Before we begin this next installment, I would like to apologise for the following...
Firstly, I apologise if some of you were not included in the initial mailing list. We hope to do better with this one.
Secondly, I would like to admit that we did say that these messages would be a weekly event... I know you are all deeply interested in what's been happening with us since we arrived and there is no honest excuse for this crass neglect.
Thirdly, I would like to ask for your forgiveness in advance if this week's episode is not nearly as good as the last. I understand now why Rocky IIIVVVVI was not as good as Rocky I... Or why Christmas is not as fun as it used to be.
Right, enough gay banter... let's begin...
We arrived at Hong Kong International neigh 2 weeks ago with an equal mixture of excitement and fear...
Once we had exited the airport we were immediately struck by the intense physical resistance of the thick surrounding air as we attempted to wade our way towards the comfort and solace of an air conditioned car that was awaiting us. After our esquire and current landlord (our friend Dale whom we are staying with presently) payed some sour looking Chinese woman R40 for outside parking, we gratefully loaded our luggage into his green Toyota Corolla.
We, the newest 'Gwailo' (Westerner) refugees, sat perplexed and overwhelmed by everything we attempted to set our eyes to. We were headed for our new home away from home, Sai Kung.
Look, I'm going to be honest with all of you. I could keep on writing like this and you could possibly die before you finish reading about it. So, what we have decided to do is to flag this current format and rather tell you about all the weird stuff that we have been witness to over the past two weeks. Cool beans? Cool beans.
1. The people here are lank crazy about their dogs... It seems that they prefer them to children actually... and they like to dress them up. For instance:
We saw a dog that was wearing 4 lace up shoes. They looked like converse. True story.
2. Every animal or insect that I have seen so far looks Chinese... why is that?
3. Out of all the races of people I have ever seen, I have to say that the Chinese age the worst. Also, every Chinese person only looks two ages. Either they look like they're 20 years old or they look like they're 200. Thus far, I have not seen one single middle aged Chinese person.
4. I don't know if these people are strung out for cash or if their health and safety laws are really flexible but, instead of using metal poles for scaffolding, they use bamboo... Even on high rise buildings. Rich people, always trying to save a buck.
5. It seems to me that every OCD person in the world congregates in Hong Kong. Everything is exceptionally clean, precise, tidy and clinical. Dad, (Maurice) you would love it here.
Everyone here, even the street sweepers, dress smartly for work and do their job as if their lives depended on it.
6. I finally understand what 'they' mean by 3rd world and 1st world.
7. When we went to a local beach over the weekend recently, we were stoked to notice that Speedos are still extremely popular in some parts of the world. In fact, just like the mullet, I think they're making a comeback. So, to those guys who just didn't have the heart to part with those beloved silkies when everyone else told you to turf them, the next time you plan any aquatic activity, dig in the back of your sock drawer, whip those bad boys out, and wear them again with pride.
8. You can't find grass anywhere... and even if you do spot some, you're not allowed to stand on it. The government employs a security company to watch over that little patch of heaven, 24/7.
9. On that point... the cops here have that capacity to scare the crap out of you even when they're not around and you're not doing anything wrong... And for good reason... I think that's why everyone here just does what they are told.
10. Liz, you are going to love this next point... In most parts of Hong Kong, there are no pawn shops. So, if you don't want something anymore, you just chuck it into the street... And I'm not talking about junk either... most of Dale and Ruth's furniture that they have in their home is from the side of the street. We have seen it too already. Fully functioning fans, chairs, coffee tables, desks, wind surfing boards, carpets, basically anything you could think of...
This is especially true of the rich neighbourhoods... and especially around the chinese new year... apparently they dump some awesome stuff...
11. The people here dig to gamble in their spare time... just around from where we live there are a group of old ladies who sit on cardboard boxes and play some form of chinese bridge every day. I suppose one needs to find creative ways to supplement one's pension these days.
12. Speaking of old chinese ladies, there is a debate currently running amongst our new single guy friends... Is it a worthwhile long term investment to date a chinese girl? I mean, she may be dead sexy now, at twenty, but when they hit a certain age, most seem to shrivel and go bald... so, quid pro quo Clarisse
Ok, that's all the weird news we have for you at the moment. But, we do have some more relevant news... Jacqui has landed a job with a really great primary and kindergarten school. She starts next week Monday. This also means that we are getting our work visa's soon. Due to this, we have secured a really awesome flat in the town of Sai Kung... It comes fully furnished, bed, appliances, TV, dining room table etc. We are really stoked with the whole set up. We move in at the end of the month.
Right, that's it for now I'm afraid. Thanks to all of you who have emailed us, it has been great to feel so guilty for not being able to reply to you instantly. Please know that we will try to get back to you as soon as we can but please understand that we are really busy at the moment.
We love you all, some more, some less, but love all the same.
Wes and Jacqui.
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