Merry X'mas

Have a wonderful Merry X'mas full of warmth, love, and laughter with family and friends!

Another side of Hong Kong

My first hiking trip in Hong Kong has allowed me to see another side of Hong Kong. Never knew Hong Kong has so many breathtaking scenic views around the islands!

A small fishermen village at Lantau Island.

A villager's house and dried bok choy hanging on laundry line...

A quote that we should all live by!

Hiking trail - 360 Ngong Ping  along the cable cars heading to Po Lin Monastery

The wishing tree at Po Lin Monastery. Hanging wishes of good health, good fortune, and good luck!

Hiking trail: Pei Tam Chung, Sai Kung

 The name of the mountain is called "Rock Hit by Lightning" for a more literal translation of name in Chinese. A legend was told that there used to be a large rock up at the tip of mountain. But a lightning struck the rock in halves, with the other halve rolled partly down the slope.

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.

Home sweet home, San Francisco!

Ahh...it was great to be back home in San Francisco for the past few weeks. Happy catch up times with family and friends. It didn't feel like I was away for too long coming back; much things have been the same here. It has only been nine months, yet it did feel like a long time when I was in HK.

The weather was good most of the time I was back. Few rainy, foggy days. More sunny, warm days in mid-October, as we are near Halloween....it'll be wintery weather once Halloween passed.

Most importantly, I made sure I ate food that I couldn't have in Hong Kong! Peruvian food at La Mar: cau cau, a dish of seared scallops, clams, mussels and tiny potatoes in an aji amarillo and mint broth with caramelized onions risotto...

Macarons at La Boulange...the best I've had: Cessin violet and pistachio.

I definitely miss the vibe of local coffee shops...sigh...guess it'll be a search for coffee shops when I go back to Hong Kong.

And my Peet's coffee...

Anyhow, I know that I'll return to San Francisco soon!

Sai Kung, Hong Kong

Sai Kung has become one of my favorite places in Hong Kong. It feels like a different world away from the busy, crowded Hong Kong. Haven't realized there are so many scattering islands around Hong Kong. If only I have the time, I would probably take a boat tour around...that'll definitely be on my to-do list.

Did I mention it's such a beautiful weather today?? At 32 celsius, it's hot but there's always a nice breeze...

Sai Kung is also known for delicious and fresh sea food. In abundance around Hong Kong and caught by fishermen.

And I found my favorite shop...a boutique shop called 吉光片羽...from the business card it's Final Fragments . Design and style reminds me of Japanese Muji. Simple, petite, and fresh.

And a cute little restaurant I have yet to try!

Another cute shop with good furniture finds...

And how about this barbecue oven?? just put a glass top over it and you can use it as a table!

Year of the Rabbit!

Wishing everyone a happy new year of the Rabbit!

I hope as the new year comes, good news are always on the way!

Picture: ilovedoodle "Good News Is On The Way"

A new 2011

Happy New Year!

It looks like this will be the year of many changes for me...of finally doing what I've been planning on. Just hoping that it will go well *cross fingers*