We’re taking it waaaay back today to my Hong Kong trip at the end of last year. Roaming the streets of Causeway Bay in my new “Engrish” sweater and synthetic pink wig that I would give anything to be my real hair. Sigh… New posts coming soon, was dealing with some work & internet issues. Ah life! [Read more…]
Hong Kong is a fascinating city to explore. Although bordering China, colonisation by Britain throughout most of the 20th century has lead to an intriguing mix of Eastern and Western culture. The high number of expats and tourists that the city hosts, results in a seemingly infinite amount of attractions; it’s very difficult to be bored in this urban jungle!
Here are ten of my favourite things that I would recommend to first-time visitors.
I’ve been spending some time in Hong Kong visiting my expat friend. It’s an incredible city of old meets new; thousands of towering skyscrapers in retro pastel colours, jam-packed with people, modern office buildings lit up with colour-changing lights and graphics, sprawling harbours where cargo ships and cruise liners jostle for space with fishing boats and junks and the ultra-affordable public transport (seriously, it’s cheaper than South Africa’s!) There’s also a great variety of public spaces and greenery and of course, Buddhist temples in the middle of suburbia; oasis’s of peaceful quiet and zen amid the 5-9 drudgery.
I’ve been staying in the suburb of Shoreditch in east London which is the creative hub of the city. Formerly slummy (it’s next to Whitechapel of Jack The Ripper infamy) it has now been gentrified beyond recognition – you can buy all manner of “artisan” food out of shipping containers, you can’t walk 10 feet without tripping over a vintage shop and the entire rainbow of hair colours is represented (sometimes all on one person). But seriously, I love it! If you’re ever in the ‘hood take the time to visit the Brick Lane market all day Sunday. I had a duck confit “burger” on a brioche bun with onion chutney, blue cheese and truffle honey. Life changing. I also developed an obsession with Malaysian pancakes filled with black rice and coconut paste. I took the chance to pay homage to some of the amazing street art with this look post. As one does…