Akhmal Shaikh – A UK national is executed by China for drug smuggling
A sad story to read over Christmas but one that is more complex than perhaps the headlines suggest. Akhmal Shaikh has been executed by Chinese authorities for drug smuggling. Please let me state from the very beginning that I hate drugs, their use and anyone who sells or deals in them. And while I am lucky enough to live in Hong Kong and abide by the laws and decisions that are made in this region (all be it autonomous to China) I feel that this is something that I should speak out about.
The hard part for me is that this is a British national, not a Chinese national and while this crime was committed in China I find myself agreeing with Gordon Brown (a first) who said, “I condemn the execution of Akmal Shaikh in the strongest terms, and am appalled and disappointed that our persistent requests for clemency have not been granted. I am particularly concerned that no mental health assessment was undertaken,” he added.
And there is perhaps the worst part of this sad story, the man looks to have been mentally ill. Executing someone should be a process that if it is done, it is done within the strictest bounds of the law and humanity. This person was taken advantage of by evil people and though he committed a crime, he did not deserve to die.
My thoughts go out to his family on this a very sad ending to 2009. China is a great country with many, many great people, thinkers and ambitions. I am afraid to say is a dark and bloody day for this emerging power in the world and a day that I hope it will one day to come to regret. I fear that few in Hong Kong, China or the UK will speak out against this action but I feel its important that we hold China to international laws and responsibilities. I am reminded of the quote, “with great power, comes great responsibility.” Its about time China found that responsibility.
The original article from the Times UK: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article6970154.ece#cid=OTC-RSS&attr=2015164
ali bullock’s Letter From Asia (Siagon)
Saigon, Vietnam’s second city to the south of this vast country, known by so many through the Hollywood depictions of a war long since passed but yet truly known by few outside Asia.
So lets start there, the war. Its never far from you in Saigon – Yet the feeling is that as the hawks of American politics look to the middle east, this country, a forgotten bastion, an outpost of communism has few memories of that time. You can of course visit the military museum (not recommended for children or people without a strong constitution) or just look round the front of the building where you can find plenty of shops willing to sell old GI cameras and Zippo lighters should you wish to pick a morbid memory or two.
Yet to dwell on this part of Vietnam’s history would be to do this city a great injustice. The people are nothing but friendly and more pro-western than their northern cousins with a feeling that this city has never really let go of its affection for all things Americana. A constant flow of Manchester United or Arsenal T-shirts and smiles made me smile and reminded me that the beautiful game has conquered where the forces of America’s military could not, well that and Brittney Spears of course who could be heard from every department shopping mall and seen on numerous TV’s around the city.
Saigon is perhaps the younger more confident, sexier sister to Hanoi, the more grown up lady of Vietnam. While Hanoi ages gracefully like a 50’s silver screen starlet, Saigon is determined to implant, botox or simply airbrush out the old and replace it with the new. This city gives off a frenetic energy and a desire to move forward at an economic pace that Hanoi doesn’t.
For its at night does the city truly come alive. Just like Tokyo you have to see the place by night to appreciate the true life of this city and the business that each street contains. Girls further hoist up their mini-skirts and a million mopeds zip and dart through the streets on a route known only by the driver and passenger. Crossing these streets at night involves courage and a deep breath into the blackness of the road followed by a swirl of bikes around you and an exhilaration that you made it to the other side. You might think I am exaggerating, but seeing is believing. Even at midnight the streets are still a buzz and I would swear it doesn’t stop until the sun rises.
The city has some great shopping, but if you are looking for genuine art be on the watch as its harder to find than in Hanoi. Saigon art is definitely more geared to “western” tastes (one assumes that this is what Homer Simpson and Pop Art is) and finding original Vietnamese art is not as easy as you would expect. A good place to start is Tara & Kys Art Gallery ( www.tarakys.com ) but where ever you go its always asking for the certificate of authenticity if you want to be sure that what you have is original. Of course should you want the Roy Lichtenstien Pop Art / Marilyn Monroe (and who wouldn’t I hear you ask?) Then go right ahead.
Onward from Saigon took us 4 hours north to the Mekong Delta, where we stayed at the Victoria Can tho Resort ( www.victoriahotels.asia ) – Its well worth taking their private car service and through the journey is long the view from the hotel is spectacular. This is the part of Vietnam that I had wanted to see. Highlights include the sunrise cruise to see the largest wet market in Vietnam. And by wet I do mean wet, literally. All the transactions take place on the delta from boat to boat and it’s a fascinating experience to watch.
Again, my top tip would be to take the cruise with the hotel or organise a private boat as the “official tours” offered in Saigon seemed to have 30 people squeezed into a small boat and none of the people we passed looked to be having as much fun as we were. In fact several looked a little worried that their boat might sink as well it might do with that number of people crammed onto it. Much better, to have a cooked breakfast (included) with our own private chef as we cruised down the delta in luxury watching the sun rise.
As our final night drew to a close I sat out on the balcony, watching the sun set and listened to the chug, chug, chug of the tiny diesel engines powering the boats pass by, I realised that almost as soon as we had arrived it was time to return to the noise and bustling energy of Saigon (I have never got used to the idea of calling it Ho Chi Min.)
Returning to the city felt so odd from such peace an tranquillity to which we had been experiencing and had me wishing to return to the delta for many reasons. But the Park Hyatt’s One Restaurant ( www.saigon.park.hyatt.com ) made for a very acceptable dinner overlooking the city, the view was only matched by some excellent food.
As I looked down on the old theatre that lights up the square I can’t help but smile at such a young vibrant city. Tokyo, London, and my own Hong Kong just got a little older as did I yesterday. This is one great city but definitely a young persons city at that.
Cathay Pacific flies daily to Saigon from Hong Kong: http://www.cathaypacific.com/cpa/en_HK/homepage?CX_FCN=CXHOME0_Home
And you can download a free guide to the city here: http://www.cathaypacific.com/cityguides
animalsinphotos.com – New Design
Firstly apolgies that it has been so quiet on the aip blog. We have been incredibly busy working away on a number of sites and so I will be posting some new updates soon I promise… For now the big news is that the new animalsinphotos site is live. The site has had a complete overhaul (and thanks to those who provided feedback on this. I hope that you like the new site: www.animalsinphotos.com
muttgenie.com is now in Beta
We able to announce that muttgenie.com is in Beta! You can now purchase the DNA tests for your dog through the site for a special price of $500 (instead of $800) while we get all the bugs and feedback on the site and the delivery of the results.
We are so pleased to finally bring this product to the market in Hong Kong and I know so many of you are very excited about finding out more about your dog and its history and breeds. Mutt Genie will tell you everything that he can about the breeds present in your dog. To take advantage of the trial price please click on www.muttgenie.com and have fun!
The team @ animalsinphotos | muttgenie
A message from our friends at STOP HK
A message from STOP HK:
As you know STOP save hk’s cats and dogs has put together an exciting week of desexing for your unneutered pets….it’s HK’s FIRST EVER DESEXATHON week! As you may know, HK destroys 25,000 cats and dogs every year due to unwanted pregnancies and not enough homes.Spay and neutering not only saves lives but it is also better for your pets health (find out at http://www.facebook.com/l/b4368;hkstop.org/en/lastestcampaign.php).
As a responsible pet owner, if you haven’t already spayed or neutered your best friend, NOW IS THE TIME! Just book an appointment with the following vet practices to start enjoying the benefits of desexing. Your pet may not thank you at the time (sorry guys!) but they and your community will in the long run! Love, Your friends at STOP! save hk’s cats and dogs http://www.facebook.com/l/b4368;www.hkstop.org
DESEXATHON VETERINARY CLINICS:
SPCA 愛護動物協會: Wan chai, 5 wan shing street Tel: 2802 0501 Pokfulam,
698 Victoria Road Tel: 2550 2700 Kowloon
105 Princess Margaret Rd Tel: 2713 9104
Haung Hau, Flat B. 2/f, Blk 5, Tseung Kwan O Tel: 2243 0080
Lantau Shop 14, Mui Wo Centre Tel:2894 0060
Cheung Chau , CX277, Tung Wan Tel: 29814476
CHRIS & NICOLAS Tin Hau, 37 Wing Hing Street Tel: 2570 6048
THE SANCTUARY Sai Wan Ho, Shp k, 8 Su nSin street Tel: 2560 2721
ANIMAL HOSPITAL Wan Chai, 12 wood road Tel: 2571 5422
Kowloon, 116 argyle street Tel: 2711 0332 Western parksdale, 54 bonham road Tel: 2559 5700
Shatin, shop 9, GF, Kam shan, 15 tai wai road Tel: 2594 1452
Sai Kung. 30 man nin street Tel: 2792 2206 9 LIVES Central, 37 aberdeen street Tel: 2975 8228
STANLEY VETERINARY CLINIC Stanley, LGF, 10-12 wong ma kok road, Tel: 2813 2030
DESEXATHON SUPPORTERS:
ANIMAL LIFEGUARD
HK ALLEYCATWATCH HEART
LAP
LAWC
SAA
SKSF
SKY MAGAZINE
SPCA
WHISKERS N PAWS
WOOT WOOT! Almost at 500 fans on FaceBook!
Yes that’s right – In less than six months in operation AIP has almost climbed up to 500 fans on FaceBook. We admit that this is hardly Nike or Coke numbers here, but for a little outfit like ours we are very happy with this achievement and thank you to everyone that is a fan of AIP and follows all our adventures and photos here in Hong Kong.
As we n the 500 mark we have a lot of news and developments happening in the world of animalsinphotos – New products are being developed such as the DNA dog testing kits (see www.muttgenie.com ) and of course the long awaited dog guide to Hong Kong (see www.woofguides.com ) which is almost at the final stages of copy approval and sign off. Again, thank you to all the people that emailed tips, walks, recommendations and feedback – We really appreciate all the help and all the proceeds from the guide will as promised be going to animal welfare charities in HK such as HKDR, the SPCA and LAP.
Well for me its time to stop writing this blog, get to work at the day job and perhaps hassle those final 5 people to join our fan page. Look out for our brand spanking new newsletter which comes out this week! If you want to join us click here
ali
animals in photos: Now on YouTube.com/animalsinphotos
We are hugely excited to announce the roll out of our new YouTube page which you can see here: www.youtube.com/animalsinphotos – Its been a busy 2009 with many great projects on for us and with some wonderful furry friends in the studio we have never been busier. Our FB fan page is upto 472 fans (thank you all for joining) and the web site has more photos than ever which you can see here. Enjoy. ali, Caz, Mandy and Jess.
click here to check out the YouTube page
Exclusive: The puppy out-takes from the HKDR Diary 2010
(and yes these will be featured in the diary this year.)
This is an exclusive to the animals in photos FB page and AIP blog – We can now release the out-takes from the HKDR puppy diary / 2010. The pups this year are the cutest that we have ever photographed but the out-takes are the funniest that you will see. Please pass these around and help promote the sales of the diary which comes out on the 25 September and will be on sale in Lane Crawford in pacific Place.
Enjoy these photos – I hope they make you smile :) To see more join our fan page on facebook here and remember the diary will be on sale around the 25 September.
