Maybe HK isn't so bad after all...

Well, after a week of mixed emotions from wanting to come home, feeling homesick, and eventually getting adjusted to a new office environment and city – I think I’m starting to get onto somewhat of a schedule and learning to enjoy my time here in HK.

The ‘no-sleep factor’ has been the most difficult adjustment. After reading up a little on jetlag – the trip from West to East is probably the most difficult transition period, and they say it takes about a day for each timezone crossed to get fully adjusted. With a 13 hour difference between Atlanta and Hong Kong – it seems I still have a couple of days to go before hitting that mark!

I'm starting to understand why everyone thinks Hong Kong is such a great city. For Saturday - I ventured out to a new part of the city today and had such a great time! After almost starting a fire in my room with my hair straightner last week (long story), I first started at the mall to invest in a new one with a HK style plug. While there I stopped for a quick bite at the food court and had a great lunch. For about $5 US Dollars, I had a plate of Thai red curry, rice, and a small cup of soup. And it was good! I then found a fantastic supermarket in the basement of the mall and stopped up on a couple of items before heading back to the hotel. Time to drop off my purchases and prepare for my adventure ...

I then hopped on the subway (MTR) and got off at Central in downtown Hong Kong. From there I walked to the Star Ferry and headed out across Victoria Harbor to the other side. This dropped me off in the Kowloon district, or Tsim Sha Tsui. I felt a little overwhelmed at first because I couldn't find any clear signs pointing me in the direction I wanted to go, but decided to just wing it and start walking in the direction most others were going. Good move! I found my way to Nathan Road, also known as the Golden Mile, with lots of shops. While they were a little pricier than I was looking for - it made for fun window shopping and trying on some interesting HK fashions. So - I kept walking, and walking - and lo and behold I found the Temple Street Night Market. So many bargains and so little time!

After haggling my way through a few street vendors, I made several purchases for gifts for my loved ones back home and continued my journey.

After feeling like I was walking a little too far - I turned to head back towards the harbor to catch the nightly "Symphony of Lights' light and laser show. More on that in a moment. So - on my way back I hear what sounds like a John Phillip Sousa march being played and decided to follow the music. And what do I find... a marching band! I know - leave it to the band geek to find a marching band in Hong Kong, but it was pretty cool to hear what sounded like American style patriotic songs played by the Chinese :)

So back to the light show ... At 8pm every night, most of the high rise buildings on Hong Kong island turn into light spectaculars. Set to music and narration - this show was a pretty cool sight. Here's a little video to give you a glimpse. (click the play button twice) The music is pretty light in the background over all of the talking, but you get the idea.

While heading back to the ferry, I passed the InterContinental hotel and couldn't help but stop in. What a fantastic property! Right on the harbor and definitely 5 star. Someone needs to figure out how to help me switch hotels :)

The ferry ride back was even better than the ride over. This city is beautiful at night with all of the lights, and when a ferry ride costs the equivalent of about 50 cents - how can you pass that up?! Here's my self portrait from the ride ...

What a day! Back in my room (with tired feet), I feel I had a pretty good day. Definitely covered some ground and most of all ...enjoyed myself! Time to get some rest and see what I can get myself into on Sunday ... stay tuned :)