tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56646912011-04-22T05:11:45.121+08:00KristyinHongKongJust another way of staying in touch with everyoneKnoreply@blogger.comBlogger981100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1133173448167473492005-11-28T18:22:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:26.925+08:00Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1090335215402639032004-07-20T22:53:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:26.779+08:00Yeah thats HK Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1088394312711400792004-06-28T11:44:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:26.701+08:00The end
Am back home now.
Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1087184145868846412004-06-14T11:31:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:26.625+08:00Yesterday was actually my last sunday in Hong Kong so of course I actually left Hong Kong and went to Macau for the day. Did a little sightseeing ate some portuagese food and drank a little cheap wine.
So beautiful there, so different to Hong Kong.
Next weekend I escape to Thailand for a couple of days.
And the weekend after I leave Hong Kong.
So much to do.
If anyone has any special Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1086778282847664172004-06-09T18:49:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:26.555+08:00Now
that i've told my little sister
i can tell you all
i'm coming home late June
looking forward to seeing you all
but a little sad at leaving everyone hereKnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1085308990092211812004-05-23T18:20:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:26.479+08:00Rainstorm warnings yes rainstorm warnings
So rewind two weeks ago on Saturday.
For those of you who don't know i work saturdays like the majority of Hong Kong people.
I don't need to wake up until 8.30am.
I get a phone call at 7am thinking i'm going to strangle whoever it is. Its Sherry (co-ordinator of centre) she ringing to tell me it a black rain warning i don't need to come to work. Yay iKnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-108522019239801762004-05-22T18:00:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:18.986+08:00computer problems again at home
why do they always happen when Michael is out of the country?
and typing this from work
will write more about rain storm warnings, my third attempt to travel to phuket, a new co-worker and the possibility of coming home.
Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1083854786988702002004-05-06T22:46:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:26.397+08:00still just a little unsure
really not thrilled by the idea of coming back for melbs winter
arghhhhhhh
especially when i'm just getting used to the whole sleeping with the ac on full againKnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1083171808771589282004-04-29T01:03:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:26.304+08:00The to go now or not list
Btw, I'm leaving friends and family out of the list just to see how everything else compares.
For HK
- no spiders (well in comparison)
- public transport
- the availability of good green veggies like kale
- being able to walk everywhere
- choc choc chip ice cream (dairy free) and amazing
- work and workmates
- not having to look for a job AGAIN
- closer to other Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1082907491096836122004-04-25T23:38:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:26.228+08:00Changes
Michael's going to Korea to live very soon
i'm going to start looking for a place this week to live with another friend (Petula)
If i have no luck finding somewhere i'm coming home
if i do then i will probably stay a little longer than planned
its all in fates hands now i guess.
Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1081609071467318972004-04-10T22:57:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:26.158+08:00Happy Easter everyone
While the long weekend isn't really going to plan thanks to the cold from hell
I should be at least venturing out of the house tommorrow to go see a movie and have lunch with some friends
I just realised that the first time i went to HK was actually around this time last year.
And this is my second Easter away from home.
Eat lots of choc for me.
Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1080828176364364852004-04-01T22:02:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:26.075+08:00Easter holidays
and everyone is going away, Michael to Australia, Kayi to china (although only for a few days) but i don't mind.
Work is great, i really love my job!
And somewhere, some way along the way i seemed to develop a couple of good friends.
Erin is right it takes 7 months to make good friends in a new place.
I'm reached my peak happiness/settled in stage in HK i think.
I can Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1080466063940071512004-03-28T17:27:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:26.000+08:00Thanks everyone
for your presents, cards, emails, text messages
I felt very special on my birthday despite being so far away from all my family and the majority of my friends.
I started the day off by opening presents from the family that were sent over.
Sherry the co-ordinator of the centre and the only other one who works full time gave me a card and dessert with a lit candle in it.
I hadKnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1079971051495859122004-03-22T23:57:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:25.926+08:00Today I managed to complete everything on my to do list.
Perhaps a first for me.
Including going to a class (cardio kick) at the gym i joined two weeks ago.
I was terrible (in terms of fitness and co-ordination) but it was lots of fun.
______________________________________________________
I forgot to mention in yesterdays post that:
I saved two little catfish from their death (the manager Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1079885312297991782004-03-22T00:08:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:25.847+08:00Wow thats my excuse anyway
To make up for the fact that its my birthday this friday and i won't have my family and friends to celebrate with me i treated myself to some retail therapy today.
Items brought include:
two tops (have no idea what they look like yet though since ithe story had a no try policy)
a cd (jack johnson)
some goodies from lush
a wok
p.s: i called up aus consulate the Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1079282930770440352004-03-15T00:48:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:25.741+08:00Goodbye Matt Casey, and passport
Yes i somehow managed to lose my passport and is definitely not in the apartment Michael, Kayi, Casey Matt and myself all turned the apartment upside down.
I just said goodbye to Matt and Casey i don't know whether i should feel more sadness that they have left or jealously at all the great places they are going to.
I have in the last three weeks spoke about Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1078755900383590592004-03-08T22:25:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:25.660+08:00Welcome Matt, Casey and chaos
First of all happy birthday Nan D, Brian and Sarah!
I certainly have cramped in as much as site seeing/shopping as possible in the last few days for matt and casey.
Saturday night we went to the peak (which is as the name suggests is the tallest part of hong kong) via the peak tram.
Sunday we went to stanley which i've also heard referred to as ghost town due to Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1078043512082908092004-02-29T16:31:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:25.576+08:00Matt
matts coming to hong kong
yay
hes the first one to visit me here
i can't wait.
In case your wondering where i've been the computer has a virus and has been down for the past two weeks actually it still is i'm using Michael's laptop to type this. Michael has been away in Korea and didn't trust me to do anything.
Boy have i missed my computer.
Not much is happening other than i've Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1076753511984352452004-02-14T18:11:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:25.495+08:00Happy v day everyone
i received a chocolate and a kiss on the cheek today
from a four year old
I'm reduced my hours so i now have sunday and mondy off and everyone keep referring to it as a long weekend (only in hong kong).
trying to decide on where to go for a few days to celebrate my birthday.
Possible choices are:
Tokyo (catch ani difranco in concert)
Thailand (shopping and great veg Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1076511501105698282004-02-11T22:58:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:25.419+08:00I don't understand some things ....
like how many hk residents are getting rid of their pets
to prevent bird flu (which is sweeping through Asia at the moment)
yet will happily eat chicken as if it is going out of fashion
by the way the pets we are talking about are innocent cats and dogsKnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1075913032928078362004-02-05T00:43:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:25.332+08:00Just checking in
Not much to report other than;
Its really cold again just when i thought its starting to warm up.
I've started work and i'm working hard at trying to prepare all the march lesson plans before the end of feb sounds easy except i have my classes and am subsituting other classes, writing letters to parents, going to the library, doing lesson preparation (translated: photocopyingKnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1075173360699055402004-01-27T11:16:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:25.168+08:00Work
I start my new job tomorrow and if you could judge an area by the type of car places in it then Ferrari speaks volumes.
I don't need to though the foyer of the building is amazing: so nice so classy, perhaps a little too much. I feel like i'm doing something wrong by simply being in the foyer.
The complete opposite to the dodgy building in the not so nice area of Mongkok that i used to Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1075014136454158482004-01-25T15:02:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:25.087+08:00The countdown
If i stick by my word and stay another 6 months.
I will return by the 20th of july
which is approximately 178 days
According to a unnamed source.Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1074642532772762902004-01-21T07:48:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:24.997+08:00Not being slack with my blog
As requested by Laura.
Its so cold here right now my hands feel like they need gloves typing this. And i'm not just talking cold in comparison to Melbournes 30 + day i just left. According to Hong Kong Observatory its averaging around 8 degrees outside and 'COLD WEATHER WARNING is now in force'. Yes its cold and just as cold in the apartment as it is outside.
I Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1074126100407626342004-01-15T08:21:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:24.921+08:00Yesterday was crazy
Spent the morning shopping for wedding presents and thankfully the two things i wanted to get happened to be on special.
In the afternoon went for a BBQ with the family. Where i proceeded to eat too much. Thanks to both my mothers home made veggie burgers and Marisa choc mint cake. Both made without recipes. Ohh i hate those people ;-)
Went back to the house and exchanged Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1073888996559833422004-01-12T14:29:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:24.847+08:00Mobile phone update
I have a replacement sim card now so you call, or message me
i just won't know who it is.
and i can't call you because i don't have your number.Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1073867362517454072004-01-12T08:29:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:24.773+08:00Too much sun
I'm sunburnt and quite severely at that.
The stupid things is i put sunscreen on but it was too late.
It didn't get me at the beach but on the rather cold-ish walks. I was too busy focusing on the wind to notice the sun. Now my face, top of my head, shoulders, and neck are a bright shade of red and causing quite some pain. I hope that the redness if reduced by the wedding on Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1073656205201471262004-01-09T21:50:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:24.694+08:00And more amazing food, and sun finally some sun
Yesterday (thursday): went out for lunch with marisa at this amazing burger place that has great big burgers (three types of veggie ones). Then went home hung out with Tayla.
Had dinner with Marisa and Tayla at Soul Mammas after finding out that another one of my fav restaurants is closed for two more weeks.
I did however find tofutti cuties (Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1073485794333342972004-01-07T22:29:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:24.618+08:00The last couple of days have gone really quick so i figure i will try to recap before the times up and i have to go home.
One of those posts i recommend skipping since its boring because it was written purely for my own record.
Monday: completely out of it slept til 12, gave my father his t-shirt, Dave come over lots of sitting in the lounge room watching tv. Emma and Claire come over we went Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1073390395096898472004-01-06T19:59:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:24.541+08:00My favourite restaurant is closed til February
sob sobKnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1073280166735561132004-01-05T13:22:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:24.466+08:00I've arrived
had some sleep
and already ate 8 pieces of toast, two mangos and almost a litre of apple and mango juice
feels rather odd to be back and speaking so much English and driving again.
Odd but good.
Tomorrow i'll visit my fav restaurant.
Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1072959655956361172004-01-01T20:20:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:24.386+08:00 fireworks last night????
If there was i didn't see or hear them.
We decided to hop on a tram last night. That way we could see what happening around without being part of the crowd or rather crushed in the crowd.
Surprisingly it wasn't too crowded well at least not in causeway bay, central and wan chai especially for HK but then this really isn't there celebration is it?
We hopped off in Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1072713418596678322003-12-29T23:56:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:24.306+08:00Career
I got offered a new job today.
The up side its in the same suburb i live (no money on mtr).
Its pays about $3000 HK dollars more a month
Its professional and an extremely nice centre.
Its close to the only place in HK i buy sandwiches from
On the downside its 44 hours a week which means i only get a day and a half off per week.
I currently work 35 thats amble for me.
I have four Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1072539856140465722003-12-27T23:44:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:24.213+08:00I go home in a week
Starting to get really excited.
Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1072284428099854572003-12-25T00:47:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:24.141+08:00Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas
Tips for people new to Hong Kong 2004 or just plain silly like me.
- do NOT go shopping for Christmas presents or anything for that matter Xmas Eve unless of course your idea for fun is suffocating with the 4 million other people who seem to be doing the same thing.
-do NOT even do it two, or three days before Xmas it is not much better.
-do NOT Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1071805774224301552003-12-19T11:49:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:24.069+08:00It is so cold here right now.
So much for Hong Kongs winter being mild. True its probably a little better than melbournes but its cold.
Cold enough that i need to buy a winter jacket.
Anyway I need to stop writing and start my xmas shopping.
Can't wait to see everyone.
Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1071505212535014572003-12-16T00:20:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:23.992+08:00Macau
After weeks of putting it off we finally went to Macau yesterday yes we ventured to another country for all of about 6 hours.
It takes one hour by ferry to get there and costs about $50 au dollars for the trip both ways.
I loved it.
It really is so different to Hong Kong.
For one there is alot less people. I kept joking that it feels like i'm in a country town (a sign i've been living Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1070879190271977282003-12-08T18:26:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:23.922+08:00Just a quick note
to say that i've been relatively busy
trying to organise flights, christmas cards, and looking everywhere for pants to fit my 173cm height (surely there are some tall people in hk somewhere who needs pants) as well as my type of contact lenses, and a decent xmas tree. Not much luck with any of the above so far.
As for my hair is shorter (by a tiny amount) layered at the frontKnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1070370758900639652003-12-02T21:12:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:23.847+08:00I'm typing this at the hairdressers
Isn't that great?
Check it out here if your in HK: Salon Esprit
Free drinks and snacks are also provided.
I've actually getting my hair done relatively cheap for HK standards too.
I just wonder what the standard is like.
Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1070168614355854622003-11-30T13:03:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:23.779+08:00Work
Kayi is moving in with me and Michael tomorrow for a month
it will be great to have here since we all get on so well.
She gaveone months notice at work yesterday.
Hence the reason she is moving in i doubt she will feel confortable in her last month living with the boss's brother and sister (yes that is the accomodation option i might have found myself in)
I can take my leave in January
Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1069869736803960992003-11-27T02:02:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:23.695+08:00I'm not sure i can come back in Jan
Its complicated but basically i can't get the time off which leaves me with two options either:
miss the wedding
or quit.
Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1069647294807342152003-11-24T12:14:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:23.623+08:00I found a use for my id card
I ended up going to Shenzhen yesterday with Kayi (the other teacher who works full time) and Michael.
We met at about 5 and left at about 11.30pm.
I brought:
a cool Chinese style stamp with my Chinese name on it in old style Chinese characters which i can use on all my xmas cards
some blue sneakers
a dvd (Michael brought about 6)
some cute 'unmentionables' (as Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1069346413374385272003-11-21T00:40:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:23.535+08:00News update
Watching the news just now i come across two stories that felt were blog worthy or at least my reaction to was blogworthy.
Before i do that i'm so annoyed that you need a membership to access online news at the top english speaking paper here (scmp) i had to go the trusty age website to find out more.
Although google news search really is great (now blogger since you have some sortKnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1069329185816621192003-11-20T19:53:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:23.458+08:00General Update
The anniversary of my three months passed and i didn't even realise.
Time goes alot quicker with me working.
On the news front i recently picked up my id card.
Id cards a must here. Its basically a sign of your citizenship. You even need one before you can join a gym. Now that i have one i can borrow from the library with it. As a extra bonus i received the new 'smart' id cardKnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1069044500915896252003-11-17T12:48:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:23.386+08:00You know i'm sick when
i give in and go to the doctors for the first time in this country
i start taking evil antibiotics.
Warning do not read if you are feeling queasy or just want to avoid topics such as vomiting
What i don't understand is the vomiting. I vomited for the first time Friday night or rather sat morning at about 2am.
Then was fine(in terms of no vomiting) all of Saturday, Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1068775461655842082003-11-14T10:04:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:23.303+08:00I finally altered blogger
anyone notice the difference?Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1068641957357024112003-11-12T20:59:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:23.161+08:00So cool
Its getting cooler.
I know this because i have now started wearing pants and long sleeve shirts.
Rather than the tshirts, skirts that i have wearing since i arrived.
However its not quite the cold you would think from the way many people are wearing.
Really a scarf, jacket, and jumper are not neccesary for 17 degree days.Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1068373970606230312003-11-09T18:32:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:22.981+08:00Sunday
What started out with me jumping out of bed thinking oh no i am going to be late for work turned into a rather good day.
Brought a new desk which mean the dining table can actually be used as such.
Went to the flower market and on the way bumped into Karen one of the other teachers. Its amazing that are so many people around and i know so few but i've already had two experiences of Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1067823914142094592003-11-03T09:45:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:22.841+08:00Not in the morning
Monday is my day off since i work Saturday.
So when i go to sleep relatively late on Sunday night i think we'll at least i can have a small sleep- in on Monday.
No such luck i'm afraid.
I used to get annoyed when my mother would try to talk to me in the morning. Well anyone really. I used to complain to her why talk me to now when you can talk me to anytime.
It takes a Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1067757765955854182003-11-02T15:22:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:22.773+08:00Looking out across the harbour today
you can barely make out buildings across the harbour or the boats
not sure if the smoke is from the near by fire, or pollution or what
but whatever it is it looks beautiful: so dreamy.Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-106757322925707592003-10-31T12:07:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:18.918+08:00After two and half months
I think i have a bit of a love- hate relationship with Hong Kong.
On the love side:
Last night i was wondering around the streets and i realised that nightime still feels surreal to me with all the people around and the many neon lights. I kept thinking there must be some sort of celebration on but no its just the way it is all the time.
I feel very safe here, in Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1067438355737786812003-10-29T22:39:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:22.691+08:00A little drama
I'm sitting in the apartment eating dinner watching tv and relaxing when the alarm sounds.
I call Michael to check if he knows about any alarm testing which was the case last time.
He knows nothing about it and I curse myself for not checking the latest notice.
It's probably a false alarm i tell myself.
But the alarm keeps ringing.
Mmm 11 flights of stairs isn't very Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1067395195125237522003-10-29T10:39:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:22.626+08:00Special lunch
I'm going out to lunch with everyone from work today
We are going to a vegetarian restaurant to celeberate my working visa finally coming through.
I'm not sure if i will be up for the chop stick challenge
I still havn't mastered the art of using them.
Yes i know i've been here for two months
But the truth is i'm not really a fan of Chinese food here.
Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1067137922100498892003-10-26T11:12:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:22.536+08:00General update
I attempted the banana cake again (on michaels bday) and it come out fine in fact very yummy.
Teaching is good. I really enjoy it although saturdays are exhausting. I love the variety of ages of the children it makes it more interesting and keeps me on my toes. Some of the children have trouble pronouncing Miss Kristy their variation of my name is Miss Kritty. Its so adorable.
Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1067009794226128572003-10-24T23:36:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:22.474+08:00Not Mr Timberlake
While testing the cd that i made ohps i mean brought for my little sister.
I come across a song i like.
'Where is the Love' by Black Eyed Peas
If that wasn't bad enough with me liking a teeny pop song (no offence my darling cousins and sister)
I just found out the song features Justin Timberlake.
In my defense its actually not a bad song even the lyrcis arn't that bad.
Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1066927824022207302003-10-24T00:50:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:22.379+08:00Michael leaves for melbourne tomorrow.
I am so jealous
so very jealous!Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1066736510734114192003-10-21T19:41:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:22.300+08:00Just a short note to say that
My working visa has finally come through
about bloody time!Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1066648063323967032003-10-20T19:07:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:22.227+08:00Only to find out his birthday is on Wednesday
I thought tomorrow was the 22nd for some reason.Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1066641275999695372003-10-20T17:14:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:22.146+08:00Birthday shopping
Its Michaels birthday tommorrow and i've had the worst luck with presents.
First of all i thought maybe i would arrange a helicopter ride however considering my small budget i could only afford a short trip. Through conversations with him i've found out he has no interest in this idea: he loves flying but not helicopters.
Then i decide to get him a massage. There is a spa Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1066290502557208562003-10-16T15:48:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:22.072+08:00Cleaning out the freezer a la kristy
is so much fun.
Lunch today consisted of:
some pita bread with beetroot dip
muffins with peanut butter and banana on top
and a couple of soy nuggets with mayonnaise
Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1066113352505605062003-10-14T14:35:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:21.995+08:00Greetings
Maybe i've watched one too many American movies
But i expected all doormen(at least the ones in your own building) to be friendly, to greet you, open the door for you and to exchange casual chit chat with you.
I can't say i've experienced any of that.
First of all our door man presses a button so that the door is unlocked momentarily. Yes i have to open the door.
The closest to a Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1065978032687040632003-10-13T01:00:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:21.921+08:00Not much happening here at the moment.
I'm currently hooked on the tv series six feet under.
Just as the season finished over here and i had seen a total of three episodes.
So of course i have a few questions regarding the characters and how everything is connected
So i've borrowed a few of the dvds.
Just finished watching three episodes and four yesterday.
I'm sure i'm going to dream aboutKnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1065500863809830362003-10-07T12:27:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:21.849+08:00I spoke to a woman from the Immigration department yesterday and she thinks my visa will go through this week.
Upon hearing this: I felt a little more motivated to be domesticated.
So I cleaned, finally unpacked my suitcase (yes its been a while), did two loads of washing, did some grocery shopping, made labor intensive dinner (rather than a quick 20 minute-ish meal), and cleaned the whole Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1065089820929328812003-10-02T18:17:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:21.775+08:00We could almost reach out and touch them.
The fireworks to celebrate National day yesterday.
They were so beautiful.
We saw fireworks that resembled love hearts, and stars and my favorite the ones which looked a little like glitter worms that seemed to hover in the sky for much longer than the rest.
The only downfall was we actually felt them. Our building shaked just enough for us to notice.Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1064891833035386052003-09-30T11:17:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:21.695+08:00Shenzhen part two
Think of telemarketing in person and that describes the mall that we visited.
I could handle the yelling out at me every two seconds but the grabbing of the arm and dragging you back into the store was just a tad annoying.
I brought two presents, and some tops.
There was one floor just full of jewelry: beads, fake Tiffany jewelry, all sorts of stones and designs. I was in Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1064755575139745022003-09-28T21:26:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:21.619+08:00Shenzhen
I ventured out to Shenzhen today to do some shopping.
And now i have few words ringng in my ears:
"missy missy"(used to call out to myself and other women)
"dvd"
"manicure"
"you tell me how much?" (after i played the bartering game long and hard enough).
Strangely enough i didn't buy any dvds, have any manicures, very rarely responded to the tell me how much or the 'missy' calls.
Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1064562803522102122003-09-26T15:53:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:21.556+08:00The help
I met the maid today.
The what? (you ask) Yes we have a maid, not a live in one obviously but one who visits the apartment once a week.
I can't believe i haven't met her until now considering i'm still not working (bloody working visa).
It felt weird today with her here and me well doing nothing so i made myself busy in the kitchen. I still felt so lazy and embarrassed at whatever Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1064480036460160092003-09-25T16:53:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:21.479+08:00I played the human version of frogger today.
With the people at the mtr.
The people were all racing to catch the mtr. Floods of people, walking quickly or running and i was trying to cross to the nearest exit.
The score: I only had one minor collision.Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1064112235491051562003-09-21T10:43:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:21.407+08:00Guess who?
will be interviewed for an veg related magazine in the next month
and looks like a complete nerd in the photo that will be used.
Why did i wear my glasses, and my hair like that to the conference?
Oh yeh thats right because i had no idea my photo was to be taken and put in a magazine.
Well at least not many people will read it. *fingers crossed*Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1063853752670745392003-09-18T10:55:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:21.238+08:00They said i would get the travel bug.
And they are right.
While i'm here and it is so cheap i might as well go across the border to China. Thailand is another place which is cheap and close and i will inevitably visit.
And then once i leave in 9-12 months i want to go somewhere else before i go home. Or go home for a little while then go someone else. Maybe the Uk, Canada, Spain, or even IndiaKnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1063817327161067622003-09-18T00:48:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:21.154+08:00Hong Kong is where you come to when you want to be a vegetarian but love the taste of meat.
Staff please don't be offended.
Its just too realistic for me.Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1063697700184028882003-09-16T15:35:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:21.072+08:00Almost every day this week i have been able to watch fireworks going off over the harbour from my lounge room.
As Michael put it we really are spoilt.Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1063462043658484812003-09-13T22:07:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:21.004+08:00Happy Anniversary to me
Today is my one month anniversary in HK
I've survived one whole month living in a new country.
Not bad considering i still havn't started working and i spent two weeks living completely by myself
Its gone pretty quick although i'm missing everyone terribly.
So to celebrate i ate half a tub of my new favourite chocolate choc chip ice cream (yes i'm still obessing over Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1063188322194326912003-09-10T18:05:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:20.934+08:00Instead of taking the MTR home from central (like i would normally do) i decided to take the tram home so that i could check out the sights and experience the 'real' Hong Kong (whatever that is).
Unfortunately that meant standing on top with about forty other people jammed into a hot, stuffy and slightly stinky place with quite a heavy bag for about 30 minutes.
The tram should be reserved for Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1063128548627981782003-09-10T01:29:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:20.847+08:00At the request of Michael (more like the demand) I cooked shepards pie tonight and it only took me trips to three different supermarkets to get all the ingredients.
But on a more positive note I finally found dairy free ice cream (choc choc chip). Its the one thing i've been unable to find til now.
Now i know i can survive in HK.Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1062947106368265602003-09-07T23:05:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:20.756+08:00Happy fathers day dad
or rather dads
from abroadKnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1062772936178871592003-09-05T22:42:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:20.693+08:00I had my first Cantonese lesson today.
Its going to be tricky to learn but still exciting.
Tommorrow i'm going to check out the school that i will be working for.
Its been a pretty eventful couple of days reallyKnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1062600717092782272003-09-03T22:51:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:20.624+08:00Waking up for the animals
Tomorrow I am going to the Animals for Asia Symposium.
You know that this is something i care about because it starts at 8.30am and means no sleep in for me after almost three weeks of getting up at 11.
And I can't wait!
This means I'm one step closer to making some vegetarian friends (particularly cute veg*n males)
No really it means I'm one step closer to figuringKnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1062508646762906882003-09-02T21:17:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:20.555+08:00The land of warnings
Current warnings:
T9 (typhoon level 9)
Amber rainstorm warning. Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1062484379213599692003-09-02T14:32:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:20.483+08:00Its raining typhoons
Well typhoon warnings anyway.
It seems that most people here in HK actually want some action, they seem quite sick of these false warnings.
They might be lucky today. Typhoon Dujuan is heading straight our way.
Curently warning 3 supposed to make warning 8 any minute now.
They have put masking tape on the doors downstairs in my apartment as somesort of precaution.Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1062403483397260972003-09-01T16:04:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:20.412+08:00Got the washine machine fixed and was told by the washing machine repair man that the washing machine powder i was using 'isn't good' and that the best one to use is Vigor 33 (for those of you in HK who care).
Went to the immigration department today and waited one hour to be told that it would take four-to six weeks for my working visa to go through.
I hope they are exaggerating!
Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1062338103919875342003-08-31T21:55:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:20.340+08:00Went to Stanley today
Stanley and the journey to Stanley is so beautiful. Its amazing to think that this wonderful place is so close to where in live.
As a friend of mine said to me today thats whats great about hong kong, you have it all in HK: the city life, the mountains, greenery and the ocean.
Tommorrow i'm going to the department of immigration to see if i can get my working visa sortedKnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1062238594187507262003-08-30T18:16:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:20.265+08:00More from domesticated Kristy
I got my clothes stuck in a washing machine yesterday.
I'm sure i'm one of the few people in this world with this rare skill.
I should add it to the list of skills along with managing to gather all the drops of water on my head which are dripping from nearby buildings.
Now how do i do?
Well I'm not sure exactly sure but somehow I've managed to jam the drum Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1062133976980284882003-08-29T13:12:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:20.197+08:00Our Sauna
I cooked for the first time last night.
Made yummy pasta salad in the sauna (also referred to as the kitchen).
Cut up all the veggies on the washing machine (did i mention that in most kitchens in Hk they keep the washing machine in the kitchen). I say this like i have a choice where to cut cup things. The washine machine top is the only bench space i have in the kitchen. We also Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1062037828939091182003-08-28T10:30:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:20.105+08:00Searching
Last night i went in search for a vegetarian restaurant in Wan Chai which was recommended by a friendly vegetarian lady (see below). The address is 428 Hennessy Road Wan Chai. Now Hennessy Road is around the corner from where i live, but i live in the next suburb and i know that Wan Chai is on the right so i hop on a tram (my first tram ride by myself) heading towards Wan Chai and Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1061884858047557932003-08-26T16:00:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:20.039+08:00Lesson for the day
Don't eat Japanese food
and no fish is not a vegetable!Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1061781744939091652003-08-25T11:22:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:19.963+08:00My first full Weekend here
Friday day: I went out to lunch at a local vegetarian restaurant and was sitting there trying to decide what to order when the women on the next table turned me and said 'is this your first time at a vegetarian restaurant?". To which i replied no that i only eat vegetarian food. She then pointed to a small card which chinese charcters on it and prices. 'You can't read Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1061522070743617432003-08-22T11:14:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:19.889+08:00Fashion
A couple of nights ago i was out to dinner with Michael and he asked whether i was going to start wearing the local style clothing. This was about my third day in HK. I moved my hair and showed him the halterneck top under the t-shirt. I wish i could show you a picture (but i'm too lazy to look) but that is the latest fashion here at the moment. To which he remarked 'Already! I still Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1061448389758094702003-08-21T14:46:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:19.825+08:00The weekend is already looking busy
Friday night I will be meeting up with some other xpats at a bar in Lan Kwai Fong (the place to hang apparently).
Saturday: Michael and i will most probably do something before he leaves for Korea.
Sunday: Emily has volunteered to show me around Mongkok (which is the area where i will be working).
Not bad considering it is only Thursday and my first week Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1061361777386057532003-08-20T14:42:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:19.762+08:00Gorgeous
I layed down in bed last night and watched the rain from the apartment window so that i could actually see the rain falling from beneath.
It has to be one of the most stunning things i've ever seen.
Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1061297246359031972003-08-19T20:47:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:19.693+08:00Hectic
This afternoon on the phone to Michael.
M: "if your around Pacific place at 8pm i'll be there"
K: "ok i'll see you there"
So i take my time have dinner, look in the bookstore, just waste time til its gets to 8pm.
At 8.05pm i call him thinking maybe he said nine.
M: i'm there now.
K: where are you?
M: the first floor.
K: I'll come up, meet me on the ground floor out the front?
M: ok callKnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1061177777065967582003-08-18T11:36:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:19.627+08:00It would be so easy
To get sucked into consumerism here.
To spend every dollar you have buying the latest technological items, clothes, jewelry, and accessories for everything.
To shop, shop, and shop till you can't shop no more.
To buy a million gifts for everyone.
To never save any money.
Yes i went shopping yesterday.
First with Michael to get a mobile phone, well thats a necessity Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1061083019814768942003-08-17T09:16:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:19.558+08:00I've arrived
I'm sitting here typing this on my gorgeous new computer in my new home.
I left yesterday to my joking family and Marisa. We were all very much determined not to cry except for Casey who commented on how they are are all in denial or something to that affect, she was the only with visible tears in her eyes. It seems that she was right as not long after i had hugged them all and Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1060956914526940302003-08-15T22:15:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:19.493+08:00My last post in Australia for a while
I did everything i needed to do. I was productive, not stressed, not panicked, and relatively relaxed. So unlike me for the circumstances.
I am however getting excited about the adventures which lie ahead.
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A special thanks to Marisa and Leyla for helping me Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1060873331859327222003-08-14T23:02:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:19.425+08:00Three Two One
This week has been one of the busiest weeks of my life, yet i've managed to write everyday on this blog and my old one too. I suppose though i want to document what happened in my final week in melbourne so i could look back and it wouldn't be just a blur.
Over the last couple of days i've said goodbye to a few friends but tonight was the family dinner and i said goodbye to my Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1060764284196089112003-08-13T16:44:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:19.349+08:00Three nights left
I ate dairy yesterday (unknowingly) and boy do i feel it today. My body feels yucky and my head ahhhhhh. A food hangover thats it.
It dawned on me today that I don't really know when i will be coming back. Maybe one month, maybe a year, six months, i just don't know. It depends on when i won't to come home, and on various other circumstances. I would like to be there for at Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1060671377478615142003-08-12T14:56:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:19.279+08:00Pre Hong Kong 2
I still can't find my filofax which is driving me crazy.
And no i still havn't packed, or done anything that i need to really.
Tommorrow i have to go pay for my half of the return flight and then the booking is finalised, no getting out of it then.
Maybe once that is done it will hit me that i am going to live in another country.
In the meantime i intend to try to fit in as Knoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664691.post-1060589904442748462003-08-11T16:18:00.000+08:002006-11-13T19:49:19.202+08:00Ok so the title is currently a lie since i'm not there but it just means i'm organised for onceKnoreply@blogger.com