I'm definitely now very aware and interested of local Asian news, politics and context - especially when talking with my hong kong colleagues. This week there will be tons of protests and possible hunger strikes ongoing with students in hong kong -- who are smart and aware enough to realize that Beijing-based "China" education is pretty damn close to brainwashing. The beginning of the end of free thought and free speech here in HK if this bill goes ahead at LegCo soon... fingers crossed that Hong Kong families will emerge victorious. I also hear that university students (while not affected by the upcoming national education) are protesting and not attending classes this Tuesday... in solidarity with parents and primary/secondary students. They will also offer to baby-sit students in the event of teacher / school strikes.... I had long chats with my local colleagues to more deeply understand the whole situation. In truth I am really glad that Hong Kong people who enjoy a relatively developed society... are not just worried about near-term money and do act upon values beyond material things (my earlier views were narrow)!
As an analogy, its no surprise that my mainland friends 'hate' the Japanese more than other nations under Japanese occupation in WWII and thereafter, and that my generation of mainland friends/colleagues seem to revere the Communist party while many also refuse to give up their Chinese passports. I hope I am wrong, but brainwashing and persistent and broad-based national 'education' does work from a government perspective!!! yikes!
I've been traveling a bit less often now for work... which is a welcome change... and we've been eating out quite often due to visitors in town, etc. We're planning a vacation to Kota Kinabalu soon for a hike up SE Asia's highest peak. In addition to our multiple runs per week training for our end Nov half-marathon... we now have to climb stairs!! Tiring....
And for the record, Walter White from Breaking Bad is so very evil. At least I know better what money laundering is. Its literally a way to clean your money. Happens all the time here in China - trust me!
And finally. please say an extra prayer for my relatives here in Hong Kong and Singapore who are suffering from major health issues.
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Monday, September 3, 2012
Two Years in Hong Kong!
Two years in Hong Kong has flown by.... its hard to believe but its been quite a ride... up and downs... and around the region:
- hiking and outdoor activities such as trails, beach and boating are still awesome
- people still walk slow and randomly. probably because most people carry iphone 4's. Even my carrier relegates my blackberry to a 'business service only'
- air pollution is pretty bad, especially worse with latest series of this summer's typhoons. Its scary when Hong Kong air rivals Beijing for world's worst
- the seafood and pork far better than the chicken or beef.
- China economy has slowed down and food and infrastructure safety standards questionable
- Hong Kong MTR subway travel world-class (excluding Tung Chung line)
- HK Airport is still my second home sadly; lots of work travel
- we can't find a more convenient location to live in Hong Kong besides Sheung Wan :). 5-10 mins walk to the bars, lounges and escalator... I initially landed here at a service apartment, we later moved next door and haven't relocated since (we've looked but nothing 'stuck')
- Food in Kowloon side still tastes better than on Hong Kong Island
- a handful of tycoons still rule Hong Kong. There are no Costco or non-local big box retailers here, and rental prices are out of hand per sq foot (purchase prices are even crazier)
- Hong Kong has become LESS democratic recently with the 'election' of CY Leung
- electronics and brand name household and clothing prices are easily 2-3x North America
- great friends and family make up for the tough urban living standards here
- training for our 2nd half marathon already. We still love Bowen Road
- most shopping areas like Causeway Bay and TST are dominated by mainland Chinese tourgroups
- despite the very low 15% income tax rate... the overall cost of living here excluding transit is VERY VERY high compared with Toronto (groceries, RENT/REAL ESTATE, restaurant tier, clothing, bedding, appliances etc). I find that friends from London or New York are less shocked by the cost difference than we are
Like I said, it's been a ride these past years. Who knows how long we'll stay in Hong Kong but its all just part of our adventure!
- hiking and outdoor activities such as trails, beach and boating are still awesome
- people still walk slow and randomly. probably because most people carry iphone 4's. Even my carrier relegates my blackberry to a 'business service only'
- air pollution is pretty bad, especially worse with latest series of this summer's typhoons. Its scary when Hong Kong air rivals Beijing for world's worst
- the seafood and pork far better than the chicken or beef.
- China economy has slowed down and food and infrastructure safety standards questionable
- Hong Kong MTR subway travel world-class (excluding Tung Chung line)
- HK Airport is still my second home sadly; lots of work travel
- we can't find a more convenient location to live in Hong Kong besides Sheung Wan :). 5-10 mins walk to the bars, lounges and escalator... I initially landed here at a service apartment, we later moved next door and haven't relocated since (we've looked but nothing 'stuck')
- Food in Kowloon side still tastes better than on Hong Kong Island
- a handful of tycoons still rule Hong Kong. There are no Costco or non-local big box retailers here, and rental prices are out of hand per sq foot (purchase prices are even crazier)
- Hong Kong has become LESS democratic recently with the 'election' of CY Leung
- electronics and brand name household and clothing prices are easily 2-3x North America
- great friends and family make up for the tough urban living standards here
- training for our 2nd half marathon already. We still love Bowen Road
- most shopping areas like Causeway Bay and TST are dominated by mainland Chinese tourgroups
- despite the very low 15% income tax rate... the overall cost of living here excluding transit is VERY VERY high compared with Toronto (groceries, RENT/REAL ESTATE, restaurant tier, clothing, bedding, appliances etc). I find that friends from London or New York are less shocked by the cost difference than we are
Like I said, it's been a ride these past years. Who knows how long we'll stay in Hong Kong but its all just part of our adventure!
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