Many people think of Hong Kong as a bridge between the East and West. How different is it from America? Here's a taste of the few things I've noticed in the short time we've been here.
Hong Kong is EXTREME! Think 1990's Mountain Dew commercial. The work ethic is extreme, the partying is extreme, the yoga is extreme. Yes, you heard me right. The yoga is extreme. Bikram isn't hot, it's a sauna in the desert...in a parka. The women aren't flexible, they're rubber bands. The "Ohm" isn't calming and unifying, it's a foghorn mimicking competition. You don't casually walk into class on Sunday morning. Oh no, you make a reservation 2 days in advance for your spot. And if you want to cancel? You best get it done at least 2 hours before the class. Oops, did you forget? Membership suspended! Shit is hardcore.
My friend Emily summed up the education policy nicely. In America we have No Child Left Behind. In Hong Kong, it's: Is your child getting left behind? Too bad! Get a tutor. Sucka. (I added the sucka part.)
My favorite example is today during a friendly game of Capture the Flag. I was telling my kids that the "jail" was a hoola hoop. They pointed out that the jail should be bigger. "Budget cuts for prisons," I joked, and after a minute most kids laughed (grade 7 delay). "Budget cuts?" said little Adrian. "This isn't America. This is China!"
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