HK: Nanny Diaries

Philipino nannies/maids are as commonplace in Hong Kong as rodents in NYC subway. Just about every household has one. Gung Yuns, as they are called, not only take care of the children, but also go grocery shopping, cook and clean and do just about everything you'd expect an indentured servant to do. Some even service the male head of the household, if you know what I mean. Uncle Raymond recently fired their gung yun because she has gambled away all her savings and reluctantly turned to unscrupulous loan sharks for "help." It wasn't until said loan sharks called my uncle's house that they realized she had a gambling problem and let her go immediately. Lucky for me, she left just in time before I arrived or else I would have been homeless.

YoYo, my precocious six-year-old cousin, has really taken a liking to yours truly. From the moment I arrived, she has attached herself to me and turned into a Mini-Me, imitating everything from the way I do my hair to the black hairband I wear on my wrist to the way I hold my rice bowl. She reminds me a lot of myself when I was that age - a real smart ass who likes to boss people around and show off! She likes to prance around and talk your ear off, hates doing homework, lifts up her shirt to scratch her chest, sings to you when you're trying to watch TV, and dances around in her underwear. When she's being a brat and talks back to her elders, you want to reprimand and even strangle her. But then you take one look at those big brown eyes and that cute cheesy smile with a front tooth missing, you can't help but melt. Yes I'm a sucker for cute little girls.

I help her with her homework (well English and Math) while she teaches me how to read first grade level Chinese. I wash her hair, play cards with her, and keep her company while her parents attempt to relax after a long day at work. I do her hair and help her pick out clothes. I drop her off at dance lessons and watch her at swimming practice. I spoil her with presents and promise to take her to Disneyland if she gets an A on her next test. I have become her new nanny, her role model she looks up to and bosses around at the same time. And you know what the kicker is? A few days ago she introduced me to her neighbors as her new gung yun! And then giggled and said, "Just kidding! She's my cousin from America." That little @#$$%@#$^!!

Pictures: My new home and my little YoYo.