Hong Kong: Of friends and fun

This is my final post on my Hong Kong trip with my girlies.

Oh the fun, the glamour and the drama.

No prizes for guessing which is my bag.

So long!

Hong Kong: Breathing in the sights and sounds

I had much fun walking the streets of Hong Kong with my girlies and it’s much regret that I’m ending my posts for this trip soon. =(

On day three, we woke up really early to cross over from Tsim Tsa Tsui to Central.

I’ve never taken the star ferry and was super excited! It’s a really inexpensive way of travelling across the bay.

Limin will kill me for putting this picture up. But, check out the smile on our faces!

Wenbing loves me, I love Wenbing, we love Limin!

Once we alighted the ferry, we headed immediately to the Golden Bauhinia monument.

My friends had great difficulty taking a picture of this monument without any humans in the way. Ta-da! Amazed that I did.

Wearing: H&M Black maxi dress - purchased in HK! Love this so much. Asos leather bag. Grey jacket by Stephie’s shop - totally worn to death.

Limin says she loves this picture a lot. So I will upload this on her behalf.

While goofing around the bay…

You probably spotted me wearing this grey jacket like 9 times out of 10 pictures from my travelogues. This is an item that I really love so much. It completes my outfit. I have two of them in grey, one in black, one in blue. But my favourite is still the grey. What am I going to do when both are all tattered and torn? Sigh.

Exploring Central is easy peasy.

Argh, I miss my long wavy hair. If only I had not been so tempted as to ask my hairstylist to chop it all off! But, it was between the chops or having split ends in the middle of my crop. Decisions.

While I get totally engrossed with my dried hair. It is obvious that Ganny really does not like to take pictures with me.

Oh well, love that girl anyway. Even more after Margarita and Mojito.

I love this other girl as well.

While you look past the love-struck look - evidence of having too much fun in Hong Kong - that is the world’s longest travelator.

Tucked away on one of the streets here at Central lies the most famous bakery shop of them all… Tai Cheung Bakery. At SGD1 per egg tart, hello this is heavenly inexpensive and so good. I bought a dozen.

Being half a Cantonese, one of my other favourite bakery delights is this…

Steam caaaaake!!!!!!! I love steam cake! It always made my day when my mum packs one for me for my school lunch.

Aye, immediately after this short detour to get delicious pastry…

It’s back to Tsim Tsa Tsui.

Thankfully, shopping makes up for it all.

Christmas wish… AE would you come to Singapore?

Winter Solace

I had in mind to blog about Hong Kong over the weekend. But being a klutz I left my charger in the office and have resorted to using my dad’s laptop.

As it turns out, the weekend wasn’t too bad. I watched the final sequel of Harry Porter with my gal pals and loved most part of it - must they really put in the last portion?

The icing on the cake,  has got to be hearing that my Samantha Wills earrings are finally back after six months.

Kenneth Jay Lane of Australia, Samantha Wills has a huge following in Hollywood.

Picture credits: Samantha Wills

For one, Drew Barrymore is a huge fan. I think she tops the list.

And the Duchess, Fergie.

Not to mention, Wills’ earrings were featured in the ever so popular, cult fashion movie - Sex and the City.

For those who are craving to buy this pair of sold-out earrings, they are still available at antipodean.

I love collecting jewellery, and when I saw these on sale, I knew they were coming home with me.

Picture credit: Antipodean Sg.

How gorgeous are these?

But as luck turns out, we were like star crossed lovers.

They brought in a second pair on my request, as the first pair’s hooks were rubbed bare of the promised silver and I have awfully sensitive ears

Unfortunately, the moment I brought it out of the shop, some crystals fell off! I was as shocked as I was excited the moment I laid my hands on them! So I brought them back immediately. As the attendant handled the earrings, more crystals fell off!

Imagine our horrified faces.

So 6 months worth of wait, and kind patience of the shop owner and attendants - thank you so much - to source for people to repair the item. It’s back!

Doesn’t this remind you of mooncakes?

There are missing stones, but the earrings’ bling makes up for it.

Gorgeous. Gorgeous.

Thank you so much Antipodean!

Hong Kong: 山和水

Kowloon Hong Kong
We like Hong Kong
That’s the place for you
Walking down the street full of joy
Come here come here richshaw boy
Take me down the street Chop Chop Chop
A Habba Habba Joe Ding How Ding How
Kowloon Kowloon Hong Kong
We Like Hong Kong
That’s the place for you

There are a few places in Hong Kong that you must explore.

The first on anyone’s list, should be causeway bay.

Visit at about 19 00 and wait to catch some junk boat and the light show at 20 00.

The light show runs daily and spans across both sides of the water body.

Along the bank, spend some time to walk the avenue of stars - a spin off from that of Hollywood.

It is along this stretch of road that you would come across the Olympic torch.

The other popular tourist site is the peak.

Pay a nominal fee to board the monorail or spend 2 hours odd climbing the steep slope. I do recommend taking the monorail. It is quite an experience.

I liken this experience to walking down lombard street.

The peak provides an unblock view of Hong Kong.

Those condominiums’ rent are one of the highest in the whole of Hong Kong.

Although, this house that is situated right at the peak of Hong Kong, must be the most expensive of them all.

I’m almost certain it has appeared in several Hong Kong dramas because…

This street (that is located just next to the house) has!

So has this!

One of my favourite shot of the entire trip. Never realised that my nose can look so sharp!

And why would I leave you without another food post!

Ice-cream for you?

The wanton noodles at Mak’s is really good.

Are you hungry yet?

The streets of Hong Kong

Seriously, travelling on a road trip with best pals you have known for a decade is a crazy affair. No cat fights, but tons of shopping.

HELLO STREETS OF HONG KONG!

What I wore: Bysi ruffled top and Zara leggings. Balenciaga triple tour, turqoise necklace from River Island and Asos leather bag.

Day two, we hit Ocean Terminal and Pedder Street to check out the fuss.

In many ways, Hong Kong reminds me so much about Singapore. At every turn in the city, you will see a luxurious brand.

But of course, my heart never strays far away from…

Unfortunately, it turns me off that I have to wrangle my way through the thick crowd to get into Chanel. So, goodbye my love. I’ll see you in Singapore.

I did, find the time to check out the first Shanghai Tang shop in the world at Pedder Street.

While the exterior looked Eastern and promising, the shops in this building failed to impress. With exception of this…

In typical Singaporean style. Spot the slippers.

Moving on, I did find a shop that I was drooling over.

I’m a huge fan of Nars’ blusher. My favourite colours are Orgasm and Deep Throat. While I had no qualms about buying another blusher, I had difficulty parting with their $80  Kabuki brush. If only I hadn’t cave into my Chanel make-up indulgence…

To balance beauty shopping, there is always a need to buy some clothes!

Way before H&M decided to come to Singapore, there was H&M in Hong Kong. And boy was it fun!

I love my girlfriends.

Hong Kong: The food edition

I have serious wanderlust.

Acting on a spur of the moment, my gal pals and I took off to enjoy the Hong Kong breeze. What was an informal proposal to shop our hearts out in Bangkok became a mini trip to Hong Kong. Within two weeks, everything was booked and off we went!

It feels so good to be on a jet plane.

Hong Kong is like Singapore in so many ways. Or some would say, Hong Kong is what Singapore would be, 10 years from now.

Once off the plane, we headed immediately to satisfy our hungry stomachs.

No matter which eatery you patronise, their roasted goose is superb. I’ve yet to eat a terrible roasted goose in Hong Kong!

Shortly after that, my Singaporean self kicked in again. Within 2 hours of taking our breakfast, we headed to eat lunch!

I received queer looks from my friend’s HK friend when I took this picture. Self-shots with food is definitely not taking flight here!

We took our lunch at this little noodle shop next to the famed Australia Dairy Company in Jordan. It’s supposedly very popular with the locals. There was never a moment when a table was empty.

Unlike Singapore, there lies a cultural norm of sharing tables with a total stranger. This ensures that business is maximised and customers’ hunger is satisfied. Also, be prepared to take your meal quickly, or embrace yourself to be chased by the shop attendants.

While I like the wanton - the crunch factor is spot-on - I did not like the bland noodles. Needless to say, I was also too full to finish the noodles.

But there is always a spare stomach to savour ice-cream! Especially if they are coming from a cute looking mobile ice-cream van!

Wearing: Zara printed tee, Balenciaga triple tour, Quartz necklace from River Island, Tulle skirt from Japan. Black pearl nail polish by Chanel. Leather bag is from Asos.

Over the years, I have learned that packing light is the way to go on any trips. There is always time and space for shopping! These days, my travel bag consists of separates that can be easily paired up - accessories included - and my travel palette steers towards neutral tones. I’m currently into maxi dresses. Great way to turn up the glam factor while keeping the bag light!

What a cute cone cover ain’t it? As usual I received stares. I got to remind myself that it ain’t cool to take pictures of food in Hong Kong.

But, Hong Kong is a food paradise! So for my readers’ sake, I am going to brace the stares, act like a dork and take more pictures of food!

Just like touring Taiwan, it is a must to enjoy a bowl of mango dessert. This is mango with pomelo. The mix of sweet and sour makes it real good.

The highlight of the day, however… has got to be this…

High up on my food list…

Fancy eating 蚝煎 for appetiser?

Do not belittle these two pieces of fried oyster omelette. Made from fresh duck eggs and a generous serving of baby oysters, this store’s omelette will turn haters into fans.

The batter is fried to perfection and the temperature is just right. And did I tell you that this is the ’small’ portion and costs SGD2?

And if you thought that looked really good, wait till you try their boiled vegetables. Do not be deceived by this simple fare. It is really really really good. The vegetables are sweet, soft with the right amount of texture to it.

Dinner was a bowl of claypot rice. I recommend that you try what I had, which was the smooth chicken claypot rice. Mixed in the right amount of black sweet soya sauce and dig in! The chicken portion is generous and you would definitely have a happy tummy at the end of the meal.

This eatery is not easy to find. But when you do find this little treasure hut somewhere along Arthur Road, you would thank me for it.

So red, it’s bad.

Or would I say, so pink it’s bad?

I have crossed over to the dark and dangerous side of red.

It’s so thrilling. A road of no returns.

Nostalgia

Nostalgia is hitting me like bees swarming around flowers in spring.

As I wrapped up my extensive travel across Canada, I came across the photos of people I have met and made friends with.

A huge shout-out to everyone who made my stay in Canada memorable.

Thank you everyone!

Ottawa & Gatineau

I’m nearing the end of my travels in Canada.

The furthest West I’ve gone in Canada is Gatineau in Quebec. This is the most French you can get in the entire land of Canada. 3 months worth of intensive basic French only got me as far as listening to a guided tour in French. Can’t say that I understood all that I heard, but hey, I can read the exit signs.

Kicked start the walking journey on a bright sunny morning. On hindsight, I must have been my fittest when I was in Canada! I walked a lot of places by foot!

Let’s head over to Quebec!

From Gatineau, the view of Ottawa is pretty. Parliament hill looks picturesque.

We headed to the Civilisation Museum of Canada to understand a little more about the Canadian’s way of living.

Can’t say that it was as good as how the travel guide paints it to be. I much prefer the mall at Washington DC.

I did like this exotic looking bus though.

Back on the land of Ottawa, lies the Parliament Hill.

Makes for a lovely way to end the night.

Even though this place probably sees more business travellers than tourists - given that it is the capital - it has its good tourist spots that are worthy of a visit. In my opinion, these beats visiting the museum at Gatineau.

I did like the one hour that I spend at the Byward market. If you are a bargain hunter like I am who likes to source for interesting nicknacks, this is a place that you would want to visit.

Spend some time browsing through the street stores around the market for handcrafted items. I picked up a lovingly made dream-catcher with real parrot feathers for CAD10.

A little off down town, in a little serene neighbourhood lies Laurier House, former residence of Prime Ministers Sir Wilfrid Laurier and Mackenzie King.

Much has been left the way it was when the two Prime Minister lived in the house.

Le Salon.

A well read man, is indeed a wise man.

I can’t quite remember the story behind this veiled lady. But I truly recall being totally freaked out at the sight of the head. Not something I would want in my house!

Another place that is off the track but worthy of a visit - if you haven’t already seen a gazillion state houses and parliament house - is the Rideau Hall. Unfortunately, I think photography is not allowed in the hall.

Photography is permitted in the next place of visit, the Parliament House.

What a misfortune that I ran into some problem with my memory card and had most of the pictures wiped out. The horror!

But thankfully, this picture was saved.

An iconic picture of Ottawa. Makes a very pretty postcard!

I do recommend that you take the free tour to have a full preview of the parliament house. The guides are really friendly and are well informed.

I can’t believe that my journey in Canada is really coming to an end. It has been one of the most exciting trip I have ever made in my life!

Toronto: Casa Loma

It’s most girls’ fantasy to visit a palace or a castle at least once in their lifetime. The secret tunnels, the promise of the dark, dangerous and mythical - all rolled into one.

Casa Loma, built by Sir Henry Pellatt, founder of Toronto Electric Light Company, remains a worthy place of visit.

Step back into time as you tour the castle that has been fully restored to its full glory.

The first site that greets you is a grand lobby that is big enough to hold at least 100 people.

If you are wondering what those pipe are. They belong to this instrument.

It’s a ginormous pipe organ. I don’t think it can be played anymore, but the size of it is incredible.

Enter the library where Pellatt entertained guests and admire the carvings.

Extremely old books. I wonder what do they contain?

The dining and what Pallett’s wife would have worn during their time.

What amazed me through my tour in Casa Loma is that true to the stories and fantasy books that I’ve been reading, there are really secret doors and stair wells!

Take those flight of stairs and enter the upper levels.

Henry loved his wife Lady Mary a lot. He designed her bedroom with her comfort in mind.

On the second floor, you would also come across Sir Henry’s bathroom.

6 taps that controlled 3 different level of water. He sure knew how to live a lavish lifestyle.

Taking one of the secret flight of stairs, you would reach the wine cellar. Sir Henry had an extensive collection of wine.

I wonder how many of these bottles of wine are still drinkable.

Now on the outskirt of the castle lies the stable and the secret garden. I didn’t have the luxury of time to explore the gardens, but I did check out the stable.

No horses, but I found a knight!

You really never know what secrets castles keep. I wonder if at night this place will become a Nights at the Museum. Knight in shining armour anyone?