Every time I try on a shirt or sweater here, the sizes never seem to be consistent, even within the same store. A small will be just right sometimes, and too small at other times. It’s not like back home, where I don’t even need to try on tops, I always fit into smalls. I can fit into a few mediums here, which makes me feel HUGE.

My English accent seems to be coming through in my Cantonese more and more now. I’m not sure if being surrounded by Cantonese speaking people has simply made me more aware of my accent, or whether my tongue is tired from speaking so much. When I’m rushed to say something, it’ll come out so sloppily that it’s unintelligible. It’s rather frustrating when my Cantonese seems to be getting worse, although the fact that I can recognize my improper pronunciations means that I can at least work on them.

I was watching the news of Saddam’s capture on TV, and there was one scene where US administrator Paul Bremer was giving a press release. As soon as he said the words, “We got him”, most of the first rows of reporters cheered. Some even stood up and raised their hands because they were so happy. I can’t believe that these people have the fucking audacity, the utter stupidity, to show opinion on such a matter. How are people supposed to trust the news they’re given now? How do people know that for every American flag raised on TV, there isn’t one burned as well?

Two attractive women in airline uniforms greeted me as I entered to baggage area of the Hong Kong airport, handing me a guide to Winterfest activities and a booklet of coupons. “Welcome to Hong Kong. Merry Christmas”, they told me, and I was happy.

I’m settled back into my room now, feeling very comfortable and at ease. My trip to Beijing was almost non-stop, going from one place to the next. For some reason I feel at home here, even when the bed isn’t mine, even when my cat isn’t here to sleep with me, even when my friends aren’t here to talk to. I was relieved when the plane touched down, when I could smell the Hong Kong air, when I could see the pervading Christmas lights.

People are trying to convince me to stay here, even though the tech sector is probably in worse shape here than at home. I’ve always considered living in Hong Kong, but have never taken it seriously because of the terribly humid weather that’s around for most of the year. Now I’m turning the idea in my head more and more.

I’ve grown to love this city, the atmosphere, the people, the culture, the spirit, in such a profound way. I think I understand what Dina was telling me about, after her trip and the attachment she developed to such a foreign land. When I first got here, I was wondering weather or not I would find leaving difficult.

Now I’m just hoping my eyes won’t well up when my grandmother sees me off.

I got my visa to China approved, good enough for two visits, and booked a five day trip to Beijing. I’ve never been to the mainland, and I’ve always wanted to see the Great Wall. I’ll also get the chance to visit places such as Tienanmen Square and the Forbidden City. The flight is only a couple hours from here to Beijing, and the temperature there can match the chill of Canadian winters. The weather reports all say that it’s snowed there so it should make for some great scenery. My flight leaves in a few hours, and I should be back sometime on Sunday. I might do a trip to Shanghai later on.