Mandate Success!

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/10598590/BAYSHORE%20REPORT.pdf

And so it ends...

Saying good byes and waiting for flights. We started our journeys home this morning at 12 (Some of us at 4AM), and now we are waiting patiently in the Hong Kong International Airport for another 5 hours to be transferred to our transfer flight on to Toronto. Lots of pictures to show everyone when I'm home. Can't wait to see everyone. 

What an experience. 

Today was our first day in Malaysia. What a beautiful country. Palm trees scatter the city, and the people are humble and welcoming. Today we explored the city during the Kuala Lumpur 'Amazing Race.' We discovered the Batu caves, rode both the new and old train system, and witnessed the unbelievable Petronas towers. I expect we will experience more of Kuala Lumpur in the days to come. I will be home in 4 days. I am getting a little worn down from all of the activity, reports, and projects, but I am going to make it through. The entire JTC team reunited today after being separated into 3 teams for the last 10 or so days. This was refreshing and I look forward to spending the remainder of the trip with everyone. 

This picture was taken outside the Batu caves. Enjoy! 

Last night was insane in Hong Kong. Black markets and side streets in the entertainment district. Tourists and locals searching for most outrageous bargains.

Today began with a meeting at the Canadian  Consulate General of Hong Kong. Afterwards a few of us with mandates in education went to the Canadian International School of Hong Kong where we had the opportunity to introduce our schools and get a tour of their campus. I am in my hotel room right now, getting ready to go to the 'ladies market' before getting some dinner. The ladies market is the fashion district in Hong Kong, with both real and fake merchandise. Should be interesting. 

Tonight we go to Stanley peak hopefully. You must take a lift to the top of the mountain, where the view is apparently unbelievable. We hope to be there for the light show at 815PM - 8:15AM Ontario time.

I have attached a video of the ferry crossing in Hong Kong Harbour. The ferry is called the Star Ferry. Very cool stuff. http://www.starferry.com.hk/company.html

We have arrived in Hong Kong. What a city. This city is the future. The horizon is lined with hundreds of glimmering skyscrapers and billboards - Toronto on steroids. After unpacking my bags and setting up base at the YMCA Salisbury, my friend Shaaz and I put our suits on and walked next door to the Peninsula Hotel. This hotel is the 5th most expensive in the world ... A Rolls Royce was parked outside. Shaaz and I were unsure whether we would get in the door, but we made it all the way to the 24th floor where we had a drink and enjoyed the most incredible skyline I have ever seen in my life. 

Work starts tomorrow. At 8AM we have a meeting at the Hong Kong consulate for a briefing, followed by an education meeting with an education agency. Pictures soon. Camera needs to be unpacked and uploaded.

Hello everyone! I hope everyone is still following the blog. It has been many days since my last entry. The great Chinese Firewall, as I warned, prevented me from accessing this site. Unfortunately, there is a way to get around the firewall that I didn't know about until the day we leave China to Hong Kong. Im sitting in the hotel of the Four Points Sheraton Hotel In Guanzghou China, with my bags waiting to board the train. This is when I am told that vtunnel.com exists and allows you to bypass the firewall. I will be in Hong Kong soon - this afternoon- and I will spend a while updating and posting pictures! Great Wall ... Tiananmen Square ... Markets ... We will be getting on the train soon.