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Post by FayChee on Jun 18, 2013 20:19:34 GMT -5
Good luck on your meeting Angela! Our thoughts are with you.
Fay Chee
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Post by FayChee on Jun 18, 2013 13:35:45 GMT -5
This is so exciting! I can't wait to hear your story Ngkokweng......and hopefully see some pictures too!
Last night I played "Ode to Yellow River" for your successful adventure........
Fay Chee
Oh yes, yesterday I downloaded the free Pleco Chinese Dictionary App into my Droid Razr Maxx phone (Android).......it works great! and even pronounces the words. Now all I have to do is let the phone do the talking in Chinese (I haven't found out if it is speaking Cantonese or Mandarin or Pinyin yet)...........
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Post by lachinatown on Jun 18, 2013 12:52:30 GMT -5
Ngkokweng, Sounds like you are making progress in your search. what program you used to make that attached map with Chinese/English? Attachments:
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Post by Angela on Jun 18, 2013 4:46:13 GMT -5
Hi Douglas,
I wont be staying for dinner. Im going just day trip (maximum 5 hours) and then returning to Hong Kong.
Firstly I dont know any of them and dont feel comfortable staying until dinner and returning back so late, because its a village its very hard to catch public transport to the train station. You cant even catch a cab, there isnt any in that area.
Also have not figure out if I have any direct distant related relatives still in the village, hopefully can find out tomorrow.
Anyways, my friend's mother in Australia told me this:
One thing I need to remind you. As you are young and pure hearted, the village people might take advantage of you, like asking for favour and money now or in future. Please don't leave your contact address, phone no. or email address with them. Just to play safe. You can tell them that you are travelling to places around the year so no fixed contact point. Since they are strangers to you, you must protect yourself and your family in Australia, just in case.
I actually didnt think of this, but last week they did ask for my contact details, I gave them my Hong Kong mobile number and email address. I didnt give any of my Australia contacts.
Laohuaqiao has advised that no need to give 100RMB, its only the gesture of giving a red envelope has a courtesy of good luck, not the amount. Plus I am actually not rich. Hence on that advice, I know what to do.
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Post by ngkokweng on Jun 18, 2013 3:19:55 GMT -5
Yesterday was a wonderful day! I met up with laohuaqiao contact yesterday. Just when we had given up all hope came the silver lining. I managed to track down six generations of lineage....It was really fortunate. It is a blessing...Will write more shortly...
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Post by FayChee on Jun 18, 2013 2:40:42 GMT -5
Have a safe trip back Laohuaqiao........you will need a long rest
Fay Chee
........and miles to go before I sleep......
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Post by laohuaqiao on Jun 18, 2013 2:10:05 GMT -5
Laohuaqiao............are you still in China? Fay Chee Yes, but only for a few more hours. |
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Post by douglaslam on Jun 18, 2013 2:07:29 GMT -5
Angela, I never encountered anything like what you're encountering now on my early visits back home. But my circumstances are different. I would have thought a practical gift to the ancestral hall would suffice. A dinner party for the committee, quite appropriate, and red packets ( 100 RMB each) to the few elders and committee members would be a bonus. Just do it discreetly when giving out the red packets. You do need a deep pocket for all that. If only laohuaqiao was around to smooth things out for you. He has the presence and seniority. Douglas
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Post by FayChee on Jun 17, 2013 21:17:23 GMT -5
Laohuaqiao............are you still in China?
Fay Chee
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Post by Angela on Jun 17, 2013 11:28:32 GMT -5
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Post by Angela on Jun 17, 2013 11:24:59 GMT -5
Hi rsanchez1996,
I wonder if its necessary for you to post a 'New" thread each time you have a something new to add? You've previously created 2 threads all relating to your ancestral village search. If its the same topic, you should keep your posts within the same thread, otherwise its hard to follow/track as well as creating too many unnecessary threads that builds up in the forum.
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Post by Angela on Jun 17, 2013 10:11:06 GMT -5
Angela, I have never heard of the coercion that you must bear gift and treat people to a dinner. It should be up to the individual. If laohuaqiao was with you, he could simply things. A dinner is an appropriate thing to do. That said, perhaps you could buy something for the ancestral like a hot water urn to make tea, or a ceiling fan. A donation maybe an alternative. To the committee members, you could give each a red envelope with a 100RMB bill in it, in place of a donation or equipment for the hall.
Thanks soo much for your reply! I been waiting for some of the senior forum members to provide some advice! I have bought the famous Koi Kee almond cookies and phoenix rolls today. Tomorrow I will try to buy some other items. I think that maybe plenty. I actually dont know how many committee members, but I will make sure I exchange enough RMB! Do you think I should give more to the seniors/elders? Do I need to give red envelope to each person that greets me on the day? |
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Post by Angela on Jun 17, 2013 10:07:17 GMT -5
Good morning Angela n Fay Chee, It's passed six in the morning in Kaiping now. It must have been both a joyous n emotional journey for Angela. Take care n stay healthy!
How are you? How was your 1st day in Kaiping? Hope you are well. You must be super excited now that you are there!! Hope you get plenty of rest and enjoy your trip! Looking forward to hearing from you. |
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Post by Angela on Jun 17, 2013 10:04:56 GMT -5
Thank you for posting that nice photo of your dad Angela. I know how easy it is to stay awake all night trying to imagine what it must have been like back then. Then exhaustion settles in, and before you fall off to sleep, you say 'Thank you daddy', and wipe the tears away. Fay Chee |
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Post by douglaslam on Jun 17, 2013 8:47:14 GMT -5
Angela, I have never heard of the coercion that you must bear gift and treat people to a dinner. It should be up to the individual. If laohuaqiao was with you, he could simply things. A dinner is an appropriate thing to do.
That said, perhaps you could buy something for the ancestral like a hot water urn to make tea, or a ceiling fan. A donation maybe an alternative. To the committee members, you could give each a red envelope with a 100RMB bill in it, in place of a donation or equipment for the hall.
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Hi Sis, and welcome to the forum. As you know, I recently returned on a long journey from Florida to see one of our American cousins, sadly, in hospice. Her wish was to reconnect our family and visit with as many as could make the trip to her bedside.
Jun 15, 2013 12:27:50 GMT -5