January Coming to an End

So everyday at lunch this week when I walked outside, whether I was with Patrick or another ex-pat, the first words out of my mouth were "It's January".  The weather had been amazingly wonderful.  Yes - I have been reading the Facebook posts from the US.  And I am sure I will not be loving the weather as much in July, but it is so nice now.

Yes that converts to 68F.

This week Gwen's team from all the global offices (Seoul, South Korea, Shanghai, China & New Delhi, India) came to Hong Kong for a global conference - along with our VP and Director from Minneapolis.  We worked hard all week long and we had some fun also.  I am only sharing the fun part here.

First fun part of work was celebrating my director's birthday with the global team.

Ada with the Shanghai team.

Ada making the first cut into the cake - which can't go all the way through (not sure why).

Lots of gifts - ignore the work on the tables.

Dinner that night was at a local Hong Kong restaurant.  More unique foods and a good time was had by all.

The chicken - the entire chicken from head to butt.

Sophie having fun with our chicken's head.

Marshmallow / Peep like, but not, bunnies for dessert.

Mahjong tiles were then broken out after dinner - non-locals posed for a picture.

India and HK team members with Mahjong tiles.

After dinner the groups split.  I headed for the local British pub with a few team members for a beer before calling it a night.

Helen, Das & Raj enjoying their Fosters.

Dawn, Helen & myself having fun.

The next day ended with a Happy Hour (It's Target, why not).  The team had a great time letting loose and getting to know each other - even if it was only juice they might be drinking.

Joanna, Cody & Sophie

Dawn, Man & Joanna

Sarah & Sami

Joe - our youngest male team member

Helen and I finishing out the night.

Next night was just the managers having a farewell dinner at an Australian steakhouse with an amazing view of the harbor.

Helen & I 

Outside of work - Chinese (or Lunar) New Year is fast approaching.  I hope to take as many pictures of CNY as I can over the next two weeks to share.  We are approaching the Year of the Snake.

Display in the mall in the place as the patchwork reindeer from Christmas.

Entrance to the shopping arcade in our complex.

A Disney New Year at another shopping mall.

One other constant I am finding in the malls here is - Ice Skating rinks.

One last left over from my week in Korea.  The colleague I was traveling with had stumbled upon Korean strawberries - they were in season.  And when I was in our grocery this week I spied them and had to try.  They are definitely sweeter then any I have had in the US.  I will be buying more before the season is over.