THANKSGIVING from HONG KONG

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

It's officially been a week since we landed in Hong Kong. We've been getting acclimated to so many things - the new time zone, the new climate, the new language, the new housing, and of course, the new cuisine.

There is so much new in our lives…Matt and I were trying to remember what it was like when we moved to London, and to be honest, we can't really remember much of how we felt. We were newlyweds and it was all a sort of blur. I do remember the temporary housing that we stayed in - which looking back is probably the biggest accommodation we've lived in for the past 5 years - and then living in Weybridge with the Roberts - how incredibly nice of them to put us up and feed us 5-star dinners for three weeks before we moved into our first flat in Wandsworth.

We've switched roles for Hong Kong - in London, I was starting work after one week and Matt was searching for a job and flat hunting. This time, Matt started work after the first day and I'm supposed to be job hunting and flat hunting. Job hunting is on track - as usual, more happens when you are within walking distance rather than halfway around the world. Flat hunting has been relegated to online searches to get a feel for prices and sizes and number of stairs required. You may laugh but number of stairs is a crucial component of the housing market. Matt and I were hoping to stay within walking distance of his office, but within walking distance means walking up no less than 290 stairs. I counted! I am an accountant.

So no news on the housing, but should be going for tours around town next week to get a better feel. In the meantime, we are living in a serviced apartment on 2 Macdonnell Road. Speaking of serviced apartment - it might be time to start listing the things for which I am thankful:

1) the lady who comes to clean our flat every M/W/F
2) the lady who takes our dirty laundry and returns it clean, folded/ironed everyday by 6pm
3) the elevators (a necessity on the 25th floor)
4) the english speaking church service we went to on Sunday. The church actually served a Thanksgiving dinner which we thoroughly enjoyed!
5) JiF peanut butter for sale at the grocery store
6) Starbucks toffee nut hot chocolate - I just threw that in because I am sitting outside a Starbucks and its aroma is addictive
7) having lunch with my husband twice in one week! - its about a 15 minute walk down from our place to his office, so quite easy to meet up for lunch. In the five years we worked in London, I think we only had lunch just us on a workday, maybe once? Just too difficult to get to his office/my office
8) ESPN available in our apt that allows me to watch college football LIVE
9) warm weather - gotten to wear my flip-flops more times here than I ever did in London. However, walking up 290 stairs in flip-flops does lead to uncomfortable blisters :(
10) Asian efficiency and service - can't say it's better than the US but definite improvement from London
11) some Mexican food and iced tea

Now you might be thinking - all of those 'thankfuls' are things - what about people - aren't you thankful for all the people in her life - relatives, near and far, friends, acquaintances, colleagues, etc. And yes, yes - celebrating this Thanksgiving, just the two of us, gives us even more chance to pause and reflect on how much we love each of you.

We miss you, but hope you have a wonderful turkey day - we are most thankful and will countdown the days till we see you next.