Prelude to transnational encounters

On the advice of a friend (isn't it always on the advice of a friend) I am writing this blog about the upcomming move that my family will make to Hong Kong. The idea for the move is not all that new as we decided before Christmas and now it is February. I think it might be the realness of it all that has now compelled me to write.

My husband is taking a much better paying job in Hong Kong. I also have a career, which is currently looking like it will stangnate and disappear. I may have this feeling because it is early February and everything looks a bit gloomy at this time of the year. Alternatively, I may just be relistic. Lets just say that this is how I am feeling at the moment and it is not a particularly positive approach. Everyone has said I should have no difficulty finding another academic job as 1)I am already an established academic with a publication record and 2) the higher education sector in Hong Kong is expanding. Indeed, I have already applied for two jobs, but there are only 8 universities, and if I strike out, I am not sure what I shall do. I am only 44.

To overcome this current feeling of depression, dispair, gloom I decided that I needed to manufacture some enthusiasm for the new culture I will be joining. To that end I got on the internet and discovered that here in the North of England there is a terrific chinese grocery. I got in the car and went there. I must say that I found myself thinking as I looked at all the new foods (thankfully described in English as well as Chinese), "how will I manage to feed my family" once we move. After the job issue, this is my second greatest worry. I don't mean how will I afford to feed my family, because we will be able to do that. I mean, how will I know what to buy to feed my family. It was all so diffent and this is like the nursery version of buying food. What will I do when I have to go out and select things that are not labled in english as well?

I guess I will have to learn. So the lessons started today I purchased a bunch of stuff: raw things, premade things, vegetables, sauces, etc. Tonight will be the first family lesson. Before anyone takes a bite we will have to make some attempt to pronounce what it is. (Hopefully there is a pronunciation ap that I can type in the word and the helpful voice speaks it outloud. If not, there should be.) This should be made all the more interesting with the consumption of a very large bottle of Chinese beer that was also available at the shop. At least my husband and I should enjoy that component.

More later on how this went and the other anxieties associated with moving half way around the world...