A City with a View

Unfortunately, almost every cool destination in Hong Kong is crowded. But, I still enjoyed going up to Victoria Peak for the great view of the city. The first time I went with Jia and her mother--it was a very hazy late-October weekend. The view wasn't so good that day, but we made it up early in the morning when the air was significantly clearer (we couldn't see the peak from across Victoria Harbor in the afternoon). The second time was with my parents--the weather was perfect aside from the usual August heat and humidity. The two days in Hong Kong with my parents were the clearest I ever saw in that city.

Is It Spring Yet?

New Jersey has been experiencing some rather mild weather for June. We had some hot days last month, but lately it's been in the low 70s--though I'd rather have this weather than consistent 95 degrees plus 1000% humidity days in Shenzhen this time of year (OK, I exaggerated the humidity a little, it's only about 250%).

This time of year reminds me of my usual time for a weekend visit to Hong Kong. My uncle is there at the moment, about the same time as every year (though last year was later to coincide with my parents' visit).
Walking through the streets of Central provided relief from the summer heat--the air conditioning was blasting winter temperatures out the doors of every shop. I'm convinced that when passing through the border at Luohu, the Hong Kong side is a few degrees cooler.
Fortunately, this time of year can be really good for some photos. The summer rains that never seem to let up, combined with typhoon winds, blow a lot of the smog away. It's definitely the right time of year to head up to Victoria Peak for a great view of the city.

Spring Festival Hangover

Just a few more photos from Spring Festival in the area.

On our way back from Bali, we stopped off in Hong Kong. Near the Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple we came across these happy looking cows for the new year.

On the eve of Spring Festival, we went for a walk around the neighborhood. They had set up a market selling decorations and other wares for the holiday. We quickly discovered there was nothing left as everyone celebrated. This was probably the cleaner area of the market--the side street looked worse.

Photo Friday is Back

Living in Shenzhen for two years has given me the opportunity to visit Hong Kong more than a few times. This is from my first visit, when I met my uncle for a weekend. Taken from the Star Ferry crossing from Kowloon to Central.

I have a new visa thanks to the Hong Kong process. Unfortunately, it's not the one I wanted. I thought I had everything in order--I e-mailed and my girlfriend called numerous times to get a variety of answers that contradicted each other. Apparently I was missing one piece of paper (which I was told wasn't necessary if you have two prior visas) that comes from "an authorizing department." Of course, being China, they don't tell you what this mystical department is. So, I'm stuck with having to possibly hop back to HK mid-March for another of the same short-term visa.
Not all is sad though here. I have been in contact with many more employers (some of whom offer visas for employees). The only problem I see so far is that the best paying and best fit job for my abilities is also the most boring. It also doesn't allow me to go home for the summer. They better make a great offer of monetary compensation if they really want me there.
Alas, I need to stay here in Shenzhen for a while and I hope I can find something I'll enjoy. I really don't like life here much--there is only one reason I've stayed as long as I have. My girlfriend has always been more than helpful and caring. And her mom's cooking is the best food around.