I have completed the internet

Saturday turned out to be a funny day. Richie finally surfaced at around 2pm. No hiking up big Hong Kong mountains for him due to his 7am return home.

I did have the chance to speak with my mum and my sister. It was so so nice to have a Saturday natter with my sister, see little bear and generally have a good old catch up. It feels like I have been away forever. Hong Kong is a million miles away from home in so many ways. But this one small activity of Skype means that I can continue to keep up to date with the two most important people in my life. I love you both dearly. If only Skype could include a cuddle.

After my Saturday family catch up, Richie walks in and declares he is bored and it is because he has completed the Internet. Watched, read, seen and listened to EVERYTHING available online. He asked me, "what can I do now?"

"The real world..... remember that? Real people, real books, real sites, real experiences, real conversations"

We are a world trapped behind computer screens. Engaging through technology. In some ways it's the most amazing experience and tool, allowing us to connect with loved ones that are far away. But it also sees us communicating, or believing we are communicating when we are actually not. I have two interviews next week, and one of my main points will be that I am a good communicator, I am a people person, I build rapport with people quickly, I am personable etc etc. In this day and age I think this HAS to include communicating through the Internet. It is unavoidable. I want to read Super Sad Love Story and the book that was written in the early 1900's, called The Machine or something like that. Both books are about living our lives through technology. Interesting! I'll pop them on the list.

I have been asked why I scrap book. My explanation is along the lines of 'I don't want everything in my life to be stored digitally, I want to be able to see and feel it'. I don't genuinely worry about the Internet not being there one day, but if this does ever happen, I will still have a copy of my photos, my favourite poems, my memories all in one (well lots actually) place.

I have always written. Always noted my thoughts and feelings and put them down on paper. I think I was about six the first time I did this. I think I always will. It is a part of me. It's how I express myself. My creativity. I have a brought a scrap book with me to Hong Kong and have already started gathering bits and bobs to include. I literally can't wait for my first scrap book evening, paper and glue everywhere, writing and reading.......creating.

Writing this blog means that I haven't written much down in my notebook. But it's there. I write a lot on my phone now. But when I begin my Hong Kong scrapbook it will all be there.

Right, I am off for a run up the mountain..........its not too hot today so perfect for some hard cardio. I have been invited to meet up with the girls later, and also been invited for dinner. I would like to go to church this morning, but I shall continue my research on this, i.e find one, not research my belief. I have that firmly secured and confirmed in my heart.

Chow for now

The city of big dreams and small apartments

I have come to the conclusion, that I am not jet lagged any more, just really really exited about my future here. I didn't sleep well again last night, but A) it doesn't matter as it's Saturday and B) each day brings something new and exciting to my time here. Last night I looked into my trip to the Philippines for Christmas, which I will be booking as soon as I find a job. I also watched Batman Begins at 2:30am. I forgot how scary it was. I'm bracing myself for The Dark Knight, as I remember there is a clown, and even though I have reached the grand old age of 25 without being chased, murdered or involved with a clown of any description, they still petrify the life out of me.

I thought I would put some photos up. I really haven't taken that many as I have been spending a lot of time in front of my laptop, researching and the likes, meeting new people and sitting on the beach. But here are a few of my last few days. (I like taking photos of food, always have, always will. So expect a lot of these throughout this blog) And yes, I like my Instagram app. I don't have a 'proper' camera, so my iPhone will have to do for now.

Coco Thai- Thai restaurant at Deep Water Bay- Thursday lunch 2nd August  

My order, mushroom and what can only be described as the MOST amount of chilli's I have ever seen. What took place was a dissection of my food, as I avoided all chilli's and seeds for the following 30 minutes.

My morning run up Blue Pool Road, Happy Valley 

The poor girls dinner.

If my housemate can drag himself out of bed today, we had planned a hike over the mountain to Stanley, through the national park. A good two hours of cardio, beautiful green lushness and a beach and a swim in the sea the other side. Which means some good photos too, 

I've just found Groupon HK. HELLO GROUPON Hong Kong (this rhymes). Yes, I would like a $78 manicure, and yes please to the 50% discount for a haircut and colour. Groupon is now my new best unemployment partner. 

I am still working on by budget. I am viewing two apartments next week. One is small small, and $5500 ($500 over my budget). One is slightly bigger, with a more workable kitchen, according to the photos, that by all experience tells me not to pre judge from, for $6000 which is an extra $500 (£50) but $1000 (£100) over budget for a slightly larger place. I will keep my mums wise words in my head until I find employment 'its means to an end, it's not the destination, it's the journey'. If I blow all my savings in HK and can't find work, the next chapter wont be possible and I’ll have to drag my sorry self home, which is NOT the desired outcome. So for now, budget budget budget till I have secured something more solid. 

I can rent a nice room the moment I know I have an income. It's amazing how all of the apartments, although the size of a shoe box and a small shoe box at that, strappy sandles, not a pair of boots type of thing, they ALL come (and are advertised) as being fully serviced, i.e. they come with a Filipino maid. Now, as most of you know, I enjoy a good clean. Not only can I not do this in HK, I have to pay, unwillingly to have someone else do it for me. So, I get a maid, which I don't want, but I am struggling to find one with a kitchen, which I do require. How is it that 'beggars can't be picky', but the basic requirement of a kitchen is not considered as important as a maid?!?!?! HK, you are beautiful, but so silly in some very obvious areas. We'll see what turns up; I have till the 20th August to find somewhere to rest my rump. 

One week, two interviews and house hunting

I have been in Hong Kong for one week. It's amazing how quickly I have adapted. I just feel like I belong here. I have met some amazing people, who share similar dreams and ambitions. I have seen some amazing places.

This is THE city of sensory overload.

I had a confirmation from Feeding Hong Kong. Gabrielle, the executive director would like to meet me next week. They suggested the 8th, but as this is when I have my Entertaining Asia interview I have now confirmed for Thursday. So next week is shaping up to be one very BIG and IMPORTANT week for me.

Wednesday 8th- Entertaining Asia interview

Thursday 9th- Feeding Hong Kong meeting

I have also started to look for an apartment. It's amazing what is available, in regards to a shoe box and how it can come with an extremely high price tag. I am seeing the apartment search as a means to an end. I don't mind living in something the size of a double bed for the short term while I find work. I am viewing a few places next week, in Wan Chai and Causeway Bay. I am looking to spend no more than $5500 a month. This is my absolute top end, or I wont have enough money to live on. My budget is £100 a week, $1100. Luckily, I am resourceful, I like noodles and soy sauce and I am focused on getting back to my optimum health so am not fussed about going out and drinking. Travel is pretty cheap. You can get around the city, travelling every day for £10, $100 for a whole week. I would walk, but the temperatures don't allow for this most days.

It's all working out nicely. My dream situation would be: for Entertaining Asia (EA) to offer me a role. They will then have to start the visa application process that can take up to 8 weeks. While this is happening, work with Feeding Hong Kong until I can start working with EA and start earning. Fingers crossed.

I can't imagine how excited I will be if this happens. BUT, I will focus on this all working out for me and you never know, it might just do