Right now its 8pm and I am at work. Its only Wednesday and so far this week, I have clocked in 40 hours (and counting). Painful!
Most expats like us come to/through HK for a few years. (Mostly) British and some other foreigners - although fewer these days compared with Singapore -- may settle down and raise families (FILTH, failed in London, try Hong Kong).
Since arriving here in late 2010, several of my business school and other friends have moved away, back to US/Canada, off to cleaner & more English friendly Singapore, etc.
This "transient city" idea is VERY different from my experience in Toronto. A lot of smaller-town Canadians study and then settle in Toronto (including my own hubby!). But if that occurs, in my observation, they rarely leave.
What is the impact of this?
- traveling a lot more for weddings and special occasions
- having close friends in many other cities is the norm
- being open to making new friends all the time - even if you're 'middle -aged' (for sure the people here in HK are more open to new friends than my experience in Toronto even with "friends of friends"!)
- seeking for stability where possible, e.g. expanding network to include local family and colleagues, living more like a local (less in expat areas), etc.
- yourself being ready to move on short notice - usually for work (as this often is the cause of folks coming through and leaving HK)
On another scary note, there is a mysterious bird flu in Eastern China that has so far claimed the lives of 9 people. They shut down many live chicken trading markets and as a result, I went "vegetarian" while in Shanghai earlier this week. Scary stuff. I don't think they really know what's going on, whether human to human spreading occurs...as this strain was only before seen in pigeons.....
Funny but scary (related) feedback from my Shanghai colleagues. He said it was "progress" that Chinese pig farmers disposed of the hundreds of thousands of pig carcasses floating in the Huangpu (Yellow River) through Shanghai! At least they recognized a problem and didn't use the pigs for food supply!!!! GEEZ... I guess this is all about progression from an Emerging Market to a Mature Market?!
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Papa John's pizza was the ONLY good thing about Hangzhou!
This past Easter weekend, Stephen and I made a last-minute get-away to Shanghai (been there before a few times) and this time, we took the high speed rail to Hangzhou (capital of Zhejiang province, supposedly really pretty West Lake etc).
It was quite a disorganized trip as we didn't pre-book our rail tickets so had to queue for an hour+ at Hongqiao station in Shanghai (the whole train ride should only be an hour!). Dial back an hour, we almost went to the wrong train station! Then another hour long taxi queue upon arrival in Hangzhou (train station is pretty disgusting)... followed by a massive traffic-jam ride to West Lake. Argh!
We finally rented our bicycles and the route around the lake was SO JAMMED with people and bikes, we could barely move. Worst still, the pollution from the countless buses and cars was making it difficult to breathe! What a zoo (and it's not even a China holiday weekend!). Then we returned our bikes late to the wrong location and they didn't give us our deposit back. Argh!!
Anyway, we made it to Papa John's and it was honestly the BEST PIZZA I've eaten in Asia so far :)
And back to Shanghai for much needed alcohol to cleanse our sore throats and wallow in our sorrow. ha ha. The rest of the long weekend was enjoyable in Shanghai... including local Shanghai lunch with my old colleague and meandering about the artsy area, having coffee and wandering the Bund without pouring rain. Good dinners and lounges as well at Lynn and Constellation respectively.
I thought ok...we'repretty much DONE with China travel and chaos and pollution after Hangzhou! But returning again to Shanghai next week (this time for work, ugh).
Came back to enjoy Morihachi Yakiniku grilled Japanese meat with Carin & David (visiting from SF Bay Area) and Li :) Lots of Sloanies in town these days!
All in all, having a four day weekend with a short getaway was good... just don't bother with Hangzhou.
It was quite a disorganized trip as we didn't pre-book our rail tickets so had to queue for an hour+ at Hongqiao station in Shanghai (the whole train ride should only be an hour!). Dial back an hour, we almost went to the wrong train station! Then another hour long taxi queue upon arrival in Hangzhou (train station is pretty disgusting)... followed by a massive traffic-jam ride to West Lake. Argh!
We finally rented our bicycles and the route around the lake was SO JAMMED with people and bikes, we could barely move. Worst still, the pollution from the countless buses and cars was making it difficult to breathe! What a zoo (and it's not even a China holiday weekend!). Then we returned our bikes late to the wrong location and they didn't give us our deposit back. Argh!!
Anyway, we made it to Papa John's and it was honestly the BEST PIZZA I've eaten in Asia so far :)
And back to Shanghai for much needed alcohol to cleanse our sore throats and wallow in our sorrow. ha ha. The rest of the long weekend was enjoyable in Shanghai... including local Shanghai lunch with my old colleague and meandering about the artsy area, having coffee and wandering the Bund without pouring rain. Good dinners and lounges as well at Lynn and Constellation respectively.
I thought ok...we'repretty much DONE with China travel and chaos and pollution after Hangzhou! But returning again to Shanghai next week (this time for work, ugh).
Came back to enjoy Morihachi Yakiniku grilled Japanese meat with Carin & David (visiting from SF Bay Area) and Li :) Lots of Sloanies in town these days!
All in all, having a four day weekend with a short getaway was good... just don't bother with Hangzhou.
Friday, March 29, 2013
Traveling korea is tough with English only... chinese helps
We spent chinese new year in Gangwon Province for snowboarding. A 3 hour bus ride from Seoul's mainIncheon airport (missed bus by 5 mins due to slow 'special baggage)... followed by taxi and High1 hotel check in.... unlike most people from hk.... we did this on own own rather than by tour group. The hotel was decent with a gondola directly to the top of the mountain. Snow was icey and hills were honestly fairly tame. I must say however that Korean skiing is very posh. The lunch time meals were hotel, tons of appetizers and real food choices (no grub like burgers or fries to be found).
Long story short? Korea skiing is in infancy (fancy florescent ski wear abound, most people are pretty beginner level)... By the time they host the 2018 Olympics, it should be more well developed I think! Also at least at High1 resort... way more boarders than skiiers-which is cool.
Beyond that trip I started a new job at a chemical company doing strategy and consulting. The work is interesting and its a close walk from home. We'll see where this takes me!?
Happy easter! We are off to Shanghai and Hangzhou to see old friends and the beautiful West Lake. Can't wait to ride their maglev again!
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Sichuan peppers, pandas, pedestrian walks, pollution and people's park
Normally I'd be happy to update my blog about our weekend in Chengdu, Sichuan province China - but this is my 3rd try - thanks to crappy Android's cut-and-paste basic problems, and China's Great Firewall of an Internet :(
Chengdu is the 5th or so largest city in China with 14 million under administration or supposedly 10 million in the urban area?! Still Tier 2 city! Its the largest city in China's sprawling south west region which borders Tibet and Vietnam (I think).
I summarize Chengdu into 5 P's:
Pandas
Pollution
Pedestrian Walking Areas
People's Park
Peppers (Chili peppered hotPot or Ma Po Tofu originated here)
The most interesting part of our trip was a lunch we had a famous local eatery with a random old couple (he from chengdu; she from fujian then nanjing then chengdu... now the city's biggest fan!). They spoke proudly of their daughter who is an engineer in San Fran Bay Area and how their visit to the USA was 'too quiet', not enough people, drivers are too careful, chinese food in US was 'too sweet' and how groceries and clothes are SO affordable! She raved about Chengdu's quality of living, affordable housing, great food, decent weather and seemed overall pro-China (worrisome?! there could be another Billion people like her!). It was entertaining and informative and worth the getting lost 3x to find this bustling cafeteria like Sichuan canteen.
Of course people come to Chengdu to see the Panda Research Base. Pandas are lazy after they feed in the early mornings, and slothy and fat! But so cute. I'm NOT a fan of the scary Red Pandas who look almost like raccoons, and chase past my feet (thankfully not stopping)! At least we could breathe a bit of air at the panda site which is outside Chengdu city.
The Pollution in China is SO bad these days we couldn't even tell if the sun had risen yet (you can't see the sky; Beijing metrics were off the map with record pollution and governments finally admitting an issue).
The Pollution in China is SO bad these days we couldn't even tell if the sun had risen yet (you can't see the sky; Beijing metrics were off the map with record pollution and governments finally admitting an issue).
Great Pedestrian areas included Jilin (touristy) market and Chunxi shopping area. Jilin was a smaller version of Lijiang Yunnan province's Old Town, a traditional rebuilt set of hutongs (chinese homes) with souvenir wares and snack stalls. At least there was a heated Starbucks as the temperatures were 5-10C (we're wimpy now!). Chunxi had very wide promenades that went on for blocks and blocks... mixture of Chinese local stores (361, Yuishun, Lining), Asian brands (Isetan, Giordano, Watsons) and Global shops (Nike, Adidas, Uniqlo, Zara)... reminded me of Guangzhou's Beijing Lu shopping area or Beijing's Wangfujin... although seemingly MUCH larger and less busy! Again Heat Tech clothes from Uniqlo saved the day as it got frigidly colder through the day.
The People's Park (renmin gongyuan) is a lively centre of musical groups, tea drinking, swan lake viewing and dance lessons in Chengdu local life. Dance lessons and groups from chinese hip hop to tibetan traditional dance to ballroom to cha cha to laptop karaoke stands... very LOUD yet interesting vibe. A good exposure to the people of Chengdu... very different from the manicured lawns of Shanghai gardens, and the tai chi / hacky sack /kite flyers of Beijing parks. A bit like Central Park or Golden Gate park with its tea garden and swan lake too!
PEPPERS. Sichuan is famous for their chili peppers. Chinese from around China rave about the food here. To be honest its flavorful but TOO spicy for my tastes (I prefer curries over chilis). Anyway we had a great lunch of chili soup dumplings and chili peppered rice custard and dan dan noodles. Then yinyang hot/clear hotpot with 4 dozen sticks of meats and veggies. Needless to say, most of the sticks ended up in the clear soup once we were done!
I liked Chengdu, a lively large city with a good mix of people, food and things to see. Too bad time didn't permit for us to continue onto Tibet (lots of people use Chengdu as a base before heading into the Himalayas to Llasa)...!
Check out some photos!
https://picasaweb.google.com/118026906425264328225/ChengduSichuanJan2013
Sunday, January 13, 2013
2013: Les Mis rocks, new job, new year!
Got to hand it to Wolverine (Hugh Jackman). He played Jean Valjean the main character sooo amazingly in Les Miserables - the musical movie. I loved this movie - much more so than the musical I saw 15-20 years ago? It moved me to tears.
Our holiday trip to Toronto for two weeks was as usual, a bit chilly but a very good time. We spent quality time with friends and family - didn't feel "too" rushed like usual. Spent a lot of time in car (inevitable) and way too much time eating (I walk more in one morning in HK than in 3 weeks in US and Canada - no joke). At times I get nostalgic about life in Toronto (not nearly as much as hubby though :) ). As expected the kiddies grew much bigger, more talkative and sadly, some were in and out of clinics all holidays. Wish them fast recovery.
I also quit my job the week before Xmas while with my bosses in the U.S. It was liberating. 4.5 years and two countries later, the 'two year itch' is definitely kicking in now! Anyway, I'm going to take a Asia Pacific strategy role in HK; starting in late January. Not that excited to be honest. I was way more excited to quit than to ramp up steep learning curve in a new job. So...I have at least another week off. Haven't had time off in .... YEARS (last time I switched jobs, i only took the weekend off!)
Need to find more errands or hobbies; reading? running! buying work clothes? cleaning? Will take a short weekend trip to China... but to be honest... i'm kind of tired as I had not been home for 3+ weeks.
All the best to my friends and family in 2013. Its the Year of the Snake!
Our holiday trip to Toronto for two weeks was as usual, a bit chilly but a very good time. We spent quality time with friends and family - didn't feel "too" rushed like usual. Spent a lot of time in car (inevitable) and way too much time eating (I walk more in one morning in HK than in 3 weeks in US and Canada - no joke). At times I get nostalgic about life in Toronto (not nearly as much as hubby though :) ). As expected the kiddies grew much bigger, more talkative and sadly, some were in and out of clinics all holidays. Wish them fast recovery.
I also quit my job the week before Xmas while with my bosses in the U.S. It was liberating. 4.5 years and two countries later, the 'two year itch' is definitely kicking in now! Anyway, I'm going to take a Asia Pacific strategy role in HK; starting in late January. Not that excited to be honest. I was way more excited to quit than to ramp up steep learning curve in a new job. So...I have at least another week off. Haven't had time off in .... YEARS (last time I switched jobs, i only took the weekend off!)
Need to find more errands or hobbies; reading? running! buying work clothes? cleaning? Will take a short weekend trip to China... but to be honest... i'm kind of tired as I had not been home for 3+ weeks.
All the best to my friends and family in 2013. Its the Year of the Snake!
Monday, December 10, 2012
Failed househunting again... reflecting on 2012 in HK
Hi again in December 2012.
My previous blogs were a few photos and a chronological recollection of the time past. However as I reflect on 2012, we are so grateful for several good things this past year. As always, 2013 we hope will bring new changes and challenges.
Good things include:
- great old and new friends for social, sports and food around Hong Kong
- reconnecting with family around Hong Kong, our parents' cousins; joining family events and meals while immersing more in local culture
- good health and fortune - having the opportunity to see new cities in our spare time
- staying atop of family although remotely. Through video chat, email, phone and the occasional visit, we try to stay in touch with family, grandparents and young nieces/nephews who are growing up too fast
- stable jobs; although work life can always improve, we are grateful for employment in these difficult economic times. I am grateful that my coworkers and I get along quite well
- tons of visitors in and around HK makes it nice
- meeting a lot of other new people and a ton of self-learning through my involvement in The Women's Foundation Hong Kong
- still so happy living in our current neighbourhood and apartment; responsive landlady; we can't find another area or flat that compares right now
Let's hope 2013 brings some changes such as:
- health recovery and comfort of some relatives here in HK
- improved air quality. The poor air quality in HK (and Beijing) is driving people away from these booming cities. For Beijing, foreign companies even pay "hardship" fees to get expats to stay. If we stay outside for a few hours in HK, my throat really starts to hurt - even when the sky is clear! I think roadside pollution is becoming intolerable and making HK less attractive than other cities. HK government should spend its surplus resources on fighting pollution or limited emissions from cars.
- lowered cost of living. The housing prices for purchase and for rent in HK are ASTRONOMICAL. Especially coming from a (relatively) low cost metropolis like Toronto (its easily 2-3x), Hong Kong is sooo expensive (I hear its even higher than London, NY or Tokyo per sq ft). This has grave consequences not just on foreigners like us, but on local young people, whose salaries make it prohibitive to move out and start independent lives from parents. As a result, I think the maturity of some of these local 20-somethings is far behind even Mainland China and certainly North American or European peers. Any gain on income tax savings is immediately wiped out by rent/mortgage and high food prices (at least in Central)
- better food taste and service in Central area. I am starting to hate the food choices in SOHO/Central. First of all, the prices are so high yet the service is horrendous. Waiters do not look you in the eye (even 4 or 5 star places), always forget your order, cannot recommend food/drink/wine to try, and basically do not give a shit! That said, to be fair, the food is overall quite mediocre in Central, rents are astronomical so overpriced alcohol is expected (despite zero alcohol tax)
- better and enforced living conditions and human rights of domestic helpers here in HK and around the world
- Can they flatten some of the stairs and hills in mid-levels?! Its prohibitive for us to move to better air/higher ground b/c we hate stairs and the escalator
- Can they reduce the number of time zones between Eastern time and HK/Taipei/beijing time, or the travel distance? Then we could speak more often with family.
We look forward to reconnecting with family and friends in Toronto over the holidays! See you all soon!
My previous blogs were a few photos and a chronological recollection of the time past. However as I reflect on 2012, we are so grateful for several good things this past year. As always, 2013 we hope will bring new changes and challenges.
Good things include:
- great old and new friends for social, sports and food around Hong Kong
- reconnecting with family around Hong Kong, our parents' cousins; joining family events and meals while immersing more in local culture
- good health and fortune - having the opportunity to see new cities in our spare time
- staying atop of family although remotely. Through video chat, email, phone and the occasional visit, we try to stay in touch with family, grandparents and young nieces/nephews who are growing up too fast
- stable jobs; although work life can always improve, we are grateful for employment in these difficult economic times. I am grateful that my coworkers and I get along quite well
- tons of visitors in and around HK makes it nice
- meeting a lot of other new people and a ton of self-learning through my involvement in The Women's Foundation Hong Kong
- still so happy living in our current neighbourhood and apartment; responsive landlady; we can't find another area or flat that compares right now
Let's hope 2013 brings some changes such as:
- health recovery and comfort of some relatives here in HK
- improved air quality. The poor air quality in HK (and Beijing) is driving people away from these booming cities. For Beijing, foreign companies even pay "hardship" fees to get expats to stay. If we stay outside for a few hours in HK, my throat really starts to hurt - even when the sky is clear! I think roadside pollution is becoming intolerable and making HK less attractive than other cities. HK government should spend its surplus resources on fighting pollution or limited emissions from cars.
- lowered cost of living. The housing prices for purchase and for rent in HK are ASTRONOMICAL. Especially coming from a (relatively) low cost metropolis like Toronto (its easily 2-3x), Hong Kong is sooo expensive (I hear its even higher than London, NY or Tokyo per sq ft). This has grave consequences not just on foreigners like us, but on local young people, whose salaries make it prohibitive to move out and start independent lives from parents. As a result, I think the maturity of some of these local 20-somethings is far behind even Mainland China and certainly North American or European peers. Any gain on income tax savings is immediately wiped out by rent/mortgage and high food prices (at least in Central)
- better food taste and service in Central area. I am starting to hate the food choices in SOHO/Central. First of all, the prices are so high yet the service is horrendous. Waiters do not look you in the eye (even 4 or 5 star places), always forget your order, cannot recommend food/drink/wine to try, and basically do not give a shit! That said, to be fair, the food is overall quite mediocre in Central, rents are astronomical so overpriced alcohol is expected (despite zero alcohol tax)
- better and enforced living conditions and human rights of domestic helpers here in HK and around the world
- Can they flatten some of the stairs and hills in mid-levels?! Its prohibitive for us to move to better air/higher ground b/c we hate stairs and the escalator
- Can they reduce the number of time zones between Eastern time and HK/Taipei/beijing time, or the travel distance? Then we could speak more often with family.
We look forward to reconnecting with family and friends in Toronto over the holidays! See you all soon!
Friday, December 7, 2012
Holiday Dec; another half finished; baby showers
Its been a busy and fun few months ... pretty holiday decorations around town, friends and visitors around, completed our 2nd half marathon and hosted a few baby showers.
I can't believe 2012 is almost done!!! As always hoping for a better next year but thankful for all we have.
Monday, November 5, 2012
Saigon tunnels et al
we enjoyed a long weekend getaway to Ho Chi Minh city formerly known as Saigon. The pho and banh mi sandwiches were really good but the tourist restaurants incl those recommended by Anthony bourdain were over rated! similar to Hanoi there were a kazillion motor bikes but definitely more urbanized even than China. WiFi everywhere too!
highly recommend Pho Le where the locals eat.
forgot that the best thing to do is cu chi tunnels. a lot of controversial history and guns to try...
Monday, October 8, 2012
Happy birthday Stephen!
Young at heart still!
but old enough for casino...to pray for winnings to the (very unlucky) God of luck
Candy buffet at happy hour
Fun with friends
Nice sleep away from home
Happy birthday young man!
Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
but old enough for casino...to pray for winnings to the (very unlucky) God of luck
Candy buffet at happy hour
Fun with friends
Nice sleep away from home
Happy birthday young man!
Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Protests against Chinese 'national' education and prepare for KK mountain hike
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.
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.
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!
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Thankful for Grandma, Family, Typhoons and Olympics!
Its been a whirlwind few weeks... my popo grandma was suddenly hospitalized for pneumonia (she is 89 this year) due to aspiration. After a big scare, I flew home at last minute to be with her. Thank goodness she slowly recovered and stabilized. Also it reinforced how important family is - despite being far away. Even my grandfather is 93 years old and we remain close and enjoy time spent together in person.
Thank you also to Stephen for organizing a surprise birthday dinner for me upon my return! It was a welcome relief from the family and travel stress, and really great to see good friends over too much buffet in Hong Kong!
The Olympics is pretty awesome going on in London 2012. The "Queen" dropped in by helicopter / balloon to the opening ceremonies. Volleyball and diving are totally awesome to watch. And I realize its really the 'tier 2 & tier 3' sports like track, weightlifting, volleyball, track & field (heptathlon) and swimming that interest me over the 'tier 1' sports like basketball, tennis, etc. Too bad Canadian women lost 4-3 in unfair refereeing to U.S. in soccer :(
The typhoons have been rampant here in Asia. Vicente hammered Hong Kong a few weeks ago and the Hurricane signal 10 was raised for the first time in 13 years. 'emergency' flight was delayed a full day! My Recently Taiwan and Philippines were hit, and now Shanghai and Hangzhou may be hammered along with China's East Coast. Other than that, pollution has been crazy bad, and its been gray, humid and cloudy here in Hong Kong this month.
Look forward to clearer air in the coming months as the summer fades, so we can enjoy more beach, junk trips, runs and hiking!
Thank you also to Stephen for organizing a surprise birthday dinner for me upon my return! It was a welcome relief from the family and travel stress, and really great to see good friends over too much buffet in Hong Kong!
The Olympics is pretty awesome going on in London 2012. The "Queen" dropped in by helicopter / balloon to the opening ceremonies. Volleyball and diving are totally awesome to watch. And I realize its really the 'tier 2 & tier 3' sports like track, weightlifting, volleyball, track & field (heptathlon) and swimming that interest me over the 'tier 1' sports like basketball, tennis, etc. Too bad Canadian women lost 4-3 in unfair refereeing to U.S. in soccer :(
The typhoons have been rampant here in Asia. Vicente hammered Hong Kong a few weeks ago and the Hurricane signal 10 was raised for the first time in 13 years. 'emergency' flight was delayed a full day! My Recently Taiwan and Philippines were hit, and now Shanghai and Hangzhou may be hammered along with China's East Coast. Other than that, pollution has been crazy bad, and its been gray, humid and cloudy here in Hong Kong this month.
Look forward to clearer air in the coming months as the summer fades, so we can enjoy more beach, junk trips, runs and hiking!
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Another Yahoo! CEO, heat wave/tanned!
Yahoo has it's fourth CEO in 4 years - 37 year old Marissa Meyer! Best of luck to this silicon valley search icon from google. Kudos to her for landing this great but tough opportunity!
Massive heat waves here and in NA. Taipei hit 40C last week... And HK consistently 34C and humid as well.. Two weeks ago Stephen and I went to Stanley market and St.Stephen's beach for sun and food...then . Last weekend j joined a group for a 8.5km hike and trail run along Dragon's back to Tai Long Wan near Shek O. It was damn hot and a bit hilly but gorgeous views and nice beach. thereafter I met friends and Stephen for a nice dip in the pool near Olympic. Relaxing. Definitely and finally tanned !
The storm last night was sooo loud and sky flashing bright that it woke me up... At least some rain here and there cools things down.
City life mostly these days... but it's nice to know real gorgeous nature is not far away!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Massive heat waves here and in NA. Taipei hit 40C last week... And HK consistently 34C and humid as well.. Two weeks ago Stephen and I went to Stanley market and St.Stephen's beach for sun and food...then . Last weekend j joined a group for a 8.5km hike and trail run along Dragon's back to Tai Long Wan near Shek O. It was damn hot and a bit hilly but gorgeous views and nice beach. thereafter I met friends and Stephen for a nice dip in the pool near Olympic. Relaxing. Definitely and finally tanned !
The storm last night was sooo loud and sky flashing bright that it woke me up... At least some rain here and there cools things down.
City life mostly these days... but it's nice to know real gorgeous nature is not far away!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Location:Sheung Wan
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Half marathon, bye family home, babies growing
It's again been a while since my April blog! Stephen and I just returned from time with family, although I had to be at office.
My parents have sold our 20 year family home. Theyre downsizing to a condo. Tons of good and bad memories, but more notably TONNES of stuff to purge. Content sales, craigslist, donations and more were coordinated by my sisters and we tried to help where possible. Fingers crossed it goes smoothly next week!
The babies are getting bigger: Adam and Kristin almost one, Joven can walk now at 13+ months, Denise/Saima/Subarna due any time now! Traffic has worsened in Toronto. I wonder if transit will ever catch up in this metropolis!?
On the personal front, in late May, Stephen and I completed our first Half marathon in Singapore! Damn it was hot. At least the Sundown Event started at 12:30am ... We survived although it was painful. Good route around the city state major landmarks. Then it thunder down poured right when we finished. Poor guys doing the Full! All about good pacing! I finished in too 15% of ladies so I guess I am happy! Would probably race another half before trying a full.... In somewhere less humid!
Also Stephen got to meet more of my extended family in Singapore; some of them joked that my husband was a mystery and probably didn't exist until he met them personally! Thereafter I went with Mom to Kuala Lumpur for her mini high school reunion. After that we saw more cousins and my grandpa's brother as well. Back ti Singapore where dad met us, had a huge family dinner to celebrate their wedding anniversary. Weeks of work travel then ensued to Taipei, Seattle and Austin (Boston Sloan reunion also).
So so so happy to be back in hk. Already made my first bread loaf... My new hobby since loading up on carbs pre-marathon!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
My parents have sold our 20 year family home. Theyre downsizing to a condo. Tons of good and bad memories, but more notably TONNES of stuff to purge. Content sales, craigslist, donations and more were coordinated by my sisters and we tried to help where possible. Fingers crossed it goes smoothly next week!
The babies are getting bigger: Adam and Kristin almost one, Joven can walk now at 13+ months, Denise/Saima/Subarna due any time now! Traffic has worsened in Toronto. I wonder if transit will ever catch up in this metropolis!?
On the personal front, in late May, Stephen and I completed our first Half marathon in Singapore! Damn it was hot. At least the Sundown Event started at 12:30am ... We survived although it was painful. Good route around the city state major landmarks. Then it thunder down poured right when we finished. Poor guys doing the Full! All about good pacing! I finished in too 15% of ladies so I guess I am happy! Would probably race another half before trying a full.... In somewhere less humid!
Also Stephen got to meet more of my extended family in Singapore; some of them joked that my husband was a mystery and probably didn't exist until he met them personally! Thereafter I went with Mom to Kuala Lumpur for her mini high school reunion. After that we saw more cousins and my grandpa's brother as well. Back ti Singapore where dad met us, had a huge family dinner to celebrate their wedding anniversary. Weeks of work travel then ensued to Taipei, Seattle and Austin (Boston Sloan reunion also).
So so so happy to be back in hk. Already made my first bread loaf... My new hobby since loading up on carbs pre-marathon!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Location:Hong kong
Friday, May 4, 2012
Humidity >30C in April!
The crazy humidity of Hong Kong supposedly started 'late' this year. Interspersed with near-typhoon black clouds and heavy rain, it has been consistently well above 30C in late April already. Yikes! Very good excuse to defer our outdoor running/training :-(
While Stephen luckily dodged the food poisoning after Yunnan trip, he does continue to encounter questionable food when on biz travel in mainland... scary stuff. I think our next trip will be somewhere cleaner and safer, maybe Thailand.
On the 'what's happening in the news' front, we enjoyed The Lady (Michelle Yeoh plays Burmese pro-democratic elect Aung San Suu Kyi superbly. In real life Aung was finally sworn in this week as an official lawmaker/opposition!). Also the blind lawyer/activist Chen Guangcheng escaped from China and the world is awaiting Obama/US to protect his family from further China government persecution. Also Facebook is due to IPO very soon; Zuckerberg will probably yield $1B himself although most goes into taxes (piddly amount relative to his wealth). Microsoft bought huge stack in Barnes & Noble Nook tablets. Samsung released its Galaxy III S today to rival the iPhone.
And...more Asian migrations... yet another good friend from grad school has landed in HK (Li). Look forward to spending more quality time with her and her family! And we work in the same building :-) And Stephen has a good friend now living in Beijing...
While Stephen luckily dodged the food poisoning after Yunnan trip, he does continue to encounter questionable food when on biz travel in mainland... scary stuff. I think our next trip will be somewhere cleaner and safer, maybe Thailand.
On the 'what's happening in the news' front, we enjoyed The Lady (Michelle Yeoh plays Burmese pro-democratic elect Aung San Suu Kyi superbly. In real life Aung was finally sworn in this week as an official lawmaker/opposition!). Also the blind lawyer/activist Chen Guangcheng escaped from China and the world is awaiting Obama/US to protect his family from further China government persecution. Also Facebook is due to IPO very soon; Zuckerberg will probably yield $1B himself although most goes into taxes (piddly amount relative to his wealth). Microsoft bought huge stack in Barnes & Noble Nook tablets. Samsung released its Galaxy III S today to rival the iPhone.
And...more Asian migrations... yet another good friend from grad school has landed in HK (Li). Look forward to spending more quality time with her and her family! And we work in the same building :-) And Stephen has a good friend now living in Beijing...
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