Can't believe it has been two month since I moved...

I know it has been forever since I updated this thing... Funny thing is that right now I'm in USA and not even in my "new" home in Hong Kong. For those of you who actually keep up with this thing, I moved to HK two months ago, on October 1, 2009. I can't believe that I was able to escape Shanghai (with my body in tact, my health in check--then again I don't know what my lungs look like after 2+ years of breathing in crap air). I am very happy to be in a new environment, with a new job... but it will take a lot of getting used to!!! I've been to HK more times than I can count but living here is another issue. I do love the fact that when I walk down the street, I don't get "accidentally" spat on, or trampled by an old lady, or fear for my life when I cross the street. BUT it is another environment that I must adapt to and figure out the local culture. Thank goodness I have some good friends who are already living there, including my own sister! It's been nice to have family around again! It never hurts to have someone close by who can come and cook for you (I've been begging my sister every weekend -- if I'm in town-- to make a home cooked meal). Eating out can be a bit much these days... and I have moved into a flat that is the size of my bathroom in Shanghai. HK housing is just ridiculous. People would not

I was home in USA for one month (the month of September) and was able to relax for just a bit. Since my job sent me home, I had to attend a week orientation... it was a good idea because I was able to put a face with a name. However, during this time, my dad also suffered a minor stroke. THANK GOD it was minor. I was on my way home for a vacation and when I stepped off the plane, I found out that he was in the ER. Scared out of my mind! Seriously some good news has to come my way soon! I always believe that you have to balance the good with the bad or else you can't handle the bad when it comes to you. Well, I've had enough of the bad now. Now back in USA again for a work meeting and also able to see some friends. It is gorgeous in NYC during December...see the lights on the big Christmas tree...drink hot apple cider, etc. Of course, the cold is frigid but I can handle it :)

So one new thing I need to complain about is Amtrak. Seriously, how bad can transportation get in the States? The airplanes stink, the trains are awful, and taxi drivers demand tips now! USA is just going in the sh*ts. I mistakenly forgot my glasses so when i arrived (late) at Penn Station, I asked one of the Amtrak representatives to let me know what the gate was for the train going to DC... she told me to walk up to the board and check. I let her know that I couldn't see that well and she said "walk closer... go closer... a bit closer." I couldn't believe she was saying this to me! I asked her what if I had a disability? She said "I'd still say the same thing!" How uneducated can these people be? I wanted to hurt her, but I had to get on the train... oh well, she will get her day. Again, how bad can traveling be in USA!??!

The job has been fantastic. Crazy travel... I think I've accumulated over 40,000 miles in 2 months. that is quite insane though. i do wish that i had more time in HK, but i'll take some traveling for now just to get to know the markets. I think after a few more months, it should die down a bit (hoping). Will be taking a trip to Malaysia for new years to hike Mt. Kinabalu. I better start getting in shape now. YIKES! I need a bit of R&R. Friends from NYC are coming in to see me so I'm always happy about that!

Until then... xx