The Neighborhood

If he walks slowly, Ken's commute to the office is about 3 minutes. Today I had a chance to meet several of the people who work there. Thomas is who he will be working with most closely, and we had lunch today and got some good info on how to handle some of the day-to-day stuff. His wife, Sabine, and I are going to meet up so that she can show me "the girly stuff to do." (Thomas's words - not mine.)


Yesterday was tough jet lag day. We both needed an afternoon nap and our calves were screaming from all of the up and down walking. It's like living life on a staircase! Today is better.

We had Malaysian food for dinner last night at a small outdoor cafe and the presentation was as good as the food itself. We have gotten into the habit of an after dinner stroll. It is so warm and beautiful outdoors that you want to make the day last.


Today we got our Octopus cards. Think MetroCard meets Starbucks. The card is preloaded with cash and is accepted on all forms of transportation except taxis as well as at 7-11 stores and most coffee shops and small purchase locations. Our daytime doorman, Bhuthi, got the cards for us out of house so that we didn't have to pay the up-charge. He has been great with directions and suggestions when asked.


Ken only worked half a day and we went snooping through the neighborhood some more. I signed up for my gym card and now I need a lock so I can try some of the classes and services. It is a great perk and yet just moving around the city is like taking an extended exercise class every time you leave the apartment. 

One of the stores that really stands out is the Coach store. It is certainly hard to miss. There is no end to the selection of brand stores available in the neighborhoods and at the IFC Mall. It is gigantic and very upscale. And it is all within walking distance.

As we walk around, the difference between the old and the new is impressive. Many apartments have window racks for laundry drying and they are tucked in between the new high rises and office buildings. The building next to us is have facade work done and all of the scaffolding is made of bamboo lashed together. It looks so frail yet is so sturdy. 


Now that we are getting more settled, I am hoping to venture out a bit farther. There are so many things to see and do that deciding will be the difficult part. For now we need to think about tonight's dinner and hope for a better chance of staying asleep this time.