🌟 Grandpa Journey — The School That Changed My Life

  From Chuk Yuen Primary to La Salle College 

After graduating from Chuk Yuen Ling Tao Primary School, life unexpectedly opened a door for me — a door that changed my future. By great fortune, I was admitted to La Salle College, one of Hong Kong’s finest and most respected secondary schools.

For a boy who grew up through fire, resettlement huts, and hardship, it felt like a dream.
It was more than just a school admission — it was a turning point in my life.

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The La Salle Years — A Gift I Will Never Forget

La Salle College stood proudly on Boundary Street — Geodesic-style building with a magnificent dome that impressed every student who walked through its gates. I still remember the feeling on my first day: awe, excitement, and a little fear of the unknown.

But what I found inside those walls was far beyond academics.
It was discipline, brotherhood, opportunity — and kindness.

One person who shaped my journey was Brother Felix (Principal of La Salle College), a man of great compassion. He made it possible for me to study at La Salle by providing:

Free tuition

Free textbooks
Continuous support throughout all my secondary years

Without his generosity, I would not have been able to attend this great school. His belief in me gave a young boy from Chuk Yuen a chance — a real chance — to break free from poverty and build a better life. For this, my gratitude to Brother Felix is lifelong and heartfelt.

1964 — Graduation and Heartbreak

I graduated from La Salle College in 1964, but that same year brought a deep sorrow. My father passed away at the young age of 48. Losing him so early was devastating for our family, both emotionally and financially.

As the eldest son, I knew I had to shoulder responsibility. I needed to work.
Right away.

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A Helping Hand — And My First Job

In desperation, I went to Brother Felix for help. Without hesitation — without even a moment’s pause — he wrote a recommendation letter introducing me to a La Salle old boy, Mr. Edmund Lo.

When I met Mr. Lo, something extraordinary happened.
He gave me the job immediately.

I started working as a medical detailer for Abbott Laboratories Hongkong, a respected and stable position for a young man with no experience. It was my first real job, and it allowed me to support my family during the most difficult time of our lives.

To this day, I remain deeply grateful:

• To Brother Felix, for his kindness, trust, and unwavering support

• To Mr. Edmund Lo, for giving me a chance when I needed it the most

• To La Salle College, for shaping my values and my future

These people and this school opened a door that changed my destiny.

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A Chapter of Gratitude

Looking back now, nearly 60 years later, I realize how lucky I was.
A boy from a fire-displaced family, living in tiny huts with no electricity, somehow found himself studying in one of Hong Kong’s finest institutions.

Life didn’t give us much, but it gave me opportunities at the right moments — and angels in human form who helped me along the way.

This chapter of my journey is not just about education.
It is about gratitude.
About the power of kindness.
And about how one chance can change an entire life.

If this little story brought back a memory of your own, you can buy Grandpa a coffee. ☕

That's what keeps this old grandpa writing.

🚐 A Week of Laughter, Friendship, and Seafood: Our 2017 Maritime Adventure

 This is one of Grandpa's earlier stories, revisited while Grandpa takes a short break.

 In the summer of 2017, eight of us — old schoolmates and our better halves — piled into a Honda Odyssey van and headed east from Richmond Hill toward Canada’s Maritime Provinces. The crew: Tony and George, Pierre and Mary and David and Julie and, Frank and Cecilia.

It wasn’t just a trip — it was a reunion on wheels, with decades of shared history packed alongside our luggage.

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Day 1 – Richmond Hill to Québec City

We hit the road early, the sun barely up. The excitement was palpable — not just for the destination, but for the simple joy of being together.

By late morning, hunger won out and we stopped at a McDonald’s café for a quick lunch — coffee, sandwiches, and a few apple pies for good measure. From there, we pushed on through eastern Ontario into Québec.

That evening, we arrived in Québec City, where cobblestone streets and European charm set the tone for the days ahead. A stroll through Old Québec, with its historic stone walls and street musicians, was the perfect start.

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Day 2 – Québec City to Fredericton, New Brunswick

Crossing into New Brunswick felt like entering a quieter, greener Canada. The St. John River Valley was in full summer bloom, and the rolling landscapes kept us glued to the windows.

We reached Fredericton by evening and enjoyed our first taste of Atlantic seafood:

• Fish chowder loaded with fresh haddock

• Crispy fish and chips served with malt vinegar
  It was just a preview of the seafood feast to come.

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Day 3 – Fredericton to Prince Edward Island

The highlight today was crossing the Confederation Bridge — an engineering marvel stretching 12.9 km over the Northumberland Strait. PEI welcomed us with its famous red-soil farmlands, green rolling hills, and ocean views.

Dinner that night was a seafood lover’s dream:

• Mussels in buckets, steaming hot, seasoned with garlic butter

• Sweet, tender lobster served with drawn butter

• Clam chowder so rich we nearly licked the bowls

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Day 4 – Exploring Prince Edward Island

We toured the island’s charming fishing villages, stopped at beaches with soft white sand, and even visited the famous Green Gables site in Cavendish. At lunch, we discovered lobster burgers — juicy lobster meat on a toasted bun with tangy dressing. One bite and we wondered why this wasn’t a global fast-food staple.

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Day 5 – PEI to Nova Scotia

A ferry carried us from Wood Islands, PEI to Caribou, Nova Scotia. From there, we drove the coastal route to Halifax.

In the evening, we wandered along the Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk, soaking in the sea air and watching fishing boats and yachts drift by. Dinner was another Maritime classic — beer-battered fish and chips paired with local craft beer.

Day 6 – Halifax to Saint John, New Brunswick

We made a morning stop at Peggy’s Cove, where the iconic lighthouse stands guard over granite rocks and crashing waves. It’s one of those postcard-perfect spots that feels even better in person.

By afternoon, we were in Saint John, exploring the historic market and tasting more chowder (by now, we’d become amateur clam chowder critics).

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Day 7 – Saint John to Richmond Hill

The return journey was long but comfortable. The van was a little quieter than on Day 1 — partly from travel fatigue, partly from the warm satisfaction of a trip well spent.

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What Made This Trip Unforgettable

Looking back, I can’t recall every kilometre we drove or every menu we ordered from, but I’ll never forget:

• The laughter that filled the van

• The seafood feasts that made every meal an event

• The Maritime hospitality that made us feel at home

• The simple joy of sharing a journey with friends who’ve known you for a lifetime

It wasn’t just a week-long road trip — it was a celebration of friendship, good food, and the open road.

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If this little story brought back a memory of your own, you can buy Grandpa a coffee. ☕ That's what keeps this old grandpa writing.

🏕 Camping at Pinery Provincial Park

 

 This is one of Grandpa's earlier stories, revisited while Grandpa takes a short break.

 

A Joyful Summer Escape with Our Grandkids, Sam and Alison

It’s always a joy to welcome loved ones home—especially when they return with sun-kissed smiles and stories from the great outdoors. Just yesterday, our daughter, her husband, and their children came back from a four-day camping trip at Pinery Provincial Park, and they had a truly unforgettable time.

Located about three hours west of where we live—via Mississauga—Pinery is known for its stunning beaches, towering pines, and peaceful trails. This trip quickly became the highlight of the summer for the kids.

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☀️ Days of Sunshine and Beachside Fun

The beach was the center of their daily activities. The children loved swimming, splashing, and rowing around in an inflatable boat. With safety in mind, everyone wore life jackets while playing near the water. They had endless fun under the sun, and their laughter filled the air like music.

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❄️ Cold Nights, Warm Hearts

While the days were filled with joy, the nights told a different story—it was unexpectedly cold! They found it hard to sleep, wrapped in sleeping bags but still chilled by the nighttime breeze. Yet, that became part of the adventure—something to laugh about in hindsight and prepare better for next year.

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🍽 Family Meals and Together Time

They brought along plenty of food, snacks, and drinks. Every meal, whether it was cooked over a camp stove or enjoyed picnic-style on a table, was shared with smiles. The simple act of eating outdoors under the open sky made everything taste better.

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🧺 Home Again, and Already Dreaming of Next Year

Once home, they had piles of laundry, bags to unpack, and gear to clean—a common post-camping ritual. But even with all the chores, the joy of the trip lingered. The kids had such a great time that they’re already asking to go again next year.

As for me, I now have dozens of wonderful photos of their trip—snapshots of golden beach sunsets, the campsite, and those glowing happy faces. These aren’t just pictures; they’re memories made and preserved.

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🌲 Final Thoughts

Camping may come with its share of challenges, like cold nights or sandy laundry, but it also offers moments of deep connection, joy, and adventure. This trip to Pinery was more than just a summer getaway—it was a beautiful family memory in the making.