Hong Kong Gun Control

When I first told my friends and family I was moving to Hong Kong, I'm sure they were concerned for my safety, after all I was moving to a region of China.  However, as I sit in my living room and watch the news programs from around the world, I can't help but see America differently.  It is one senseless killing after another.

I feel safer walking down a dark street in Hong Kong, or even China, than I ever did in America.  While standing in line at 7-11, I do not fear that someone may walk in with a gun and start shooting.  Gun ownership in Hong Kong is heavily regulated by law.  Generally, private citizens are not allowed to possess guns.  Guns are used by law enforcement, the military and private security firms.  Unrestricted firearms and ammunition requires a license and those in possession without a license could be imprisoned for up to 14 years.  So, for Hong Kong, gun control works. 

But that doesn't mean gun control can work everywhere.  Every country is different.  America is the largest manufacturing country of firearms in the world.  There are over 5,000 gun shows nationwide annually.  Of those registered, there are 88 firearms for every 100 people (remember... "of those registered").  The US has the largest gun ownership rate in the world.  In fact, it's nearly 40% higher than Yemen, the country with the second highest gun ownership rate (58 firearms per every 100 people).  Those facts are hard to control, perhaps even impossibe.

I have many friends back home that own guns.  Of them, most own more than one.  They own their guns for the sport of hunting.  Even though I do not believe anything should be shot to death for the fun of sport, that is not why I am against guns.  I am against guns because they also kill people.  I feel we can't have the good (hunting animals, if you're into that...) without the bad (hunting people), when it comes to guns.  You could argue that golf clubs have been used to kill and no one seems to be regulating those.  Golf clubs may kill, but they are not manufactured to kill.  Guns are manufactured, retailed and purchased to kill.  People that own guns kill or have the intent to kill ... something.

Personally, I do not want any part of maintaining my rights for ownership of something that does such harm to life.  The laws that protect the rights of owning guns also allow killers access to guns.  In most cases, killers in America obtained their weapons legally.  I am in no way wanting to start a debate on gun control, I just want to shed some light on a different point of view.  America learned after 9/11 that they could not stop terrorist, but they did stop planes from being hijacked by terrorist by hiring more Air Marshall's, installed better metal detectors and increased security screenings at airports.  The focus was shifted from controlling terrorists TO making air travel safe.  So, why can't we stop trying to control gun ownership and start to make schools safe?

Sandy Hooks Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut- 27 killed
Century Movie Theater in Aurora, Colorado- 12 killed
Sikh Temple in Milwaukee, Wisconsin- 7 killed
Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado- 13 killed
Virginia Tech University- 32 killed
Luby's Cafeteria in Killeen Texas- 23 killed
Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas- 13 killed

Every one of the above massacres took place in a gun free zone, protected by law and enforced by a sign posted in the window near an entrance.

If America can have Air Marshall's on flights, metal detectors and security screenings at airports, why can't children be protected by the same means?  It can't be because of money (look at the money spent on the war, money that doesn't exist), so what is the reason?  Why must teachers be on constant alert as to where the nearest storage room is located and if it's unlocked for access, if the classroom windows open or if the classroom door can be locked in the event of hearing gunshots or their principal announcing on the PA to take cover?  Why do teachers have to worry about these things every minute of every class period?

My heart goes out to every family that lost a loved one at Sandy Hook Elementary School last Friday, just 11 days before Christmas.  Please remember the victims, not the shooter.

Charlotte Bacon, 6

Daniel Barden, 7

Rachel Davino, 29

Olivia Engel, 6

Josephine Gay, 7

Ana Marquez-Greene, 6

Dylan Hockey, 6

Dawn Hocksprung, 47

Madeline Hsu, 6

Catherine Hubbard, 6

Chase Kowalski, 7

Jesse Lewis, 6

James Mattioli, 6

Grace McDonnell, 7

Anne Marie Murphy, 52

Emilie Parker, 6

Jack Pinto, 6

Noah Pozner, 6

Caroline Previdi, 6

Jessica Rekos, 6

Avielle Richman, 6

Lauren Russeau, 30

Mary Sherlach, 56

Victoria Soto, 27

Benjamin Wheeler, 6

Allison Wyatt, 6

MOVIN ON UP... to the Mid-Levels!

Well we're movin on up, To the east side.     (west side actually)

To a deluxe apartment in the sky.     (33rd floor!)

We finally got a piece of the pie.     (more like cake... moon cake!)

Fish don't fry in the kitchen;     (only steamed...haha!)

Beans don't burn on the grill.     (no more grill)

Took a whole lotta trying'     (and crying...)

Just to get up that hill.      (thank God for that Escalator!)

Now we're up in the big leagues     (Mid-Levels, that is)

Gettin' our turn to bat.     (with room to swing a bat!)

As long as we live, it's you and me baby

There ain't nothing wrong with that.

We're movin on up.

To the east side.

To a deluxe apartment in the sky.

MOVIN ON UP!!!!!!

After months of spending weekends with my realtors in search of the perfect flat, I finally found it!  Actually, I found it last April, but I couldn’t move in April.  My realtors consisted of Miki and her protégée Dillon.  Dillon was by my side for all showings because Miki didn’t speak English.  She was super knowledgeable of Hong Kong real estate and Dillon was super at speaking English!  It worked out perfect. 

At the beginning (last March) Dillon was pretty much the only person in Hong Kong that I got to speak too.  In fact, as a result of this past year, you could say Dillon has become a friend.  They say no one knows you better than your hairdresser, but I think the same is true for your realtor.  Dillon learned real quick what I didn’t like!  As for what I liked, well... that took a little longer.   In the states your realtor drives you from place to place.  Well, in HK you walk!  Mainly, because you’re not covering a lot of ground.  The first day we looked at over 20 flats and took a taxi to only one of them.  All the others were within a few blocks of each other.  You can spend hours in one building.  You may hate flat 29/D, but go up one floor and absolutely love flat 30/D!  In most buildings, every unit is completely unique and individually designed.   I loved seeing different takes on the same floor plan.  For those that know me, you know how much I enjoyed this.    It was like watching HGTV’s International House Hunters LIVE!  It was awesome and extremely educational. 

There were flats Dillon would open the door to and I would immediately say, "okay… next?".  He would say, "we came all this way, don’t you at least want to enter and look around?".  I would end up saying some smart-ass comment like, "not unless this flat enters into the coat closet", or “do you see that tile???”, or his personal favorite- “TOO white”.  I don’t know why, but for some reason landlords think white walls and white marble floors are pretty.  Well, it aint!  On the flip side, there were several that had views that took your breath away and some of the clubhouses rivaled with 5-Star hotels.  One thing for sure, Hong Kong has some pretty amazing homes... and everyone of them comes with a pretty amazing price tag too!  

Closing and who pays what is very different than in the states.  The leaser or buyer pays for stamp duty (a pre-calculated tax rate paid to the Inland Revenue Department (HK’s IRS)), all Legal fees, and half the Agent’s commission (non-negotiable 1%) .  The seller or landlord pays the other half of the Agent’s commission.  

My new flat iss around 1,500 sq. ft., 3 bedrooms, two full bathrooms (master has separate soaking tube and shower) plus maid’s quarters with bathroom off the kitchen.   I looked for almost one full year and I never came across the two things this flat has… a walk-in closet and CENTRAL AIR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  You have no idea how happy that makes me!  Not to mention a full size refrigerator (BTW- If your child’s Barbie and Ken Mansion is missing it’s refrigerator, it’s in my old flat... you can take my word on that).  It doesn't have a balcony, which is fine by me.  After having a balcony this past year, I learned it's just a money pit.  I couldn't have a balcony without plants and I couldn't keep plants alive in this heat.  

Here are a few pictures of my new home.  Still need to install new lights, blinds and drapes, but here it is today...

I'll start with the greatest room in the flat... the Master Bedroom!
I have room for real night stands again!

Followed by the second greatest room... the walk-in closet!

Living Room 

Hall-way to the Study, Guest Room and Bath.  Oh, that door at the end of the hall-way is ...
 a CLOSET!!  (sooo not normal here)

Dining Room

Guest Room

The view from the Kitchen sink.

But the best view in the whole flat is from the Maids Room
 (AKA- Grayson and Lily's Room)

33 floors up!  MOVIN ON UP!

I just signed the documents, got the keys and now having a coffee at my new little cafe just around the corner from my new flat.   Charming, right?  Where have I been??? LOL!

I love the Mid-Levels!!!  

Bangkok... according to Ken

I just returned from Bangkok for a friend's birthday weekend celebration!  I've been several times this year and I must say, this was the best trip to date!

On my first trip to Bangkok, people said I'd either love it or hate it.  Upon arrival, I must say I didn't really know what to think, it's unlike any place I've ever been.  Bangkok is an easy 2.5 hour flight from Hong Kong.  It's relatively inexpensive (or can be) and home of some amazing hotels.  To be honest, I made a few trips before actually exploring the city's sights.  I would arrive, grab a taxi to the hotel, unpack and hit the pool- normally not leaving the property except for a daily massage (maybe two) at one of the many inexpensive massage places nearby.  So my initial impression was solely formed by my interaction with the local people.  Thai people are the sweetest people I have ever met.  I mentioned The Law of Motion in another post, well, the people of Thailand are what brought that awareness to my forefront this year.  Their cups are overfilled with joy, peace and are also extremely spiritual (that little Buddha alter outside my flat are everywhere).  A tour guide once shared a few of their beliefs, and although many of them are not mine, I completely respect and admire their devotion to a higher power, which is something I do believe.  Bottom line, they live knowing they are held accountable for their actions and are not alone in this world.  You can't argue with that.

Bangkok is the largest and capital city of Thailand, with a population of over 14 million people.  The historic Grand Palace and Buddhist temples stand in harsh contrast with other tourist attractions such as the CRAZY night life scenes.  Bangkok is among the world's top tourist destinations.  It is ranked third after London and Paris and has proudly held the title of "World's Best City" for three years running.  Due to Bangkok's rapid population growth the infrastructure is not up to par, resulting in the worst traffic I have ever experienced.  The last few trips we've stayed in the heart of the city which allows for walking or the use of a Tuk Tuk, a motorized tricycle taxi. 

Taxis in Bangkok have a bad reputation for refusing passengers if the destination is not convenient for the driver.  Taxis are also notorious for wanting to negotiate a fare, rather than use the meter.  Word to the wise, taxis are either privately owed or owed by a large company.  Ownership is indicated by the color of the taxi.  Pay attention to the colors and If you have a bad experience in a pink taxi, try to avoid pink taxis for the rest of your stay as the company's standards will most likely be consistent with all pink drivers.  My second word to the wise is this... if a metered rate to your destination is normally $50, and you are forced to pay a non-metered rate of $200, that is still only $6 US dollars!  So, GET OVER IT!!  Enjoy your trip and pay what they ask for.  

With each trip, I find myself understanding the city better and wanting to plan my next visit as soon as I get home.   Although I have been several times, there is still so much to see and do.  I still haven't been inside any temples... next trip...  next post!  

The Hotels...

This is the lobby of the Mandarin Oriental (where we normally stay).  The lobby flowers are always a treat for the eyes... I know I'm in Bangkok when I walk into this lobby!

Breakfast on the Chao Phraya River.

This shuttle takes you across the river to the hotel's spa... 

needless to say, I love this little boat.

This is the courtyard at the Sukhothai Hotel.  I've stayed here once, it was nice but the property is large and requires a lot of walking... I don't need to walk on vacation!

This is the hotel I stayed this past weekend... The Metropolitan.  It's hard to compare any of these great hotels because they're all so different, but The Met might be my favorite.  It's small, modern, incredibly detailed yet simple and close enough to walk to restaurants and shops.

Breakfast dining room at the Metropolitan...

For some reason it reminded me of Dallas' NorthPark Center, 
which made me feel at home.

Jim Thompson House...

Thompson was unlike any other figure in Southeast Asia.  He was an American, Princeton graduate, a NYC socialite, an ex-architect, a retired army officer, a CIA spy, a silk merchant and a renewed collector of antiques.  He was born 1906 but went missing the Easter weekend of 1967.   Many people believe he returned as a CIA Spy or simply wanted to become missing on purpose.  

Most of his treasures, if not all, were amassed after he arrived in Thailand in 1942.  While organizing the Office of Strategic Services, following the end of World War II, he became aware of Thai silk craft and single handedly built the Thai Silk trade as we know of it today (current Queen Sirikit, also played a major role in promoting Thai silk by having 100% of her wardrobe made of Thai Silk).  He focused all silk development to be produced by women working out of their homes, allowing them to maintain their vital role as homemaker and mother, but also be the main source of income for the family.  Even today's young generation regard Thompson with complete sincere admiration and appreciation for all he did for the Thai people.  

It was also Jim Thompson's silks that were used for all customs of the Oscar winning movie, The King and I, which was written by Thompson's business partner's wife.  I LOVE THIS HOUSE.  I have about 863 pictures like these on my computer.  And I'm ready to move in… just close the windows and turn on the air conditioning.

This is the entrance to the Jim Thompson Estate.
The house represents true Thai architecture.

I pulled the top right image from the internet.   He wasn't there… 

King Bhumibol Adelyadej...

King Bhumibol Adelyadej and his wife, Queen Rajawongse Sirikit (referred to by the locals as "Mom"), are the longest-reigning monarch in Thai history.  Bhumibol was attending university in Switzerland when his brother, the King of Thailand, was killed by a gunshot wound in 1946.  Bhumibol wanted to remain in Switzerland to complete his degree before returning as King, so he appointed his uncle, Prince Regent, to stand in his absents.  While attending University, Bhumibol made frequent visits to Paris where he met his future wife, Sirikit, the daughter of the Thai ambassador of France.  While in study, Bhumibol had a near fatal car accident, causing the lose of sight in one eye.  While recovering in the hospital, Sirikit would visit and care for him.  She got to know his mother and was even asked to change to a local university near the hospital so she could continue looking after  Bhumibol.  Just a few weeks before Bhumibol return to Thailand to be appointed King, he and Sirikit were married.  The Thai people love their King and Queen.  The Thai people take pride in posting images of the King and Queen all over the city.  I came across these pictures of years past.  Quite the history.

While on my FAST boat through Thailand!, we passed the hospital where the King has lived for the past three years due to his illness.  He has the entire top floor of the hospital.  Although it may not be noticeable (because of the splashing water marks on this image), out of respect all boats slow down and avoid using horns as the pass the King's hospital.

I missed out of being in the same country as my newly re-elected President Obama, as he had visited the King a few weeks prior to my trip.  It would've been interesting to have been in the same city as the President of the United States... but in Bangkok, Thailand! 



 The Chatuchak Market...

This is the Chatuchak Market.
(It was "okaaay" until I discovered the UPS stall... then it quickly became Ken's haven!)

Here's more of the 35 acres that make up the Chatuchak Market.

Food stalls at the market... not for me, but fun to observe! 
(notice that pile of pork setting out in the sun ALL DAY LONG!)

Chau Phraya River...

On one of my trips, I met a couple from the states.  One of them was a landscape architect and he was telling us about their boat ride down the Chau Phraya River.  He said they could see in the backyards of all these amazing homes.  I remember thinking that must be beautiful (especially hearing how much this landscaped architect enjoyed the sights...).  So on this trip we hired a boat for the afternoon.  It was not exactly what I expected, but none the less a great afternoon... at least until a huge nasty wave completely covered me!!

Our banana boat (top image) went two speeds, FAST and STOP!  At one STOP, these ladies  paddled up to our boat to sell little souvenirs.  I didn't need any souvenirs (because I had a lovely scent of stink on my clothes and hair that was going to help me remember this excursion all day), but I did need to experience these ladies spirits.  Here they were, on this river all day and yet were laughing, smiling and having the time of their life.  They not only impacted that day, I think of them often as I go about my days in Hong Kong.

I hope you can see her smile!

Before the nasty wave...   
(I can tell because my shirt and hair are still dry.) 

This video will help explain how FAST we were going!

Views from the River

Sky Bar...

Top of the world!  The Sky Bar at Sirocco Hotel is the  
world's tallest outdoor rooftop bar.  
(You may remember seeing this bar in the movie Hangover II.)

As with anything, friends make everything better.  This last trip was probably my favorite because we got to hang out by the pool and walk to dinner and shops... it was a perfect weekend.  Can't wait to take my friends from the states!!

  

Hong Kong State of Mind...

I just came across this video and HAD to share with you.  

The boxes have entered the building!

Last night while watching TV, Lily started barking and running to the door.  We got up and guess what??  A man was in the hallway delivering our moving boxes!  I wanted to hug the man, but I was afraid he wouldn't come back to move the boxes once packed.  I have been waiting for this day for so long and finally it was here, I COULD START PACKING!!  The nice man even assembled one of the boxes so we would know how to build and pack appropriately.  He didn't know this would be my 22nd time to move.  I am no stranger to packing!  All I asked was how do I get more bubble wrap?

By the end of the night I had half the kitchen packed!  

8 DAYS AND COUNTING!!!!

A Challenge...

One of the many great things living in Hong Kong has done for me, and there are several, is it has taught me to live past my normal limits.  Having just experienced my first year in Hong Kong, I've been discovering (addicted is more like it) other expats blogs.  Reading their daily experiences has helped me see that I am normal (no comment!), and that moving anywhere takes getting used to.  I love living in Hong Kong and feel so grateful for these experiences.  I have always taken pride in being pretty optimistic and open minded, but at times I just want things to be easy again.

Below is a post from one of the blogs I have been reading.  It explains how I feel some days.

Breakfast for Dinner

As I was walking to the grocery store tonight, I was thinking just how much my life has changed in the past four months. Things are different. Little things...like: driving, grocery shopping, quiet streets, neighborhood get-togethers, walks with the dog. Most of these things I mentioned are ones I miss. I miss driving more than I thought. Getting in the car, putting on a good CD or listening to the morning shows. I haven't listened to a radio station since August, and Pandora doesn't exist in Hong Kong. I miss quiet walks with Dudley around the neighborhood. I miss picking up the phone whenever I want to talk to my friends.  I miss that. I miss Chick-Fil-A. Alot.

I love our life over here, and this isn't a pity party. I thought about the things I miss when going to the grocery store tonight...

This evening, I went to 2 grocery stores looking for chicken sausage (which I know they have). There was no chicken sausage. In either store. I refuse to buy the meat in the Welcome or Park-N-Shop because it scares me. SO, tonight we're having breakfast for dinner because I didn't feel like walking 30 minutes to the big grocery store. Eggo waffles and eggs it is.

As you drive to the Teeter today, and see a dozen varieties of chicken sausages...think of me. :) 

So, I have a challenge for you...

Do something today that makes you feel uncomfortable.  Take a bus ride, walk down a street on the other side of the tracks.  Walk to lunch tomorrow from your office, don't drive.  Go inside a place you'd never normally step foot into.  Listen to a foreign radio or TV station for a full day, have that be the background to your day.  Whatever it is for you, I challenge you to get out of your comfort zone for a day.  Let me know what you did.

You may learn something about yourself you knew nothing about.