Mandarin Oriental

To celebrate our one year in Hong Kong, Duncan and I decided to go for afternoon tea at the Mandarin Oriental.  Located in between Central and Admiralty the hotel was built in 1963 and was quickly regarded as one of the best in the world. It underwent complete renovation in 2005 but stayed true to its original luxurious and extravagant interior design. 

Afternoon tea was served in the Clipper Lounge. The service was excellent, however I think I've had better overall treats in Hong Kong, except of course for the Opera which was a perfect balance of coffee and chocolate flavour. After tea we decided to snoop around the facilities. The hotel is truly exquisite and has a certain class which only good taste can buy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One year in Hong Kong

Wow I can't believe it. One year ago I landed in Hong Kong jetlagged, dazed, and excited. I remember the first morning waking up and looking out my window at the wet market, the noisy tram passing by, the dense tall buildings and feeling like holy crap I've actually done this. I've had an incredible year, one of the best, so much has happened so much has changed in such a short amount of time.

One of the first pictures taken in hk [Jan 2014]

 

Photo taken today [Jan 27, 2015]

 

I decided to do a quick recap:
 

First impression:
overwhelming, dynamic, tropical.
 

Favourite neighbourhood:
Wan Chai.
 

Favourite tourist attraction:
The Peak and the Big Buddha.
 

Most interesting attraction:
Kowloon Walled City.
 

Favourite new food:
various dim sum and the ice lemon tea.
 

Favourite new hobby:
photography and paddle boarding.
 

Hardest moment:
allergies.
 

Best hike:
Sai Kung.
 

Best beach:
Shek O or the one in Sai Kung.
 

Best temple:
Pak Tai in Wan Chai.
 

Best shopping:
ladies market.
 

Best memory:
Aqua Luna and winning raffle for flights to Seattle.
 

Favourite memory with Duncan:
that first night at the wanch.
 

Favourite memory with Jon:
Canada Day.
 

Favourite memory with Lucile and David:
Borneo.
 

Favourite memory with Odile:
Macau.

Biggest lesson:
100% letting go of the "normal" career/life path and simply put by my mom "do what you love".
 

 

  

Lion's Rock

If you google hikes in Hong Kong, Dragon's Back and Lion's rock are the first to show up; that's because they have amazing views and are beginner friendly.  On a beautiful Sunday, Anna, Jamie, Duncan and I decided to give Lion's rock a go.  We had trouble finding a clear starting point so we ended up starting near a reservoir that was supposedly near Lion's Rock. In the end we did 2 hikes instead of one but it was so beautiful, none of us minded at all!  (I didn't get many clear shots of the view because it was quite a polluted day, however I vow to go back at sunset and take epic photos).

 

 

Lion's rock peak

me, Jamie, Anna

 

View of Kowloon

 

Jamie and Duncan

 

Almost there!

 

 

 

Literally on the edge

 

 

 

We're now trying to do a hike every weekend!

Well hello 2015!

Happy New Year! I cannot believe how quickly this year has gone by, so much has happened but at the same time it feels like it was yesterday that I was in Florida mentally preparing for my move to Hong Kong. I think I've said this about many years, but this year was one of the best years of my life! I guess it's true when they say your 20s are the best, so far they have not disappointed me. I'll save all the recap for when the one year in Hong Kong mark hits, but I'll just say I can't wait to see what 2015 brings. I have big travel plans, I'll share more once things are more finalized.

 

May 2015 bring you everything you desire!



 

Home for the holidays

People often ask me if I miss Toronto and I realized I haven't been homesick at all, instead I've been people sick. Sometimes I just want to be able to have drinks with my friends and to cook with my mom or go skating with my dad or dinner with my sister...  With that said, I truly feel like I've given Toronto a lot and it has given me a lot too, but now I need to see what else is out there.  I mean with two parents from different cultures who've travelled the world this really isn't a shocker.

 

 

I hadn't intended to be back to Canada for Christmas but as plans formed it made sense for all us to meet here. We had a wonderful break filled with laughter, love, and lots of food. We went skating and skiing and just enjoyed some of the things Toronto has to offer!

Celebrating Dad's Birthday

Christmas morning

Inspiration brought to you by Mini

 

Indian food with the Fam + Jon

Skating

Hockey Game

Renn and I

Skiing!

Good old University of Toronto...

Until next time Toronto....

Aqua Luna

I had an amazing time with my mom while she visited. I hadn't seen her for 10 months, which may not be long for some but considering how close we are it was incredibly long! I wish she could have stayed longer, I could have shown her more, made her see my new world a bit more, but I'm just glad she came to see this chapter of my life in Hong Kong. I will remember this week and half forever and one day we'll reminisce on it with my kids.

But anyways enough soppiness... what more perfect way to conclude this trip than with a night cruise on the Aqua Luna! This approximately 45 minute ride takes you around and across Victoria Harbour, and they even provide blankets and beverages.  It was a beautiful moment to share with my mom as well as Duncan as we not only looked back on her visit but also this past year in Hong Kong.  I think I'll definitely do it again, maybe to say my last goodbye to this magical city.

Mais tu raccontes quoi?

Ah bon? C'est pas vrai...

Clara!!!

Je t'aime maman!