Pretty Things: Hong Kong

Yeee a “Pretty Things” post! This post focuses on my trip to Hong Kong. My Tangerine Tote and I were ready – passport + airline tickets in hand, Starbucks black tea, Nike+ FuelBand, and colorful accessories (ready for an adventure)! Starting from Portland –> Seattle –> Beijing –> HONG KONG! I know the multiple flights weren’t ideal, but who cares – it was worth it! I got to see my wonderful, other half, Winnie and my two lovely sorority sisters, Hana and Jamie.

I was well rested and ready to get moving after my long flight to Hong Kong. My trusty Sony NEX and I made our way to Victoria Peak to take in the view and capture some photography. I love walking around Hong Kong and exploring Hong Kong’s neighborhoods, even  if it’s by myself. I used to live in Shenzhen, China, the next city closest to Hong Kong, and I used to venture to Hong Kong all the time to shop, see friends and eat amazing food.
 
I love the high tea culture in Hong Kong. This was my second time trying this tasty east meets west high tea at the W Hotel Hong Kong. See my exclusive post here about the food, tea and amazing company.

After high tea, Winnie and I were on the hunt in Kowloon for “hot spicy noodles” (my favorite). I love Kowloon’s neon lights and lively atmosphere.  We finally found my favorite noodle soup dish on a street corner. We ate like  locals – sitting on a stool on an outside table, enjoying this noodle soup I can’t find in the States. I loved it.

One of my favorite things to do at night in Hong Kong is to venture at night to Lan Kwai Fong (LKF), Hong Kong’s bar street. It’s truly unique. LKF’s is a steep and windy, narrow street with small alleyways venturing off offering small bars, cafes, hookah lounges and dance clubs. You can stay up and party as late as you want or you can relax on a weeknight at a small cafe and have a glass of wine. My first LKF night on this trip was crazy – we danced the night away and ventured up and down the cobbled stone streets in our heels. Amazing.

I couldn’t have asked for clearer skis in Hong Kong during my stay. I will be back next year, Winnie! I can’t wait to see my best friend again, shop and eat amazing food. Maybe one day I’ll get to live in this dynamic, multicultural city. Until next time, Hong Kong. xx

Playing in Hong Kong

 

I am trying to decide the best way to describe this Asian urban jungle. Every moment I was in Hong Kong it felt like I was a kid in a candy store – everything and anything are possible in this compact city. I am in love with Hong Kong’s urban culture, it’s architecture, and multinational inhabitants. People say that New York never sleeps and I say the same for Hong Kong. Time doesn’t matter in this magical city – restaurants,  bars and clubs are open until no one is left inside – that being said I had no problem adjusting to the 14 hour time difference.

My Tangerine Tote and I arrived two days before my two other girlfriends and sorority sisters from the States arrived. It was so unreal being in Hong Kong together with them and Winnie. One of my friends, Jamie (right; blue shirt), had traveled to Hong Kong several times before and studied abroad at Nanjing University at the same time I was in Beijing. It was our other friend, Hana (left; tan shirt), who had never been to Asia before. As Hong Kong being her introductory city to Asia, I don’t think she could have picked a better one. We laughed, danced, drank Tsingtao beer and experienced all the wonders of this amazing city. Hong Kong’s Soho, Victoria Peak and Victoria Harbour are truly unforgettable. I can’t wait to come back next year. Next, I’ll be posting about Shanghai and Nanjing! More travel diaries to come. xx