Hello from Hong Kong!

Hello again, dear readers. I'm sorry to be so late in giving an update on my life in Hong Kong, but it's been a very busy first month with teacher training and flat hunting, as well as a little sightseeing. I've officially been here a month as of yesterday, but it feels like ages since I left the US.

I am settled down now in a tiny apartment in North Point, which is on Hong Kong Island. With one other girl, I am sharing about 300 square feet of space with only a mini-fridge and one gas burner -- our rent is $7,200 per month, which is about US $930, but for the location that's pretty reasonable. We've finally acquired an Internet connection, and the four free TV channels include two with many English programs including "30 Rock," "Desperate Housewives" and "Medium."

Last week, I officially started school at St. Paul's Coeducational College Primary School, where I am teaching grades P5 and P6. Right now, I am mostly co-teaching with local English-speaking teachers, but I will gradually be more involved in the classroom. My students are about 10-11 years old, and most have quite a grasp on the English language already -- one especially bright boy used the word "paradoxical" a few days ago.

According to my Hong Kong guidebook, I have completed only three of the top 10 tourist activities in the city. I've ridden the famous Star Ferry from Kowloon to HK Island; I have ridden the tram to the top of the Island's peak; and I have seen the giant buddha statue on Lantau Island. Of course, I've also done some things not in the book, like shopping at a street market just around the corner. But, there is much more to be done, and I look forward to sharing my future experiences with you all. Thanks for reading!