2nd Departure

When was the last time I step onto a plane?  Why does everything feel so strange to me?  From boarding the flight, watching the aircraft emergency demo to pushing the door of that miniature toilet, I experience it like a first-timer.  15 years ago, I took off to the US to grow from the immature self in Hong Kong.  It was the first turning point of my life.  Now at the age of 30, I dare myself to go for a one-year expedition in Europe.  This journey is filled with uncertainty, but that’s the beauty I’m going after – to be stretched by the possibility life will offer. 

My first lesson was well learned from missing the flight last Friday.  It was the stupidest mistake of assuming a morning departure to an evening one.  Being strongly discouraged by the incident, I however gained five extra days to complete an enormous application for an internship in UK before deadline.  Regardless how many more “accidents” may happen throughout this trip, I shall be prepared to go with the flow while being attentive to the details of my surroundings.  The days after my first departure felt like a dream.  Yet this dream is becoming true as I am writing up in the air. 

Bits and pieces of random flashbacks are flying through my head as I anticipate for this incredible adventure.  Rhode Island School of Design summer school was such a blast.  I was liberated to feel like myself for the first time to do what I love and to enjoy company with a big group of diverse artist friends.  The stunning fantasy, Cedar Campus took my breath away.  Tasting the true meaning of a community in a marvelous environment, I simply took pleasure in singing through all the hard works at the kitchen.  Ann, Jenn, and Kylene will always be my favorite Cantonese students.  Do you still remember how to say nine plastic dogs and mixed blood baby?  All these memories reminded me that whenever I opened my heart, the abundance of life would outpour and make me come alive. 

In conclusion to my first entry of this trip, I would like to use my all time favorite quote by Howard Thurman: “Don’t ask the world its needs.  Ask yourself what makes you come alive.  Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”  May we all find our own enlightened ways to come alive.  So shall it be!

興奮與失落過後，在飛機上靜下來，默默細味過去15載的點點滴滴，那年我還是一個乳臭未乾的中三學生，在美國經過歷練後，漸漸成長，原來生命中第一個轉淚點就在我不知不覺下產生了，回港後一直密謀這個一年的歐洲體驗，終於在我30歲可以起行，究竟在旅途上會遇上怎樣的人和機遇呢？

第一個考驗在上星期五經已開始，我犯下最白痴的錯失，把早上機誤以為晚上而錯過航班，這件事著實把我從天堂打到地獄，但我上了寶貴的一課，而且更多了額外五天去完成一份英國著名藝廊工作機會詳盡的申請書，相信隨遇而安但不忘身邊細節將會繼續成為我畢生要學習的生活態度。

還未完成中文的部份，機已經降落倫敦了，這個提升能耐及充滿可能性的歷險記是時候展開，身體很疲累，心中有點點膽怯，但過往經歷提醒我有足夠能力應付旅程中的種種，每次當我打開心窗擁抱生命時，都會有超於所想的豐盛體驗，今次亦不會何外！無論如何，不要讓自己後悔，帶著期待及好奇的心去放眼世界吧！

Ran into Winston smoking lounge at Moscow airport.

First taste of the London underground - Tube, on the way to hostel.

Beautiful morning, got to go out to stretch after being congested for so long.

The street of where my first host lives.

Good morning London, I feel great today, jet-leg go away!