July Photo Mash Up

Our new rule in Hong Kong is A.B.C. = Always Bring your Camera. Each day presents another fabulous photo op. Here are some favorites from the past few weeks.

Darryl repping the WC

Mint-Chip and Tamarind-Lime gelato at The Peak

A friendly reminder before getting on the 360 Sky Tram

We don't read that many characters, so here's how we think this went down...

We're best friends...

Cannibal

Hello Kitty has... Nah its just too easy

Hong Kong, Amazing Race Style

I recently worked with a team to organize a team-building activity. We called it a scavenger hunt, but it was really more like The Amazing Race, one of my favorite shows. The planning took a lot of effort, but introduced me to some amazing sites around Hong Kong. (I was later able to play tour guide to Darryl and Sharon to these places.) Below are some highlights.

My first trip to The Peak consisted of a scounting exercise which left little time for panoramic photos. I did squeeze in one fun photo (below) and went a second time with Sharon.

Gina in front of old Hong Kong facade at The Peak

Hong Kong is known for its redevelopment and not a day goes by without hearing its symphony of jackhammering and jarring bangs. One difficult-to-find street is exempt from the blustering noise, Wing Lee Street. Buildings from the 1960s era stand as relics and memories of old Hong Kong. This street was slated for redevelopment until the film "Echoes of the Rainbow" launched in 2010. The film popularized the street, redevelopment plans were stopped and now there is discussions for preserving the street.

Courtesy of Margaret Tam

Wing Lee Street balcony

Old style Hong Kong mailboxes

Old style shop gate

Avenue of the Stars is Hong Kong's tribute to Cantonese and Mandarin film stars and industry professionals. The famous walk not only hosts 100+ stars and hand prints, but is one of the most famous destinations to watch the evening light show.

Kung fu actor Bruce Lee

Cross over actor, Jackie Chan

1881 Heritage was the Headquarters of the Hong Kong Marine Police. It was later redeveloped into a high end shopping and restaurant area, but kept some of the historical elements including the time ball, mast and noon day cannons.

Darryl and the Noon Day Cannon

One historic location didn't make the cut. Lee Tung Street is located in Wan Chai (a block away from us) and known as wedding card street by locals. Note: The street sign pictured below was gone 2 days later. Love redevelopment.

Famous for wedding invitation shops

Our Hong Kong

You start to feel like a local when you can take visiting friends around your city. That's exactly how we felt when Sharon was in town this month. From our favorite curry noodle place, to the little place that sells bao and jin doy, to our weekly staple, Nha Trang, we had the pleasure of showing off Hong Kong. In addition, we got to check out some of the tourist hightlights in Hong Kong.

A favorite from Darryl's childhood, a trip to see the Pandas in Ocean Park was a must-do for Sharon and Darryl. Check out this video from S.

Live action shot

Sitting down

A surprising fact about Hong Kong is the amount of parks and green space throughout the city, extending to the New Territories. Here's a few highlights from Hong Kong Park:

Lake filled with brightly coloured fish

Lily pads

Waterfall

Behind the falls

In case you were wondering

Afternoon Tea at The Peninsula Hotel is one of the most posh ways to entertain. Beautiful and scrumptious - a perfect way to spend the afternoon.

S and G with tea platters

Entirely gluten free

The Peak is one of the most popular destinations because it delights tourists with an impressive view of Hong Kong and Kowloon.

View of Hong Kong, the Harbour, Kowloon and the New Territories

View of The Peak and Harbour

Lions on the lookout

Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha) on Lantau Island is the world's biggest, outdoor bronze Buddha.

Tian Tan Buddha

D and S resting (not playing per the sign)

View from the top

Real adventure seekers hike the terrain

Tropical China

I bet you didn't expect to see those two words together. I thought the closest I'd get to tropical here is sweating through these summer months, until I went to Hainan. An island located in the southern part of China, and home to the Li ethnic group, Hainan is a slice of tropical heaven in China. The first thing I saw when I excited the plane was one of the two pineapples at the airport. Pineapples typically represent hospitality, according Darryl and Williams Sonoma. This also set the tone for "things that remind me of Hawaii".

 

ShiMei Bay was the first stop. A remote part of the island, ShiMei Bay is a quiet enclave with access to a private island. Many water sports and plenty of beach to keep you happy. I recommend visiting soon, next year there will be better infrastructure (high speed rail) and more hotels. This private beach will lose its exclusivity.

Having a little fun while touring the property

Sanya is the Wailea of Hainan. One resort after another dots this beautiful beach. Sanya is where I found some of the most beautiful plumeria flowers, which is called 鸡蛋花 (egg flower) in Chinese. Probably for the most common plumeria, yellow on the inside, white on the outside.

Highlights included trying Hainanese foods: a fruit similar to lychee but a bit sweeter called 黄皮 (wampi), and a Hainanese local green been called 四角豆 (winged bean).

More adventures in Hainan to come in August... stay tuned...