Using "Initials" to identify colleagues; no built-in closets in most flats!

Across Asia,  colleagues to call one another by their initials (first letter of First name then first letter of Surname).  Maybe because anglicized Chinese names are difficult to pronounce?!  I thought it was strange at first - and frankly sometimes people have the same initials.... so information is crossed at times! For instance, my old boss in Singapore was "CY".  Similarly here at AMD, I should be known as "IH" or "IY" (However Irene is easier than most Chinese/English names to remember....or my colleagues know I chuckle at this, so they don't bother)  Just so you know, the parents in Asia don't actually name their children by two letters only! ha ha.

On another note, my short trip back to Toronto last week was very very cold yet fun.  Spent some quality family time, slept well, and got good work done at the office.  Upon landing back last Friday, immediately I went to meet Stephen for our FINAL househunting visits with the agents.

Upon our FOURTH visit back to the SAME unit in the past months, we finally settled on 34th floor Hollywood Terrace.  The landlady is from Fujian province but she's been in Hong Kong for 20 years. At least she can converse in Mandarin with Stephen too.  The building is literally next door to our current service apartment - we love the area - its equally convenient to SOHO/Escalators and MTR (Hong Kong/Central/Sheung Wan). The views are excellent from our unit despite the (aging) kitchen/bathroom.  The building is fairly well maintained; its only 11 years old.  We hear the complex was originally a shared venture between public government and private developers (for 'poor people') - but today, the units ain't cheap.

Now the real challenge is buying wardrobe/closets - these are often missing from unfurnished units.  IKEA was typically a zoo, and walking in the wrong direction at Wan Chai meant we missed the street of furniture shops!  All in all, we're pleased.  We get the keys on Wed Dec 22 and our sea shipment of furniture arrives tomorrow... we just need internet and a TV/sofa

Finally going to Japan this Friday.... can't wait to snowboard, then visit Osaka/Kyoto/Tokyo.  May crash with Matt in Tokyo, TBD... Sadly the snow is more abundant in North America and Europe than in Japan...!!!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!