Rest in Peace

這個博客一直都是以英文為主導，因為自覺中文程度不太好，而打中文的速度亦慢如蝸牛，但近日有一位在香港的朋友突然離去，所以想在這裏寫幾句說話紀念他。

「雖然我倆認識不算太深，然而屈指一算，第一次跟你相遇，是四年前的毅行麥徑操練，你是峰的隊友，那是我第一年參加毅行者，自知能力不足，但自己的隊友卻各有各忙，所以四出找五湖四海的朋友一起練習，猶記得當峰和其他人如閃電般在眼前消失後，我倆互相勉勵，努力趕上。

之後你加入乖風航的大家庭，我們在大伙兒的活動上相處機會多了，2009年毅行者你更成為YA寶寶的支援隊，那一段深夜落大帽山刻骨銘心的經歷，簡直畢生難忘，如果沒有你和KK一左一右夾著我這個半睡半醒的行屍走肉，相信我不能安全完成。

朋友，你的離開，令很多人震驚，而在遠方的我(們)，只能默默想念你、祝福你，我深信，在另一個國土的你，一定收到我們的心意，而且會活得很幸福。一路好走。」

至於小小的雲斯頓，已正式被豉椒炒魷，當然我不是聖人，一定有一絲絲失落，但我知道這個街頭體驗已經告一段落，是時候找其他工作，可幸是，我在倫敦已有一群好友與我分享，而且這個星期還有三個面試，遲些再告訴大家是甚麼樣的工種，哈，總之又有驚喜啦！

A friend from Hong Kong has recently passed away.  I’m dedicating this entry to him in Chinese.  “May you rest in peace, my friend.”

And yes, I’m officially fired from the street fundraiser job.  There were some forms of sadness lingering for a while.  Yet my friends and experience in London keep me carefree and blissful.  I have three interviews this week. Wish me luck, mates!  Will share further about them next time.  Stay tuned for the surprises.

攝於2009年毅行者YA寶寶落大帽山前... 謝謝你的付出！

懷念大伙兒的日子

於歡歡上，大家竟然留心聽講？！

於海上，大家繼續YA的拍照精神！Will miss you dearly, my friend!

The first thing I did after I got laid off in the morning was to indulge myself with art & knowledges, haha!  This is Victoria & Albert Museum - full of art from all over the world.

This gorgeous installation sooths my soul.

Simply wandering in the museum and admiring various art forms was enough to rejuvenate my spirit! 

Then, the next stop was National History Museum.  I was here with my dad 14 years ago.

I love fossils.  Aren't they adorable?

Fly, whales, FLY to your dreamland! This scene looks almost surreal.

Helped out a little while my friend was setting up his art studio.   Then, we chatted and chatted and chatted till it was too late to go home.

The is the site where the body sculpture performance I participated took place.  Sorry, there was no documentation of the event due to the concept of the artists, JocJonJosch.

This is a performance at the Barbican Centre.  These people with trench coats walked pass me as I was waiting for my friend.  Then, they started chanting in an unknown language.

The group turned into a walking choir.

They walked from one place to another in the centre.  Sometimes, they became radical.

Other times, they remained silent.

Eventually they reached a stage, and sang with empty alcohol bottles in their hands.

Here comes the ending scene after all the previous chaos.  It's just beautiful.

Afterward, I became a receiver in a dream cafe.  Sleeping on a comfy bed on the left while people were busy creating dreams for us.

Let's swing! Yes, I'm learning some swing moves now, haha!

The Apprentice

I may get fired tomorrow.  It’s an awful feeling.

Of course, it is.  There is nothing wrong with crappy emotion though.  It’s all parts of being human.  The fact that you’re actually speaking to me at this very moment means you are in a much better place than you think.

How did I even get to this job?  The whole experience feels like a dream.  Perhaps I’m just not fit to be a fundraiser on the street.  I love chatting with strangers & learn all about their adventures.  Yet I hate pushing people to do what they are not ready to do.

That is exactly what I love about you now.  You are open to listen and no longer bound by any guideline of the general perception.  Forget about all those seemingly manipulation or objection responses they teach you.  Just be yourself and have fun on the street if they give you another chance.

In fact, I feel okay about raising money for the charity until the team leader told us we will get laid off if we don’t get any sign up today.  I can see that she is under stress, but it is obviously not helping to put extra pressure on newbies who still don’t quite know what we are doing and are learning how to deal with the hostile public.

Right on!  Taking rejection lightly and turning refusal into constructive growth is probably one of the biggest lessons you are learning now.  The flow has taken you to this position, and you have been working hard.  If you are not meant to keep it, then it shall pass.  You don’t even have to worry about it.

I seriously feel relieved as soon as you said that.  Tomorrow will be a brand new day.  Either I will look for another job or simply have a blast with everyone out there.  Why so tense and rush, London?  Lighten up!

Give them ultra smiles and love when they said they haven’t got time and are hasting from one place to another.  I know you can do it.  Share the radiating sun in you!

I almost want to give them hugs when I see those anxious and congested faces.  People have so much on their mind.  They hate to be paused.  Their expressions said, “Anyone who gets in my way should be slaughtered”.  To be honest, I was just like them.

Applause for your honesty!  No one has to be perfect.  Neither do you.

What about the value of charity?  I have been approached twice on the subject of trustworthiness and corruption of all these so-called non-profit organizations.  Should I go on further research?

There is no simple answer to these enormous questions.  Sure, it’ll be noble if you can really dig in the heart of the charity and find out all about it.  But for now, please chill out and focus on getting quality sleep.  You have been waking up at 5am for unknown reasons… will eventually wear out if this phenomenon continues.

Speaking of that, I should wrap this up and head to bed soon.  Thank you once again for your wisdom and company.  Good night, my beloved… zzzzzzzzzz

Please sleep through the night, dearest.

在刀光劍影的倫敦街道上，我化身慈善籌款大使，縱然任務艱辛，幸好沿途有你。

Went on a "field trip" to get to know more about the charity.  These are the vary animals we are fundraising for at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.

The facilities at the centre are much much nicer than I expected.

Volunteers will train the dogs before they can be rehomed.

Some funny/ugly sides of London pictures from Shit London Book launch/opening - a collaborative effort of Facebook users.

The whole street is filled with gallery openings.  Very easy to do gallery hopping!

A warm and chill-out night at my friend George's kitchen.  

Free Hugs at Speaker's Corner, where preachers and philosophers make public speech about their beliefs.  We became zoo animals that afternoon for the crowds to observe, ha...  

Decided to sit outside of a museum to write & people watch after a long day of work.

This is not the first time worldwide friends gathered at Ali's home for fantastic dinner & amazing time.

First time traveling for work!  Went to Brighton for modeling session, and had a few hours to walk around the pier in the rain.

As my friend, Dragon, puts it: "This is not the sea.  It's the ocean!"

An abandoned pier/amusement park adds a whole different dimension & texture to Brighton. 

Found a water bucket installation in a chapel/gallery!

A cozy little bar - Three Blind Mice - great DJ & music!  Look forward to the live jazz there.

This is where I usually end up after a night out - waiting endlessly at a bus stop.

Got to love hanging out at a quiet pub on a lazy Sunday.

I love my friends!

Free Hugs

Just when I thought I needed a hug, I immediately got one.  In fact, not just one; I received tons at a the Free Hugs Event I joined.  There is something about a warm embrace that can break the invisible wall and melt the apathetic ice people build.  Having the privilege to witness and participate in a love spreading campaign is utterly mind-boggling, we really weren’t looking for anything in return but a hug.  A simple act of human kindness is enough.

Though I could only stayed for an hour as I had to work in the afternoon, I was still able to experience the joy of offering this straightforward gesture of love to strangers.  There were some “NO”, “don’t think I need it today”, “why are you doing this?”, “not for me”, but I simply felt such liberation of opening my arms with a FREE HUGS sign on the street.

To be honest, I did become a little more uptight about physically showing love to friends and family back in Hong Kong because everyone tends to keep a safe distance between each other in this fast paced urban bubble.  Yet it’s going to be different for me now. I am falling in love with hugging.

Watch out, all you beloved people at home, I shall return with lots of love, hugs, and kisses.  Can’t wait to hold you in my arms!

在香港也曾經聽過「抱抱運動」，但在這個匆忙的都市，一個温暖的擁抱彷彿是種陌生又奢侈的玩意，近日在倫敦參加了一個「免費抱抱」的活動，理念簡單，我們在繁忙的街道上拿著一張寫「FREE HUGS」的牌，打開雙手，然後跟路人擁抱！

我當然明白擁抱不是華人社會的社交禮儀，但相信我親愛的朋友及家人應該不會抗拒與我來一個愛的表達！說真的，等我回來，一起情深擁抱，哈！

Would you like a hug?

The couch surfers join forces in FREE HUGS!  What a lovely scene!!!

Is this London or what?  I'm helping to organize an Olympic walk around the area of Hackney.  Stumbled upon this stunning view during our exploration.

Ah huh, this is where the Olympic will be held.  The team is chilling & discussing at this view tube cafe facing the Olympic stadium.

Stopped by Soho toward the end of the Gay Pride Parade/Festival.   The London free spirit which empowers and inspires people to be who they are continue to amaze me.  It's time to loosen up, HONG KONG!

A car drove by and became a victim of the crowd.

A former pub, but now the living room of where my friend lives.   A great place to chill and hang out!

Finally made my way to a Jazz bar - extremely cozy with clashing decoration - just the way I love it!

Oh boy, the band, the breathtaking voice, the swing dancers, the company, the atmosphere... everything is just perfect.
Dragon, I'm taking you there. 

Had another night out with new friends.  Don't you just love the night scene in London? 

Saying goodbye to where I worked for a whole week - What Counts exhibition.  So... what counts for you?

Look at how happy I am, WORKING, lol~~

2nd phase

How are you holding up, my dear?

It’s on & off.  After all the excitement & amusement fade down, I feel like I’m back to square one, with nothing to hang on to.  Yet I know this is something I have to deal with, no running away.

No worry, dear, I’m not going anywhere.  I will hold you for as long as it takes. 

Thanks…  Having such a visualized mind, I can sense the warmth and affection though an actual hearty embrace would just be wonderful.

Of course, I know what you need, but before we go any further on this, let me give you applause for life modeling!  Well done!

Never thought I could do it, given how uncomfortable I feel about my body sometimes.  I guess the whole self-image issue is somewhat entangled with the question of masculinity, the constant bombarding of media as well as casual comments by loved ones, acquaintances, and even strangers throughout my life.

Come on.  You look great to me; at least that’s what marathon runners usually look like, ha... ;)  I’m thrilled that the figurative instructor and the class loved your poses.  You were so natural at it!

It’s almost like meditation as I have to focus on a thought/posture for a period of time.  When my mind wanders off too far or only concentrate energy on my own stiffness, I’ll start to wiggle or feel the signal of pain from my body.  Doesn’t that just remind you of how life works sometimes?

Yes, we won’t get anywhere if we only focus on our own issues.  Speaking of meditation, you finally participated in a guided session at a Buddhist centre.  Congratulation!

As you know, I’m not going to become part of any religion after the whole chaos of Christianity.  But I’m mindful not to neglect my spiritual needs.  Meditation helps me to be at ease with myself and inline with my purpose on earth.

When you came to that state of awareness, we were synced.  No right or wrong, no critique, no nothing, just you and me in a peaceful state of mind.  I like that.

It is certainly an enlightening experience.  I especially enjoy meditating with a group & a Guru.  At least, I won’t fall asleep on my own bed, haha…

So next time when you feel lonely, call upon me, and we do meditation together!

Everything sounds easy and simple while I’m perfectly awake with a positive spirit, like now.  Yet when the moment of vulnerability kicks in, I would just be lost and wore out.  Still have a long way to go on the path of inner joy.

Oh, dear, that is exactly why you’re on this expedition.  There is no short cut.  Can I tell you that you are doing just fine?  You have let go of so much junk and haven’t forced anything to happen since you got here.  I am proud of you.

What would I do without you?  Your continuous encouragement helps me to dance with the current in this world.  Whenever the river seems flooding, I automatically want to grab the bank and scream, but then I see you, gently touching my hands to remind me to let go and flow.

I’m pleased you listen well at last.  Back then, you never paid attention to my words of wisdom.  It always turned into an argument.  Now take a shower, eat some cereal, and go on your way to breathe the fresh air of TODAY.

Thanks, Babu.  Will do. ;)

人體素描、冥想、孤獨… 再與至愛傾談人生種種。

Looking out the window to taste the glorious sunshine, I've finally managed to finish this blog entry.  

The venue where I did my first life modeling in London.

One of the best thing about being a life model is the artworks usually appear more good-looking than reality. lol!

Getting prepared to rehearse for a body performance sculpture, involving up to 70 collaborators by JocJonJosch.  YES, more nude activities for me!!!   The work represents ideas such as unknown and intangible fears that exist outside our protective structures.  These concerns are of contemporary significance in view of recent tragedies in Japan and New Zealand.
To reserve tickets for the performance on July 16, 17 or 23: http://existere.eventbrite.com/
More info about the artwork: https://files.me.com/jocmarchington/qhrk1o

Previous artwork "Beast Exhibition" by JocJonJosch

My magnificent work station as I illustrated samples for a friend's children's book project on sustainable living.

Degree show by CASS graduates reminded me of my art school experience at the Art Institute of Chicago.

What Counts exhibition space, where I've been working as the invigilator this whole week!  Fascinating concepts.  The artists explore subjects from happiness, counting method, friendship, migration, generation to time zone...  
More info about the what counts: http://www.motiroti.com/whatcountsblog/

Chilling with lovely friends at a cozy cafe after a long day of work is absolutely fabulous!

On a rainy day, I had my first guided meditation session at this Buddhist centre.

Wandered my way to the British Museum at last, I'm captivated by how the history of different empires overlapped and influenced the culture of one another.

Street performance in London never fails to attracts crowd and my eyes.

The Brixton gang hanging out in a marketplace after hour.

With the combination of delicious foods, comfy atmosphere, and wacky music choices by the DJs called Rebellious Ladies, we enjoyed yet another blissful evening.

 Please take note that this is Tower Bridge, not London Bridge.  The original London Bridge is now in Lake Havasu City, Arizona because the Americans just love London.

Went on CoolTan Arts Midnight Largactyl Shuffle Walk and learned all sorts of little facts about the city as it relates to art and mental well-being.
More info about CoolTan Arts: http://www.cooltanarts.org.uk/

The intriguing last stop of the walk at the home of contemporary psychiatry, the Maudsley Hospital.

How does grooving around under the highway sound to you?