All too soon, I am already in Hong Kong.

The last week in Malaysia seemed a blur of farewells, hugs, things to buy, things to pack and various things to do. Things were so rushed, since I only found out the week before that I only had one week to go before going off to Hong Kong.

Some things were easy, booking the hotel and flight for example, (even though I could only collect the ticket on Friday) and packing of course. Most of my stuff were packed by the packers leaving me only with the immediate clothing needed. Of course after a while I even had loads more stuff to bring and did not realise that I had forgotten them earlier. Perhaps next time. Even with so much planning there were loads of things I did not have time to do or people that I did not meet.

A lot of people had to be satisfied with SMSes, and facebook messages and emails as I could not personally meet with everyone in the short time frame. As it is, I know I mixed up a few groups of farewells. Also things that I did not manage to get done include going to the dentist, collecting my new glasses and contact lenses, getting another suit made, buying some simple furnishings and fabrics for curtains, the list can go on and on.

What was most sad of course was leaving the family. It felt a bit like leaving Melbourne almost 2.5 years before that. Because you know that it will be a long term thing and it is not longer just for a month or two. While we all know that I will probably make trips back, who can say that those trips will not be quick, and rushed and hardly enough time to do everything that I needed to do ?

Getting here has been a university time dream. Now that I am here, I will have to make the best of everything. Today I spent some hours at the Immigration Department sorting out my visa, then learning to take the bus to my new apartment and also the subway. Also timed myself walking to office from home and of course measured out my entire apartment. As of now, I am already planning the layout, and of course the apartment is smaller than I imagined. It will be more than a month before it will finally feel like home, but then of course, this is the challenge. And of course, it will never be exactly like home can it ? Thank goodness for the friends here though. They have been invaluable in information, comfort and companionship.

More adventures later. Later this week I have a department dinner, handing over of the apartment keys, buying of furniture, a mahjong session, applying for credit cards, applying for my HK ID card, getting my accounts settled, decorating, laying in food supplies, unpacking my boxes, finding a good laundry, some quick food pickups, the list goes on and on.

Come and visit some time.

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