Here I am...

I'm safely back in Hong Kong and very happy about it! Things are going well...I have yet to take pictures, sorry. But! There will be good reason to do so the next two days, as I'll explain.

I'll start with the trip here. Apart from putzing about in Newark Airport for 4 hours, the trip was a total breeze. Adjusting to the time is just plain tough, though. I was a bit of a yawny mess my first couple of days here, and I'm still waking between 5 and 6:30 daily, checking the time and rolling over.

I was glad I left extra time to get into work the first morning. I should have known it was going to take longer during rush hour than it did during my spontaneous mid-day trips back in April. Taking two trains is a lot though, so just this morning (day #3) I devised a new way to get to work, taking just the one train and walking an extra 8-10 blocks. I can always take the two trains should the weather be terrible- but it's a relief to avoid the transfer, and that second train in particular is jam-packed in the morning!

I'm thrilled to say that the office was totally ready for me when I came in! A whole day's schedule planned out for me! My desk, complete with all stationary supplies and computer with a personal account all set for me. I was given my Visa, which will be activated on Friday. Our office is taking a 2 day retreat to Macau tomorrow until Friday, so I will be "official" once I re-enter Hong Kong with my Visa-stamped passport.


I was tasked with creating 3 "energizing" music and drama event for Mon-Wed of this week. And a handful of smallish games to play in Macau. It's been fun building a repertoire of these activities. I know that they'll come in handy once fall term commences. The activities have been a total hit. I'm bringing back some of the improv games I taught at summer school a few years back. A room full of teachers are very willing to get silly and participate. Thank goodness!

I'm having such fun with my British co-workers. Kristy is the deputy director, and basically my manager, though Grace is in charge of day to day operations to her senior. Hannah oversees the secondary program. Roxanne and Adam are both past teachers who now work in the office. They are a couple, and are the last two from England. Between the four of them, I'm learning quite a bit of British jargon. Luckily there is Sarah, who is from Toronto and is bridging the gap for me! We regularly celebrate our North American similarities. Hannah and Kristy were talking about "Jacket Potatoes" at lunch the other day, and Sarah leaned over to let me know that they were talking about plain ol' baked potatoes. Who knew? Scarlet is local, but has spent years in the US, attending boarding schools and then Boston University. We have laughed about a few Bostonian issues. Scarlet is truly a wiz- she speaks Cantonese and is completely fluent in English, and the ways of the western culture. She oversees the primary program. Margaret is another local who oversees the final group, Vocational Training College. "VTC" is like what Americans would call community college. Some secondary students head to VTC early and focus on one subject alone. Margaret is also a local Hong Konger. Lastly there's Irene, Amanda and Gladys, our HR/support staff...magic people when it comes to conversing with restaurant staff- or, more importantly, the HK government!

It's hot. And muggy. Nothing feels as good as walking into a room with the "air-con" (as the brits say) running! There have been a few storms since my arrival, though I have yet to be caught in one. Thunder and lightening are regular. It's different than it is in the states- not just because it's so frequent. It seems closer or something.

I'm moved in now, but there is still a list of things I need. I have an appt to obtain a HKID, which is a type of identity card, but contains a chip. This allows faster access through immigration, and acts as a library card- and a few other things I'm sure. I need a bank account, but can't get that without a registered mail to me confirming my residence here. I also need a cell phone, but again need residence proof for that. Hopefully our friend Rebecca at the cell store can help me with that this weekend! We also need cable internet, for a more reliable connection. I'm working to get those things checked off my list! In the meantime- thanks for understanding that communication is somewhat limited for now.

Brett took me to dinner last night, which was fun. But we are also enjoying cooking at home and being back in the same place! Finally! Special thanks to Vanessa for Flight of the Conchords- a HUGE hit with Brett. Should have seen the happy dance he did when I pulled that out. Don't worry, I told him it was on loan BEFORE I gave it to him! ;)

I'm off to get a few things ready for dinner tonight, and packing a bag for an overnight in Macau. I promise to post more pictures soon, I know how those please you all!

:) Em