| Macua, 26/10/2002 Yesterday another stamp in my passport was received , as i ventured across the wide blue yonder into Macua. For a quick history update, Macua was originally a Portuguese town, established by fishermen (years ago (sorry i did geography at school)). It was handed over to China in 1997, but still maintains a separate government. It survives mainly on tourism, especially in the form of gamblers who frequent one of the 11 casino's on the island. All casino'a and virtually any buildings of value are owned by one man. His name Stanley Ho ; He has 4 wives, and in fact just became a father again at 82 (good work old timer). He also owns the airport (macua air), ferry terminal, Macua tower and virtually everything else. Anyway enough on history lesson. After arriving on the island and booking an afternoon sightseeing tour, i found myself with 3 hours to kill. Thinking food was good time waster, i headed to the local restaurant. With lots of pointing, jesters, strange faces and some very limited cantonese i managed to order lunch (no one spoke english there). Fairly pleased with my efforts i managed to order Char Sli (bbq pork) with rice, english and chinese tea and soup all for A$4 what a bargain. Next stop was the Macua Grand prix museum, followed by my prized moment of a visit to the red-light district. I was quite pleased with my efforts of reaching this area, without directions in such quick time. After explaining for the hundredth time, that i was not as desperate as i looked, i managed to escape their clutches and head to where my tour group was meeting. Well the tour was all the usual fair. I even managed to put some of my (old-age wise) tour group friends into some of my pictures for added variety. Next stop was the ferry ride home, where the girl directly in front of me, took over my usual job and was making friends with the sick bag the whole 75 min trip back. While i tried to look out the window and dream of....... sorry personal. Anyway, that was Macua. Well worth a visit. Till next time, enjoy your weekend. I am off tonight , with some new friends into the nightlife area (their english is about as good as my cantonese so it should be fun) |
| Hello All, 23/10/2002 After almost two weeks overseas, life here in hong kong has settled into a pattern. My day starts with breakfast (how amazing), and then i head out to the train station for my castings. At the moment i am doing about 3-5 a day, which keeps me busy going from one side of the city to another. Thankfully the trains are so well organised, unlike Sydney and you never wait more than about 2 mins for train. Presently i am doing a lot of general castings, that is going to production houses/studios/ agents with the purpose of becoming known, so that when a job does come up i am first of mind. They follow a very stock standard procedure, which involves a few questions, few photos (smiling, tough look, no-smile, side profiles, the full turn) and then my measurements are taken (no not there). They are not too bad and give me chance to go to parts of city , i would never have known existed. Hopefully next email, i will have some more news on the work front, most jobs that i have been to castings for , will be decided by end of next week, so fingers crossed. Yesterday however- i did my 2nd International Modelling assignment for City Magazine. It was full day, which involved photographing me and Katarina (from Bolivia) in different outfits. The lady from magazine called the clothes casual wear, but i think they have a different meaning for the word casual overhere. I was wearing Hermes, D&G, Gucci and Louis Vuiton clothes , plus watches. Anyway it was a good, if not very long and boring day- the sight of Katarina did help ease the pain a little however. The photos were all taken at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, which as the name suggests, is very Grand. It was an experience and hopefully the photos which are in the November issue out 1st Nov should look good. Tomorrow, weather permitting im planning some more site-seeing. Might head out to the Peak or perhaps Macau. Okay Bye for Now- Hope to hear from you all soon. |
| Hey, 13/10/2002 This is the first in what will most likely become a reguarly update. After arriving safely in Hong Kong Friday night i began my life as a Poor traveller. Well what a life this poor travelling has been so far, my fathers friends who have been so kind to put me up live in what can only be described as 5 star accomodation. Currently i am enjoying a room with ensuite, double bed, view and did i forget Maid (where do i get that permanent residency form ?). And to top it off, they are great people to boot. All in all things have been great so far, Today sat 12th was spent Eating and siteseeing. My first Ripleys ( I can't believe that happens) Moment was experienced this morning as we went a visited the bird markets. Not only do they sell birds, but for added nurishment they also stock live grasshoppers . They are sold by the bag, starting from $A 3 for approx 30, and becoming cheaper in bulk. Haven't they heard of bird seed. Suprisingly my appepite for not destroyed as i had my first Yum Cha experience of the trip and undoubetly one of many, this was then followed by Korean for dinner. As for the work front things are looking good. I street seller already asked if i was a movie star , this was after his guide dog ran into me. But nevertheless its a start. Anyway im off to bed , been a busy day. Hope to hear from you all. I will be getting a mobile soon for my stay in Hong Kong (another added benefit), so i will let you know of my number and we can share SMS. All the Best Jordan |
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