DETOUR 2011, Hong Kong

I did feel like I took a detour this weekend...a detour around Central/SOHO district in Hong Kong. It was a lot of walking around on the narrow streets of the area, like a tourist exploring this side of Hong Kong with its historical landmarks.

Well, the main reason I went in the area was for the DETOUR event, an exhibition event of recyclable things that are reused for sustainable designs and exhibitions. It's good to see the generation of 1980s are into doing sustainable designs for the environment benefits. I've always felt that residents in Hong Kong are not as dedicated about recycling. There are a lot of public propagandas but most don't follow about separating the plastics, the metals, and paper from trash...

Modern art is not really my thing. But it's amazing to see how recyclable materials are being reused to create something else. Besides the exhibition, of course there was a also a fair of handmade designs from jewelry and canvas shopping bags to creative printing and cards, just so reminded me of the Indie Mart and Renegade fairs back home...

The event was held at the Former Police Married Quarters on Hollywood Road, which was one of the historical building which housed married police and their family lived in around 1950s - 1960s. I doubt there was any renovations were done after they moved out from the looks of the buildings. Nevertheless, the original look of the buildings does give it character and nostalgic feel.

Around the area, a lot of the residential buildings of the 1960s-1970s still remain. 

But more boutiques, modern art galleries have sprung up alongside. Much similar to a fusion dish of western and Hong Kong culture, the traditional and modern, giving the neighborhood an unique flavor and character.

But a downside: it was hard to find a decent, local quiet cafe...the afternoon would have been perfect if there was a cup of good coffee in hand.

But fortunately, a delicious place was discovered. With noodles and traditional desserts, in Hong Kong flavors.

A dessert discovered which is now a favorite: glutinous balls sprinkled with peanut and coconut bits served hot...chewy and sweet with every bite, a comfort food felt like a warm, familiar embrace.