The Sixth Anniversary Post

Six years... That's right: as of today, I have been in Hong Kong for six years. Every November, this date rolls around, and I scratch my head in confusion at how fast it's come back. Today is no different. I can't decide if I'm more bemused or delighted, but it's a combination of both. Sort of like when you find some of the best ravioli or agnolotti you've ever eaten in a trattoria ensconced in one of Hong Kong's most traditional Chinese neighborhoods. Which, incidentally, is exactly where I just finished a celebratory Italian dinner with a group of friends to mark this anniversary. 

Everybody keeps saying, "One more to go!" Of course, they are referring to the fact that expats get "permanent residency" upon hitting the seven year mark, and by such logic, I'll be eligible in a mere three-hundred-and-sixty-five days. The truth, however, is that although my plane touched down in Hong Kong on 9 November 2009, my official work visa didn't get approved and validated until the end of March 2010. So I still have about a year and a half to go. Still, if the past is any indication, the time will just continue to fly, and I'll have my PR before I know it. 

Recently, two friends of mine from Villanova, Melissa and Andrew, came to visit, and it was another grand excuse to remind myself what a great city I call home.

Me and Andrew feasting on dan dan noodles on his and Melissa's first night in town.

It was particularly special to have Melissa in town, because back in 2009 when Hong Kong first appeared on my radar, she was one of my few friends who had ever visited. You see, Melissa had studied abroad in Hong Kong the semester before, and so she immediately lit up with excitement when she found out I might move here. So to have her now ask me for tips and advice was slightly surreal! 

Shenanigans in Lan Kwai Fong

It's funny to remember, but there were a few weeks during the interview process when I wasn't quite sure I would accept a job offer in Asia, should it come. I knew nothing about Hong Kong and hadn't bothered to do much research at that point. Melissa helped not only to alleviate my reluctance but to transmute it into anticipation. I don't have to tell you that a job offer did come, and I accepted the two year assignment. And—well—here I am. 

For Halloween, Melissa, Andrew and I all participated in what is surely the coolest costume party I've ever experienced: Beatship! Beatship is an event held on SuperStar Virgo, a bona fide cruise liner that sails nightly into international waters, usually for gambling but occasionally for massive parties. You get a room, several meals, access to pools, clubs and a casino. And for this special Halloween edition, there were even monsters wandering the ship whom you had to approach, uttering a specific pass-phrase to collect stamps, which could later be redeemed for drinks.

"Guys, there's Leatherface!! How do you like Texas?"

Melissa and Andrew actually booked a special cabin, so as the ship sailed out of Victoria Harbour, we sipped gin and tonics on our own private balcony as the skyline faded from view. It was windy on the forward deck where the dinner buffet was served, but the aft deck, which was home to the nightclub, was much less squally. 

Taco face and wind gusts

The party was still kicking in the early hours, so I only made it back to the cabin shortly before we pulled into port at 8:30 the next morning! (I also may have taken a short nap on a deck chair.) I must admit, it was probably the best Halloween I've ever had. Over a week later, it's still a go-to conversation topic, and I suspect it will remain so for some time. 

Cheers!

So another November 9th has come and is about to go. This year hasn't been the easiest of the six, needless to say. But from dinners and hikes to boat trips and foot massages, I know I'm still so lucky to have wound up in such an extraordinary place. And Fredric is always on hand to cheer me up if all else fails. 

So, once again, I have to thank my lucky stars that fate lead me to the Pearl of the Orient—and that through a combination of luck and hard work, I've managed to remain here despite things not quite always going according to plan. Bei mir bist du shön, Hong Kong! I'm confident our story still has much waiting to be written!