I have been recording all of my thoughts as I have them, because I don't want to forget anything. I am here on business, but there have been quite a few car rides that have given me the opportunity to see different areas.
It's pretty much a stream of consciousness. Enjoy!
Made it to Hong Kong. My driver does not speak english, and it is hotter than hell. Definitely a shock when I stepped out of the airport. In Michigan, we build up to these types of temperatures and high humidity… But coming here was like a slap in the face.
Currently driving on the wrong side of the road, but on the correct (for US) side of the car. I can't see anything. There are trees blocking any sort of views from the roadway.
Palm trees. Mountains? I really wish it was daylight. It looks so beautiful. I will know on the way home.
Also- note to self: Hong Kong immigration officers do not smile or say hello (I did anyway)
An entire truck on fire. Burning rubber. Never seen that before…
So I still can't believe I am in China. Alone. Doing this all by myself. I'm fortunate to have these experiences!
Now we are back on the right side of the road! It switches here. Something smells….
Driving is so different in the day. There are no lanes (well there are but they must just be for decoration), it is a free for all. They all honk to let others know they are there. They must not use their mirrors. But it is pretty amazing the way everything works in this chaotic yet cooperative way. You think you are going to hit someone, or someone is going to hit you, but then they stop. Or you do. And they just pull out in front of each other, or get so close as if to mark their spot.
So hot. So so hot. Went into the factory, and it was treacherous. I don't know how those people stand in there every day in the blistering heat. I need a shower already (10-11am). I can't remember the last time i've sweat this much in such a short amount of time. I'm sure it is all because of the humidity. It was blue sky this morning and I thought, "oh, not much smog today". Wrong, the sky is more and more yellow/grey as the day goes on and the heat builds. Probably a thunderstorm this afternoon. It is that time of year.
So everyone sleeps at their desks after lunch… and I need the restroom….hmm. 1:30pm- they play a song (similar to Taps) over the loud speaker to wake everyone up. Very controlled. I wonder if they have this to wake up in the morning too (they have dormitories a few floors up from their offices)
Let's just take a minute to talk about the toilets. I forgot about this minor detail, and just had a real shock when I walked into the WC (water closet). They are in the floor. Oh, but they have plumbing. 2 things- Don't step in the toilet, and don't pee on yourself. That is all.
They use bamboo scaffolding still (everything is under construction), all the workers appear to wear Croc-like shoes.
I like riding in the car best, lots to see, and of course it is a thrill.
So far I have had traditional Chinese, Thai, and Korean food. The Chinese food is good, but not much flavor (I like the way they prepare the tofu and they have eggs that are like an omelet). I think I have liked the Thai food the best. It closely resembles the Chinese food we have in America (in some ways). The Korean food was really spicy, but there were a few things I liked. However, dog meat was on the menu and that threw me a little. And then of course, a dog escaped from the back of the restaurant. It was little, but meaty. It had a collar on, however, I couldn't help but wonder if it was tomorrow's special. Poor thing was cute.
I like riding in the car best, lots to see, and of course it is a thrill.
So far I have had traditional Chinese, Thai, and Korean food. The Chinese food is good, but not much flavor (I like the way they prepare the tofu and they have eggs that are like an omelet). I think I have liked the Thai food the best. It closely resembles the Chinese food we have in America (in some ways). The Korean food was really spicy, but there were a few things I liked. However, dog meat was on the menu and that threw me a little. And then of course, a dog escaped from the back of the restaurant. It was little, but meaty. It had a collar on, however, I couldn't help but wonder if it was tomorrow's special. Poor thing was cute.
I got to experience a Chinese massage and it was so relaxing. The woman told me I was too tense, but that I had nice skin lol. She twisted and yanked on me and got my back to crack in ways I didn't know possible. It felt so good.
My chop stick skills are on par according to my colleagues. They were quite impressed by my form. They have adapted to a different way of holding them for ease and comfort. I didn't know that there were different chop sticks for different countries. Korea has flat ones that are really heavy- hard to use. Japan's are short and thick and really pointy at the end- also hard to use. So the Chinese and Thai ones have been the best. I can even pick up a peanut! (I was told most of them just use a fork for those lol)
Had Japanese food for dinner tonight! It was all very good. I'm really enjoying trying all of the food. The company was great too 😉
Just a few more days and I will be on my way home! There might be another post from my quick visit to Hong Kong tomorrow.
