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!