Junk Boats and Students!

Hello Everyone!

I finally have more pictures to share. Brett and I headed out with my co-workers

yesterday on a "Junk Boat" ride. This wasn't really an old fashioned junk boat- like you'd see if you google imaged search the term. It was more like a yacht- well, two yachts. We buzzed off the coast of Sai Kung, in the north eastern corner of the new territories, to a small cove, where we tied up to the other boat- allow

ing everyone to move between the two. Activities commenced immediately. There were two small speed boats designated for shuttling people to a nearby beach and for wake boarding

and banana boat rides. Banana Boats are near-exactly as they s

ound. It's an inflated boat in the shape of a banana. Much like tubing, the banana is dragged from the back of a boat while three people hang on for dear life. Brett and I decided that we'd try for wake boarding...

Being his super-cool self, Brettpulled out his phone and downloaded "how to wake board" videos from YOUTUBE (aint technology great?!) to prep us for the excursion. Leslie Heller, I wish you had been there to see me! I got up on a wake board for the first time in my life. Granted, it was probably about 10 seconds

long and it took me three failed attempts first, BUT I DID IT. The speedboat-full of people watching must have thought I was totally insane. I was extremely awkward, I'm sure- but more importantly, as I got up on the board, they all started screaming in excitement. As I was pulled back onto the boat, they told me I screamed right along with them.

Check out the sun beginning to set as we made our way back to the pier.

Below also find: Brett getting

back from a run. Can you see the line of sw

eat on his shirt!? WOAH. This place makes one sweat like mad.

Also, there is one of our office trying to make medical masks fun and inviting (perhaps beside the point when getting that close?!)...

Vanessa....for you~ a few of me with the students at one of our schools. I was hosting group interviews for the EAT or "English Ambassador Teams" - SO FUN.

Brett's Concert and Birthday!

Hi Everyone!

I thought it was time for a few more photos!

Just yesterday we celebrated Brett's birthday. You'll see below that I economically, yet artistically, wrapped his gifts in free HK newspaper and the ribbon that they tie around boxes for easy transport back home from a store. I felt quite creative.

Here's a picture of the river in Tai Po on a clear day. You can see lots of the tall apartment buildings where Hong Kong stores all the people! :)

I've been doing tons of reading

since arriving. On my commute I always have a

half hour or so to read. I'm really enjoying it, especially my new library card. Tai Po Library has tons of English books- totally cool.

On a night out on the island, Brett and I had a drink at "the Keg"- which is NOT American, but Irish. :) Ever had a Kilkenny? Very nice beer.

I also have a picture of Brett's concert from a couple of weeks ago. It was a total hit! I bunch of the CNETs came, and really enjoyed themselves. **Even better! A video from the concert below! :) It's only a few seconds, but gives you a sense of how absolutely fantastic Brett is.

Below, you will see the pictures I promised a while back from the Russian restaurant. Remember the story about the frozen Vodka room complete with fur coats. These should entertain.

Photo Journal: Finally!

It's been too long again. Sorry!

I decided it would be fun to post a photo journal, as I've been trying to snap shots here and there going through my days. Part of the "lack of blog" until now was due to the fact that I have spent the last 3 weeks in orientation with the new teachers for our program. 57 native English speakers all arrived at Hong Kong Airport and there were three of us there all (in shifts) to greet them. I got lucky with the 12noon to 9pm shift! There was another girl after me, boy I felt bad for her when she was there half the night and had to report to work the next morning!

During their first weeks here, the CNETs are housed in a "hostel" of sorts. But it's the nicest hotel I've ever seen. I'm not sure of any others that have a marble decorated lobby! Basically, they stayed in a modest hotel. We also spent two nights away at "camp," which turned out a lot less fantastic than we'd hoped. It rained the whole time, and I think most people felt more confined then they did creative. And in addition, this was just days after their arrival so a good percentage of us were jet lagged, too.

Transitioning to traditional work days was a welcome change. Our program is divided into three groups: Primary, Secondary, and Post-Secondary (also known as "VTC). The Vocational Training College program in Hong Kong is similar to Community Colleges in the states. Students come from secondary school as a result of not having the test scores to get into traditional universities. This is the program that I worked with during orientation. I will, however, through the course of the academic year, visit and work with both primary and secondary programs as well.

During orientation, we asked local students to join us for afternoon sessions with our new teachers. This was good practice for them to work with a new type of student, but also a great excuse for students to come learn some English and have fun during the summer. One of the local students gave me a card with a photo of us (they are addicted to taking pictures of us and each other) and an incredible sweet sentiment.

"Emily: Thank you for your teaching and I will remember it. You are very beautiful and nice. I like you so much. Haha :) I like playing the "guess word" game with you. It's very exciting! Finally, wish you happy all the time!"

As she gave me the card she told me not to show anybody because she didn't have time to make them for all of us. She also apologized for her "bad English." LOL so cute.

Pictures below include my dramatically different (from each other) shopping centers. One is the "Taste" store, which is just off the MTR station on my way home. It's not that great when its the weekend, but on a work night it's a pretty easy stop- a totally decent price to pay for a good dinner! (I think Brett would agree). It's not the cheapest place in town, but you can find things there that are organic, from the states, etc. They have a fantastic cheese counter, really nice breads and a descent "western style" bakery. This is where I'd found the closest thing to "french bread" (until last week, which I'll share in a moment). I love taste- it makes me feel a bit like shopping at Whole Foods- just that much closer to home when I need it. Alternatively, the local market (quite literally located under the Tai Wo MTR station) is my go to for veggies that I can buy local. Please don't worry, we are always careful to thoroughly wash or cook everything we buy there, but we've never had a problem (knock on wood). Local sellers set up their food much like Pike Place actually.

The chicken dish is NOT (sadly) one that I made, but a lovely lunch I had with a group of CNETs during orientation. It was the first chicken I'd had that looked (and tasted) so western that I "had to take a photo" for the blog! It was very nice!

I also put in a shot of how Brett and I have dressed up the living area of the apartment. You'll notice a guitar has made it over! Brett will be using that next week in the upcoming concert that I'm dying to see!

The three photos throughout are of the skyline at dusk. A group of my coworkers went to the IFC tower on HK island to a section of roof which is public property. While there are bars and restaurants on the roof, you can also choose to buy snacks and drinks at the grocery store below and economically enjoy the view. You can even see the humidity in some of the photos! Yea, it is that hot. It's amazing. I can't wait for the clear, drier heat of the fall.

**SPECIAL thanks to Vanessa for my 2nd postcard. Boston's mallards are now on display on the wall here in HK.

Love- Em

Typhoon Updates and Rice-Cooker Brownies!

I've owed you all an update for a while now. The last time I wrote was early morning following our Typhoon. While I can't say I misinformed you, I can admit to not sharing the whole truth- but only because we hadn't yet left the house the morning after the storm. These pictures will help relay the damage. We were very surprised

to see that outside of our

complex, far more vegetation was ripped from the earth and scattered through the streets. Notice the whole tree blocking the road a

s Brett ducks below to cross. Check out this video on YOUTUBE if you are interested i

n more.

Typhoon warning (and thunderstorm warnings for that matter) are taken very seriously here. Offices and schools close when

warnings arise. I don't want anyone worrying that we aren't taking care in those

situations. Most people aren't as

stupid as those featured in this video. And just for the record, I have no desire to "experience" a typhoon anywhere but within the safe confines of the apartment! As I said before, there was such little damage in our complex, I think due to grounds crews being so cognisant of their preparations. More work ahead makes less post-typhoon? Perhaps. (This is our lovely complex on a nice evening...)

I'm thrilled to tell you that last night Brett and I managed to bring a fridge to our apartment- all the way from Hong Kong Island! I found a woman selling her

fridge on a website called geo-expat.com. A handy website to aid ex-pats in finding used stuff! As luck would have it, there are taxi vans that you can hire to move large-ish appliances and furniture. The best part is that we saved SO MUCH money by buying a used fridge. It was literally like $2000HKD less this way.

It was definitely more work than going to

the store and having it delivered, but this way we actually have money to spend on food to fill it. (By the way that is my afternoon coffee- on ice, which I made myself! In my new freezer!)

Speaking of food. At home, I've always had a bit of a "baking problem." That is, I grab a little of this and a little of that, throw it in the oven and see what I get. (I know all the classic, rule-abiding bakers are cringing right no

w, as the one rule of baking is always "Follow the recipe exactly!")... Welp- today, my creative side got the better of me and I threw a m

akeshift homemade brownie batter into our rice cooker to see what would happen. Voila! Brownies. Sweet. Tonight we will have decadent dessert with ice cream (FROM OUR FREEZER! Ha). Is it completely inappropriate that I'm this excited about food? I have included pictures of

the new fridge, and of course the rice-cooker brownies! :) ENJOY

** Thanks to Laura for the first postcard. Toulouse France is now represented! :)

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!

Cultures Collide: Canadian, British, Russian, French and Asian...oh, My!

It's only been one week, and already I'm overwhelmed by the amount of fun stuff to write about on the post! I'm already guessing this will be a long post...


I spent Thursday and Friday in Macau, for in service with the office. We left from the office late morning on Thursday in 5 Taxis! (a group of 14 people). We rarely take taxis around here, so that felt like a luxury. We took the same ferry that Brett and I took when I first visited Macau in April. It was fun travelling with a whole group I was just getting to know. It reminded me of travelling to concerts and shows in college. Especially because Hannah loaned me one of her British magazines to read- It's amazing how much I don't know about day to day life in other countries!

In Macau, we reached our hotel. I was roomed with Sarah, the Canadian I mentioned last post. The room was pretty nice, but we had the hardest time looking for the light- when needing to use the bathroom of course. Time sensitive situations always make searching for things in the dark that much easier, eh? :) Turns out you have to insert your room key into this slot near the door which illuminated this "master panel" which held the switches for all the power in the room. Also, the Asian world is full of firm beds. WARNING to those who come visit! :) Perhaps side sleepers should pack a mattress pad? LOL

Our seminar sessions were held upstairs in SK's suite (he is the president of the group). I was tasked with bringing more "energizer" activities, as they were such a hit earlier last week. So we broke up some of the more boring sections with some fun games. After our session, we headed to the "City of Dreams" casino as a group. We had purchased tickets to see a new show in the "Bubble Theater" called Dragon Treasure. I was a bit unsure of what this was going to be all about, and honestly I was thinking- a dragon show? Will this be like a really long anime movie?! But I was SO WRONG! This was the coolest thing ever. It was only about 15 minutes long, and it was a sort of multimedia movie presentation inside this bubble shaped theater. Imagine standing in a dome and leaning against a metal bar to support you while looking straight up. Above you is a 360degree movie screen. But that's not it! There is also a fountain, water "vents" and spotlights. This was just so cool. I have a link to a YouTube post of the show. If you are interested enough to watch, you should know that the story is about the 4 legendary dragons of each the East, West, North and South regions of China. They each have their own characteristics and skills. Anyone who wants to go see this--- I will totally go again! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJSHv_Y7hGg

Sarah and I joined a group who were headed to the casinos for the night. Don't worry - I didn't lose a cent. Some of our group chose this neat roulette table and we watched them play for a while. A few people even won pretty big! Sarah and I decided that telling each other what we would have bet and celebrating a win merely with pride was a much less risky way to entertain oneself for the evening!

Group breakfast the next morning was a sight. The Brits were all thrilled to see baked beans on our breakfast buffet. So strange. They gobble them up on toast. It's really funny how certain foods are so linked to specific cultures. There was toast and marmalade for the English, too. Sarah and I had scrambled eggs and small bowls of Cheerios. And the Asians ate congee with dried seaweed topping. Click on the word for the full definition- it is a porridge that is made from rice, cooked until is breaks down completely, forming a thick white soup. It's typically savory though, as I think it's flavored with chicken broth.

My trip home from Macau was so funny! Getting back to TST (south most point of Kowloon) was easy on the ferry! And- drum roll please- I even got my visa officially stamped and authorised. It was getting back to Tai Po that was such a hoot. On the ferry, I was making conversation with Grace, the director of our group. I knew she had recently moved to Tai Po, so I asked where she was living. Apparently I came across the wrong way because she looked at me with this weird face and asked if I was trying to get a ride out of her. WHOOPS! I tried to explain that wasn't what I'd meant. Needless to say, cultural barriers can block tonal meaning. It's hard not to be offended at Asians' directness. I'm sure I'm equally baffling to them at times... After I felt I'd done my best to excuse my comment, I planned to ride the MTR train home to Tai Po from TST. Another girl was walking the same direction, so we were to go together. After customs though, she said, "Grace is going to take us in a taxi to the office." This really wasn't going to help me much. I would be closer, but would still need to take two trains to get home. "Okay, thanks" I said. Worrying that a refusal might be worse than taking 25 minutes out of the way route. Here's where things got really messy. We got to the office, and Grace said "Let me take you home in my car." ummm.... "Thank you very much, Grace. I would really appreciate a ride." Seemed like a good response. We walked to the parking garage to get the car, but then realized that Grace forgot the keys at the office. Back we went. Then walked to the garage again. Then trouble finding the car as her brother is the one to park it usually... She dropped me at the Tai Wo station where I usually get off the train, but I was entirely disoriented and had to spend about 10 mins figuring out where I was. All of this time, it's nearly 90 degrees and so humid it feels like you are in a locker room. ick.

I finally arrived home about 90 minutes later than I would have with my initial plan and there was a message from Brett asking if I could be ready to go to dinner with some of his coworkers including his boss. eep! Okay- jumped in the shower and 15 mins later was out the door again to meet that group. I was able to catch my breath on a bus headed back to TST (ironic, I know...) But the evening turned out to be a total blast. We tried a nice Russian restaurant. LOL. They had a frozen Vodka room which they advertised at -20 degrees! "Drink Vodka 1/2 off if you are willing to go inside!" First of all they had these giant fur coats- which were HILARIOUS on the tiny Asians. But the room wasn't even that cold. -20 Celsius is not anywhere near as cold as what I expected. LOL. Pictures to come, I promise! Brett's co-worker Jackie Chan (Yes, that is her name!) took some, but we have yet to get the digital copies!

Saturday, we woke to an invitation to Dim Sum from Rebecca and Winson, our old neighbors who moved recently to the fire station where Winson was promoted. We met them at an authentic Dim Sum restaurant. Brett and I decided that we will have to bring them with us when we take guests to Dim Sum, as we could never get by without them! After we ate, they invited us to see their new home. I was shocked at how lovely it was. Very spacious and lots of modern design- all very inexpensive from Mainland. Honestly, though, Brett and I kept talking about things that looked like designer quality in the states. As we walked in, she gave us these funny little house slippers to wear, and we were given a tour. Rebecca is excited to have an oven for the first time, but isn't sure how to use it, so we will go over again soon and bake something! She has an entire room for her collectibles, as does her husband! :) We walked into a room and she says "this is Pooh's room." HAHA not kidding it is floor to ceiling Winnie the Pooh. Wonderful. I can't wait to give them the gift I brought from the states (yes, it still has all ears attached! Thank goodness it survived the trip!)

We were home for a bit after that, but planned to head to Hong Kong Island to see Patrick, Brett's French band leader. Okay, this was awesome. Brett had sent Patrick some lyrics, as they are trying to collaborate and write 4 originals for their September show. We walk in, and Patrick is immediately offering wine and telling me to have a seat... he is very French. He has a family and a wife here, but they are on holiday back in Europe now. Patrick would like me to help sing back up with the group to start, so I'm sure you'll hear more about that in future posts....

For dinner, Brett took me to Slim's- that great pub we went to in April for the $1 slider burgers! We sat and drank beer and ate mini burgers! It was bliss. And after dinner we headed to "The Wanch," which is the bar where the band plays, because we wanted to see how good the Saturday night group was. I could see the wheels turning as Brett listened to the group. I think he feels like the group could be headlining by the end of this year. We toasted to the band "becoming Saturday night material."

This morning we visited Rebecca at the cell phone store, where I am due back in about an hour to pick up my brand new cell phone! :) I'm thrilled that I'll finally feel connected again. I can use skype on the phone, so please! Get a skype account (totally free at http://www.skype.com/) and we can chat! Look me up- I'm emilycastle1

I know some of you are having trouble commenting on this site. Please email if you have anything you'd like to say or share. castle.emily@gmail.com I will post my cell phone number as soon as I have it! I miss you- and it's SO fun to hear from you. Hope you are well. Please know that I am, too! :)

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