Husband – read no further…
I am lodging my first complaint aginst Hong Kong… well, against Hong Kong living. Hong Kong, baby, I still love you.
Our new flat is gorgeous, including the kitchen which is very stylishly outfitted with granite (contrasting colors on the counter tops and floors), stainless steel, a “built-in” style fridge in the same beautiful woodgrain as the cabinets, and stunning smokey glass cabinet doors with interior lighting that accent the design in just the right places. For a small kitchen, it is spectacular.
When we first moved in, I realized (1) there is no oven. Weird, but no big deal, I thought. I can just get a large convection toaster oven instead, which is probably more practical anyway, right. Yeah. Try finding one. (2) Then I noticed there is no garbage disposal. Hmmm. I will just get one of those little screen catchers and make sure to rinse it immediately. (This is much grosser and drippier than I imagined.) (3) The washing machine is one of those dual purpose wash/dry machines that magically do it all. Cool, I thought – no more forgetting a load in the washer until your nose reminds you it is there. It is really great – the drum is the size of a mop bucket and, fyi, you have to break up the mini-load into micro-mini-loads to dry if you EVER want them done. The manual calls the finish “damp for ironing”. Really? Thanks. The average cycle is 3:35 long and generally requires another 40-60 minutes of drying. I have calculated, based on the quantity of washable fabric in our house (clothes, linens, etc) it will only take 25.5 days of running the machine non-stop to get everything clean. I better get busy. (4) Finally, there is no dishwasher. My hands are already chapped and nails are peeling from the constant submersion. I can import one from the Phillippines relatively inexpensively, I have been told. Her name is Dalisay and she will be happy to live in the closet… :-I
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Outnumbered 3 to 1
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Excuse me Dear Niece while I laugh heartily. I told you that you would look at life in America in a brand new way- – and so very quickly! Smaller, harder, and time consuming- – -these are your new descriptives for house hold chores!
Sorry……highly enjoy the good parts!
Got gloves?
I was hoping for: spa, lounge, shop!
It is OK. I am going to buy the family matching raincoats so I can just spritz and wipe them off. Problem solved!
And yes, I have gloves, but I never feel like things get as clean when I can’t feel them, you know?
i think you should order a Dalisay 😉 there is no shame in that, and she can also teach you and your children yet another language
Love the boo booze!! Could have used that idea years ago when raising kids!! Will enjoy reading your blog. I was in Hong Kong in the 60’s so I know about the places you have been writing about. Also enjoying the pictures. Years from now you will laugh about your adventures!