Au revoir everyone!

[hullexile]

Hawksmoor??? I'm IN!!!!!!

Just back from my first visit to Sainsbury. I'm speechless. A-maz-ing!!!! Suspect people thought I was a bit odd as I was just so over whelmed by both the huge choice and the low prices. Need a lie down now.

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I remember feeling the same on my return, wanted to dance down the (wide) aisle

[statman]

Have a safe flight. Yes, you are right, HK work culture don't necessarily appreciate directness (or honesty), so being blunt is not going to get you anywhere here, unfortunately. I guess you were the square peg trying to fit into the round hole of HK office life. Still, outside of work, there are things in the city which are nice and worthy of appreciation.

If I do come to London, I do look forward to having a drink with you.

Guess it depends where you work. I'm actually finding that this approach is actually helping me move up the ranks far quicker here than I could have done in the UK. I too am direct and honest and am flourishing here. Luck of the draw I guess!

[TheBrit]

Guess it depends where you work. I'm actually finding that this approach is actually helping me move up the ranks far quicker here than I could have done in the UK. I too am direct and honest and am flourishing here. Luck of the draw I guess!

Yeah, it is important not to extrapolate the culture of one department in one firm to the wider environment. I know several outgoing Westerners who are very happy where bibbju used to work, albeit they are based in the Central HQ rather than the outlying offices. I think the culture in my current department is the best I have seen in my career to date. However, just a few rows of seats across our open plan office things are not quite so rosy in a sister department.

Your mileage may vary. I think personality counts for a lot - high EQ will help you progress whenever you are in the world. High IQ and high EQ is the killer combo, but not nearly as common as each by themselves.

[jimbo]

Hawksmoor??? I'm IN!!!!!!

Just back from my first visit to Sainsbury. I'm speechless. A-maz-ing!!!! Suspect people thought I was a bit odd as I was just so over whelmed by both the huge choice and the low prices. Need a lie down now.

Sent from my GT-I9300 using GeoClicks Mobile

I was the same with Waitrose in canary wharf

[Natfixit]

Hawksmoor??? I'm IN!!!!!!

Just back from my first visit to Sainsbury. I'm speechless. A-maz-ing!!!! Suspect people thought I was a bit odd as I was just so over whelmed by both the huge choice and the low prices. Need a lie down now.

Sent from my GT-I9300 using GeoClicks Mobile

I was like that earlier this year when I finally went back to Oz for a brief holiday. Coles and Aldi staff thought I was crazy, Dan Murphy's and Vintage cellars wondered when the party was, and buying comfortable and affordable shoes that fit my big feet....I feel your joy and relief.

[kimwy66]

I have my supermarket trip already planned for our first day back in France, which coincides with the local village market day. Fresh food!!! Trays of nectarines, peaches, apricots! Lettuce crisp and fresh and brilliant green / red / purple! Big bunches of radishes and beans!... I can't wait.

Hope the hamster made it back ok.

[Fiona in HKG]

I'm a little late in wishing you well, bibbiju, but sending you lots of good wishes for this next chapter. You'll be missed around here!!

[WMDS]

This thread is making me feel homesick

[threelittlepigs]

Sorry, bibbju, am a little late to wish you fond farewells, but better late than never. I had my supermarket moment at Leo's in Melbourne and then again at Whole Foods in Toronto. Thought I died and gone to heaven, twice. Then I woke up and continued pushing my cart down the citySuper (NOT!) aisle.

[holoski]

it's funny, having lived in England and Sydney, I enjoy the wet markets, banter with stall holders, and different products on show. It's a natural, earthy, environment that I try and embrace, despite initial reservations

All the very best to you bibbju