Recuperating from the wound of my wisdom teeth. Many plans were stalled and time was mostly spent on the bed. The first day was the most terrible as I had a bout of vomiting spell after consuming the medicine. It was a grossly mess and drinking water was another task. But things improved and the wound is healing. With one more teeth in a risky position, the dentist refused to extract it and I am left with the option of seeking more professional opinion.

My HK group mate and buddy has returned to HK and is asking me to visit his country soon. Looks like I will be having a tour guide to introduce me to more good food and shopping deals when I returned. It was quite a "cross-cultural" experience for my project as this time, we had group mates from Spain, Germany and HK. The Europeans complained that local food is too oily and consist of little raw vegetables (they like salad) and the HK complained about the long waiting interval for trains and smaller portion of local food.

With the recent triple breakdowns of our local transportation - the railway, it has invited the public intervention of the Committee of Inquiry which has only conducted two public questionings so far.

Social media has mainly painted a negative picture of it and there is huge public pressure for its Chief Executive to step down. It is appalling to realize shoddy routine checks of the railway surfacing and feeble attempts of service recovery prior to the second breakdown..of which was later greatly rectified. If we take a look at PA system of railways in HK, they are announced in Cantonese, Chinese and English and staffs are stationed adequately to facilitate even minor problems such as in my case, unable to locate the control station and accumulating enough railway reward points for a free single-journey to Disneyland.

While it is quite first-dimensional to blame the highest person in position for such serious disruptions, I believe what the transport analysts had said is right - to learn from operators in other cities (rather than continue pointing fingers). A public transport that has so many stakeholders involved requires good management style, empowered employers and org communication that efficiently facilitates its structure. Of course, I will want all repair works to be done faster haha (although the technicians and engineers have to work even harder..salute them) so that my traveling plans will be least affected.

At a time when I falter and question myself, I receive kind words from some of my friends. Although they are just a few, but I am already satisfied. They gave me the encouragement and perhaps they might not know, they actually provide me with assurance that the path I am walking on is worth it.

One late night after there was no bus and train, I was flagging a taxi and the taxi driver uncle mistook me as a Chinese national (PRC). Even when I tried to correct him, he was still bewildered until I started speaking in Singlish and he switched on the car's interior light to clarify. But jokes aside, I am still sort of cheena and I like Chinese philosophy and history. They are so rich and deep in meaning.

Took a Chinese history and political class many months ago and I like how Lao Tzu says about been satisfied with oneself. In chapter 33 of the Tao Te Ching, it says:

知 人 者 智 ， 自 知 者 明 。 胜 人 者 有 力 ， 自 胜 者 强 。 知 足 者 富 。 强 行 者 有 志 。 不 失 其 所 者 久 。 死 而 不 亡 者 寿 。

Loosely translated in English: Knowing others is wisdom. Knowing oneself is enlightenment. Mastering others requires strength. Masters oneself requires might. He who is satisfied with his lot is rich. He who acts with vigor has will. He who continues with the requirements of his position will endure. He who lives out his day has had a long life or longevity.

I think many times in life we will only come to appreciate what we have and enjoy the richness of life when we come to understand the meaning of being satisfied with our own lot.