Not long in Hong Kong

Ni hao/Hello!

With winter fast approaching, I decided to get a final burst of warmth into my system and fly down to Hong Kong for a long weekend, and while I was at it - update my visa, see my folks before they headed back to OZ, do some dutyfree shopping for my one n' only and have a good look around. So armed with my backpack, I ventured off on my lonesome down to the south of China to a city called Shenzhen, crossed the border into HK, and entered a world quite unlike the one I've been living in these last 7 months. And Oh the joy of seeing and might I add - smelling - the ocean again! Mmmmm....sea smell. Yes, I was in a harbour city again, just like my hometown, only a tad more populated... From the nature of the people, to the state of the streets, the quality of the transport system, and presence of Burger King (for that beloved Whopper with cheese), Hong Kong was turned up a notch. Even the prices were turned up a notch...or two. But one thing that remained close to China's heart while touching the heart of Hong Kong* was the air that I was breathing into my lungs and that spoiled a potentially spectacular cityscape.

But it's worth a trip to 'The Peak' if you venture to HK's shores - via the steepest tramline known to man. Hong Kong is very proud of the fact that its funicular railway is the world's steepest. And make sure you take time out Harbourside to check the cricket scores and all things essential to daily life.

Now, I wouldn't have thought I'd say this, but when in HK I suggest you try the pasta at 'The Spaghetti House'. Yummmmmmmm! It's on the top of my 'best pasta dishes ever list' (I had what I call the Carbonara style Lasagna). Need directions? It's next to Amigo Jewelry, across from Pizza Hut, opposite McDonalds, 50m from GLYO, near a dozen foot/body massage palours, and around the corner from the guy selling cheap Rolex watches.

After dinner my parents and I were treated to a light show like no other - A Symphony of Lights - This spectacular multimedia display, already named the “World’s Largest Permanent Light and Sound Show” by Guinness World Records begins at 8pm every night when 20 key buildings on Hong Kong Island come alive and display dazzling lighting effects synchronised with music and narration.

No luck sync'ing it with my mobile though...

Did I mention the locals are real friendly?

Inspired by the light show, I thought I'd create one of my own, and couldn't believe my luck when I ran into this little store on a busy market street. Never seen so many packed into such a small space. But overwhelmed by the choice, I passed on that joint, and headed to this one...Bright chap this guy - But feeling dazed and needing a break I had to once again unwind Harbourside.

This story is getting a little far-fetched, so I'll just say this: Head to HK - it's a city of contrasts and legal DVDs - so you'll be well pleased.

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OK. Now just a quick update: Michelle is facing lots of challenges at work - of which she is handling with great expertise, and at home she's preparing a new supply of our homemade greeting cards to sell at an Australian Bazaar. So we'll be hoping for some sales! Cross your fingers for us!

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I'm working two jobs at the moment: I finished up at the Univeristy job I was doing as it wasn't really working out for me, and I was offered a 10-week evening job teaching business English to 17 employees of the 2nd biggest oil company in China with an excellent salary. It's Mon-Thurs, 6:30-8:45pm each night. It's a bit out of town, so the company I'm working for sends a driver to pick me up and drop me home every night. Fancy car too. I feel kinda like a VIP!

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But during the day I'm surrounded by little kids who are almost out of control - I'm working at a Korean Kindergarten teaching English ,would you believe! It's driving me a bit crazy, but there's nothing wrong with learning a thing or two about child care is there? It's just that the place is really unorganised and it seems they don't really care for the kids and that it's just about profits.

By the way, thanks to all for your birthday greetings! I'm 31 and counting, but feeling 29 and subtracting.

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Michelle and I went to see '42nd Street' last Saturday (the New York Broadway musical, all the way from New York too!) It's amazing the things we are able to get up to here in Beijing. Who would have thought we'd go see broadway!

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This is China.

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Dig it.

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Ps.The weather is now averaging about 10degrees max and 0 degrees min each day. Chilli.