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!

Big Buddha

They say the third times the charm and in this case it was true. Can you believe it? I'd tried twice before to go to the big buddha, only to be met with massive crowds! But mama was in town, i presumably had the lucky number and so there was no stopping me.  We took the cable cars and after the initial fear of plummeting to our deaths, the trip offered spectacular views with anticipation over each mountain we passed leading to the buddha.

Me and Mini

Duncan

Little Buddha on the left

This has got to be one of my most favourite things I've done in Hong Kong. Once you pass the tourist built village you are greeted with various statues, beautiful temples, and of course the stairs to the main event- Tian Tan Buddha. We went on a chilly, slightly cloudy day but I feel like there's no bad day to see this, as the weather offers various dramatic backdrops for the Buddha. Go check it outttt!

Had a bit of a jumping photo obsession that day

Cutie Mini

Mini comes to HK

I wasn't able to take the whole week off my mom was here so during the day while I went to work she'd wander the streets and visit various spots. As soon as the clock struck 5, I'd run to meet up with her. Here are a few bits of other things we did including Stanley, the newly opened ferris wheel in Central, Wednesday Races, and rooftop bars.

At Stanley in matching jackets EW

 

 

 

Ferris wheel in Central

 

 

 

Races at Happy Valley

 

 

If you blink you'll miss it entirely

Very focused

 

At Wooloomooloo in Causewaybay