May I See Your Papers Please?

Apologies to our dear followers for not posting in the last few days - we've started to settle in to a bit of a routine (work, eat, sleep) that does not easily lend itself to coming up with clever reports and witty aphorisms.

Then we had to go apply for identity cards.

The government of Hong Kong requires that all residents hold identity cards. Given the large number of temporary residents (primarily employees of international banks and immigrants who come from other Southeast Asian countries to work as domestic helpers), the government extends this requirement to all residents.

Interacting with government is always a bit of an odd experience - not to advocate the Tea Party position too far, but even the most competent bureaucrat usually manages to frustrate, misinform, and confuse us citizens. Attempting to do this with bureaucrats who speak English as a second or third language is infinitely more challenging. Even the signs speak English as a second language!


And, despite making a 'reservation', we still had ample time to make some new friends.


After a rather pleasant hour of reading the South China Morning Post, we finally got to go in for two separate interviews. They really challenged us, asking such toughies as "What is your name?" and "Where are you from?" We even had to be thumbprinted!


Sadly, we had to meet with that lady and not this guy.