Archive for the 'Hong Kong' Category

Spotted: Asian Style Icon, Isabella Leong

I first spotted Isabella Leong in The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor (bad movie, don’t even bother) and I can’t help but think, “OMG, this girl is hot”. Later on, I realised she has acted in several HK films such as Spider Lilies, Missing and etc. Then again, I hardly catch Asian films - and I’ve never seen any of her films. Thank you, Hollywood. Now, she’s following Zhang Ziyi’s footsteps as Mummy 3 is her first foray in Tinseltown. I’ve to say, she has impeccable style as seen on the red carpet. So, keep a look out for Isabella, because I think she’s going to be BIG:

source: myspace, google images

Shop, Eat Guide to Hong Kong: Symphony of Lights

Welcome to the “Symphony of Lights”

How can you miss the pretty lighted HK skyline? It was a spectacular view, even though it was drizzling at the time we were there. But, the rain didn’t dampen our spirits! It is quite romantic and nice to walk along the harbour and enjoy the lights.

I’m pretty lousy at taking photos at night, so I couldn’t be bothered. Why take photos when you can enjoy the real thing? There are people singing, and kids running around. Quite a crazy night. And, the Beijing Olympics craze is everywhere. You won’t miss it for sure!

Bubster decided to buy a cotton candy and the girl eventually said, “It melts very fast in the rain!”. In fact, it melted within SECONDS! Thanks for the “INFO”, missy. We stopped by at  Hui Lau Shan healthy dessert joint for yummy, freezing mango dessert (I prolly miss this the most!). Bubster had the Mango Combo and I had the fruits with mango/watermelon juice. Not the best choice but I just wanted to try something new.

Stop taking photos and move on!! Bubster doesn’t like photos. Sigh.

We had Mexican for dinner!! Don’t ask why. I’m traveling with a white man.

Lucky for me, the food was authentic and good! I had a Taco salad which was yum.

Shop, Eat Guide to Hong Kong: G.O.D & Delay No More

As we explore Soho at Central, we came across this modern, Asian-inspired furniture shop called G.O.D. or Goods of Desire, simply means “to live better” in Cantonese. They seem to use the phrase “Delay No More” which might sound very crude in Cantonese literal translation (I won’t say what it means here) - so, some may take it as an ‘inside joke’. I bet tourists will be thinking that it’s bad english. Anyway, G.O.D. does sell some funky stuff that makes you go “wahh…” and I like how their reinterpret old Chinese elements into their modern designs to make it cool, yet relevant. Don’t miss this gigantic two-storey store, if you’re in HK.

A cuttle fish or nemo hot water pack? So cute!!

Shop, Eat Guide to Hong Kong: Vintage in Soho

Soho at Central, HK is famous of its stretch of vintage and antique shops. Don’t miss this quirky, striking vintage shop, Select-18 (57-59 Hollywood Road, Central) as this hippie-like store has one-of-kind clothes, accessories, bags, lamps, furniture and random stuff. I was attracted by its bright coloured store and I was immediately drawn into it.

This shop is not cheap, so don’t expect to get a good bargain here. However, if you love treasures - you will find yourself digging through the stuff and even trying on vintage Ferragamo shoes and kooky old glasses! You may also check out the jewelry and designer stuff at its consignment section by local designers and artists. This is not your typical HK shopping experience but it will be remembered.

Here’s a video of Select-18 which I found on Youtube!

This shop’s name says it all: Low Price Shop. It sells secondhand items which are really really old (vintage, of course) and crazy Chairman Mao’s merchandises including watches, posters and etc. This shop can be found along Soho area. You can’t miss it.

When you’re around Soho or Central, do walk along the famous stone steps of Pottinger Street. Along the way, there are cafes, stalls selling random stuff from costumes to all kinds of random buttons. Better known as ‘rocky road’, these granite stones are rare and also quite an experience to walk on. It feels like you’ve been transported back in time. Enjoy.

Shop, Eat Guide to Hong Kong: H&M

Alas, yours truly has found love in H&M! I didn’t go crazy in there (but I should, dammit!). The sale items are very limited and they only have giant sizes. I’m quite sure the sale has been on-going for awhile now. I managed to find some pretty Fall ‘08 pieces. Then again, I didn’t take too many photos in H&M because I was busy flipping through the racks and fighting the Thursday afternoon crowd (can you believe that??)

I bought this swirly grey/black accordion skirt - I’m not really a skirt kinda girl but this won me over! I love it. I didn’t get the basic white shirt as it is a little transparent. What do you think of this purple floral print top? Very Balenciaga? I got it because it was pretty cute. Also, got a black cropped blazer, bag and some accessories. Bubster found himself some country shirts and also plaid jackets. Very unlike him, but I’m proud of my man for making stylish choices. Bring H&M to Singapore!!

Shop, Eat Guide to Hong Kong: Day #1

Happy ‘25th’ Birthday to Moi!

Day #1 <30 July 2008>
Yes, yours truly is back from the land of Jackie Chan. I wore my birthday dress (a present from mum, dad and grandma in NZ). We had to wake up at 4:30am on my birthday (NOT a morning person) to catch the plane. Our stomachs were growling by the time we reach HK and we can’t help but grab a box of Krispy Kreme Donuts. Can you blame us? To be honest, I don’t think they’re that GREAT - I rather have J.Co Donuts, less sickly and the dought is much lighter.

After checking in L’Hotel Causeway Bay Harbour View (Tin Hau MTR), we walked from King’s Road to Causeway Bay for lunch! It was not a long walk, as we get to explore explore around. Along the way, we walked past the HK Central Library and Victoria Park.

First stop, Mak’s Noodles (G/F, 44 Jardine’s Bazaar, Causeway Bay) - yum yum. You may have seen Anthony Bourdain slurping these noodles in his ‘No Reservations’ series on Discovery Travel & Living. The noodles are springy and the taste is subtle but very good. I think I finished my bowl within 3 minutes. I was hungryyy!! Bubster seems very happy and less cranky after food - which is awesome for me.

Recharged. We’re now ready for shopping! I love shoppping in Causeway Bay - there are so many variety of boutiques, lil’ stalls along Jardine’s Crescent and Laforet. We stumbled around shops, and there are alot of rip-offs (esp. designer shoes and bags!). So, if you’re looking for fake Christian Louboutins or Chanel 2.55 - you can find an array of rip-offs around Causeway Bay.

Laforet is like your Far East Plaza but heaps better, in terms of variety and little shops. It was pretty crowded on a weekday and even crazier on a weekend. I would suggest popping by on a weekday. Items are not cheap in Laforet - like Wottoncool said, you prolly can get these in Shenzhen or at wholesale centers.

I just shopped at UNIQLO and Esprit. Ooh, I love sales. The damage: One T-shirt, two basics and a slouchy boyfriend shorts from UNIQLO. A summer dress from Esprit. This is only the beginning.

I saw this in front of Lane Crawford. I thought it was funny - big ass red T-Rex trapped in a red cage. I don’t shop at Lane Crawford - it’s too… up-market and Singaporean. LOL. It feels like I traveled back to Paragon or something. I prefer to shop in authentic, HK-shops and bargain like an auntie.

Later, we hopped over to Tsim Sha Tsui’s Avenue of Stars and walked around. Bubster’s first trip to HK - so we must sightsee a little. This is the HK’s version of the Hollywood’s Walk of Fame. You can tell where the famous peeps are (such as Jackie Chan) when foreigners are crowding around a particular “star”.

HEE-YAKKK! It’s Bruce Lee. The weather wasn’t fantastic. We actually planned to go up to The Peak but we decided to reserve for Day #2 or whenever the weather gets better. I can’t help camwhoring in the lift. Hee.

As the day goes by, I got greasier and more tired. Check out my eye-bags! Before heading back, we stopped by Causeway Bay (again) for Yee Shun Milk Company (G/F 506 Lockhart Rd Causeway Bay) for some yummy yummy custard desserts. This milk-theme desserts are inexpensive and ultra-delicious! I personally like the warm versions, but I love the cold chocolate-flavoured milk custard. A must-try in HK! We had an early night, as we were both tired and cranky. Hee. Till the next day.

Hong Kong, Here I Come!

It’s my BIRTHDAY!

All my bags are packed, I’m ready to go - not for another 6 more hours. Yours truly has finally hit quarter-life fabulosity, and I definitely feel good about it. Let’s see, it has been 3 years since my last trip to HK and this also marks my 3rd time to the country of awesome food, shopping and Mickey Mouse. I haven’t really plan my itinerary for the next four days but I’ll get around to it - on the plane.

Thanks to Wottoncool’s HK shopping and eating guide - I don’t have to do much research this time. The last time, I spend most of the time stumbling around shops in Causeway Bay and Temple Street with my Lonely Planet. I plan to catch Cirque du Soleil’s Zaia in The Venetian Macau on Thursday if possible. Not sure about Shenzhen yet, but might make a trip there if time permits. Ooh, I can’t wait already!!

That’s me with Mickey and Minnie in 2005. I know, I’ve changed.