This week was a long week full of working hard...and working harder. Working hard is a lasting trend in Hong Kong. Everyone here works hard. Friday came, and it was finally time to let my hair down and kick my shoes off. Per my regular routine, however, I was up at 6 am on Saturday morning. Perhaps it was the glass....er 3...of wine I had last night, or maybe it was restlessness caused from doing something all the time here, but I woke up and the only thing I wanted to do was go for a run. So I slid downstairs to my building's gym and logged a few laps on the treadmill. I caught the first round of Saturday morning infomercials in Chinese and felt once again like a strange lady in a strange land. One amusing infomercial had a young Chinese man sipping some espresso and making a scrunched up, distasteful taste. After a few swirls of pink kittens(?) on the screen and some lightening bolts, the young up-and-comer and his gal pal bring out a tin of coffee. they are excited. but what they bring out is actually mix to make coffee jello. so the couple joyously makes morning jello shots of coffee (I won't even get into the actors facial expressions. but they were priceless), they roll the espresso shot-sized gelatinous morsel in some powdered sugar or coconut or something, pop it in each others mouths and loudly chew it to show how much they like it. For a second I didn't really know how to digest this idea. Coffee jello? Then i thought about how I shouldn't judge. this idea actually sounded kind of American-to process something like coffee to make it something completely different...but it's more Asian to love jellies and gel candies.
Anyway, this is probably a ridiculous post, but would you make coffee jello?
I digress, but the new popular shot for Hong Kong'ers to order at clubs is Coffee Patron. This is essentially coffee tequila. It is the beta version of Red Bull, and it is lauded for being more natural than Red Bull. Yes, I've had it, and it is quite good. Have you guys tried it? What do you think?
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Saturday, October 15, 2011
French Cooking
If you have not yet spent some time in Hong Kong, you'd be surprised to know how many Europeans actually live in this city. Hong Kong has a surprisingly large French population. There are probably more French peeps in Hong Kong than American peeps. I like this. I love France. I grew up studying the language and acquiring an appreciation for French culture by traveling and studying in France throughout my youth. While French no longer rolls off my tongue like it did once upon a time, I still love most French things. Hong Kong offers a great way to experience French culture while also being in the thick of Chino-British culture. That said, when my birthday rolled around, everything was French. Champagne, foie gras, a home-made Nicoise style dinner and...wait for it...French Cooking Lessons!
Today I awoke at 8 am to prepare for my lesson (which wasn't till 10) before happily hiking up to the restaurant La Terrace on Old Bailey Street in the Central district of Hong Kong. The menu: Sea Bass and Scallops Provencal; Dessert - Flambe Rum Banane et la glace a la vanille avec Chef Rene Etienne. Chef Rene Etienne is from Avignon, France. Here are a few of the photos.
Sign up here: http://www.hkfrenchcookingclass.com/index.html
Today I awoke at 8 am to prepare for my lesson (which wasn't till 10) before happily hiking up to the restaurant La Terrace on Old Bailey Street in the Central district of Hong Kong. The menu: Sea Bass and Scallops Provencal; Dessert - Flambe Rum Banane et la glace a la vanille avec Chef Rene Etienne. Chef Rene Etienne is from Avignon, France. Here are a few of the photos.
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| just before class starts |
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| Chef Rene Etienne, beginning with a tomato demo. |
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| Moving on to the Sea Bass and Scallops. The main seasoning came from the Provencal sauce we put together using fresh herbs, oil, vinegar, sun dried tomatoes, olives and a few other secret ingredients |
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| trying not to overcook the fish |
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| young Robert, stirring the sauce |
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| My creation. Sea bass and scallops Provencal. interesting fact: chef Rene sourced today's fish from the Hong Kong wet market! |
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| ingredients for bananas flambe. Rum, Bananas, Almonds...also clarified butter, brown sugar, chocolate, mint...and ice cream. |
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| the flames were MUCH larger than this |
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| Chef with his Flambe. I caught him eating his back in the kitchen while the rest of us were making ours. |
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| les bananes |
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| the finished flambe |
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| post-cooking, post-meal with the coolest chef in Hong Kong. |
First Visitors
I'm proud to say that my family recently came and visited Hong Kong. The pressure was on to show them some fun. From personal experience, I knew they'd be fighting jet lag and figured the best approach was to keep them busy and entertained. They were fantastic, and didnt complain about their schedule one bit. Here are a few pictures from their adventure!
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| Fresh of the boat to China. . .only this was an aircraft. Here they come! Meeting them at the airport |
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| dinner at Under Bridge Spicy Crab, a favorite spot for entertaining guests. |
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| Hike around Victoria Peak |
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| love this photo at Temple Street Night Market |
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| In Venice (or the Venitian Hotel in Macau)...where else can you find an indoor, 4th floor canal? |
Monday, September 26, 2011
Visiting Hong Kong -- An Itinerary.
I am so excited that my family is coming to visit Hong Kong next week! I have been putting together an itinerary for them and even sent them a color-coded spreadsheet last week, which I think freaked them out a little because no one responded. So--what are some good things to do in Hong Kong?
Before I started work in Hong Kong I had a few months to explore the area and be a tourist. Much of this list began in my head back then
Clothing Tailor There are many tailors in Hong Kong. Finding the best one for you is the overwhelming part. Whether you want the most established tailor in Hong Kong or more of a value tailor, you can find great quality everywhere in between. Before your trip, begin brainstorming what you would like to have made. You may bring photos out of magazines/catalogues to have items copied. You may also bring them some of your favorite clothing items to be copied in a new fabric or pattern.
Obviously, there are many other things to do in Hong Kong. These are just a few of my favorites. Hope you come and enjoy!
Before I started work in Hong Kong I had a few months to explore the area and be a tourist. Much of this list began in my head back then
Clothing Tailor There are many tailors in Hong Kong. Finding the best one for you is the overwhelming part. Whether you want the most established tailor in Hong Kong or more of a value tailor, you can find great quality everywhere in between. Before your trip, begin brainstorming what you would like to have made. You may bring photos out of magazines/catalogues to have items copied. You may also bring them some of your favorite clothing items to be copied in a new fabric or pattern.
Shoe Cobbler "LIII"-- start dreaming now. The shoes are expensive, but they are beautifully made of the finest quality and fit perfectly. They make any shoe you want.
Dim Sum Hong Kong's famous "snack" dining. A bit like the Spanish Tapas style. here you order dumplings and small plates which you pick off of a fancy cart that the tea ladies steer around. Maxim's and Yung Kee are two old-guard spots to try.
Sai Kung for seafood. This is an authentic seafood town with fresh, cheap, amazing seafood. Fun for a day trip excursion. See my past blog posts--"Sai Kung" and "More Sai Kung" about this!
Dim Sum Hong Kong's famous "snack" dining. A bit like the Spanish Tapas style. here you order dumplings and small plates which you pick off of a fancy cart that the tea ladies steer around. Maxim's and Yung Kee are two old-guard spots to try.
Felix Bar at Peninsula for brilliant views of Hong Kong island and watching the waterfront light show, which occurs every night at 8 PM
Star Ferry the old fashioned way of crossing the harbor. Costs about 30 cents and takes 5 minutes. but it makes you feel straight out of a movie! Speaking of, do some homework and watch "The World Of Suzie Wong" to get in the mood before your trip.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club Horse Races run on Wednesdays each week starting in September. Bet on 1 dollar or 50, but go, order a beer and live it up--you're at the races!
A Chinese Massage or Reflexology. I'm not saying Chinese massage is the most relaxing massage ever, in fact I find pressure point massages almost painful. Whatever your preferred massage style may be, I'm sure you can find something suited to your tastes! Happy Foot comes highly recommended.
Victoria Peak you've probably seen pictures of this, whether it was in the latest Batman or elsewhere. I suggest you take the Old Peak Tram up to the top of hong kong island and walk around and check out the views. You can also do a quick hike around the Peak. Watch out for snakes, though, i almost stepped on a pretty green one once. (by pretty, i mean pretty ugly!)
Macau--"Where Asia Plays." You can see the historical sights and eat authentic Macanese food (which is a mix of Portuguese and Chinese) AND/OR cash it in at the Cassinos. If you do both, a whole day is probably needed. Macau is fascinating, and I definitely going to the historical side and visiting the fortress and museum. Eat a few Macanese egg tarts, and you may even feel like you're in Europe. Once on the Cassino side, check out the mainland Chinese gamblers arriving with suitcases of cash--and I'm not even kidding. Interesting fact about Macau's gaming industry: 3 billion people live within a 5 hour flight of Macau, whereas 400 million people live within a 5 hour flight of Las Vegas.
Sai Kung for seafood. This is an authentic seafood town with fresh, cheap, amazing seafood. Fun for a day trip excursion. See my past blog posts--"Sai Kung" and "More Sai Kung" about this!
Spicy Crab a famous restaurant for Crab (enormous crab!) cooked in chilies and fried garlic. You can have your spiciness made to order, ranging from one to five with one being least spicy and five being very spicy. AMAZING. Unless you're from Texas or Sichuan Province, exercise your spice tolerance and consider keeping the heat below a three.
Stanley Markets--one of the many beach areas of hong kong. Famous for its markets selling linens, arts & crafts, clothing and souvenirs. You can also find some good, beach-side dining in Stanley.
Temple Street night market/ or Jade and Pearl Market --a grittier version of the above (see my blog post), with cool street food. Temple street has knick-knacks such as cheap electronics and knock off sunglasses. The Jade and Pearl markets sell jade and pearls.
Shanghai Tang Shopping This beautiful old Hong Kong store that sells lovely clothing and home accessories. The Pedder building space it occupies has recently been acquired by Abercrombie & Fitch. Try to sneak in and out before Eau de Abercrombie takes over the block.
Shenzhen-- You'll need a Chinese Visa for this hour-long MTR ride to mainland China, but here you will find any thing you ever wanted to buy....without having to write the check you thought you would. You can even have a custom made sofa made for pennies on the dollar. I am in love with Shenzhen.
Obviously, there are many other things to do in Hong Kong. These are just a few of my favorites. Hope you come and enjoy!
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Dim Sum
I had the pleasure of joining some colleagues at Dim Sum this week. Dim Sum is a Cantonese term for snack. The way I see dim sum is as a dining style unique to Hong Kong. It is similar to Spanish Style tapas in that when having Dim Sum you order a variety of small plates. These plates range anywhere from dumplings in bamboo baskets to pork buns to bok choi to jelly fish. A group was in from out-of-town, and one of the Chinese girls on my team booked the lunch at a local spot previously unknown to me. It does not have an English alphabet name. As is common in Chinese style dining, about 15 of us gathered around one round table with a huge Lazy Susan in the middle. On it lay 3 tea pots. As various people ordered a plethora of small plates, the Lazy Susan began to fill up. First with veggies, then with rice noodle dishes, then with pork belly, jelly fish, beef something, mystery meat a, b, and c.
For the western eye, the most approachable items are probably the dumplings and pork buns. Both are delicious. Dumplings come in all styles--my favorite is the soup dumpling. If you aren't familiar with its name, it's often a little meatball cooked inside a soft dumpling--the soup created by cooking the meat is locked into the little dumpling. Often this is served with a sweet light soy sauce. The other dish that I love to have at dim sum is a "pork bun." this is usually a fluffy steamed bread with chopped pork inside. The bun part of the food is quite spongy and round. If you are from Richmond, Virginia, the flavor is similar to a White House roll, although the texture is different.
If youre willing to "when in Rome" a dim sum experience, the world is your oyster. Pork Belly is a tad more bold than the dumpling or pork bun; whereas jelly fish are a few more notches up the ladder. Yes, these are jelly fish we are talking about. It is not the British "stinging nettle" vegetarian dish, a delicacy made from poisonous vines. This is mopsy flopsy jelly fish. Everyone I know who has tried it, loved it. That's why I chose to order it at dim sum the other day. Tragically, I did not try it. Pathetic, I know. I won't give you any excuse except that the gelatinous head-cheese prostrating next to the jellyfish could have been anything, and I was too scared. I decided to enjoy it with my eyes this go-round. After all, there will be other dim sums.
Dim Sum in Hong Kong truly has something for everyone. The communal aspect of dining in this style is perhaps my favorite part of the tradition. I can't wait to go for dim sum with my family who is visiting in 2 weeks!
For the western eye, the most approachable items are probably the dumplings and pork buns. Both are delicious. Dumplings come in all styles--my favorite is the soup dumpling. If you aren't familiar with its name, it's often a little meatball cooked inside a soft dumpling--the soup created by cooking the meat is locked into the little dumpling. Often this is served with a sweet light soy sauce. The other dish that I love to have at dim sum is a "pork bun." this is usually a fluffy steamed bread with chopped pork inside. The bun part of the food is quite spongy and round. If you are from Richmond, Virginia, the flavor is similar to a White House roll, although the texture is different.
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| courtesy of Wikipedia.com. in lower right-hand corner note pork buns in bamboo steamer. Dumplings above. I believe the soup to the upper left is Chinese-style congee, which is a traditional rice porridge |
If youre willing to "when in Rome" a dim sum experience, the world is your oyster. Pork Belly is a tad more bold than the dumpling or pork bun; whereas jelly fish are a few more notches up the ladder. Yes, these are jelly fish we are talking about. It is not the British "stinging nettle" vegetarian dish, a delicacy made from poisonous vines. This is mopsy flopsy jelly fish. Everyone I know who has tried it, loved it. That's why I chose to order it at dim sum the other day. Tragically, I did not try it. Pathetic, I know. I won't give you any excuse except that the gelatinous head-cheese prostrating next to the jellyfish could have been anything, and I was too scared. I decided to enjoy it with my eyes this go-round. After all, there will be other dim sums.
Dim Sum in Hong Kong truly has something for everyone. The communal aspect of dining in this style is perhaps my favorite part of the tradition. I can't wait to go for dim sum with my family who is visiting in 2 weeks!
Sunday, September 18, 2011
48 Hours in Bangkok. You Are Not in Kansas Anymore.
Bangkok, Thailand.
Growing up I never really thought about Thailand. I remember when I lived in New York one of my friends told me her company had thought about transferring her to Bangkok. I recall thinking that the idea was proposterous, just as I'm sure many of you thought I was crazy for choosing to move to Hong Kong. This story is not one about "different strokes for different folks," as my dear Dad likes to say. While I do feel like I was naive about this area of the world before I lived here, at times I still do feel naive. Economically thriving cities are constantly changing and evolving and to say you truly know a place as diverse as Hong Kong or, furthermore, Southeast Asia, would be foolish. I do, however, have a better understanding of the area in which I live than before I lived here. Living here has helped me understand more about the world. I see differences, but I am constantly reminded of similarities among humankind and am touched by how small the world can be. If my friend had decided to move to Bangkok, it probably would have been an amazing experience. Last weekend I went to Bangkok. It is rawer and grittier than Hong Kong, but I loved visiting Bangkok and had a fantastic time.
Upon deplaning at the Bangkok airport, I saw what a world mixing pot Bangkok is. There was once a time that US ports looked like that of Bangkok. The airport was full of so many people of different cultures, my mind was blown. Hong Kong is different. It is more developed, and thus feels more Western. The Bangkok airport is a legitimate airport, but I did feel like I was a stranger in a strange land. "Liz, you are NOT in Kansas anymore." For example, the line of people to pass through immigration was a sample of the entire world's population--you saw hippie Dutch backpackers, elderly British men, Swahili women, a cluster of teenagers from ___insert any country___louder than the other 5000 people in the immigration line, Indian women with henna covering their hands and feet and Saudi Arabian men wearing full-length thawbs with headdress. At one point a flock of Emirates Airlines flight attendants glamorously flew through immigration wearing their veiled hats and perfect hair-dos. It looked like a UAE version of "Catch Me If You Can." That's not to say everyone in the airport exuded a breath of fresh air...
The city has its own way of greeting you. I feel like my first "welcome to Bangkok" moment occurred at a 7-Eleven, where I bought a can of Coke, a bottle of water, and a bag of peanuts. The total was 80 US cents. I assuredly was not in Kansas anymore.
The reason for the trip was that Rob had a business meeting on Saturday morning. 4 hours aside, We had one weekend to explore the vibrant city. This was our first vacation in Asia since moving here, and I was pumped. Here's what we did in 717 words or less:
Friday
-Take the Sky Tram into the city
-check in to the hotel, in the Sukhumvit area of Bangkok
-take a cab (or tuk-tuk motor taxi) to the waterfront area to sight-see. Due to heavy traffic, we re-routed to the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, which is also on the water. We had fancy drinks and a light bite. The Mandarin has never been so inexpensive as it is in Bangkok. If you visit, do order the Thaihito--not only is it delicious, but according to the menu it is Pierce Brosnan's favorite. The helpful assistant at the hotel's newspaper stand taught us how to say thank you in Thai--Khab khun ka (thank you).
-We took took the water taxi up the river with locals (including some young Buddhist monks). We found land at Pier 9, where there was a market selling bracelets made of Jasmine flowers!
-While in the market the Thai Anthem to its Queen began playing on a loud speaker. Everyone in the market froze until the song completed. I froze as well, but I couldn't help but think how different this tradition is. It felt a bit antiquated but was a lovely, old-world nod to royalty. The Thais love their Queen and royalty.
-Rob and I explored the Shopping Markets at Khao San and ate its street food before going back to the Hotel.
Saturday
-woke up at the crack of dawn to get an early start on sight-seeing (aka, beat the traffic)
-Take cab to The Grand Palace. Discover Rob left his new cell phone in the cab. Decide to worry about it later and proceed to change into state-issued clothing for female tourists (ahem, me) wearing inappropriate fitted tee-shirts . After putting on a collared shirt (seemingly left over from a 1960s men's golf tournement) and covering my ankles, we were good to go, exploring a truly remarkable palace. I studied the Grand Palace in art history classes in high school and college but at the time was naive and dismissed the landmark as a place I would probably never visit. In person, it is remarkable. I was glad Rob urged me to visit.
-Afterwards, we quickly visited the world's largest reclining Buddha, which I definitely studied in art history classes. I found it extraordinary. That may have been the highlight of what I saw on the trip.
-Booked it back to the hotel so Rob could go to his work appointment, and I could do some work. I also booked a massage. The shortest one available was 1 hour 30 minutes. Nervous about finishing in time for a dinner reservation, I asked if they could shorten the massage to 1 hour. They quickly told me that would be bad for my health. Okie! I indulged in the full-length massage! Thai massages are heaven.
-Met up with my friend Biz and her boyfriend Allen--friends from home. We were so happy to see familiar faces in this area of the world! We went out to dinner at a restaurant named "Cabbages and Condoms." Strange but good dinner spot! Definitely worth a visit for the open minded and young at heart.
-Saw a slew of touristy going-out areas---Soi Cowboy and Patpong Night Bazaar-- the touristy red-light districts you may have seen in the film "Hangover 2". These are the first red light districts I have ever walked through. They were quite red and had lots of lights.
-Capped off the night at the night market and backpacker's paradise, Khao San Road. We sang and danced the night away at a rooftop bar called "Roof." Eventually we needed some late night street food and a rest...zzz.
SUNDAY
-Awoke on Sunday to have an enormous breakfast at our hotel. Marble-slab frozen Greek yogurt with any topping you want? Side of Guava or Lychee juice? YES PLEASE!
-Decided to quickly visit the Chatuchak Market, the largest outdoor market in the world. It is both underwhelming and overwhelming at the same time. Underwhelming because they had the same stuff you can find in a Hong Kong market, overwhelming because it was so freaking humongous we kept getting lost and spent most of the time we were there trying to get out!
-Booked it back to the hotel to pack and get to the airport.
-Bye bye, Bangkok.
PICTURES:
Growing up I never really thought about Thailand. I remember when I lived in New York one of my friends told me her company had thought about transferring her to Bangkok. I recall thinking that the idea was proposterous, just as I'm sure many of you thought I was crazy for choosing to move to Hong Kong. This story is not one about "different strokes for different folks," as my dear Dad likes to say. While I do feel like I was naive about this area of the world before I lived here, at times I still do feel naive. Economically thriving cities are constantly changing and evolving and to say you truly know a place as diverse as Hong Kong or, furthermore, Southeast Asia, would be foolish. I do, however, have a better understanding of the area in which I live than before I lived here. Living here has helped me understand more about the world. I see differences, but I am constantly reminded of similarities among humankind and am touched by how small the world can be. If my friend had decided to move to Bangkok, it probably would have been an amazing experience. Last weekend I went to Bangkok. It is rawer and grittier than Hong Kong, but I loved visiting Bangkok and had a fantastic time.
Upon deplaning at the Bangkok airport, I saw what a world mixing pot Bangkok is. There was once a time that US ports looked like that of Bangkok. The airport was full of so many people of different cultures, my mind was blown. Hong Kong is different. It is more developed, and thus feels more Western. The Bangkok airport is a legitimate airport, but I did feel like I was a stranger in a strange land. "Liz, you are NOT in Kansas anymore." For example, the line of people to pass through immigration was a sample of the entire world's population--you saw hippie Dutch backpackers, elderly British men, Swahili women, a cluster of teenagers from ___insert any country___louder than the other 5000 people in the immigration line, Indian women with henna covering their hands and feet and Saudi Arabian men wearing full-length thawbs with headdress. At one point a flock of Emirates Airlines flight attendants glamorously flew through immigration wearing their veiled hats and perfect hair-dos. It looked like a UAE version of "Catch Me If You Can." That's not to say everyone in the airport exuded a breath of fresh air...
The city has its own way of greeting you. I feel like my first "welcome to Bangkok" moment occurred at a 7-Eleven, where I bought a can of Coke, a bottle of water, and a bag of peanuts. The total was 80 US cents. I assuredly was not in Kansas anymore.
The reason for the trip was that Rob had a business meeting on Saturday morning. 4 hours aside, We had one weekend to explore the vibrant city. This was our first vacation in Asia since moving here, and I was pumped. Here's what we did in 717 words or less:
Friday
-Take the Sky Tram into the city
-check in to the hotel, in the Sukhumvit area of Bangkok
-take a cab (or tuk-tuk motor taxi) to the waterfront area to sight-see. Due to heavy traffic, we re-routed to the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, which is also on the water. We had fancy drinks and a light bite. The Mandarin has never been so inexpensive as it is in Bangkok. If you visit, do order the Thaihito--not only is it delicious, but according to the menu it is Pierce Brosnan's favorite. The helpful assistant at the hotel's newspaper stand taught us how to say thank you in Thai--Khab khun ka (thank you).
-We took took the water taxi up the river with locals (including some young Buddhist monks). We found land at Pier 9, where there was a market selling bracelets made of Jasmine flowers!
-While in the market the Thai Anthem to its Queen began playing on a loud speaker. Everyone in the market froze until the song completed. I froze as well, but I couldn't help but think how different this tradition is. It felt a bit antiquated but was a lovely, old-world nod to royalty. The Thais love their Queen and royalty.
-Rob and I explored the Shopping Markets at Khao San and ate its street food before going back to the Hotel.
Saturday
-woke up at the crack of dawn to get an early start on sight-seeing (aka, beat the traffic)
-Take cab to The Grand Palace. Discover Rob left his new cell phone in the cab. Decide to worry about it later and proceed to change into state-issued clothing for female tourists (ahem, me) wearing inappropriate fitted tee-shirts . After putting on a collared shirt (seemingly left over from a 1960s men's golf tournement) and covering my ankles, we were good to go, exploring a truly remarkable palace. I studied the Grand Palace in art history classes in high school and college but at the time was naive and dismissed the landmark as a place I would probably never visit. In person, it is remarkable. I was glad Rob urged me to visit.
-Afterwards, we quickly visited the world's largest reclining Buddha, which I definitely studied in art history classes. I found it extraordinary. That may have been the highlight of what I saw on the trip.
-Booked it back to the hotel so Rob could go to his work appointment, and I could do some work. I also booked a massage. The shortest one available was 1 hour 30 minutes. Nervous about finishing in time for a dinner reservation, I asked if they could shorten the massage to 1 hour. They quickly told me that would be bad for my health. Okie! I indulged in the full-length massage! Thai massages are heaven.
-Met up with my friend Biz and her boyfriend Allen--friends from home. We were so happy to see familiar faces in this area of the world! We went out to dinner at a restaurant named "Cabbages and Condoms." Strange but good dinner spot! Definitely worth a visit for the open minded and young at heart.
-Saw a slew of touristy going-out areas---Soi Cowboy and Patpong Night Bazaar-- the touristy red-light districts you may have seen in the film "Hangover 2". These are the first red light districts I have ever walked through. They were quite red and had lots of lights.
-Capped off the night at the night market and backpacker's paradise, Khao San Road. We sang and danced the night away at a rooftop bar called "Roof." Eventually we needed some late night street food and a rest...zzz.
SUNDAY
-Awoke on Sunday to have an enormous breakfast at our hotel. Marble-slab frozen Greek yogurt with any topping you want? Side of Guava or Lychee juice? YES PLEASE!
-Decided to quickly visit the Chatuchak Market, the largest outdoor market in the world. It is both underwhelming and overwhelming at the same time. Underwhelming because they had the same stuff you can find in a Hong Kong market, overwhelming because it was so freaking humongous we kept getting lost and spent most of the time we were there trying to get out!
-Booked it back to the hotel to pack and get to the airport.
-Bye bye, Bangkok.
PICTURES:
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| Passing river taxi |
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| Taking the river taxi upstream |
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| buying a jasmine and rose bracelet near Pier 9 |
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| For Teddy. Revisiting a bar Rob and his friends enjoyed a few years ago. |
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| cooling off and taking a break from the touring and shopping |
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| Rob ordered street food from a Pad Thai vendor on Khao San Road. Rob says it was the best Pad Thai he's ever had |
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| Highlights of the Grand Palace |
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| Rob, at the Grand Palace. |
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| Wat Pho--the world's largest reclining Buddha. Must take your shoes off to see the Buddha. |
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| I loved the beautiful art on the walls of all the temples we entered. It resembled a tapestry but had been painted and inlaid with stones and gold. |
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| Biz and Allen on Soi Cowboy! |
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| At Roof on Khao San Road odd Thai lady who is in many of our pictures. |
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| Rob having a thumb war with a little boy selling roses |
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| Little baskets of quail eggs for sale at the Chatuchak market. |
Contagion
Hello all. Sorry for the radio silence. For a few months I felt that I had told you all everything there was to tell about living here. I was settling into work and solely focusing on that. The time has come, however, to start writing again. Perhaps I'll start by talking about something we both may have in common--the film "Contagion."
Have you heard of it? The cast contains a slew of heavy-hitting names such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Matt Damon, Jude Law, Marion Cotillard (j'adore) and Kate Winslet. The film tells the story of how a serious contagious illness from Hong Kong attacks the world's population, causing death and mayhem every where it spreads. The story focuses on how the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control first acknowledge the epidemic, strive to contain the illness, and the effect that these actions have on the world's population. The story also focuses on the roll of blogging as a form of information dissemination that detracts from the goals of government organizations. All-in-all the film is frankly terrifying, as an example of art imitating the real-life SARs epidemic of Hong Kong in 2002.
The film begins in Hong Kong, where an American woman is traveling for work. She catches a food-borne illness prior to her departure and returns home to the US only to spread it to her son and countless other citizens of the world. We watch Matt Damon, one of the few immune to the disease struggle to make sense of a world gone mad. Throughout the film instances of the deadly disease are traced back to Hong Kong and Kowloon, which is a district of Hong Kong on the northern side of Victoria Harbor.
After seeing the film on Friday night, I bought a bottle of Dettol Disinfectant Spray and shared its contents with every surface in my apartment. When I fixed pork tenderloin for dinner last night, I must have washed my hands and dishes literally 10 times. Normally I am not so impressionable or easily persuaded, but after this film I considered buying and wearing a surgical mask--but I didn't. Rob told me he would never take me to see another thriller. Rightfully so. The movie freaked me out. It is a well-done, documentary-type film with great actors, but be forewarned, it is terrifying.
Have you heard of it? The cast contains a slew of heavy-hitting names such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Matt Damon, Jude Law, Marion Cotillard (j'adore) and Kate Winslet. The film tells the story of how a serious contagious illness from Hong Kong attacks the world's population, causing death and mayhem every where it spreads. The story focuses on how the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control first acknowledge the epidemic, strive to contain the illness, and the effect that these actions have on the world's population. The story also focuses on the roll of blogging as a form of information dissemination that detracts from the goals of government organizations. All-in-all the film is frankly terrifying, as an example of art imitating the real-life SARs epidemic of Hong Kong in 2002.
The film begins in Hong Kong, where an American woman is traveling for work. She catches a food-borne illness prior to her departure and returns home to the US only to spread it to her son and countless other citizens of the world. We watch Matt Damon, one of the few immune to the disease struggle to make sense of a world gone mad. Throughout the film instances of the deadly disease are traced back to Hong Kong and Kowloon, which is a district of Hong Kong on the northern side of Victoria Harbor.
After seeing the film on Friday night, I bought a bottle of Dettol Disinfectant Spray and shared its contents with every surface in my apartment. When I fixed pork tenderloin for dinner last night, I must have washed my hands and dishes literally 10 times. Normally I am not so impressionable or easily persuaded, but after this film I considered buying and wearing a surgical mask--but I didn't. Rob told me he would never take me to see another thriller. Rightfully so. The movie freaked me out. It is a well-done, documentary-type film with great actors, but be forewarned, it is terrifying.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Answer
For those of you who replied to the Trivia Question, I regret to inform you that none of you were correct in answering the question: What do the following have in common? Dolphin, Dimple, Tacky, Cinderella, Fat Fat and Icy?
Good Guess, Mom, but no these are not types of dumplings. And no, Kitten Rags, they are not names of Cats
Answer: They are all names of people in Hong Kong that I have encountered since living here.
The point of my asking this is not necessarily to shock my American counterparts, but more to observe the culture behind naming in Hong Kong. Names in both cultures are meaningful. This selection of names is a quick highlight the types of names that Chinese choose to be called when they pick a Western name. Most frequently you will encounter Chinese people with more "normal" Western names such as Mandy and Sandy and Claire when in Hong Kong. But once I was at a restaurant where the server's name was "Eat". Cinderella, per the name above, is actually a name that was given to me when I was volunteering with a non-English-speaking charity. I guess they figured everyone would remember it; after all, I think I was the only person with blond hair. I will admit though, that most of the people mentioned above did probably pick these names when they were in middle school English class and had to pick a Western name to be called. I can only imagine what I would pick if I were to choose a Chinese name. I would probably get confused and pick something the equivalent of "popcorn."
Good Guess, Mom, but no these are not types of dumplings. And no, Kitten Rags, they are not names of Cats
Answer: They are all names of people in Hong Kong that I have encountered since living here.
The point of my asking this is not necessarily to shock my American counterparts, but more to observe the culture behind naming in Hong Kong. Names in both cultures are meaningful. This selection of names is a quick highlight the types of names that Chinese choose to be called when they pick a Western name. Most frequently you will encounter Chinese people with more "normal" Western names such as Mandy and Sandy and Claire when in Hong Kong. But once I was at a restaurant where the server's name was "Eat". Cinderella, per the name above, is actually a name that was given to me when I was volunteering with a non-English-speaking charity. I guess they figured everyone would remember it; after all, I think I was the only person with blond hair. I will admit though, that most of the people mentioned above did probably pick these names when they were in middle school English class and had to pick a Western name to be called. I can only imagine what I would pick if I were to choose a Chinese name. I would probably get confused and pick something the equivalent of "popcorn."
Monday, July 18, 2011
Hong Kong Trivia
Hey friends. It has been awhile. Sorry.
Today I wanted to play a little Hong Kong trivia concerning a few things I've been thinking about recently.
Question of the day:
What do the following have in common?
Dolphin, Dimple, Tacky, Cinderella, Fat Fat and Icy.
If you email me the correct answer, I will send you a present from Hong Kong. Promise.
Today I wanted to play a little Hong Kong trivia concerning a few things I've been thinking about recently.
Question of the day:
What do the following have in common?
Dolphin, Dimple, Tacky, Cinderella, Fat Fat and Icy.
If you email me the correct answer, I will send you a present from Hong Kong. Promise.
Monday, May 16, 2011
It was a rainy weekend in Hong Kong. We welcomed the rain because it took away the first heat wave of the season. Rob and I made a trip back to our Hong Kong tailor this weekend. The tailor is making a summer suit for me. I decided to spice up my life and have him make a more "style conscious" suit, since he made a traditional navy suit for me last time. The new suit is copied from a white linen designer suit I saw a picture of. If you come visit me, you can have anything you want made! The tailor even feeds you beer and free Indian food, talk about a perk.
It's a good thing it rained this weekend, because it provided an easy excuse for me to curl up and read Girl with the Dragon Tattoo for 3/4s of the weekend. Have any of you all read it? Feeling like one of the last people on earth to read this mystery thriller, but it's a great page-turner! Perfect for summer reading! Bad for getting a full 8 hours of sleep.
Ok, obviously life is getting a little bit more boring here on this side of the globe--weather, books, and clothes are the blog topics of late. I know things are spunky in the Western world. Word of Strauss-Kahn reached the East quickly and is currently dominating the headlines. But do please send updates on what is going on with you guys!
~Lizard
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| twas a blustery day in Hong Kong. I could even wear pants! |
Thursday, May 12, 2011
It has become wickedly hot in Hong Kong. The air is entirely wet, and it feels about 100 degrees if you leave your home or office. I dream of going on hikes this weekend, but I don't know if I can stomach it. I'm trying to cut down on the air conditioning to try to train my body to acclimate. Heat has never bothered me too much in the past, but if future days are anything like the past two days, life will take some getting used to.
When I'm not at work the best way to pass my time is by reading. This activity complements another activity, which involves lying very still beside the swimming pool. I find myself happy lounging indoors or out, reading a book. I finished Cutting for Stone on Tuesday, which was yet another holiday in Hong Kong--this time Buddha's birthday. I lay outside by the pool for 3 hours on a cloudy, muggy day and still managed to get ravaged by the sun! Clearly, fair skin is better suited for the indoors or a high SPF in this climate. Fortunately, however, I am still able to slip on my tennis shoes and go for runs on the treadmill--conveniently located IN doors!
When I'm not at work the best way to pass my time is by reading. This activity complements another activity, which involves lying very still beside the swimming pool. I find myself happy lounging indoors or out, reading a book. I finished Cutting for Stone on Tuesday, which was yet another holiday in Hong Kong--this time Buddha's birthday. I lay outside by the pool for 3 hours on a cloudy, muggy day and still managed to get ravaged by the sun! Clearly, fair skin is better suited for the indoors or a high SPF in this climate. Fortunately, however, I am still able to slip on my tennis shoes and go for runs on the treadmill--conveniently located IN doors!
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Stream of Consciousness
So much has happened this week. It's just one of those weeks you look back upon and think about all that happened and say, wow, why is this week different, what happened. As I reflect, my reflection comes in list form:
Starting from a week ago:
Royal-wedding-inspired playlist. I am obsessed with playing Elton John--specifically "Your Song." This has led me to other oldies...and right now "Sunshine Superman" by Donovan is playing--great for a sunny days. Also, I am very much enjoying the video for the Avett Brothers "November Blue." If you say you don't love a love song, I think you're lying.
Taking, or more precisely, re-taking my Bloomberg Excel formula/programming exam, which includes troubleshooting...which leads me to think, "just shoot me."
Two of my friends in Hong Kong are having babies, and I recently found out that both will be boys!
My other 2 friends in Hong Kong are leaving to go back to the US to get married this week.
I bought Rob fish for his birthday. We went to the Goldfish Market in Mong Kok and bought clown fish and named them Sai (after Sai Kung) and Kiki (my dad used to call me that sometimes, so of course I like the name). Clown fish are saltwater fish, however, so this makes them very hard to keep alive in a synthetically saltwater environment. Unfortunately Kiki and Sai had to go for a swim in the John this week. I hope they are enjoying fish heaven. In the meantime, I am working on creating a less hostile fish environment in my apartment so that Kiki2 and Sai2 won't ever have to know The John.
Rob had several job offers this week, which were followed by more job possibilities. Each day is an adventure as I watch possibilities unfold.
Nat--we love you and are praying for you!
Last, but not least, tomorrow is MOTHER'S DAY. All of you moms have worked so hard. I can't even imagine how you did it. So, tomorrow is a big day for all of you Mommies out there. Mommy, I'd like to thank you for everything you've done for me.
Ok, I think that's about it. Have a great weekend!
Starting from a week ago:
Royal-wedding-inspired playlist. I am obsessed with playing Elton John--specifically "Your Song." This has led me to other oldies...and right now "Sunshine Superman" by Donovan is playing--great for a sunny days. Also, I am very much enjoying the video for the Avett Brothers "November Blue." If you say you don't love a love song, I think you're lying.
Taking, or more precisely, re-taking my Bloomberg Excel formula/programming exam, which includes troubleshooting...which leads me to think, "just shoot me."
Two of my friends in Hong Kong are having babies, and I recently found out that both will be boys!
My other 2 friends in Hong Kong are leaving to go back to the US to get married this week.
I bought Rob fish for his birthday. We went to the Goldfish Market in Mong Kok and bought clown fish and named them Sai (after Sai Kung) and Kiki (my dad used to call me that sometimes, so of course I like the name). Clown fish are saltwater fish, however, so this makes them very hard to keep alive in a synthetically saltwater environment. Unfortunately Kiki and Sai had to go for a swim in the John this week. I hope they are enjoying fish heaven. In the meantime, I am working on creating a less hostile fish environment in my apartment so that Kiki2 and Sai2 won't ever have to know The John.
Rob had several job offers this week, which were followed by more job possibilities. Each day is an adventure as I watch possibilities unfold.
Nat--we love you and are praying for you!
Last, but not least, tomorrow is MOTHER'S DAY. All of you moms have worked so hard. I can't even imagine how you did it. So, tomorrow is a big day for all of you Mommies out there. Mommy, I'd like to thank you for everything you've done for me.
Ok, I think that's about it. Have a great weekend!
Monday, May 2, 2011
May Day, May Day
Hello Friends and loved ones,
This past weekend has been an interesting one in Hong Kong. First, Great Britain graced us with a Royal marriage. Every girly girl's fantasy became a reality. Not only did Prince William get married, but he married a "common" girl from the outlying village. This event was a fairytale in living color.
Obviously, I did not attend the wedding, but for the British in Hong Kong who felt snubbed by their lack of wedding invitation, the Mandarin Oriental saved the day. The hotel transformed its ballroom into Westminster Abbey, complete with nave, aisles, proper seating arrangements, trees and proper placement of Kate and Wills via projection screen. All attendees dined on fine food while partaking in the momentous occasion. I did not go, but I was fortunate enough to attend the tongue-in-cheek 'official' after party, where I realized that the Mandarin event was actually quite popular among British ex-pats in Hong Kong. The Brits know how to kick up their heels and enjoy a drink, so the celebration was quite fun.
In more serious news, you all in the US probably heard as you were going to sleep that Osama bin Laden has been killed, and US troops have his body. This comes nearly 10 years after the events on 9/11, for which his organization was responsible. I was awake at Noon in Hong Kong to witness US President Obama deliver the announcement, to which the English speaking news anchor summarized as "That was Osama bin Laden, speaking to the world about the death of...Osama bin Laden." Grimace. Gaffe.
In more local news, today is May Day in Hong Kong. I have heard numerous interpretations of what this holiday is, the most benign being that May Day is a version of Labor Day. Some call May 1 International Workers' Day, which alludes to ties with Socialist movements in Australia. Whatever your take on this day may be, Hong Kong still celebrates this holiday and gives e'rybody a day off of work! Three weeks in a row that I will have a four-day work week. Next Tuesday is Buddha's birthday. Easter, May Day, Buddha's birthday. Hooray for Holidays!
This past weekend has been an interesting one in Hong Kong. First, Great Britain graced us with a Royal marriage. Every girly girl's fantasy became a reality. Not only did Prince William get married, but he married a "common" girl from the outlying village. This event was a fairytale in living color.
Obviously, I did not attend the wedding, but for the British in Hong Kong who felt snubbed by their lack of wedding invitation, the Mandarin Oriental saved the day. The hotel transformed its ballroom into Westminster Abbey, complete with nave, aisles, proper seating arrangements, trees and proper placement of Kate and Wills via projection screen. All attendees dined on fine food while partaking in the momentous occasion. I did not go, but I was fortunate enough to attend the tongue-in-cheek 'official' after party, where I realized that the Mandarin event was actually quite popular among British ex-pats in Hong Kong. The Brits know how to kick up their heels and enjoy a drink, so the celebration was quite fun.
In more serious news, you all in the US probably heard as you were going to sleep that Osama bin Laden has been killed, and US troops have his body. This comes nearly 10 years after the events on 9/11, for which his organization was responsible. I was awake at Noon in Hong Kong to witness US President Obama deliver the announcement, to which the English speaking news anchor summarized as "That was Osama bin Laden, speaking to the world about the death of...Osama bin Laden." Grimace. Gaffe.
In more local news, today is May Day in Hong Kong. I have heard numerous interpretations of what this holiday is, the most benign being that May Day is a version of Labor Day. Some call May 1 International Workers' Day, which alludes to ties with Socialist movements in Australia. Whatever your take on this day may be, Hong Kong still celebrates this holiday and gives e'rybody a day off of work! Three weeks in a row that I will have a four-day work week. Next Tuesday is Buddha's birthday. Easter, May Day, Buddha's birthday. Hooray for Holidays!
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Out to (a normal) Dinner in Hong Kong
This blog has advertised several dining joints serving off-the-beaten-track local food, but I want to let you know that my advertising does not fairly represent the dining scene in Hong Kong. Many restaurants are cosmopolitan, sophisticated or trendy, while others are regular, easy-going digs. It's not hard to find a good spot where people can go to dinner and eat simple BBQ and beer. I decided to post pictures from a dinner I had with friends at a Restaurant that reminds me of a place you might even find in Richmond, VA. Bourbon is its name, and I feel right at home there. It specializes in serving, you name it, Bourbon! and other Southern-inspired foods. Here are a few pictures:
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Happy Easter!
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| The cameraman must have caught the Easter Bunny at a frightening angle, but at least the little girl is happy. |
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