Finding a permanent residence was our first priority after arriving in Hong Kong. We spent our first full day touring apartments around town, which was nothing like the experience back home in Newport Beach. Here, you are driven around by a broker who arranges about a dozen showings for the day. It’s actually a similar process to buying a house, aside from the cost involved. Rent in Hong Kong is — brace yourself — FIVE TIMES the price we paid in Orange County. We primarily toured apartments in the Mid-levels, an area just south of Central (where Drew’s office is located). The Mid-levels and surrounding areas are full of expat(riate)s, young professionals and families, which excites me and Drew on our hunt for friends! “Mid-levels” in Chinese translates into “mid mountain area” given the neighborhood is nestled into the hillside of the island. The height provides a quite difficult walk home (straight uphill) -- we’ll see what that feels like in the summertime, although I believe public transit, taxi and Uber will be our preferred modes of transportation that time of year. On the bright side, the location is walking distance to hundreds of bars and restaurants, and also provides spectacular views. And good news, we found a home! Check out this view!!!

I’m still pinching myself that we get to look at that view everyday. The bad news is that we can’t move in for another six weeks, but on the bright side we will get to experience living in another part of town. We’re moving temporarily into a serviced apartment, which if you aren’t familiar is a fully furnished apartment offering hotel-like amenities. Next stop, Causeway Bay!