It's Raining, It's Pouring- and I'm Satisfied!

Last night was our first #8 Typhoon since coming to Hong Kong. It hit Hong Kong about midnight. Brett and I had seen the warnings for a #3, which really isn't a big deal- usually like a thunderstorm. So we headed down to Kowloon in search of Thai food. We enjoyed a delicious dinner of Pad Thai, Fried Pineapple Rice, and delicious Chinese Cabbage and Mushrooms, which I will be trying to recreate in our kitchen! While the waiter was clearing our table, he said, "You like Thai f___" something we didn't understand. We assumed he'd said Thai food and started praising the meal...Then he repeated himself and Thai f___ suddenly sounded like TYPHOON. He clarified and we learned that a #8 was headed our way. We hurried for the MTR and raced for home. We had jackets and an umbrella...and the 3 block walk back home from the train still soaked us! As we arrived home, we received text messages from our friend Rebecca warning us to get home (I think she feared we would miss the signs). We watched the 4th Harry Potter movie as the storm hit. I was continually distracted from the movie by the weather. Trees blowing and rain coming in at a sharp angle. I was happy to be safe at home and not out in that weather!



I'm settling into a rhythm I've longed for! Finally, I'm working again and I'm pleased with the routine of daily life. Life is not without worry or insecurities while in a foreign country, though!


I went to apply for my HKID card the other day. On my lunch break I was to head down to a government office which I assumed would be much like an American Dept of Licensing. I did have an appointment, thanks to a handy online feature! I did have a partner in crime... another newish co-worker who was after his ID, too. We hopped into a taxi from the office trying to shave some time off the trip and hopefully return within an hour. The first speed bump we hit was that the taxi driver didn't speak English. I had an exact address, though- so he puts me on his cell phone with someone (the dispatcher?) who spoke English. I read the address, then he spoke to the driver again. We got exactly where we needed to be! HA! Challenge conquered.



We arrived into the main waiting room and saw a small line for reservations. Since the room was full of people, I assumed we were one step ahead for having said reservations. Welp- wrong! The whole ordeal took about 2 hours. I was SO GLAD to have Adam with me to talk to! After a photo, fingerprints and an interview, I was issued a card. It will be printed and I'm to pick it up in 10 business days...

Another interesting aspect of Hong Kong are all of the wet markets. I've mentioned to you before the outdoor markets with people selling fruits/veggies- and fish and meats. You'll also remember that I was instructed only to point at things that had signs and a clear price. Well- Brett and I have learned a new trick. Because when you point at the Gai Lan (Chinese dark greens which we use in our Pad Thai at home...) they give you $12 worth, and we can't use it all before it goes bad. Instead we point at the item and hold out the amount of money's worth we'd like. So I hold out the $5 piece and then we are given about half a regular portion. I know what you're thinking...duh! But we feel quite ingenious over coming up with this masterful approach.

I had to pick up some fluorescent light "starters" at the market yesterday. Brett told me there was a hardware store along the area, so I took the broken one with me, knowing I'd need a prop! I found the hardware store, pulled out my visual aid, and held up 4 fingers. Ha! I appropriately communicated. This is like living life within the game of charades!

Today is Sunday and we are headed out for some errands before meeting office people for an evening of Karaoke. Unfortunately, our kayaking was cancelled in light of the typhoon. We'll have to reschedule! :) I'll let you know how the singing goes...

Take Care!