Best of Three Worlds

when i used to still study in the states, i got the best deals of three places: hong kong, japan and the states. i had the ability and flexibility to pick and choose where to get what for the best deals because i would interchangeably travel among the three locations. plus i had the currency for all three which meant i never had to worry about the "exchange rate risk" in this fluctuating economy of ours. now using price, quality and variety as the criteria, i believe hong kong has the best overall balance in terms of getting our daily necessities at a reasonable price. japan tops the quality factor but definitely needs improvement in the price department and could use some more international variety. usa probably has the best deals because they love to sell in huge portions, but sometimes volume without the quality and variety doesn't help, especially us asians who need authentic local ingredients (and i stress "fresh" ingredients), usa is not the ideal place.

i thought of this because now that i don't have the states as part of my go-to places, i cant enjoy some of the most normal deals that i used to take for granted. namely: baking goods, granola bars, tropicana juice, trail mixes, drug store toiletries, magazines. oh and certain make up products that only sell in the states which i should've just bought when i was there. but most importantly, what i constantly find painfully expensive here in hong kong are CEREALS. yes cereals that all americans should own and eat on a daily basis because its almost a necessity for them. well, i guess in hong kong it isn't cause they sell it at frigging SEVEN bucks (usd) for the basic size. i miss my favorite honey bunches of oats. i haven't had any type of cereal since the day i left uni :(

wouldn't it be a great idea if someone would create a social networking site where we can exchange goods from our home country as a way to "connect" with each other. i mean, it's a win-win deal for both parties because you want something they can only get and you can provide them what only you can get. and shipping costs? well i guess that'll have to solve itself haha.