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.

new favorite goodies found!

Had a great time at the Indie Mart today! Great items found and loving the hand-made jewelry and vintage western tube top I got! Awesome to find out that some of these vendors are also selling on etsy!

I'm also loving this lovely dress-the fabric and color, everything!. After Indie Mart, my friend and I also went to this new store New People that just opened yesterday in Japantown.

Though Lolita is not exactly my style but I'm loving the cute, lacey tank tops and accessories. Besides that, there are also other fantastic bookstore (with cute home decor and stationary!) and awesome shoe store.

(You'll have to excuse me for the yellowish lighting in the display.)

I wish this pair of shoes have women's sizes!

The store also has an art gallery on the top floor, which I missed! Definitely will be going back there soon!

whew!

Thank goodness this week is finally over! It was a way busy and long week. Had to work late for the past few days. But glad that I got to do happy hour today--could really use a drink while enjoying the sunset.

Am excited for the weekend, especially this Sunday for the Indie Mart in the city! Can't wait to go shopping for the handmade and vintage goodies and check out the DIY demos!

weekend of catch up

My weekend was lovely meeting and catching up with old friends over a cup of hot chocolate at my favorite local coffee house. Friends from high school and college, to be precise.

It was nice but sad to realize how old we are in our mid-twenties after reminiscing and talking about the high school and college days. Actually, I also went to middle school with one of them! So that's even more than an ancient decade ago! And just to think that high school reunion will be in just about 5 years...gosh!

And like time, the weekend flew by as well. But thank goodness I'm greeted with sunny and blue sky this morning.

Hopefully, it'll be sunny and blue sky everyday. That'll help get me through the week at least. Have a good week!

Blue Danube Coffee

I found a local Blue Danube coffee shop in my neighborhood today. Awesome and stylish place to hang out or to enjoy some alone time. They have Mexican hot chocolate that I have yet to try next time!

The single shot of Michatto was pretty strong... suddenly reminded me of a show I watched in which the main character said, "most of the time life gives you a cup of dark, bitter coffee, but you can always add some sugar, or milk to it...it's pretty much how you make it taste better." Mm... very true!

Trauma at Embarcadero

Apparently, there was a crash incident at the Embarcadero plaza today...

But...it was on the set on the upcoming TV series Trauma. They've been filming since yesterday. Didn't get to see the actual filming of the crash scene. Too bad!

I was really tempted to walk into the filming area though.

But I did see some good looking actors (who play the cops) of the show. No wonder all the cops standing here are tall and good looking!

Couldn't get as closed as I would to... and the pictures are taken on my cell, not in good quality either. Actually, I can't wait to watch the series, which comes out in this fall. I hear that the whole series will be filmed in the city. I wonder where's the next location they'll film at!