Hong Kong Quirks

I survived the typhoon as you might have imagined. In the end, it was a lot of rain and some crazy wind, but it was over in the morning and I was in the office by 11. The policy at work is that if the number 8 typhoon lasts past noon, then you don't have to go into work. But, alas, the storm passed and work resumed.
Because I am here "on business," I have not been able to do much exploring. I look forward to the weekend as the opportunity to see more, but in the interim I have still been able to enjoy some of the quirks of Hong Kong...

Toothpicks -
In my naievety, I has always assumed that toothpicks were a uniquely American phenomenon. They have always brought to mind a John Waynesque cowboy image. It turns out in Hong Kong, they are much more fond of toothpicks than I have ever know Americans to be. There are toothpicks on the tables at restaurants, and even toothpicks in the disposable utensils packet from a fast food place.









Lucky Numbers -

Chinese people are so concerned with lucky numbers (8 being the luckiest), that they will pay extra for a cell phone number with the right combination of lucky digits. The more 8's the better. Cell phone stores often post the numbers that they have available as a way to draw in customers. This is a store next to my apartment. I must say they have an excellent selection of cell phone numbers. I highly recommend it.






Urban Football -

Even in the concrete jungle, people can produce a proper pitch. This field is right in the middle of the busy city. It is busy every night with games being played long after I have gone to bed.