Ha! Failure as a teacher, and the iPod nano

Ha! I sneaked out at 5.30 in the morning, and made my way to London on Wednesday. After a very nice selection of confectionary at the Ritz, I considered my options. I learned the first time I attempted my escape that They have agents everywhere, and that London is probably one of the least safe places in the world. There was really only one thing to do: a single ticket to Hong Kong please!

I've learned that success does not teach you anything. Success is not bad in itself of course. Sucess can bring many good things. For instance, success may mean that you're sulking in Dundee Tuesday night, enjoying some rubbish hollywood blockbuster movies on an intercontinental flight on Wednesday and then partying your soul out on the Thursday. Not too bad. But have you learned anything? No. Success brings fortune but you'll be none the wiser. If you want to learn, to mature, to grow as a person then there are no shortcuts:
There's no better lesson that a good wallopping failure.

I've become a much wiser person today. I've learned that:

1. There is often an inverse relationship between trendyness and practical use when it comes to clothes. For instance, a nice pair of armani jeans that make the most of your small bum could quite possibly have extremely small pockets that over and over again cause you to drop and forever loose important things.
2. It is always a good idea to check the western union website and memorize the locations of outlets close to where you live and/or work. Should you ever be in need of emergency cash, your friends, relatives or trusted credit card provider will be able to sort you out through one of these transfer agents.
3. If you book a ticket online, and you are told that you MUST present your credit card when picking up the e-ticket, this means that it is not only advicable to bring your credit card, it is critical. Otherwise you just might make a fool of yourself and not get on that flight.

I'm truly a better person for it!

Other than these hard lessons, I'm having great fun in Hong Kong. Today is lazy day, I'm just reading up a little bit on possible destinations in south east asia. Also I've bought an iPod Nano. It is very very sexy. It reminds me of when I first held an ipod in my hands a few years ago. It was a friend's iPod, handed over to me wrapped in a nice silk protective bag. As I carefully removed the bag and held the gadget in my hands, I got the feeling that my dirty hands were not worthy to hold this piece of jewelry. Same with the Nano. I haven't had much chance to listen to it yet, but whenever I have a quiet moment I take it out and touch it...

ADDED 17 Feb: I was so upset about loosing my credit card I never bothered to mention the fact that I had SOOOOO much fun in Hong Kong. Toby and Nicki took really good care of me and made it feel like I'd never left.