My friend Yovan told me the Rugby 7s is the equivalent of my favorite 3 things in the the world: halloween, foxfields, and uva football. Halloween because everyone is dressed up with many girls in very slutty outfits. Foxfields because everyone gets drunk at dawn. UVA football because, well it's as close as Rugby gets.
It's definitely an experience for a lifetime. First, everyone is in the south stand, where all the crazy ppl dress, get drunk, and party all day. No one really knows who is playing who. After all, places like Wales and Samoa have teams. I mean, Wales is not even a country. Second, the 7s means only 7 players are on the field vs. the normal 15. It's like a condense version of the game that lasts ~30 minutes instead of the usual 90 minutes. Third, I miss the atmosphere where people actually cared about the score. Sure, we're drunk, but we're loyal drunks.
Our experience was quite intriguing. First, the tickets, scalping, costed 1500 HKD (a little over USD 200). That's much more expensive than previous years because less tickets were released this year. For some reason, the stands were all empty but there were no tickets available. It took us 3 hours to get to South Stand. After all, it was stressful experience. But, everything was worth it. I had great fun cheering, dressing up, and generally enjoying a staple Hong Kong experience. Afterall, it was so popular that the board of directors of a company we were representing could not get rooms in hotels for their meeting and had to postone it. That's a great event.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Hiking Hong Kong
One of the greatest pleasures of living in Hong Kong is nature. Yes. I said nature. You wouldn't imagine it, given Hong Kong's image as one of the world's busiest cosmopolitan. Unlike New York, Beijing, or London, nature is a short distance away in Hong Kong. Even on Hong Kong island itself, the peak is just a 20 minutes cab ride or a nice hike away. Trail start as close as 5 minutes away from your house.
To really get away from the skyscrapers though, all one need to do is get onto a ferry. With over 10 piers right in the heart of Central, ferries departs regularly to take passengers to other outlying islands, where people can enjoy that feeling of vacation by travelling over 20 minutes away.
This weekend, I did both. On Sat, I walked a few minutes away from my 19-storied apartment building and embarked on the Wan Chai Gap hike to the peak. Unfortunately, I got lost at the Aberdeen Park, but that itself was a treat. With reservoirs and trails all over the park, we walked past open bbq pits where people brought their own supplies and enjoyed the weather. Through the park, we could've hiked all the way up to the peak if we found it properly. Unfortunately, we were too lazy.
On Sunday, I took a ferry from Pier 3 to Discovery Bay on Lantau island. It is amazing how big a difference 20 minutes is. Discovery Bay is a peaceful suburbia that closely resembles the U.S. in the 50s, with golf carts driving around because of restrictions on emissions. It's an extremely expat and wealthy neighborhood, with only the wealthiest of Hong Kong residents capable of affording a life there. From Discovery Bay (or Disco Bay or D Bay by the locals), I embarked on a 2.5 hour hike, walking through different monasteries, peaks, and sights around and ending in Mui Wo. There, we sat by a beachside bar called China Beach Club. Ran by a bunch of hippie expats, everyone there was so relaxed and peaceful, giving a distinct feeling of vacation and peace. We enjoyed hummus, fried dumplings, and apple crumble with vanilla ice cream.
The hike, however, also revealed the social caste system that is deeply embedded at Discovery Bay. On the trail, we walked by "villages" where the Filipino domestic helpers live. Instead of the fancy condos and posh gardens, they live in what I would effectively call shacks. Small, crumbling, and seems incredibly unsafe. It highlights the in-your-face social inequalities that is ever so prevalent here in Hong Kong. Just 10 minutes ago, we were walking by where the most wealthy of Hong Kong residents would live, seeing their spectacular living. The inequality in Hong Kong can be unnerving, given the amount of Filipino helpers that sit around on the streets on Sundays. It's a sight to behold. When visitor comes, they usually think there's a protest. However, it's simply because they have no where else to go on their one free day. The streets, underpasses, and stairwells, are the only place where they can congregate and hang out with their friends.
To really get away from the skyscrapers though, all one need to do is get onto a ferry. With over 10 piers right in the heart of Central, ferries departs regularly to take passengers to other outlying islands, where people can enjoy that feeling of vacation by travelling over 20 minutes away.
This weekend, I did both. On Sat, I walked a few minutes away from my 19-storied apartment building and embarked on the Wan Chai Gap hike to the peak. Unfortunately, I got lost at the Aberdeen Park, but that itself was a treat. With reservoirs and trails all over the park, we walked past open bbq pits where people brought their own supplies and enjoyed the weather. Through the park, we could've hiked all the way up to the peak if we found it properly. Unfortunately, we were too lazy.
On Sunday, I took a ferry from Pier 3 to Discovery Bay on Lantau island. It is amazing how big a difference 20 minutes is. Discovery Bay is a peaceful suburbia that closely resembles the U.S. in the 50s, with golf carts driving around because of restrictions on emissions. It's an extremely expat and wealthy neighborhood, with only the wealthiest of Hong Kong residents capable of affording a life there. From Discovery Bay (or Disco Bay or D Bay by the locals), I embarked on a 2.5 hour hike, walking through different monasteries, peaks, and sights around and ending in Mui Wo. There, we sat by a beachside bar called China Beach Club. Ran by a bunch of hippie expats, everyone there was so relaxed and peaceful, giving a distinct feeling of vacation and peace. We enjoyed hummus, fried dumplings, and apple crumble with vanilla ice cream.
The hike, however, also revealed the social caste system that is deeply embedded at Discovery Bay. On the trail, we walked by "villages" where the Filipino domestic helpers live. Instead of the fancy condos and posh gardens, they live in what I would effectively call shacks. Small, crumbling, and seems incredibly unsafe. It highlights the in-your-face social inequalities that is ever so prevalent here in Hong Kong. Just 10 minutes ago, we were walking by where the most wealthy of Hong Kong residents would live, seeing their spectacular living. The inequality in Hong Kong can be unnerving, given the amount of Filipino helpers that sit around on the streets on Sundays. It's a sight to behold. When visitor comes, they usually think there's a protest. However, it's simply because they have no where else to go on their one free day. The streets, underpasses, and stairwells, are the only place where they can congregate and hang out with their friends.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder
This morning, I received a letter from Amex, offering me free samples of the Chanel Le Blanc series. It contains three samples: a lightening moisture nanolotion, whitening concentrate continuous action, and whitening moisturizing cream. Welcome to Asia. Instead of the looking for fake tans, women where seek pale perfection. In contrast, really, we always seek what we don't have.
I did go pick up the samples given the numerous chanel counters there are in Central. Haven't decided if I will be using it yet. The products seem to be made especially for Asian skin, but I really don't want to become paler. I seriously worry given how little sun I have seen in the past few months and desperately need a tan.
I did go pick up the samples given the numerous chanel counters there are in Central. Haven't decided if I will be using it yet. The products seem to be made especially for Asian skin, but I really don't want to become paler. I seriously worry given how little sun I have seen in the past few months and desperately need a tan.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
The World's Highest Bungy - 233M
Would you pay HKD 2,400 (over USD 300) to jump off one of world's tallest towers? I did on Sunday. And it is the most exhilirating experience I have ever been part off. The adrenaline hits you usually 10 seconds afterwards. When i was skydiving, I started panicking, not knowing when the chute would open. In bungee jumping, by the time the fear and adrenaline kicks in. You're already secured and bouncing up and down. Therefore, when my legs started shaking, I was already on the ground.
First, it was really easy to bungee jump. The facility was definitely not in full capacity given that I think most Asian people are not into extreme sports. You pay HKD120 to go up the Macau Tower, tell them you want to bungy, you signed the forms, change into a T-shirt, and ready to go. It takes about 5-10 minutes to strap you and weigh you. Then, there's a 5 minute explanation on what to do in the air and you're off.
The mistake I made was that I decided to let my friend Scott go first. I had to see him jump off, and hear the audience inside the tower scream and gasp when he jumped. That and the wait time completely psyched me out. When I got to the edge, I just kept on saying I couldn't do it and I can't jump. However, the two guys with me kept on saying I can and slightly helped me off the platform. Also, I feel as the countdown happens, the rope starts pulling and you have no choice but to go. It felt great to be in the air and free. I felt there was nothing else but freedom.
First, it was really easy to bungee jump. The facility was definitely not in full capacity given that I think most Asian people are not into extreme sports. You pay HKD120 to go up the Macau Tower, tell them you want to bungy, you signed the forms, change into a T-shirt, and ready to go. It takes about 5-10 minutes to strap you and weigh you. Then, there's a 5 minute explanation on what to do in the air and you're off.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Guests in town = fatty time 2
It's always dangerous to have friends and family vesting in Hong Kong. Not only there's the stress of showing them a good time, there is inevitably over-eating, given the amount of good food here in Hong Kong. Last weekend, I had a double threat, with my family and my friend visiting from the US.
On Sat, I went to Chung's Cuisine with my family for Cantonese food. Normally, I'm not a huge fan of canto food but this restaurant was delish. The barbeque meat (including goose) was simply delightful. Everything was cooked simply perfectly. The vegetables were very fresh. The fried rice did not try to entice the consumer through its greasiness, but through the quality of the rice and ingredients plus the perfectly timed degree of cooked for the rice. My favorite, however, had to be the baozi. It's similar to the shanghai xiaolongbao. The skin was so tender and soft with perfectly juiced filings. Overall, it was fabulous and definitely worth a visit. Especially since it's located in the food forum in Time Square in Causeway Bay, a major site to check out for any visitor.
On Sunday, I went to dim sum in City hall with my friend from the U.S. Cantonese Dim Sum is one of the best treat you can have. It rivals with brunch as my favorite eating activity. Carts after carts of deliciousness just come and come and you eat until you can eat no more. The mango sago and mango pudding for desert are key. For dinner, we went to Din tai fung, ( the famous Taiwanese restaurant in Kowloon. The greatest part of Taiwanese food that it is just all the best food in China combined into one. The Xiaolongbao (mentioned previously) are the best and 2 is really not enough for anyone. The vegetables were cooked to perfection as well. Deng tai fung can be found around the world in Beijing, Shanghai, Tokyo, and of course, Taipei. And the Hong Kong Branch has just been awarded a Michelin star in December.
Monday was Valentine's day so we wanted to make sure we had a table for our visitor from abroad. When I called Sijie, the Sichuan Private Kitchen in Wanchai, it took me five minutes to convince them that I wanted a reservation for 3 people, not 2 people. The guy even tried to convince me to put a table for 2 and a table for one. This is all in Chinese so I don't' believe it was a language barrier. Anyways, Sijie, located in someone's apartment, is the best Sichuan food I've had before. For 3 people, we can order 2 cold dishes and 4 hot dishes. The Sichuan cold noodles (dan dan mian) are simply to die for. I can just have that and be happy. The pork belly is of exquisite quality. Before the hot dishes even came, we were beginning to feel full. My favorite hot dishes are the Tomato soup with fish (so much fish meat that there were at least a couple of fishes in a huge bowl of food) and Drunken duck. I stuffed myself until I could move no more. The only time I have ever been so uncomfortably full was when I had the pasta tastings meal at Babbo in New York City. This might actually be better than that.
On Sat, I went to Chung's Cuisine with my family for Cantonese food. Normally, I'm not a huge fan of canto food but this restaurant was delish. The barbeque meat (including goose) was simply delightful. Everything was cooked simply perfectly. The vegetables were very fresh. The fried rice did not try to entice the consumer through its greasiness, but through the quality of the rice and ingredients plus the perfectly timed degree of cooked for the rice. My favorite, however, had to be the baozi. It's similar to the shanghai xiaolongbao. The skin was so tender and soft with perfectly juiced filings. Overall, it was fabulous and definitely worth a visit. Especially since it's located in the food forum in Time Square in Causeway Bay, a major site to check out for any visitor.
On Sunday, I went to dim sum in City hall with my friend from the U.S. Cantonese Dim Sum is one of the best treat you can have. It rivals with brunch as my favorite eating activity. Carts after carts of deliciousness just come and come and you eat until you can eat no more. The mango sago and mango pudding for desert are key. For dinner, we went to Din tai fung, ( the famous Taiwanese restaurant in Kowloon. The greatest part of Taiwanese food that it is just all the best food in China combined into one. The Xiaolongbao (mentioned previously) are the best and 2 is really not enough for anyone. The vegetables were cooked to perfection as well. Deng tai fung can be found around the world in Beijing, Shanghai, Tokyo, and of course, Taipei. And the Hong Kong Branch has just been awarded a Michelin star in December.
Monday was Valentine's day so we wanted to make sure we had a table for our visitor from abroad. When I called Sijie, the Sichuan Private Kitchen in Wanchai, it took me five minutes to convince them that I wanted a reservation for 3 people, not 2 people. The guy even tried to convince me to put a table for 2 and a table for one. This is all in Chinese so I don't' believe it was a language barrier. Anyways, Sijie, located in someone's apartment, is the best Sichuan food I've had before. For 3 people, we can order 2 cold dishes and 4 hot dishes. The Sichuan cold noodles (dan dan mian) are simply to die for. I can just have that and be happy. The pork belly is of exquisite quality. Before the hot dishes even came, we were beginning to feel full. My favorite hot dishes are the Tomato soup with fish (so much fish meat that there were at least a couple of fishes in a huge bowl of food) and Drunken duck. I stuffed myself until I could move no more. The only time I have ever been so uncomfortably full was when I had the pasta tastings meal at Babbo in New York City. This might actually be better than that.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
A day in an ancient city
There are a few perks on going to the middle of nowhere in China. On the second day of the new year, I went on a day trip with my cousin to Pingyao, Shanxi. We took an early D-train to Taiyuan, the capital of Shanxi. Before the ultraspeed trains, it would take over 7 hours on the train to get to Taiyuan from Shijiazhuang given the trains have to circle around the mountains in Shanxi (in Chinese, the province means West Mountains). However, on the D-train, it took 80 minutes, and it is relatively cheap, $168 RMB for a roundtrip ticket (~$25 -$30 bucks). The development of high-speed infrastructure is truly amazing in China.
From Taiyuan, my aunt and uncle picked us up for a day trip to Pingyao. Only 100 km, Pingyao is the best preserved ancient Chinese walled city in the country. Made onto the list for NY Times' top places to visit in 2011, Pingyao offers a traditional feel of China in a holistic and complete manner. Two of the best sites of Pingyao is the first bank/exchange house of China (Rishenchang) and the County Government Office (Yamen). One of the most profound things after visiting those two places have been that things really have been the same since the Qing dynasty. According to our tour guide, the head of the government of Pingyao, equivalent of a mayor or chief justice, gets paid 45 liang (Chinese currency then) for a year of service and lives at Yamen, this grand collection of courts, living rooms, waiting rooms, and back gardens complete with its own temple. A highly-skilled worker at the exchange house, responsible for writing the letters in code to communicate across branches, would be paid 200 liang a year. I guess it pays to go into finance back in the old days too. Even back then, to work for an exchange house, one has to have passed several levels of national exams and be extremely qualified academically for the jobs are highly desirable (but in our case not so much after a few years).
From Taiyuan, my aunt and uncle picked us up for a day trip to Pingyao. Only 100 km, Pingyao is the best preserved ancient Chinese walled city in the country. Made onto the list for NY Times' top places to visit in 2011, Pingyao offers a traditional feel of China in a holistic and complete manner. Two of the best sites of Pingyao is the first bank/exchange house of China (Rishenchang) and the County Government Office (Yamen). One of the most profound things after visiting those two places have been that things really have been the same since the Qing dynasty. According to our tour guide, the head of the government of Pingyao, equivalent of a mayor or chief justice, gets paid 45 liang (Chinese currency then) for a year of service and lives at Yamen, this grand collection of courts, living rooms, waiting rooms, and back gardens complete with its own temple. A highly-skilled worker at the exchange house, responsible for writing the letters in code to communicate across branches, would be paid 200 liang a year. I guess it pays to go into finance back in the old days too. Even back then, to work for an exchange house, one has to have passed several levels of national exams and be extremely qualified academically for the jobs are highly desirable (but in our case not so much after a few years).
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Flying Shenzhen Airlines
Air travel in Hong Kong is the most reasonable and pleasant (or as pleasant as air travel can be) air travel I have been. Shenzhen airlines through Shenzhen, less than 100 km away, is a whole new story.
To begin, it flies to remote cities like Shijiazhuang (I was there for Chinese New Year, hence the need to return). The airport there is pretty ghetto for a city of over 4 million people. There were only 10 gates plus the bathroom is more foul than most restuarants I have been to. Un-befitting of an airport where people pay quite a bit of money to travel.
On the airplane, the shows were a combination of chinese and english shows, which made sense given the growing internationalization of the country and its people. However, Kunfu Panda was only 30 minutes in when the airplane tv shutted down... you would think they can time the shows properly for a 2 hour flight. However, the most exciting thing happened after the TV shutted down.
The flight attendants led the passangers on exercises of neck, shoulder, and various other joints to help the passengers relax and feel better about the long flight. Seriously! It was like the warm ups people did together in gym classes in high school. Except over 75% of the grown adults on the planes were following the flight attendants on the silly rituals!
After landing, it was fairly easy to locate the counter for buses to Hong Kong, a hot pink bus that carried the passengers to Kwoloon station. While very easy and straight forward, going through customs in Shenzhen to Hong Kong was a total nightmare. There were at least over 1000 people in line and took well over an hour. However, I was told by many it was not the norm and it was probably due to Chinese New Year. Still, I felt like I was literally going to drown in the sea of people as people sprinted toward customs through the metal gates. Over 50 police officers were present to keep the order.
To begin, it flies to remote cities like Shijiazhuang (I was there for Chinese New Year, hence the need to return). The airport there is pretty ghetto for a city of over 4 million people. There were only 10 gates plus the bathroom is more foul than most restuarants I have been to. Un-befitting of an airport where people pay quite a bit of money to travel.
On the airplane, the shows were a combination of chinese and english shows, which made sense given the growing internationalization of the country and its people. However, Kunfu Panda was only 30 minutes in when the airplane tv shutted down... you would think they can time the shows properly for a 2 hour flight. However, the most exciting thing happened after the TV shutted down.
The flight attendants led the passangers on exercises of neck, shoulder, and various other joints to help the passengers relax and feel better about the long flight. Seriously! It was like the warm ups people did together in gym classes in high school. Except over 75% of the grown adults on the planes were following the flight attendants on the silly rituals!
After landing, it was fairly easy to locate the counter for buses to Hong Kong, a hot pink bus that carried the passengers to Kwoloon station. While very easy and straight forward, going through customs in Shenzhen to Hong Kong was a total nightmare. There were at least over 1000 people in line and took well over an hour. However, I was told by many it was not the norm and it was probably due to Chinese New Year. Still, I felt like I was literally going to drown in the sea of people as people sprinted toward customs through the metal gates. Over 50 police officers were present to keep the order.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)