Shining Jew

Check out the following picture, which V took during his lunch break today.

Yes, it's a jewelry store called "Shining Jew."

I'm shocked to learn that there's a Jew living in Hong Kong because along with black people and Hispanics, decent bagels and a slice, Jewish people are few and far between in these here parts. In fact, I'm quite sure there is no Jewish person affiliated with this shop.  Instead, some industrious Hong Konger has decided to play off of the stereotype (which I'm frankly surprised they even know about).

Oh and as with most English signs in HK there are a few grammatical errors.  Like that "Jew" ends in a period.  Maybe it's the abbreviated version of jewelry?? Or that "Kong" isn't capitalized. And I love that they have the "(Hong Kong)" after the title. Lest you forget what city you're in.

Only in Hong Kong, folks...

Happy Merry Happy!

Three days before Christmas and it's 80 and sunny here.  I'm sure many of you are buried under snow and thinking "smug bitch," but I honestly don't like this weather around the holidays.  It's weird (unless you're Aussie).

Today, we decided to have lunch outdoors and I took this shot of V.  Note the large Poinsetta on our table and the Christmas trees lining the sidewalk.  Also note the blazing sunshine.

If you're interested, you can check out our holiday card blog at: www.birardi2011.blogspot.com.

Happy Hannukah (a week late)!
Merry Christmas!
Happy Holidays!
Happy New Year!
[I can't bring myself to say Happy Kwanka as I know no one who celebrates it.]

Foliage Foto

I'm not trying to get all artistic on you, but couldn't pass up photographing a flower that's growing outside our building.  It is the trippiest looking flower I've ever seen in my entire life.

You can't tell from the photo, but it's a soft, cottony type flower.  Almost like dandelions when they've gotten to the stage where you make a wish with them.

OK, back to snarky insightful comments on life here....

Candy Update

Spotted a bag of mixed American candy in the holiday aisle of our local grocery store.  Stuffed between decadent truffles and Belgian chocolate sat the only Reeses products I've seen in Hong Kong!

Needless to say, these found their way into my bag and onto our table.

Things that make me smile, part 2

Passed by two things yesterday that made me laugh:

1. A slight Asian man sporting a lush, burly Magnum PI-esque moustache.

2. A group of raucous teenage boys being boys...in French.  Even 13 year old boys screaming at each other sounds chic in French.

Dinner of Champions

Tonight's trailer-tastic dinner:

Have I just lost my illustrious housewife title???

My Surgical Mask Mea Culpa

I hate being wrong.  And I really really hate having to admit to being wrong.  So you can imagine how happy I am to publicly acknowledge being wrong on my blog.  Especially on the heels of my Baba about-face.

I've never understood why people here wear surgical masks in their everyday life.  Walk a block and you'll pass at least a dozen people wearing masks - with 2/3 of their face completely obscured.  (I'm still not sure I could pick my allergy doctor out of a line-up and I see that man every month!)  Half of them aren't even sick and most reports I've read say these masks don't keep you from getting sick anyway.  When I pass any of these dental hygienist look-alikes, I can't help but snicker and roll my eyes. Give me a freakin break...

With record-breaking pollution levels, a burning throat and aching chest for 5 straight days, I now find myself screaming a loud and proud MEA CULPA at the top of my polluted lungs.  Except, instead of wearing a surgical mask and fitting in, I have to walk around with a bulky scarf wrapped around my head.  Can only imagine all the jihad jokes that are going on behind my back (and rightfully so!)

I feel like this falls somewhere in between a Murphy's Law and Never Say Never lesson.