H8?

Today I found out that I was posted on someone's Blog after tracing a comment which compared me to another YT dancer (from what I can tell the Blog is like a gossip column for YouTube dancers). Curious, I had a look to find that the owner had 'rated' my dance videos, (or one of them at least) giving me a two out of five, but saying she hoped I improved. This was fair enough - people are entitled to their own opinions and although publishing them on her site may not be the most noble of moves, some of her criticism such as finding a less cramped area to dance in, was constructive.

What shocked me was the wave of slightly spiteful quips other girls, all of them in the J/K-pop dancing scene decided to post, not just about me, but a wide range of young girls from all over the world, which the host agreed with. These then spiralled off into other peoples Blogs and posts. I found comments about my clothes, about my room, my hair etc. The original host said to curl it. Hard when you lack curlers and your hair is naturally straight. But it was these digs that made me think about why I decided to YouTube the dances I did. To get thicker skin. Comments only have as much power as you give them. There is no 'right ' way to do anything. Although my nature is to react being Autistic and all, and also having to battle with my mental health daily, I'm slowly learning to roll with the punches. (Having a job in a place were we get phycotic, crazy parents everyday helps too).

It's a brave thing, posting anything on the internet. I would NEVER post anything bad about someone who bares their soul for all to see. Especially when, in the few minutes that people are watching your video, you are letting them in a part of your life; your room/home/personal space, your body and clothes, your personality and what you love is all there for completely random strangers to see.

I think things, but I'm human and entitled to my thoughts, even though they'd best be kept private for fear of hurting someone's feelings when all they do is have fun. As I looked at other posts about other girls my heart sank - many it is fair to say, were not complementary.

Girls are cynical creatures.
Yes. I'm autistic, and have been at the receiving end of taunts, bullying, cyberbullying, pranks gone too far etc, and have been injured emotionally and physically. At times it's hard to tell which hurt more. This isn't some sob story post, or sympathetic cry for help, but genuine observations and (although typed) almost a questioning conversation. You're still reading - either you are a YouTuber, are one of the taunters or your interest has been raised. Either way, I hope you continue.

Anyway, my gist is I know what it's like to have people gossip behind your back, and have snide comments thrown your way every day for being different. But everyone on that Blog was a YT dancer (or part of the scene) and fed on the first scrap of criticism, turning it into something nasty. One girl whom I have spoken online with and seemed pleasant enough was ripped apart by haters (or 'trolls'?) for doing some minor things 'wrong' with her videos. Another put down a clearly talented girl's singing voice. Usually I'd say it was jealousy, such as in Beckii Cruel's case (if you don't like her videos, don't watch?) but this seems different. It's like those with less happiness and success need to put down others. As in life, as in the internet.

So far, almost all of the YT dancers I have met have been lovely, well rounded people. True, we're not all professional dancers, but do we need to be? I started dancing and posting the videos online because my friends were doing it and I ENJOYED it. Still do. I knew that the posts about my videos would be ranging from praise to plain hate, and when I was brave enough to turn on comments on my videos I prepared myself. I still haven't turned on ratings and probably never will; why put myself through extra turmoil? I'm sensitive as it is, and the Asbergers doesn't help. I'll do what I feel comfortable doing.

There is now a pressure in this community which I never felt before - the pressure to do better than all your rivals and even friends. During the Kawaii Star Of The Year 2011 Finals, I was hurt to find out some people who were polite to my face wrote many disgustingly inappropriate comments. Why? Because they watched my video and wanted to put their views across? They wanted to be in my position? Or they just saw me and thought that I wouldn't be affected by what they put. That it was harmless fun. Disliking my entry video was easy. Threatening my life and family was just a fun game.

The anonymity of the internet both empowers us and compels us to do things and say things we usually wouldn't. Maybe they were stressed, angry, bored, etc. But how was that a consolation to me at the time? If they looked back at the comments, would they take them back and appologise? Feel they were justified? Or still feel apathetic about the whole issue?

I dance mostly in my room - colour scheme being black and white. I try to do unsually, lesser done dances and jazz my room's walls up with colourful scarves, plushies, flowers etc so was disappointed to see that someone thought it was too lack-luster. Somebody else thought I overdid it. Dear starry heavens above. The phrase "You Can't Please Everybody" springs into mind.

 I try, that's all I can do. Same with the room being cramped - I'd love a bigger house, with a massive room, loads of natural light and no distractions to film the perfect dance, but for now I deal with what I have and can afford with my rent. I've listened to comments saying about better camera angles, and I sorted that problem as they really is no great place to put the camera (I'm going to invest in a stand. Soon. I promise). But some things no one can fix and I try to focus more on the dance side.

(Found this randomly. Thought I'd add it in.)

Technically I can wear whatever I want because those are my videos and sure, I maybe wouldn't wear a few of them outside on the street in the slum of Hampshire, but this is FUN for me. I like the adrenaline rush of dancing and posting, and I get a lot of enjoyment learning a new dance and getting a tricky step right. I can't change my bedroom or help the areas where I dance sometimes, but I do like the freedom to wear crazy stuff XD As I said before, these girls are into J/K culture and music, and maybe wear the more outlandish fashions and Cosplay. Abuse for what we wear is all to common, and I let stoopids be stoopids, but to get hate from people who get it themselves? This sounds all too similar to a playground bully, who when they leave the comforting power they hold and school and enter the real world, fall apart.

I love picking crazy outfits - the liberty of the internet always thrills me and transforms me into my alter ego as you will. Each video I make is personal and I put a bit of my creativity and personality into it. Many 'normal' people will WTF but those who also wear outlandish and 'different' clothes I feel should be more tolerant. It's like they picked on something, anything, to make the videos seem silly. Maybe they do think the outfits are bad, but how can they "ruin" a dance? I like them, and many people have commented directly or inboxed me saying they like them too. I'm not going to suddenly change because someone feels what I wear is silly or 'unconnected'. In what day and age should we suddenly CONFORM and be like everyone else? You get complaints if you "copy", you get complaints if you are too "different" so that happy medium is the mediocrity that's been done before.

I have a feeling also that age has something to do with it.
Teens probably spent more time that anyone trawling the internet, and with the world as it is, anything to give us a bit more control in our lives and uncertain futures makes us feel better. Possibly, this includes insulting someone.

I've been told I'm quite mature for my age as I had to grow up quite fast, and I find that it is a waste of time telling someone to "*%$£@*&" for no reason, and even if there is reason, just don't do it. Be smarter with yourself. You can't sweat the things you cant change, and if it's not hurting anyone, just leave people who annoy you be. You don't think about them, they don't bother you. Duh. Adults can also be childish (my gosh I've met a few) but the majority of good people will not sink to a level of insulting people anonymously or even publically because they don't understand something or because they feel like it. It sounds silly when someone puts it that way doesn't it?

So why are we as a community of dancers slagging off people we should be supporting, or if you REALLY can't stand them, leaving them be? Learning and performing can be a big step for young people, and confidence should be gained from your peers with support, praise and CONSTRUCTIVE criticism i.e. a bit sharper here rather than YOU SUCK! But as humans, we also have an overpowering desire to be the best and feel good about ourselves. Anonymously posting on the internet and hate sites is one way of doing that. But behind every dancer is a person with a social/familial life and insecurities like anyone else. They may laugh at the comments or shrug them off, and kudos to them (I bet the haters couldn't do that unless they really were a pretty bad person and apathetic). But still, deep down inside, you've hurt someone for your own ego. We forget to "treat people as we would like to be treated". I hope that one day, the community will band together more, that would make it truly great.

Here is a picture of a bird.

Before ‘The Hunger Games’

I recently saw “The Hunger Games” in the cinema with my friends. A massive fan of the books, I was very pleasantly surprised with the movie, and how true it was to the original novel. My only criticism is that it should have been left as it was originally – as a ‘15’ with the gore of the tribute’s demises left in as violence is a massive theme of the story.  But the film industry wanted more revenue, chopped out the more grisly sections and left the film feeling slightly incomplete.

Whilst waiting for my friends to arrive I was browsing the local shops and wandered into HMV where I found a copy of ‘Battle Royale’ in the World Cinema section. Many say that THG was based off BR as the ideas are very similar, although Collins has stated, "I had never heard of that book or that author until my book was turned in. At that point, it was mentioned to me, and I asked my editor if I should read it. He said: 'No, I don't want that world in your head. Just continue with what you're doing.'

So I shall do a comparison between the two, not to see which is ‘better’ but to look at the similarities and differences (whether through plot or culture) and what the stories mean for us as a nation and people.

Both movies started out as novels. Battle Royale, or バトル・ロワイアル (Batoru Rowaiaru) is a novel written by Koushun Takami, completed in 1996 and published in 1999. A success, the novel has been adapted into a 2000 film and a manga series and also been translated into Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Russian, Norwegian, and Hungarian. Almost ten years later, The Hunger Games was written by an American television writer and novelist, Suzanne Collins. It was first published on September 14^th, 2008. Collins said her inspiration came from channel surfing, and having the news on the Iraqi War and a Game Show merge in her head.

Both books were a hit, although understandably controversial. The Hunger Games was named one of Publishers Weekly's "Best Books of the Year" in 2008 and was the 2009 winner of the Golden Duck Award in the Young Adult Fiction Category. In 2011, the book won the California Young Reader Medal and the 2012 edition of Scholastic's Parent and Child magazine, The Hunger Games was listed as the 33rd best book for children, with the award for "Most Exciting Ending" (although ‘children’ is probably not the best target audience for it).

Upon publication in 1999, Battle Royale became one of the best-selling novels in Japan. It was earlier entered into the 1997 Japan Grand Prix Horror Novel competition, but was eventually rejected in the final round due to its controversial content. It also has many fans abroad with writers such as Stephen King singing its praises.

The movies came later: BR in 2000 only a year after the book release, and THG in 2012.

Like the books, the movies are a hit.

After its second weekend at the box office, analysts estimated that The Hunger Games movie earned $251 million domestically, and another $113.9 million internationally, and is set to make more during it’s time on the big screen and DVD release. Due to its runaway success, a sequel movie (the second book in the trilogy) is being planned.

BR was a mainstream domestic blockbuster, becoming one of the ten highest grossing films in Japan and was released in 22 countries worldwide. It is often regarded as one of Japan's most famous films, as well as one of Fukasaku's best films. Kinji Fukasaku started working on a sequel, Battle Royale II: Requiem, but he died of prostate cancer on January 12, 2003, after shooting only one scene. His son, Kenta Fukasaku, completed the film in 2003 and dedicated it to his father.

The plots are also similar. Both are set in the future, in worlds that could be. Both have characters forced by the government to compete in a deadly game, where theymust kill each other in order to win. Battle Royale does not hold back with the cruelty and blood splatter. The Hunger Games strongly implies it but most is not shown. The deaths are tolled and the fatalities announced every night (THG) or morning (BR).

In BR, the Japan of the future is messy; high crime, high unemployment and 800,000 kids walking out of school. The government create an “Educational Reform Act”, also known as Battle Royale where a random class of students are forced to take part.

Class 3-B makes a field trip after completing their compulsory studies; however, the class is gassed and sent to a "briefing room" on a remote island, wearing electronic collars. Their teacher explains that the class has been chosen to participate in this year's Battle Royale. The orientation video has the class forced to kill each other for three days until only one student remains. Students resistant to their rules or entering one of the randomly placed "death zones" for each day are killed by the collar's detonation (they will also detonate after three days if there is no winner). A student refuses to cooperate and their teacher slashes his back with a knife before detonating his collar while his classmates watch in horror, which quickly turns to rage and general panic. Each student is provided with a bag of food and water, plus one item containing either a weapon (a shotgun, a pistol, a knife) or an item (a saucepan lid, a fork, a paper fan, binoculars). The weapons are supposed to eliminate any natural advantage any one student might have over the others. None have been prepared for this and react in different ways. Some refuse these packs and refuse to participate, committing suicide. Others gleeful start killing with abandon, their darker natures surfacing. The protagonists admit to each other, that really they wouldn’t trust anyone in their class. And so the slaughter begins.

(The participants are prepped, BR above, THG below)

The Hunger Games takes place in a nation known as Panem after the destruction of North America by some unknown apocalyptic event. Panem consists of a wealthy Capitol and twelve surrounding, poorer districts under the Capitol's hegemony. District 12, where the protagonists are from, is located in the coal-rich region that was formerly Appalachia.

As punishment for a previous rebellion against the Capitol in which a 13th district was destroyed, one boy and one girl between the ages of 12 and 18 from each district are selected by annual lottery to participate in the Hunger Games, an event in which the participants (or "tributes") must fight in an outdoor arena controlled by the Capitol, until only one remains. The story is narrated by 16-year-old Katniss Everdeen, a girl from District 12 who volunteers for the 74th annual Hunger Games in place of her younger sister, Primrose. Also selected from District 12 is Peeta Mellark, a baker's son whom Katniss knows from school, and who once gave her bread when her family was starving.

After a brief goodbye to their family and friends, Katniss and Peeta are taken to the Capitol where they train for the fight to come. The arena changes each year and many die of starvation, exposure and are killed by the natural environment with earthquakes, floods, volcanoes, poisonous plants and wild animals. The tributes are then publicly displayed to the world of Panem in televised sessions. The tributes lie, and try to manipulate the audiences to gain ‘sponsors’ which can be crucial for survival, as audience members are encouraged to send gifts like food, medicine, and tools to favoured tributes during the Games. The Games begin with 11 of the 24 tributes killed in the first day, while Katniss relies on her well-practiced hunting and outdoor skills to survive. As the games continue, the tribute death toll increases, the wealthy Capitol dwellers making bets on who will survive and giving their children swords to play-fight with, watching the tributes murder each other on TV. Some take a full on fighting approach as they have been practicing at home. Some avoid the fight and survive by stealth. All except one in each game must die, but unlike Battle Royale, there’s no time limit, although the ‘Gamemakers’ intervene cunningly and force things to happen if the audience get bored. Unlike BR, the tributes must find their own food, water and weapons, either naturally or supplied in the Cornucopia. It is more a test of survival than a straight out fight.

(Look similar? BR below, THG above.)

The viewers are introduced to characters and grow to like them only to watch them be cruelly killed off. Survival instincts for all characters kick in and in their own way, they rebel against the dystopian world they live in. You see true human nature take over (after all, humans are the only animal who kills for pleasure) with the young adults actually taking delight in the others deaths, whilst the world looks on. Questions are raised; would you kill strangers? Or form temporary alliances with them? Would you ever kill your friends? And can you even trust your friends not to kill you?

Some seem too well trained with the weapons they are given, others try to organise meetings to talk and sort things out. All instinctively kill out of fear, even though there was a slim choice to abstain, it’s kill or be killed.

Both films have an eerie sense of celebrity surrounding the winner of the games. BR starts off with photographers and reporters all trying to catch a glimpse of the latest winner, a young girl covered in blood, clutching a soft toy and smiling manically whilst being driven in an army vehicle. All winners are later arrested and tried for murder. You may win the fight, but not your freedom.

In THG, the ‘tributes’ are treated like royalty before the games, even though many have lived in poverty before. They are given the best food, their own stylists and a complete make-over, TV interviews etc, whilst being left to die and having their lives played with in the arena. If you win your whole District get food and you get a Victory Tour, a luxury house, money, food and fame. If you lose it means certain death and you become another pawn for the Capitol – another statistic whose name isn’t even mentioned.

Although the audience know that what is happening is wrong (the lady next to me described it as ‘sick’), they eagerly follow the journey and deaths of the unfortunates. With reality TV shows becoming crueller, who’s to say this won’t be our future? A destroyed world, fighting teenagers, extreme poverty, violence, forbidden love, lies, manipulation, the breakdown of control, war, secret military programs, the hype of celebrity, a controlling government – sound familiar? These are all themes in the films, and all are relevant. At least both end the same way; in hope. That the system can be beaten (although not without its repercussions) and you can have some control of your life, even when others are determined to take it.

Both are fantastic films and I thoroughly recommend watching them :D

(On the right, Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen.)

(A still of the (slightly comical I must admit) video explaining Battle Royale.)

Sew Cool!

At Hyper Japan I entered several prize draws and raffles.

Amazing thing is – I actually won one! Courtesy of Cosplayer E-Magazine I won a sewing kit including threads, scissors, a sweet little woven basket, needles and pins, cloth marking pencils, dress patterns etc. All of this fits nicely into my cute little sewing box I got for Christmas!

I used my new materials to finish off my Emmy Altava cosplay, and today, the clothing part of my Esther Blanchett (Nun) costume is also done, so I achieved quite a lot XD

WHAT A FRILL! - Hyper Japan February 2012

Hyper Japan decided that after the runaway success it had Summer 2011 that it would be held again in the Spring, this time in the much bigger venue of Earls Court (Brompton Hall).

I decided to attend on the Saturday and Sunday again like last time as these seem to be the days (the Saturday especially) that are busier, more exciting and more full of fun things to see and do!

Travelling alone in Lolita is always an experience, and I was very happy I got no trouble on the train. One woman with her kids even kept taking my picture which was a little taster of what was to come. One thing I like about these events are that if you are dressed up, you are like a mini celebrity for the day. Everyone at the event was really nice about asking for pictures and you don’t mind when the odd sneaky one is taken as you can have fun looking for them on the internet later.

The queue was very short (on Saturday I had general entry) and I got in with only a few minutes of waiting. Inside was already buzzing with activity, and after meeting my friends who I hadn’t seen for a while, I went with Scarlett and her friends to watch Natsuko Aso perform. Natsuko (or Naa-chan as she made us call her) was very bubbly, cute and charismatic. She sung her songs that were used for the endidngs of various animes, dancing and involving the audience as she went. My personal favourite was Diamond Star. As entertaining as she was, the spotlight was also shared by a group of her male fans doing Wota Gei (a kind of support to idols involving chants, and basic dance moves) complete with glow sticks and good old fashioned Otaku enthusiasm :D I have to admit I joined in with the arm waving and shouting “HEY!”, and also joined in Naa-chan’s finale dance. Her clothes were gorgeous – the petticoat she wore as a skirt had so much poof and I really loved her white boots with a slight heel!

Next was general milling around. I had a mini slot on the Nico Nico Douga live streaming which was a lot of fun and had some really sweet comments from Japan calling me pretty and cute, and some crazier ones like “Be my waifu!” and “What colour are your panties?” Someone answered “PURE WHITE PANTSU” which made me laugh a lot XD

Most of my friends were in the Frills And Frolics fashion show which on the Saturday showcased the more sweet and cute types of Japanese fashion such as Sweet, Country and Classic Lolita, Otome, Mori Girl, Decora, Fairy Kei, Gyaru and Punk Lolita. It was good to see some guys up there as well strutting their stuff and at the end of the show everyone in Japanese Street Fashion was asked to come up on stage for photos and the chance to win prizes. Apart from the rude lady behind me, it was great to be surrounded by so many Lolitas :D

After this I did a spot of shopping as the queues for food were still waaaay too long >_< I visited the Lolita Bring And Buy where Scarlett was eyeing a Macaroon Print skirt whilst we waited in the long line to the clothes. I didn’t get any clothing items, but I did get two fluffy hearts which I had been looking for a long time. Other fuzzies I bought involved the awesome items from Little Mizz Kitty where I got a fluffy/fuzzy star and bow. There were other really cool necklaces (my friend Jess got a pink and purple cute skull chain) and brooches, but I spent some more of my money on the stall shared with LMK, called Little Miss Mann. Here were more Gothic items. With the popularity of bones and body part prints and accessories rising after the success of Kyary Pamu Pamu’s PonPonPon video (did I mention I know the guy who created the background for that music video?) these accessories were in high demand. Eyeball rings and skeleton pendants were cleverly displayed but I got a black bow with bone detail (it reminded me of a dogs bone J ) and Jess got a skeletal hand and bow brooch.

Other awesome stalls included Bunny De Coeur, the quirky but cool (and expensive) Cyberdog, Roxie Sweetheart, Deer Oh Deer, the amazing handmade hair accessories of Now, Voyager and the sweet, super Kawaii items of Tofu Cute. I got a pudding ring and a cupcake necklace from two stalls who I don’t think have a brand name but were really sweet just the same.

I had a fun time collecting packs of free tissues, entering competitions to win a sewing kit, trips to Japan, a handmade skirt and designing an edame bean to win a hamper. I loved listening to the great music of Masa-Kun the violinist and Hibiki Ichikawa, Britain’s only professional shamisen player who also performed with his students, an enka singer and showed his own composition with a very skilled drummer. Unfortunately, there were a lot of people standing up and crowding around the small stage. One of my only criticisms of the event was that the stage and the stages seating area was still very small.

At last the food queues had gone down (slightly) and I had some yakisoba on the floor as the tables were full of people, some not even eating but having a rest. It was delicious and to finish it off I had a pink chocolate covered banana with sprinkles. Some very sweet Japanese ladies took some pictures of me eating it as they thought it looked ‘kawaii’. They were ever so lovely, but the pictures themselves are probably really unflattering XD

I watched the Cosplay parades and selections for the English representatives being chosen for the World Cosplay Summit and the European Cosplay gathering (both groups and individual) from afar as there were so many people T_T What I could see of the performances though was really interesting and the winners all thoroughly deserved their prizes as there was some amazing costumes and skits.

Sunday rolled around, and I arrived early and got in without waiting as I was on the Lolita Bring And Buy Stall! Volunteering meant that I got to meet new people, got free entry, got first pick of the items and got a free vegetarian bento lunch! Performances by Beckii Cruel (other YouTube users such as Venus (VenusAngelic) and Kelsey (KimonoTime) were also around that day) and the more Gothic Focussed Lolita Fashion show kicked off the day, and then after a quiet three hours on the Lolita B&B I hung out with the other finalists of the Kawaii Star Of The Year 2011; Nazia and Scarlett. We had a great laugh.

I tried on the robotic Neko Mimi which are supposed to sense your brain waves and move accordingly. They were so cute and twitched when I had different emotions and facial expressions. They were such a clever gadget! I looked at all of the amazing (but expensive) kimonos; furisodes and yukatas alike. The obi belts, tabi socks and other accessories were just as amazing, and if I had the money I would have gone on an absolute spree! I loved in particular the orange, green and dark blue furisodes. In the corner, Kimono De Go were dressing people up and taking their picture for a reasonable price in either a kimono or… a ninja suit XD Great stuff.

Another thing I didn’t do the previous day was have a shaved ice as they had sold out before! At Nice Ice there were many flavours but I played it safe with Strawberry. Both Scarlett and I enjoyed playing with the moving toys including a Totoro, a cat and mouse and a cat in a crate moneybox whilst we waited. The ice was the most delicious thing I tasted all weekend! It was gloriously fruity with real strawberry chunks on top, and the flavours of strawberries and even cream were prominent.

I enjoyed golden chestnut ice cream, a vanilla filled biscuit and dorayaki as well. Munching on them as I wandered about taking pictures, having pictures taken and giving interviews and talking with press about what I was wearing. It was great fun! I even saw an article in Cosplayer magazine about last years Hyper Japan in Spanish with a massive picture of me giving out origami during the KSOTY. There was also video footage of me dancing being shown which was pretty cool :D

I also met the ladies who had provided us with the Yukatas we used and they recognised me which was lovely J Overall I was amazed at the support and how many people who remembered me and my performance; it was very touching.

I took a little trip around the Baby, The Stars Shine Bright stall. I love the Lolita items that they and Alice And The Pirates create, but it is all so expensive! I also paid a visit to the Third Window Films and J-Books stands buying a DVD to add to my growing collection of Japanese cinema.

The day ended with the announcement of who won the sushi contest; I didn’t try the food but from what I saw of the presentation and other peoples comments, entry number five, Dragons Volcano was a worthy winner!.

After that, it was time to head home. All of the game TVs were switched off and the Nico Nico Douga live streaming presenters said goodbye. An announcement said the venue would shut in five minutes and I headed out… only to bump into friends who I couldn’t find during the whole event! Typical. They were cosplaying Ouran High School Host Club members and even gave me plastic roses which are now displayed in my room!

Needless to say, after my experiences last year, Hyper Japan will always have a special place in my heart. It is great to have a show that focuses on Japanese culture in general as there are now several that already focus on manga, anime and gaming. I felt really good in my Lolita clothes and had an absolute ball. This has fuelled my desire to visit Japan! I can only do my best!

 The haul :) Excluding the free tissue packets!

Cool vampire necklace with little red blood drop gem.

Until next time,

Finny <3

For footage and photos, check out my YouTube video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qI8hP-3t3ZM

Hong Kong – Interesting Things And The Last Day

Jane’s flat was amazing. Situated at North Point, it was very clean and even had someone to welcome you as you came in. The area was really lovely, and there was a swimming pool and spa area at its base where we enjoyed a Jacuzzi, steam room and sauna.

I loved watching Cantonese TV as it had Kanji subtitles and I could recognise some characters. The acting for soaps was overdramatized and melodramatic, so it was pretty easy to figure out story lines, but it was cool to watch places you visited appear on screen in the plot. We also watched the Cantonese Music Awards which were loads of fun, but my personal favourites were the adverts which were almost as entertaining as the programs themselves. The one for panty liners/ sanitary towels featuring happy dancing girls cracks me up just thinking about it. Even more so as I saw the product in a supermarket the next day. The HK Police aired a commercial/clips of how to keep your belongings and yourself safe whilst out on the streets and how to avoid theft which I thought was very sensible.

Watching TV whilst laying in my favourite contraption… THE MASSAGE CHAIR was the best! I think I spent more time in that chair than on the sofa, and it was just so relaxing after an exhausting day of walking around and exploring the city. There were many different massages to choose from, and you could adjust it to suit the height of different people so I had a blast using it. Shame it was too big to smuggle back home… L

We went to the cinema one day to see Sherlock Holmes: Game Of Shadows which was an awesome movie (in English but with Cantonese Subtitles) and enjoyed some sweet popcorn, which unlike the popcorn in Britain was covered with solidified caramel! It made a good change and was absolutely delicious!

One mall had a massive Hello Kitty as its mascot positioned at the entrance and was an interesting place as there were machines in each Star Sign which, when inserted with a small donation to a children’s charity would tell your fortune. Apparently, in wealth I’ll be super lucky! :D There was also an arcade in the same mall with adorably cute prizes. I didn’t win anything but just standing in the radiant pink space was cool enough.

On the way back to England, we took the bus to the airport, which was a long ride but allowed a last good look of the city and islands and before we left Jane’s flat, we had some noodles which I now admit were a symbol/motif of the adventure XD

One thing I can say about HK Airport is that it’s super-efficient. We were through immigration and on our plane sharpish, although once again the journey was brain numbing. We couldn’t even get a decent place to sleep at our EIGHT HOUR stopover in Doha, and I’m not sure if it was because I was female, but the male clerks at duty free and information desks were very rude. The women however were really helpful but it was annoying that they wouldn’t accept or exchange HK Dollars so I had to use GB Pounds which I was thankful I’d brought with me. Although I wished to take my jacket off, I was attracting a lot of looks from Sheiks already, so I kept it on. >_< Eight hours eventually passed and I was finally home; truth be told though, I didn’t really want to leave in the first place! ;)

Hong Kong Attractions – Ocean Park And Disneyland

Again, sorry for lack of pictures. They come later :D

I have been neglecting this Blog for too long - although In my defence I have been very busy with various *cough* important things.

We went to two theme parks in the land of HK.

Ocean Park is a mixture of amusement park, zoo and aquarium. It’s split into two areas, with one up the mountain and one at its basin bellow. Once inside you can switch between the two either on a tram with plays a great undersea video to amuse you throughout the journey, or by cable car so you can enjoy the view (it’s right next to the sea but you can still see the city and mountains complete with swooping birds of prey).

We took a taxi there and the 20 minute ride cost less than a fiver. I took a taxi in Basingstoke a few days ago and for a 5 minute journey I was charged £6. -__- Anyway, we went into the main aquarium area first with had loads of great fish and underwater life. Some of the tanks were open topped so you could get a great view of the starfish or stroke the rays :D I wore my spotted cape/poncho-y thing and people were very quick to pick up on me looking like the sting ray and manta ray’s lost cousin XD I loved watching the sharks swim overhead in the tunnel section and was amazed at the massive giant crabs and sweet seahorses.

We headed up the mountain via tram for a few rides and attractions including a roller coaster that took us right off the side of a cliff. I enjoyed getting the adrenaline going, but had a very funny scared face for the ride photo. I vowed to improve my facial expression for the next ride. The queues weren’t too long and it wasn’t too hot either as it was January which was very pleasant.

Going back to my childhood, I filled up a glass star with colourful sand and then watched the sea lion and dolphin show. There were so many people we had to stand for the most part and only caught the last 15 minutes but it was still great fun to see the animals do tricks and then beg food off the trainers. Everywhere you went pictures were taken and developed before you bought them. Whilst in the West you could expect to pay a tenner for these, here they ranged from £2-£5 and if you didn’t want to buy they were thrown away.

A highlight of the day was seeing the animals. In one section of the park, called “Asian Animals” you could get up close to many rare species including otters and… PANDAS! We got a great view of FOUR giant pandas lolling around, washing, sleeping and eating bamboo. I don’t think I’d ever seen a panda in real life before that, so it was a fantastic experience for me, especially as they were so close. The red pandas weren’t so co-operative, and I only saw one quite far away and it was having a snooze. >_< The enclosures opened up into a courtyard in with there were pillars which you could write in board pen your wishes for the future and the environment on the shiny glowing screens. I admired the drawing someone had done of Kung Fu Panda. J

At the end was a section devoted entirely to goldfish. There was a traditional looking Asian room with beautiful artefacts and many tanks and water features, all with clear glass so you could see the abundant species of goldfish. There were signs showing each ones history and popularity and I recognised several species such as Black Moor (which I’ve owned myself) and Koi Carp. I was beautiful and relaxing to see them swimming about so peacefully, and some were very large.

At the top of the mountain was another area which focused on the rainforest. Macaws and parrots were prominent and flew around in a large aviary. A mother and baby marmoset (so small and cute*_*) were shielded from the public by bushes and plants as they “Needed privacy and rest”. Awwwww. I loved watching the reptiles – tortoises and frogs got jiggy with it and seemed to pose for tourists, and the toucans were so close I could reach out and touch them.

When we were about to leave as it was getting dark, we stopped to watch a Chinese Acrobatic show which loads of breath-taking stunts and clever maneuverers. For the grand finale they wheeled on giant wind-socks in the shape of people that waggled about with the blasts of air and shot streamers. It was an amazing day, and if you go to HK I thoroughly recommend visiting.

We had to visit Disneyland before we left, so on our last full day we paid a visit. It was a bit out of the way being on Lantau Island, however the tube journey was pleasant and the rail line used to get there was Disney themed! Even the handrails were shaped like Mickey Mouse’s shorts! XD Even the entrance was extravagant as a massive fountain with surfing Mickey greeted you at the gates, and there were people who took your ticket and inserted it in the machine for you, then gave it back. *_*

The park in general is quite small, however some of the rides (like It’s A Small World After All) were being refurbished and the area expanded so it will possibly become bigger. Sleeping Beauty’s castle was also pretty small, but looked really cute and dainty just the same. It was also the venue for the fireworks in the evening.

Disneyland is quite generic wherever you are. There were adorable little Asian girls dressed as their favourite princess. Disney characters stood around for pictures and autographs. The rides ranged from tame kids rides to adrenaline fuelled thrills; Ruth convinced me to go on Speedy’s Racer Ride in Toy Story Land and I shut my eyes for the most part and tried to enjoy feeling the whoosh. We caught the end of a parade with girls in slightly sexy Buzz Lightyear outfits and went into an interactive ride where Stich (from Lilo And Stich) actually talked to you. He interacted with members from the audience and I was one of the victims/participants. After a bit of banter, he became my boyfriend XD However, as there were many shows a day I don’t think he was faithful. ;)

The first ride we went on had a sign saying it could scare small children. Someone obviously didn’t read this, and went on Tarzan’s River Boat Ride anyway. When we ‘angered the spirits’ by rafting down the wrong area, the river burst into flames (don’t ask me how) and as a tidal wave of water crashed over it, billowed steam whilst intense music played. A little girl screamed her head off and burst into tears. Our commentator/boat driver was an absolute legend. He told the girl “Don’t worry – I’ll protect you!” and at the finish said “I hope you all enjoyed the ride and, barring one, will come again!” XD

The live shows were also pretty amazing. We saw “The Golden Mickeys” where characters from various movies sang and danced to their respective hit musical numbers, and also The Lion King Show which retold the story, conveniently leaving out Mufasa’s death. All of the performers (especially the dancers) were super talented and the shows were great entertainment. Photography and recordings were allowed without flash as there was no point trying to stop the hundreds of cameras that whipped out each time (which I thought was hilarious).

After enjoying the events, rides and scenery we watched the fireworks. There was a gorgeous display with lights, smoke, fire and tons of fireworks going off artistically to Disney music. The sweet little girl with a bowl cut next to us said “WOW!” after every one! XD It was a magical end to a magical day.

Hong Kong - Victoria Peak, Symphony Of Lights And Lantau Island

Again, more pictures when my friend gets back from India ':)

Victoria Peak is very famous in HK because of its stunning views over the city and surrounding hills/mountains. We took a long but cheap bus ride up to the top and enjoyed the free viewing platforms with traditional decorations.

I love breath-taking views, and this certainly was amazing – especially as the sun was setting so we were privileged enough to see the sunset in the horizon as well as all of the beautiful city lights. My only complaint was that it was a little foggy, but that definitely didn’t ruin it for me.

The whole area of VP was pretty commercial with a massive mall on the top selling everything from souvenirs to books and clothes. Despite this, I didn’t see many foreigners except outside Madame Tussauds and people were looking at myself and Ruth with interest, much to Ching’s (Jane’s) amusement.

I enjoyed an ice cream despite it being January because hey, every time is right for ice cream. Restaurants and kids play equipment lined the road to a viewing area, but if you really wanted you could pay extra to go even higher. Our frugality and tiredness meant that we decided to queue up for a bus back before it got too crowded; which was just as well as not only was there a long line for buses but when we did get on I felt slightly violated by the close contact with all of the people.

Another place with great views of the city is Tsim Sha Tsui which has a show called The Symphony Of Lights every night. Many sponsored buildings light up with different colours to music and flash with laser effects. It was also pretty foggy when we went, which was a shame but it did give the whole show a smokescreen/dry ice effect which I thought was pretty cool. It’s a lovely walk along the river with the reflections of magnificent buildings twinkling in the water and you can see the whole length of the city almost. A truly magical night I will never forget certainly.

The other side of the walkway are cool places like the Space Museum and Ben Hongkey (please note this was named by us as the Cantonese version of Big Ben tower. Hong Kong – Honkey – get it?) and then you can climb up to an elevated walkway for an even better view. Photographers advertise photos for $20 (less than £2) printed in 2 minutes – an amazing deal but I think we were very tired and wanted to sit down more. We got a lot of that later as we took the ferry back.

I don’t get sea sick although I am wary of the water, but the ferry was amazing fun. Two Cantonese ladies were laughing their heads off as my hair blew drastically around my face, and I enjoyed the seats whose backrests you could flip over depending on the size of your party. Again, this method of transport was very decently priced and was a fantastic way to see the city in a different way.

So far, all of the places I’ve written about have been very urban, so here is a place of natural beauty.

Lantau Island is, well, an island off the mainland. Dominantly Bhuddist, no meat was allowed. *Choirs of angels start up* HALLELUJAH! Vegetarian meals! Good ones! I was in heaven. When we first got off the (long) bus ride where we passed Jane’s Aunt’s restaurant (after a long train ride; we could have taken a cable car with a glass bottom but it was a bit expensive) we saw a calf just wandering aroung Ngong Ping Village. In fact, a lot of animals were just wandering around. Cows, dogs – animals of the Chinese Zodiac and therefore pretty sacred were meandering around and seemed to be well treated by locals (except in one instance where a cow got too close to a shop).

Ngong Ping village was awesome :D Capsule machine land, sweet shops, traditional craft shops, souvenir and gift shops, A Monkeys Tale Theatre as well as a massive golden dragon with dragon mascot inside and examples of different cables cars from all over the world are just some examples of what is there to see and do. My personal favourite was the Wishing Tree. In one shop, you bought a wooden tag and pouch of lucky mineral salts in a coloured bag. I got the yellow one for wealth (hehe) but there was also a pink one for love (aww). You then write on the tag a wish or hope for the future and you can then hang it up on a peg board under the Wishing Tree. I have quite a few wishes so covered both sides of the tag but I really hope at least one comes true J Some people (my guess is devout Bhuddists) chose to hang them on the trees lining the stairway up to the Tian Tan Buddha Statue (although they were more exposed to the elements and could fall off). It was more natural there but I hope that everyone’s wishes got consideration.

The steps on the way up were plentiful, but luckily walking dogs has gotten me quite fit ;) It was worth it when we got to the top as well – although windy, you could see the whole surrounding area rich with lush greenery and life. The Big Bhuddah was awesome – surrounded by statues of smaller figures of significance, he looked happy, calm and peaceful. There were statues of pugs as well as a real pug cross-breed walking around so I felt a bit of home had followed me half way across the world!

Po Lin Monastery was our next stop and the way there was very scenic. Stone statues of warriors each representing an animal of the Chinese Zodiac lined the pathway and at the entrance were massive area for burning incense. I bought a small bargain pack and although I thought there were a lot of decently sized sticks, someone had got a MASSIVE one that was bigger than me! I wondered how they fitted it into the lighting station (neat little oil lamp fires in a metal holder) as it looked very heavy. I lit my sticks and payed respects to all of the people, deities and animals of this wonderful land. Others had left food and flowers on tables in front of the incense by the kneeling desks to show extra thought and appreciation.

The monastery itself was a collection of several beautiful buildings awash with red and gold. The statues and building design were exquisite, and the furnishings, ornaments and decorations were elaborate and very pretty. There was renovation work going on, and when it’s done the place will be even larger! As it was a working monastery, I caught a glimpse of a few monks, but as they were following their religion, I thought it would be rude to stare or take pictures. We used sticks to tell our fortunes (on slips of paper in kanji and riddles so hard even Jane couldn't read them) and generally had a good time. :D

I had an amazing lunch (Fanta, vegetable noodles, spring roll and turnip cake for under £3!!!) and enjoyed looking at the terrapins inside a mini enclosure. It was then off to the path of wisdom. We didn’t get any wiser on our travels there – in fact it was so long I think we began a slow decent into madness. I can’t remember our exact conversation, but it definitely involved kidnapping pandas and releasing them into the wild. The houses, fields and restaurant we passed on the journey (by foot) there seemed derelict and unkempt, but the area had an ancient mystical beauty that couldn’t be denied. We got there eventually, and saw the sticks of wisdom (I don’t know their exact name so have just called them that. You must admit it has a ring to it) sticking up on the edge of the hill.

Next to them was a nature trail/ramblers walk, so you can imagine how lovely the area was. As it happened, the sun was setting too, so you could see the distant figure of the Big Buddha statue in the glow of twilight. It was also nice to take photos of each other on a rock with the red evening glow and landscape in the background.

That’s pretty much it for Lantau Island, although on our decent it was gorgeous seeing the statues lit up and the animals frolicking.  It certainly was one of the highlights of my trip.

To see a collection of video clips and more pictures, visit my other YouTube channel (finnythewiser) or follow the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0I5pLT8RlpY&feature=channel_video_title

I’ll be dancing with my friends at London Anime Con soon – hooray! I’ll also be in the fashion show wearing Country Lolita!

Hyper Japan soon after that – I can’t wait! Then Bunkasai and May MCM Expo 2012 – phew *_* It’ll be busy, but a lot of fun!

Finny out ;)