Who's cow? Macau!

Not sure if it rained in HK today, because we got the heck outta Dodge. Took a ferry over to Macau for the day. The weather was actually quite pleasant. We even got in the sun a bit. Unknown to us (before our trip) there are 2 docks in Macau so we got managed into a boat to the wrong one. Well, so we grabbed a shuttle to one of the casinos, walked around a bit, grabbed some singapore food at the food court, then another shuttle to the other ferry terminal and then a bus to the old townish area to wander the streets. We may have spent as much time in transit as we did seeing the sites.

Found the Ruins of St. Paul, which reminded me of the Spanish Steps, partly because of the wide steps up to the top, but also because people are gathered all along the steps. The facade of the old church is pretty cool, and there is a good view of the city from the top. More meandering up around the fortress and more views. Took the return ferry, and enjoyed some gelato at the waterfront, staring at the HK skyline.

All in all a pleasant day, but looking forward to the sun promised to us tomorrow.

Hi Beth's mom!

Rain, rain, go away

One of these days I might actually get to see the big Buddha. I finally have a couple days off from work and it rains. And rains. I ran into a Frenchwoman the other day that told me not to bother going to Lantau because with the weather as it is, I wouldn't be able to see Buddha's head. I've also been told not to bother going to the peak unless it's clear. The two things I need to see most are still unseen. Oy.

At least I have a partner in crime for a few days. Beth has arrived from cold, rainy Seattle and she says, "At least it's warm here." :) That was before we wandered for a few hours out in the rain. But alas, we were able to scratch a couple things off the list. Jade Market, Ladies Market, Tin Hau Temple (one of them at least). I'd been looking forward to visiting the jade market, and might make it back there, but when every meter someone new is hounding you, I don't exactly consider it a pleasant shopping experience. The ladies market has some promising items, but purchasing items while maneuvering a wet umbrella just wasn't very tempting. Another day perhaps ;)

Beth did quite well for just arriving. She was awake all day before crashing out on her couch. She has a room near Chungking Mansion and let me use her wifi to load pics onto Facebook while enjoying the dry weather inside. We both live in rainy climates but we recognize the drastic difference. In the Pacific Northwest we don't find much need to use our umbrellas. Today I thought I was going to take one to the carotid. I thought before, 'Wow. What a lot of people.' Today, it was, 'Wow. What a lot of umbrellas.' Beth said she felt like a boxer with all the bobbing and weaving. I'm working on a strategy, but not sure that there is one winning one- stay close to the curb- or if a combination is necessary for survival-stay low and to your left. Either way, I'm ready for it to stop.

Bright side*my hair doesn't seem as frizzy* :D

Not eating McDonalds burger yet

Thought I should try Mos Burger sooner or later. I went for the full meal deal:)

Places you poo

Just to be fair...

Victoria Harbour

Even smoggier tonight.

Working nights aka What day is today?

This week is the only week while I'm in Hong Kong that I work all 5 days. Which I'm now realizing is crazy. I have 2 days next week, 3 the week after and then 4 before heading back. It's Thursday... it is Thursday right?..and I'm finally feeling awake at the right time. Monday was a drag, but I'm told it's like that every Monday. Tuesday was better, but then Wednesday, right when I thought I was doing good, sinus' acted up. Ug. But, I slept and slept when I got home...Thursday morning..no, it isn't Thursday, it's Friday. You see what I mean? Anyway, before going to work Thursday night I got some British medicine :) seriously, the Union Jack is on the box. Anyway, I feel better, but not 100 percent. Then I'll have one more day of work and the weekend.
Everyone I work with has been really great. The area where we work is a maze of streets and buildings and I've only dared go out once on my own, and that is just to the 7-eleven. They're everywhere! Of course, getting out of the building isn't the hard part, finding the way back is. But the people are great to me. Taking me out to eat, sharing snacks and such. I got to work closer with some of them this week and get to know them. One is organizing a dinner for Saturday night in Kowloon City. Thai food :) Someone said to me today, 'I heard you like curry'. I guess word gets out ;) Although there should be a bulletin sent out that I know how to use chopsticks because everyone asks or is surprised that I can. It certainly is different traveling with locals though. I usually don't need to order the food, although I do get consulted most of the time. I had a bite of a pig's ear today. What did it taste like? I didn't really notice the taste so much as the texture. Imagine what it might be like to bite and chew on a pig's ear... got it? That's exactly what it's like. Very tough.
For those who have asked (you know who you are), what is it like to work nights... I still might not know. I think my experience will be different than what it really is. Bravo to those of you who can do it. I'm not sure its for me. Now that I'm staying with my friend instead of at a hostel in Causeway Bay, it sure is easier to sleep during the day. Birds are singing outside my window rather than construction and honking horns. I even watched people doing tai chi from my window.
Hope the sky clears up soon so I can check out some of these great views I've been hearing about. I think it's supposed to rain next week so maybe I'll hit a museum on my days off.