Getting our Bearings

While most of our time these days has been spent getting our life in order, we have also been able to do a bit of exploring of our fascinating new home. Last Sunday, we truly gained some perspective when new friend and congregant Fiona took us up for a walk around Victoria Peak. The views were a stunning reminder that pulsing urban streetscapes are only part of life on this island. (See below from more photos). The walk was a bit shvitzy, but certainly worth it. The peak is still Hong Kong, so our little hike ended at a cafe overlooking Lama Island. Sitting outside in the relatively cool air, you would never know that nearly 7 million people were a short tram or taxi ride away.

For the 1% of the miniscule readership of this blog who are bird nerds, I also have to report that I got a life bird from the tram on the way up to the Peak-- the oriental magpie robin.

As I am writing this, typhoon Nuri is heading for Hong Kong. I thought I had left menacing storms with names behind, but apparently not. UJC office wonder woman, Nancy assures me that there is no need to buy massive quantities of batteries and bottled water. Even if signal 8 is raised (HK lingo for a storm serious enough to close schools and public transportation) the local Wellcome will still be open. As Hong Kong utilities are underground, typhoons don’t knock out the power.

I close this ramble with thanks to Nancy and Charlene from the UJC office who have been answering many stupid questions about the practicalities of life in Hong Kong. They have removed many obstacles for us with grace and good will and we are deeply grateful.

Victoria Harbor from the Peak

Lantau Island from the Peak. The white structure in the distance is Space Mountain at Hong Kong Disneyland.