We are killing all of our electronics lately. Without naming names (B and I have both been at fault), in the past 2 weeks we have suffered through the loss of a laptop that got dropped, an iPhone getting dropped and killed, and another USA iPhone that got a software update and now is a paper weight over here. This is unlike us. In the 10 years we have known each other we've never had to deal with a lost or broken phone. Computers, yes, but not because they've been dropped. I hope it's not the new trend.

We are waiting on re-boot discs to arrive but remaining optimistic the computer will make it through. And as soon as the iPhone hackers figure out how to "jail-break" the newest software my iPhone will be usable again... Right now B and I are sharing a single borrowed phone with a sim card in it...

He is currently researching phone plans as I write this . We wanted to put it off but I think we're headed to sign a phone contract tomorrow for a real local service plan. Which is good. I am used to roughing it over here with my iPhone only being a phone since I don't have a real data plan. Getting access to the internet for mapping while I am out will be so awesome! And I will be able to facebook outside! And there are tons of apps for public transportation schedules. Will be nice. I suppose if you aren't an iPhone user this will all be kind of over your head.

We did end up going to Kowloon today. The kids did great and we had a really good time. The kids got to go on their first ever taxi ride today and I think they thought it was a pretty cool ride. Blaring talk radio in a foreign language, not having to sit in a car seat, going through the Cross Harbour Tunnel. Good times. We had the taxi drop us off near the Middle Road Children's Playground. Huge, beautiful playground and it was just crowded enough to be a really fun time.

We ate a little lunch out and there was a talkative guy at the table next to us from California. He was engaging my kids in conversation and so we chatted with him a bit and we told him we moved from Oregon. Our waitress was standing there at the time and she interjected "You're from Oregon!?!? Near Portland maybe?" Her English, of course, was excellent. I told her yes, from Portland, and she told me she was moving to Portland in June to go to University. She's never been to the USA before but she has family in Portland so she's going to give it a try. How cool. This world gets smaller and smaller to me all the time.

After lunch we bribed the kids to take a stroller nap. I told G I'd buy her some new headbands. We walked north to the street markets near Shanghai Street. I LOVE the street markets. LOVE THEM. I don't know why. I hate TJ Maxx and this is like a whole different level of having no idea what you'll find. I just really get a kick out of seeing the randomness of the stuff available. Maybe it's not random at all and I am just too new to have it figured out. Actually I am sure this is the case. But really, to my Western eyes, it is a crazy sight to see.

These markets are outdoor stalls. Cash only. Just a few in a one block walk today included: towels for bath and kitchen, ladies pajamas, hair accessories/jewelry, purses, kids undergarments, kids clothing, kids dressy clothing (tuxedos and wedding gowns for toddlers). I could go on. But you just have to see it.

We headed a little further north to a few blocks of commercial kitchen and restaurant wares. Rice cookers as big as your washing machine. Dishes, tea sets, wine glasses. Everything you need to get your restaurant up and running. B bought a huge pot for his beer brewing adventures. I got an $8 usd carbon steel wok. It's the coolest thing! We had to season it before we cooked dinner tonight. And for it's very first use, it was awesome.