Adaptation

As we try to make our new home feel like home, we've made some observations about the place. One was Cody's a couple nights ago: "Man, we had it good in Taiwan!" That was after discussing the increased cost of living and the old, mismatched furniture that will be provided in our much smaller--and more expensive--HK apartment. Moving to Hong Kong is different this time around, because we are not nearly as disoriented with culture shock or home sickness. Now it's basically getting use to the things that are new or different that come with living in any new place. We find ourselves getting frustrated or annoyed about some of those differences. I've made a list of the bad things we've noticed about our new home (in no particular order):

BAD
1. Dripping A/C units. Honestly, if I get dripped on while unsuspectingly walking on the sidewalk one more time, I swear I'm gonna...
2. Jade's BFF lives in Taiwan. In fact, Jadyn talks about all her Taiwan pals almost daily and incorporates them into her play. The other day we were "swimming" with Ander. I asked her, "Is Ander your friend?" "No. He is my baby. I Erin. You Aly."
3. Church starts much too early at 9 a.m. with a 30 minute commute (15 min. MTR + 15 min. walk).
4. No Taiwan peanut butter.
5. Ridiculously small and expensive apartments!
6. No delicious Chinese breakfast places.
7. We actually haven't found a really great produce market yet either. The produce in Wellcome surprisingly looks better than that in the market.
8. People are not friendly. I don't necessarily think they are rude; I think it is more that each person has an agenda and is set about doing it. No time to be amiable.
9. We've made a trade from the chiu do fu (stinky tofu) smell for that of dried sea food. Stench for stench. I honestly can't decide which is worse.
10. I swear EVERYONE smokes! There is an underlying smoke smell always and everywhere.
11. We miss our Taiwan peeps.
12. Groceries, restaurants, utilities, etc. etc. etc. cost more!!! We are going through a bit of sticker shock at the moment.
13. All the members of our branch are so spread out. It took us an hour to get to a friend's house for dinner last night.
14. People do not yield their seats on the [packed] MTR (subway) to children. Jadyn is getting good at holding on to the pole, though with her short attention span, we have to remind her constantly to "HOLD ON TIGHT!"
15. IT IS SO CROWDED EVERYWHERE WE GO!

In an effort to be somewhat optimistic, I've also tried to take notice of some good things about Hong Kong. I truly believe it is our choice to be happy in any place or situation we are put in. Some places may take a lot more effort than others, but it is possible. In keeping with this mentality to look for the good, here are the good things about Hong Kong (in no particular order):

GOOD
1. Dreyer's ice cream is sold here.
2. We have an awesome view from our hotel window.
3. I'm enjoying having more anonymity as there are A LOT more expats and people don't stare at us everywhere we go.
4. The shopping and selection of clothing and hair products is a drastic improvement.
5. Cody's office is SO close. He's about a five minutes walk and has been home many nights for dinner and a lot of days for lunch. I'm loving it!
6. The MTR (subway) is close and easy. In fact, Cody and I commented on how well planned out it is to jump from one train line to the next.
7. I already know my way around a lot of places and feel like I know the city better than I ever knew Taipei.
8. Hong Kong seems to be a hub for Asia. This is good because it means we will see a lot of our Taiwan friends again. In fact, Michelle already came for a teaching conference a week ago. We had a blast site-seeing and shopping for super cute knock-off purses for her!
9. All of public transportation seems easier and more convenient; the bus system is even in English.
10. Wrigley's actually sells American style gum (sticks) here!
11. Hong Kong is such an incredible and exciting place, there is always something to do and we are expecting a lot more visitors (hint, hint)! Let us know if you'd like to be one of them!
12. The branch members seem amazing. Church meetings are so uplifting. There are a lot of couples here old enough to be talking about going on missions and retiring. I am so impressed by them as they bear testimonies, give lessons and talks, and share experiences in class. Our branch is packed with wise people with a lot of life experiences. They have such strong testimonies and kind, loving, and charitable attitudes. I find myself thinking all the time, "I want to be like her 'when I grow up.'"
13. Another plus to the branch members are they are very active socially. It seems they have two or three activities a week--some geared toward service and temple work! Cody and I joke that they are just a bunch of rich, old ladies with nothing better to do. Still, I love it and it is fun to have some events to attend when we can.
14. Friendly kids at the park. The first Saturday we were here, and at our subsequent park visits, I was pleased to see that Jadyn played and interacted really well with other kids at the parks. In Taiwan, I felt like Jade was looking at the other children longingly, but they would not involve her. I'm not sure what it was--a language or cultural barrier maybe? All I know is the kids here play with her really well and it makes me (and her) SO happy.
15. Cody's job: the environment and people in his office are very professional. He told me last week he's pretty sure he will enjoy it more here. He likes the office culture and having a higher level view of the company.
16. There are lots and lots of good restaurant options! Too bad they can get a bit pricey...
17. Hong Kong is such a small place (as far as land mass), it doesn't take very long to get anywhere.
18. We never get sick of viewing the skyline.

Even though we are slightly frustrated with some things here (mostly the crowds and costs), I am very hopeful we will grow accustom to the new surroundings and learn to enjoy what Hong Kong has to offer.