Jun 2008

China, it is a place like you've never imagined till you get here. Then it exceeds your expectations. You might hear it from others, but don't form your opinion till you get here. It's a place where you walk left and stand on the right. When you cross the street its where you first look left ALWAYS, then right. Where down starts on the left side and up starts on the right.
In Hong Kong the public transportation arrives on time every time. You begin to understand why it might be the next world power (or already is) by the mechanical way people work like mad from 9 am to 7 pm with hardly a break. You might just understand when you look to see that 80 percent of what you own says "Made in China". Here I can get any type of massage 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Instead of hurricanes there are typhoons and black rain, sometimes even an earthquake or two. Here in HK there is a large expatriate community and if your in Central or SoHo, can close your eyes and only hear english. My first week in China has been an intensive immersion into an amazing culture. Working with Oriental Travel I have learned so much about HK in this short week and being able to experience it first hand is mind blowing. I am happy and well, with good company, great food and a pretty awesome internship!

It is always amazing, making the trip to a city that really never sleeps. Also, it is a great transition to China, as Vicky's apartment is smack in the middle of the New York Chinese community!
Today is my birthday and at 5:45 a.m. Jasmine showed up under the fire escape like my prince on a white horse (only that it was a big white van) and sang me Happy Birthday. Making my day even better everyone is planning a sushi night at our favorite NYC "Iron Sushi" where I'm sure we will endure a generous long winded song, a cappella, oriental style, by the neighborhoods notorious owner. Tomorrow we are driving out to the Hamptons to beat this brutal heat wave and take advantage of my last North American beach day! Great Birthday and thanks for the birthday wishes everyone!!

Exactly 5 days before I embark to New York............
Feeling pretty prepared, I am beginning to gather what will travel with me and decide what will stay. It is pretty exciting and leaving via New York, is always a great send off! It has been great having mom here, we have been working out together and its great! I won't forget to mention the scrumptious food in the fridge! I know Allegra will be super happy in Mexico but It is still hard to see them both go. Today is a no wind day in Miami there are about 6 knots of wind caressing the already HOT beaches to the east, and I know that in Hatteras it is 25 knots! Jasmin I'm sure will be in the ocean all day.

Packing..