Wow! Hard to believe we've only been here one week. In a way it feels like we've done so much, but compared to what's left to see I know we've only just begun. Not to mention we're still a little jet-lagged at random times, napping in the early evening and waking up at 10pm for dinner, but we make the best of it!
We live in a town called Tuen Mun in the New Territories, and while it is an hour or so away from downtown, it is a more peaceful part of Hong Kong and there is much to be discovered here! We love wandering the neighbourhood, checking out the market, and trying to make kids laugh – there is a kindergarten school right at the bottom of our building and an elementary school across the street. So cute!
We live in a town called Tuen Mun in the New Territories, and while it is an hour or so away from downtown, it is a more peaceful part of Hong Kong and there is much to be discovered here! We love wandering the neighbourhood, checking out the market, and trying to make kids laugh – there is a kindergarten school right at the bottom of our building and an elementary school across the street. So cute!
You can tell the folk here definitely aren't used to seeing a tattooed lady like me around and I'll often get people who literally stop and stare, who jump in bewilderment in the supermarket aisles, or even little kids who tug at their parent's arms and say, “Wow! Look at that lady!” It's sweet though, I kind of like shaking things up around here.
We found a local shopping mall that is just crazy! It is called TMT Plaza – Tuen Mun Trend Plaza. Biggest mall I have ever been to in my life. You can't find the same place twice. Seriously, we've tried! Even the walkway there is so beautiful, a serene mountain backdrop, an elaborate dolphin fountain and fresh kept gardens. Ho lang (so pretty!) I want to bring my ukulele there and play my heart out
One lazy afternoon we decided to check out the cinema at the mall and see our first flick in HK. They play the movies in english but have canto subtitles so everyone can enjoy. I was so excited to be greeted by the smell of buttery popcorn, a little taste of home! But when we walked in the place smelt so stinky because they sell fish balls and pork with your combos! Too funny! Also hard getting used to seeing the cost of things as $1 Canadian = 7 Hong Kong Dollars.
The theater is so small in comparison to home! Like 1/8 of the size. It is literally a small room with maybe 15 rows of red leather chairs, no theater-style incline or anything but it works!
One of the first places we ventured to outside of Tuen Mun was Hong Kong Island as we needed to pick up our Visas. This was a great excuse to do a little exploring around Wan Chai. We do get lost sometimes, but we always end up finding something awesome we never would have known about... like a grocery store that sells fresh-baked, gluten free bread...in cat-shaped slices! And a moon cake elephant! So happy. Or in Canto “ho hoy sum"
I had read about another place on the island called Hong Kong Park, so one day we went downtown early before Anto's first open mic performance to adventure some more. We took a wrong turn somewhere along the way and walked about 20 minutes in the opposite direction. Which may seem like no big deal, but we are totally not adjusted to this heat yet! This day was so humid and the sun was so strong, it felt like 40 degrees and I felt like I was gonna spew. Then a bird poo'd on my bag so I knew the day could only get luckier from there. At least that's what they tell us to make us feel better about getting poo'd on :)
Eventually we got back on track and made our way to the park. It was cool to see, but more man-made than I was expecting. There were nice ponds, fountains, waterfalls and even some turtles just chillin.
Eventually we got back on track and made our way to the park. It was cool to see, but more man-made than I was expecting. There were nice ponds, fountains, waterfalls and even some turtles just chillin.
I had read about a vegetarian restaurant called Pure Veggie House that was in the neighbourhood, so we continued on in the heat to get some dinner. We didn't know it was going to be another 20 minute walk...uphill! Ai yaaa
The place was empty when we got there and the food wasn't that exciting for how much it cost, but I think we were just so happy to be sitting in air conditioning we didn't even care!
The place was empty when we got there and the food wasn't that exciting for how much it cost, but I think we were just so happy to be sitting in air conditioning we didn't even care!
We still had some time to kill before the show at Bar 109 and we saw a sign for a Zoological gardens. Best surprise of the day! This place was so peaceful and rich with natural vibes inside it was a perfect after dinner stroll. And we were greeted by a kitty at the entrance so I knew we were supposed to be there together. Didn't get any pictures inside the gardens really, but below are some from the entrance. Hong Kong is so interesting, there are buildings and business happening everywhere, but you find these little pockets of green where you can go to relax and appreciate nature even with all the work life happening around you. A gentle reminder of balance.
Once we got deep into the gardens we noticed there were animals! Monkeys, lemurs, birds, frogs even raccoons! Which was funny to me, they put raccoons on display as if they are some rare and exciting creature. When back at home they are just the intelligent garbage guardians talking up a storm on my front porch while I try to sleep at night. Either way, it was such a nice surprise to spend some time with monkeys and wander around with my monkey as we cooled down in the light evening rain.
Also notable mention of the week: Vegan/Vegetarian restaurant by Central Station called Mana! This place is awesome. Greeted by the smell of nag champa as you enter, and surrounded by positive vibes reminding us to practice gratitude and eat like it matters. They are gluten-friendly and have amazing fresh cut fries too so I was over the moon! If you're ever in HK you should definitely check them out www.mana.hk
Love,
Jen!
PS Here is a cute kitty at the local market
PPS I miss my cat already
Jen!
PS Here is a cute kitty at the local market
PPS I miss my cat already