Sorry for missing last week’s 8 Thoughts or Things post, it was a busy one. Most of it due was to processing through photo images taken during two photo tours and looking at apartments (another story for another time). They were tours organized by the condo developers that built the units we live in, along with local gov’t dept. of Tourism, mobile co., and local news agencies. All targeted at foreigners or expats here in Zhuhai, to showcase Zhuhai and a publicity event for them.  Foreigners still make big news here in Zhuhai. People still take photos of you if you’re not Asian looking… so while the new crews joins us on the trips, most foreigners are photographed all the time in return for the free tour and insight into some of the tourism highlights of Zhuhai, and the possibility to win a prize for best photo. Decent trade off I think, as long as they follow through with their promises.  As the ending to this particular competition, tonight was the awards banquet, and to my surprise, four of my photos were chosen in the final 15, and one made the final cut and won 2nd prize!! I was called up on stage to do the publicity stuff, (which was amusing) the big plaque and photos galore along with news crew, and then interviews after. It wasn’t till 10 min later that I could look at closely as to what exactly I won… A trip for two to Hunan’s ancient town, Feng Huang Town!! Wow, I still can’t believe it! Yay!

'contemplation' - kaishin chu © 2008

Part of me is still skeptical, but it will sink in once I go claim the prize and book the trip time at the travel agency, I’m sure :)