Wet Smelly Clothes and Hills to climb!

One week over and I've discovered a few more things about Hong Kong -->

* Laundry will not dry, no matter how many days you leave it out - something to do with high levels of humidity.
* Going to a real restaurant (no matter how average the food) is expensive. No wonder I've been doing the equivalent of fast food.
* Coffee in this town sux.
* Kitchens are 1 gas burner, a mini fridge and if you're lucky a washing machine and microwave.
* Bedrooms might be able to fit a double bed.
* It is very likely that I will be living opposite/next to a building site (they seem to be everywhere here)
* In Hong Kong, everyone wants to live in a new/refurbished apartment.

So I did manage friday night drinks with colleagues - no best buddies yet, but at least I know a few names (even if they are all 23.) Yesteray I spent house hunting, saw about 15 flats (With 3 different agents) and walked up about 1000 steps in humid 30 degree heat. I don't think I will need to join a gym here (my legs hurt today from my workout yesterday). From the 15 flats I saw yesterday, they were all in the same area - mid levels (very expat area - I didn't really want to live there but its central and easy) there were 3 I was interested in - here's the rundown:
1. $15000, big main bedroom, decent size kitchen. No washing machine, dining table, bed, couch. ie only fridge. I asked for $13k with furniture. He came back with $13k without furniture. So wont take it. Too noisy street.
2. $15000, reasonably big, great views, missing most furniture. I asked for $13k with furniture. This would be my second choice - it's on a main street but its 24 levels up, so no noise, and amazing view.
3. $13500, smaller, pretty furnished (although needs a bed) - in the same area, but down a lane with no cars, quieter, simpler, probably the one I can most see living in. I offered $12k with a bed. Waiting to hear.

Going to see a couple more today, out of town a bit - ocean views blah, but no MTR (tube) -only bus or tram. so I'm kinda hoping number 3 comes back to me - and I like that real estate best, she's very funny, and didn't believe I had a younger sister b/c I was soo young - she thought I was 20. Oh and she wouldn't let me take another flat (even though it would make her more money) because it had a bad feeling - it would be bad for my romance - gotta love feng shui.

So hopefully this week I will find a home, and get a kitchen and then I'll be happier. Who needs friends - when I have a kitchen! Oh and I start teaching this wk too - Being busy at work will help. and Kev called me this morning, he's coming to visit on May 5 - my first guest - I can't wait. Oooh and I think next wkend is a long wkend too. Tough Life!