And So I Don't Forget...

TBT: Wong Tai Sin Temple

A large Taoist shrine in Hong Kong, Wong Tai Sin Temple is full of people, activity and tradition. It's quite an interesting place to wander around. I even had my fortune told. :)  

TBT: Hong Kong Harbour

Incredibly cheap rides on the Star Ferry, towering sky-scrapers and a daily night show. What's not to love about Hong Kong harbour? 

TBT: Look Up

My travel tip for today: Don't forget to look up.

There are so many wonderful details that occur above our line of sight. Architectural lines and curves. Decorated ceilings. Ornate columns and light fittings. 

When traveling take a moment to enjoy this different perspective. Just don't try and walk at the same time. :) 

A church, Macau

A different church, Macau

Guggenheim Museum, New York

Public Library, New York

Library of Congress, Washington DC

Cienfuegos, Cuba

Trinidad, Cuba

Revolution Museum, Havana, Cuba

Red Fort, Agra, India

Sad Face / Happy Dance

It cost me $130 to get my bridesmaid dress altered / The dressmaker did a great job and the dress looks quite flattering 

I need to buy new jeans, never an enjoyable experience / I've lost some weight and the old ones are too loose

I have to apply for my own job again / I have the opportunity to make a temporary promotion permanent

My Week in the Life album still isn't finished / The is only one page of journaling to do before it's complete

Editing holiday photos is boring / Nearly finished

 

Senado Square, Macau

Hong Kong Harbour

Hong Kong Bird Market

After seeing some photos on flickr and pinterest, this was one of the places I most wanted to see and photograph in Hong Kong - despite the fact birds freak me out. :)

 
 
 
 

  

 

Chicken Feet

Yesterday I tried chicken feet. Well, foot.

I am incredibly proud of myself. It's not something that will be happening again any time soon. The meat tasted fine (I was at a Michelin star restaurant and the food was fantastic!) but with so many bones, it still seemed like a chicken's foot. Cue flashbacks to high school science experiements.

Today I tried Portugese egg tarts. Happy to do that again. :)

Headed to Macau for the day afternoon- and actually saw some sunshine! - but as so sick of immigration at the moment as that required leaving Hong Kong, entering Macau, leaving Macau and entering Hong Kong. I thought it was all bloomin' China.

Anyway, off to bed now. Tired and foot sore. Lots of walking. A good day.

 

The Peak

I arrived in Hong Kong about 11am yesterday and by mid-afternoon there was an amber rainstorm warning in effect.

It was raining, a lot.

But not, apparently, as bad as it can get because there are also red and black warnings. At amber level kindergartens might be cancelled but life generally continues as normal. By black level people are instructed to get inside somewhere safe and stay there. I simply cannot imagine that level of rain. It was pouring yesterday afternoon, bucketing down, but it only warranted amber. Can't imagine it.

Now by this point my Mum might be getting somewhat concerned so let me reassure you that today is overcast but dry. So far. :)

Actually it had cleared up yesterday evening so I headed down to the waterfront for my first look at the famour Hong Kong harbour, arriving just in time for the nightly 8pm light show. By the time I made it back to my hotel room I had decided I might actually prefer the weather here when it's raining. (Although not amber warning raining.) It is stinking, sticky hot. Even at 9pm at night. I think this is the first place I have noticed that the condensation forms on the outside of the window.

I have tried out a few forms of public transport so far - buses, the metro, the Star Ferry and the Peak tram. I'm actually up the top of the Peak right now. (Got to love coffee shops with free internet access.) If I turn around I would be looking out over an incredible view. Skyscraper after skyscraper down to the harbour then skyscrapers again on the other side. (I will admit, wish it wasn't overcast as it has dimmed the colours, otherwise it would be absolutely stunning.)

Anyway, I suddenly can't think of much more else to say. Off to look at that view some more. Until the next time I discover free internet access. (Or need to escape from the weather!)

A Gratuitous Holiday

In a few days I head away on holiday. It seems like only a few months since I got back from my last trip and I can't believe I'm going overseas again so soon. So gratuitous and excessive. Can't help loving that!

My climbing buddies are over in Africa at the moment, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. They decided to stop in Thailand on the way home and invited me to join them. (Well, they invited me, then I invited myself and they invited me again.) Leaving a Melbourne winter for a week on the beach in Thailand? I couldn't say no.

Given my penchant for stopovers, I decided to have a few days in HongKong on the way. One of the main things I'm looking forward to doing there is taking photos. From viewing photos online I know there is some gorgeous scenes to be captured and I've even bought myself a little tripod to take.

Photography has really become a focus for me this year and I'm learning more and more about the technical aspects as I attempt to move into manual mode. (Bryan Peterson's book, Understanding Exposure, has made a lot of sense.) I am concerned, however, that my aspirations for this trip might outweigh my actual abilities! I do take some photos that I'm really pleased with but there are many duds mixed in. I also need to find the right balance for me between seeing and doing, and photographing. 

When I meet up with the guys in Thailand, we're going climbing. Yep, I'm going to attempt to climb an actual cliff face or two. It's hard to describe how I feel about that - probably some combination of proud, amazed and freaked out! Where we are heading there is beautiful beaches backed with limestone cliffs so I can climb a little and then relax and swim. It's the best of both worlds. Although, I do want to remember it isn't like back at the climbing gym here at home - I can't come back next week and try harder. Climbing in Thailand might be a once in a lifetime opportunity and I want to know I gave it everything I've got. There is also going to be cocktails. :)

So that's my gratuitous, extravagent holiday. My little getaway from the Melbourne winter. Only a few days now and I can't wait!

 Maria La Gorda, Cuba