Hong Kong Journal, Day 6:The Birthday

Today was my birthday. It was a BIG ONE, if you know what I mean. But alas, I was alone in Hong Kong with no family to spoil me. But I got so many lovely greetings from friends and family- emails, Facebook messages, an hour long Skype with daughter Amy, and some JibJabs from Bruce, and Jacquie Lawson e-cards from dear friends. I do love technology and the internet... it makes it so easy to stay in touch even though long distances keep us apart!

Chinese New Year is approaching... today many of the Christmas decorations came down all over the area near the office.... and new signs and decorations started going up.



Although it was Saturday in Hong Kong, I worked from 10 am to 4 pm. I am so lucky to work with such wonderful people, a bunch of us gathered in a conference room to take care of our projects and get ready for Model Review next week. This is when we present models of all of our toys (we work 18 months in advance) for our upper management honchos, and iron out all of the 'challenges' we face in getting these toys into production. For much of my first week here, I've been working alone, but yesterday and today many hours were spent working in our teams. It's so nice that we all get along so well.

I was able to escape a bit early today, and when I walked back to the hotel, it was still light. My favorite thing to do is people-watch. I hate looking like a tourist when I travel, but I LOVE to take pictures, so I just grit my teeth and shoot. Walking across the skybridge near my office (I DO seem to find the most interesting things on the sky bridges) I saw this charming older gentleman playing his, er, Chinese instrument. I'll have to do a little research to find out what it is. He had his case open for tips. Since I spent so much time looking obvious while I took photos, I thought it only fair to leave him a few coins. He played beautifully.
Right next to my hotel is a small mall. I had a nice dinner there, and as I was leaving, I passed a little ballet school where a class was just getting out. I grabbed a quick shot of a little girl in her tutu, her daddy helping her with her juice cup.
I'm looking forward to my day off tomorrow. I'm planning on going to church, and spending most of my day exploring, walking, and relaxing. Hasta manana!