When we returned to Hong Kong we immediately noticed the smog. Pollution seems to be especially bad in January as the factories in the Pearl River delta crank-up before the Chinese new year break. At times it was bad enough for Hannah's school to ban playing running games outside. And we turned-up the HEPA air filters at home to clean our air.
Sometimes the weather condition in town didn't allow the traffic pollution in town to disperse, and for a few days central Hong Kong air quality was worse than Beijing (scmp link).
But the smog sometimes makes for nice sunsets. This is the view from ICC towards Lantau.
Despite the pollution the weather has been generally sunny and pleasant. Winter in Hong Kong is actually a bit cold although I find that a pleasant change from the heat the rest of the year. It is generally a good season for exercising outside, especially running and hiking. We have started playing tennis every weekend.
Hannah's focus has really improved since November. She now enjoys practicing tennis coached by Rika, and she gets better every week.
Video : Rika coaching Hannah
Hannah is also focusing much better at school and enjoying it more.
This week she brought home a the cup for the best swimmer of the week. For being an open-minded risk-taker, listener and inquirer in swimming. She gets to keep the cup for 1 week!
I was very pleased by this because I think Hannah will get a lot out of swimming if really she gets into it, just as I have done.
Minimi was also very interested in the cup, especially after Hannah put cat-nip in it!
Minimi has been suffering in the cold and keeps asking to have the heater turned up or sit in my lap. At breakfast he likes to have a cuddle on my warm chest, and at night he cuddles up next to me under the futon.
Minimi has been suffering in the cold and keeps asking to have the heater turned up or sit in my lap. At breakfast he likes to have a cuddle on my warm chest, and at night he cuddles up next to me under the futon.
