off to a cracking start

2010 really has its work cut out for it.

if 2010 thinks it is going to be as wonderful as the first day of the annum, then we have a fantastic year ahead of us. today was quite simply, a fantastic day.

we went fishing in the new territories. in a place i would never be able to find unless i was following the leader. en route, the kids dozed and charles and i listened to praise and worship music as well as some robbie williams. (jasper's favourite "mr bojangles" and sebastian's all time favourite, "under the sea". i just love looking at his face when he hears that song.)

as we drove, i noticed how carefully mark was driving, keeping the other cars in his view, and how the kids were cross when a taxi cut in between us and the terlichs. maybe it's the strains of auld lang syne still reeling in my head, but i just felt so blessed to be among friends, all of us looking out for each other, whether in traffic, looking for sales at in wanchai, or kids on the playground.

it took us about 45 minutes to get to our destination and it was so interesting watching hong kong change nuances as we got closer to the border. in sha tin suddenly there are special sidewalks for cyclists. this fascinated the kids so we briefly talked to who ever was awake about bicycles in china.

then trees, of all shapes and sizes and all shades of green.

and parking.

stepping out, with our friends and the kids sniffing the air. "i like it. it's fresh air" declared sela.

getting fishing rods.

sebastian doing a lap of one of the fishing ponds.

setting up a table with a bottle of white wine, cups, a bag of chippies (aren't we sophisticated?) and standing around, looking at the water. learning how to cast. and drag in.

the look on jasper's face when he caught the first fish. (correction: his pole caught the first fish. paul reeled in the fish!) the look on sasha's face, then aidan's, then jasper's again. the look on tara's face when she HADN"T caught a fish. (actually quite similar to sela's face....sela and i were the only ones who didn't catch fish i think!) taking sebastian for an exploration around the fishing area, and letting him loose only to have him stop short as a great white crane took flight five metres in front of us.

the kids got filthy and the sun sunk lower in the sky.

sometimes we talked to each other, sometimes we veered off, alone (or in hopes of grabbing a fish). later on, the kids watched the fish being bopped over the head (that would be killed), and filleted. i chose not to watch that bit. sebastian didn't like that bit as much, his ears were covered, but he insisted on watching with the other kids.

what a day.

we were left completely alone, and in hong kong that is rare. the kids had the run of the place, and in hong kong, that is also rare. it was freedom, and it was fishing.  it was comments like sela's as she emerged from the squatter toilets, "I couldn't find tissue so i just shaked."

friends, cooperative fish, simple pleasures, clean air, laughter, lazy days, roaming kids, the sweet poignancy that comes at the end of a good holiday. we just felt so blessed.

2010, you're off to a great start.

Comments

[Auntie Pammie]

sounds like you all had a great time.. so when are you eating the rewards of your day???
Happy New Year xoxo

[edebock]

I hope the rest of your year is as lovely as the beginning!

[Mo aka Maureen aka Grandmother aka Mum]

Amen to your being blessed, darling! So glad you had such a great day.... and to think that one of the group didn't want to go! Much love, M xox

[Tara]

Such a great day had by ALL! We cooked and ate the fish yesterday. Apparently it was nice. xx

[Dad aka GDad Blake]

Do you always serve white wine to my Grandchildren when they have fish???

Love to all....Dad

[Term Paper]

It took you about 45 minutes to get to our destination and it was so interesting watching hong kong change nuances as we got closer to the border,I know that this moment very excited for you.