Culture

Leah requested that I talk more about the culture here, in addition to the "what have we been doing and eating" routine. So, these are all the tidbits I have picked up so far. I won't go into a whole schpeel about Confucianism as I'm not an expert. But it does explain 95% of how mainland Chinese act. Hong Kongers, though seem to mix the old school Confucianist thought with Western money wanting, so that creates a whole new atmosphere. Anyways, to the tidbits.

Tidbit 1. Hot water. Remember how I complained about how difficult it was to get ice water in this town? Well, back when the water supply wasn't clean, everyone would boil the water. So, the restaurants would always serve hot water to show the customers "yes, we did boil the water, it is safe to drink, we are a quality establishment" and they've served it hot ever since. Similar idea to the chicken head thing. They are proving their quality to the customers. Needless today, Drew and I have been drinking tap water since we got here and have had no problems whatsoever. But, we probably won't do that anywhere else outside of Hong Kong.

Tidbit 2. People use their umbrellas. Seems silly, but I remember a Portland native once brag about how everyone uses rain jackets, probably with hipster designs sketched on them. Here EVERYONE uses umbrellas. Of all shapes, sizes, and colors. Some even match their outfits. And they'll even use them when it's not raining, sun protection I suppose. They always carry them in their bags, to have ready at a moments notice. So far, we've had to do the same because it rains here at least 4 times a week. Its actually raining right at this very moment. Luckily, Brian and Karen bought us snazzy umbrellas for my birthday. Have to admit, my first instinct upon opening that present wasn't pure joy and excitement. But, upon coming here, it's been the most needed present I've gotten in a long time. It also had padded tips so you can't poke someone mistakenly in the eye. Again, seems silly, but when you imagine 7 million people walking the streets all using umbrellas, it can get a bit tight, and umbrella jostling is necessary. I sometimes have to hold mine at arms length above my head, just to keep from bumping into others. They should make a show about it...Umbrella Wars...

Tidbit 3. Drinking milk tea. I've talked about this before, but it deserves its own tidbit. Most of Asia drinks herbal tea, like jasmine tea. In Hong Kong, a British influence can be seen in that they drink milk tea. It's a black, strong tea that you add milk to. Makes almost taste chai-ish, but not as spicy or sweet, depending on your chai type preference. It is very nice to sip on a rainy spring day, and most of the time it's included in your meal. Some places ask if you want lemon instead of milk, but I've never actually seen anyone drink it that way.

Tidbit 4. Visual wealth. Hong Kongers are very materialistic, which I have also discussed before. But it manifests itself in interesting ways. One way is fancy cars. People never socialize in personal homes, so if you have a nice place, no one sees it. Not a good way to display your wealth. But, everyone will see your car. I've never seen so many nice cars in one place. In addition to them being nice, one job of the maids is to wash your car, EVERY morning. When I talk trig for his morning walk and pass by all the gated super nice mansions, the outdoor guards or whatever they are called are always washing the cars. Can cars really get that dirty after one day?

Tidbit 5. Western vs. Eastern medicine. Hong Kongers use a mix of eastern and western medicine. You see doctors offices everywhere, but there are also these shops on the streets that sell tonics. Like deep gallon jars of you don't know what's in there, it kind of looks like sea mud and tastes like it to, tonic. I think I'll pass, thanks.

Back to the here's what we're doing routine. Yesterday, I tried to work really for the first time. This is going to be a testament to personal motivation if I can get going. We also managed to drive our rental car home from Drew's work. I only screamed a few times, mostly in the parking garage because the spiral to get out was impossibly narrow. We will mostly be using the car to drive trig to the south side of the island, so not too much city driving. This morning we are, surprise surprise, watching the game!