My Feeble Audition

Off to a Slow Start

July 24, 2008 at 1:06 am (International Living)

Like anything, it’s taking me awhile to get started up here in Hong Kong. I hoped that I could hit the ground running and get my ID card and bank account going right away. Instead, I’ve been forced to pay cash for EVERYTHING and wait for things to get processed. The Employment Visa was approved surprisingly quickly (in about 3 weeks instead of 4-6). I picked up the actual visa sticker at immigration on Tuesday. Yesterday I traveled over the Chinese border for a brief lunch trip so I could return and get the “Trip Completed” stamp from the border patrol. Now that my visa is activated, I can get my Hong Kong Identity card. That’s probably a 2 or 3 day process as you have to make an appointment for that. Once I do that, though, I’ll be able to get a phone, utilities, bank account, etc. 

I’m also waiting for my work computer to arrive, so I have very limited access to the Internet. As someone who’s entire life, practically, is online, it’s been a challenge. In a city that’s so wired and so technologically advanced, it’s painful to have to wait for my turn.