Bangkok Half Marathon

All obsessive runners will have stories about the time(s) they had to wake up early for a race. For me, the Bangkok Half Marathon set a new standard with its 4AM start time.  If that isn’t early enough, the full marathoners actually started at 2:30 – which also happened to be the same time that my alarm went off. I did not enjoy being jolted out of a sound sleep in the middle of the night, but I convinced myself that the feeling of accomplishment at the end of the race would supersede my desire to sleep a few more hours. After only one snooze, I peeled myself out of bed and set off for yet another half marathon.

I was feeling good after my rock star carb loading the night before, with some tasty green curry and mango sticky race for dessert.

Pre-race carb loading

The hotel also arranged a chauffeur-driven Mercedes to transport me to the starting line at Royal Palace. As I rode through the city at 3AM, it was funny to see all the people coming out of the bars after a long night of partying. As if there was ever any doubt, I am far from the typical tourist.  

When I arrived at the assembly point, it was very quiet. People gradually filtered in – already dressed in full race attire and looking like they were ready to go. They sat patiently on the curb or stretched alone in silence. The adjacent field had a few booths set up for people to win Standard Chartered merchandise, and some vendors were selling race shirts from prior years. Unlike some other races, which have more of a party atmosphere at the starting line, this one was much more focused and serious. 

Bangkok Half Marathon starting line...at 3:08 AM

To avoid feeling sleepy, I walked around aimlessly and scoped out the other runners. Each race bib was printed with the runner’s name, age, and an image of the flag from their home country. I entertained myself by trying to predict everyone’s nationality based on how they looked.  The vast majority of runners were from Thailand, but there was a good number of international runners as well. I was clearly not the only person playing this game because I got a lot of strange looks when people noticed my bib; not because I am American, but because I was running as the HR Director - a 53-year old Thai man named Xuwat. I like to think I could pass as several different nationalities, but Thai is certainly not one of them!

About 10 minutes before the race start, people began lining up and I noticed that I was one of the tallest people around. There was one other runner around my height, who also happened to be an American. I took a picture of him to illustrate how much taller we were than the rest of the crowd. 

Height difference between Americans and Thai people.

The pre-race announcements were in both Thai and English, which I appreciated. I was surprised to hear that this race would be the largest half marathon in Thailand's history, with around 4,500 runners. Just as a frame of reference, the race I ran in Perth earlier this year had ten times as many runners. Between the humidity and the busy streets, I am not surprised that Thai people have yet to embrace a running culture!

I was actually impressed with the course, which took runners on an elevated highway, across a cable bridge, and past several palace-looking structures in central Bangkok. Unfortunately, there was very little crowd support (as can be expected at 4AM). Even though I was running under another person's name, I still pushed myself to finish with a respectable time. Why am I unable to grasp the concept of a "fun run" with a relaxed pace? 

My biggest critique about the race is that the kilometer markings were completely messed up, so I don't really know how far I actually ran. In the middle of the race, the half marathon and full marathon courses merged. From that point on, we followed the same course, yet the mile markers didn't increase at the same pace. For example: 
- sign #1: Full marathon, 32km; Half Marathon, 11km
- sign #2: Full marathon, 34km; Half marathon, 12.5km
How is this possible?

I never run with a Garmin watch, but always I rely on the mile markers as a gauge for how much energy I should be using. I may be crazy, but that last kilometer felt like it would never end.  When I crossed the finish line, my time was a respectable 1:30:13, but it's hard to tell if I really ran 13.1 miles or some other distance!

The end of the race was admittedly pretty exciting because there was a decent amount of crowd support cheering us to the finish line. The sky was still completely dark, but the trees along the road were lit up with white lights. Unlike most half marathons, there were no medals given out at the finish line because they were actually provided at packet pick-up. I literally could have skipped the entire race and still ended up with a medal, which just seemed strange to me. 

2014 Bangkok Half Marathon medal

The sky was completely dark throughout the entire race, but I still managed to work up a sweat (thanks to the humidity). I can't even imagine what it would have been like if the race was scheduled during the daylight hours. Once I crossed the finish line, I really didn't have much reason to hang around, so I just took a quick selfie in front of the marathon poster, found my driver, and returned to the hotel. 

2014 Bangkok Half Marathon Selfie

It is certainly atypical to finish a half marathon and return home before 6AM, but Bangkok is anything but typical. I am grateful to the HR Director for giving me the chance to participate in the event and I am excited to add yet another country to my list of places where I have completed a race. The Bangkok Half Marathon may not have been the most exciting or best organized race in the world, but it was absolutely worth the early morning wake-up call. 

Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok is one of those cities that just makes me feel happy. The people are so gracious and hospitable, food is amazing, and the atmosphere has a contagious "buzz" that draws me in. My first time visiting Bangkok was back in 2010 and I have so many fun memories from the trip. Needless to say, I was beyond excited to spend two weeks exploring even more of Thailand's capital.

My hotel has a stunning mix of classic and modern design that made me feel right at home. It was also a perfect escape from the chaotic and lively streets. Sensory overload is a big part of Bangkok's appeal, but I don't think I would appreciate it as much if I couldn't escape to such a comfortable retreat each night. Perhaps I have been brainwashed in my current industry, but I really think it is important for travelers to splurge for a nice hotel so they can go to sleep with a sense of ease and wake up each morning feeling refreshed.



My retreat from the busy streets of Bangkok

When I look out over the city each morning at breakfast, the skyline appears just like any other modern metropolis. Buildings and construction cranes fill the landscape around the hotel, while Western businessmen fill the lounge. Walking through the streets is the only way to notice just how quickly Bangkok must have engulfed the local people in its rapid development.  The remnants of a simpler day exist on almost every sidewalk, as street vendors sell low-cost food and clothing items to those who can't afford the luxury that now surrounds them. Bangkok truly has something for everyone.



View of the city from the hotel's executive lounge

The staff is always so proud to share their local foods with me and Bangkok is one place where I enthusiastically accept anything that appears on my plate. Thai food is so rich in variety and I was eager to try it all.  Knowing this, the staff treated me with a feast of options at every meal. I enjoyed every single thing that I tried, which is very rare for such an otherwise picky eater. Of course I don't remember the names of anything because they were always ordered (in Thai) on my behalf. The staff even brought in some homemade food for me to try throughout my two week stay. The delicate mix of flavors and the fresh ingredients make me think that I would double in size if I lived in Bangkok.

On Friday night, a few of us visited Asiatique. which is an entertainment complex that was formerly a factory district. I loved the fun atmosphere and it actually reminded me of Downtown Disney. Throughout the week, I kept telling people that I love spicy food, so they really tested my limit by ordering some of the most spicy things they could find on the menu. After only a few minutes, I was pouring sweat in the middle of the restaurant, while my local colleagues looked like they were eating a bowl of ice cream. I learned quickly that my tolerance to spice is measured to an entirely different standard.  


View of the riverfront from Asiatique



One of the entrances to Asiatique

I couldn't resist riding back to the hotel in a tuk tuk because they are always more fun than traditional taxis. In Bangkok, the polished chrome bars are perfect for reflecting the colorful lights that shine from these noisy, polluting vehicles. My colleagues said that locals never ride in tuk tuks (other than students), and their statement was proven true many times as we approached the hotel.



Riding back to the hotel and looking like tourists

My fascination with Thai culture extends to religion; particularly all the beautiful shrines that are seen throughout the city. There is no official state religion in the Thai constitution, but over 90% of the population is Buddhist and almost every home or building has its own "spirit house" displayed in a very auspicious location to bring good luck. It is not hard to see the many spirit houses in front of each building but I had to keep my eyes open because there were also several beautiful shrines hidden between modern skyscrapers. Here, the Wat Pathumwanaram Ratchaworawihan sits undisturbed between two shopping malls and I would have never noticed it if I didn't look above the barrier walls that separate it from the street.


Wat Pathumwanaram Ratchaworawihan (Buddhist Shrine)

 

This is what the inside looks like

The Erawan shrine at my hotel is the most widely visited in the entire city. Seated within the shrine is the 4-faced Brahma God and it is constantly surrounded by visitors that offer gifts and prayers. If you don't have a gift to offer, it's no problem because there are countless street vendors nearby selling everything from flowers to fruit. Tourists are also treated to women that sing and dance, wearing some elaborate outfits and dangerous headgear!



Erawan Shrine, as viewed from the pedestrian walkway above the street



This headgear would be considered a weapon in most countries!

Nightlife and shopping are probably the biggest attractions in Bangkok and they are actually somewhat intertwined. Many of the street markets don't even open up until after dark, and they sell everything imaginable (and even some things that you wouldn't imagine). I always thought that bargaining is part of the whole experience, but I found that most vendors these days offer a fixed price to avoid the haggling (which I much prefer). Although the street markets are fun, a lot of the items for sale are very low quality. Nightlife, on the other hand, is amazing from any perspective, and you can enjoy any type of bar without judgment. Dive bars, ladyboy shows, karaoke rooms, and luxury rooftop lounges are all part of the landscape, and the prices are generally much lower than other big cities.



Heineken Bar in front of Central World



Drinks with colleagues from Singapore, Thailand, and Cambodia

Anyone looking for luxury shopping has plenty of options in Bangkok, and the malls are on par with any other major city. Siam Paragon mall has everything from Dior to Burberry, where bags sell for higher than an average working class annual salary. Walking through the mall felt like being back in America. Even the food court was full of American classics such as McDonald's, KFC, Burger King, Cinnabon, and even Garrett's Popcorn.

People with more avant-garde taste in clothing can also find plenty of options in Siam Center mall. If I hadn't just ordered two custom suits for myself earlier in the week, I may have been enticed to splurge for some truly unique clothing. Instead, I just amused myself by window shopping at the widest range of stores I have ever seen - including some that sell eyebrows (which they call "eye wigs"). Who ever heard of such a thing?  Only in Asia...



Trendy shop in Siam Center Mall



Browhaus...for your eyebrow needs!



Even people without eyebrows can look beautiful here!

I can't really decide exactly what it is about Bangkok that draws me in. I have been to many places with nice people, good food, and fun nightlife, but Bangkok elevates each of these experiences to the next level in my mind. Elements of Thai culture are apparent to anyone who takes the time too look, but the city also has plenty of modern conveniences that appeal to those who are less willing to branch out of their comfort zone.

Hong Kong Apartment Search

Hong Kong is notorious for having one of the most expensive rental markets in the world. Even before moving here, I was prepared to pay a lot for tiny accommodations. What I did not expect, however, was the inefficient and fragmented system that faces anyone looking for an apartment in Skyscraper City. 

One of many giant residential buildings in Hong Kong

Just walk down any street and the vast array of rental agencies makes it abundantly clear that this is a lucrative industry.  Considering all the choices, my first task was finding a realtor I can trust. One of my American colleagues spoke highly of his realtor, so I visited the office on my first weekend in the city.  

The outside windows were completely covered with advertisements of units for rent, and each picture had numbers that meant nothing to me. Unlike all other cities I have lived, apartments list both the gross square footage (including all common areas, including elevators, hallways, etc), and net size (actual liveable space inside the apartment). I almost couldn't believe my eyes when I saw actual apartments for rent with less than 200 square feet of living space. It's like paying to live in prison!

Before even going inside the realtor's office, I noticed a few listings that caught my attention. When I stepped inside, there were rows of workstations that resembled a university computer lab. I introduced myself to the first person who looked up and we had a short discussion about my wish list and budget. He then started searching in his computer. 

"What about those places you have posted in the front window?" 

"Oh they are not available anymore," he responded quickly, without even looking up from his search. I learned very quickly that the advertisements in the windows are more like examples. The only way to learn true vacancies is to walk inside and talk to someone. So much for efficient window shopping!

After a few minutes, the realtor had found two places he could show me. Both happened to be within walking distance, so he grabbed the keys and off we went. The first unit was above my price range and unfurnished. I gave a quick courtesy look, but then explained my preferences again.  The second unit was a two bedroom - also not what I had asked for. 

On the way back to the agency, I asked if he could show me some other neighborhoods and he explained that I would have to talk to other realtors if I want to look in other neighborhoods. Upon hearing that, I knew instantly that my search would be significantly more complicated than I had anticipated.  

Over the next couple weeks, I visited what felt like thirty different rental agencies, scattered throughout the city. Some of them could show me units immediately, while others asked me to make an appointment and come back at a later time. Most of the time, they would start by showing me units that did not meet my specifications (too large, too small, too expensive, missing appliances, no furniture). I got tired of going through the same charade every time I met a new realtor.  

Every day, I received countless messages from the realtors with available units. I felt like I was dating multiple people at once and I honestly couldn't keep track of them all. 

My first important victory occurred when I finally decided that I want to live within walking distance to my office in Kowloon. However, while that decision allowed me to "dump" all my realtors in other neighborhoods, it also meant that I needed to find additional ones in the area near my apartment. Why? Each realtor has a separate inventory and there is no central database from which to search available units for rent. Without talking to several realtors, I would be drastically limiting my options.  

When I was in Singapore, I felt like I needed to keep up with the search, so I went on Craigslist to look at some online listings. Despite all the warnings that "listings online are usually not even real apartments" and "locals do not use Craigslist", I found a place that looked like a great fit. I set up an appointment to see the apartment on the evening that I returned to Hong Kong. It ended up being just what I am looking for, and I would be renting directly through the owner (no realtor commission).  Was it too good to be true?  

Throughout the next week, I spent countless hours debating whether it was worth the risk. I have had a lot of success with Craigslist in the past (that is where I found my Chicago apartment back in 2011) but I just couldn't shake the fears of a possible scam - especially since I have to pay 3 months rent when I sign the contract.  I did a lot of research but there is really no guaranteed way to eliminate the risks. Were my concerns based on anything concrete or was it was just an underlying lack of trust in the entire process?  I just kept envisioning that this "owner" would disappear with my money and that I would never end up with the keys. In the end, I decided not to take the risk.  Back to square one.  

The next week, a local coworker offered to search with me one afternoon. I think he felt badly for me. Initially, the search started just like all the others. The first place we saw had no fridge, no oven, no washing machine. The next one was in a dilapidated building and it had two unfurnished bedrooms. We kept going in and out of realtor offices. My coworker would usually say a few words in Cantonese and then walk out, shaking his head from side to side. This was not going well. 

Just as we were about to give up, we went to one last agent. After a short conversation in Cantonese, my coworker said: "They have one place you might like on the penthouse level." My ears perked up with a mix of excitement and hesitation. We walked over to the building, took the elevator to the top floor, walked another flight of stairs (because the top floor in this building is actually above the elevators). From the moment I saw the view, I was sold. The apartment overlooks Kowloon Park, with views of Victoria Harbor and the Hong Kong skyline. 

The owner was also in the middle of renovations. There was a brand new TV on the wall, a new mattress covered in plastic, and plenty of built-in shelving for clothes. The tour only lasted about thirty seconds (you don't need much time to "tour" these tiny apartments) and I wasted no time in making a verbal commitment. Before leaving the apartment, we scheduled a time to meet a few days later so I could pay my deposit and sign the contract. 

During the housing search, I learned many things about Hong Kong. Despite being such a modern and fast-paced city, the rental market is still very traditional. Online listings are used more as a source for connecting people rather than actually showcasing vacant units. It is almost impossible to search for an apartment from abroad. In most cases, the owner likes to meet the prospective tenants. There is still a lot of racial stereotyping. As a Westerner, most realtors assumed I had an unlimited budget, a desire for lots of space, and an aversion to living among locals. And, like so many other countries, you get much better options when you know someone who can speak the local language. 

Rental commissions are hefty, but the system is built in a way that is almost impossible to avoid a realtor without taking huge risks. I am happy with my decision, but I can't help wondering what could have happened if I ended up with the Craigslist rental. If I was in the United States, I would have paid the deposit and signed the lease without hesitation. I perceived my risk to be higher here without any tangible reasons because the same risks also exist at home. The only reason it felt like a scam is because everyone kept telling me it had to be a scam. 

In my opinion, the rental business in Hong Kong is ripe for a transformation, much like the way Craigslist, Uber, and AirBNB have transformed their respective industries in the United States. I just don't know if the local market will allow the tipping point to take place. 

A string of Realtors on my street in Hong Kong

Singles Day!

Ask any American which day of the year rings up the highest amount of online shopping sales worldwide and I guarantee that almost everyone will say "Cyber Monday". The first work day after Thanksgiving has become infamous for all the hours of lost productivity, while people around the country try to scoop up the best deals online. 

Little do any of us know, American consumers being upstaged by Chinese shoppers on November 11th - also known as "Singles Day". 

Until this year, I had never even heard of Singles Day. While Americans honor military veterans, single people across China are honoring themselves.  As a single person, I think it is important to seek retribution for all the lovey-dovey Valentine's Day traditions. We deserve to shower ourselves with gifts, since no one else will do it.

China may not be the world's biggest economy but it is one of the fastest growing. Singles Day is just one of many examples that prove the influence of Chinese consumers on the global economy. I am excited to be living in such a dynamic region and experiencing the rapid growth first-hand. 

Now that I am a local resident, I figure it only makes sense to celebrate local traditions. With that in mind, I went out after work and got fitted for two custom-tailored suits and shirts. Happy Singles Day to me!

Singapore Conference

For the second time this year, I traveled to Singapore. This time, the experience was quite a bit different than my trip in March. Why? 

Two words: Business Trip.

Upon arrival in Singapore, my hotel transfer was in a chauffeur-driven Mercedes; a far cry from the trains that I navigated back in March! As much as I enjoy trying public transportation systems around the world, there's nothing like sitting alone in the back of a car and peering out the window at the peaceful, tree-lined streets. Compared to the overcrowded streets of Hong Kong, Singapore put me at ease before I even reached the hotel. 

When I arrived, I was greeted at the front entrance and escorted directly to my suite for in-room check-in. This is yet another example of VIP treatment that was missing during my last trip. My suite also included club lounge access and some nice snacks pre-set for my arrival. 

Hotel Suite in Singapore

The next morning, I met my boss in the club lounge to finish preparing for our presentation and was pleasantly surprised when the staff greeted me by name. I still don't know how they knew me, but it is always nice to be treated like more than just an anonymous "sir". 

Dinner was held at the poolside restaurant for a low-key networking event, complete with free-flowing wine and extra amounts of humidity. At first, I felt under-dressed by not wearing a jacket but I was very happy with my decision as the people in suits were sweating like crazy. (Why would anyone think it's necessary to wear a full suit to a poolside cocktail party in Singapore?)

The next two days were filled with meetings, networking, and more wonderful food. I love almost all Asian cuisine, but Singapore really has a unique fusion of flavors. For breakfast, I got to indulge in my favorites: chicken rendang and some steamed dim sum. The next night, a group of people went to a local seafood restaurant, which offered an incredible array of seafood that even I had never seen before.  Some people were commenting that the restaurant was too casual, but I much prefer trying somewhere more authentic.  Plus, the atmosphere made me feel like I was on vacation for the first time all weekend.

One of the many seafood dishes from dinner in Singapore

Without a doubt, my favorite memory from the trip was the gala dinner on the final evening. As the meal was about to begin, an accordion wall at one end of the room started rising, with energetic music playing in the background. All the chefs were lined up behind the wall and illuminated by red up-lights. The stage was even more dramatic with the use of a smoke machine. I had never before seen a show kitchen as part of banquet space, but the environment made me feel as though I was on the set of "Iron Chef". 

Chefs emerge from behind an accordion wall in the ballroom

We were all amazed when the chefs then began banging on their equipment in a well-orchestrated percussion performance. All the guests had their phones out to capture the memory and I sat in awe and amazement. I have been to many banquet events in my life and I have never seen anything even remotely as memorable as the show that was unfolding in front of me. Talk about a "wow" moment. 

The meal was just as impressive as the performance, and the mood was so much more relaxed than the opening night cocktail party by the pool. By this point, many of us had chatted with each other and we were appreciating the rare opportunity for an entire region of finance leaders to come together in one place.  

After the meal, I was introduced to another Asian tradition: peer pressure to drink. A group of people would assemble together and ambush the person of honor with an almost-full glass of wine. There was no choice but to toast each other and drink the entire glass in a gesture of humble appreciation. As the newcomer to ASPAC, I was fortunately (or unfortunately) the target of many such toasts. I literally had no option but to chug the wine that was handed to me. Over and over again. 

I captured one of the ambush toasts!

People gradually retired to their rooms as the night wore on, but I resisted the urge. Eventually, there was just one small group of rugged party animals by the time the event was coming to a close. At the suggestion of the new VP of Hotel Finance, we made our way down to the night club in the basement of the hotel for a final night cap. 

This nightclub is extremely popular among locals and I was happy to finally experience it. (During my last trip to Singapore, I didn't drink much because alcohol is ridiculously expensive...but on the corporate card, price is not much of a concern). Our group assembled a bunch of chairs together to order one final drink, while the rest of the club buzzed with activity and a live band entertained everyone with some good cover music. 

Live band at the nightclub

I stuck around for a little while, but I "ghosted" back up to my room when the mood started to fizzle. Walking back into the hotel, I noticed a host of luxury cars in the driveway. Maybe it was the alcohol, but I stopped for a moment at the sight and thought to myself: "Wow, I am so fortunate to be part of this elite group".  

Parking lot of luxury cars in front of the hotel

Singapore is a city where people can experience a very wide range of lifestyles. My most recent trip earlier this year was more of a budget version, where I rode public transportation, drank very little alcohol, and ate mostly at casual restaurants. However this trip exposed me to the opposite end of the spectrum: Gourmet meals, chauffeured-driven cars, a beautiful hotel suite, banquets that spared no expense, and personalized service at one of the best hotels in the city. 

On my final morning in Singapore, I had the entire club lounge to myself for breakfast. I love these rare solitary moments because they give me a chance to fully appreciate my environment without any distractions. I am so happy that I got the opportunity to see both sides of Singapore because I now have a much more balanced view of the city. I rarely spend lavishly on myself, but I do appreciate the opportunities to enjoy the finest things that a city has to offer. Perhaps I should take more opportunities to indulge but I think the moderation helps to make trips like this so much more memorable.

My final morning in Singapore. Such a wonderful trip!

First week in Hong Kong

It's amazing how a 16-hour flight can feel both long and short at the same time. I didn't sleep (as far as I know), but I kept myself busy with about 5 movies, several TV shows, and some pretty decent food from Cathay Pacific. 

I felt oily and disgusting by the time I arrived in Hong Kong, but I was lucky to have a hotel transfer pre-arranged. 

My "home" (hotel room) for the next 6 weeks is awesome. It is probably bigger than my future apartment, and I was happy to see a nice card and some welcome gifts from the HR department (including an umbrella; how fitting).

My hotel room in Hong Kong

I quickly checked my e-mail and closed my eyes shortly thereafter (feeling like I could sleep at least 12 hours). Unfortunately, jet lag always wins this battle and I was wide awake only 5 hours later...Hello 3:30AM! I relaxed in my bed for a while before guilting myself into a trip to the gym. On my way out, I opened the blinds. Wow, such a beautiful view. Am I really in Hong Kong?

View from my room in Sha Tin

My New Home

My boss from Chicago was already in Hong Kong, so I met her on Sunday evening and she showed me the way to the office. As we walked, I was approached by multiple salesmen who offered to sell me a custom suit. No thanks. I'm a resident, not a tourist. It feels really strange to have that mindset. 

My boss had spent some time in the office prior to my arrival, so it was nice to hear about her experiences in Hong Kong. When the bill arrived, I put down my credit card and realized that I cannot expense this meal. I am no longer on a business trip. Despite the fact that I am in a completely foreign city, it is my home. 

The next week was like a blur. So many new people to meet - all very friendly. Welcome lunches almost every day with various coworkers and consultants. Every meal, without exception, has been amazing. This whole "dim sum" culture is right up my alley. 

Commuting 

For the past two years, my daily commute to work has involved little more than an elevator ride. I had a short walk to the office when I was in Chicago all summer, but it hardly felt like a commute because the weather was so beautiful. My hotel in Hong Kong area may be in a serene setting, but it requires an hour-long commute to the office. Trains in Hong Kong are so efficient...and so full of people. Personal space is a thing of the past.

No personal space in the Hong Kong MTR

New Friends

Just three days after arriving, I went to an alumni event for my business school. It was really nice to meet other graduates but none of them will likely become close friends in the future. 

Obviously there are many other outlets for me to meet people, but this was the first time it really hit me that I will have a long road ahead as I seek to build a new social circle that I really enjoy. 

On Friday night, I bid farewell to my boss and we went out for drinks in the expat neighborhood of Hong Kong. To be honest, I was not at all impressed with the area. It was grungy and it felt like New York.  My long trip back to the hotel gave me a lot of time to reflect on this transition. It will not be easy to build a new life at my age, when most of my peers are already settled down.  

Neighborhood Search

Saturday afternoon, I felt like my time would be better spent discovering potential neighborhoods to live instead of lounging by the hotel pool in the countryside. I took the train to Nam Cheong (one stop beyond my office) and it felt like I was in mainland China. I will certainly not be living here. 

Next, I went to Olympic MTR station and it was much more my style. There was a huge mall connected to the train station, with lots of new high-rise apartment buildings forming a community (of sorts). The night before, my coworker described Olympic as an area with rich families and I could totally see her point. However, the first place I saw (called "The Hermitage") felt like a luxury hotel and I loved it. As I walked through the over-the-top lobby, past the underground taxi stand, club-house, and gorgeous swimming pool, it felt like a nice alternative to the urban, expat neighborhoods on Hong Kong island.  

Next, I ventured over to Wan Chai, which is near the expat area but also with some local charm (according to another coworker). A realtor showed me a unit that was entirely different than the apartment I had just visited. The building was old, the apartment was filled with dated furniture, and it had only one tiny window that overlooks overcrowded streets and other buildings. I definitely cannot see myself living here.

View from an apartment in Wan Chai district

By this point, I was already tired of looking at neighborhoods. I explored the nearby Causeway Bay area without even thinking about whether I can live there. I have plenty of time to find a place. There's no need to stress about it so soon.

Occupy Hong Kong 

History is in the making! I visited Causeway Bay to see what all the hype is about and I was amazed by how peaceful everything was. It looked more like a camping trip than it did a protest. 

The "umbrella movement" in Hong Kong

This is the sleepiest protest I have ever experienced

One of the things I enjoy most about Hong Kong is how law-abiding and respectful everyone acts towards one another. People queue up whenever there is a stop light (even if there is no traffic), they remain completely silent while riding on the train, and everyone I have met is very pleasant to be around. 

Becoming a Hong Konger

I think I will end up enjoying my life in Hong Kong, and there will likely be new discoveries every step of the way. Even something as simple as discovering places to eat lunch is like an adventure. It takes a while to build a list of favorite places, but the selection process is all part of the fun.  

I have a lot of support from my office, I am doing a job that I enjoy, and I am in a region that has always been so exciting to me. In a city as dynamic as Hong Kong, I can only wonder if the "wow factor" I experienced this first week will ever become truly routine.

The next chapter

When I started this blog almost two years ago, I was embarking on an unknown journey. I rarely knew my schedule more than a month in advance, and sometimes, I was reassigned to a new city with only a few days notice. All of my belongings could fit into one (heavy) suitcase and my passport became the most valuable thing I own. Some people thought my lifestyle was glamorous, while others thought it was ridiculous. Looking back, I felt like I was living the dream although I acknowledge that my personal life required a lot of sacrifices. 

This summer, I was asked to come back to North America for a few months. The comforts of a ‘normal’ life started making me wonder why I left in the first place. Being in my home country felt like a vacation. I was able to see friends & family, the office environment was relaxed, and everything about my life was easy. I learned that no matter how long I am living outside the United States, I will always identify as an American.

Back in June, my boss offered me a permanent position in Hong Kong that would be created specifically for me. The job will represent a decentralization of our corporate function and I will be the point of contact for Finance directors needing assistance in the rapidly-growing Asia Pacific region. I was so complimented by the offer that I verbally accepted without even thinking about the personal ramifications. After all, I had lived out of the United States several times before. I knew that this career opportunity would boost my resume, so I was positive that I could make it work.

When the idea of Hong Kong finally set in, I thought back to the only other time I visited the city in 2010. I had just finished a semester in Shanghai and my friend Sean flew out from Texas to celebrate the end of the MBA. After the trip, we both agreed that we would much rather live in Shanghai than in Hong Kong. Now, four years later, I am preparing to live in Hong Kong. Am I crazy?

The position took a while to get through the approval process, so I spent much of the summer wondering whether it would actually become a reality.  I treated each day as a gift because I knew my time in the United States was limited. There were many times that I walked from my hotel to the office in Chicago and thought to myself: "Wow, I'm really going to miss this!" 

The relocation to Hong Kong is also what inspired my "four corners" trip. If I am moving out of the country for a minimum of two years, I want to at least see all corners of it before I am forced to leave. 

My job contract finally arrived on Wednesday, September 17th and my VP said that he would prefer if I could fly out 3 weeks later.  Even though I had been mentally preparing for this move all summer, the quick turnaround felt like I was getting caught up in a tornado. 

People kept asking me: "Are you excited?"

My response was always: "Well, it hasn't actually hit me yet" ...and that was the truth. I was too busy to think about it.

The next two weekends were already booked for my trip around the US, which left me with only one weekend to fly back to Boston and pack (and run a Half Marathon). 

Even as I was packing, it felt like I was just going through the motions. I decided which of my belongings would be set aside for the moving company, but I purposely left many things out of the pile. Hong Kong may be my new home for a couple years, but I can't send everything out there. If I do, it will feel like a permanent move. 

I think the biggest reason why I am not looking forward to this move is because I had such an awesome time in the United States all summer. I got to see my family multiple times. I got to spend time in the office with some fantastic colleagues who have become friends. I saw so many people that I have hardly seen at all over the past two years and I even made some new friends along the way. Life this summer could not have been any better. 

Now, here I am in the airport. I can see the monitor with the flight destination flashing: "Hong Kong."  It finally hit me.
  
In the next few weeks, I will search for a new apartment. I will buy furniture, cooking supplies, laundry detergent (or maybe I will just send all my clothes out to be laundered). I will start establishing a new morning routine. I will join a gym. I will have a commute! I will do my grocery shopping at a yet-to-be discovered store (or group of stores). I will make new friends (hopefully). I will discover some new favorite restaurants. Hong Kong may not be the place I want to live forever, but I will make it my home. 

In my very first blog entry, I talked about how I always embrace change. Well, change is here and it is time for me to run with it. 

Here's to the next chapter!