Seafood by the Sea

Last night we went with my "rent a friends" to Lamma for dinner. Lamma is an island about 20 minutes from Hong Kong Island accessed only by ferry. It's a small island, loaded with seafood restaurants. No cars are allowed on the island, so it's quiet...except for the Chinese bachelor party that was happening. Every 5 minutes a group of men were standing up, shouting, and toasting. Actually, we're not really sure it was a bachelor party, but when the guy got off the last ferry, we hoped it was some kind of celebration for him, as he basically had to be carried off to throw up over the side. Poor bachelor.

After dinner, we headed to Totts, atop the Excelsior hotel. They have a rooftop bar, so I had to snap some quick pics because the view was great. There was a Canadian band playing, so we danced into the wee hours. Yes, I did stay out past midnight...a surprise to many, I know :)

Have a great weekend...we'll be cheering from afar for the Heels, Panthers, Bama, and Elon! Can't tell you how much we miss Fall football weekends.

xx,

Lauren

Ladies Day Out

Yesterday, Hayley, Ripa, and I went to the Kowloon side to have a look at some of Hong Kong's tourist traps: The Ladies Market, Goldfish Market, and Flower Market. We didn't check out the Bird Market...we'll save it for another day. The Ladies Market is just like China Town in NYC. We strolled through and didn't buy a thing. You better believe I'll take you here when you come though!

The Goldfish Market consists of 2 streets of just pet stores. Mostly, fish stores, but there are pet stores with puppies and kitties. I couldn't stay in those...It was breaking my heart. I wanted to rescue all of those sweet animals in the windows. Aquariums and fish are thought to bring luck to those in Hong Kong.There is no shortage of luck to be had on these 2 streets! Check out these monsters below:


The Flower Market was incredible. Rows and rows of flower stores...orchids, lilies, roses, sunflowers, hydrangeas, you name it. AND CHEAP! I can't wait to go back for some orchids once we have some places to put them.



After the Markets, we went to the Peninsula Hotel for afternoon tea. This is a MUST when you come to visit...all the tourists do it, and it really is not to be missed. You feel pretty special as you sit in the grand hotel, drinking your tea and eating your scones. I promise we'll go when you get here!

Little Surprises

I remember when we bought 8000 Haymarket Lane we thought it was perfect...well, besides the floor, paint color, popcorn ceilings, poor lighting, outdoor fence, deck, and landscaping. It was perfect in our eyes and just needed a little handy work. I remember thinking it was "no big deal" to JUST scrape the ceilings.

We didn't buy Flat 27 C, Block 1 at 80 Robinson. We're just renting it. I was over the moon when we saw it. The view wowed me, and the rooms were spacious (in HK standards), and it had an oven! I was so excited to find a place that we loved...However, there are some things we seemed to overlook 3 weeks ago when we decided to rent it.

1). There is no microwave. I think I was so excited about the oven that the microwave never even entered my mind. Not a huge deal, but when I went to re-heat my chicken a few nights ago, I suddenly realized this. Just another trip to Fortress....and another delivery.

2). There are no plugs in the bathroom. WHAT IN THE WORLD? How do you have no PLUGS in the BATHROOM? After spending 15 minutes looking behind the toilet, in all the drawers, on top of the mirror, even at the bottom of the bathtub, we realized there really are no plugs. My British friends tell me this is quite normal in the UK. When I asked them about the plugs, they looked surprised and said, "Why would you mix water and electricity?" I replied, "I am a stupid American. Where am I supposed to dry my hair now?"
3). We have a washer/dryer. Another thing to be excited about! The washer and dryer are literally the same machine. Sounds like it wouldn't work, right? Well, you are exactly right. The washer works, the dryer is rubbish. It doesn't dry a damn thing. Not a big deal...we'll just get drying racks. Michael was such a good husband and popped into Wing On on his way home last night for a drying rack. He called and said he found a great one---it holds over 40 pieces of clothing. PERFECT! Well...................he brought home a spaceship, not a drying rack. It's HUGE and I have no idea where it's going to go once all the furniture gets here. We're now looking into laundry services.
Needless to say, we've had quite a few laughs over the past week as we try and settle in and make this place feel like home. I think once Dudley arrives, and is plopping down on the floors it will feel so much better. We're shooting for the end of October. I CANNOT WAIT!

xx,

Lauren

Tour de Sha Tin

Today, Daria, Ripa, Jayne, and I decided to head to Sha Tin, one of the New Territories, and do some cycling. We rode 25 km along the Shing Mun River. It was HOT but we had a nice breeze, and it was a great way to see another part of Hong Kong.

There are always people doing tai chi here...I couldn't resist taking an action photo.

xx,
Lauren

Beachin' It...in October!

You will be so impressed to know we didn't venture even close to Ikea today! We spent the day at Repulse Bay Beach, about a 20 minute bus ride away. The weather was beautiful (we've had lots of rain lately, so it was nice to have the sun shining). We kept saying how crazy it was to be sitting on the beach (91 degrees today) in the beginning of October. Enjoy some pictures from our lazy Sunday. The complex in back of Michael is Repulse Bay. Notice the hole in the middle of it. In order to allow the dragon (the mountain) to drink from the Bay, the building had to be built with a hole in it...Lots of feng shui action for ya here in Asia!


On another note...My parents are coming to visit! They booked their flights yesterday and will be coming out over my mom's spring break and dad's birthday in March. I am soooo excited for them to get here. I'm crossing my fingers that Adam will be able to get some time off work to come for bit too. Mom and Dad have never been out of the country (Mexico and the Caribbean don't really count). I can't wait to show them around and introduce them to a part of the world they'd never imagine coming to.

xx,
L

Happy National Day!

The People's Republic of China marked its 60th birthday yesterday, October 1. It's just like our 4th of July...a day off work, fireworks galore, and celebrating with family. Sixty years ago, China was a poor, rural country where the average person could expect to live only until his mid 30's. Today, China is a global power, life expectancy has more than doubled, and the cities around the country are filled with skyscrapers and a booming economy. It's pretty amazing what can happen in 60 years.

How did we celebrate National Day? Oh, doing what we do best in HK...shopping at Ikea! I think we may hate Ikea more than Horizon Plaza. We bought 2 beds, bedding, duvet covers, shelves, and more bits and bobs (another favorite British term I love). We then had dinner with a group of friends at WoolooMooloo in Kowloon. It was right on the water with a spectacular view of Hong Kong Island and the fireworks spectacle. I found a great spot to take you for drinks overlooking the water when you come. The view is amazing!

As you all are starting to pull out your long sleeve gear and watch the leaves change, we're still sweating our brains out and planning days to lounge poolside...I have a few friends in Bel Air, so we're anxious to use their pool (which closes the end of October!) Enjoy the fireworks pictures, as the weather on October 1 felt more like July 4.

xx,

L

All Moved In...well, sort of

Monday was moving day. As I gallivanted across the water to my last "At Home Group" outing to Cheng Chau, Michael and a driver moved 10 suitcases and 4 boxes up the hill....in the pouring down rain. We are slowly settling into 80 Robinson, but with very little furniture. Our bed, dining table, and 2 chairs have arrived, so sleeping and eating are accounted for. We're waiting another 2 weeks for our couch, ottoman, curtains, TV, and desk. I'm here all day today waiting for deliveries from Wing On, Wanchi Lighting, and Ikea (pots, pans, cutting board, iron, ironing board, hair dryer, bedding, pillows, knives)...the list goes on and on. We have literally had to buy everything!

Two nights ago we joined 13 of our closet friends for dinner at a private kitchen, the Yellow Door. Actually, we knew 3 people, but met 10 more! This is one reason why I love HK...everyone is so friendly and open to meeting new people. No one thinks twice about inviting you into their "group" or if you'll "fit in". I wish it was more like this in the US.

Private kitchens are popular in Hong Kong and were started in the 1990's as a way to get around Hong Kong's restrictive health regulations and high rents. The Yellow Door was actually quite large (probably 35 people could fit in the restaurant). Usually, they're located in people's homes. You pay a set price and the food is brought out. No ordering required. The Yellow Door served Szechuan...a little spicy for my liking. We're anxious to try some other private kitchens around town. Here are some pics from the Yellow Door.