-Cheap berries
-Barbecuing
-Big ovens
-Multigrain bread
-Almond butter/Apple butter
-Cheese (good cheese)
-Juicer
-Avocados that don't have a 24 hour shelf life
-Family
-Trees
...in no particular order
Wednesday, 11 June 2014
Monday, 9 June 2014
Work+Fun+Food
Work
I've been working now for a couple of weeks, and I must say that I'm quite enjoying the experience. Although there are (many) times during the day where I'm not assigned any work, and am forced to re-read the South China Morning Post and Wall Street Journal (I've learned how to bypass the subscription limit), I believe that, in retrospect, it has led me to feel unprecedented joy when I actually get to do work. The excitement of having something to do helps with the quality of work I do too, I guess. A gripe I have with working in Hong Kong, however, is the fact that contract hours aren't really patrolled and followed to a tee, regardless of how high up you are in the working ladder. It isn't uncommon if I work consecutive 10-11 hour days, and even less so for full-time workers. My co-worker told me recently how she was in the office until 11 pm, waiting for an measly e-mail from a client. She also had to attend that client's meeting the following day, early in the morning. There's one other intern in the company who works in the other department, and regularly works until 8-9 pm everyday. Just in case you might think I'm slacking in comparison (which I know you must think I am), the other department tends to work longer hours than in the department which I'm in. Overall, I'm in awe of the work ethic here, which I believe will be a good thing for me to learn from moving forward.
I've been a lazy pig throughout the month and usually opt to eat out for lunch, like the majority of my co-workers. Unfortunately, that means I've been a big spender (for HK prices at least) as well. Average prices in HK for lunch range between $30-40, but in Central, one pays a pretty penny for even regular lunch boxes. I've now made it a goal to pack lunch from now on, as it not only keeps my wallet filled, but also makes me cognizant of what kinds of food I eat. Food here is abundant and delicious, but often oily and not the most nutritious.
Fun
On June 1st, I had the chance to go to a K-Pop concert with my friends, Tania and Jenny, both from university. We went to see EXO who were playing two nights at the Asia-World Arena. It was quite the experience. EXO is one of my favourite pop acts, so I was excited to see them live in concert, but was taken aback when I arrived and saw endless masses of fangirls.....4 HOURS before the concert even started. I suffered a few minor scratches here and there by the claws of the crowd, and realized why so many bands in Korea fear for their lives in front of their devoted (and crazy) fans. As well, I was quite disappointed that many of their songs were lip-synced (although it probably was a decision that had to be made, given their intense choreography). My favourite performances of the night were by far the select live performances (My Turn To Cry+Baby Don't Cry, piano), as well as the power ballads (Angel, Moonlight). Special mention goes to Luhan's solo performance, woooooh! I was pleasantly surprised when some of the members conversed in Cantonese in efforts to please the crowd, yet chuckled when a member said 大'街'好, instead of 大家好. (although I probably make worse mistakes on the daily....)
Tuesday marked the 25th anniversary of 6-4, or the Tiananmen Massacre. I accompanied my relatives here to the annual vigil held at Victoria Park, and managed to find a place to sit in the aggregate crowd of 90,000+ people. It was surreal to see so many people (old and young) come together to remember those who lost their lives fighting for democracy, and standing today, lobbying the Chinese government to bring those individuals justice. Passion for politics is very rare amongst the teenagers and young adults in Canada, and it was interesting to see how groups such as Scholarism are played out in the media here.
That same week was my close friend, Emily's, birthday. On her birthday, Stephen, her, and I went out for some late-night dessert in Tai Kok Tsui. We celebrated further that Friday, venturing off to LKF to experience the city's bars and nightlife. (that, and 米線, which is a completely different story...). We all met up again in the afternoon the day after to do some final shopping (for Emily at least) and to buy Stephen's shoes (which took forever and a day).
I went to meet up with my family friend, Yolanda, and her parents to eat at Thai Basil in Admiralty, where I gorged on some pretty spectacular Thai food that isn't all that prevalent back in the GTA. We later met up with some of her friends to watch Maleficient, which I highly recommend if you want your self-esteem to drop tenfold...thanks Angelina. I spent the night at their place, and the majority of the day after with them as well. They treated me to some darn good dimsum, which Yolanda and I tried to walk off later by walking around some shops in Causeway Bay.
That day in particular had an AQHI level of 10+, which means that smog and air pollution levels were at a dangerous high. Although I was unaware of the index level while shopping, when we came out of the mall, we noticed the air was extremely hazy and had a pink tinge. It was the worst pollution I've personally experienced since coming here. The pollution ended with a red rain alert, ensuing a frightful night of lightning and rambunctious thunder.
Food+ Friends
I apologize for the lack of update on the blog...fatigue on weekdays after work, as well as time spent exploring on weekends hasn't made for the best schedule for frequent postings. However, I'll try to post shorter content more throughout the week to help manage.
I've been working now for a couple of weeks, and I must say that I'm quite enjoying the experience. Although there are (many) times during the day where I'm not assigned any work, and am forced to re-read the South China Morning Post and Wall Street Journal (I've learned how to bypass the subscription limit), I believe that, in retrospect, it has led me to feel unprecedented joy when I actually get to do work. The excitement of having something to do helps with the quality of work I do too, I guess. A gripe I have with working in Hong Kong, however, is the fact that contract hours aren't really patrolled and followed to a tee, regardless of how high up you are in the working ladder. It isn't uncommon if I work consecutive 10-11 hour days, and even less so for full-time workers. My co-worker told me recently how she was in the office until 11 pm, waiting for an measly e-mail from a client. She also had to attend that client's meeting the following day, early in the morning. There's one other intern in the company who works in the other department, and regularly works until 8-9 pm everyday. Just in case you might think I'm slacking in comparison (which I know you must think I am), the other department tends to work longer hours than in the department which I'm in. Overall, I'm in awe of the work ethic here, which I believe will be a good thing for me to learn from moving forward.
I've been a lazy pig throughout the month and usually opt to eat out for lunch, like the majority of my co-workers. Unfortunately, that means I've been a big spender (for HK prices at least) as well. Average prices in HK for lunch range between $30-40, but in Central, one pays a pretty penny for even regular lunch boxes. I've now made it a goal to pack lunch from now on, as it not only keeps my wallet filled, but also makes me cognizant of what kinds of food I eat. Food here is abundant and delicious, but often oily and not the most nutritious.
Fun
On June 1st, I had the chance to go to a K-Pop concert with my friends, Tania and Jenny, both from university. We went to see EXO who were playing two nights at the Asia-World Arena. It was quite the experience. EXO is one of my favourite pop acts, so I was excited to see them live in concert, but was taken aback when I arrived and saw endless masses of fangirls.....4 HOURS before the concert even started. I suffered a few minor scratches here and there by the claws of the crowd, and realized why so many bands in Korea fear for their lives in front of their devoted (and crazy) fans. As well, I was quite disappointed that many of their songs were lip-synced (although it probably was a decision that had to be made, given their intense choreography). My favourite performances of the night were by far the select live performances (My Turn To Cry+Baby Don't Cry, piano), as well as the power ballads (Angel, Moonlight). Special mention goes to Luhan's solo performance, woooooh! I was pleasantly surprised when some of the members conversed in Cantonese in efforts to please the crowd, yet chuckled when a member said 大'街'好, instead of 大家好. (although I probably make worse mistakes on the daily....)
crazy crowd at 3pm
my light saber
sea of silver
Tuesday marked the 25th anniversary of 6-4, or the Tiananmen Massacre. I accompanied my relatives here to the annual vigil held at Victoria Park, and managed to find a place to sit in the aggregate crowd of 90,000+ people. It was surreal to see so many people (old and young) come together to remember those who lost their lives fighting for democracy, and standing today, lobbying the Chinese government to bring those individuals justice. Passion for politics is very rare amongst the teenagers and young adults in Canada, and it was interesting to see how groups such as Scholarism are played out in the media here.
That same week was my close friend, Emily's, birthday. On her birthday, Stephen, her, and I went out for some late-night dessert in Tai Kok Tsui. We celebrated further that Friday, venturing off to LKF to experience the city's bars and nightlife. (that, and 米線, which is a completely different story...). We all met up again in the afternoon the day after to do some final shopping (for Emily at least) and to buy Stephen's shoes (which took forever and a day).
I went to meet up with my family friend, Yolanda, and her parents to eat at Thai Basil in Admiralty, where I gorged on some pretty spectacular Thai food that isn't all that prevalent back in the GTA. We later met up with some of her friends to watch Maleficient, which I highly recommend if you want your self-esteem to drop tenfold...thanks Angelina. I spent the night at their place, and the majority of the day after with them as well. They treated me to some darn good dimsum, which Yolanda and I tried to walk off later by walking around some shops in Causeway Bay.
That day in particular had an AQHI level of 10+, which means that smog and air pollution levels were at a dangerous high. Although I was unaware of the index level while shopping, when we came out of the mall, we noticed the air was extremely hazy and had a pink tinge. It was the worst pollution I've personally experienced since coming here. The pollution ended with a red rain alert, ensuing a frightful night of lightning and rambunctious thunder.
Food+ Friends
din tai fung w/ Sass
teawood w/ Sass
lunch break with Tania back at the UCC with Emily
ucc café
typical
happy birthday ermuhlee!
I apologize for the lack of update on the blog...fatigue on weekdays after work, as well as time spent exploring on weekends hasn't made for the best schedule for frequent postings. However, I'll try to post shorter content more throughout the week to help manage.
Sunday, 18 May 2014
Japan
Japan was a blasty blast (to quote Dane Cook). My mom and I toured around the Kansai area (consisting of cities Osaka, Kobe, and Kyoto) with a small tour group. The first day was spent travelling through multiple modes of transportation- car, plane, bus, spaceship. (...) We arrived at a hotel in Shirahama, which is a town known for its dazzling white sands that line the sea. After getting settled in, we went downstairs to the hotel dining area and were presented a traditional meal:
The hotel was an onsen, which meant they offered several hot springs for the guests to use. Before going in one, I had to shower beforehand, as to not contaminate the waters. I spent the rest of the night taking advantage of the hot springs and the in-room foot soak, and crashed before midnight.
The next couple of days were spent sightseeing around the Kansai region: (brace yourself for myriad scenery shots)
Although well-received by most other diners, I myself found this meal a bit too rich in some dishes and lacking in others. Maybe I just wasn't eating the dishes right.......however, the visual aspect of the meal made up for the taste, tenfold.
The next couple of days were spent sightseeing around the Kansai region: (brace yourself for myriad scenery shots)
shirahama beach
rocks shot #1
rocks shot#2
colourful rock cave- oooo
a tiny waterfall at the bottom of a trail
a temple in Kyoto
ghost cave
bamboo trees
that temple emoji in real life
We only had one day to shop in Osaka, and went to Shinsaibashi, the city's main shopping area. Mom and I spent most of our time there searching for specific products that our relatives and friends requested, so we didn't have much time to scour around and shop for ourselves. I did, however, manage to buy a well-loved Japanese crepe (which, in all honesty, tasted like a regular crepe with a lighter whipped cream)
Our last day was spent in Kobe, where Mom and I devoured a Kobe steak (which, in contrast to the crepe, exceeded our high expectations), and watched some Japanese kindergarteners play with deer.
a glorious piece of meat
kindergartners
deer
kindergartners and deer together
Before we knew it, we were back on a plane to HK. It was great to have had my first experience in Japan around scenic Osaka, but I'd love to go back someday to explore Tokyo!
Wednesday, 7 May 2014
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).
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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
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
up on the rooftop
their cute dog
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!
Next up, Osaka and Kyoto!
Friday, 2 May 2014
Hello, Hong Kong
flight 1
flight 2
During my flight, I took a stab at catching up with some books on Readium that I previously did not have the time to read throughout finals season. Conclusion is that "The Intelligent
Investor" is far more interesting than "The Fault in our Stars"
(haters gon' hate...). I also sat next to a jolly man who ordered a Heineken alongside every meal and snack- quite the fellow he was.
Soundtrack- Flight Favourites:
·
Dive
in (EMBRZ rermix)- Let Go
·
Falling-
Yuna
·
XO-
Beyonce
HKG
Once arrived, I met up with my mom who was on another flight, and were both picked up by our aunt and uncle. Jet lag got the best of me, and I ended up passing out before 12 am. However, the next day I woke up bright and early (9 am, which is early in HK I swear) and went to the bank and immigration office along with my aunt and mom to get some paperwork done. Afterwards, we spent the afternoon shopping around Cheung Sha Wan and Mongkok, just long enough for bits of impulsive spending.
breakfast (which should have been lunch...)
lunch (which should have been breakfast...)
Mongkok roaming
so excited to be here for the next 3 months!
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