My apologies for not finishing the catch up, though I'm pretty close.
I think the other thing about playing catch up, is that what I write about two days ago is in retrospect (Es, lay down and sleep darl'), so reflects what I'm getting used to. Plus it also reflects the mood I'm currently in (and let's be honest, what mood Jovia is in, since that has a significant bearing on my mood), not what I felt at the time.
But I'll try to spare as much of the introspection as is possible - sorry, I live in this brain, I apologise in advance.
I said to Jovia at Disneyland/Hollywood Hotel (yes, Steven, it is tacky and somewhat overpriced, but not as bad as Seaworld - and you need to experience what has been a pop-culture phenomenon, at least once - plus it was really beautiful, in its own pop-cultural way) - that being in Disneyland and the Hotel was easing us into Hong Kong, but that getting out of it and into Hong Kong proper would be a culture shock.
Prediction 2 correct - check!
We are staying in a suburb called Sham Shui Po - it is in an area called New Kowloon, which is technically part of the New Territories (which the British leased from the Chinese in 1898, rather than won in a peace treaty from the opium wars), but tends to have a Kowloon feel about it.
To be brutally honest, it is probably one of the poorest built up areas in Hong Kong. We arrived at our hotel room, feeling like we had been hit in the face. The room we are staying in is clean, but basic - much like comparing Bayview Terrace with our current house (though I have to say that at least this place doesn't have chipped paint in every room). Having said that, we are paying $2400 Oz for a 3 bedroom suite, with a decent size fridge, hot water and air-con in every room. Plus it is on the 25th floor, and so enjoys a 270 degree view, dependant on room.
Jovia was a little overwhelmed, as was I to a lesser extent - I think I was upset, because I take a personal responsibility for the happiness of my family. But we've settled in nicely. btw - the Taxi (all Toyota Crown Comforts - they look like they were styled in the early 90's but I think that is the more conservative Asian countries' styling - as they are nice and new inside) cost us around $38 from Disneyland to here, over several suspension bridges (fascinating engineering feat) and a toll booth.
The hotel staff (who all speak English, unlike a lot of local people here), gave us a photocopied map with a lot of locations here (you know, shopping centres, restaurants, dim sum, post office, etc) written on it in English. As this is just one street beyond all the maps we have, it is brilliant. The fact that it has given us a very good overview of the area was incredible. I should frame it - yes it is really that good.
We basically ducked out to the Dragon Centre shopping mall (more on that for Sunday's post), to go to the Wellcome supermarket (sic). We picked up some cereral, milk (Pauls UHT made in Oz - at $3 AU a litre, a little expensive), beer (Tsintao Draft - $1.20 AU per bottle for 2x 640ml bottles - yes beer (and coke) is cheaper than milk), noodles, air freshener (this room was stuffy smelling, not yukky smelling), dishwashing detergent, etc etc etc.
We came back shattered. Why? Plane trip with 3 kids for 9 hours, plus two days at Disneyland in high humidity, walking constantly (and Mickey's amorous overtures to my hip-pocket (or hip?)) and then whack!!! culture shock.
Plus Mine and Jovia's personality quirks re change - I like experiencing new things, but don't deal with lack of routine very well, Jovia likes her change in increments, but doesn't mind lack of routine - in that instance, we aren't a good fit, as we do exacerbate each others' respective quirks.
Each kid adds triple the stress per kid, compounding. Mum will explain it the best (hi Ma, miss you, love you - hope you are reading!) - goodness knows how the hell she managed anything with one of her and counteracting such a negative influence still floors me.
We went to bed, with the decision that Sunday would be a relatively cruisy day. Just to recover.
Shattered is an understatment. Seriously.
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