tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58804064777341255982024-03-14T08:03:23.498+08:00AmySchreiamyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02420275782228537163noreply@blogger.comBlogger265125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880406477734125598.post-15068725994876133382011-10-13T14:56:00.002+08:002011-10-13T15:00:18.785+08:00Now Available in ChineseVery strange to see these books and Corona translated in Chinese.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DN-LW5bXYnU/TpaL0MqiUII/AAAAAAAACxg/jSnEpd9NYbI/s1600/Books_0212.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 285px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DN-LW5bXYnU/TpaL0MqiUII/AAAAAAAACxg/jSnEpd9NYbI/s400/Books_0212.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662867310334070914" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eXOqH2sDuM4/TpaL0V5YaKI/AAAAAAAACxs/pN8QA4Go9Dc/s1600/Corona_0174.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eXOqH2sDuM4/TpaL0V5YaKI/AAAAAAAACxs/pN8QA4Go9Dc/s400/Corona_0174.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662867312812255394" /></a>amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02420275782228537163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880406477734125598.post-13506510466378207942011-08-15T20:49:00.002+08:002011-08-15T20:59:09.370+08:00Bilingual Baby ToysWe plan to teach Sophie Mandarin. I was excited to buy a bilingual English/Mandarin toy for her at Toys "R" Us. Good schools in Hong Kong are incredibly competitive and difficult to gain admission. Some schools accept names for the waiting list on the day of birth. Bilingual nursery schools start at 6 months and come with a hefty price tag. Standard nursery school starts at 2 and kindergarten at 4 years old. I never thought I would need to think about choosing a school for Sophie so soon, insane!
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-in-Eqac6dEA/TkkX6CxDsqI/AAAAAAAACxY/l9fy3uo6HhQ/s1600/TurtleToy_0158.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 356px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-in-Eqac6dEA/TkkX6CxDsqI/AAAAAAAACxY/l9fy3uo6HhQ/s400/TurtleToy_0158.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641066294200742562" border="0" /></a>
<br />amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02420275782228537163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880406477734125598.post-5672686787164807352011-08-01T20:39:00.000+08:002011-08-15T20:48:15.499+08:00Starbucks Asian StyleCurrently at Starbucks in Hong Kong, are featured summer Frappuccinos, a la bubble tea. These drinks have chunks of coffee flavored jelly, i.e. jell-o, at the bottom. I am guessing they don't have these in the US.
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--185ZIQZ5sE/TkkUJUzaMfI/AAAAAAAACxI/8a3n2A1Q8VM/s1600/IMG_0165.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 298px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--185ZIQZ5sE/TkkUJUzaMfI/AAAAAAAACxI/8a3n2A1Q8VM/s400/IMG_0165.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641062158693970418" border="0" /></a>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pOsKnSL495Y/TkkU2xR_CsI/AAAAAAAACxQ/I_TLNvu7tlk/s1600/Starbucks_0165.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 387px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pOsKnSL495Y/TkkU2xR_CsI/AAAAAAAACxQ/I_TLNvu7tlk/s400/Starbucks_0165.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641062939432520386" border="0" /></a>amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02420275782228537163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880406477734125598.post-49039637256451041812011-07-22T20:53:00.000+08:002011-07-22T20:53:00.476+08:00Lycheeeees!It's lychee season. Fresh lychees are so yummy, tasting similar to grapes with a lot more zing. A vendor sent several cases to my job, and we each got plenty. I ate enough to give myself a stomach ache. Fresh lychees are a small but wonderful treat of living in China.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PBrL0ef5Z1o/Tik95NL-WfI/AAAAAAAACxA/-loCy_1rGxs/s1600/lychees_0150.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 301px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PBrL0ef5Z1o/Tik95NL-WfI/AAAAAAAACxA/-loCy_1rGxs/s400/lychees_0150.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632100862005238258" /></a>amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02420275782228537163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880406477734125598.post-82165227812433892502011-07-04T09:16:00.000+08:002011-07-05T21:14:57.133+08:00Happy 4th of JulyThe 4th of July passes quietly in Hong Kong. It makes me reminisce about our recent trip to the US. It was a great visit with both families and fun to introduce Sophie. Fortunately, Sophie did great with the flights and jet lag. As usual, we did lots of eating and shopping but didn't take enough pictures. The time just flew. I miss everyone dearly.<br /><br />Here are some of my favorite pics.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XWbhOAd9nPc/ThMMhBIwxlI/AAAAAAAACw4/jDyl88CHRkM/s1600/plane_0197.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XWbhOAd9nPc/ThMMhBIwxlI/AAAAAAAACw4/jDyl88CHRkM/s400/plane_0197.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625854120896284242" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_dapaFQ2_Gw/ThMMB0rKfqI/AAAAAAAACwo/t0prHnKnzqk/s1600/Amy%2526Sophie2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 273px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_dapaFQ2_Gw/ThMMB0rKfqI/AAAAAAAACwo/t0prHnKnzqk/s400/Amy%2526Sophie2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625853584974970530" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eQvkBbs5gm0/ThMLjzQ_y5I/AAAAAAAACvA/Fev5MeMFPSE/s1600/plane_0197.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HbhpgQ3-ISU/ThMMCYHWGnI/AAAAAAAACww/D9UCfk8do88/s400/Sophie.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625853594488412786" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-muPF0KAiBMg/ThMLzAWymDI/AAAAAAAACwA/-kBSQsluAH0/s1600/Tree_4986.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-muPF0KAiBMg/ThMLzAWymDI/AAAAAAAACwA/-kBSQsluAH0/s400/Tree_4986.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625853330412705842" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VmNNfGm-GRI/ThMLkNK7q1I/AAAAAAAACvQ/D5ygMJ8WdCw/s1600/ErikSophie_4941.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 389px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VmNNfGm-GRI/ThMLkNK7q1I/AAAAAAAACvQ/D5ygMJ8WdCw/s400/ErikSophie_4941.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625853076154592082" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FiGDzQAscPo/ThMMBTE0tAI/AAAAAAAACwg/P7OzzhZfVNc/s1600/Mom%2526Dad1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 308px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FiGDzQAscPo/ThMMBTE0tAI/AAAAAAAACwg/P7OzzhZfVNc/s400/Mom%2526Dad1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625853575955788802" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OkVB-3IFHqw/ThMMBOsoEnI/AAAAAAAACwY/i4rNR6h3q2E/s1600/Nan%2526Pops3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 353px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OkVB-3IFHqw/ThMMBOsoEnI/AAAAAAAACwY/i4rNR6h3q2E/s400/Nan%2526Pops3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625853574780555890" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8FkhDUbCU_o/ThMLk0MJqiI/AAAAAAAACvY/P2dDVn932oI/s1600/sky_4948.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8FkhDUbCU_o/ThMLk0MJqiI/AAAAAAAACvY/P2dDVn932oI/s400/sky_4948.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625853086628686370" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xn_aUZXr4pU/ThMLy6ItORI/AAAAAAAACv4/7d3YxjwK5Ow/s1600/cup_5063.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 319px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xn_aUZXr4pU/ThMLy6ItORI/AAAAAAAACv4/7d3YxjwK5Ow/s400/cup_5063.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625853328743020818" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DCywo-sBOSg/ThMLy0wX7XI/AAAAAAAACvw/3wAFB6BYwFc/s1600/lifeguard_5101.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DCywo-sBOSg/ThMLy0wX7XI/AAAAAAAACvw/3wAFB6BYwFc/s400/lifeguard_5101.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625853327298784626" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-djUbONPxGe0/ThMLlTwfxNI/AAAAAAAACvg/eFEOn54LN7I/s1600/mom_5127.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 317px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-djUbONPxGe0/ThMLlTwfxNI/AAAAAAAACvg/eFEOn54LN7I/s400/mom_5127.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625853095102629074" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SfrBYNF3I9Q/ThMLzod0cpI/AAAAAAAACwI/lJN4UH7wD8I/s1600/AmySophieEm_5134.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 371px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SfrBYNF3I9Q/ThMLzod0cpI/AAAAAAAACwI/lJN4UH7wD8I/s400/AmySophieEm_5134.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625853341179605650" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UM1pk-9RurU/ThMLyoFE6BI/AAAAAAAACvo/s6bFAgtm5cc/s1600/ErikWater_5119.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 355px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UM1pk-9RurU/ThMLyoFE6BI/AAAAAAAACvo/s6bFAgtm5cc/s400/ErikWater_5119.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625853323895957522" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-keof3TkkGzo/ThMLkDpT7gI/AAAAAAAACvI/m7bng89t37Y/s1600/nyc_0203.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-keof3TkkGzo/ThMLkDpT7gI/AAAAAAAACvI/m7bng89t37Y/s400/nyc_0203.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625853073597656578" border="0" /></a>amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02420275782228537163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880406477734125598.post-18995228191922840542011-04-06T14:16:00.000+08:002011-04-14T14:12:11.846+08:00B-DayFor how many years can I celebrate this birthday? ;-) Erik and I went out for a delicious Japanese meal followed by a drink at the world’s highest bar. The Ritz-Carlton finally opened atop the ICC building next to where we currently live. The hotel occupies the top 15 floors and the bar, Ozone, is on the top, 118th floor—that’s high. You can see I coordinated my dress to match our car.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5aOCBzTWgKo/TaU_ynjqT6I/AAAAAAAACuc/VvOHtrQCyx4/s1600/BDay_0088.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5aOCBzTWgKo/TaU_ynjqT6I/AAAAAAAACuc/VvOHtrQCyx4/s400/BDay_0088.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594948250922274722" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aDGO7iel6DQ/TaU_y_l_f8I/AAAAAAAACuk/MkdBvj3Ywpk/s1600/BDay_0093.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aDGO7iel6DQ/TaU_y_l_f8I/AAAAAAAACuk/MkdBvj3Ywpk/s400/BDay_0093.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594948257374502850" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hrW0C3qWUnA/TaU_y4m8vMI/AAAAAAAACus/TyVPiqhfhl0/s1600/BDay_0098.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 310px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hrW0C3qWUnA/TaU_y4m8vMI/AAAAAAAACus/TyVPiqhfhl0/s400/BDay_0098.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594948255499467970" border="0" /></a>My colleagues had a cake for me in the office.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jr0QIT1cjpc/TaU_zIHHrPI/AAAAAAAACu0/jJ1YlNa0dqo/s1600/BDay_6076.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 215px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jr0QIT1cjpc/TaU_zIHHrPI/AAAAAAAACu0/jJ1YlNa0dqo/s400/BDay_6076.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594948259660934386" border="0" /></a>amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02420275782228537163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880406477734125598.post-35958375985294886892011-03-31T13:49:00.001+08:002011-04-05T14:25:20.033+08:00New ApartmentNow that Erik has finalized the terms of his localization, we will move into a new apartment. By new, I mean new to us and brand new. We opted for a nice place with good space and wonderful amenities, but will be farther away from downtown. There is a nice mountain view, and I am super excited to have a built-in oven.<br /><br />Hong Kong's real estate was recently named the most expensive in the world followed by Sydney, London, and New York. The cost for buying has risen 50% in two years. As expected, competition is fierce. I feel very lucky to have secured this place.<br /><br />Out of curiosity, we looked at the show flat in a new building for sale. In less than 24 hours, 2/3 of the apartments were sold at a cost of about US$1,000,000 each. People keep saying the bubble will burst, but I don't see any sign of it.<br /><br />I'll be sure to post pictures once the place is decorated.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-STIhu6rwiIM/TZq0jCf4wCI/AAAAAAAACuU/-2yMZG74MC8/s1600/Aria_4223.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-STIhu6rwiIM/TZq0jCf4wCI/AAAAAAAACuU/-2yMZG74MC8/s400/Aria_4223.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591980401392926754" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w9TPdWGF56g/TZq0dsQ5weI/AAAAAAAACuM/KcsXgVc-VTw/s1600/Aria_4224.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w9TPdWGF56g/TZq0dsQ5weI/AAAAAAAACuM/KcsXgVc-VTw/s400/Aria_4224.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591980309525152226" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P2In7uFPZUk/TZq0dQF3ebI/AAAAAAAACuE/j7IpOVk-1jM/s1600/Aria_4225.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P2In7uFPZUk/TZq0dQF3ebI/AAAAAAAACuE/j7IpOVk-1jM/s400/Aria_4225.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591980301962672562" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pZAZ1vgwtE0/TZq0ddPTqhI/AAAAAAAACt8/JNtVMXRYXmo/s1600/Aria_4232.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pZAZ1vgwtE0/TZq0ddPTqhI/AAAAAAAACt8/JNtVMXRYXmo/s400/Aria_4232.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591980305491929618" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UUqKP-2npxg/TZq0dDC1FdI/AAAAAAAACt0/cdlUoH0xqoI/s1600/Aria_4231.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UUqKP-2npxg/TZq0dDC1FdI/AAAAAAAACt0/cdlUoH0xqoI/s400/Aria_4231.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591980298460272082" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G-OI-DLFbkQ/TZq0dKpPKdI/AAAAAAAACts/eBxCcrbGy9E/s1600/Aria_4238.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G-OI-DLFbkQ/TZq0dKpPKdI/AAAAAAAACts/eBxCcrbGy9E/s400/Aria_4238.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591980300500412882" border="0" /></a>amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02420275782228537163noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880406477734125598.post-80887107148112429422011-03-22T21:53:00.003+08:002011-03-22T22:10:49.918+08:00A Coffee Worth the WaitOn Friday between 3-5:00 p.m., Hong Kong Starbucks donated all sales to Japan disaster relief. I never need a reason to patron Starbucks, so I was happy to wait 45 minutes in a line of about 150 people. The line length remained constant and flooded into the mall. It was awesome to see so many people supporting the relief efforts. I was very proud of my fellow Hong Kongers. <a href="http://www.daylife.com/photo/0aiYe2hd5Na3t?q=Starbucks+Corp">Check out an image here.</a>amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02420275782228537163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880406477734125598.post-84279411267126534032011-03-17T21:39:00.002+08:002011-03-17T21:44:35.021+08:00Stay TunedShortly, I will be back to blogging and will update what happened in the past three months. This blog is as much for my benefit as it is for any of my readers. As you all know, I gave birth to a sweet baby girl, Sophie Madeline. Now that she is two months old, I am getting my sea legs. I plan to keep this blog focused on living abroad, not about Sophie, although I am sure she'll have a presence here. Thanks for continuing to read.amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02420275782228537163noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880406477734125598.post-24078621596937576832010-12-16T21:30:00.000+08:002010-12-20T15:32:03.846+08:00Crazy X'mas!In Hong Kong, Christmas is widely celebrated. Since most people are not Christian, the decorations are often non-traditional and rather artistic or bizarre. I love the creativity and off-the-wall ideas most of the time, but this year’s Times Square Christmas display makes no sense. Entitled “Crazy X’mas!” the scene has lots of large spray paint cans and robots. I read the signs and tried to figure out the theme, wondering if it was about recycling, but I couldn’t come to any cohesive conclusion. I have asked friends if they get it, but no one seems to know what it is all about. Regardless, lots of people seemed to enjoy it and took tons of pictures as usual. Here’s to a CRAZY X’MAS!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TQ8GIjYsd-I/AAAAAAAACsc/wS_N_dK-dDY/s1600/Xmas_4108.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 317px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TQ8GIjYsd-I/AAAAAAAACsc/wS_N_dK-dDY/s400/Xmas_4108.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552663609578649570" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TQ8GIkXsEWI/AAAAAAAACsk/D5LkXxUjuZQ/s1600/Xmas_4109.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TQ8GIkXsEWI/AAAAAAAACsk/D5LkXxUjuZQ/s400/Xmas_4109.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552663609842864482" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TQ8GIY72-_I/AAAAAAAACsU/kn5pDwNdKS8/s1600/Xmas_4104.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TQ8GIY72-_I/AAAAAAAACsU/kn5pDwNdKS8/s400/Xmas_4104.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552663606773349362" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TQ8GIVk59LI/AAAAAAAACsM/55Y5GLw0XOs/s1600/Xmas_4103.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TQ8GIVk59LI/AAAAAAAACsM/55Y5GLw0XOs/s400/Xmas_4103.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552663605871768754" border="0" /></a>amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02420275782228537163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880406477734125598.post-63594989036894866942010-12-10T20:11:00.001+08:002010-12-20T15:16:27.302+08:00Work BBQMy job hosted a BBQ day as a little celebration for employees and their families. It was not the same as a US work BBQ but seemed to be a fairly typical Chinese-style one. The “park” was arranged for large groups to BBQ--no other activities. Each table was provided a container of meat that we cooked ourselves over very simple grills. The menu consisted of raw meat, white bread and soft drinks, followed by two suckling pigs that were grilled by a professional. It was quite an interesting experience. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TQ8B45WIpGI/AAAAAAAACr8/DSUVJ1sfcQo/s1600/WWBBQ_4111.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TQ8B45WIpGI/AAAAAAAACr8/DSUVJ1sfcQo/s400/WWBBQ_4111.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552658942549075042" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TQ8B0tOnxcI/AAAAAAAACrs/mz9o1-S63qQ/s1600/WWBBQ_4121.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TQ8B0tOnxcI/AAAAAAAACrs/mz9o1-S63qQ/s400/WWBBQ_4121.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552658870576858562" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TQ8B0I1_Z_I/AAAAAAAACrk/UWoL42DYHhU/s1600/WWBBQ_4113.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TQ8B0I1_Z_I/AAAAAAAACrk/UWoL42DYHhU/s400/WWBBQ_4113.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552658860809873394" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TQ8B0ObYSHI/AAAAAAAACrc/EOOE54xNGv4/s1600/WWBBQ_4122.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 294px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TQ8B0ObYSHI/AAAAAAAACrc/EOOE54xNGv4/s400/WWBBQ_4122.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552658862308870258" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TQ8B0iD-RII/AAAAAAAACr0/GHr_Fzuoa14/s1600/WWBBQ_4125.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TQ8B0iD-RII/AAAAAAAACr0/GHr_Fzuoa14/s400/WWBBQ_4125.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552658867579405442" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TQ8B5D2P17I/AAAAAAAACsE/-2i0pMfmthU/s1600/WWBBQ_Pocketbooth-10-12-04-20-38-19.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 219px; height: 166px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TQ8B5D2P17I/AAAAAAAACsE/-2i0pMfmthU/s400/WWBBQ_Pocketbooth-10-12-04-20-38-19.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552658945368119218" border="0" /></a> <!--EndFragment--> <!--EndFragment-->amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02420275782228537163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880406477734125598.post-65199463381856263922010-11-21T14:39:00.002+08:002010-11-21T14:54:09.237+08:00This Little PiggyIt is common for restaurants to receive food deliveries on the sidewalk, so after three years in Hong Kong, I should be used to sights such as this one. It's a container full of suckling pigs just sitting on the sidewalk. I was quite shocked when I walked past.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TOjB6UbX6iI/AAAAAAAACqs/I9lOR8cF3ts/s1600/Piggies_0031.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TOjB6UbX6iI/AAAAAAAACqs/I9lOR8cF3ts/s400/Piggies_0031.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541892549139491362" border="0" /></a>amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02420275782228537163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880406477734125598.post-35138166690415053372010-11-10T21:34:00.000+08:002010-11-21T15:23:42.106+08:00Junk TripWe had our first, and likely last, junk trip of the year in early November with Erik's colleagues. The weather was absolutely perfect. November and December in Hong Kong have the best weather of the year.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TOjHxRUp1RI/AAAAAAAACrE/AkO1Dv3N2Tg/s1600/Junk_11.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 253px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TOjHxRUp1RI/AAAAAAAACrE/AkO1Dv3N2Tg/s400/Junk_11.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541898990756943122" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TOjHxB1Q7lI/AAAAAAAACq8/2_UhGzDCgmc/s1600/Junk_10.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 289px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TOjHxB1Q7lI/AAAAAAAACq8/2_UhGzDCgmc/s400/Junk_10.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541898986598755922" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TOjIKm5Z5RI/AAAAAAAACrM/UCT8upjntEM/s1600/ErikJunk_0152.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 332px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TOjIKm5Z5RI/AAAAAAAACrM/UCT8upjntEM/s400/ErikJunk_0152.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541899426044962066" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TOjIu5cVO1I/AAAAAAAACrU/fZ-NB-Vo9QM/s1600/AmyJunk_small_0186.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 291px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TOjIu5cVO1I/AAAAAAAACrU/fZ-NB-Vo9QM/s400/AmyJunk_small_0186.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541900049498585938" border="0" /></a>amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02420275782228537163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880406477734125598.post-92130608492005378682010-10-31T17:18:00.001+08:002010-10-31T17:18:00.664+08:00Happy HalloweenTo celebrate Halloween Hong Kong style, here is a funky mall display. I love the pumpkin-head skeletons in bird cages.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TKrtntIrwJI/AAAAAAAACoc/-2C9gyDiwBs/s1600/Halloween_3847.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TKrtntIrwJI/AAAAAAAACoc/-2C9gyDiwBs/s400/Halloween_3847.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524489159310033042" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TKrtnQWdJlI/AAAAAAAACoU/iqhrVVwFpJQ/s1600/Halloween_3845.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TKrtnQWdJlI/AAAAAAAACoU/iqhrVVwFpJQ/s400/Halloween_3845.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524489151583168082" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TKrtn63YEBI/AAAAAAAACok/iO4HNjFDLE4/s1600/Halloween_3848.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 276px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TKrtn63YEBI/AAAAAAAACok/iO4HNjFDLE4/s400/Halloween_3848.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524489162995535890" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TKrtnRYuWBI/AAAAAAAACoM/Jm0ZYPJIfd0/s1600/Halloween_3843.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 186px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TKrtnRYuWBI/AAAAAAAACoM/Jm0ZYPJIfd0/s400/Halloween_3843.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524489151861118994" border="0" /></a>amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02420275782228537163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880406477734125598.post-85584724292822634702010-10-10T16:52:00.000+08:002010-10-13T17:58:22.387+08:00Koh Samui, ThailandWe spent a long weekend in Koh Samui, Thailand. It is a small island off the southern coast, not too far from Phuket (were the tsunami occurred). The mini vacation was wonderful. Our resort was very nice, and we took a day excursion involving a boat trip, kayaking, and snorkeling. We ate lots of very spicy Thai food, yum! There are many more places we want to visit in Thailand, so I'm sure we'll be back soon.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TLRKOWkOFGI/AAAAAAAACqc/rrgNgE4KLc4/s1600/KS_1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 264px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TLRKOWkOFGI/AAAAAAAACqc/rrgNgE4KLc4/s400/KS_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527124253126562914" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TLRKCUvVRMI/AAAAAAAACp8/-sXZkryy5Oc/s1600/KS_5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TLRKCUvVRMI/AAAAAAAACp8/-sXZkryy5Oc/s400/KS_5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527124046477870274" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TLRKB2zbnKI/AAAAAAAACp0/cm-L00R1QiU/s1600/KS_6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TLRKB2zbnKI/AAAAAAAACp0/cm-L00R1QiU/s400/KS_6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527124038441999522" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TLRKMFySPgI/AAAAAAAACqE/7SZsnY0UPzs/s1600/KS_4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TLRKMFySPgI/AAAAAAAACqE/7SZsnY0UPzs/s400/KS_4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527124214262414850" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TLRKBlumspI/AAAAAAAACps/4C0HJK20TEY/s1600/KS_7.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TLRKBlumspI/AAAAAAAACps/4C0HJK20TEY/s400/KS_7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527124033858351762" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TLRKBSF7avI/AAAAAAAACpc/aYV0dBI42Os/s1600/KS_10.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 258px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TLRKBSF7avI/AAAAAAAACpc/aYV0dBI42Os/s400/KS_10.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527124028587469554" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TLRJ0QC3YLI/AAAAAAAACpU/EDdDiyig5SA/s1600/KohSamui_6749.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TLRJ0QC3YLI/AAAAAAAACpU/EDdDiyig5SA/s400/KohSamui_6749.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527123804699451570" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TKrpC1Bt3_I/AAAAAAAACns/0uYktBCEZ1M/s1600/KohSamui_3841.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TKrpC1Bt3_I/AAAAAAAACns/0uYktBCEZ1M/s400/KohSamui_3841.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524484127726624754" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TLRJ0FuuSGI/AAAAAAAACpM/Xk4hGmu3gY0/s1600/KohSamui_6761.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TLRJ0FuuSGI/AAAAAAAACpM/Xk4hGmu3gY0/s400/KohSamui_6761.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527123801930614882" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TLRJzlTrfEI/AAAAAAAACpE/qbWqx9noNIk/s1600/KohSamui_6801.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TLRJzlTrfEI/AAAAAAAACpE/qbWqx9noNIk/s400/KohSamui_6801.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527123793227250754" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TLRKM48KMeI/AAAAAAAACqM/oXKoREjr36U/s1600/KS_3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TLRKM48KMeI/AAAAAAAACqM/oXKoREjr36U/s400/KS_3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527124227994038754" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TKrpCcAjdsI/AAAAAAAACnc/6yhtB7g0FJk/s1600/KohSamui_3822.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TKrpCcAjdsI/AAAAAAAACnc/6yhtB7g0FJk/s400/KohSamui_3822.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524484121010861762" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TLWCXNIU7WI/AAAAAAAACqk/dJc7k2dTSGA/s1600/KohSamui_3821.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TLWCXNIU7WI/AAAAAAAACqk/dJc7k2dTSGA/s400/KohSamui_3821.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527467452840340834" border="0" /></a>amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02420275782228537163noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880406477734125598.post-27425887530974126762010-09-25T17:00:00.000+08:002010-10-05T17:12:38.682+08:00Window ArtA famous, designer clothing store had a painter decorate their store window. I was lucky to catch the painting in progress. This store usually has very cool window displays. You can see the artist's painting on the wall inside. The painting is not abstract, but is a large figure, soon to become figures. It is great to see examples of Hong Kong embracing art.<br /><br />The artist's quotation reads, "In the paintings, each line represents one's life. Loading the canvass with numerous lines forms a fascinating drama."<br /><br />Ann Niu<br />Born in Shanghai, China<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TKrq36UrAiI/AAAAAAAACn8/Iwkec3uATA4/s1600/JoyceArt_3808.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TKrq36UrAiI/AAAAAAAACn8/Iwkec3uATA4/s400/JoyceArt_3808.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524486139193000482" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TKrq36e_2yI/AAAAAAAACn0/2YsU1BC1Gaw/s1600/JoyceArt_3805.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TKrq36e_2yI/AAAAAAAACn0/2YsU1BC1Gaw/s400/JoyceArt_3805.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524486139236309794" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TKrq4HWESuI/AAAAAAAACoE/CzSdyDHnuIw/s1600/JoyceArt_3809.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TKrq4HWESuI/AAAAAAAACoE/CzSdyDHnuIw/s400/JoyceArt_3809.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524486142688512738" border="0" /></a>amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02420275782228537163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880406477734125598.post-19885911446818100372010-09-21T21:46:00.000+08:002010-09-21T21:46:00.266+08:00Even More GoodbyesErik's Scottish colleague left Hong Kong after a 5 year stint. He and his wife were good friends and will be missed. There was a lovely goodbye party for them, and all the guys wore kilts for the celebration. It is funny to watch men sit in skirts when they have never done it before.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TI8NQciagYI/AAAAAAAACnM/BPD6vlw-JtU/s1600/AlanGoodbye.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 285px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TI8NQciagYI/AAAAAAAACnM/BPD6vlw-JtU/s400/AlanGoodbye.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516642644741751170" border="0" /></a>amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02420275782228537163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880406477734125598.post-81966148301329456392010-09-20T21:53:00.000+08:002010-09-21T09:56:14.108+08:00American Government Bureaucracy in Hong Kong<span style="font-family:Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">I do not like to complain on the blog, but I can’t help myself in this situation. One of my “bucket list” goals was to fill my current passport before it expires. I have successfully filled it in three years, so it is time for new pages. Erik has had pages added to his passport on several occasions and always raved about the efficient service at the Consulate. Previously, you booked an appointment online, went to the Consulate, and came out 45 minutes later with new pages. It was a free service. I booked my appointment, showed up and was informed it would cost US$82, and I could not get the new pages while I waited but must return the same day between 3-4:00. I was completely flabbergasted!<br /><br />The insane part of this situation is that an entirely new passport only costs US$70! Adding pages to your existing passport involves sewing 6 pieces of paper down a four inch seam. This process cannot take more than 10 minutes. In Hong Kong, you can have a whole suit custom made in 12 hours for less than US$82! It is infuriating, because most people, like me, will not want a new passport since the existing one holds valid and necessary visas. A new passport would require carrying both the old one and the new one. It seems American government bureaucracy has made its way to Hong Kong.<br /><br />The Consulate is not in a convenient location, as it is situated up a tall hill with no subway stop nearby. Yesterday, we had a typhoon #3. I waited for a taxi for 30 minutes with no success so had to walk. I was completely soaked, to the extent that my “new” passport got wet inside my purse!<br /><br />From the Consulate’s website:<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>Why is the government charging me such a high fee to add passport pages, something previously provided for free?</b></span></span><span style="font-size: 12px;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">The cost of service study found that adding visa pages to an existing passport book requires nearly the same resources as producing a new passport book. The study found that the cost of producing the pages, placing them in the book in a secure manner by trained personnel, and completing the required security checks costs the U.S. Government US$82.48. The Department will charge US$82 for this service. </span></span></span> <!--EndFragment-->amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02420275782228537163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880406477734125598.post-20116945108886312862010-09-14T13:37:00.002+08:002010-09-14T13:45:57.722+08:00More Big...ClothesI have mentioned before the clothing sizes in HK and China are much smaller than in the US. Erik is playing in a work basketball league. Here he is in his uniform which fits great. Note the size: XXXXL. Yes, it is 4XL!!!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TI8L6iRNa8I/AAAAAAAACnE/qH5-3wlK3Wg/s1600/BBallUni.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 186px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TI8L6iRNa8I/AAAAAAAACnE/qH5-3wlK3Wg/s400/BBallUni.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516641168811453378" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TI8L6eaUqqI/AAAAAAAACm8/9ii0IWynFJI/s1600/BBallTag_3804.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TI8L6eaUqqI/AAAAAAAACm8/9ii0IWynFJI/s400/BBallTag_3804.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516641167775935138" border="0" /></a>amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02420275782228537163noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880406477734125598.post-20115944537652126052010-09-06T21:35:00.003+08:002010-09-06T21:39:52.150+08:00Big FoodGenerally, portions are smaller in Hong Kong than in the US. Here are a few exceptions. This burger was appropriately at an American style grill.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TITu5OVIsvI/AAAAAAAACms/gP-y4GU1r90/s1600/Burger.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 289px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TITu5OVIsvI/AAAAAAAACms/gP-y4GU1r90/s400/Burger.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513794510675030770" border="0" /></a>These shrimp were huge. Including the claws, they were over a foot long. There was deceivingly little meat inside.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TITu41lkyDI/AAAAAAAACmk/ZWxJaHFlyP0/s1600/Shrimp.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 374px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TITu41lkyDI/AAAAAAAACmk/ZWxJaHFlyP0/s400/Shrimp.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513794504033093682" border="0" /></a>amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02420275782228537163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880406477734125598.post-61124002540029223202010-08-28T21:27:00.001+08:002010-09-06T21:35:44.713+08:00More GoodbyesThe goodbye celebrations with Monika continued with a weekend in Macao, which is an island about and hour away from Hong Kong. A bunch of us had fun eating, shopping, and laughing. We treated Monika to a "skywalk" on the Macao tower. The tower is similar to the space needle in Seattle. The skywalk is 233 meters high.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TITtsvq9hFI/AAAAAAAACmU/HJidaObdvqQ/s1600/SkyWalk.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TITtsvq9hFI/AAAAAAAACmU/HJidaObdvqQ/s400/SkyWalk.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513793196775015506" border="0" /></a>The following weekend was Monika's going away party. It is a certainty that I will go visit her in her new home, Switzerland.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TITttEAL43I/AAAAAAAACmc/LDDm-tu2fcI/s1600/MoniAmy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 382px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TITttEAL43I/AAAAAAAACmc/LDDm-tu2fcI/s400/MoniAmy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513793202232746866" border="0" /></a>amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02420275782228537163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880406477734125598.post-60033720287766617432010-08-08T21:09:00.003+08:002010-08-08T21:19:10.210+08:00Tea at the PeninsulaFinally, I had high tea at the famous Peninsula Hotel. Erik and I went with my friend Monika who is leaving Hong Kong soon. The tea was wonderful but so rich. It was a lovely treat that I'm sure we'll indulge in again. Monika and I spoiled ourselves this weekend too by going for high-end spa treatments, so lovely.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TF6uf49xZTI/AAAAAAAACmM/8eyuugmuKXY/s1600/TeaMoni.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TF6uf49xZTI/AAAAAAAACmM/8eyuugmuKXY/s400/TeaMoni.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503027657583977778" border="0" /></a>amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02420275782228537163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880406477734125598.post-81121072333335518562010-07-19T21:09:00.000+08:002010-07-20T17:14:07.323+08:00Tin HauWe explored Tin Hau on Sunday, a part of Hong Kong where we had not yet visited. There wasn’t much to it, except for a nice temple. Erik captured some nice images of HK street life.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TEVon0uCt9I/AAAAAAAACmE/26qePZEY4XQ/s1600/TinHau_3641.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 313px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TEVon0uCt9I/AAAAAAAACmE/26qePZEY4XQ/s400/TinHau_3641.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495913953651505106" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TEVonmNL3OI/AAAAAAAACl8/XCv_Sfh1zxQ/s1600/TinHau_3642.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 287px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TEVonmNL3OI/AAAAAAAACl8/XCv_Sfh1zxQ/s400/TinHau_3642.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495913949755596002" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TEVohqfRfRI/AAAAAAAACl0/FZbn0G6tAOM/s1600/TinHau_3648.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 290px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TEVohqfRfRI/AAAAAAAACl0/FZbn0G6tAOM/s400/TinHau_3648.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495913847825988882" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TEVohQsTXnI/AAAAAAAACls/WI6yF3AwIQw/s1600/TinHau_3659.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TEVohQsTXnI/AAAAAAAACls/WI6yF3AwIQw/s400/TinHau_3659.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495913840901316210" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TEVohG-3Z-I/AAAAAAAAClk/XtJR-C_DpVA/s1600/TinHau_3654.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TEVohG-3Z-I/AAAAAAAAClk/XtJR-C_DpVA/s400/TinHau_3654.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495913838294820834" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TEVogkeCcbI/AAAAAAAAClc/018G3z8m5CQ/s1600/TinHau_3655.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TEVogkeCcbI/AAAAAAAAClc/018G3z8m5CQ/s400/TinHau_3655.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495913829030326706" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TEVogNfsIsI/AAAAAAAAClU/9-YDRDahClY/s1600/TinHau_3663.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 294px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TEVogNfsIsI/AAAAAAAAClU/9-YDRDahClY/s400/TinHau_3663.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495913822863237826" border="0" /></a>amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02420275782228537163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880406477734125598.post-67200770089999880482010-07-11T14:17:00.000+08:002010-07-12T14:32:05.902+08:00New FurnitureSince we’ll be in Hong Kong for at least another year, we decided to upgrade a few pieces of our furniture. It started with our bed, which was broken for more than a year. We got this new bed a few months ago, and I updated the bedding during the US trip. I am very happy with the bed which is so much more solid than our former, Ikea one.<br /><br />I think I’ve mentioned before the lack of vintage/antique stores in HK. There is no appreciation for old items except super valuable antiques. We had no reason to upgrade our coffee table other than the new one is so unique. It is a mid-century mod design, and we totally love it. It was acquired through AsiaExpat which is similar to Craig’s List. Hong Kong is a very transient city, and there is plenty of stuff for sale on AsiaExpat.<br /><br />Likewise, there was no reason to change our dining room set other than the new one is very cool. It is made from recycled boat wood. We’ve been waiting for it for about 2.5 months for it to be shipped from Bali. While we love it, it is probably too big for our space and unlikely to fit in a “normal” HK apartment. It could also be used outside since it is weather resistant. Worst case scenario: we sell it in a year.<br /><br />Now, it is time for a party to show off all the new goods.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TDqzu90waKI/AAAAAAAACks/IP2CCGPQPyA/s1600/NewBed.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TDqzu90waKI/AAAAAAAACks/IP2CCGPQPyA/s400/NewBed.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492900314982934690" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TDqzvLv-csI/AAAAAAAACk0/XHmxcMTfTbQ/s1600/NewCoffeeTable.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 244px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TDqzvLv-csI/AAAAAAAACk0/XHmxcMTfTbQ/s400/NewCoffeeTable.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492900318720979650" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TDqzvW-_j7I/AAAAAAAACk8/3-FM_w9UII8/s1600/NewCoffeeTable2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 296px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TDqzvW-_j7I/AAAAAAAACk8/3-FM_w9UII8/s400/NewCoffeeTable2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492900321736757170" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TDqzvqZlx7I/AAAAAAAAClE/iGM8-xQ4-Mw/s1600/NewDR.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TDqzvqZlx7I/AAAAAAAAClE/iGM8-xQ4-Mw/s400/NewDR.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492900326948587442" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TDqzv-iYoxI/AAAAAAAAClM/MN5AwmNOKi8/s1600/NewDR2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TDqzv-iYoxI/AAAAAAAAClM/MN5AwmNOKi8/s400/NewDR2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492900332354183954" border="0" /></a>amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02420275782228537163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880406477734125598.post-37001914700467358242010-07-04T17:24:00.000+08:002010-07-05T17:39:18.758+08:00Hong Kong Lunch DeliveryThe stereotype of China is lots of bicycles. While this is true in mainland China, Hong Kong is not very bike friendly, because the traffic is very dense and there are no bike paths along the major roads. I did see a man delivering lunches by bicycle near my work. This is a quintessential China picture.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TDGnoNfl5yI/AAAAAAAACkk/ToV1zLoL2Pk/s1600/LunchDelivery.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 318px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fRT1VI-2emc/TDGnoNfl5yI/AAAAAAAACkk/ToV1zLoL2Pk/s400/LunchDelivery.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490353730000119586" border="0" /></a>I was in the US for almost 2 weeks in June. As a result, I have been away from blogging, because I was preparing for the trip and then recovering from jet lag. It was great to be back in the US and see the family. I filled up on yummy, comfort foods and got some beach time.<br /><br />Summer in HK is rather boring. Many people are traveling so the social calendar is light. The heat and humidity make you want to stay at home in the AC.<br /><br />I am very sad to be losing three great friends this summer :-( All three are leaving HK to pursue brighter opportunities. This makes a total of six close friends of mine who have left. I need to meet some new people, but I don't feel motivated. This is the nature of expat life--very transitory. I guess Erik and I are "old timers" now as we close in on three years.<br /><br />Happy 4th of July to all the Americans!amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02420275782228537163noreply@blogger.com0