上Moritz家添置了煮食爐，我閒時會到他家做造飯。不要妄想我的廚藝能跟我媽看齊，但簡單炒菜煮肉我還成，說不上很好吃，但總不算難吃吧！

Since I did not have to work which means I had more free time and Moritz finally had the cooking stove at home, I cooked at his place some nights. I don't expect my cooking ability is as good as my mom, but to fried some veggies or meat is doable for me. Although it may not be very tasty, it should not be hard to swallow. 

點滴17 Sharing 17: 沒有煮食爐的日子 Time Without Cooking Stove [Part I]

Moritz剛來香港時，經歷了一段沒有煮食爐的日子。因為不想天天到外面用膳，我也會叫他來我家吃晚飯。當然不是我煮，是我媽煮！我媽也不介意那段日子經常多加雙筷，這也是一個機會讓我家人多了解他一下。

During the time Moritz just arrived Hong Kong, we did not have a cooking stove. Since we did not want to eat out every night, I invited him to my place for dinner. Of course I was not the chef but my mom was. She did not have problem to have a guest most of the nights. It was also a good chance for my family to know more about him. 

在飯桌上，我媽最喜歡觀察Moritz的動作，起初覺得外國人用筷子很有趣，後來看悶了便想知道他喜歡那一味菜。

點滴16 Sharing 16: 人一世物一世，什麼都得經歷 Experience Different New Things in a Life

是咁的...原本我每天上班下班安安穩穩，雖然沒有驚喜而事實上有點乏味，但為兩餐加上歐洲回來荷包縮水，不得不馬死落地行,過著朝9晚6的騾仔生活。未知是否因為個人怨念太強，公司知道我心底裡的想法，每天就是在馬死落地行和另謀高就之間掙扎，終於在三月底作出了大裁員，為我作了決定給我解脫。
This is what had happened. I was working every day from Mon to Fri regularly. My job was not anything surprising and indeed very boring, but to have money to finance myself and to recover after the Europe trip, I have to get a job and work like the normal nine-to-fiver. I don't know if I grumbled too much at work, the company seemed hear me. I always struggle in the edge of stay and resign everyday and finally company help me making the decision which they executed a employment layoff project. As a result, I was free to go.

一知道自己被裁走的消息，沒有憤怒或激動，只覺得人一世物一世，什麼都得經歷，至少下一份工僱主問及為何離開時，我不用想一個美麗得體的原因，不用以人事問題、想要一份更有挑戰性的工作或沒有前景的原因去包裝醜陋的真相，而是簡單一句：公司的決定。
When I was informed to be laid off,  I was not mad or upset. I was thinking in a self-comfort way as you have to experience different new things in a life.  Obviously,  be laid off is on the list. At least in this case,  I don't have to make up a decent reason for switching jobs,  not necessary to say due to interpersonal issue,  looking for challenge or no prospect in the current job to cover the ugly truth behind. I just have to tell the interviewer :company decision.

點滴15 Sharing 15: 家 Home

租了房子只是香港新一頁的第一步，因為接下來還是登記水電媒戶口，把空無一物的房子填滿家居和把白得像醫院的牆身粉飾一下，令一切由房子變成一個*家*。

To rent an apartment is just the first step to live in Hong Kong as we have to deal with the bill accounts registration, search for furniture and arrange delivery, decorate the pale-hospital-like wall. Everything we did is for making the apartment as "Home".

登記水電媒戶口很方便的，只需打一個電話幾分鐘便能辦妥。反而搜羅傢具令我感到無奈和有點壓力，因為買新的傢具會花費無數，所以我們向二手平台入手，網上有許多不同的群組出售或免費送出一些還可使用的家品，主要目的都是希望環保減廢，循環再用。因為價錢低甚至乎免費，所以物品很快會被有興趣的人接收，要成功得到心頭好，一定要眼明手快，所以我整天都在查看群組，看有沒有更新。最終在同區找到基本傢具，但連運費居然過千，那一刻很想自己有架大型貨車，不用硬食運費。

It was convenience to register for the bill accounts which you just have to call and complete in a few minutes. On the other hand, it was a helpless and stressful work to look for the furniture as it costs a lot to get brand new items. Therefore, we chose to have second hand stuff from some online platforms. People offered their used but can-still-be-used stuff via some e-platform for money or free. The aim behind is to go green, reduce waste and recycle. Since they are at low cost or even free of charge, items are taken by others within a short time. If you want to get what you need, you really have to be quick and keep updating for any new items. I was able to find the basic furniture which are also in the same district. However, the delivery fee was more than HKD1000. I hope I could have a truck to transport the goods on my own to save some money. 

點滴14 Sharing 14: 反驚喜 Surprise or Prank

上星期幾天沒有見Moritz，突然有點掛念，剛巧他問晚上會否見面？

Last week, I have not seen Moritz for a few days and started missing him. Then he asked if we could meet that night?

腦海中閃過一個主意，假稱今晚要留在家不能外出，所以不可以相見。但其實我早就在他公司樓下等他下班給他一個驚喜，然後跟他吃晚飯。

An idea flashed in my mind. I pretended to be busy at night and cannot meet him. The truth was I will wait for him at his office downstairs to surprise him and have dinner together. 

一切都應該在掌握之中，一般他都不會留在公司太晚，所以約6時到達就一定不會白摸，到達後發短訊問他是否準備離開公司。他很快給我回覆，那回覆簡直是晴天霹靂，因為他不單止離開公司，而且已經回到家！！！！什麼？！是我遲了嗎？為什麼他會在家？

Everything were supposed to be under control. He normally won't stay late in the office so I could catch him downstairs around 6pm. I texted him when I arrived to see if he is leaving. He replied me immediately and what he said was an unexpected surprise for me. It was because he was not only left the office but also arrived home already!!! What?!?! Was I late? Why was he home at 6pm?

點滴13 Sharing 13: Mr. or Husband

上文提要終於租屋了！！
Previously on the last post about rent a flat...

由於Moritz是外國人，不會說中文(單字短句不算), 所以跟地產人溝通的責任也落在我身上。
我只介紹了自已而沒有介紹Moritz, 地產人又不用跟他直接對話，也懶得介紹他是誰怎樣稱呼。
Since Moritz is a foreigner who doesn't speak Chinese ( single words or simple sentences are not counted), to communicate with the property agent became my task obviously. I just introduced myself to the agent but not introducing Moritz to him. As there was no necessary communication between agent and Moritz, I was not bother telling him the relationship or name of Moritz.

點滴12 Sharing 12: 租不租 Rent or Not

整個三月都在東奔西跑，因為我親愛的Mortiz終於來了香港，我們一起找屋子，首兩星期在不同地區看單位，在心裡比較著那一類單位比較合心水。香港，人多車多樓價貴單位細已經是一個全世界聞名而不變的事實，跟德國地闊天高比真的差很遠。

I was busy running around the town in March because Moritz had arrived Hong Kong and we were busying in looking for a flat. In the first few weeks, we went to different districts for various apartments and comparing which is the best among all. Hong Kong, a tiny place with high population density and small but high price apartment. It is a well-known and irrevocable fact among the world. The situation is totally different than that in Germany.

Moritz揀選房子的首要條件是睡房夠大和廚房不能太小，因為這兩個地方都是我們經常出入，一定要夠舒服可以好好休息、假期休閒地做一餐飯。最後幾經篩選，進退於兩難之間：單位Ａ價錢高，但裝潢不錯，廚房全新送焗爐、單位Ｂ價錢低，裝潢一般沒有任何家電，但空間夠多。香港人還是利益行先，每月多付HKD1500倒不如用來每月吃大餐甚至乎可以去一轉台灣泰國，所以決定租住價錢低的一間。

Moritz’s first priority to choose a flat is neither the bedroom nor the kitchen is small because these are the area we use most. They should be comfortable to rest and spacious enough to make a good meal. After a screen out, we were in a dilemma between Apartment A with higher rent but nice renovation, brand new kitchen with modern oven and Apartment B with lower rent but no renovation at all or electronic appliances, however spacious enough. To make a decision is not easy, but Hongkongers always put benefit in the first place. To pay HKD1500 more a month which allowed you to have a big feast each month or made you a trip to Taiwan/ Thailand. It is more wise to choose the cheaper one.  

點滴11 Sharing 11: 路不易走 一直由Moritz 帶領 Its not a tough road if you set a goal

當初要跟Moritz開始也曾經猶豫不決，因為異地戀 沒 有 好 結 果，這也是經驗之談。Moritz了解我的想法後說了一句話解開了我的心結。 

I admit that I was hesitating to start a relationship with Moritz because long distance can't work out well as expected. I concluded that based on the experience. Moritz understood my worries and told me something to release my concern. 

「我會來香港找工作。」

"I will come to Hong Kong and look for a job."

 對。我最大的隱憂就是情侶長期分隔異地，最終是 沒 有 好 結 果。 但既然他願意來香港，那問題就解決了吧！也就是這句說話令我願意走出第一步，也就是這句說話出現今天的結果。 

Yes! My major concern was the long distance between couple which is a cause to end a relationship. Since he is willing to come over to Hong Kong, the problem can be partly solved. In other words, I am willing to move forward to the next step as well. Thanks to what he said which made the thing happened today. 

大半年前，離開歐洲回港後，我開始找工作，每天在看招聘廣告，由有揀擇變成無選擇。一個月過去我還沒有接到任何預約面試的電話，令我十分焦急，深怕成為經常被社會標籤的廢青。同一時間遠在德國的他除了努力工作，也在計畫前往香港，兌現他的承諾，形成強烈對比。 

I left Europe and back to Hong Kong more than half a year ago. Start looking for a job and spending all day long for job advertisement, but failed to get any. At the first beginning, I tried to select what I want to do. But then, I was like doing whatever I could do. Time flies, and a month gone. My phone did not ring at all. I received nothing from any companies I contacted. It made me panic and I really did not want to become the "Useless Youth" which labeled by the society. At the same time, Moritz was working hard and also planning to come to HK to keep his promise. The situations were in a big contrast.

點滴10 Sharing 10: 喜愛下廚 Love Cooking

旅遊其中一樣省錢秘笈是自備晚餐，但首要條件是所住hostel 有廚房，如果有提供基本調味料和油 (西方國家多採用橄欖油-正!!!) 的話更不用自費購買和不用帶著他們繼續旅程，減低行李被未蓋好的油沾污，背包裡灑滿未包好的鹽和糖。其次當然是你本人喜歡下廚啦，不然你只會每天吃麵包和泡方便麵。
One of the trick to save money while travelling is to prepare dinner by yourselves. The first criterion, of course, the hostel or accommodations provided the kitchen. If there are simple seasoning and oil (In western countries, you found olive oil - super!!), you saved the money to buy your own and do not have to worry to carry the rest with you to the next destination. If the lid of the oil bottle was opened, your luggage screwed up. If the salt and sugar were not packed properly, your backpack taste good!!Another criterion is you like to cook, otherwise, you ended up having cold bread or instant noodles everyday.

我興幸Moritz也喜歡下廚，我們一起旅遊時，大多數日子都是自己煮食，不會為到餐廳吃飯或是自己煮而有分歧。省錢是重要但不是主要原因，我們享受一起到超市買菜、烹調的樂趣，也許只是簡單的菜餚也特別美味，不諳爐灶的我也因為對方相伴變成大廚。

 I am glad Moritz and I love cooking. We cooked most of the days during our trip. It is good that we won't argue to eat out or to cook in. To save money is important, but that is not the main reason. We enjoy shopping in the supermarket for food, the fun of cooking. It could be simple cuisines, but it tasted wonderful. I am not good at cooking, but I could become a master chef when he is with me.

情侶之間在大時大節的秘密武器就是親自下廚為對方造一頓飯，這對於平常小玩煮飯仔的情侶的確有效，但我和Moritz已經一起炒過菜、煲過湯、包過餃子、造過kebab、打過火鍋，我是什麼料子他已經很清楚，所以造飯已經不是什麼驚喜也不是殺手鐧。

During big days like Valentines' Day, Birthday, Anniversary or Christmas, to cook for someone you love is an ultimate tools to show your love. It works on the couples who seldom cook during their date. But Moritz and I tried the fried vegetables, soups, homemade dumpling, homemade kebab and having hotpot together already. He knew what I got, so making him a meal is not a super trick or surprise anymore.

也許我要想想其他驚喜。我期待著下次一起焗蛋糕做甜品。

Maybe I should think of something else to surprise him. I look forward to bake a cake and make dessert with him.

點滴9 Sharing 9: 食出中國文化 Eating Chinese Culture

中國人主張團聚分享，這是書本上告訴我的，也是預科中化科出現最多的關鍵字。西方人也許略知中國文化一二，但未必會切身體會，直至真正遇上實況才明白箇中道理。

Chinese always focus on gathering and sharing which is what I learnt from textbook and also the key words I used in my Chinese Culture essay in high school. Westerners may know something about Chinese culture, but they may not really understand it until they encountered the actual situation.

大排檔是香港的特色，外國遊客也樂得去體驗街邊風味。以下是我聽過的真實事例，一班外國人圍在一起吃大排檔，各自點了一味菜，有炒蛋、生炒骨、蔬菜、更點了蒸魚。枱面十分豐富，但問題來了，一般大排檔都是叫餸食飯，大家開心Share，但外國人卻把一碟碟餸拉到自己面前一口一口在吃，他們也許習慣自己吃一份牛扒餐或法國菜己分好菜上碟的吃法，並沒有打算分享或吃一口其他人的菜，旁人看來覺得傻眼。

Dai Pai Dong (traditional restaurants with food served in fast speed) is one of the specialty in Hong Kong which is a must-do for tourists to feel local style. Here is a real situation I heard: a bunch of foreigners went to Dai Pai Dong and ordered one dish each, fried eggs, sweet and sour fried pork, vegetables, and also steamed fish. Plenty of foods were on the table to be eaten and shared. However those foreigners took the dish they ordered and started eating. They treated the dish as T-bone steak set or French cuisine which served in seperated dishes individually. There was no sharing at all in the meal and made the outsider felt awkward.

點滴8 Sharing 8: 我看外國好 Viewing to the West

前陣子天氣回暖，是看紅葉的好時機。香港也有紅葉，不用遠赴韓國日本，不用一小時便身處郊外在紅葉樹下野餐，想起都開心。

It was warm in the previous months which was the season for red leaves. There was red leaves in Hong Kong too. You did not have to fly all the way to Korean/ Japan and arriving at the country side in less than an hour for the red leaves, picnicking under the trees made you smile. 

跟Moritz說起香港有紅葉，每到假日那些郊野公園都會人山人海，他淡淡然表示沒有興趣，因為在德國他經常看到紅葉，對他來說紅葉就是7-11 ，總有一棵在附近。高峰時期，他走出露台不單可以看到紅葉，連黃葉橙葉都有，難怪他不把看紅葉覺得是浪漫和十分難得。

I told Moritz we have red leaves in Hong Kong and the country parks were full of visitors in weekend. He did not show any interest in that because he could always see red leaves in Germany. Red leaves were like convenience store in Hong Kong, you can always find some nearby. In the peak season, he could see the red leaves in his balcony. Sometimes, they are in yellow or orange in different stages. That's why he did not think seeing red leaves is something special or romantic. 

點滴7 Sharing 7: 家庭聚會 Family Gathering

Annette (Moritz媽媽) 邀請我參加一年一度的家庭聚會，地點在離法蘭克福3小時車程的小鎮，我們由慕尼黑出發約5小時車程。

Annette,  Moritz mom,  invited me to join the yearly family gathering.  It held in a small town 3 hours away from Frankfurt and 5 hours from Munich.

聚會地點是一個營地但不用紮營，因為有一座主樓提供多間單人或雙人房，一個大廳供用餐﹑休息和玩遊戲，一個設備齊全的廚房和另一個可容納十多人一起切菜煮食洗碗旁觀的大廚房，一個洗手間和地庫的大型集體洗澡間。住宿方面如果想私隱度高點不想選擇主樓的房間，營地還有獨立小平房提供，當然收費不一，而且沒有浴室和衛生設備，晚上人有三急需自備電筒走幾分鐘回主樓解決。

The location is a campsite but we did not need to set up our tents because it provided accommodation. Double or single rooms are inside a main building and it contains a spacious living room for dining, resting and playing games.  Besides, there are a well-equipped kitchen and another advance full-gear kitchen which allowed more than 10 people working together for preparing a big feast, like washing the vegetables, cutting the onions, frying the meat, cleaning the dishes and standing with nothing to do. Everyone could find their own work station. You could find a washroom next to the kitchen and another united-bathroom in the basement. For the accommodation, if you prefer having more privacy and wanted more luxury, the wooden bungalow next to the main building could be an option. The price is different and it did not include the sanitary. In case you wanna go to toilet in the middle of the night, you need your torch with you and a few minutes walk back to the main building. 

點滴6 Sharing 6: 見家長 (4) Meeting the Parents (4)

Moritz身在香港...

Moritz in Hong Kong...

在晚飯前，我跟Moritz再次重溫我教他的廣東話，主要是對人的稱呼，因為等一下他便會跟我家人見面。我教他應該稱呼我父母"世伯伯母", 如果只見到我爸就是"世伯", 我媽就是"伯母", 但緊張起來只見到他們其中一個他都會說"世伯伯母"，但現在他知道兩者分別。

Before heading to dinner, I reviewed the Cantonese phrases, mainly how to address my family, with Moritz because he will meet my family finally. I taught him to call my parents "Sai-Bak Bak-Mo" Uncle & Aunt in Cantonese. When there is only my dad, it would be "Sai-Bak" and say "Bak-Mo" if he meant my mom. When he was nervous and tense, he will use "Sai-Bak Bak-Mo" even only either my dad or mom is present. But now he knew the difference. 

正式見面我知道Moritz很緊張，因為他拿著手信送給我媽時，雙手在抖震，可能我之前告訴過他我父母性格古怪，好像我一樣捉摸不定，令他特別步步為營。

I understood Moritz was so anxious to meet my family the first time because when he handed the gift to my mom, his hand trembled. I told him before that my parents are as weird as I do, you cannot understand what we are thinking. Maybe because of that, my words scared him.

點滴5 Sharing 5: 見家長 (3) Meeting the Parents (3)

過去的戀情都不存在見家長環節更不會告訴他們我的感情世界，所以當我要對父母說男友是德國人加上我們的認識緣於旅行，那種壓力大於要獨自到南美或等待派發終期成績表。其實有壓力是怕得不到父母認同跟支持，這我能理解，突然出現一個遠在他方的男子是女兒男友，我能否跟他溝通？

None of the guys in previous relationships have met my parents and I never tell my parents anything about my relationship.  Therefore,  I was under pressure to tell my parents my boyfriend is German and we met when we travelled. There was so much pressure which was higher than to ask me to travel to South America alone or waiting for the result of the end-term test.  The pressure was from my parents because I was really scared they did not agree and support my decision.  I can understand how they feels when a gwailo (chinese slang for white guy) lived not in Hongkong but far away there said he is the boyfriend of the daughter.  The main problem they concerned is communication.

也許是我對這份情的認真，和希望為Moritz 留下好印象，特地在離開德國前教Moritz說幾句廣東話，為的是想拍一條短片給父母看認識他，知道他不是壞人。

Perhaps I took this relationship seriously and hope Moritz could give a positive impression to my parents,  I taught Moritz some Cantone

點滴4 Sharing 4: 守時與德國 Punctuality & Germany

德國人經常被喻為守時的民族，所以約了德國朋友，我都會守時應約。那德國的U-bahn守時嗎？

German was known as the nation of punctuality.  When I have an appointment with German friends,  I will be on time. How about the U-bahn in Germany?

在慕尼黑的日子，出門前都會先查看鐵路時間表，因為德國鐵路班次不像香港般頻密，有的路綫十分鐘一班，有的可以二十至半小時一班，錯過了有機會在車站呆等數十分鐘，所以預先計劃很重要！

In Munich,  it is important to check the train schedule before leaving home because the railway in Germany is not as frequent as that in Hongkong.  Some route provided service every ten minutes while some of them could be every twenty to half an hour for one.  If you missed the last train,  you could wait at the platform for ten to twenty minutes.  Thats why planning is important.

有次我和Moritz在車站等著，時間到了還沒有車到達，月台上其他乘客也在等著，所以我們應該沒有錯過預定U-bahn,結果列車遲了二十分鐘。

One time,  Moritz and I waited at the platform on time as other passengers did. We were sure we did not miss the U-bahn.  And the train came 20 minutes late.

還有次Moritz在寒冬下等U-bahn 上班，結果居然遲了一小時才到達！！那種心情真無奈，離開又怕下一秒列車到達，留守又不知道要等多久。德國列車可以很準時，但不準時的話的確很遲。

Another time Moritz waited for the train in winter to work and the train arrived an hour late!!! It was so helpless at that point.  If you left,  the train may arrive the next second.  If you stay,  you don't know how much longer you should wait.  The train in Germany is always on schedule,  but if there is delay,  it could be miserable.

如果事件發生在香港，不消15分鐘乘客已經開始鼓譟，網民拍照貼facebook, 向港鐵投訴，傳媒又會大造文章，絕不會像德國人那麼和平。

If the above happened in Hongkong,  with less than 15 minutes,  passenger started to grumble , took pictures and uploaded on social platform,  complained the poor service,  media reported in the news.  The result would never like the German. 

世界杯 FIFA World Cup :*:‧\(￣▽￣)/‧:*‧ 第100篇 100th POST

第一次到歐洲是2010年，當時正值舉行世界杯，碰巧是荷蘭國家隊比賽。橙色是荷蘭的國色，所以看到許多瘋狂擁躉（註：球迷）頭戴橙色頭巾、型型式式的帽或浮誇羽毛頭冠，身穿同色系球衣在街上狂歡或在酒吧外聚集。只要全身是個橙，他們都當你是朋友自己人跟你打成一片。

The first time I visited Europe was year 2010 which was the year of World Cup. It was the Holland team for the game. Bright Orange is the national color of Holland, so lots of crazy fans wore orange headbands, creepy hats or extravagant feather crowns, matched with the same tone sport shirt, cheered on the street or gathered up outside the pub. As long as you became an orange, you were friend of them already.

4年前在荷蘭  4 years ago in Holland (2010)

點滴3 Sharing 3: 見家長 (2) Meeting the Parents (2)

在Moritz 老家留過三日兩夜，見過他父母，姐姐Anne和她男朋友Oli, 還有差不多整條村的居民，大家都知道Moritz 那年到香港認識了香港女生。

I stayed at Moritz's hometown for 3D2N, met his parents, sister Anne and her boyfriend Oli, and almost all the citizens living in the town. Everyone knew Moritz met a Hong Kong girl when he visited Hong Kong.

這兩天跟Dieter 和Annette相處，發覺他們不單親民還很有教養，有其父母必有其子，所以教得Moritz那麼懂事。一起用餐的時間就是他們跟Moritz聊天的時候，因為Moritz 這幾年都離開老家住在大城市，見面小了，他們都很珍惜相聚的時光，這也是讓我和他們彼此了解的機會。還記得Annette在吃早餐時問我之後回香港有甚麼打算？會甚麼時候搬到德國？還替我思量我在德國可以做甚麼工作？Moritz看我愣住便知道我根本沒有答案，這事情現在去想也太快了，他便替我解釋然後帶過話題。

I spent lots of time with Dieter and Annette these two days. I found that they are not only nice but also very well-educated. In Chinese saying, "the kind of parents will have the kind of kids". That's why Moritz is such a polite and gentle person. The time having meal together was the time to chat with each other, they love talking to Moritz and knew more about him.  Moritz left home to the big city for more than 4 years. They seldom see each other, it was one of the precious moment to catch up. It was also the opportunity for me to know more about them or for them to know more about me too. I still remember Annette asked what was my plan after back to Hong Kong? When will I move to Germany? She even thought about what job suit me in Germany. Moritz probably saw some question marks on my face and I did not have answers on those questions. He explained to his mom and switched the topic.

點滴2 Sharing 2: 見家長 (1) Meeting the Parents (1)

Mathias問：去見Moritz的父母，你有否感到緊張？

我想想說：沒有。為什麼要緊張？

Mathias asked: Are you excited to meet Moritz's parents?

I thought for a second and said: No. Why should I be nervous?

***現在想想 "Excited" 在中文可解作緊張和興奮，明顯地當時我覺得他是指緊張，可能我潛意識是緊張的。

***The English adjective "Excited" can be translated as "nervous and anxious emotionally" or "feeling overwhelm". I was thinking the former meaning and maybe I was really nervous in subconscious.

我說得這麼輕鬆不是因為我不重視他父母，而是因為我經常從Moritz口中聽說他父母的事情，了解到他們都是很和藹可親的人，Moritz也已經告訴他們我們的關係，他們都對我有一定的認知，我更得知他們跟我一樣期待著這次見面，我的興奮比緊張為多。

I said "No" as nothing was not because I did not respect his parents.  I heard a lot about his parents from Moritz and I knew that they are very nice German. His parents also knew about our relationship as Moritz has informed them. They also knew something about me and we all looked forward to meet each other. I was more like looking forward to meet than afraid to meet.

Moritz老家   Moritz Home

好像童話故事中的糖果屋  Its like the candy house in the fairy tale