First Day in Hong Kong

We’ve been talking about the move so long; now that we’re here it feels surreal. We left San Jose on Monday, July 17th. We flew to Oahu for a quick vacation. The flight was easy, especially for Steven as he was a row behind us. Hawaii was spectacular, but definitely too short.

We left Hawaii Friday morning. We left our hotel at 7:30 am and didn’t arrive in Hong Kong until 10 pm on Saturday night. Just when I commented to Steven that the kids were doing great, the melt downs started. Ally didn’t sleep until the last 30 minutes of the last flight. There were two. Oahu to Japan then Japan to Hong Kong.

I know what hell is like. It’s standing in the wrong immigration line with two sleeping four year olds who scream deliriously and 100 pounds of carry on luggage. Half way through the line they both start screaming “pee pee”.

The good thing is we are adjusting to the time difference almost right away. Got to the apartment after 10 pm and we all crashed.

It’s very hot and humid here. The only thing the humidity doesn’t seem to dampen is our kid’s energy. The apartment is nicer than I remember. Every where you look you see views of the South China seas spotted with islands and green hills. Steven bought the bare essentials: a couch, table and beds.

Since we had no food in the fridge, we took the shuttle bus to Stanley. We had breakfast at the first restaurant we saw that was open. Had a traditional American breakfast. American must equal big. Want to unpack, but didn’t realize how hard that is when you don’t have a dresser or hangers. Went to a small home good store in the area, but didn’t have hangers. Tomorrow, we’ll head into the city and get some.

Then went to the grocery store. Much bigger than I expected. But tried not to buy too much since we weren’t sure how far we’d have to carry it to the taxi. Turns out we were able to take our cart to the taxi stand. What a budget controller –only buying what you can carry!

Came home and went for a swim in the apartment pool. It was the first time I wish the pool was colder. We were amazed at how many Chinese people there were. Sounds weird I know.

Came home we all showered. The kids and I took cold showers as I didn’t realize you have to push a button to turn on the water heater. I cooked pork chops with sautéed apples, corn on the cob and baked beans for dinner. We ate on paper plates and used our four forks

Miss target and trash cans and hangers.

Tomorrow we have to go register with the government and get our Hong Kong ID cards. Then we’ll head to the Philippine Consulate to start on our helper, Evelyn’s, work visa. We are hoping we can get her by September. Then Steven will head to work and the kids and I will try taking the bus home.

Annie