Dalama Adventures Tale of two corporate types ditching their jobs and traveling the world for 14 months... check out all photos, blogs & interesting tid bits at http://www.dalama.net

It's been over 10 years since I spent really good time on the ground as an expat in Hong Kong, and only a couple of years since my last quick business trip back.  Stepping off the airport tram, our pace was shocked into fast forward, as hundreds of commuters shuffled up the escalators and stairs around us.  Darrin and I glanced at each other with the same look, "we're back in the rat race."  We're back into the developed world, and more of a shock to our system, having spent the past two months in India and Nepal, adapting to emerging world infrastructure, pace and culture.  I didn't remember Hong Kong being so clean and organized, but boy is it amazingly so!  From the shiny airport, quickly moving immigration and customs processes, clearly labeled signs in proper English, well labeled routes and directions... we easily made our way to the public busses, determined to master the public transport system our first day.  And it was no challenge at all- the routes and timetables clearly laid out, helpful ticket salespeople, it was more than easy to get ourselves into downtown Hong Kong Island.  Of course, our bus driver didn't speak English, and when asking where our stop was, he told us to get off.... and we were short several kilometers of our real stop.  But being the resilient backpackers we're attempting to be, we loaded up our packs (cursing to ditch 1/2 our stuff shortly) and set off on foot.  The streets are so clean- we looked around, expecting to dodge trash, excrement and spit wads, but to our pleasure, there was none to be found.  I think the SARS incident has developed anti-spitting behaviors now in the locals here.  We rocked up to our Holiday Inn Express that was more like a 5 star hotel... in the States, Holiday Inn Hotels are pretty dated, and dodgy.  This one was sparkling fresh, with fluffy duvets and pillows... I think this is the best place we've stayed.  It also has free lan connection for internet in the rooms, which is great to be online with family for skype calls.  All in all, we're exhausted from the long trip and our Delhi Bellies, but happily rewarded with comforts that remind us a bit of our comfy bed at home.  

I meet up with my old ex-NCR girlfriends... it's always a fun reunion when I make it to Hong Kong.  It's a fun eating experience with them and their kids that are growing up quickly.  Tonight was no different - a great local fare at the exclusive Cricket Club that one friend has membership to.  I always let them order, as I can't read any of the menu which is in Mandarin.  We eat on one of the circular (lazy-susan) type table tops, with lots of plates and bowls containing typical Hong Kong delicacies.  One of my favorites is the dessert ending - little bowls of warm red-bean soup.  The tea is flowing, along with great conversation, and we quickly recount the past two years since we've seen each other last.