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London, October 07, 2013 “They speak with a proper British accent.” That’s the comment of an American friend of mine when talking about some people we know from North Africa. I bet the British have always been proud of “the proper British accent” for centuries and they should have. I like it, a lot. And so I make my way to London to visit this historical city with an expectation to hear plenty of the “the proper British accent” during my stay. 3 days in London is never enough to explore this beautiful city, especially when one is interested in arts and music. There are plenty of art museums with a huge collection of international works to immerse oneself in and there are more than enough theatres to keep any musical fans entertained. I particularly enjoy the great street performances happening every night around Oxfod Circus or Picadilly Circus areas. In other words, I feel at home in London. The only thing I miss, guess what, is “the proper British accent”. From hotels to restaurants, from ticket counters to cafes, from ice-cream parlours to box offices, London is staffed with Eastern Europeans who speak their versions of English. I am later told by a local friend that the service industry does not offer the best pays, so obviously the jobs are left by the British to the immigrants who would do whatever to keep themselves paid. London runs 100% occupancy most of the time, so training is a luxury. People get thrown on the job the straight away as long as they speak some English. After all, what’s better than on-the-job training if you are to ask? Oh well, without “the proper British accent”, London is still London for a hundred years to come and the River Thames will still reflect the gorgeous majestic silhouette of the parliament house. Who am I to complain? What I get to complain, however, is after 20% VAT and 12.5% service charge on top of the bills, expensive London shows no mercy for the minimal standard of service. When you see trainees coaching other trainees even at an international hotel chain, you’d better lower your expectation! “Who cares? They come. They see. They leave. Tourists won’t probably come back any way. A bit of rudeness and lack of service kills nobody. The service industry is still counting cash in truck loads every day”, comments a local friend of mine. Running a restaurant himself, he finds it frustrating for the bad service or the absence thereof as we stroll around central London on a beautiful sunny day. “You wanna do some shopping?” asks my friend. “Nah…” For a while now, shopping is no longer on my list. The real joy in travelling is to connect with the locals wherever I go to share thoughts, to learn more about their culture, beliefs, and values. No matter where we are from and no matter what background we’ve been built upon, I believe there is a common set of values beyond religions that could connect people from the four corners of the world, loving kindness. So I’ve come. I’ve seen. I’ve left. I will continue to love “the proper British accent” but I’ll probably watch BBC a bit more instead…. #london #service #travel #RiverThames #perspective #UK #british

Đã ba năm nay hắn bỗng dưng biến mất khỏi cái chốn Sài thành nhộn nhịp. Ba năm không phải là quá dài nhưng cũng vừa đủ để cái đám bỏ bạn còn bè quên phắt cái gã đã từng là ngôi sao trong làng ăn chơi nhảy múa. Hồi đầu, còn có kẻ lâu lâu buộc miệng hỏi vu vơ sao hắn lặn sâu đến thế. Mà hắn lặn sâu thật, chẳng mấy ai lần ra tung tích của hắn ở nơi nào. Mãi rồi, người đời cũng đâm ra chán ngán, không còn ai hỏi han chi nữa. Tôi và hắn cũng không phải là bạn thân, nhưng được cái giữa tôi và hắn câu chuyện chẳng bao giờ là những thứ xa hoa phù phiếm khiến người đời không ít kẻ bán mạng làm nô lệ. Cũng có lẽ vì vậy mà thi thoảng hắn lại lang thang tìm tôi chỉ để ăn một bữa cơm nhà quê đạm bạc. “Tối nay qua ăn cơm nhe.” “Ừa, có người nấu cơm và có cơm ăn thì qua.” Một cái bàn gỗ nứt nẻ, vài cái ghế mây cũ sì, dăm ba món rau xào còn bốc khói, mảnh sân vườn nhà hắn đêm nay có lẽ cũng nhộn nhịp hẳn lên nhờ có thêm một người khách chẳng mấy khi khách sáo như tôi. “Dạo này làm gì mà lâu rồi không gặp?” “Làm cái mà tui thích nhất, ngồi suy tư ở góc sân này.” “Biến mất mấy năm trời khỏi cái chốn phồn hoa chỉ để ngồi ở góc sân này?” “Ừa, con người ta cả đời rong ruổi kiếm tìm. Chẳng mấy ai biết rõ mìng đang tìm kiếm cái gì và tìm ở nơi đâu. Thi thoảng cũng ngỡ đã tìm ra khi trải nghiệm một niềm vui xác thịt hay vật chất hay ho nào đó…” “Rồi sao nữa?” “Rồi nó lại biến mất, trả ta lại về số mo.” “Vậy bây giờ tìm ra chưa?” “Thì đó, đơn giản chỉ là một góc sân nhà.” À thì ra là thế. Tôi và hắn mỗi đứa đều có một mảnh sân nhà. Vuông tròn méo mó ra sao thì cũng là nơi ta thành thực đối diện với bản thân mình, nơi ta chẳng phải kiếm tìm nhưng vẫn thấy bình yên…. #cuộcsống #Hạnhphúc #kiếmtìm #mongmuốn

Venice, September 29, 2013 Aeroporto Di Firenze, October 05, 2013 Florence – London, check-in counter 10. That’s what it says on the announcement board, so I queue up to check in. Some people get sent away by the check-in agent for some reason but people seem to stand in wrong queues all the time so who cares! I only get to find out 15 minutes later that I am in the wrong queue too. Well, not really! Here in Italy, things don’t work the way it works any where else. “Come back in half an hour” says the lady because Vuelling is not checking in the London flight yet. Aahhh, ok. A bit more information and instruction next time would be nice! But that’s OK. If I can wait tens of years to go to London, half an hour doesn’t count. As I walk out of the check-in counter, a 60-ish, worried-looking lady approaches me. “Excuse me. Do you know where I can find a public phone?” “Sorry, no.” ” Do you have a phone that I can borrow and use? My phone is not working and I really need to make a call” Judging by the look, she is a solo traveller and she is totally lost. I learn later on that her luggage has not arrived. She’s booked a flat through airbnb, an on-line accommodation website that connects individual local hosts with travellers and she needs to call the host when she arrives at Firenze airport to make sure the host will turn up at the flat to check her in. I try several times on my phone, no answer. The lady turns pale…. With demand overtaking supply comes the opportunity for local entrepreneurs to rent their own propeties to international tourists. I’ve tried it myself. It works well and I find it a lot more reasonable than the so-called hotels. However, for non-wired users such as this old lady, it can be an issue. “Do you think I can get on a taxi and asks the taxi driver to lend me his phone to call again?” “Do you speak Italian?” “Not at all” “Well then you’d better go downstairs to the newsagent and get a local simcard first. Local taxi drivers don’t normally speak English. If you have any problems, come back here to look for me.” The lady never comes back…. Italy is a phenomenal tourism destination thanks to its magnificent historical and cultural heritage. The country itself is a giant art museum that would keep even the been-there-done-that travellers overwhelmed. And thus, the whole country lives on the thriving tourism business. In all fairness, Italy has a unique offer that touches all your senses and takes you on a romantic journey back in time. This piece of romance, however, can be very costly and intimidating. A so-called 4-star run-down hotel in Rome costed me 180 euros a night, yet cannot even provide me with some toothpaste. A so-called boutique hotel in Venice with the smallest room and the tiniest single bed I’ve ever seen on earth costed me 280 euros per night. Most museums cost money to enter and it takes hours to queue up. To avoid the queues, people pay double through a tour agent on spot just to buy an easy way in. Whether it is the Uffizi Gallery or the Acadamia in Florence or the Vatican museum or the Colloseum in Rome, Italy does not need to think twice. Oceans of people are willing to buy their ways in and life goes on the way it should be. When one takes in more than one could chew, I guess one never has the time to think about the need for extra support. Even as a frequent traveller, I was a bit intimidated by Italy. I am sure the old lady is, too. Having said that, the magic of Italy lives on. And even though that gondola boat ride in Venice can cost you a ridiculous price of 80 euros for 25 minutes, there is never a shortage of romance-seekers who are dying to get on one…. #venice #intimidating #italy #travel #Florence #perspective #solotraveller #arts #life #romance #rome

Aeroporto di Firenze, October 5, 2013 It was September 5 when I landed at Aeroporto Di Firenze, a quaint little airport in Florence. It took around 45 minutes in line to catch a taxi at the airport. One by one, the taxis arrived, definitely taking their time despite the intolerant gestures of some passengers. Florence first appeared before my eyes as a quaint little suburb with super flat structures and a small-town feel to it all. And it continues to be so as I am taking this taxi ride back to the airport a month later today. The millions of passengers passing through this town, crowding the streets of the historical center days and nights, do not seem to bother this small little town. Florence has got its own pace and nobody on earth could speed it up. When in Italy, one could not pass the opportunity to walk up a coffee bar in the morning just to take that espresso shot the Italian way. I know I have every single morning for the last 30 days. Take it easy though! The bar man won’t change his pace even if there are a thousand customers waiting in line. He’ll look at you like he’s got all the time in the world and that you, who are dying for that caffeine shot, has got no where else to go but that coffee bar. And as one walks the streets of Florence admiring the magnificent architectural pieces of arts, whether at Piazza del Duomo, Piazza San Lorenzo, or along the riverside towards Ponte Vecchio, take plenty of time for a gelato stop, a coffee stop or a pizza/pasta stop. The restaurants and gellateria will take their time. No one is in a hurry. Your order will come when it comes. End of story! If that does not suit you well, you’ve got no where else to go any way. I am amazed and amused at the absence of bully fast-food brands that are sweeping across the globe. The only mark of globalization is the presence of a few McDonald’s, and mind you! by no means appearing to be in your face! Choices are plenty for Italian treats whether at caffeteria, gellateria, or trattoria. Florence does not seem to care for the pace of globalization. It’s moving along at its own pace, no matter what. Florence to me is paradise for those who enjoy strolling around. Time of day is never an issue. One gets to enjoy the differentlook and feel that this elegant lady has to offer, whether the subtle intimacy of an early morning, the musical passion of a midday or the sublime sadness of an early evening when lights gradually go out from the street shops. Florence takes time to rest. There is no consideration whatsoever for the burning desire to shop, nor for that open purse or wallet scouring the display windows every night. “Is this Florence, really?” I was obviously caught by surprise. This holiday city is definitely on holiday. Life is taken one baby step at a time and there is plenty of air to breathe. What if one can take the spirit of Florence back and allow one’s city to be on holiday? #pontevecchio #sanlorenzo #breathe #pace #italy #duomo #Florence #holiday #air #time #piazza #speed

Roma Termini Station, September 22, 2013 It’s grandiosity. It’s wealth, power, arts, indulgence, and arrogance all in one place. Yet it’s darkness, blood, death, and extreme animosity floating around like phantoms of the opera. Rome and its time shadow continues to overwhelm this traveller as the glorious past and the crowded presence intertwine under the inviting September sun. Like a bad cut-away frame, she transports me back to the ruthless reality of life. Sitting quietly at one corner of a snack bar at Roma Termini station, she patiently waits for the world to pass her by. It is the first time in the past two weeks in Italy that I really feel confronted. I couldn’t help but sitting down right beside and soon afterwards her story begins. After spending three years working at a nursing home in London, her student visa ran out and Rome sounded like a life-saving option to secure another job. Though she was warned it would be quite different to work as a domestic helper, it made perfect sense to take the chance. Three years have gone by. Rome obviously did not do her any any justice. And here she is sitting at Roma Termini station today, like any other Sunday, watching the world go by before catching the last train home. “Rome is expensive” she says. “After paying rent and the neccessities, I end upsaving nothing.” Rome, the city of grandiosity and power, could not take in another lost soul. Confronted by discrimination, shied away by by a foreign lifestyle and culture, she’s found herself inferior & vulnerable. Yet she has no where else to go. It takes time for paperwork to be processed and going back to the Phillipines does not paint a good picture. “Maybe one day I can go home to work and live…”, concludes the girl with the most saddened smile, overcasting a frozen shadow into the unknown future. She bids adieu & disappears into a sea of passers-by, all hurrying to get somewhere…. The world would never learn her name, nor her Roman story. And Rome would continue to make jaws dropped with its glorious past. On the train back to Florence today, I could almost picture her silhouette, sitting all alone somewhere in Rome, eating her Italian version of adobo, looking pointlessly into the Roman night…. “You are a brave young lady. I admire you for what you’ve done.” That’s the only gift I could give to the lonely stranger. Hope it would put a smile on her face every time she happens to recall the Roma Termini encounter…. #soul #italy #travel #perspective #arrogance #wealth #reality #life #romatermini #stranger #power #rome

Manila, August 24, 2013 After 10 days on the road, this is the first day I have time to sip my morning coffee in silence, without any concept of space and time, reflecting on those encounters across the cities I’ve been to. 10 days, 3 cities, seeing thousands of people hurrying towards their destinations, having conversational exchanges with close to 100 people, having intentional conversations with almost 40 people; and here I am feeling so blessed to be able to stop, re-wind, and reflect on the emotional complexity of human beings. Every day, a day starts with the sun coming up and ends with the sun going down. Every day the same thing happens. Every day! What lies between seems to be our choice of how we want to live it…. Shanghai – he was shaky to un-lie his lies… Hongkong – she was annoyed and snappy to be asked for help… Manila – he was proud to showcase his collection of pets. I would never forget that monkey’s face, seemingly accepting fate as it was presented within that tiny cage and inside the gloomy toilet… Shanghai – he seemed determined to find a better-paying job so that he could afford a simple life. Simplicity was defined as making enough money to buy some own time… Shanghai – hope was in the air that fortune would bring people together; though doubt was sneaking in that the same would take them apart… Manila – feeling lost & vulnerable, she was trapped in between the past and the future. The present became a distant concept… We all walk through life every day carrying bags of wants, needs, desires, and expectation. The world itself revolves around billions of personal axes. Disappointment, pride, ego, sadness, anger, hatred, fear, confusion, vulnerability…, they all have a part to play in building that complex entity called self. When would the concept of selflessness be perceived or simply practiced? When would happiness be achieved simply by letting go? The sun is coming up today as I sip my coffee in silence. The sun will eventually go down as I touch down in Saigon tonight. What lies between? #future #present #selflessness #self #Lies #lost #disappointment #vulnerability #wants #anger #doubt #silence #hatred #expectation #simplicity #past #needs #desire

Beijing, July 12, 2013 Leaving the hazy city of Jinan, we board the 7AM flight to Beijing, the notoriously polluted tier 1 city of China. Unlike any other cities, Beijing has been developing at a lightning rate. No where else have I seen the city extending up to 6 ring roads. The norm is 3, though Chengdu has expressed a good sense of humour when developing ring road 2.5. Having heard about the unbearable pollution of Beijing on the news which sees expat families flock out of the city for health reasons, I do walk out into Beijing with some reservations. Well, it is polluted, alright? I could kinda feel it, but coming from Jinan, it seems like a huge improvement to me, so no complaint, really. The only thing that’s bugging me is the heat and the extreme humidity. Oh well, it is July and one cannot change a thing about the weather. The question is “Can one change a habit?” 7PM; at a local BBQ beer garden, a group of 30ish guys sit around with 2 cases of beer under the table; tops off. It must be the weather…. 6PM; Wusi Road; 3 tri-cycle riders sit on the pavement; gobbling down the cold beer; half-naked. It definitely is the weather…. 10AM; Costa Coffee; Oriental Plaza; a 50ish man sitting down sipping his coffee; T-shirt pulled half-way up showing his beer tummy; right hand constantly rubbing the tummy in total satisfaction. It is obviously not the weather…. Have fun staying half-naked, Beijing! #pollution #beergarden #wangfujin #china #naked #perspective #life #beijing #ringroad

Jinan, July 11, 2013 Having met some local Shandong-nese before who are super proud of their Confucius hometown, I can’t help but building some speculation about Shandong on this trip to Jinan, the next key city after Qingdao in Shandong province. We touch down at Jinan airport on schedule, which to me is incredible for China. Obviously the law says that all flights have to complete boarding on time. What a law! The only tiny issue is that you never depart on time. You are made to sit on the plane waiting for take off. No wonder all of my local friends would rather take an inter-provincial train ride. At least you know when you get to the other end. Super excited from the first on-schedule flight, we walk out to Confucius’ hometown…. Jinan seems to be quite indifferent to these strangers. The sky is gloomy & grey. The haze is unbearable. The structures on both sides of the roads are tired and cranky. Apart from the familiar liquor ads, I feel like being pushed aside from the first encounter. On second thought, maybe Jinan needs more time to get to know any strangers. Though pollution is scratching my throat, I decide to take a walk around to learn about this city of mystery. Don’t know whether I should be surprised to see rows of shopping malls, big and small, old and new, local and western looking, lining up along the main road. What can one expect? Shopping seems to be the official hobby one can add to their CVs for sure. Yes it is Shandong, Yes it is Confucius hometown. Yet yes, it is modern China in its heroic making. Hang on, at least I do spot a billboard at a bus-stop with the image of Confucius on it…. Disinterested by another tier 2 Chinese city life, I walk towards the run-down local department buildings on a cross street, keeping myself entertained by the out-of-tune color combination in the way people dress here. The rule is there is no rule. And check out the copy cat brands! They are all shining in massive, well-lit street shops. Tired from the heat, the humidity and the pollution, returning to the hotel sounds like an inspiring thought. Only then do I spot the scene of the day, a happy- go- lucky kiddo doing number 2 on the pavement. Hold on! Daddy is proudly giving him a helping hand, wiping profusely. Mommy? She seems quite relaxed and enjoyed the happy scene. After all, this could make a nice story-board for a toilet paper brand, couldn’t it? Have I got a feel for Jinan? Well, to some extent…. #pollution #shandong #confucius #china #perspective #shopping #jinan #life

Chengdu, July 13, 2014 Qu pulls over at the street car park beside Wuhou temple, one of the must-see destination for any tourist in Chengdu. This is the historical site where the Three Brothers Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei have come together to start their revolutionary war during the time of the Three Kingdoms period in ancient Chinese history. Having read the story and having enjoyed the 2010 released movie titled “The Three Kingdoms”, I get all excited to finally set my foot down on this remarkable land of history. It’s 5:30PM and the temple is closed. Before I could express my extreme disappointment, the locals spot an announcement for a night visit session starting from 7PM. Oh well, that would give me some time to stroll around Jinli street shops for some local souvenirs. We return at 7 though I am not sure how I could enjoy the beauty of this temple in the moody night lights. I soon find out, however, that the key to this temple are simply statues of the Three Brothers together with some of Liu Bei’s most outstanding generals and marquis. Visual of the blossom garden where the Three Brothers share their oath for life and death is no where to be found. Isn’t that the most important if this temple gets built upon the garden of history? Oh well, should I be so passionate about Chinese history in the first place? Surprisingly, the locals are here for the first time as well and like me, they are finding out what the temple is all about. Though it’s not the most exciting destination even for a history lover such as myself, we all learn something new today. Liu Bei’s most important marquis, Zhu Ge Liang, the pride of China’s intelligence and knowledge, has spent his last days here in this temple before calling Xi’an his forever resting place. We walk out of the temple in silence, each seemingly chasing own thoughts. My mind is placed within nothingness. Yes there is a temple here, but history somehow does not seem to reside in this wooden structure. None of us can touch its soul. None of us can feel immersed in the glory of the great golden era. Maybe it’s time for some Chinese to start searching for the hidden heart, even if it requires the help of a captain Jack Sparrow…. The exit alley is nicely lit by Chinese opera light masks. Out we walk in silence until Steven suddenly asks me if I could recite a Chinese poem. Before my mind could do a quick U-turn, Steven looks at my blank face and starts the first verse: “The moon light touches my bed” That’s a famous poem written by Li Bai, one of the most renowned poets of the Tang Dynasty in ancient Chinese history. Ok now I’m back. “Looking like frost layering the ground Heading up, one views the bright moon light Heading down, one longs for his hometown” I finish up the poem in everyone’s surprise. Though the cherry blossom garden is no where to be found here in Chengdu, it is always there, forever in my heart…. #zhugeliang #zhangfei #chineseopera #sichuanopera #sichuan #libai #china #wuhoutemple #liubei #guanyu #threekingdoms #chengdu

Chengdu, July 13, 2013 Though it is not my first time to Chengdu, the local friends refuse to pass an opportunity to take me out for Sichuan hotpot, one of the most popular specialties in this spicy province of China. Obviously the restaurant that we are heading to is even more authentic than the one we’ve tried last time, plus I will be entertained with Sichuan opera. Sounds like a super plan! We pull over next to Wuhou temple and walk into the hustle bustle Jinli Street, said to be one of the busiest trading streets during the Three Kingdoms period, (184-280) in Chinese history. The area has been remodelled to reflect old architecture and has been converted into a tourist destination for sight-seeing, gift shopping, and local food sampling. The Western lunch in the hotel was not that inspiring to my friend, so it’s definitely time for some real food. With the great Sichuan hotpot in mind, we all march through the colorful alleys, heading towards Da Miao hotpot restaurant, where My friend refers to as the authentic place. The restaurant is set up like a bar restaurant in ancient time, with an opera stage as the focus. Tables are placed facing the stage on the ground floor and private rooms are built around on the first floor, leaving open space in the middle so that everyone can stand around appreciating the performances as they please. No space is available on the ground floor, so we book a private room upstairs. The stock comes out immediately as we are seated with choices of spicy and non-spicy divided into 4 small containers in the same hotpot. Without a second wasted, my friend starts preparing my dip with lots of oil, spring onion, garlic, friend Spanish onion, chilli, and peanut. Oh dear, here comes the super oily stock and a bowl of oily sauce. There goes my calorie cap for the day. In no time, plates of raw food line up on the table; cow’s stomach, pig’s liver, pig’s kidhey, duck’s indices, river eel, Sichuan smoked ham…. I struggle a bit through the cholesterol-stuffed dinner though I have to admit the taste is quite pleasantly exotic for a spice lover like myself. How is one going to make up for such an un-healthy meal, however, is still beyond human intelligence. My friend’s wife arrives a little late as she has to drop off her father at the airport that evening. As she approaches the table, her face turns red; eyebrows raised and the index finger makes an akward move towards the empty can of coke on the table. “Why are you on coke?”, questions the wife in a betrayed manner. Before I could figure out what’s happening, the hubby gets all embarrased and mumbles some sort of explanation. Realizing the guest of honor is on the table tonight, she quickly turns to me, breaks a smile, and gently shakes her head. “He’s not supposed to drink coke, you know. We are trying to have a baby. Coke is no good for the baby, very unhealthy.” Wow, it’s good to know that I’m not the only one trying to be healthy these days. Should I skip the oil? #opera #sichuan #china #hotpot #TheThreeKingdoms #travel #perspective #life #damiao #jinlistreet #chengdu

Chengdu, July 14, 2013 My most favorite documentary series have always been “Mankind: The Story of All of Us”. I’ve lost count on how many times I’ve glued my eyes on the flat screen, attention undivided, to learn about the events and periods in history that have drastically changed the destiny of mankind. From gold, gun powder, to the printing press; from Africa’s Golden Age, China’s red turban revolution, to the European Renaissance; it is amazing how the world’s power has simply been re-shuffled by some events and people. One thing for sure though, I’ve never felft the effect of these grand events on my daily life…. The last 15 days in China, however, has taught me a practical lesson on the effect of Facebook upon mankind. Mind you! I am hopeless at social media and FB is more of a channel for me to keep my family & friends informed of my whereabouts. With the average amount of 3 weeks per month on the road, this virtual broadcasting channel does work out pretty well for this restless traveller. What do you know? FB is exclusive in China. There are certainly no shortages of such luxury brands as Gucci, LV, Ferrari, Armani, Massimo Dutti…. Ad no where else in the world have I seen such massive showrooms of the iconic Apple brand like they are here in every tier 1 and 2 cities in China. Capitalism has definitely been slotted into a giant red hongbao (Chinese lucky money packet) of this country. Freedom is in the air! Everyone rushes out to shop. Sales is always on. From Huahai Road in Shanghai to Wangfujing in Beijing; from Xinjiekou in Nanjing to Zongfu Street in Chengdu, all one can see are people selling, buying, eating, and buzzing around under flashy neon lights. What’s there for me, the solo traveller in my beloved land of ancient wisdom, except for the need to feel connected and to share my experiences with family and friends? If only I could exchange that high-end, noise-polluted shopping alley with a comment from my sister! Once and still a huge fan of hand-written letters, greeting cards, postcards, and personal notes, I do find it beyond comprehension how such a basic needs of belonging in the digital age gets taken away amidst the flourishing of Chinese consumerism. What’s there to hide? Don’t you get it? Life is never the same after facebook…. #mankind #capitalism #china #perspective #socialmedia #facebook #life #consumerism

Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport, July 14, 2013 Bored by the duty-free merchandise in this impressively modern airport, I flip through the China Daily paper, something I don’t normally do in red countries where there is no such thing as freedom of press. “Money can’t buy love and care between family members…” Such a quote can certainly pull off some attention, most probably from those whose values are embedded in the key Chinese philosophies of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. Having experienced the unimportance of love and care in the land of 1.3 billion, where one’s goodself is inarguably placed before any others’, it is my personal interest to see what can be discussed on the press. After all, it’s only a social issue and by no means a political stunt that decides China’s destiny. Or is it? The article obviously provides various perspectives on an upcoming service industry in China, parent-visiting service. According to the article, there are more than 30 such service providers on taobao.com, one of China’s major online retail platforms with service fee ranging from 10 yuan (US$1.6) to 5000 yuan (US$814.30). Wow, I wonder how much my Mom would be worth in China?!? Time is money and money is life’s holly purpose in this vast land of oversized billboards and well-lit urban centers. How on earth can “the crazy little thing called love” ever learn to fit into this pretentious, glossy wrapper of loneliness, fear, and misery? Well, now there is something called “love delivery” service, nothing but well-thought out solutions for the busy bees, love et al within a few simple clicks. Mom, isn’t that cool? Is it changing my life in any drastical way? Absolutely! Hang on! Let me check! I am flying home in 3 days. Here’s an early farewell to all the moms and dads in China! May prayers of love from all around the world be with you until your kids return…. #confucianism #philosophy #parents #taobao #china #perspective #lovedelivery #love #taoism #life #kids #ChinaDaily #buddhism