I haven't driven a car since July 9th. And when I last drove on July 9th, I wasn't even aware that it was my last time behind the wheel for a long while. I wish I had thought about it more because I probably would have driven just a little bit faster, turned the radio up a little bit louder, maybe shut off the air and just roll down the windows. I would have gone out of my way to drive past somewhere that really mattered, like maybe my old high school, or the church where I got married, or the apartment that we lived in as newlyweds. But I didn't.
I knew I wouldn't have a car in Hong Kong. But I also knew that this city has a fabulous transportation system and it does! It really, really does! So here's how I've been getting around the island of Hong Kong.
Taxis
This is a Hong Kong taxi. When we first arrived, I was exclusively a taxi girl. It's just easy to get it, tell them where I'm going, and then sit back and play Words With Friends on my phone until I arrive. And I will admit, there is something about hailing a cab that makes you feel very cosmopolitan chic. Like playing make believe or something.
I've had some really great taxi drivers. One named Simon, picked me up two days in a row. I recognized him by the row of cute little trinkets on his dashboard, lucky cat figurines and plastic cars and air fresheners and such. He remembered me too, because halfway through the fare he said "didn't I drive you yesterday?". He went on to tell me all about his brother, who went to medical school back in the States and how he hoped to visit him there one day. "Cost lot of money," he told me wistfully about his wish to travel.
Another day I hopped in a cab with some ladies I had lunch with and one named Annie thanked the driver saying " Mh goi". He got a kick out of her beginners Cantonese and started giving us a mini lesson explaining that Mh goi was appropriate for his services, but if we are ever given a gift, the response of thanks would be "do jeh". "Mh goi for taxi ride, but someone give you money, do jeh you tell them," he explained to us.
Some drivers play the radio. Others prefer dead silence. Some belch loudly while driving, totally unfazed that there is a woman sitting a few feet behind them. I'm always tickled by those playing American music in their cabs. As I speed through the streets of Central on my way to Repulse Bay, who would think I'm listening to the Gloria Gaynor, I Will Survive or Lady Gaga, Poker Face? Some are attached to their Bluetooth and I have to listen to their conversation as we drive. Not that I understand one single thing they are saying. Most times it just sounds like the driver is spewing angry words over the phone.... only to have it punctuated by quick laughter. I don't know that I'll ever grow accustomed to the harsh sound of Cantonese.
A few weeks ago I had a taxi pick me up at home, then drive to Central plaza in Wan Chai to pick up Gene from work, then on to Central where we were meeting friends for drinks and dinner. Traffic was horrendous and we spent a great deal of time in gridlock. Finally, we swung into the circular driveway of Gene's building. My eyes locked with my husbands across the way as he slowly walked towards the taxi. I put my hand up in an excited wave, so happy to see him, so happy for some time together, so happy for the arrival of the weekend.... only to have my irritated cab driver lay one the horn as if to say 'get your butt moving you American a-hole! I ain't got all day!'.
The kids love to take a taxi. Tripp can hail one all on his own. In fact, there are times when I have had to shoo a driver away because my son has hailed a cab while my back was turned. When we climb into the backseat, Tripp tells the driver "129 Repulse Bay, The Wil Wee". (Let me translate, that's 129 Repulse Bay, The Lily). The kids are so fascinated by the little red cars that we had to buy our very own Hong Kong taxi . Tripp loves it so much, he took it in for show and tell at school. He told the class, "It is a taxi. It is red." Then he showed them the little taxi sign on top and spelled it for them, "T-A-X-I".
Buses
Some people swear by the bus system, but I'm not fully comfortable with them yet. Mostly it's because I'm not familiar with all the stops. I've taken the bus home, because I know what that bus stop looks like; I know when to ring the bell to get off. But if I'm going to a new location I'm always uneasy and need to give myself loads of time. Quite often I'll study the routes on their website and write down the names and the number of the stops just so I can track where I am and when I need to get off.
The kids love to take a taxi. Tripp can hail one all on his own. In fact, there are times when I have had to shoo a driver away because my son has hailed a cab while my back was turned. When we climb into the backseat, Tripp tells the driver "129 Repulse Bay, The Wil Wee". (Let me translate, that's 129 Repulse Bay, The Lily). The kids are so fascinated by the little red cars that we had to buy our very own Hong Kong taxi . Tripp loves it so much, he took it in for show and tell at school. He told the class, "It is a taxi. It is red." Then he showed them the little taxi sign on top and spelled it for them, "T-A-X-I". 
Some people swear by the bus system, but I'm not fully comfortable with them yet. Mostly it's because I'm not familiar with all the stops. I've taken the bus home, because I know what that bus stop looks like; I know when to ring the bell to get off. But if I'm going to a new location I'm always uneasy and need to give myself loads of time. Quite often I'll study the routes on their website and write down the names and the number of the stops just so I can track where I am and when I need to get off. 