the newest face at the salon

One thing that remains consistent is that no matter where you are, you will always encounter situations that will make you step back and wonder "am I in the twilight zone?" My sister will know exactly what I'm talking about, these are the kind of situations she LIVES for. If there is an eccentric within a 15 mile radius, she will find the wackadoo, sit back and enjoy the show.

On Monday, I found myself in one of these exact situations. After an interview, I went for a manicure in Central. The shop was very small and overstaffed with 3 girls manning the salon. My manicurist was not the sharpest tool in the shed, if you know what I'm saying. The poor thing kept flicking her hair into my wet nails and having to repaint nail after nail, taking about half an hour just to apply the polish.

While waiting for my nails to dry, a fury of Cantonese began to spew out of the girls' mouths. It seemed the girls were arguing - hands flying, interrupting each other, getting very noisy. I became curious and tried to figure out what they were talking about until I realized I wasn't paranoid, they were talking about me! With her very thick accent, the shop owner explains that the girls think I look just like someone they recognize, "Bahhhhbi". Of course, I do what everyone else would do in the situation... smile, nod, say "uh-huh" and ignore. The owner will NOT allow me to ignore. "bahhhbi, bahhhbi, bahhhhhbi" she keeps saying and nodding. All three are looking at me expectantly. The light bulb goes off "Barbie?" I say. That was it! Obviously, I am flattered beyond belief that these three three think I look like Barbie so I start hamming it up. I sit up about 3 inches taller, puff out my chest and suck in my tummy "Really? Wow thank you... tell me more...."

But then it becomes awkward as hell. The interrogation starts and all three rush up to me and are now about 4 inches away from my face, just staring at me and rapid-firing questions. "Do you know Barbie? Are your eyes real or contact lenses? Why are your eyes so blue? Will your children's eyes be blue? When will you get pregnant? Why are you in Hong Kong? Where do you work? Why are you in Central? Where do you live? Is your boyfriend Chinese? Do you have a picture of your boyfriend? Can you bring him here? Do you want a facial or massage?"

"Umm... no. I'll take a rain check on massage ladies, gotta run, it's been fun"

Let's face it. With this kind of attention, we all know I'll be back.

xo

first post!

Two years ago, if you would have told me I'd be writing a blog (and enjoying it) I would have thought you were crazy. I can't say I've ever been much of a fan of blogging, the whole idea has always seemed a little self-indulgent.. but here I am!

I moved to Hong Kong from New York city almost two weeks ago, 12 days to be exact. So this will be my way to share my experiences, pictures, etc with my friends and family back in New York and Boston.

Since I've arrived the weather has been gray, humid, and chilly, although I really can't complain. I hear NY has been pummeled with snow so I won't feel too sorry for myself. I'm living in a really interesting area, Wan Chai, which used to be Hong Kong's red light district. Don't worry, Mom and Dad, it is completely gentrified now with several nice restaurants, shops and markets in the neighborhood. Behind my building, there is a small marketplace with all sorts of vendors selling flowers, produce, clothing, home goods... and fish. Lots of stinky fish, shrimp, and shellfish. I will not be grocery shopping locally any time soon.

Tonight, I am looking forward to checking out the Hong Kong Art Walk, basically a large scale open house that will feature 65 local galleries from 5 until midnight tonight. After all of the complimentary wines and cocktails, I am not sure how much "walking" will really be involved, but I can't wait to find out!

xo