4 March 2015

Gentlefolk,

I have woken from blog-hibernation.

We've had a lovely break, in Hong Kong and Australia.  Caught up with lots of family and friends. The Aussie lifestyle is great.  Actually made us question why we are going back to China - but while we still enjoy teaching and living there we'll continue, at least for the time being.

We are now back in Hongkers for a few days; fly to Qingdao on Friday for the start of the new semester (teaching will start next Monday, 9 March 2015).

My intention is to do regular (weekly?) posts during this semester, but I've heard that the Chinese government is still disrupting Google ( & gmail, Blogger, etc) so will have to see how it goes.  I don't really have a 'plan B', so this might be the last post for a while ...

Here are some photos taken during the last few weeks in Hong Kong and Australia.


Hong Kong

Visiting Andrew's office in Hong Kong.  This city is crazy, but good.

They moved into their apartment in Happy Valley - Caz hard at work in her new 'office'.

With Little Eddie, we had lunch at the Google office in Hong Kong ... and yes, the food is as good as rumoured!  Five weeks later, when we were in HK again, we witnessed Eddie taking his first steps.  A momentous moment!

With Mai and Art Kobler at their stunning home in Clearwater Bay.

The Bruce Lee statue on the Avenue of the Stars at Tsim Sha Tsui is very popular. He is a legend!

If you are not living on the edge, you are taking up too much room ....

Canberra

Played a round at Federal Golf Club in Canberra.  Beautiful course, great day, pity about the golf ...

Dinner at the Austrian Club with Neil & Helen and Bruce & Linda has become a tradition.  The "Bauernschmaus" is delicious!

Caught up with old friends Chris Creswell, Paul Flint and David Evans. Lao pengyou!

Congratulating Maria Taylor at her book launch at the ANU on 11 February.

Aniko & Peter Carey, and Richard & Liz.  They always make us feel so welcome in Canberra.

Friday 13 February was a lucky day for the Brumbies; they beat the Queensland Reds 47 - 3; afterwards players signed autographs for fans on the oval.

With mates at the Brumbies game.  Great team, great win, great night.

Sydney

Exploring Cremorne Point with Howard Eakins. Gorgeous part of Sydney harbour.

At Niniek & Paul Milton's place, with Kath, Dave & little Miles.

Tweed Heads

Lover boy Dennis Smith always cuddling girls!

Brisbane

Finally arrived in Brisbane, just ahead of Cyclone Marcia.  Here with grandkids Kurt (9), Nate (7) and Sid (5).

Never a dull moment with Nate and Sid.

With Jennifer at the boys' weekly swim class.

Tom training for My Kitchen Rules. He and Jen are both awesome cooks.

Kurt in ribs-heaven.

Vera playing soccer with the Sid and neighbour Kai in the back yard.

Miscellaneous

Ian Loiterton sent me this photo of the 50th anniversary dinner of the ANU's Burton & Garran Hall.

Angie going out on a limb for Rotary!

Papa Andy giving Hinamoana some tips at Timberland.  Never too early to start ...

...

The latest Cost of Living survey compiled by the Economist Intelligence Unit was published today. This survey is based on the prices of 160 products and services (but not housing costs - not sure I believe this, as HK is actually quite reasonable apart from housing) in 140 countries.   The ten most expensive cities in the world are: Singapore; Paris; Oslo; Zurich; Sydney; Melbourne; Geneva; Copenhagen; Hong Kong; and Seoul.  New York is #22; Shanghai #28 is the most expensive city in mainland China.

It puzzles me why two Australian cities are in the top six - we used to be relatively inexpensive, but not any more.  Why are Sydney and Melbourne more expensive than great metropolises such as Tokyo, London, Berlin or New York?

...

Well folks, that's it for this post.

Hopefully we'll be in touch soon.

Keep well, and keep smiling.

Best wishes,  alex & vera olah
English teachers at the China University of Petroleum, Qingdao
Currently visiting Hong Kong,
Wednesday, 4 March 2015