By Assunta Ng
Northwest Asian Weekly

Assunta Ng’s former high school principal, Mother Ida, now retired, sits in front of a check that equates to about $30,000 USD raised by Sacred Heart Canossian College (SHCC) alumni. In the back behind the check are (from left): Maria Law, Sister Agnes Law, Alice Chan, Agnes Kwan, who graduated from the UW in 1982 with a degree in computer science and also is chair of the SHCC reunion organizing committee, and Sister Ida. (Photo by Assunta Ng/NWAW)

Women lose weight, buy new clothes, color their hair, and fly across the ocean to seize “the moment” in their lives.

I have to confess that I am one of these vain creatures who invest lots of money — $150 worth of new outfits and shoes plus airfare to fly to Hong Kong — for a unique occasion. Read the full story

Eleanor Lee holds a penguin chick named Ceres Bucket. (Photos provided by Eleanor Lee.)

By Eleanor Lee
Northwest Asian Weekly

A year ago, I was working for Northwest Asian Weekly as the editor when a crazy opportunity presented itself: to go work in Argentina at Punta Tombo, home of the largest colony of Magellanic penguins in the world.

I don’t know what I could write that would sound more random. The way it came about is that my husband, Eric, is a Doctor of Philosophy student in Biology at the University of Washington. Dee Boersma, one of his professors, worked at Punta Tombo for 25 years. Each year, she selects two full-time volunteers to spend the entire breeding season, from September to March, at the colony. The volunteers count, measure, band, observe, and conduct experiments on nearly half a million penguins.

Read the full story

By Assunta Ng
Northwest Asian Weekly

The interior of the Library of Congress is full of architectural marvels.

Can ordinary folks see the White House?

Yes, and it doesn’t even cost you a penny.

Read the full story

Part II of the Travel in Japan series

An umbrella shop in Tokyo holds merchandise ranging between $1 and $50 (USD).

By Assunta Ng
Northwest Asian Weekly

The first rule when it comes to finding an adventure in Japan is getting rid of tour guides and translators.

If uncertainties and surprises thrill you, read on. If you can walk up big steps and traverse long distances in good spirit, this is the trip for you. If you enjoy experiencing new foods and striking up conversations with strangers, continue on. Read the full story

Hidden behind bushes is the former home (at different times) of Madame Soong Ching Ling, Duke Gong Qin and the last Emperor of China Pu Yi.

Part three

By Assunta Ng
Northwest Asian Weekly

If you have to choose one place to visit in China, where should you go? Read the full story

By Assunta Ng
Northwest Asian Weekly

The best time to visit Beijing is now ? Cheaper hotels, less traffic, nicer weather. There is also an opportunity to get a sense of the Olympics before it?s too late. Read the full story