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Arriving in Hong Kong
We got a great night's sleep on the 71st floor of the L'Hotel Nina in Tsuen Wan, HK after a long, collectively 17-hour flight(s). The views from our room were just amazing and we quickly decided to get some fresh air and walk around our new turf.
Mong Kok Shopping
There is an art form here that all Chinese practice and that is the art of Haggle. Yes, with every place the Chan family took us, they showed us what was proper etiquette of bargaining with vendors, and getting the price down--way down. Mong Kok was a second-day excursion to get Dave suited up for his brother's wedding, and the only way to find this special place was to follow Kobe, one of Mavis' sisters.
On Our Way to Hong Kong Park, HK Island
I had Dave take this shot of me just for my friend Arely, who introduced me to this brand, as we do not have this in Arizona. Plus, she named her new baby after this great shop, so I was excited to see Zara the famous store!
Why can't our AZ mall windows be this cool? Or perhaps it is because I really like bears that I made Dave take this picture!
It's hard to see, but if you look close, you will see Phoenix, AZ on this poster!
Clothespin dress anyone? I swear it is so comfortable!
Dave tried to convince me that it was rather dry under this fountain, but I am sorry, my shoes were just not meant for this place. Lookin' good, Dave!!
Edward Youde Aviary
Did I ever mention that Dave is a bird man? He acquired this trait from his bird-loving parents, who always impress me with their ability to remember these birds' names, eye and feather color. Having binoculars is key, and I was so excited to see a giant blue crested pigeon--sorry, I don't remember the name as I do not have the gift, but what I can tell you is it was as big as a turkey and I bet it is delicious. Imagine a big blue turkey--only sad thing is we couldn't take a picture, it was too far from sight.
A waterfall view while in HK Park. Our bro-in-law Brian (aka Chester) took this nice shot for us. He's a really gifted photographer and helped Dave score that nifty camera backpack!!!
The awesome view from Peak Tower at Victoria Peak
Here is the view of HK's major financial district at about 1,300 feet above sea level. Before we got to this part, we were starving and ate at Bubba Gumps shrimp house.
Who do you think lives here? All I know is that I am jealous of this particular individual who gets the best view EVER! Sis-in-law Karina guessed a politician or banker--my guess would be a celebrity, like Madonna. Actually I change that--I think it could be Nicolas Cage (there's a photo later that will explain this guess).
This is the Peak Tram that got us up to Sky Terrace 428, the highest panoramic view in HK.
The sun is in our faces and we are not sure where to look. Turned out pretty well I think!
Pappa and Momma Orr
Sista Karina and Bro Brian!
Heavy Metal Tram from the '60s
He was standing like this for about 2 minutes before we noticed--what a clown!!
Below is the Peak Tower, a multi-level mall to entice buyers before they get to the top of the world.
While I slept, Dave took this shot after midnight from our hotel room. Like Vegas, Hong Kong does not sleep, and many of the buildings here are residential. Did you notice the many lights that are on during these after hours?
Tian Tan Buddha, Ngong Ping, Lantau Island
January 11, 2012 is the day we decided to visit Big Buddha. The best way to get there is by Skyrail, and for added thrill, we got the crystal bottom for visual stimulus. It was raining and really cool to see this big sitting Buddha from miles away. There is a trail we saw that can be done by foot, but I think it would be a 2-day hike up and down a steep path.
Good news folks, Starbucks is just right around the corner!
202 tons of Buddha on the pot
Or kettle, which ever you prefer.
I believe there are 290 steps we needed to trek in order to reach enlightenment. Brian counted each one. I personally lost count after 90.
Ahhh...self actualization
The likeness is uncanny!
Some love skinny Elvis ... others love the bigger hunk of burning love. Same goes here, as most think of the happy, slightly pudgy Buddha--which were for sale in the village of Ngong Ping. I enjoy this refreshing interpretation of young Siddhartha Guatama, the first Buddha.
Above is our complimentary, vegetarian lunch created by Po Lin Monastery.
Take a close look at what this warrior is holding in his right hand....
What kind of animal do you think it is? I think it is a deerdog.
January 12, we are walking up more and more stairs, but this time while it rains, thinking this is the only way in to this temple. Nope...we are wrong...half way up I see a covered escalator on the side of the building and see happy people go up it.
This guy knows how I feel as I ascend even more stairs to see the Temple of 10,000 Buddhas. He's trying to warn me, but I ignore him.
Do you see the green spider? Eww!
I secretly want to see a monkey attack...alas, dissappointed...
Here's the Chan family in our hotel room, getting ready to plan the big day while we eat Hong Kong style pizza. Very good, but I did avoid the mini octopus option.
Shanghai from Waldorf Astoria HK, Friday the 13th
I took this picture for my Sister Monica, who shares with me a love for Nicolas Cage. I do believe this photo is ridiculous, however...his eyes cannot be THAT blue!
Outside the Waldorf
In Shanghai, the best transportation option is motorbike. But watch out if you are a pedestrian ... those on bikes think they are peds too and will forget they are coming at you at 20 miles per hour.
This is hard to spell out loud, but pronounced as "You Garden." By far, my favorite shopping place this trip. Thank you Eva, our new Shanghai friend who showed us around!
Best place to get a fast hot coffee--so glad they are everywhere!
Mavis told me this was chicken, but I wonder if that is true. It did taste good, so I will go ahead and believe that this intestine shaped thing on a stick was indeed chicken. Below are more fun octopus delights.
The night lights are only half-way complete; getting ready for the Chinese New Year celebration.
It looks like Vegas, and the light show I understand has been growing each year, where the lights are on each night until midnight. We like the ball tower on the left side so much, we decide to tour it. It's called the Shanghai Oriental Pearl Radio and TV Tower.
Before the tower tour, we first tour Zhouzhuang, Shanghai, the #1 water town in China. Below is the theater house which still does shows. This water town was originally built in 1086.
Playboy
Mavis' friend Lydia was kind enough to lend us warm coats for this daytrip, and Dave enjoyed being a playboy for the day.
Dave's brother Geoff was giving drumbeat lessons to Mavis while we all sat back and drank Kung Fu tea!
Dave thinks this is amusing probably because how "grandmother" is off center, in white and bigger font--seems like an after-thought of branding.
This is the famous shopping walkway Nanjing Road
Above, from the right is Eva, Lydia, Geoff and Mavis.
It is cold out, and the best purchase I have made so far is my Eskimo scarf wrap.
People are mad over iPhone 4S here, but as the first day of sale goes, it has been banned in China--however, I think this is just temporary of course, if the consumers play nice with Apple and stop rioting over the dang phone purchasing process. It is just a phone peeps.
Yay, we are almost to the Tower! There is a glass floor we can walk over to get the ultimate view. Doesn't this look like the I Dream of Jeanie bottle?
Nice view of this topiary at eye level and eagle-eye level.
The building in back that looks like a bottle opener (or church key) is the Shanghai World Financial Center, which according to Wikipedia has 101 floors, and is the tallest building in China towering at 1,614 ft.
Peace out for now as it is past midnight here as I type this in the early hours of January 17, back in Hong Kong at the L'Hotel. Good night all!
This is funny
Last meal in Shanghai, and it happens to be Japanese.
