“Of Mice and Men” is one of Steinbeck’s novels capturing the era of the Great Depression, published in 1937. It is a short story that climaxes quickly, depicting the livelihoods of Lennie and George, two migrant workers in the ranches of California. Steinbeck is a master in characterization, depicting individual…

I read the “The Sun also Rises” after “A moveable feast” — the latter was a memoir which captured Hemingway’s early years as an expat journalist in Paris, and the former was a novel about British and American expats traveling from Paris to Spain. In both works, Hemingway’s unique literary…

With Christmas holidays approaching, we were blessed with a 4-day break with beautiful weather in Hong Kong. A stroll under the sun provides a window to unwind and reflect about a year that has seen huge transformations — both in society and our own growth trajectory. …

This book is the first of seven autobiographies of Maya Angelou, depicting her childhood years in the American south during the 1930s depression era. Combining the raw and honest perspective of a child and the wisdom of retrospection, Angelou eloquently explores the struggles of racial inequality, the pains of growing…

Tokyo Skytree — Mount Takao — Meji Shrine — Tsukiji outer fish market After a 3-day visit to Kyoto, we boarded the Shinkansen bound for Tokyo. In both Kyoto and Tokyo, we stayed at hotels near train stations for the ease of transportation; in Tokyo we stayed near Asakusa. We…

We embarked on a trip to Kyoto and Tokyo in the end of November, as travel gradually resumed for most of Asia. Family travel is a blessing after graduation from university, and I cherish the warm togetherness of exploring new places in these precious moments. Along the plane and train…

The Victoria harbour race was held on the 23rd of October this year, and we were blessed with beautiful weather apt for open-water competition. Compared with the choppy waves, gusty winds, and 19 degrees December weather in 2021, the October climate was mild — comfortable 25 degrees water temperature accompanied…

Gazing down from the Peak, enveloped with the chilly breeze mixed with a hint of the overnight rain, I felt like I was on the top of the world. With the summer heat largely behind us, Autumn reminds us to get back on track — into the mountains for Hong…

“The heart of the Buddha’s teaching” is an introduction to Buddhism, written by Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh (Thầy), who portrays the elements to enlightenment in well-segmented chapters. Using poetry, metaphor, and mundane scenarios in daily life, Thầy guides readers to link Buddhism ideals to actionable practices. The book is…