Getting Settled

So I have survived my flight, adjusted to the heat (somewhat), found an apartment, and made some friends. Things are going well despite the money shortage. Luckily, I will be getting paid soon and all will be well. My room mate (Becci) and I have managed to find a cute if tiny apartment located in North Point on Hong Kong Island. We saw it and we were in love. Of course this love came after viewing terrible and terribly expensive apartments. Still, it is a great place. I love the location, the food, the apartment, and the general atmosphere. There are several people that we know living close by and it is nice to have that security network. There are even people living in our building that we know.

So far, the biggest cultural shock that I have had is adjusting to Britishisms. Trash is 'rubbish,' food is not flavorful it is 'flavorsome,' my name is not Emma it is 'Emmar,' elevators are 'lifts,' trucks are 'lorries,' and the list goes on and on. The miscommunication has been numerous, humorous, and utterly frustrating. Although it is better now, the first week or so was filled with many 'huhs? 'can you repeat thats?' and 'that's not what I meant at alls!' Now the situation has progressed to a much more terrifying stage where I am saying flat and Becci is saying apartment. I must say that my impression of a British accent is much improved.