The Five Noble Truths of Hong Kong

Well it sure doesn’t feel like 3am. Not the same way it does in Sydney. But indeed, the big hand is steadfastly pointing to the 12 and the little hand is at the 3. Perhaps its apt, it’s been about 3 months since resigning from my job in Sydney, then the rush to pack, farewell, party, relocate and welcome to a new city and a new job. But the rush to leave Sydney was mere precursor to the rush of life in a world city (time magazine).

Briefly the things that stick out in my mind was the sudden realisation that there was not much to do in Hong Kong except (1) eat, (2) drink, (3) party, (4) work and (5) shop. These are the Five Noble Truths of Hong Kong. Everything else is peripheral (eg exercise keeps you fit so you can engage in these activities) or just get in the way of you doing these things and should be avoided at all costs (eg sleeping).

Most of my first two weeks were spent mostly just sightseeing, partying, shopping and trying to find a place to stay. That turned out to be a drama in itself – real estate agents, you gotta love them for trying! But I finally settled on a place in Causeway Bay – right near the heart of everything. Pretty much had to agree on the terms of the lease as I was packing to goto London. But we got there in the end with a lot of help from my friends in Hong Kong.

London was great, even if the weather was constantly “damp and dull” as the BBC reminded me each morning. I got to see a few old faces and I simply can’t believe how many of my law school is there! And anyone not in London is in Hong Kong! What global citizens we are..

Then I came back to Honkers, and pretty much from day 1 was thrown in the deep end, working on a big deal. Working crazy crazy hours, with very little sleep, but you gotta work hard to play hard.

Oh, I’ve I also tentatively started speaking Cantonese and I am told I speak like a robot. Definitely need to work on the fluency point! But fortunately the locals think it’s funny so they persist with me. Though you know you’ve crossed the line when they start speaking English back to you.

I need not repeat the cliche that time flies, but it has. But now I can say that I’m settling in. It’s taken a long time but things are finally falling into place.