False Alarm

On By kyndarisLeave a comment

Since the return of PAXAus following the disruptive events of the pandemic, I’ve been three times. Yet despite my initial excitement of attending (I mean, it’s PAX! Supposedly the slickest thing for all would-be gamers to attend), it seems fitting my lack of enthusiasm was encapsulated by an evacuation on Day 2. Orderly, though it was, it left a bad taste in my mouth. Especially since my annual pilgrimage down to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre in October would come to a halt, not with a bang, but with a whimper. And one outside of my control.

The day started off similarly to PAXAus Day 1. Bleachpanda and I enjoyed a hearty breakfast at the hotel before heading down Spencer Street. Along the way, we joined fellow pilgrims heading down to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Many were in cosplay while others sported iconic PAX merchandise.

Given we’d did a lot of shopping the day before (or, in this instance, I did), the two of us decided it was better to look around what indie games were on display and try our hand on a few (if we were so inclined).

But, if I’m being honest? There weren’t a lot of games that caught my eye.

Many on display had chosen to go down a roguelike route while others preferred using deck-based combat. Admittedly, there is nothing wrong with developers choosing to go down this route. It’s just that it didn’t much appeal to my sensibilities.

Take Zodiac Mountain, for example. While the premise of a panda wishing to unseat the twelve other zodiac animals in East Asian mythology was interesting, the gameplay mechanics left much to be desired. Coupled with the fact it wasn’t exactly the most polished game, I quickly lost interest.

The same went for Sinthetic. In fact, I’d even played the demo last year at PAXAUs 2024. But while the flat models for cutscenes had been refined and its cyberpunk influenced world contained a lot of promise, the gameplay simply wasn’t at a level that sold me this was a ‘must-play’ title. That’s not even mentioning the flat textures in so many parts of the world.

Still, there were several games that did catch my eye but didn’t quite sit within my wheelhouse of games I’d play. These, of course, were the multiplayer and party games. The ones you’d break out when guests are over.

As for the ones that I might add to my Steam wishlist? Gateworlds seemed charming enough even if I wasn’t sold on the graphics. There was also another game, The Hell: City Builder of the Dead (thank you Google), that had you building up numerous Cities of the Dead for various cultures (even if there was a typo in their trailer on the exhibition floor). Dikottir would later inform me he, too, liked the feel of the game. The only problem? How tone deaf it was to have victims of natural disasters consigned to the ninth circle of Hell, their souls used as resources to build up my very own Hell city.

And my final real-time strategy game that I might entertain the idea of picking up and playing? Grove Keeper. There was just something about building up a grove instead of cutting down trees for lumber that intrigued me.

Other games that intrigued me included Schrodinger’s Cat Burglar, Enfant and Bones: Wandering Soul. These games all had a distinct style to them that made them stand out from the crowd of other titles on display. Whether or not I’ll follow them until release is still up in the air.

Once we’d had a look at all the upcoming titles expected to hit Steam’s shelves, bleachpanda and I had a gander at the ‘This is an Xbox’ exhibit. Unlike Nintendo, Xbox did not have sectioned areas to play any particular exclusive. Rather, they showcased a trailer for upcoming games coming to Microsoft’s console while also showcasing the various platforms one could play games on including laptops, handhelds and normal PCs. The singular standout moment of the whole affair? Getting a Ninja Gaiden 4 fan.

Stubbornness then had me stake out the line for Pokemon Legends: Z-A. While I’d already pre-ordered the game (as part of a bundle with a new Switch 2), I also wanted to try the demo on display. Bleachpanda, though familiar with the franchise, had not played a new Pokemon game since the Gameboy Advance era. Instead of also partaking of the demo, she stood to the side to watch me figure out the controls and run around Lumiose City to the best of my ability.

It should be noted Nintendo had also brought several other games. These included, but weren’t limited to: Kirby Air Riders, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Mario Kart World.

Once I’d satisfied my need for try out an actual triple-A title being showcased at PAX, the two of us hurried to the panel for the Indie Symphony that had been held in Melbourne. Though the talk was informative, I found it a little too self-congratulatory. Even as it focused on the connections fostered by those already in the industry.

Still, at least we got to hear a few renditions of my favourite tunes played by orchestra. But a Distant Worlds concert it was not.

And why were these limited to Melbourne only? I would have loved for an Indie Symphony to make its way up to Sydney!

As the day was coming to a close (and a little hungry since bleachpanda and I hadn’t stopped to consider lunch), we wandered back over to the tabletop section of the exhibition hall. While there, I was tempted to pick up more Disney Lorcana cards but, through sheer will power, managed to refrain. Instead, we made our way to a stall selling dice. However, before I could decide on a set I liked, the fire alarm went off.

Initially, none moved. The alarm went on for several minutes in the background. It was only later when a staff member told us the evacuation was real and not a drill that bleachpanda and I made our way to the doors and petered out into the grass surrounding the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Unsure when we would be allowed back in and already disliking how packed it was within the immediate vicinity, we decided to head elsewhere for a snack. Since I wasn’t able to have eggettes (also known as egg waffles) while in Hong Kong, I was adamant to try some while in Melbourne.

While we munched on our eggettes, we soon learned the centre had been cleared. It had been determined that the evacuation had been caused by someone pulling the fire alarm though there had been no risk or threat to the attendees. In other words: a false alarm.

Knowing that by the time we returned to PAX, the exhibition hall would close, bleachpanda and I then decided to have an early dinner at Katsuhon.

So ended PAXAus 2025 Day 2.

And though I’d attended a third day the year before, I felt two was more than enough for my trip with bleachpanda. For, on Sunday, we’d indulge one of my other loves.

Trains.

Disney Shopping Spree

On By kyndarisLeave a comment

My third year at PAX saw me convince my good friend, bleachpanda, to tag along despite the misgivings I had over the event during the last few years. And while the panels for PAXAus 2025 did not give me much hope for the event, the dearth of many staple exhibitors this year only furthered my feeling to give myself a break. Or, at least, consider PAXAus not as the be-all, end-all event I’d hyped up in my head.

After our day out in Melbourne the day before, bleachpanda and I had a hearty breakfast before traipsing down Spencer Street towards the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. We arrived at the doors just after 10 AM, entering into the exhibition hall with the day still young.

Almost immediately, we were inundated by the mass of attendees (even on the Friday) and those excited to try the new best thing. Though I was tempted to linger in the indie section, we were quickly drawn further into the hall. Almost immediately, we were queuing for a hobby store selling all things video games and anime-related merchandise. Before I knew it, I had a Ceruledge Funko Pop! in hand and a Tifa Lockhart Adorable Arts figure in hand. How they’d got there, I couldn’t say. It was almost like my body was moving on its own as I handed over my credit card to the cashier.

Then there was a brief detour to the Disney store where, after assessing the prices for Disney Lorcana, I settled instead for a Sven plushie (don’t worry, dear reader, I would indulge in my Disney Lorcana addiction in short order later). Cute toy in hand, bleachpanda and I trickled into the tabletop gaming area. Almost immediately, I zeroed in on the Disney Lorcana stand. While I’d not initially been drawn in by the Collection Quest that was being run, I could not resist the allure of picking up a few booster packs and a mystery bag (this would contain an Azurite Sea Illumineer’s Trove and two playmats). Much to bleachpanda’s amazement (probably because of the sheer amount of money I was throwing away at colourful cardboard cards. And to that I say, it’s DISNEY! As an out and proud Disney adult, it is my DUTY to fall for nostalgia and good artwork of my favourite Disney characters).

Determined not to make Disney my entire personality, bleachpanda and I went around the rest of the tabletop stalls to have a look at what was on offer. While I was tempted by several Disney Villain jigsaws (because the prices were a steal!) and Tea Witch, I settled for getting the core ruleset for Daggerheart instead. And, by the Gods, was it heavy!

After we’d had a quick cursory look at what else was on display, we circled back to Nova to look at their dice. Admittedly, the idea of picking up a frosted glass dice set did tickle my fancy. Alas, I held off and the two of us returned again to the Disney Lorcana stand. Here, I taught bleachpanda a little of the rules before partaking in the Collection Quest (the cards in question being part of the Azurite Sea set. And since, you know, I had an entire trove of the cards, I thought I’d be able to easily find the cards needed). Working with several others on the table, I ripped and tore my way through the packets of cards to find the ones needed.

Suffice it to say, all the people on the table managed to get all four of the promotional cards being handed out. Myself included.

Weighed down by my haul of goodies, bleachpanda and I then headed to lunch at the Boatyard. Though it was the peak of lunch time, we managed to secure a spot near the back of the restaurant.

Once we’d eaten our fill, we headed back in to PAX. This time, however, our goal wasn’t the exhibition hall but one of the many theatres. The reason? To attend a panel definitely tier-ranking video game food. And run, of course, by very serious game journalists.

While it did feel like the panel was the journalists trying their best attempt at improv comedy, I like to think there were some decent discussions on what makes food look oh so yummy on the screen.

Once the panel was finished, bleachpanda and I returned to the exhibition hall. While nothing truly caught our eye, we did try our hand at archery at the Sims stall before enteringthe queue for Blackmilk. True to form, bleachpanda tried to convince me to buy a Pokemon skirt. But while some of the designs were nice, I couldn’t help but be put off by the lacklustre materials used.

In the end, we walked out of Blackmilk empty-handed (of their products, at least) before heading to our last panel for the day: Ghost of Yotei in the Main Theatre.

Yet again the panel did not seem to have the hype I’d wanted. Rather, it felt like an extended advertisement as the developer on stage tried to steer away from any narrative spoilers. And as someone who had already purchased the game, there wasn’t anything I saw in terms of gameplay that further sold me on the premise (I mean, I’ll eventually get to it. I just have such a HUGE backlog at this stage. Which has not been made any smaller by then picking up a new Nintendo Switch 2. If I had an entire year to sit back and play video games, I MIGHT be able to get through the majority of my backlog. Honestly, if I wasn’t as interested in open-world and role-playing games, I would most definitely be more on top of the games I play).

After the panel wrapped up, bleachpanda and I headed back to our hotel on the other side of Melbourne CBD. Mostly so I could drop my heavy bags before we headed out for a late dinner.

I had HOPED for steak but bleachpanda had her eyes on Katsuhon. However, given how long the line was, we changed plans and headed to Dao Noodle instead. While it wasn’t quite my favourite, it certainly brought something a little different to the usual Chinese fare I would have while out in Sydney.

So ended Day 1 of PAXAus 2025.

Already I was dreading how much I would end up spending for Day 2 (spoilers: shockingly not as much since I knew my suitcase was already bursting at the seams and couldn’t fit much more. That said, I could have gotten more Disney Lorcana booster packs if I wasn’t being overly stubborn).

Gridlock Goldilocks

On By kyndarisLeave a comment

It is a feat, in and of itself, to navigate a city even with global positioning systems in our very pockets. Some central business districts, of course, need them. What with their one way streets and confusing configuration. But I , a purported human GPS, have always found Melbourne a cut above the rest with its sensible grid-like structure.

Does it lead to a lot of wind tunnels that threaten to blow one away? Yes, but it also makes tracking down that one elusive restaurant you’ve been meaning to try for years a breeze.

With PAXAus 2025 still two days away, bleachpanda and I made our way to the capital of Victoria. I’d chosen a Wednesday primarily because I wanted to take the time to enjoy our time exploring the city (that said, the two of us had visited it multiple times separately in the past) without worrying about missing the latest gaming showcases in the exhibition hall.

After we had checked into our hotel and divested our luggage into our room, bleachpanda and I hit the streets. Our earlier flight had been around lunch time and we hadn’t had a moment to refuel. Our first stop was a local cafe where the both of us grabbed something relatively light (along with hot drinks). Once we’d eaten our fill, we hurried along the familiar streets to check out the stores any basement-dwelling weeb nerds would actually hang out in.

Those stores being, of course, Critical Hit and Minotaur. Thankfully, both are located on Little Collins Street, albeit at some distance between each other. While bleachpanda was able to buy me a cursed Blue Badger charm, I was unable to find an equivalent present for her. Nor, for that matter, was I able to locate for myself a compact paperback of John Gwynne’s Fury of the Gods. Alas, my wait was to continue before I could complete the collection.

After a late dinner, we returned to our hotel to ready ourselves for the next day: a chill Thursday when others seeking to attend PAX would descend onto the city en masse.

And while the step count for Thursday was one of the highest, I like to think bleachpanda and I got to enjoy a fairly sedate exploration. We started with a visit to the Queen Victoria Markets. Operating since 1878, the QVM hosts a wide variety of fresh produce and specialty shopping for those inclined. It was here we were joined by my good friend Sorrengail, wherein I was able to hand over a gift: a pin of Morag (one of her favourite characters from Xenoblade Chronicles 2). While at QVM, we checked out the numerous stores as we nursed our own cups of hot beverages. There was, after all, much to see and temptations galore.

From QVM, we strolled all the way down Elizabeth Street towards Federation Square. The national museum of screen culture has always been a favourite of mine. And luckily, there was a special exhibition depicting video game worlds from the 1970s to the present. Game Worlds: Playable Exhibition had us exploring the evolution of video games over 50 years: from early text-based adventures to current indie sweethearts like Hollow Knight: Silksong (a game I wouldn’t dare to play because I simply can’t ‘git gud’ enough. Although, Sorrengail did finish it during a late night karaoke out with her work friends).

I have to say, the nostalgia hit me hard when I saw Neopets being celebrated. A browser game filled with many Flash-powered minigames, Neopets was a pivotal moment of my childhood. Logging on each day to feed my pets, having my mum sign a consent form (which we sent to the offices so I could have access to other parts of the game as I was under 13 at the time), and interacting with the world at large. I’d even tried penning my own ‘choose-your-own’ adventure style narratives (though it never went far).

There were, of course, other games on display. But what took me by surprise was a small monument to Dungeons & Dragons. On the screen in the exhibit, snippets of Critical Role, Dimension 20 and a show hosted by renowned GM and player, Deborah Ann Woll were on display. Considering my current obsession with tabletop role-playing games, it was a pleasant thing to stumble upon.

That said, it should have come as no surprise. Many video games have been inspired by Dungeons & Dragons. Least of all, the Baldur’s Gate series, but even Final Fantasy can chalk some of its roots to the dice-rolling role-playing game.

Game Worlds: Playable Exhibition also showcased a number of big name titles including World of Warcraft, Elder Scrolls Online and The Sims. There were also lesser known games like Stardew Valley and Celeste. All of which attendees could sit down and play with for a few short minutes should they so choose.

The ACMI also had a dedicated free exhibition for the Story of the Moving Image. This, too, bleachpanda and I took a gander at. While there were no longer Thor costumes, there WERE a few iconic displays including a spin table for Cuphead.

Feet tired, bleachpanda and I desperately tried to find a place to sit and refuel. We stopped at ShanDong MaMa Mini in a offshoot street along Flinders Lane.

Energy restored, we ventured to our last tourist attraction for the day: SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium. And while there IS a SEA Life aquarium in Sydney too, there were also vast differences for what was on display. Prices, too, were far more expensive than I’d initially anticipated.

Still, I got to see a few curious cephalopods, those being the cuttlefish and an octopus, as well as a host of sea dragons and sea horses! More importantly, I got to see a host of penguins (and not just cute fairy penguins but KING and Gentoo penguins).

Honestly, the penguins made my day. I loved watching this silly goose of a penguin try and pick up rocks – only to have them slide back down on the ice. He and his mate even had to fend off another penguin looking for rocks to fill his own nest.

It was glorious!

On a side note, the aquarium also hosted a number of reptiles including snakes and lizards. While it was a little strange to me as to why they would be on display, I didn’t let it deter my overall enjoyment.

After we departed SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium (with some hefty spoils from my end including an octopus mug and an axolotl plushie), we returned to our hotel. Once we’d recuperated enough, we stumbled over to dinner at nearby La Cucina.

Day 1 of PAXAus was just around the corner.

Why Do We Fall?

On By kyndarisLeave a comment

Skimming through reviews and impressions on the internet, the one thing that stands out is how Owlboy is a game all about failure. And I get it. Otus, our protagonist, has a hard time of it. When he’s sent out on patrol to look out for pirates, his village is inadvertently attacked. Then he fails to save the city of Advent from Captain Molstrom’s wrath as they use the power of a lost forgotten relic. But while these are pivotal story moments that later culminate at the climax of the story, I feel the themes of friendship, sacrifice and vulnerability are at the true heart of Owlboy. For it is the bonds we forge and share with others on our journey that push us to be more than we are alone.

Releasing nigh on nine years ago, Owlboy is considered something of an indie. While it is no Hollow Knight, Tunic or Hades, there is a charm to it. From its graphics to the complex worldbuilding and even to the colourful cast of characters.

Owlboy casts the player in the role of Otus. A meek mannered boy trained in what it means to be an ‘owl.’ Of course, he’s not quite an anthropomorphic owl or an actual bird (though the design of his brows might say otherwise). Rather, he is gifted a magical cloak that gives him the ability to fly. And under the watchful eye of his mentor, Asio, Otus is tasked with protecting the village of Vellie.

Like many protagonists before him, Otus is mute. This is something directly pointed out by many of the other characters. That said, Otus is able to trill in delight and use other means of communication with his friends.

Yet during my time playing the game, I could not felt but feel like Otus’s mutism was a perfect metaphor for how men interact with each other in society. Instead of being able to talk back or communicate the pain he undergoes, Otus is only able to accept the harsh criticisms of his mentor – a man who unfairly scorns his pupil despite his best efforts. Even his allies and friends impose their own ideals on Otus. For example, when Geddy teleports away after Twig joins the group following their journey to Stratos.

But despite these setbacks, Otus persists in his efforts.

And it is through this he is able to put a stop to Molstrom’s ambitions. More than that, he becomes pivotal to saving the world.

Otus’s story, then, in my mind is about hope. It is about overcoming the challenges before you instead of falling into despair.

It is also, of course, about failure. As anyone will tell you. Failure is a fact of life. While yes, sometimes, it is an indicator to turn one’s attention elsewhere, it can also be a lesson on persistence. For, without trying and failing at something, how can we improve? How can we iterate and make change in the world? How can we learn?

This is evident in the menagerie of allies Otus has to help him in his quest. Geddy, Alphonse and Twig. All of them choose to learn from their mistakes and make amends. And though it might sound cliche, it is through the power of friendship and cooperation, that they’re able to bring forth a brighter future for the world. A lesson they try to also impart on Solus (technically the titular Owlboy of the game who is so intent on saving the world from falling apart he is willing to ally with a power-hungry robot pirate captain and see the capital of Advent be destroyed to retrieve special relics needed for a spell) as they battle up in the heavens (because, I don’t know, Solus can’t find five minutes to explain why he’s doing what he’s doing. Owlpeople, COMMUNICATE! Why is it so hard?)

But though the core team of allies are men, I do like the number of strong women also evident in the world. There was one soldier Otus manages to rescue who, in spite of an injured leg, was still able to kick enemies away. Then, there was her ally, an elderly woman who could wreak everything with her destructive prowess.

Narrative aside, the gameplay was simple and intuitive to pick up. Especially since I started playing the game while on my trip to China (and didn’t quite finish it until I returned). Even with the brief intermission of wrapping up Two Point Hospital, I was able to pick it up from where I’d left off and have the story wrapped up in only a few short hours (something I was grateful of because there are still TOO many games in my long backlog of games).

That said, I did have a few gripes with it. Though Otus is able to dodge roll both on the ground and in the air, it does not give the character any invincibility frames. One cannot simply dodge into or out of an attack. What’s worse was how difficult it was to figure out the hit box for Otus – especially when he’s flying and his makeshift owl cloak wings would occasionally clip through the background.

I also found it challenging that Otus’s only form of attack was to use his friends. While he can spin to hit enemies, this move primarily only stunned. It did not kill them. But your allies, too, are hampered in their abilities. From how Alphonse is required to recharge his explosive shotgun blast to Geddy’s limited power with his peashooter gun, and the inability of Twig’s webs to actually cause much, if any overall damage.

Then, of course, there was the whole ‘stealth’ portion near the end of the game that had me struggling because the mechanics were not really built around it. And the platforming section where the castle up in space began to break down. Despite these pain points, I still enjoyed my time with Owlboy. Admittedly, the gameplay could have been tighter but after a few abortive attempts, I was able to push through to the end.

Owlboy, it must be said, is not a perfect game. According to Wikipedia, it spent the better part of a decade in development with a few do-overs before the developers found their footing. And while there are parts where the game could be improved, these individual little failings when combined make for a stronger cohesive game that manages to shine. More importantly, it manages to deliver a strong message on a heavy theme not many stories have been able to tackle well before or since.

So, I ask you, then. Why do we fall?

The answer? So that we can learn to pick ourselves up.

On a side note, I also liked the hidden lore of the owls from the past. How the world came to be and what the mysterious ‘Loop’ they tried to escape would most definitely make for a delicious plot point should the developers ever make another game set in the same world. That said, it did have a few echoes of Final Fantasy XVI with how Otus sacrificed himself and then fell from on high down into the ocean.

Holistic Management

On By kyndarisLeave a comment

When people ask me what my favourite game is, I usually give them a comprehensive list of any and all narrative driven open-world role-playing games I’ve played in the last two decades. Think Witcher 3, Dragon Age, Like a Dragon or something within the Final Fantasy line-up. Or, mayhap, if I’m feeling a little bold, I’ll offer them something a little more streamlined like Uncharted or Life is Strange.

But while it is usually the story that pulls me along, I do tend to play almost all aspects of a game before the credits roll. And so, often within the games I play, there are minigames that may occasionally feature extensive management mechanics.

While I did enjoy my time looking after a cabaret club or running a confectionary company, I never once thought I would enjoy playing a game where managing was the sole focus.

Enter: Two Point Hospital.

I never thought I’d ever want to be the administrator of a hospital. As I child, I did play the occasional simulator in the vein of Simcity or The Sims but they were never able to capture my attention for long. Then, of course, there were the distractions I had on my phone to keep me entertained for a few short minutes like Mini Metro or Game Dev Story.

Yet there was something about Two Point Hospital that caught my eye. Maybe it was the irreverent British humour. Or perhaps it was the graphics.

I, for one, would like to contribute it to watching a few snippets of the game on popular gaming channels (like Oxbox and Oxboxtra that finally sealed the deal for me).

After all, I also bought both Two Point Campus and Two Point Museum before even getting a chance to properly sit down and try my hand at the actual games (technically a lie since I did play a demo of Two Point Museum while at PAX in 2024). Worse, they sit on my Steam account, mocking me. All ready to be played if only I could free up some time from my busy life (and extensive backlog).

Still, now that my mother has returned to Australia and I’m no longer left in the lurch of being the primary caregiver for my ageing grandmother, perhaps there will be more time to live my life…in the world of make believe. Gods know I need it considering the chaotic nature of the world as it is now.

All I can say is that I’m glad I’m not an American citizen.

But speaking of looking after the elderly, Two Point Hospital is all about turning the art of providing hospice care to the sick and dying into an enticing addiction. Though I can’t say how they did it.

Perhaps, of course, it’s merely the perfectionism in me seeking to create efficiency that fuelled my 50 hour playthrough. Or maybe the developers have actually stumbled upon a simple formula that can easily capture the attention of gamers everywhere and mixed it with good humour and excellent mechanics.

It’s certainly a mystery. One I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to solve.

Despite the fact that from a narrative standpoint, there was no overarching story beyond a few snarky comments about helping out the hospitals already in disrepair across the fictional country that the game is set in, I found myself hooked onto the game. There was something about being an omniscient God-like hospital administrator that scratched some part of my brain. After all, it’s not every day I get to hire staff, assign their duties, set up specific policies and build rooms to fit inside my ever growing health care empire.

As the hours passed, I soon found there was a rhyme and a rhythm to the game itself – from building one’s first GP clinic to setting up a pharmacy or ward in quick succession to help rake in the cash. In later levels, where you started with a lot more money, this meant creating training and marketing rooms to speed up the initial cash flow. After all, no clients meant no diagnosis. No diagnosis meant no treatments. And a lack of treatments meant a lack of revenue.

The only major downside I found? Not being able to template my rooms from previous levels. While I could copy and paste the ones I’d made in a level, the same could not be said when I would finally move on and start anew in a different town.

Of course, if that were possible, my play time might have been a lot shorter than it ended up being.

That said, kitting out a room was fairly therapeutic. Making sure I had a nice looking room (before filling it with all manner of gold star awards) was paramount to increasing the happiness of both staff and patients. And though it might have been tempting to cover every square inch of them with a slew of items, I soon found a quick sure-fire way to keep them understated but still maintain a prestige of four or higher.

By game’s end, I’d be swooping in to check in on the staff I’d trained, being amused by the antics of patients, or simply ensuring I had enough janitors on hand to keep the ghost population down.

Of course, deciding when to call it quits was a difficult thing. In the end, I aimed solely to earn my gold star from the last level and have the credits roll. With it, I was able to put it to rest and move on.

While I don’t know when I’ll get to the other two Two Point games, I’m sure they’ll be a barrel of fun. Even after taking a brief break (I thought I’d be able to finish the game before I travelled to China but alas, I was unable to do so), I was able to pick it back up with ease. That said, following on from their three major successes, it’ll be interesting to see what the team at Two Point Studios decide to tackle next. Will it be theme parks? Or will they try their hand at something a little less grand?

On a side note, you just have to love the puns they come up with for all the illnesses and how they’re all represented. Being lightheaded means having a light bulb for a head? Animal magnetism involves having a ton of animal plushies stuck to you? Give whoever came up with those ideas a RAISE! I’d never thoroughly enjoyed seeing such wilful glee in coming up with the most unabashed names for terrible (and life threatening) illnesses ever!

The Whispering Stars (Part 5 + Epilogue)

On By kyndarisLeave a comment

All good things must come to an end. And so it is with my short story. That said, I did share this with a family friend and she loved it. She also encouraged me to maybe see about turning this into a series of short stories and having it published (but also using it as an interconnected world). Not going to lie, I did think about it. There’s so much more I can do with the surviving characters in this.

Of course, I doubt I’ll keep the narrative in Strommouth.

I’m thinking…

New Orleans. A seance. Chaos. Mayhem!

And maybe a parallel universe or two?

As my thoughts percolate, though, here’s the last part of The Whispering Stars. I hope you, dear reader, enjoy!

Though it was the height of summer, a persistent drizzle remained hanging over Strommouth. In spite of it, the mercury climbed as the heatwave rolled through. The days saw me standing in front of the empty fridge in naught but my birthday suit, conjuring up more and more fantastical ways to cool down. While the nights had me tossing and turning, unable to find comfort even in sleep.

Always, the voices droned. Loud in my ears.

It was unbearable.

Frustrated with yet another restless night, I quietly slipped out of bed in only my thin nightgown, put on my pink slippers and hobbled to the front door, leaving my cane behind. I opened the door, hoping for a cool breeze off the sea. But the air remained stagnant. Muggy.

I took a step out. Felt the droplets on my skin.

And wondered for the first time in a long time how things had gone so disastrously wrong in our little village.

The loneliness that struck me then was sharp. Had it truly been two years without Greg’s arms holding me? His rough voice soothing me after a nightmare? Or even his laugh ringing in the room when he watched something on the idiot box?

Closing my eyes, I tried to conjure up his face. Yet the only thing I could picture were his yellow parka and silly green wellies.

‘Patrice.’ The voice was so faint, I’d almost thought it a trick of my mind. Then it came again. Calling me.

Before I could think better of it, I followed. It was as if something was tugging me along. Like a chain had been hooked to something inside my chest.

It led me down through the small side streets of Strommouth, bypassing the main road.

Though the hour was late, others had emerged from their homes, faces turned upwards and a blank look in their eyes. Almost all of them members of the Sons of Deimos.

 A cold shiver went down my spine at the sight. There was nothing natural about it.

Something had a hold on the people. Had a hold on me.

I tried to stop.

But my body would not listen.

It was like I was a prisoner inside a weathered husk. Powerless to do anything but bear witness to the events playing out before me.

Was this how the others had vanished? Inextricably called to their doom by a mysterious voice none else could hear?

Desperate, I even beseeched God to strike me down. But my prayers seemed only to land on deaf ears.

That is until I felt hands clamp down hard on my shoulders, pulling me to a stop.

The faces before me were unfamiliar. One of the three was a big man with skin almost as black as sin. His long rope-like strands of hair, tipped with white, had been pulled back. It was at odds with the tweed suit he wore. If it had been Halloween, I might have mistaken him for dressing up as a certain archaeological professor.

To his right was a young woman with short brown hair, perfectly coiffed. She wore heavy thick glasses and an outfit my mother would have called vintage. Despite the late hour, her cheeks had a light dusting of powder on her cheeks and her lips had been freshly rouged red. As if she had thought Strommouth was the Ibiza of the United Kingdom and not the dying fishing town in the arse-end of nowhere (of course, no one in their rightful mind would have gone for such a strumpet. Except maybe Stevenson. But he was dead).

The last member of their motley party was a mousy looking man. He had a thin pencil moustache that matched the way he slicked his hair back. Unlike the others, he wore a waterproof windbreaker, tan slacks and hiking boots. The only sensible attire when it came to our small corner of the world. And not like he had stepped out of some strange noir novel.

All three spoke with a terribly garish American twang. One I had a hard time understanding let alone answering as I was inextricably pulled down the street.

None of them followed. They were too busy trying to figure out what was wrong with the others. Not knowing of the siren call holding us in its grip.

From the sealed pavement and cobblestones of the town centre, I was soon trying to navigate loose pebbles and sand. The fact I did not roll my ankle was a feat in and of itself as I navigated the beach in the dark. For the fiftieth time, trapped in a body I could no longer control, I wished I’d had the foresight to change from slippers to actual sensible walking shoes.

‘Patrice.’

The voice came again. Much more insistent than it had been before. Overriding the whispers that had haunted me day and night.

I followed its call, stumbling over towards the sheer cliffs.

Had it not been for whatever otherworldly forces guiding me, I would have missed the narrow entrance. Especially with the rain and the high waves threatening to crash around me and pull me into the wild sea.

There was a singular moment, as I’d clambered across the slippery rocks, when I thought I saw my death fast approaching. I’d tripped, slippers flying, before regaining my balance though the muscles in my left leg protested and my knees threatened to give out.

Despite it all, I was able to squeeze my way through the side of the cliff face and into the cave just before the roaring waves came crashing down. As I did so, though, I knocked into something lying on the ground; big toe screaming in protest. It clanked, loudly, against the rock before coming to rest not too far from me. When I finally found it in the dark, it felt like something almost cylindrical in shape though there seemed to be sharp ends at each end. One end was flat while the other had a handle.

I took whatever it was with me. There was no telling what I might encounter further ahead. Besides, it seemed heavy enough that I could use it as a possible bludgeoning weapon. Always a necessary tool when something beyond mortal comprehension was drawing you into a dark cavern.

For several minutes, I bumbled around until, foot snagging on the ground, I found a small opening. Peering through the gloom, I made out what looked like a blue flame dancing at the end. Drawing me ever onward.

‘Help me,’ it seemed to say. ‘Please.’

Was it me or did it sound oddly like Greg?

I quickly dismissed the thought. It was impossible. Greg was dead. He had been for almost two years now.

And yet…

With stumbling, wobbling steps, I pressed on. As I reached the end of the tunnel, the flame seemed to leap towards me. I flailed. Trying to get out of its way. With great embarrassment, I fell onto my arse and dropped what I’d been holding.

The flame settled into the heavy clunky lantern. One I was finally only able to make out in the light. It was not unlike the one that had featured in my dreams.

For several minutes, I stared at it.

I had heard of these things. Will-o’-the-wisps. And, in my foolishness, I had chosen to follow instead of running in the opposite direction (not that I could’ve. Even if I had, there was no telling I would have been safe. I’d followed a disembodied voice into a cavern, for God’s sake. Death was sure to follow – though I’m getting a little ahead of myself).

When it proved to be no threat, I shakily got to my feet. The flame remained within the lantern, shedding its eerily glow. As if it waiting for something.

Ever so hesitantly, I reached out and picked up the lantern. As I did so, more flames flickered to life to the left of my vision. It was only then that I realised the caves went deeper.

Worse, that I was meant to follow.

Mustering what little courage I still had, and knowing I could not afford to turn back, I straightened my spine and headed deeper into the unknown.

After what felt like hours of mindless meandering, the tunnel opened up into a massive cavern. Stalactites, sharp and toothlike, clung to the ceiling. Matched only by their mighty siblings growing from the ground. Red candles, all of differing lengths, led up a shallow incline. At the top sat a ritualistic altar of some kind.

Scattered on the ground next to it were half decayed bodies.

Who they belonged to, I could not say.

My attention, instead, was fixated on the figure standing next to them. Their hunched back was turned to me, making it hard to discern their identity. In the light of the lantern, all I could make out was dishevelled hair, matted with grime.

Without warning, they lurched backwards, seemingly groaning in pain. They whirled in a mad stumble. One hand reached out to me. The other covering their face. And a third flailed wildly.

‘Keep away! Don’t look at me!’

That voice. Where had I heard it before?

Before I could even parse the anomaly of whatever thing was before me, a log of an arm swept towards me, flinging me against the slimy walls of the cavern. I hit with a sickening thud; air rushing out of my lungs

For several minutes, I lay on the ground. Dazed. The pain I should be feeling just out of reach. Closeted perhaps in a separate part of my brain. Though I knew it would be excruciating when it finally managed to batter past whatever defences my mind had thrown up.

The lantern lay beside me. Broken as well. Next to it hovered the strange blue flame that had accompanied me thus far.

Ever so slowly, I regained my senses. As I did so, I raised my head.

Up ahead, the monstrosity was muttering to itself. Though he kept his voice low, it carried in the cavern.

‘Oh God, oh God, oh God. That was Patrice. I don’t want to hurt her. Stop making me hurt the people I care about. Just—shut up! No. You don’t understand. This is not me. I don’t want this. I never have.’

Before I could scramble away and out of sight, the creature turned.

And in the glow of the blue flame, I caught a glimpse of his face.

Nicholas.

Except where once he had been the perfect picture of a handsome young lad, he now sported pustulant sores along the left side of his neck and chin. A fresh new scar, too, adorned the brow of his bulging right eye.

Noticing my gaze, he tried to turn away. As he did so, his whole body seemed to ripple. Like something lived beneath the surface of his skin and was ready to burst out.

The image of the alien ripping its way out of a man’s chest – a scene from my favourite film – flashed through my mind. Greg and I had watched it when it first released in cinemas.

Another happy memory turned sour.

I should have known from the start Nicholas was more than he appeared to be. He had always been a little too perfect.

Too handsome. Too nice.

‘You should not be here, Patrice,’ said Nicholas, two hands covering his face so only his eyes could be glimpsed, voice strained. ‘Why did you come? And how did you find me? No. Don’t answer. They sent you here, didn’t they?’

At first, I was confused. Who was this ‘they’ Nicholas mentioned?

‘Got to you as well, didn’t they? Do you hear them even now? How they whisper?’

It was only then that I realised the chanting I’d known for weeks on end had finally gone silent. No longer was my body acting of its own accord, held spellbound by whatever unnatural forces that had possessed it earlier.

I was free.

‘Nicholas, what’s going on? What has happened to our village?’

‘Isn’t it obvious?’ replied Nicholas, his tone wry and sardonic. ‘Agnes had the right of it. By the end. The only way to escape is through death.’

‘I don’t understand,’ I said, shaking my head. ‘What are you talking about?’

‘You need,’ he started, looking me directly in the eye, ‘to kill me.’

For a moment or two, I blinked dumbly at Nicholas, mouth hanging open. ‘What?’

Nicholas motioned to the altar. ‘There’s a knife. Thrice blessed and forged from the life of innocents. You need to use it—’ With a pained groan, Nicholas doubled over. ‘Hurry!’

I did not need to be stopped twice. Despite the pain in my joints and, presumably, internal bleeding from the battering I’d just suffered, I scrambled to my feet. With hurried steps, I staggered towards the altar. As I reached it, I glanced over at the unassuming man I’d known.

With a terrifying howl, sharp spines erupted from Nicholas’s back, splitting skin. Then, before I could blink, a long prehensile tail burst forth. It whipped around wildly, knocking aside some of the lit candles beside him.

My hands closed around a leather-bound book before finding purchase on the cloth-wrapped grip of a blade of what appeared to be black steel.

But though I now had a weapon in hand, I did not feel reassured. What could I really do against a hulking ten-foot monstrosity? Yet, if not me, then who?  

Strommouth was already in dire straits.

If I did not put a stop to this madness, I was as good as dead.

Girding myself as best I could, I tightened my grip on the dagger. I could do this.

No. I had to do this.

Whispering a prayer to God, I held the blade out in front of me and then rushed forward. My intention was to strike him from behind, probably somewhere between his second and third spine. It was my attempt at mercy.

He had wished for death. Right? I was doing him a favour.

To my dismay, he turned at the last minute.

Still, the blade sank deep – inches away from where his heart should have been. Nicholas roared. No longer did he sound like himself. It was animalistic. Raw.

His new tail came out from nowhere and swept me off my feet even as he pawed at the dagger. Failing to find purchase on the hilt, he whirled to me, his eyes shining a reptilian like yellow.

He came towards me. And in his approach, I could feel a malevolent otherworldly presence.

I closed my eyes as he raised a hand, readying myself for the end.

Seconds passed. Then a minute.

Yet the end did not come.

When I finally felt brave enough, I opened my eyes again to see Nicholas seemingly wrestling with himself. He glanced my way, expression softening. ‘Make sure to burn my body, Patrice. The book too. Make sure…it never sees the light of day,’ he said through gritted teeth.

Before I could think or react, Nicholas ripped the blade from his body and pierced it again. Right where his heart was. A purplish glow seemed to emanate from where he had pierced himself. It grew to envelop him with each deadly pulse. The energy built until finally, with a terrifying earth-splitting scream, Nicholas exploded.

Purple beams struck the walls of the cavern. Try as I might, I was not fast enough to escape. One stray beam struck me in my bad leg.

Pain, unlike anything I’d ever felt, raced through my entire body. It consumed my every thought before it all went dark.

~

I woke to the soft glow of the dancing blue flames of the will-o’-the-wisps and the return of the whispers. They floated around the body of Nicholas. Or, whatever Nicholas had become.

To my amazement, one by one, they gently brushed Nicholas’s body. Within seconds, he was alight. After determining I was none the worse for wear, I dragged myself to my feet and once more stumped up to the altar where I’d last seen a book. It was this I assumed Nicholas meant.

Necronomicon read the title.

I picked it up and walked back to Nicholas. As the scent of burning flesh reached my nose, I tossed the book into the inferno. The pages quickly aflame.

As they did, the whispers rose into a piercing screech. It continued like this for several minutes before the voices quieted down to a dull angry hiss. One plan had been foiled but there would always be another.

How I knew this, I could not say.

But, for now, Strommouth was free of the nightmare that had held it in its grip for nigh on three years.

My first step out into the clean open air, the noon sun beating down on my face, brought with it a sense of relief. As if something heavy had finally been lifted from atop my chest.

I could finally breathe.

No. Strommouth could finally breathe.

It may not have come away from it unscathed, but the village I had called home was still standing tall. The people were strong. In time, we would rebuild.

As I looked up at the blue sky, hope filling my heart, the whispers came again.

Enjoy this while it lasts, they seemed to say. We will be waiting.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

On By kyndarisLeave a comment

The last two days in Shenzhen were a tour de force of catch-ups. Mostly with classmates my mother had known back in her university days, or with family friends. We also had to pick my grandmother up from the airport after she was flown in from Urumqi (where she stayed with her son for a vast majority of the trip) before prepping our own bags for the return flight back to Australia.

As is almost always the case, my mother (and, to an extent, my grandmother) are the shining stars of the family. Extroverts to their core, they know people from all walks of life. And when they reunite with those they haven’t seen for years, it’s an explosion of chatter and reminisces of the past.

I am, of course, always the stranger on the outside peering in through the window. Unable to penetrate the shared experiences they have.

Of course, being the introvert that I am, it’s no real bother to me. In fact, as I’ve grown older, I’ve come to appreciate not being in the limelight and have found ways to keep myself entertained even as my mother and grandmother bask in the attention of others. For example, reading Caitlyn x Vi fanfiction on my phone. Or scanning the headlines to see what new Hell the world might have found itself in.

So it was on the bright Thursday morning, my mother and I (along with her best friend from university) headed to Shenzhen Museum in the Futian District. Though we could have taken the metro, my mother’s friend decided going via rideshare would be both more economical and time efficient. We also wouldn’t have to deal with all the pesky line changes.

Once we arrived, and having reunited my mother with her two other friends, it was like the decades since they had last each other were nonexistent. The four of them caught up with each other’s lives as we waited for the museum to open. I kept myself apart, wanting to see how the fanfiction I was reading would pan out and mostly being invisible lest I be treated like a six-year-old instead of the thirty-something I actually.

As soon as the clock struck 10 AM, we headed into the museum proper. Unfortunately, despite its size, much of it was cordoned off. Whether it was for an event or due to renovations, I could not say. Still, we enjoyed our time going through the exhibits. The first two on ground floor were devoted to wildlife across the world. Eagerly, I snapped photos of a polar bear, hyenas, moose, porcupines and all manner of wolves. There was even a honey badger!

The second floor had exhibits detailing the history of Shenzhen and the various ethnic minorities that had called Guangdong province home. As someone who considers themself a student of history, it was interesting to read up about the intersectionality of multiple cultures and ethnic minorities. From those from Canton to the Hakka, and then to the Boat Dwellers.

Their unique cultures all had a hand in shaping the traditions and culture inherent in Guangdong province. More importantly, it speaks to how society develops over time and can learn to incorporate aspects of various lifestyles as part of the whole.

Interestingly, though the Boat Dwellers were once considered ‘lesser’ and nicknamed ‘sea gypsies,’ they have since been legally acknowledged and their civil rights and status are now equal to those who live on land. This has granted them additional protection and care.

From the early roots of Guangdong province, there was also an exhibit on the history of Shenzhen and how the city became the flourishing metropolis it is today following the policy of Reform and Opening-up.

Designated as one of the earliest special economic zones in China, Shenzhen rapidly developed and urbanised into the Silicon Valley of China. Home to various firms and large corporations, skyscrapers dot the skyline. And while it does not have the history of the likes of Hong Kong, it is still a place many young people flock to for job opportunities.

Even now Shenzhen is still developing – becoming a powerhouse in innovation and technology.

But the history of Shenzhen, at least at the museum, would not have been complete without an acknowledgement to Deng Xiaoping after he became the leader of China in 1978. As Chairman, he set about overhauling China’s infrastructure and political system, allowing China to modernise after what many would describe as disruptive years during Mao’s reign.

After we had gone through the entirety of Shenzhen’s history, we headed to the nearby Book City. A series of large book shopping malls in close proximity to each other, it is considered one of the largest bookstores in the world – hosting multiple restaurants and other non-book related shops.

Of note is the Book Bar. Open 24 hours, it serves as a refuge for anyone wanting to cram an assignment or even a place to rest. And who wouldn’t, surrounded by all those books? To my disappointment, actual English titles were few and far between and I was unable to pick up a stray holiday book to keep me company (that said, I was still reading The Constant Gardener by John Le Carre).

We had lunch in one of the restaurants and I took some time to peruse the shelves as my mother chatted with her old friends. Including another of her old classmates who had just flown into Shenzhen from Kashi (also known as Kashgar) in Xinjiang. A lecturer at university, he had also written books on key economic policies.

It was during this meeting of the minds that my mother learned my grandmother’s flight from Urumqi was delayed. As a consequence, she cancelled the dinner she had originally planned and we joined her classmate later at Baidu International Building (a search engine most of China uses as Google is blocked). The other guests in attendance, to our chagrin, were his many students.

To say it was an awkward affair is an understatement.

Thankfully, we did not stay long. It wasn’t long before my mother and I were headed to Shenzhen airport to pick up my grandmother (and to check-in at the Hyatt Regency situated right outside the airport.

The second day was a quiet affair. I spent of it playing Owlboy as we waited for our evening flight back to Australia. At around 11:30, more friends of the family (ones my mother and grandmother knew back in Xinjiang and who are complete strangers to me) came to visit from Zhuhai. After they’d chatted, we headed over to Hyatt Place, located on the opposite side of the airport, to have lunch with another family friend.

Before too long, we’d packed up the rest of our bags and headed to the airport proper (a short walk across a pedestrian bridge away). Once again, I got to enjoy the luxuries bestowed upon me as someone seated in business class. Yet despite the ability to lie down, I slept poorly during the flight and resorted to watching a few films (Paddington 2 and The Greatest Showman) to pass the time.

It was 6:23 AM when we landed back in Sydney, Australia. And I, for one, was glad to be back on home soil.

Though China remains the land where my family is from, it’s Australia I’ve come to love and feel most comfortable in. More importantly, Australia is where my friends and those who matter to me are. While it does have its faults (there are times I wish it would be more progressive in its social policies, for if it aped those in the Nordic countries, we might have less of an issue with recidivism and high prison populations), there’s a familiarity and freedom to living here.

That said, the prospect of returning to the office the day after next filled me with dread. Why had I chosen not to take a few days extra off work?

And so ended my visit to see my relatives, and to enjoy a little fun along the way. What started as a summer holiday was now well and truly over (and thank goodness for that. The humidity was an absolute killer).

Rush Hour

On By kyndarisLeave a comment

Hong Kong. A bustling port city that was once ceded to the British before its return to China in 1997 has always been a place I’ve romanticised in my head. Especially with the amount of movies that have used it as a backdrop. Then, of course, there was Sleeping Dogs, a video game where one played as Wei Shen, undercover cop, and was able to run around a digital version of Hong Kong for several hours on end.

Originally a farming and fishing village, the Hong Kong we know now is one of the most significant financial centres and commercial ports in the whole world. While some of its lustre has since faded, it still stands as a symbol of all that came before.

After an exhausting day out in Hong Kong Disneyland, followed by us scrambling to reach the accommodation we booked, the day before, my mother and I woke late. Though we would be decamping from Hong Kong and be returning to Shenzhen by late evening, there was still plenty of time for us to explore the city that had once captured my imagination like no other (besides, Shenzhen was only a short fifteen minute ride via high speed train).

Of course, wishing to start the morning on the right foot, and with no breakfast included for our hotel stay, the two of us headed to a nearby cafe called NOC Whampoa Garden. I ordered a hot chocolate and a pulled pork sando. My mother, on the other hand, went with a ham and cheese sando and a cappucino with one sugar.

But what amused me was the fact the menu did not sport an Americano but rather offered Long Black. It made me wonder if the owner, or chef, was Australian or had visited Australia. While reddit would have me believe there are slight differences, I, as someone who is not a coffee afficionado believe they’re the same thing. After all, I’m not tempted to get one either way.

Hot chocolate every day, all day. As my friends would know.

Once we’d finished up, we returned to the the Harbour Grand Kowloon to finish our usual morning ablutions before checking out, our overnight bags slung over our shoulders.

Before heading out, though, we exchanged some renminbi my mother had into Hong Kong dollars. Then it was off to Whampoa metro station. But not before we paid a brief visit to one of my favourite stores in the entire world. I mean, who can forget the catchy tune? I know bleachpanda would never. Not with me constantly singing it during our trip to Japan.

Yes, that’s right. DON QUIJOTE! Or, I suppose: Don Don: Donki!

After my mother picked up a few five-toed socks, and I had a glance at what they in stock, we headed to the station proper and set out for our first actual tourist site of the day: Victoria Harbour. Separating the island of Hong Kong from the Kowloon Peninsula, Victoria is both a major trading hub and a tourist attraction for those in Hong Kong.

My mother and I started off at the Avenue of Stars – taking our time to meander along the waterfront and taking photos of both the island of Hong Kong on the opposite shore and taking a peek at the handprints set, not on the footpath, but rather the handrail. There was even a facsimile of Bruce Lee – an icon in kungfu films of old.

From the Avenue of Stars, we walked past the Hong Kong Space Museum and the Hong Kong Cultural Centre before rounding the bend to take pictures of the Former Kowloon-Canton Railway Clock Tower. As the Ocean Terminal shopping centre was close by, I also took a gander at the Pop Mart within (purchasing two more Digimon fridge magnets along with two of Monster x One Piece blind boxes).

Yes. Despite all my protestations, I, too, have fallen into the trap that is the blind box market. And no, it’s not gambling addiction. I can stop. I have stopped.

Well, unless there are Disney Lorcana cards. But that’s neither here nor there. And booster packs AREN’T blind boxes. Yes, I can’t see what cards I’ll get but…

Hey. Wait. Where are you taking me?

Unhand me you buffoons!

Sorry. Where was I? Ah, yes. That’s right. Hong Kong.

Once I’d indulged my proclivity for not-gambling, my mother and I took a taxi over to Hong Kong so we could a tram up towards Victoria Peak (or as close as we could. Alas, we did not get to frolic in the garden). Up the funicular railway climbed. And if I thought I’d managed to escape the insidious influence of Disney, I would have been sorely disappointed for the tram itself had Mickey and the gang both at the stations as well as within the tram itself.

And what a sight it was to see the funicular climb up t the mountain until it reached The Peak Tower | Sky Terrace 428. Given we’d bought the combo ticket, my mother and I took a gander up on the roof – snapping photos left, right and centre as we looked out over Hong Kong and back over Kowloon.

We had lunch in the nearby shopping complex: The Peak Galleria. Or, it should be rightly said, I had lunch. Mother wasn’t feeling all that hungry. Worse, she was terse to the staff at Asam Chicken Rice because they had no free wifi. I tried to calm her down but to no avail. Instead, I quietly finished off my lunch before offering my apologies to the staff when I paid them later.

Then it was back down the mountain.

Before we did, however, I paid a visit to the local Messina. Unlike the stores in Australia, it had a location specific: Egg Tart flavour. Knowing it wouldn’t meet my lofty expectations abut not wanting to miss this opportunity to try something a little bit different, I went and bought a scoop to try – sharing it with my mother.

Back down the funicular we went.

As we wandered towards the central business district of Hong Kong, my mother wanted to take a ride on the unique trams found only in Hong Kong. Narrow and featuring double decks, it was certainly an experience to ride on them. We didn’t stay long, on them, however, as we quickly disembarked about three stops along the ride (not that we could have ridden them too far if we wanted to keep within reach of key tourist sites).

Off we hopped, right in the centre of Hong Kong, before speeding over to visit a bustling shopping street known commonly as Stone Slabs Street for the uneven granite stone steps it has. Lined with cheap market stalls, we took a quick look before heading further along Pottinger Street and then taking a right turn onto Hollywood Road to visit Man Mo temple.

The temple was built approximately between 1847 and 1862 by wealthy Chinese merchants to worship the God of Literature and the God of Martial Arts. Its structure is a two-hall-three-bay fronted by two granite drum platforms. Following traditional architecture layout, the rear hall housing the altars of the deities is also higher than the front hall, which are separated by a courtyard.

In 1908, the temple was officially entrusted to Tung Wah Hospital. Every ear, the Board of Directors congregate for the Autumn Sacrificial rites to pay homage to the gods as well as pay for prosperity. And, in 2010, the Man Mo Temple compound was declared a monument under the Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance.

Or so said the plaque out front that I took a picture of while there.

It wasn’t long before the two of us were heading back to the metro station, passing a supposedly famous fortune teller in a side street, as we did so.

Before too long, we arrived at Hong Kong-Kowloon station. One high speed rail ticket to Shenzhen later, along with passing through immigration and having our bags all scanned, we were back in mainland China.

My sojourn to the mother country was finally coming to an end.

Another One Bites the Dust

On By kyndarisLeave a comment

With less than a week to go before returning to Australia, my trip to China was slowly coming to a close. It was with a wistful heart that I bid goodbye to Shanghai as I boarded the plane to Shenzhen. Less than two hours later (and really, it was only long enough for me to fit in the first Paddington movie), we touched down.

Shenzhen sits on the east bank of the Pearl River. Designated a special economic zone when China began to open back up again in the 80s, it is the third most populous city by urban population in China. Given its a leading global technology hub, this came as no surprise. And given all the skyscrapers – and one that looks suspiciously like The Gherkin in London – it’s a modern marvel.

But, more importantly, it’s a touch north of Hong Kong.

Once we arrived, my cousin, the one who took me to Tianchi with his wife and mum) picked us up. As he drove us to where we were staying, the urban planner in him pointed out key sights in and around the bustling city.

Rather than stay in a hotel, though, my mother and I would be staying two nights at the home of her friend from university. While this feels a little strange to me, it’s important to note the strong connections many in China make during these years living in a shared dormitory. Something that my having grown up in Australia has never been able to replicate.

The bond my mother shares with her friends is almost sisterly in nature. More importantly, it seems to transcend the bounds of distance, time and even generations (as the courtesy was also extended to me – someone who they don’t really know much at all).

Once we had settled, my cousin invited us out for some Spanish fare. Though delicious, I did mourn the lack of churros as a dessert choice.

However, given this leg of the journey was still to tour Hong Kong, my mother and I hopped on a coach down at Shenzhen port that would take us directly to Hong Kong Disneyland the very next day. Given Hong Kong is still considered a special administrative region, we were still required to go through immigration and have our passports stamped before we were allowed to head on through.

Despite all the paperwork, we still arrived at Hong Kong Disneyland before the gates had opened. Once we were through, we headed first to Tomorrowland (right after we managed to find a locker to stuff with our overnight bags). Our first ride of the day, with only a purported wait time of five minutes, was Ant-Man and The Wasp: Nano Battle! Once I’d shown off my excellent shooting skills, we partook of the Iron Man Experience (or, as the ride itself liked to call it, the Stark Expo), followed swiftly by Hyperspace Mountain (the only Star Wars related ride).

Unlike the one in Shanghai, Hong Kong Disneyland had a lot more stalls and rides that were closed. This, however, did not dampen my enthusiasm as my mother and I headed over to Fantasyland. The first item on our list? Mickey and the Wondrous Book. And I must say, the performance was great.

It probably helped that the performers sang in English. But it also helped that when characters spoke in Cantonese, there were also subtitles on display that one could read. While it did detract from watching the people on stage, it was helpful to get a sense of the story. If only they had such facilities in ALL of the parks (something I felt would have been useful while in Japan – and for anyone who didn’t know Chinese Mandarin while in Shanghai). Heavens know what Disneyland Paris will be like but maybe I’ll just nod along and get away with muttering “d’accord: under my breath.

After the show, my mother and I were funnelled into the most hellish ride of them all: ‘it’s a small world.’ As with before, the wait time was minimal as we headed on inside and took a boat journey through the various parts of the world. Admittedly, I did like all the Disney character cameos in each part of the world: from Peter Pan flying up high to Simba jamming out to Hakuna Matata in the Africa section.

From ‘its a small world,’ we headed over to Hong Kong Disneyland’s unique land of Arendelle. After going on Wandering Oaken’s Sliding Sleighs, my mother and I enjoyed a late lunch at the Golden Crocus Inn.

Unfortunately, most of the other rides in and around Arendelle were closed. Whether it was due to the weather, renovations or just to change them up, I couldn’t say. I did, however, manage to catch a glimpse of Elsa teaching the kids in attendance how to use ice magic.

Truly, a magical moment.

Once we had checked out the entirety of Arendelle, my mother and I headed back to Fantasyland and took a gander at all the rides, along with the castle itself. None, though, caught our eye as a vast majority were targeted at young children not looking for anything to pump up the adrenaline.

From there, it was a quick jaunt to Hong Kong’s Adventure Isle section of the park where they also had nestled their own Toy Story land (with much of the same rides as Shanghai Disneyland – except instead of Woody’s Roundup, they had Toy Soldier Parachute Drop). Not keen to fall from any height, my mother and I headed to the next section of the park: Mystic Point.

But while we gawked and gaped at the Garden of Wonders, we ultimately chose to also skip the Mystic Manor (likely because of the hot weather – though cooler than Shanghai) and the need to wait for thirty minutes before we could get in (usually a norm for theme parks but after enjoying such quick wait times earlier in the day – and because we were told Hong Kong Disneyland only takes half a day to get through – we were trying to rush through the end). Instead, we headed into Grizzly Gulch and enjoyed the thrilling Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars ride. With the sudden stops and the drop halfway through, speeding us backwards, I like to think it was one of my mother’s favourites given how much she screamed her head off.

Afterwards, we watched the Lion King festival, a cliff notes version of the actual film, with songs from the movie thrown in. By then, we were thoroughly tired and chose not to go on the Jungle Cruise. That said, I did get to admire Tarzan’s treehouse from the distance.

To my dismay, we also missed out on the Moana performance. Something I only really noticed when we were chosen to complete a survey for Hong Kong Disneyland (although, if I were to ever go again – maybe with a friend or two in tow – it may be worth it. I’m looking at you, bleachpanda!).

Tired, and wanting to get to the hotel we were staying at a reasonable hour, we muddled our way through taking the Hong Kong metro. Though we faced a few difficulties – namely that we had forgotten to change some of our currency to Hong Kong dollars and we had no Oyster card (they didn’t accept credit card payment and neither mainland WeChat pay or Alipay worked), we had to resort to using my mother’s credit cards to tap on and off (my travel money card also wasn’t recognised).

Still, we managed to arrive at Harbour Grand Kowloonwith minimal fuss (besides a short argument on the metro). Once we had checked in and settled into the room, we headed up to the pool and took in the sights of Hong Kong at night.

Not feeling all that hungry for dinner, my mother and I then headed out to grab some late night dessert on the main thorough of Whampoa Garden. Unfortunately, not all stores accepted credit (and we still had no cash), so we had to pick and choose where we could dine.

Still, it was a packed day out and the two of us were glad to retire in our swanky hotel room afterwards.

Wet Weather Warning

On By kyndarisLeave a comment

As Sydney enjoyed a warm Sunday with a protest or three, along with a marathon, I was still in Shanghai, suffering through the heat. However, the blue sky with its big white fluffy clouds was not to last. Indeed, as one colleague from work would most likely describe it, the heavens opened and the biblical floodgates yawned wide for nigh on two hours – soaking everything in its path, threatening to even engulf the high ground.

But I’m getting ahead of myself.

Our last day in Shanghai was a slow, lazy one. After traipsing through Disneyland the day before, it was a necessary reset before our flight to Shenzhen (and the eventual return to Australia).

Given we were in Shanghai, one of the things my mother wanted to do was attend a show. Any show. Be it ballet, musical or even a play. In the end, we headed over to the People’s Square where my mother stopped by the Shanghai Grand Theatre. At the time, there was a ballet performance she could attend.

As I wasn’t quite as big a fan of the ballet than I was musicals or other shows – and given the price for just a single ticket – I chose not to partake. Still, my mother was delighted to purchase her own for a showing at 2 PM.

With the morning still young, my mother and I paid a visit to the nearby Shanghai Museum. Entry, of course, was free though we needed to both present our passports so that the authorities could ID us. Then, once our bags were also scanned to ensure we weren’t carrying anything dangerous, the two of us were free to explore the building.

Now, I hate to say this, but I did find the Shanghai Museum almost lacklustre when it came to what was on display. And admittedly, I regret the two of us didn’t venture to the Shanghai Natural History Museum (given it’s one of the largest museums of natural science in China).

The Shanghai Museum, though, did have a few items on display though none really caught my eye except for artifacts carved from rhino horns. The other collections they had were of enamel lacquerware, a presentation on the various ethnic minorities that can be found in China, some furniture and little else.

Before too long, my mother and I had finished our tour. After enjoying a quick coffee break in the adjoining cafe, we ventured back out into the summer heat to have some lunch. Of course, when one is in Shanghai, one must have food that is decidedly NOT Chinese. So, being a fan of Japanese, the two of us had some ramen.

By the time we finished, it was almost time for my mother’s show to begin. She hurried over to the Grand Theatre while I stayed in the shopping centre to have a look around. And, honestly, I have to say that the DMALL (or, according to Google: the Shanghai Dimei Shopping Mall) was yet another otaku’s wet dream. Numerous stores inside had collectibles for anime or video games from Japan. More importantly, it also had costume stores where one could buy cosplay of Judy Hopps and also sported collections ranging from lolita to goth (and even a combination of the two).

Once I’d seen my fill of what DMALL had to offer, I ventured back outside only to see the ground slick and shiny. As I headed back down People’s Square towards our hotel, it began to drizzle.

Yet knowing there was a local Pop Mart, I stopped at the Raffles City shopping centre. There, I made a few purchases at Uniqlo, browsed the stores inside and watched dance groups compete against each other. It may not have been a sophisticated ballet performance but I was certainly entertained.

Unfortunately, as I wrapped up my shopping in Raffles City, I was soon faced with the start of some torrential rain. Without an umbrella in hand (that was in my mother’s keeping), I had to take shelter in an office building that abutted Raffles City shopping centre.

For an hour, I stood inside waiting for the storm to abate. It even began to seep into the building through an opening somewhere close to the entrance (which then had to be mopped up by cleaning staff and sandbags were brought out). By the time it hit 4 PM, the storm had mostly cleared but it was still drizzling out. Seeing a few people head out, I tried to test my luck only to be faced by ankle-height water once you stepped onto the road to cross.

Unsure when it would subside and fearing I could be trapped – unable to move – for the foreseeable future, I stood frozen on the side of the road.

The dilemma I found myself in was further exacerbated by the return of heavy rain. Cursing under my breath, I chose to wade through (keeping my shoes on in the process because the thought of taking them off and walking barefoot on a dirty grimy street did not appeal to me. Not when the water smelled like sewerage).

When I finally returned to the hotel, I was akin to a drowned rat. Cold, miserable and needing to strip off my sodden clothes.

Once I’d emerged from my shower, the rain had stopped. Glancing out the window, it seemed the floodwaters had ALSO subsided (to my great chagrin).Probably, I should have returned to the office building and continued to wait it out. But at the time, I was not forearmed with this knowledge and had to make-do with my choices at the time.

Hindsight is 20-20 but it doesn’t take into account one’s limited knowledge at the time.

Or so I used to console myself as I washed my clothes and tried my best to rinse my drenched shoes. By then, my mother was able to return with nary a stray drop of rain on her head.

After a short break, we headed back out into a Shanghai that was less sweltering to have some dinner, and to round off our visit with some further shopping on Nanjing Road (yes, I ventured once more into Pop Mart and was assailed by how many other people were also perusing the shelves looking to buy merchandise).

So ended our last day in Shanghai.

The morrow would see us flying out as we continued on our grand adventure.