Observations

August 31 (Monday)

Observations: Chinese people are no longer short little people. Over this past decade, I have noticed how tall the Chinese kids of this new generation are growing. I used to feel like I fit right in height wise, but now, they are just as tall as American teens. I realize that I am shrinking, but nonetheless, they are keen, lean, Chinese teens.

P-day, today's adventure: Temple Street Market. Another fun area to explore. We got there mid afternoon, and some of the merchants were just starting to set up their booth. It's recommended that you shop after 7:00 pm because by then, all the merchants are set up and ready to lure you into their booth to sell you their wares. We did manage to help support the HK economy as we purchased a few gifts and knick knacks.

After 5 hours on our feet, I was ready for a quick bite to eat...McDonald's fish burger and fries, just hit the spot.

Entrance to the Temple Street Market

Chinese Checkers anyone?

Inside the "Rest Garden"

Note the intricate carvings on the wall!

Contrast: Shabby restaurant and a Porsche?!?! Anything out of place?

Yummy street food...mmm good!

I'm glad our accommodations are better than this.

Catching up on the daily news.

All kinds of sausages...choose your sauce.

Lots of BLING!

 As we were starting to head to the MTR to catch the train home, we came across a tiny little tailor shop, Ko Cheung Tailor. We decided to check it out to see how much a tailor made suit would cost. There were all different kinds of materials, colours and patterns. Depending on which fabric you chose, that determined the price of the suit. We found a nice black fabric with a subtle pin stripe running through it. John will look smashing in his new suit. He got all measured up and will return next week for a final fitting.


September 1 (Tuesday)

Observation: It's definitely September! You can tell because there are school kids all over the place.
In some respects, back to school is just like back in Canada. Parents are escorting their little ones with hugs and kisses good-byes. There are a ton of kindergartens around the Temple area. So cute to see little ones all decked out in their school uniforms and carrying backpacks almost as big as they are! It appears that all schools here have school uniforms. It's such a nice clean look. I think we should follow suit. It makes it easier on everyone, when everyone wears the same clothes to school.


September 2 (Wednesday)

Observation: There are no obese people in Hong Kong. I'm one of the "bigger built" ones...so sad!

Walking from the Temple to MTR (Ngai, Chan, Bodily)

Today there was a special Temple session held for the Asia Area President and Asia Area Presidencies. I'm not sure which presidents were all in attendance, but we heard that Thailand, Mongolia, India, Malaysia, and others were here, Talk about power in the priesthood. As all the presidents filed in, you could just feel their priesthood power. For those of you who are not members of our Church, it may be hard to explain such feelings. Suffice it to say, I was privileged to be in their presence.


September 3 (Thursday)

Observation: On modesty. Even though the temperature in Hong Kong is very hot and with the humidity factor making it even hotter, you will seldom see immodestly dressed people, particularly the young women. There are very few who wear tank tops, spaghetti strapped tops, or short shorts. When I do see those kinds of styles, they are usually worn by caucasians. Long style tops or short dresses are often worn with leggings, even in this scorching hot weather. Most wear t-shirts, not tank tops.

Today was a statutory holiday marking the 70th Anniversary of the end of the war with Japan. The Temple is always open on a statutory holiday with 5 consecutive sessions running. We arrived at 6:15 am to prepare for the on flux of patrons. We were so busy. Because it is a holiday, it is the only day that the domestic workers have off to attend the Temple.

Senior Temple Missionaries (our gang) plus Sister Chow, and Brother and Sister Luk

Had a 4 hour nap. z-z-z-z


September 4 (Friday)

Observation: Initially, I was a bit concerned about coming to HK and not knowing the language, however, that fear was quickly put to rest, as you can pretty much get around with using English. As I listen to people talk, I find a large majority, especially the younger generation, speak English. The younger they are, the more English is spoken. Little children speak perfect English, no accent. In talking to some of our primary children, they usually know at least 2 languages. sometimes 3 and one little girl speaks 5 languages - English, Cantonese, Mandarin, Spanish, and Tagalog.

Finished a late shift tonight and decided to go out for dinner at the food court at Metropolis. It's on our way home, so is very convenient. We've been here almost 3 months, and just discovered this place. It was packed! There's about 10 different food kiosks, all different Asian styles. I think we'll be eating there often. Met up with Richard and June Lee another missionary couple and ended up at their place for dessert.


September 5 (Saturday)

Observations: Technology...people just can't put it down. "Don't leave home without it..." Everywhere we go people are attached to their devices. Not just the millenials, but also the little kids and seniors. Whether sitting on the bus or train, walking, eating, drinking, breathing,.. everywhere people are on their phones. If you could see the airwaves, it would be thicker than smog!

Don't leave home without it...

Had an early shift at the Temple. Caught the taxi at 6:00 am. We're not early morning people but it was nice to be done by 1:00 pm. Charles and Laraine Chamberlain wanted us to show them some fun shopping places so we took them to Kwai Fong and Temple Street Market. Of course dinner was on the agenda. Ate at Pepper Lunch. Always a good meal there.

All "One Size" but nothing fits!
Shopping with Sister Chamberlain.

September 6 (Sunday)

Observation: One size fits all. NOT. That's what they all say. None of the stores let you try on clothes. They all say, "One size, One size. No need to try. One size." In many instances the one size is the wrong size. There seems to be a type of paranoia here. I don't know why they won't let you try on clothes. They also don't like you to touch the fruit. We got yelled at for touching the peaches. They are very protective about their "space". I set my purse down on top of some merchandise as I was digging for something in my purse. I was scolded and told to remove my purse. Are you kidding me?
We've also been reprimanded for taking pictures in the pool here. Again I say, are you kidding me?!? There is definitely a lack of customer relations. We also wanted to take a picture of the security people around the complex. Nope! You're not allowed to photograph them either. Paranoia...what are people so afraid of?

Another long day at church. We left for church at 11:20 am and never got home till 7:30 pm. Most Sundays we're there this long. I'm beginning to miss my old ward back home and all our friends. Though the sisters in our branch are all wonderful and I love them dearly, they can't replace our old friends.