Weekend in Hongy

It's Sunday night now. I had a great first weekend in Hong Kong. The more time I spend here, the more I realize that I like it, and know it pretty well. However, there are a lot of differences compared to my previous home of Canada.

Some highlights:

I went to a movie last night. Movies are the typical Hollywood blockbusters, blended in with Chinese and Japanese movies. All have subtitles. Either English or Cantonese, or both. And, in Hong Kong, you select your seats when you buy the tickets. So, rather than lining up an hour in advance to get the best seats, your seats are reserved like in a concert or play. Smart.

I had my first experience with the Medical system in Hong Kong. My eczema was not behaving lately (all that stress?). So, I thought it might be best to seek some medical attention locally. I went to a Medical Centre in Tai Koo. I chose a Doctor (rather arbitrary, really). I went in and requested to see the Doctor (this was a Saturday afternoon, keep in mind). I was shown in right away. I explained the malady. He explained the solution. A medication was created for me, onsite. I paid the charge, and walked away with the medicine (which is working just fine, thanks). Try doing THAT in Canada. It would take WEEKS to get an appointment to see a doctor. And, he'd only give you a prescription for medication which you'd have to fill elsewhere.

Today, being Sunday, is "Maids Day Off". That means all the hundreds of thousands of maids and nannies that work here in HK are free to congregate with their comrades. So, basically, that means every but of flat ground in Central HK is overtaken with hordes of maids. They gather in groups of about 6 to 8 in a pod. They find a flat piece of ground, and spread their cardboard or bedsheets out, and eat Filipino or Indonesian foods and play cards and gossip. If you try to access bridge walkways or parks on a Sunday, good luck! You will need to wade through a sea of sitting nannies.

I am happy report that Starbucks is a constant comfort and familiar taste.