Look At That Tall Building!

We have re-expatriated. 5 nights back in the big city and it all feels incredibly normal. What a long forgotten feeling that is! I like it.

On a purely geographical level everything looks, smells and feels familiar. Yes, a little bizarre and frustrating in places - just like the good old days - but so familiar. There are decorations around for Chinese New Year. Red and gold strands of fire crackers, lai see packets hung on blossom branches, stylised fat jolly statues of chinese men dotted around IFC mall (one of which Ethan was convinced was Santa - go figure!). Yesterday I was fascinated by a display of canned abalone for sale in Park n Shop - prices ranging from about $130 to $400HK. For tinned seafood that really did seem rather excessive to me (even with the bonus of a free saucepan with the purchase of any 2 cans).

The funniest comment so far has been from Ethan when, with great enthusiasm, he exclaimed "Look at that tall building!". Of course, the instant response was "which one???". I hope the wonder stays for a long time. This is a very exciting place to be.

But on to the people. We have been so welcomed and loved since we touched down here. The kids do not remember everyone who has embraced them (and there have been lots of embraces!), but they have certainly not gone hungry for attention, playmates and entertainment. It was a joy to see them scooped up into the after school frenzy by the sons and daughters of our Hong Kong family - swinging on the monkey bars, playing follow the leader and various other assorted school yard games. So much love at every turn - familiar faces making the landing soft and easy. Thank you.

There have been moments. A few tears. A few tantrums. My hair is curly again. We have not seen the sky yet (on our very first day Asha asked me "why is it so grey here?" - she'll get used to it). And I wish we could send some of this rain down to Adelaide.

But we have not been without sunshine.