To be honest, I wish I had a wildly entertaining story describing some crazy eventful 14 hour and 11 minute flight from San Francisco to Hong Kong, but I am sad to report that my usually nautious-filled, Niquil intoxicated, puking-in-my-brother's-shoes days of miserable motion sick travel are officially over (probably more to the relief of my brother than to me). With plenty of leg room and the help of the old chinese man sitting next to me (who never spoke one word to me, but saved me from boredom by setting up my in-flight movie for me) I have to say I had a great trek. I slept for what felt like 5 minutes but really ended up being 9 hours. With 5 hours left, I switched on a movie and fell in love with my new ultimate celebrity crush, Joseph something or other, AKA the adorable guy from 500 Days of Summer. He definitely reminded me of someone I know.....Anyways, I would like to say that it was the 9 hours of sleep that contributed to such an enjoyable flight, but heavens knows that I really owe it all to Joseph ;) {Ugh, Mario Lopez is such old news} But before I get too carried away, let me back up and recall the (almost tearful) departure that was the true beginning of my voyage..
Bittersweet. Perhaps the only word I can use to describe my "goodbye" with my family at SFO.
1. Matt - always the understanding one - expectedly gave me some last words of advice before being ready to part and let me go.
2. Mom - obsessed with the safety of my money belt - clearly wasn't fully prepared to let her bopsy-twin-other-half take over Asia, as she was trying her best to stall for as long as possible ('Want to get something to eat?' 'No thanks, mom, we just ate.' 'Want to walk around the airport for awhile?' 'Uhh...not really..')
3. Then there's my baby sis - who was probably the hardest to say goodbye to - and waving at each other until we were fully and completely out of sight will play over in my mind until I see her adorable face again.
Off to the airport. If only I could take her with me...
..And as they walked away, leaving me passport-in-hand at an endless security line boldly facing the next chapter of my life, I couldn't help but wonder what I ever did to deserve such a wonderful family.
Jumping forward an entire New Year's Eve: After arriving in HK (on 1 Jan 2010) and proceeding through immigration, baggage claim, and customs smoothly, I met Gong Gong and Poa Poa - my beloved chinese grandparents. Gong Gong, always methodological, calm, and reassured, greeted me with open arms and that same big smile. Poa Poa, always patient and kind, was quick to (1) ask me if I was hungry (always the #1 question in the Chinese culture) and (2) try to carry my bags (despite her being in her 70's). We took the bus back to their condo/apartment/high rise in Tung Chung, which took all of about 10 minutes. Their new apartment is a mere 900 square feet, a typical apartment in a big city. The view overlooks a beautful HK syline, and I must say that I am already pretty adjusted to my future part-time summer home. Although the twin bed is literally the size of my room, I absolutely love it. The tiny kitchen has a the washing machine built into it (typical HK style kitchens)and Poa Poa was sure to remind me that Gong Gong's millions of books are what really make the apartment look so small. Fountains shooting up water, a gondola ride, and an expansive shopping mall, movie theatre, and restaurants are all literally 40 stories below me, giving a whole new meaning to the word accessibility, while reminding me of the NON-surburban lifestyle that big cities have to offer. In other words, HEAVEN(right mom?)
Next, the 3 of us went for the traditional chinese breakfast: dim sum, and I even managed to step a tad outside my box and try a Chinese bun with custard in it. After ordering chow mein twice (and never getting it due to misunderstandings with the waiter, and the table next to us getting our order instead) we left to get some bananas, soy milk, and cereal at Taste, a huuge underground supermarket. HK doesn't give out plastic bags to bag groceries anymore in an effort to save the environment (apparently the US will start doing this soon too) but luckily Poa Poa (aka the queen of bags) pulled out 2 plastic bags from her purse for us to use (Mom, I knew you'd appreciate that one). Later, we took a tour of the clubhouse downstairs, complete with a pool, tennis courts, and some treadmills, and then I figured out how to setup Skype and download pictures on their computer (by the way, EVERYTHING is written in Chinese on this thing). The last part of the day ended with a trip halfway across the city to Mong Kok to see Su Gong and Auntie Tammy. Their apartment was very spacious and nice, and they certainly are an entertaining couple. We were offered sliced oranges and freshly ground soy milk upon arrival, something I do not find many Americans giving their guests, a definite reminder of the slight difference in BMI of Americans to Asians..
Nevertheless, dinner consisted of American cuisine at Ruby Tuesdays, where the 4 of them enjoyed ribs and steak while I feasted on salad and pasta (so much for BMI comparisons). Gong Gong insisted that he was too full to eat dessert, but they brought out that huge ice cream sundae and he SOMEHOW managed to eat his share. But he is, after all, the ultimate ice cream man, as we all learned at Ronnie's graduation..
Me with Gong Gong, Poa Poa, Auntie Tammy & Su Gong
Although I am going crazy with anticipation to get to Singapore,I do love being in Hong Kong..among a sea of Chinese faces, and crowds and crowds of people making up a culture sooo different than the US. It is both refreshing and intriguing at the same time, and I just can't seem to get enough.
Watch out world, I've officially begun getting in touch with my roots...
<3chi-ai
