A Week in Review

My first week here in Hong Kong has been spent mainly in restaurants and the MTR- this time now probably being the first time I've had a chance to write. I've spent a couple afternoons already in Wan Chai, which is the area my father grew up in. The area is known for its abundance of cheap eats, (such as cha chan tangs) and the old buildings that are facing urban decay. It's fascinating to see where my father spent his childhood, as well as trying to picture him in the environment during his 'glory days' (haha). 

making 蘿蔔糕- to the bottom right is a traditional water boiler

a basketball court in Wan Chai my dad used to play at

I have also been reunited with the crazy bus drivers that scatter throughout Hong Kong; a force to be reckoned with driving their tiny buses. I don't understand how they can make their job so effortless, weaving through swarms of people and navigating tiny roads that make an amateur Canadian driver like myself look pale in comparison.

in Mongkok

Some of my family went up to visit my godparents in Sha Tin, whose  duplex on the top floor had an amazing  balcony- a refreshing view, in contrast to the usual hustle and bustle of the city. 

up on the rooftop

their cute dog

I spent the next few days roaming around parts of the city, doing some shopping here and there. I've been trying to limit myself, as I'll be here for next couple of months, and don't want to burn out my bank account. 

the biggest soufflé I've ever seen (!!)- phone strategically placed for size reference

Somersby has a pear flavour?!

I spent today in parts of Mongkok and Wan Chai/Causeway Bay with my good friend Carmen, who shares my love for food adventures. Thus, it was only appropriate to spend our six hours together eating at four (yes, four) different restaurants. (side note: my tummy is currently the size of a mother's during her second trimester). We met up in Mongkok, and roamed around Langham Place, 女人街 (Ladies' Market), and 花園街 (Fa Yuen Street). 

in Langham Place- the longest escalator in the world

the charm of Mongkok

Our food journey began at Satay King, where I satisfied my mango and crabmeat fried rice craving, and Carmen fulfilled hers-deep fried mantau.

We ventured off into a McCafé and ordered an impeccably made soy green tea latté- international McDonalds are so much better than ones in North America :(

Even though our stomachs were filled to the brim, we decided to go to a cha chan tag and both ordered HK-style french toast, alongside an iced milk tea- all for a measly 60HKD for the both of us.

apologies for no toast picture- it was devoured in seconds

We ended off our day right with happy hour- a lychee mojito for myself, and a lychee daiquiri for Carmen.

Needless to say, we are absolute troopers- also, I now cannot fit into half of my pants.

Soundtrack:
Heart Out- The 1975

我愛他- Della Ding (just for giggles, this song is my aunt's ringtone and I can't get it out of my head)

Next up, Osaka and Kyoto!