Tropical Storm Lionrock

Typhoon Lionrock remains memorable for two reasons. One it's one of the longest tropical typhoons to hit the city, with the signal 8 warning being hoisted for a record 22 hours (most typhoons come and go within the space of hours, sometimes they can go for 12 hours). The public had previous experience, with the countless lockdowns, staying indoors for 22 hours was but a piece of cake. I however, was not one of those people who would stay indoors for the duration. Which brings me to, Two. Lionrock is the only time I've ventured out and left my apartment during a T8. The typhoon had actually already passed the main part of Hong Kong, however, for precaution reasons, the signal isn't lowered until wind speeds have come back within reason across the entire SAR. 

Had a mate in town, it was my birthday, so if there was any night to head out on a Typhoon, it would be tonight. The problem with T8 is the lack of taxis. Ended up waking home to Happy Valley from Central, which usually isn't too bad, except when the rain is coming in sideways. Shoes very wet.

Update: Two days later Typhoon Kampasu hits Hong Kong. 

Typhoon 9: Higos

First typhoon in the new apartment. The building is tucked behind an adjacent residential building on the mountain side. By tucked, I can basically look into the apartment building next to me, I'm pretty sure if there was a balcony I would probably be able to jump across to the other building if my life depended on it. 

The harbour side of my building is far more exposed. It definitely gets windy up here and there's added paranoia of being on the top floor of a building and responsibility of the rooftop. The gale force winds rattle the metal membrane above me, my eyes snap open wondering if something has blown off my roof.

Despite the category 9, Typhoon Higos thankfully did not directly hit Hong Kong. Usually there's a sense of elation with typhoons in that employees are not expected to work for the duration of the level 8 category and above. However, evey body is setup to be able to work from home. Sigh.

The farewell continues: Taipei

Back to back weekends - this weekend, Taipei. One night.

Memorable tidbit #1
First time I've selected a "special meal" on a flight. I went for the "Low Fat" option. Surprisingly not too bad.

Memorable tidbit #2
Scheduled departure: 16:40, expected arrival in Hong Kong: 18:25. Actual departure: 21:00, arrival back in Hong Kong 23:30. Typhoon decided to batter Hong Kong, forcing the airport to temporarily shutdown and for the plane to be stuck in multiple holding zones.