Family on a visit!

My family came to Hong Kong for the wedding, well, half of my family anyway, mom, dad, baby brother Björn and his girlfriend Minea. And it was such a great time to have them here! I was happy to show them Hong Kong, which is a fascinating city. One thing I know we didn't do enough was shopping. But now we've visited the most important places, so when they come back (which I hope they do) it will certainly be more shopping! We had four full days, and I think they were all happy with the program :). 

Honey and I picked them up at the airport Monday afternoon around 4.15pm. Honey had borrowed his uncle's van. It was a nice day. We drove back to North Point, which took about an hour. We dropped off my brother and his girlfriend first, who stayed at Ibis in North Point (They said the room was very tiny but good enough, and they had free WiFi). My parents stayed at Harbour Plaza in North Point. An okay hotel with still pretty small room, but it worked anyway. Both hotels are within walking distance to our apartment, so our place became a natural meeting point when we started the day. 

Minea and Björn enjoying Korean food. 

Anyway, the first night we ate a local Korean bbq dinner. It seemed like everybody enjoyed it. It was also the first encounter of how Hong Kong people order and eat, as in we order several dishes that are placed on the table and served to all to eat. It's like we make our own little buffet, grab a little of each. I think my family was a bit surprised at first, but they got it quickly and seemed to really enjoy it. They even started practicing eating with chop sticks! Although the fork and knife was right there when the chop sticks got too tiring to use :). 

Overall is Hong Kong a "late-in-the day" start, as in, stores usually don't open until around noon, people come to work after 9am etc. We kept that late start with my family, which I know dad liked. I mean, just last winter my dad was too sick to even be able to leave his house. Now some months later he's flying to Hong Kong! He surely recovered well. I am so grateful that he could make it here, see Hong Kong and be a part of the wedding. 

The second day in Hong Kong they all came to our apartment. My parents who didn't have internet at their hotel used our WiFi and for an hour or so. They were like teenagers, sitting with their phones to their faces haha. It was kind of cute to see :). 

One of the views of Hong Kong from the Peak.

Once we got off the couch we took the bus to Central, walked around a short while. Then the sun came out, and we decided it was a great time to head to the Peak. We took the tram (scary ride) and walked around the peak in refreshing air and warming sunlight. It was so nice. We got some good pictures. We then ate a small lunch before we headed back down to Central. And we did the exactly right thing to head to the peak as soon as the sun showed up, because when we were done it was cloudy again, and perfect for some shopping :). We went to IFC, a very fancy shopping mall by the water. Since we are in a city it is a lot of walking, and the first day my dad's feet started hurting. He's not used to this much walking, and it seems like he unfortunately had the wrong shoes. But we took it easy and rested where we could. We finished in Causeway Bay with a delicious steakhouse dinner at Entrecôte. I think we were all satisfied after this and slept well that night. 

Cheung Chau

The third day Honey's dad took us to Cheung Chau, an island outside Hong Kong. It took about 30 mins to get there on the fast ferry. It was a really nice day, and more walking. It's a very peaceful island, quiet and very different from actual Hong Kong. The buildings are not more than three or four stories tall, no cars (except with special permit) and some pretty nice beaches. We all enjoyed the place a lot. We had dim sum for lunch (first time my family tried it), Honey's dad taught my family how to use the chop sticks (more practicing) while we enjoyed the ocean view. We took the ferry back and went to Tsim Sha Tsui (TST) where we admired the fabulous Christmas decorations at 1881 Heritage and at the Peninsula Hotel. We had fantastic Indian food with spicy curries, naan bread and Chinese beer. It was quite the experience for my family. We finished the day at Avenue of Stars where we watched Symphony of lights. After this my mom and dad were done and we called it a night. Sightseeing is exhausting, it really is. 

Me and mom at the Big Buddha.

On the fourth day, Thursday, Honey had two days off from work (thanks to the wedding on Saturday). We took the subway to Tung Chung, where we jumped on a glass bottom cable car to experience the Big Buddha and the Po Lim Monastery. I think this is a must-see when you're in Hong Kong. It's pretty darn cool. The Buddha is really big. It's so many stairs to walk up to it, but we didn't do that this time. Well, Björn and Minea did, who are young and strong. But Honey and I stayed behind with mom and dad. There are things to see anyway, and viewing the Buddha from a distance is still pretty cool. We took the bus back to the real world, and back to a shopping outlet. We let everyone go and said to meet up in an hour. They finally got their cheap shopping :). It was great. I think most of us got some good deals, for example dad got a pair of New Balance for a whopping cheap price of 350 HKD, and they were very nice! 

In the evening Honey's family had arranged for a big Chinese dinner at an exclusive club member only Shanghai restaurant. It's the second time my family got to experience the real Chinese cuisine. Very interesting. It seemed like the extended family all got along, which was great to see. I think my dad's favorite dish that night was the fish head soup. Who could have foreseen that? 

Family waiting for the extended family at the fancy
Chinese members only restaurant.

Friday was the day before the wedding and Honey and I had to take care of some things. First Minea and I went to get our nails done close to home. That was fun. While we got beautiful Honey went to pick up my wedding dress and some prints that we intended to use at the wedding reception. After that Minea and Björn took off by themselves, while mom and dad hung out with us. 

View from the bathroom on 103rd floor. 

We started by eating lunch on the 102nd floor at Ritz-Carlton, ICC. Oh My! Oh WOW! The view! The luxury, the hospitality, the friendliness! It was surely a magnificent experience. Set lunch cost 248 HKD, actually not pricey when you put the whole experience in context. And then the view! It is a fantastic view of the beautiful Hong Kong Island skyline. Yes, the food was delicious too! We are definitely going back. 

After lunch we took a taxi to East TST and picked up a wedding gift from Honey's parents, two very nice watches. It took a great while to get them set up, but once done they looked amazing. We kept travelling by taxi, to Mong Kok station, where we met up with the girl who made our wedding give-aways, (very nice hand-made greeting cards). We got the cards, she got the cash. From there we walked to the Ladies Market, where we dropped off mom and dad so they can do some shopping (I told them to meet them at the Starbucks at the end of the street), while we went to buy more supplies for the wedding. 

Crowded subway train!

We moved on and took the subway back. Honey went with my parents to Outback, where we had booked a table, I went home to drop off our stuff, met Minea and Björn and walked over to the hotel where my sister was gonna stay (which was the same hotel that our parents stayed at). She arrived straight from Australia with all her suitcases to move back to Sweden. When she finally arrived, and got her super nice suite (at no extra charge!), we took a taxi to the restaurant and could finally eat! 

Mom and sis at Outback Steakhouse.

Saturday was the wedding, great day for everyone involved :). 

Sunday, the day the family went back to Sweden (the plane left Hong Kong at 01.20am). We started late. I picked up my family at the hotel after I dropped off the wedding dress. Honey had a car that day and we drove down to Stanley and had a very satisfying lunch. It was the warmest day of the week I think. We dropped Minea and Björn off in Stanley and they were off by themselves. They had a key to our apartment, where they had their luggage. We hung out in Stanley Market for a short while before we drove to Repulse Bay to look at the nice beach. After that we went to Causeway Bay for a coffee and some last minute shopping. It was all relaxed and nice. We actually ran in to Minea and Björn. We all went to the same mall, although it wasn't planned! Great minds think alike :). 

Unfortunately everyone couldn't fit in the car to the airport with all the luggage, so Minea and Björn took the bus (which is very easy and cheap). We met up with them at the airport. We ate dinner and said our Good-byes. It was surely a busy but a fantastic week! We had a great time, and I already miss them a lot. I'm looking forward to have them back! 

Happy family after the first tea ceremony. 

The Wedding

It's Christmas Eve here in Hong Kong. The sun is shining and it's a refreshing 13 degrees outside. I needed both a jacket and a thick scarf to not get cold when we went out for a local breakfast this morning. I ate a toast with jam, while Honey ate a normal local breakfast with noodles and meat in a soup. I ate a second breakfast when we got home again, a meatball sandwich with beetroot salad and home made meatballs. So freaking good :)! 

Anyway, I figured it's about time I update about the wedding. It has just been crazy busy the few weeks before the big day, but it's been fun. My parents, baby brother and his girlfriend arrived to Hong Kong the week before the wedding, but that alone is a story by itself :). The day before the wedding day my sister arrived from Australia with all her luggage to move back to Sweden after over 10 years in Cairns, Qld. I felt so proud that she stopped by in Hong Kong first to be a part of the wedding ceremony! 

Let's start from the beginning. It's Dec 15, 1.30am at night. Honey and I are about to go to bed after preparing stuff for the wedding, such as pictures, decorations, clothes etc. We are both exhausted and fall asleep as soon as the head hit the pillow. I slept like a log until my alarm went off at 7.30am. I felt well rested when I got up, took a shower, packed my stuff to go to my sister's hotel room (she was offered a suite due to the hotel being over booked, and the suite was bigger than our apartment). 

I went to Starbucks to buy breakfast and met the hair- and make up girl and we walked over to the hotel together. It took about two hours to get the make up and hair ready for the big day. We had to make sure it would stay nice the whole day. And it sure did! She did such a good job! 

Now it's time to get in to the red Chinese dress and go to Honey's parents for the first tea ceremony. We get there a little late, but I figured it's okay, not like they can start without me, and it's our day. 10 minutes late is okay in my mind, and no one seem to notice. The tea ceremony is a Chinese wedding tradition where the wedding couple serve tea to the older family members and they wish us happiness and give us money or gold. It's all very simple but at the same time a ritual. Even my parents we sat down to drink tea and give us money. It was so sweet to see. 

When this ceremony is over we go to eat lunch, dim sum, at a local place close to Honey's parents apartment. It's around 12pm now. I still don't feel nervous and eat a lot. They had ordered lots of dumplings with vegetable and meat fillings and other good dishes that fits us Westerners. 

Right after 1pm Honey, myself and his mom head towards Cyberport and the hotel Le Meridien in his mom's car. The traffic is not very nice, and we arrive a little later than we want to. Our next tea ceremony is suppose to start at 2.30pm in the hotel room that we got as a complimentary of having the wedding here. It's such a nice room, with a view over the forest and the water. Here we get ready. I change in to the wedding dress, Honey put on his tuxedo. This is Hong Kong, so even if the room was nice it still wasn't that big, but we still managed to squeeze around 15 people in there all at once. Maybe we were even more, I don't remember. While we were serving tea to more older relatives we also spoke to the lawyer about the actual ceremony, and signing some papers. It was a bit chaotic, but it still worked out just fine. I mean, normally I get stressed when things don't go as planned, but in this case I was just fine with it all. 

The wedding ceremony was scheduled to start at 3pm sharp, but by that time we were still serving tea. But around 3.15pm we were all ready. People were entertained by the MC singing and Brian playing the guitar before we walked in. I really liked that. Then my dad and I walked in together and dad handed me over to Honey (who had been playing the violin while I walked in, and I didn't notice!). I guess I was a bit nervous by now. Yeah, I totally was, because halfway through a prayer by one of Honey's mom's friends I realized I had forgotten my wedding bouquet at the room. Yeah, talk about blunder. I had my sister go get it after the ceremony. I mean, it would be such a waste to not show it off since it was so beautiful. 

The ceremony was beautiful, we read our own vows, cried a bit, said Yes and kissed. It was all very touching, at least for us. When we were done the picture taking started. Oh My Goodness! I don't think I have been in this many pictures before in my whole life combined that I was during the wedding day! We had hired two excellent professional photographers who were taking pictures all the time. And of course all other people there. I was smiling so much that my face started hurting! We had to take pics with each and every guest! And there was around 150 guests there! I was exhausted after this haha. I'm not used to it, but apparently that's normal at weddings in Hong Kong. Everyone was so nice. Some of Honey's students were at the reception. There was one girl who sat down next to me, slowly moved closer to me, holding out her phone to take a picture of her and I together, but she didn't really dare to ask, probably because she had to speak English to me. I laughed a little, told her to move closer and handed her phone to one of her friends to took a pic of us. After that many of them dared to come up to me for pictures. It was so cute :). 

I barely had time to eat or drink anything. My excellent sister, who I appointed bridesmaid just days before the wedding, took great care of me. She got me water, wine and a piece of cake. She made sure my t-zone didn't shine and that I had enough lip gloss to still look like a beautiful bride. 

I think my wedding dress was super nice. It had a wintery feel over it, and it was perfect for this kind of wedding. I even had a train! I must admit that it was super tight over my upper body. My sister had to shove in my back fat (!) and I had to get used to shallow breathing haha. The dress was rented and although I felt very beautiful in it I was happy to return it the day after the wedding. 

Honey had his tuxedo tailor made. Since he's performing every now and then he will use it again. And he looked so freaking handsome in it. It melts my heart. He sure knows how to carry clothes, almost like a James Bond, it just fits him so well. 

We will open this box on our 1 year wedding day! It contains
a bottle of Amarone and notes from all the people at the dinner. 

People had a good time after the wedding ceremony. We had to chase people out after 5.30pm (we only had the venue til then). I changed in to a cocktail dress and could breathe again. We then went to Jimmy's Kitchen, where we had invited 48 people for a nice wedding dinner. It was a very relaxing night with a four course meal and drinks. I was exhausted and sat most of the night with my family, chatting and laughing, while Honey ran around and talked to his friends, which was perfectly fine. It was mostly his friends there and he got what he wanted. I wanted to sit and chat with my family, so I got what I wanted as well. When I talked to people after the dinner they were all happy about it. They said it was nice and relaxing, and they really appreciated that. I was happy to hear, because that is what I wanted. 

Now it's over, the wedding day is over, and it's time for Mr and Mrs Wan to go back home. And I slept like a baby that night too, very happy with everything :). 

Yeah, people call me Mrs Wan now, but I am keeping my last name for now, and so is he. We are both happy with that. We are still married, and celebrate one week and 2 days today on Christmas eve! Woohoo! :) 

I love you Honey, looking forward to grow old together! 

The Peak and Christmas dinner

There is a building just up the stairs, promise!

I've visited the Peak in Hong Kong twice, and both times it was foggy! Actually beyond foggy, so foggy you can see just a few meters ahead. So far I haven't got a chance to see what it actually should look like. When I bring my family there during their visit in December I hope that we will get a glorious day there, so I know for myself what it actually can look like. 

Today me and three other girls hiked all the way up to the Peak. It was fun! Well, except the thick fog of course. And the fact that it started raining on the way down. But it was still fun, now I know it's possible! 

By the way, it has been raining for a few days now, and it got cold... I mean, cold enough to wear pants and sweaters, even a scarf. 

Last night the Swedish women's club had their yearly Christmas dinner. As in true Swedish midsummer spirit we were sitting outside, even if the weather was 15C (59F), rainy and windy. I have to say that the place who cooked the Swedish Christmas dinner did a great job with the Christmas ham, meatballs, Jansson's temptation and herring. We were all greatly amazed. It was probably the only Christmas dinner I get this year, so I truly stuffed my face. It felt great! I look forward to that food all year! 

Wedding progress update

I know, it's just a few weeks left til the wedding. Time flies! Let me give you a brief update on what's going on. So, since I don't have the interest of planning for the big wedding I have left most up to Honey, and eventually he has started it and I have helped finish it. I have been nagging a lot, but he says he doesn't mind. I have tried to help more, but unfortunately the people haven't been too keen on speaking English. Like, I tried to call and get a quote for the flowers, but he just said "Busy, call later" (!) and hung up! I have emailed the guy a couple of times and just no reply. Honey says he will call. Perhaps there won't be any decorations for the wedding, but either way it's going to be fine. 

So, what's done? 
- Sent out the invitation  (Via Facebook invite only, no printed and mailed invitations, too much work). 
- The rings are ordered and in progress. 
- My family has booked and arranged for their trip to the wedding. So excited to show them this fabulous city!
- The lawyer who will handle the ceremony has all the paperwork they need (except the program, which Honey and his family is putting together). 
- Wedding dinner restaurant is booked. Still working on the dinner guest list. 
- Honey has his tux tailor made and is already hanging in the closet. 
- I have rented a wedding dress that will be ready the week before the wedding. 
- I have booked a lady who will do my hair and make up on the wedding day. 
- My nice friend is helping me fix my nails so I have beautiful hands for the the wedding. 
- Wedding mingle music is almost done. 
- We did get a quote from a photographer that is available that we basically just need to say okay to. 

Almost done is the flower decorations. We know what we want (thank you Alice!) but we still haven't found who will provide them to us. 

Either way I'm not too worried. Things always work out. It will be fine either way. We will have a nice day with friends, acquaintances and strangers, but in the end, it's all going to be good, with or without decorations. I find it more important to have our friends there. I know that many of you that matters a lot to me cannot be there in person on our wedding day, but I know you will be there in spirit, and that feels so amazing. 

Lots of love! It's out there for everyone! 

Love Christmas - Love Hong Kong

It's getting close to Christmas. Well, it's about a week left of booooring November, and I can't wait to put up the Christmas decorations! I want to go to IKEA this weekend to buy some Christmas lights that we can decorate our tiny apartment with. It's just a special feeling with the Christmas lights and decorations. I love Christmas, it's so nice. I mean, especially if you grew up in a country as grey as Sweden in the fall/winter you truly learn to appreciate the brightness that Christmas brings, both literally and spiritually.

It's the weekend before 1st of Advent. I know the rules... No Christmas decorations before 1st of Advent. But you know what? I don't care! Christmas decorations make me happy, and I want to enjoy it as long as possible, so I'm gonna decorate this weekend already!! Ooh, it's gonna be so nice. Perhaps we can go to IKEA already tonight. That would be great! It will be nice and Christmassy in our Hong Kong apartment even if it's still 23 degrees and humid outside. My Christmas spirit works anyway!

Hong Kong has already started the Christmas decorations. They are all over the city. Hong Kong's already astonishing skyline has become even more beautiful with the Christmas decorations. The fancy shopping malls also started, and the Christmas gift specials and packages is already on display. I have to say it looks absolutely great. Hong Kong is going all in, and I love it! Hong Kong's tagline for this year's Christmas celebration is "Love Christmas - Love Hong Kong". It fits like a glove.

Hong Kong women's beauty secret revealed..?

You know how Asians always look young even when they are old? I think I found their secret... ;). 

You know I spend a lot of time at the gym. And after spending time in gyms in several different countries I think I find the women's changing room in Hong Kong the most fascinating. No, not in a dirty way, just hear me out. 

After a hard work out followed by a refreshing shower we are all getting ready to go back out to the world. Me, I put on body lotion, deodorant, face cream, some powder and mascara. Then I'm done. It takes me around 2 minutes. As far as I can see, most other Caucasian women at the gym changing room do what I do. However, the Asian women are different. Not only are they already sitting at the dressing table when I got there. They are still working on their appearances when I'm done! For example, the Asian lady next to me has a small toiletry bag with six (!) different jars of creams. She takes her time to massage each cream on to specific parts of her face. She's on her third creme when I'm done... That is pretty darn impressive. And I am sure the creams are nice and expensive. Once she's done applying the creams and the carefully selected make up she of course looks stunning. Perhaps I should ask next time what's in those creams... 

This is not the woman from the gym. Photo:  makeupjournal.net 

But creams are not their only secret to looking young. According to Honey's mom it's also important to drink soup with each dinner to keep your skin and inside hydrated. Every dinner we eat at Honey's parents house they finish dinner by serving a soup that looks like a clear broth. Unfortunately another Hong Kong food that I don't like (tastes like drinking grease), but I guess I eventually will have to bite the bullet and learn to drink that broth (ewww) if I want to look as young as the Asian women... Perhaps I should start by finding out the secret creams... Yeah that sounds better :). 

From a rainy Hong Kong

It's raining in Hong Kong. I am watching Monday Night football, San Fransisco 49ers at Arizona Cardinals, live game on Hong Kong television. That's pretty darn sweet. At the same time I cannot stop thinking about my friends and old colleagues on the east coast that right now are trying to survive the gigantic storm Sandy. I just want you all to stay safe, to make it. I am reading your status updates on facebook and I am so happy to hear that things seem to go well considering the circumstances. Just hang in there and hold on to each other. My thoughts are definitely going out to you all. 

Hong Kong has finally starting to cool down to a bearable temperature. I don't get as many heat strokes anymore. In fact, I was thinking about finding my jeans and long sleeved shirts the other day. Those clothes are still stowed away in a suitcase. There is no room to unpack. Our apartment is just too small. Anyway, the temperature drop is a nice change. Now the weather is starting to be comfortable, just the way I like it, around 23 to 27 degrees (74 to 81 Farenheit), still a bit too humid though, but absolutely bearable. It makes it easier to take walks or go outside for a run. 

There is no change to winter or summer time here, which I guess is just not necessary. Daylight during summer or winter doesn't differ that much. 

The weather will get cooler before it gets warmer here. Let's just hope that the weather stays nice and warm like this at least on our wedding day in December. 

It looks like 49ers are kicking some Cardinal ass this Monday Night Football... 

Stay safe on the east coast my friends!!! 

I know, I shouldn't make fun of how people dress, but this is
typical Hong Kong.  It is!

A Hong Kong Wedding

Last Saturday Honey and I went to a real Hong Kong wedding. It was a friend of the family who got married. Let me tell you how I experienced the wedding. 

The wedding started at church where Honey's mom works. It was all in Cantonese, including the printed program for the ceremony, so I was merely there to watch. The couple who got married met in church, and they made that a big deal for some reason. We were around 150 people or so at the ceremony. The bride had five or six brides maids, and the groom had just as many grooms men. During the wedding ceremony we sang hymns, then the priest talked for a bit, then the groom's father (also a minister) talked for awhile. There was a choir singing. Then the couple said their vows, both said Yes and while everybody was watching they signed the marriage certificate. Then their fathers signed as witnesses, and the couple could now kiss as husband and wife for the first time. They walked down the aisle with the people around cheering and applauding. Once the wedding couple reached the end of the aisle they turned around and walked back. The groom started thanking everyone who had helped with the wedding, he thanked so many people. Then the bride thanked her family and friends. They kept thanking people for about 15 mins. (Honey translated for me the whole time). 

When this was over there was picture taking in the church with the couple. There was a list printed in the program of when each person should approach the couple for picture taking. The list said for example "Family", "Close friends", "Groom's co-workers", "Bride's co-workers", "Friends from Church" etc. Simple and clear. We got in the picture together with "People who work at the church where the wedding ceremony is held" (Honey's mom works there). After we took the picture and congratulated the newly married couple we went back home to chill for a while. 

At night we went to the wedding banquet, a traditional banquet. We arrived around 8pm. It was a big banquet hall with a stage, a registry where you pay the traditional 500 HKD banquet fee per person. Yes, you pay the couple to eat at their banquet. There was 29 tables, each table seats 10 people, so pretty darn big wedding banquet. We were seated with co-workers of Honey's mom. They served a 10 course meal and free drink refills of your choice. The food was traditional Chinese food and not too impressive. Apparently it is rare with good food at a wedding banquet. 

While the food was served the couple had two MCs that ran a small show on the stage. They showed videos on big screens about the couple, and they showed videos from earlier during the wedding day. The couple showed up in different outfits during the evening. The groom, also a musician, sang a song to his bride. That was probably the best thing all night. It was real nice. 

We did leave before the end of the dinner, which Honey and his parents said is very common. I never got to taste the desserts, the thing I actually looked forward to on the menu... 

After having experienced a traditional Hong Kong Wedding I am very happy that we won't have a banquet at our wedding. It just felt dull. Honey said that is how it is. The banquet is almost more for the parents and older relatives, so it's not so much party. Actually, no party at all. I'm not saying that parents don't like to party, I know my parents do :). But party is not really what Christian Hong Kong parents are famous for... However, I am very happy to have attended a traditional Hong Kong wedding! 

The spirit of Hong Kong

The first time a city spirit slapped me in the face was when I was studying in Montpellier, France, a city with a harsh spirit at that time, almost a bit angry. One weekend a bunch of us international students took a bus trip to Barcelona, Spain. As soon as I stepped off the bus I felt a warmth, a welcoming and happy place. It was like the city was actually happy to have me there. It was overwhelming. Yeah, Barcelona physically got to me. Not all places does that, but New York also has that effect on me. When I'm in New York I actually feel butterflies in my stomach, like I'm in love. I truly enjoy the intense atmosphere that only New York can deliver. 

But what about Hong Kong? First time I visited I knew I had to come back. We got along well, the city and I. It wasn't the physical emotion as with Barcelona and New York, but spiritually it got to me. And yes, Hong Kong has many spirits. Most of all, it's the city of contrasts. 

Work
Hong Kong is a lot about work. Work, work, work. Everywhere you see people in suits, the city is filled with fancy shopping malls, expensive brand stores and luxury cars. Next to all these money you have the other hard working population, the 85-year-old woman still selling fruit and vegetables at a stand on the street, the 79-year-old man still sweeping the streets, the 14-year-old girl who's waitressing at her family's local cafe/eatery, the 5-year-old kids in school uniform on their way to school. It's work from early age, no matter if you are rich or poor. 

Safe
Hong Kong is safe. So far I haven't felt unsafe anywhere here. I never hear of bad neighborhoods, I never heard anyone who's gotten mugged, beaten or even threatened. Honey told me to close my purse when we were up in people packed Kowloon, around Women's Market, but that is just common sense. Hong Kong is a safe city. Women can actually walk home alone from the subway or bus without worrying. That feeling alone makes me love this city. 

Green
Considering how many people, cars and buildings there are in Hong Kong, it is a surprisingly green city. Usually you don't have to walk far to see a park. The park may be small, but it still means something. It's not just concrete and roads, there are green areas where people can sit and relax, sit and talk, or, as they do in the mornings, exercise of all kinds. The parks makes Hong Kong even more human, more alive. It's not only parks, there are trees and flowers planted all over the city, and they are truly city trees, because they survive all the pollution coming from the traffic. Sometimes I wonder if they are mutated haha. 

Friendly
Hong Kong is friendly. It has to be with so many people living here under so many different circumstances. Generally people mind their own business and they don't step on each other's toes. We all have our burdens. When I walk in to a restaurant where I am the only white person in the room, they don't care. If I need help at the store and the person I ask cannot speak English, he or she will find someone who does. Let me give you an example; I was trying on wedding dresses and the lady who helped was alone in the boutique and didn't speak English.  She went through the effort of communicating with me by calling her daughter and I spoke to her on the phone to find out the information I needed. That is service. And yes, people do get out of their seats in the subway or on the bus to make room for an older person. It's so nice to see. However, people generally don't hold up the door for you, because if you do you will be standing there the whole day due to the constant flow of people :). Most doors close super slow here anyway, there is virtually no risk of getting the door slapped in your face. 

Hong Kong has so much to offer. It's modern and old at the same time. For example, many buses offer free Wi-Fi, but when I get home I have to turn on the gas manually to get hot water. There are escalators almost everywhere, but in the public bathroom I have to stand and aim in to a hole on the floor. 

It has contrasts, it's alive, it's beautiful. It's Hong Kong. 

Food and reality in HK

I've moved to the US without gaining weight. I've moved to France without gaining weight. I move to Hong Kong and gain weight! I mean, seriously, how can that be?! I don't like much of their food; it is just too much fat, bone and tendons in the meat, many soups are too oily and the bread is as sweet as a dessert. I find it weird. 

Photo from www.hkphoto.com

I want to cut the carbs, but since most of the meats here still have skin, bones and fat left on them I basically just eat rice or noodles. And with family dinners sometimes several times a week I have to eat what's offered. My fiance's family usually have problems with what to order during family meals since I don't eat what they eat. I tell them not to worry; I eat the decoration, which usually is some kind of vegetable like carrots, bell peppers or broccoli. Don't get me wrong, I have tried almost all food; squid, jellyfish, stinky tofu etc. But I won't eat chicken feet or intestines, just cannot do it. 

I know, there is a way around this, I just have to start cooking more food at home. Then I will get just the food I want and like. I just wish I didn't dislike cooking so much. And when I cook at home I will have to do both the cooking and the cleaning. Honey, who actually likes cooking, will of course cook meats and food with skin, bones and fat, and as we have established, I cannot eat that, so I am stuck both ways. 

Thank goodness we joined a gym! I'm there basically every day, sometimes twice a day. I have started to gain some control over my weight, but I'm not satisfied yet (like I ever will be...). I must be among the fattest, fit persons at the gym. I can run for a long time, I lift heavy weights, but still have a fairly thick layer of body fat. I am obviously doing something wrong. I think my diet is the key...

Another factor is unfortunately age. It's a common knowledge that the metabolism goes down after you turn 25 years old, and it gets a little more difficult to get in shape. As you get older you have to push a bit harder, run a little longer and lift a little heavier than before. And you also have to accept that the body is getting older and may not be able to take as much as before. However, this definitely doesn't mean you should give up, not at all! Every little work out is always better than none! Hell yeah it is! 

Mid-Autumn Festival

The Mid-Autumn Festival is held on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Chinese calendar, which is in September or early October in the Gregorian calendar. This year it falls on September 30th, followed by the Chinese National Day on October 1st. This means that most people in Hong Kong have Monday and Tuesday off (according to gov.hk the day off is the day following for these two holidays for 2012). 

What is Mid-Autumn Festival? After reading about it on several websites and talked to Hong Kong people it is a national holiday where people decorate with lanterns, eat moon cake and gaze at the moon. But why staring at the moon?

The Legend

One of the legends tells about Houyi (an immortal) and his beautiful wife Chang'e who were forced to live on earth due to Houyi's jealousy of the other immortals. To survive, Houyi became a very skilled archer. At that time earth had ten suns that resided in a Mulberry tree. Every day one of the suns had to travel around the earth in a carriage driven by the Mother of the suns. One day all ten suns traveled at the same time and burned the earth. The Emperor then commanded Houyi's arching skills and asked him to take down all but one sun. If he did so he would be granted a pill to give him eternal life. Houyi fulfilled the emperor's wish and got the pill, but he wasn't allowed to take it for another year so he hid it. However, his wife Chang'e found the pill, swallowed it and noticed that she could fly. She reached the moon, where she stopped and coughed up half of the pill. Chang'e then demanded the Moon Rabbit (who lives on the moon) to make another pill. The story states that the rabbit is still pouring herbs, trying to make the pill. Once a year on Mid-Autumn Festival, Houyi visits his wife on the moon, which is why the moon appears extra bright that day, and the reason to gaze at the moon. 

There are more legends about how Chang'e ended up with the Moon Rabbit, pounding herbs for the Gods, they vary some, but the idea is the same, Houyi and Chang'e are not at the same place, and the wife is the curious one. 

Moon Cake

Moon cake is eaten during the Mid-Autumn Festival. It is a very labor intense, thick and rich cookie, about 10cm wide and 4 to 5 cm tall. The imprint on the top usually states "Longevity" or "Harmony", the bakery's name and the filling. Usually it is a crust shell and a soft, rich filling. You share one moon cake with your family and friends. 

This turned in to some kind of history telling, not really my intention. But as with many of our Western holidays we are not always aware of the story behind the day off. This is the same. It's a tradition, and it sounds like a nice tradition to me. 

I guess you will see me on Sunday with a Lantern in my hand, eating a tiny piece of moon cake, staring at the moon and wondering if the moon rabbit ever will finish making that immortal pill... 

Wedding Progress?

So what's happening with the wedding plans? Let me give you an update. You who know me knows that I don't really like organizing things, and organizing my own wedding in another country is a lot of work, (and boring). I know my family wants a wedding date so they can book flights and stuff, but it takes time since Honey is not the quickest to get things done (and he's working full time) and I don't speak the language. Anyway, here is what we have to do first: 

- Decide the venue for the ceremony and reception for around 150 persons. 
According to Honey HK couples plan their weddings at least a year ahead, but we are planning on getting married in November or December this year, and preferably on a Saturday. I guess at this point we will be happy to take basically any venue as long as it's available, and we just have to find that one place. Since my family needs to book their tickets and get time off I have to get this solved as soon as possible. This is the most crucial thing to me. The rest I hope they can solve at the venue, like flowers and stuff... :). 

That's how far we are. I do have the time to look, and I actually got distracted looking while I wrote this note. 

Okay, I should keep looking, and making phone calls... waaaah! 

Diversity

It's 7.30 in the morning. I wave good-bye to my Honey at the subway station and get ready for a nice, brisk morning walk up on the hill side (it's too hot to run outside, just toooo hot). As I'm walking I meet lots of people, all kinds of persons and all kinds of outfits. 

It's the boys and girls in uniforms on their way to school; it's the helpers dressed in capris, a top with a fun message like "Have a nice day :)" and flip flops who are taking the dog for a walk; it's the grannies dressed in old rags slowly making their way to practice Tai Chi in the park; it's the women in black lace tops (don't know why lace is so popular among office women), black pants and nice heals, and men in suits, on their way to the office; it's the men and women in hats and worn down clothes that carefully and proudly clean the streets and parks each day (no wonder Hong Kong stays so clean, they rock!). And then there is me, in work out clothes, hat and headphones, on my way to burn calories. 

It's fascinating to see all these people, sharing space and time, side by side. We all do our own thing and move on. We all have our own path to walk and everything has its time.

 

This is in Causeway Bay. See the sign way in the background? :)

Engaged!

I guess I should write about the ENGAGEMENT!! You know that being engaged and plan a big nice wedding is really not my thing. But I know how important this is for my future husband, my fiance, and I am happy to do this with him. He is the One I will spend the rest of my life with. 

My fiance has this thing that he wants us to tell a different story every time someone asks what he said when he proposed, because he wants it to be a romantic journey for us to come up with different scenarios, to make them all true! 

It was Sunday evening and we had just enjoyed a concert of Mozart's Requiem in City Hall. We were standing outside the concert hall looking towards one of Hong Kong's skylines and admire the clear sky and a bright moon. To see such clear skies in Hong Kong is rare. We just knew it was a very special night. He holds his arms around my shoulders tightly, keeps smelling my hair. I feel so loved. He grabs both my hands and we turn towards each other. He says: "You are the love of my life, will you marry me?" I smile instantly and throw my arms around him and yell "YES, YES, YES"! He covers the ear my mouth is closest to and says "Too loud", and laugh, we both laugh. 

There is no ring yet, nor a wedding date, but hopefully there will be a wedding sometime this year. I know, most of you already have done all this, but I guess now it's finally my turn!  

A toast for LOVE!! 

About the empty floors

Since Hong Kong is so small, and hold so many people you have to stack us on top of each other. There is no room to spread out. The "smaller" buildings are maybe 30 stories tall. The one we live in has 27 floors (we live on the 16th floor). Newer buildings are usually much taller than that, from 50 up to 100+ floors! 

Clear view of an empty floor

Here comes the peculiar thing; those very tall buildings have made each 25th floor (give or take) an open space... it's empty! When I first noticed I thought it was crazy! I mean, is there really room for such thing? Don't they want to make sure to fit as many apartments as possible? My fiance explained to me that it is in case of a fire the whole building won't burn down. It's a safety precaution. I like that precaution. It makes sense, and they can make the building look aesthetically nicer. On some buildings they make that floor in to a common area, like a terrace with plants and other greens. On other more modern office buildings they are hidden and you need to know about it to notice. 

That the empty floor is around 25 stories up probably has something to do with what my fiance's dad once told me: "don't live in an apartment on 26th floor or up. Because that's how high the fire trucks can reach".. 

However, the houses here are all concrete, heavy, sturdy buildings. Right before we left for vacation to Australia there was a very severe typhoon that went through most of the city. Restaurants and stores closed early. Everybody was sent home. The winds tore up trees, bushes and threw around debris, and I didn't notice a thing! I didn't hear the wind howl outside our apartment, nor the rain against our windows. Our building did not move at all, nothing. Yeah, I felt completely safe on the 16th floor through a Typhoon type 10! 

View from our kitchen

Another peculiar thing about Hong Kong buildings; they keep the pipes on the outside. Yep, water pipes, sewage and gas etc. It's all out there in the open. They insist of building a gap of about two meters (6.5 feet) between apartments where they place the pipes. In the summer we barely have to turn on the hot water, it's so warm already from the pipes being out in the sun. 

Talking about hot, to get hot water, each shower has its own gas heater. It heats up the water as you go (as in, there is no hot water tank in the building). At first it was a bit scary to have to take a shower with a gas tank! (It's not that big). Generally you only shower in hot water, the rest of the water in the apartment is not heated (although not that cold, as explained earlier). I even do the dishes in cold water! It was weird in the beginning, but with so many other things you get used to it. 

All these things may not be true if you live in the very exclusive and expensive part of Hong Kong. They probably have hidden pipes, a nice hot water tanks and all, not that I would know. However, for the general population this is the living conditions, and this is what I adjust to.. . 

Bonus info: They still use bamboo when they build or renovate buildings! So flexible and strong!

Australia vacation

With the Olympics closing ceremony on in the background (rerun, surely one of many...) I figured I will write some reflections from our two-week vacation in Northern Queensland. My dear sister and her husband so generously opened their home to us. I know we can take up a lot of space and be noisy, but they didn't complain :). 

First of all (for the Swede in me), the weather in Cairns and surroundings was just fantastic at this time of year! It is their winter, which equals pretty low humidity, warming sun, nice breeze and around 27C (81F) during the day and a nice cool 17C (63F) at night. It was just lovely! It didn't rain until the day we left. Okay, it was a tad too cold to get in the water, but still, no heat strokes for me at all during these two weeks!! 

Cairns
When we read about Cairns in the travel books they say it is a hub for visiting the Great Barrier Reef and other surrounding areas. However, there are still plenty to do, like the night market, some excellent restaurants, a beautiful board walk along the ocean and a man-made beach called "The Lagoon" right by the busy Esplanade. Cairns is built around tourism and that is visible everywhere. Hostels offer some great deals for travels and diving, cheap food and party all night long, for those who prefer. For the more mature traveler there are plenty of hotels to choose from, both very nice hotels with ocean views, or less expensive motels a few streets away from the water. 
Although it is walking distance within the city center, both Honey and I were surprised how long it took to walk one block. It always took longer than expected to get to wherever we were going. But since the weather was so nice, walking was a delight. 

Port Douglas
We rented a car and drove up north along the shoreline to Port Douglas, which I wanted to visit since last time I was in Australia (2002). Port Douglas is generally lots of very VERY nice hotels and resorts; yeah, a bit posh. The main street is filled with restaurants and boutiques. Apparently the Prime Minister of Australia was in Port Douglas while we were there. 

Considering the fairly expensive restaurants we were very grateful to receive  some 2-for-1 main dish coupons at selected restaurants from my sister. Our first night we ate at one of those places. Toby ordered a lovely saffron seafood pasta and I ordered a delicious grilled barramundi. Thanks to the 2-for-1 main dish deal we could indulge in a chocolate dream cake for dessert and still not go bankrupt. It was just perfect. 

Cape Tribulation
Northern Queensland do have many beautiful beaches. Port Douglas for example is the home of the four-mile beach; all white sand and perfect waves. It was sure beautiful, however far from as breathtaking as the Cape Tribulation beach! That is the most amazing, astonishing and beautiful beach I have ever seen! 

We drove from Port Douglas further up north along the shoreline. We weren't really sure what to expect so we went with clear minds. After crossing the Daintree River on a tiny car ferry we ended up deep in the tropical rain forest. We drove on a narrow and very winding road with trees and vegetation all the way up to the side of the road. After driving for what seemed like a looong time the road ended in a t-section with a dirt road to the left, and parking lot to the right. Since we were driving a tiny Hyundai Getz, the dirt road was out of the question (only 4WD allowed), and we parked the car. 





We walked up to an entrance through the thick rain forest and discovered heaven... My goodness, nature can surely be absolutely astonishing! The white beach, blue waves that softly caresses the sand, thick green rain forest surrounding and protecting this breathtaking beauty! Once stepping out on the beach you saw big green hills looking down at the white sand, like they were keeping an eye on the beach, to make sure it stays as beautiful as it possibly can. The beach was nearly deserted, just a few more tourists, us, and wildlife.  I couldn't find a picture that shows its beauty. I guess you have to be there to understand...

It was quite the drive to get to Cape Tribulation, but worth every second of it. Just travelling up to Cape Tribulation was special, with nature so close by and present at all times. As much as I appreciate nature (usually from a distance) I was happy to come back to Port Douglas, with people, street lights, grocery stores and restaurants. For me Cape Tribulation was a perfect day trip, but I can see why others may decide to stay there. It feels like being alone in the world when you are up there. I read that the population is around 100 people, so if you like to live secluded, Cape Tribulation is surely a place to consider. I kept thinking about how far people who live there have to go to buy groceries, or if they made pancakes and forgot to buy milk, or felt like some chips a Friday night and didn't have any at home. Are they even able to leave their homes during big storms? It's not just to get up and drive a few minutes to the closest store. Living in Cape Trib takes planning... and I admire those who can live that way, it is just not for me... 

To sum it up, Cape Tribulation was obviously the place that made the most impression on me during our trip to Australia this time. I think partly because it is so far from what I prefer. I am happy to have been there and seen it, but I am still a city girl, yep, totally :). 

My wonderful sister and her husband were generous to take us out on adventures as well, like to the magnificent fig trees up in the Tablelands. Thank you so much Linda and Shannon!! 



PS. Dingding was home alone while we were gone. Honey's friend Cheung Cheung stopped by faithfully every day to make sure Ding had food, water and some company. I was so grateful!! And of course I missed my wittle baby while we were gone. The only time I didn't think about her was when we stayed at Green Island to snorkle. That was so much fun!!