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!