Turtle

"Imagine that the whole earth was covered with water, and a man was to throw a yoke with a hole in it into the water. Blown by the wind, that yoke would drift north, south, east and west. Now, suppose that once in hundred years a blind turtle would rise to the surface. What do you think? Would that turtle put his head through the hole in the yoke as he rose to the surface once in a hundred years?"

"It is unlikely Lord."

"Well, it is just as unlikely that one will be born as a human being; it is just unlikely that a Tathagata, a Noble One, a fully enlightened Buddha should arise in the world; and it is just as unlikely that the Dhamma and discipline of the Tathagata should be taught. But now you have been born as a human being, a Tathagata has arisen and the Dhamma has been taught. Therefore, strive to realize the Four Noble Truths."

Sunday, December 14, 2008

First Day in Guangzhou

1. Was definitely not looking forward to this day

2. Had quite an ok time on the plane. Managed to catch up on some reading, and some sleep

3. Had a bad start when I arrived - I don't know what got into me to follow the illegal taxi driver! Luckily nothing bad happened, and it was quite an experience to know how they work.

- I was charged RMB150 for this journey - found out later that it actually cost about RMB110 only
- First person who got the business will lead you to a private car. The driver of the private car will pay him RMB30 (20%).
- Second person (driver of private car) will hunt for a proper taxi to get you to your final destination. The taxi driver pays the second person RMB80 (Therefore the second person earns net RMB50, ~ 33.33%).
- Third person (taxi driver) drives you to your final destination, and gets less than 50% of the total fare, RMB70).

My receipt now shows RMB110... :( I wonder if I can claim RMB150!! If not, my fee for this lesson would be RMB40...

4. Springdale Serviced Apartment is nice! At least better than what I expected... Quite homely...

5. Discovered that the shopping malls nearby are fabulous! Enough for me to get groceries and food.

6. Breakfast is provided! Yippie!!!

7. Now looking at work... I wish I can just shut down the PC... :(

ttg
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