Thursday, September 25, 2025

Super Typhoon Ragasa

So another super typhoon had come and gone in Hong Kong.

We had been given ample warning and everyone was prepared for the worst.  In the end, it seemed to be bad, but the impact didn't appear to be as bad as some of the other super typhoons I had experienced in the past.  Even during the peak and worst of it, it didn't sound or feel as bad as what we were prepared for.  I wasn't complaining too much, it was always better to be prepared than shocked in these situations.

The next day, on my walk to the bus stop, I could see the aftermath of the storm.  There was debris everywhere and some fallen trees.  Nothing unexpected.

What was more impressive though was the quick cleanup that followed.  This was the case with every typhoon that hit Hong Kong, but it didn't make it any less astounding.

Within a day of my walk through the debris, the sidewalks had already been cleared and there was a constant drone of machinery and chainsaws dealing with some of the larger problems.

Over the next few days, workers continued to fix up and clean up the streets.  Broken things were repaired.  Unsalvageable things were taken away.  The speed of it all never ceased to amaze and impress.
 

Saturday, September 06, 2025

Boat party birthdays

Our friends were having a big birthday celebration on a boat out in Sai Kung.  We were happy to join them for the party.

A nice boat had been arranged and after a short trip we were all out next to some islands, enjoying the food, drinks and water.  I took Pickle in for a swim, but he seemed to be more interested in wandering around the boat itself. 

These days out on the water are a special part of living in Hong Kong.  I'm not one of those living here who ends up spending every possible weekend on the water, but when the opportunity is presented to me I'll usually try and take part.

With Pickle, there's now the added benefit of seeing him enjoy all these new experiences as well.  It's far removed from the simpler life I had growing up, but I'm happy that he gets to enjoy all these perks to the life we have.