Random Musings on Chicago Hawaii 2008 Trip (7)

Aloha

I love the Hawaiian islands. There is a sense of freedom, serenity and shalom in the wild beauty of the islands. The weather is comfortably warm with plenty of blue skies and greenery. It calls me back when I am away too long. I feel a sense of connection to the islands which is interesting since I was not born there. Away from the tourist spots, it is comforting and welcoming.

In My Dreams
In my dreams
all wrongs are righted,
all sins are forgiven
all wounds are healed.

In my dreams
all lost friends are found
all loved ones are united
all pain is forgotten.

In my dreams
laughter replaces anger
smiles replace frowns
and love replaces hate and fear..

But then I awaken
and I realize that I cannot fix
everything that is broken in the World.
And I decide to try to make it just
a little better somehow.

© copyright 2004 by Steven Robert Heine.

Random Musings on Chicago Hawaii 2008 Trip (7)

Aloha

I love the Hawaiian islands. There is a sense of freedom, serenity and shalom in the wild beauty of the islands. The weather is comfortably warm with plenty of blue skies and greenery. It calls me back when I am away too long. I feel a sense of connection to the islands which is interesting since I was not born there. Away from the tourist spots, it is comforting and welcoming.

In My Dreams
In my dreams
all wrongs are righted,
all sins are forgiven
all wounds are healed.

In my dreams
all lost friends are found
all loved ones are united
all pain is forgotten.

In my dreams
laughter replaces anger
smiles replace frowns
and love replaces hate and fear..

But then I awaken
and I realize that I cannot fix
everything that is broken in the World.
And I decide to try to make it just
a little better somehow.

© copyright 2004 by Steven Robert Heine.

Random Musings on Chicago Hawaii Trip (6)

Stop fooling around and act your age!



It is fascinating to discover the differing attitude towards aging in Asian and the United States. The life expectancy in the United States is higher with many living to their 90s while Asian tend to be lower in the 70s and 80s. The retirement age in Malaysia is 56 years while in the States is about 65 years. However, there are many in the United States who are still working in their 70s and 80s while Asian tend to slow down in their 60s.

I met a gentleman in Hawaii who is 87 years old and has been in retirement for 40 years. He plays golf three times a week with a group of golfers in which he is regarded as a 'youngster' ! The group have people who are 93 and 95 years old. I do not think I know of any Malaysia who plays golf when they are 80 or 90 years old.

The elderly in the States tend to be more active and more independent than in Asia. I wondered why. Is it genetic or cultural? Seeing that the gentleman just mentioned is Korean, I believe that it is cultural.

In Asia, especially in Malaysia, you are over the hill at 50 years old. You plan for retirement which means staying at home. Very few think of a second career or becoming more involved in voluntary work. I find a different attitude in the States, which I believe is true in Europe too. Those who in 50s are regarded as still young and still have much to offer to their society.


I believe we need to change our attitude about aging in Asia.

.

Random Musings on Chicago Hawaii Trip (6)

Stop fooling around and act your age!



It is fascinating to discover the differing attitude towards aging in Asian and the United States. The life expectancy in the United States is higher with many living to their 90s while Asian tend to be lower in the 70s and 80s. The retirement age in Malaysia is 56 years while in the States is about 65 years. However, there are many in the United States who are still working in their 70s and 80s while Asian tend to slow down in their 60s.

I met a gentleman in Hawaii who is 87 years old and has been in retirement for 40 years. He plays golf three times a week with a group of golfers in which he is regarded as a 'youngster' ! The group have people who are 93 and 95 years old. I do not think I know of any Malaysia who plays golf when they are 80 or 90 years old.

The elderly in the States tend to be more active and more independent than in Asia. I wondered why. Is it genetic or cultural? Seeing that the gentleman just mentioned is Korean, I believe that it is cultural.

In Asia, especially in Malaysia, you are over the hill at 50 years old. You plan for retirement which means staying at home. Very few think of a second career or becoming more involved in voluntary work. I find a different attitude in the States, which I believe is true in Europe too. Those who in 50s are regarded as still young and still have much to offer to their society.


I believe we need to change our attitude about aging in Asia.

.

Random Musings on Chicago Hawaii 2008 Trip (5)

Food, Glorious Food

What is a trip without indulging in the local food? Eating in the States has become very cosmopolitan. Whereas once, only 'Western' food were common, nowadays it is possible to find food from different parts of the world. What is even more fascinating is that the taste of the food is closer to the country of origin rather than a generic 'Westernised' version. This is especially true of Hawaii with its rich heritage of the Caucasians, Japanese, Koreans, Chinese, and the native Hawaiian. I have tasted the native Hawaiian poi, which was interesting but like haggis, I do not take a liking to.

Man, I gonna have to lose some weight!

Oh, may I mention that I had dinner in the same restaurant with presidential candidate Barack Obama eating a few tables away.

Random Musings on Chicago Hawaii 2008 Trip (5)

Food, Glorious Food

What is a trip without indulging in the local food? Eating in the States has become very cosmopolitan. Whereas once, only 'Western' food were common, nowadays it is possible to find food from different parts of the world. What is even more fascinating is that the taste of the food is closer to the country of origin rather than a generic 'Westernised' version. This is especially true of Hawaii with its rich heritage of the Caucasians, Japanese, Koreans, Chinese, and the native Hawaiian. I have tasted the native Hawaiian poi, which was interesting but like haggis, I do not take a liking to.

Man, I gonna have to lose some weight!

Oh, may I mention that I had dinner in the same restaurant with presidential candidate Barack Obama eating a few tables away.

Random Musings on Chicago Hawaii 2008 Trip (4)

God on the Golf Course


Do God play golf? If he does, he will be very at home with the First Presbyterian Church of Honolulu which bought a golf course and is presently having their Sunday worship services in the clubhouse. This photo taken from the Pali Lookout Point shows the club house/church in the foreground surrounded by the golf course. Ko'olau Golf course was regarded by Golf Digest the number 1 course on Oahu and one of “America’s 100 Greatest” (2005). It is also considered one of the toughest course in the nation.

I did not play a round before service but I planned to during another visit. If churches are buying up cinemas and warehouses, why not a functioning golf club? The rationale was that since land prices is so high, the Session (Board of Elders) find it make sense to buy a functioning golf club. I cannot help but compare the magnificent churches in the United States and the small churches (with the exceptional few) in Malaysia. I find that this links with my previous posting on what a church should look like and with Willow Creek Church. Got the pun? links?

.

Random Musings on Chicago Hawaii 2008 Trip (4)

God on the Golf Course


Do God play golf? If he does, he will be very at home with the First Presbyterian Church of Honolulu which bought a golf course and is presently having their Sunday worship services in the clubhouse. This photo taken from the Pali Lookout Point shows the club house/church in the foreground surrounded by the golf course. Ko'olau Golf course was regarded by Golf Digest the number 1 course on Oahu and one of “America’s 100 Greatest” (2005). It is also considered one of the toughest course in the nation.

I did not play a round before service but I planned to during another visit. If churches are buying up cinemas and warehouses, why not a functioning golf club? The rationale was that since land prices is so high, the Session (Board of Elders) find it make sense to buy a functioning golf club. I cannot help but compare the magnificent churches in the United States and the small churches (with the exceptional few) in Malaysia. I find that this links with my previous posting on what a church should look like and with Willow Creek Church. Got the pun? links?

.

Random Musings on Chicago Hawaii 2008 Trip (3)

Size does matter

One of my first impression of the United States is everything is large. From the wide open spaces to the skyscrapers and the huge servings at meals, everything is large. Here I am standing before this large Silver Streak: Pioneer Zephyr locomotive which is the first to convert from steam to diesel fuel. This locomotive would have transversed this huge continent and is now is a prized exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago.

Space travel is one of my many interests and here I am beside the Apollo 1 module in the Museum of Science and Industry. This museum is huge and it took me a better part of the day to visit almost all the exhibits. Thus I missed the chance to visit the Field Museum, another museum I had wanted to visit.

Hancock Tower and Observatory is one of Chicago's tallest landmarks, 1,000 feet above Chicago's Magnificent Mile. It takes the world's fastest elevators just 39 seconds to take visitors to the 94th floor to The Hancock Observatory. On a clear day you can see up to 80 miles away and view four states - Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin.

Being in Chicago reminds me again why the United States is the world's largest economy. From its large continental land mass to its large population base, that is not surprising. However the United States is changing. From my last visit 2 years ago and my pre-9-11 visit, things have changed a lot. This time, I do not feel the optimism I felt in past visits. I guess it may be the economy is in 'recession', fuel prices very high and the continuing involvement in Iraq. Also it is possible that 'White Americans' may become a minority in 40 years, or the Baby Bloomers are reaching retirement age. While not the optimism, I do however still feel the vibrant culture and rugged individualism that continues to make this country great. I guess size does matter.

.

Random Musings on Chicago Hawaii 2008 Trip (3)

Size does matter

One of my first impression of the United States is everything is large. From the wide open spaces to the skyscrapers and the huge servings at meals, everything is large. Here I am standing before this large Silver Streak: Pioneer Zephyr locomotive which is the first to convert from steam to diesel fuel. This locomotive would have transversed this huge continent and is now is a prized exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago.

Space travel is one of my many interests and here I am beside the Apollo 1 module in the Museum of Science and Industry. This museum is huge and it took me a better part of the day to visit almost all the exhibits. Thus I missed the chance to visit the Field Museum, another museum I had wanted to visit.

Hancock Tower and Observatory is one of Chicago's tallest landmarks, 1,000 feet above Chicago's Magnificent Mile. It takes the world's fastest elevators just 39 seconds to take visitors to the 94th floor to The Hancock Observatory. On a clear day you can see up to 80 miles away and view four states - Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin.

Being in Chicago reminds me again why the United States is the world's largest economy. From its large continental land mass to its large population base, that is not surprising. However the United States is changing. From my last visit 2 years ago and my pre-9-11 visit, things have changed a lot. This time, I do not feel the optimism I felt in past visits. I guess it may be the economy is in 'recession', fuel prices very high and the continuing involvement in Iraq. Also it is possible that 'White Americans' may become a minority in 40 years, or the Baby Bloomers are reaching retirement age. While not the optimism, I do however still feel the vibrant culture and rugged individualism that continues to make this country great. I guess size does matter.

.

Random Musings on Chicago Hawaii 2008 Trip (2)

The Great Singapore Lineup




Last Thursday, we reached Changi Airport in Singapore at 4am in Terminal 3. We were on our way to Chicago, flying United Airlines.

The rows and rows of trolleys caught my eyes. Only in Singapore will even the trolleys be arranged in regimental orders as if for a frontal assault. There is obviously much time, effort, and pride involved in arranging these trolleys. The Singaporeans are a disciplined and hardworking people. Statistics shows that by the next decade the percentage of Christians in the population may reach 20%. I cannot wait to see how God will use them.

.

Random Musings on Chicago Hawaii 2008 Trip (2)

The Great Singapore Lineup




Last Thursday, we reached Changi Airport in Singapore at 4am in Terminal 3. We were on our way to Chicago, flying United Airlines.

The rows and rows of trolleys caught my eyes. Only in Singapore will even the trolleys be arranged in regimental orders as if for a frontal assault. There is obviously much time, effort, and pride involved in arranging these trolleys. The Singaporeans are a disciplined and hardworking people. Statistics shows that by the next decade the percentage of Christians in the population may reach 20%. I cannot wait to see how God will use them.

.

Random Musings on Chicago Hawaii 2008 trip (1)

One of my joys of travelling is that I have time to read. Although I do complain about plane delays, I also enjoy the long flights. Squashed into the seats and packed like sardines, there are however, certain benefits for me. For one, during the journey, I am totally in the hands of the pilot and the crew. I am not expected to save anyone's life, or salvage anyone's soul, or to change the world; squashed in this tin can in the sky. There is nothing I can do about it. I just let go and enter the moment. The food and drinks come at regular intervals. Though there are in-flight entertainment, I normally do not use then . I prefer to read or write. I find the hours of the journey great because it allows me time to read uninterrupted. Above are the books I read for this trip.

.

Random Musings on Chicago Hawaii 2008 trip (1)

One of my joys of travelling is that I have time to read. Although I do complain about plane delays, I also enjoy the long flights. Squashed into the seats and packed like sardines, there are however, certain benefits for me. For one, during the journey, I am totally in the hands of the pilot and the crew. I am not expected to save anyone's life, or salvage anyone's soul, or to change the world; squashed in this tin can in the sky. There is nothing I can do about it. I just let go and enter the moment. The food and drinks come at regular intervals. Though there are in-flight entertainment, I normally do not use then . I prefer to read or write. I find the hours of the journey great because it allows me time to read uninterrupted. Above are the books I read for this trip.

.

Origami in Narita Airport

Phew, finally made it back home to Johor Bharu. It was a long trip from Honolulu to Narita airport, Tokyo (8 hours), then a layover and a delay (3+5 hours) and then from Honolulu to Singapore (7 hours). We were delayed for 5 hours in Narita airport!!!

Here are some exhibits from the Origami Museum in Narita Airport, Tokyo, Japan

Fantastic what can be done with a piece of paper other than writing upon it. More about origami may be found here, here and here.

Origami in Narita Airport

Phew, finally made it back home to Johor Bharu. It was a long trip from Honolulu to Narita airport, Tokyo (8 hours), then a layover and a delay (3+5 hours) and then from Honolulu to Singapore (7 hours). We were delayed for 5 hours in Narita airport!!!

Here are some exhibits from the Origami Museum in Narita Airport, Tokyo, Japan

Fantastic what can be done with a piece of paper other than writing upon it. More about origami may be found here, here and here.