Foon Ying...Welcome to Hong Kong!

Foon Ying means "welcome" in Cantonese. I have survived my first weekend here in Hong Kong after my last-minute change of plans and unexpected arrival in this fast-paced hi-tech metropolis. I have settled nicely at Uncle Raymond's tiny but tidy condo in Kowloon with Aunt Rita and little cousin YoYo. (She used to be called Apple until she changed her nickname to a finger toy. But then again, she is six and believes in Santa Claus. ) So how have I been doing my first few days here? Well, I have learned how to ride the metro and bus to the city (Hong Kong Island), nevermind I missed my stop on my way home and had to find my way back. I have gotten myself a cell phone and now have a local number where I can be reached. I have improved my Cantonese speaking skills and babysitting skills. I have met up with my friend Thomas who now works in HK at Lehman Brothers and showed me around Lan Gwai Fong where all the Gwai Lohs (foreigners) hang out - it was like being at home. I also met up with two of my friends who happen to be stopping by while on vacation: Marcus from Tokyo and Karen from NYC. I have checked out several schools where they teach Mandarin to non-Chinese speakers. All in all, I had an eventful weekend as I try to adjust to my new life in Hong Kong.
The most convenient part about living in HK is the public transportation. Not only is the metro system (called MTR) super clean and easy to decipher, the double-decker AC buses are very comfortable and even have flat-screen TVs on each level. But the coolest thing I found so far is the Octopus card. It is a debit card that you use to ride the metro and the bus. There is no card swiping or signing your name - all you have to do is press it against their pad until it beeps, then the pad will show you how much has been deducted and what is left on your card. And get this - not only can you use it for public transportation, but all convenient stores like 7-eleven and pharmacies and most fast-food places like McDonalds accept this Octopus card. It is so freakin' convenient and ingenius! Don't you wish we have something remotely similar back home?
I will post pictures as soon as Blogger will allow (experiencing technical difficulties at the moment).