A SHORT STAY IN SYDNEY
Grandmaster Wong and his wife with the Sydney Bridge behind
On 16th November 2013, Michael (Sifu Michael Agar) and Caroline, my wife and I flew to Sydney and stayed for two to three days. We visited the Opera House, the areas around Circular Quay and the Harbour Bridge.
The Opera House is a symbol of Sydney. It has captured world wide praise for its layout and structure, beautified by its location on scenic Sydney harbor. Today the Sydney Opera House is a national cultural centre with world wide recognition as a performing arts venue, and it comprises a concert hall, opera and drama theatres, a playhouse and a studio.
When I first visited Circular Quay in Sydney about 40 years ago, I was enchanted by its scenery. I promised myself that one day I would take my wife there, a promise I could fulfill later. To take my wife there again was another memorable experience. But the Circular Quay I first saw, and the Circular Quay in 2013 were quite different. It was open then, with a sense of expansive space, but now it was crowded by buildings which sprouted up during the Australian Olympic Games of 2000. But still the Circular Quay was a very spectacular place.
Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of the most well-known and photographed landmarks in Australia. It is heartening to know the bridge is almost a hundred years old. It carries six traffic lanes and two railway lines in both directions.
We went to Chinatown for a meal. When we were in Melbourne, the meal we had in Melbourne Chinatown was exquisite. Personally I found the meal in Melbourne Chinatown more tasty, but the meal in Sydney Chinatown was also very delicious. My wife, as usual, purchased a lot of abalone for our daughters at home. I told her that with the exchange rate, the abalone in Malaysia might be cheaper. But it was special, she said, it was abalone bought in Australia.
We then visited the Paddy's Market. There were a lot of shops, particularly Asian, selling a lot of things, and they were cheap -- by Australian standard. I bought some pocket flashlights, which I couldn't find in Malaysia. As I found the flashlights useful when I was back home, I wrote to Michael to ask him to buy more. Michael, of course in his generosity, refused to accept any money from me.
I visited my cousin, Thong Meow, who lived in Sydney. I met my cousin about 40 years ago when she studied in Australia, and had since lost contact with her. Luck was always with us in Shaolin Wahnam, as our family members would know that "hou yun qi" which literally means "good circulation of energy" but figuratively means "good luck". After a short search, I contacted my cousin.
I was actually luckier than what I thought. My uncle, i.e. my mother's younger brother, and his wife were staying in my cousin's house for a holiday from China. It was, of course, wonderful to spend time with them. I also took the opportunity to teach them some chi kung.
Then came the time for my departure with my wife with Air Asia Airlines back to Malaysia. It was at the airport that Michael demonstrated his superb skill in strategy. My wife bought a lot of abalone and other goods not only in Sydney but also in Taiwan and other places in Australia on the way. The airline clerk wanted to charge me a lot of money for excess baggage. I didn't know what Michael did, but he spoke to a supervisor and the charge was waived.
Wong Kiew Kit
18th January 2018, Sungai Petani
Grandmaster Wong taking some photos while his wife looks on
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