Thursday, June 16, 2011

The Things We Learn

To begin, Cole now knows how to hail a cab (he literally raises his hand to wave down a taxi when he sees one coming), hold on to an overhead handle on a fast train, ride an escalator, ask a taxi driver for keys, fake sleep in hopes to get tickled, and keep himself somewhat entertained in a restaurant.

We planned on going to Disneyland today, but the weather was not cooperating.  We didn't have a plan B, so we decided to find a new mall to explore to avoid getting caught in the rain.  Noelle and I figured out how to ride the MTR from a station near our apartment to the IFC building. It took us awhile and quite a few ounces of sweat between us, but we did it. The girls were troopers and Cole went between being carried, walking, and riding in a stroller. He did great, aside from an "my body is not used to this food and I need to digestively acclimate" accident of massive proportions at the mall (which left Cole with one less pair of shorts and one less sock - yes, we were the loud Americans carrying a toddler through the mall barefoot and pantless).

This city has more escalators than one can even imagine! It is not stroller friendly at all, but we are lucky to have a light weight stroller with a shoulder strap.  Noelle and I are building some strong arm and leg muscles as nothing here is level.  The girls are learning their way around an intensely crowded city, how to weave in and out of people like the locals, and are adjusting wonderfully.  They're also getting used to getting stares directed at them as the locals can't understand why the kids aren't in school. We rarely run into any children here during the day. Kids start school here at 2 years old and go all day. They don't get out for their summer break until the end of June.

We also learned that playtime at the park is more fun with friends. We met up with Lori and her children yesterday. I think she's scoped out every park in the city and took us to one of their favorites. It was a 2km walk straight downhill past some interesting storefronts and buildings. We made it just in time to get dumped on by a short storm. Luckily, the park also has an air conditioned indoor play area, which turned out to be a padded room...mats on the walls and floor and absolutely perfectly simple. The kids rolled, cartwheeled, somersaulted, and headstanded their way to a fun hour!  We eventually made our way out to the train themed park, which Cole thought was the best thing ever.  It had a gorgeous view of the harbour and the kids had a great time playing with their new friends.
Waiting for the rain to let up before venturing out to the park. My camera is not humidity proof!


The padded room is just what the kids needed.

Cole really wanted our apartment key to work on this lock. 

Quinn and Cole both wanted to drive the train.



Cole is becoming an expert "smiler" for the camera.

Taking a break for a picnic lunch.

The girls with their new "Hong Kong" friend

The view from the park.

For $1 a day, you can sponsor this child...




The clouds are rolling in...

Cole trying to "sneak" back down to the train when it was time to leave. Did I mention that he loved this park?



And sometimes, the simple things, whether it's a padded room, play wrestling, time in a pool, or discovering water in an outdoor shower....can bring more smiles and happiness than anything.

Cole's about to go in for the kill...Auntie Bubbles won't know what hit her.











We have big plans for tomorrow and the weekend and know we will continue learning about the Hong Kong culture and big city living everyday.

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