What exactly does it mean to travel? Depending on the situation, travel can mean exploration, reconnection, growth, experience, relaxation or any number of things.
This past May, I spent three weeks in the city of Hong Kong with four and a half days in the middle touring the small island country of Singapore (it’s just 34 square kilometers bigger than Edmonton). Under any other circumstance, you would not find me traveling to Asia in the spring or summer. I typically find the kind of heat during that time of year – highs of 30 to 40 degrees Celsius including 80 to 90 per cent humidity – to be completely unbearable. However, in the name of family, I succumbed and flew with my parents to Hong Kong to celebrate my cousin’s wedding.
It’s unusual for me leave everything to others when I go on a trip, but I planned absolutely nothing. With all the family gatherings that would be taking place, I figured it would be pointless to get my heart set on anything specific, so I didn’t.
While we endured some flight delays, weather extremes and higher costs than expected, the holiday was still a success. A full three week break from my every day life was exactly what I needed. I visited with my grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and my little nieces. I got some new stamps in my passport (well, only in Singapore). I ate a ton of food. Too much food, really. I did end up doing some shopping, not just window. After all, eating and shopping are major pastimes in Hong Kong. You can’t expect to go and not do either of those things. That would be impossible. By the time the trip was over, I almost felt acclimated to the heat, too. One of the best things though? I finally had a chance to test out the Fujifilm X10 camera I bought a couple of years ago.
So, this post is going to be more like a pictorial journey of my vacation. There’s a lot of food porn. But, those of you who follow this blog would expect that. Otherwise, it’s a mix of everything that I saw or did during my time there. The majority of the photos were taken on my Fujifilm camera. There are also a few here from my HTC One M8 and my mom’s Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX80 (for those times when my camera battery died). I hope you enjoy the pictures.
Personalized cans of Coca Cola in Hong Kong
The Hong Kong Observation Wheel across from the IFC
A view from inside IFC Mall – one of many shopping complexes in HK.
Sushi at sen-ryo
Sushi at sen-ryo
Sushi at sen-ryo
Sushi at sen-ryo
Look at all those plates for the sushi train!
Dessert at the agnès b. cafe
Dessert at the agnès b. cafe
Dessert at the agnès b. cafe
A store devoted to the beloved character, Totoro!
A gorgeous dress from Jessica
Lunch at a Zelo included this amazing smoked salmon from the salad bar
An interactive shoe exhibit inside Pacific Place
An interactive shoe exhibit inside Pacific Place
The department store windows of Harvey Nichols rivals what you’d find in NYC
The department store windows of Harvey Nichols rivals what you’d find in NYC
The department store windows of Harvey Nichols rivals what you’d find in NYC
The department store windows of Harvey Nichols rivals what you’d find in NYC
Green Tea Listerine was a change
Lounging over drinks and cheese with my cousin
Hanging out at Repulse Bay for dinner
Hanging out at Repulse Bay for dinner
Hanging out at Repulse Bay for dinner
Pad Thai from Spices
Masala lamb from Spices
A view of the Hong Kong skyline from my grandma’s condo
A tree spotted while waiting for the bus
Stan Cafe in Stanley Plaza
Stan Cafe in Stanley Plaza
Stan Cafe in Stanley Plaza
My dad
My dad
Cheese platter at Stan Cafe
The view of Stanley (Chek Chue) from the 5th floor of Stanley Plaza
The Lovers’ Terrace at Stanley Plaza
Notes on The Lovers’ Terrace at Stanley Plaza
Another view of Stanley from the main waterfront with Blake Pier
McDonald’s Black/White menu seems to be an Asian thing from what I’ve seen
Dressed up teens everywhere! It must have been graduation time.
Outside of a temple in Stanley Plaza
A woman praying outside of a temple in Stanley Plaza
The boats in the main street waterfront at Stanley
The main street waterfront in Stanley. It looks like there’s lots of trash in the water, but there are two really nice beaches – one on the east and one on the west side.
Painting name cards – common in the markets, but never gets old!
Painting name cards
Painting name cards
Traditional looking stamps at Stanley Market
Another view of Stanley
A view from Blake Pier in Stanley
My parents and their friends standing on Blake Pier
Lunch at Simplylife
Lunch at Simplylife
This was kind of random, but I’m pretty sure this is part of a pet store.
Trying to capture a serious photo of these movers, but that guy in the orange caught me!
Kee Wah Bakery’s delicious cakes and sweets
A view of Happy Valley from my aunt and uncle’s home
A quote from the walls of Greyhound Cafe…so true.
More pad Thai
A leather embosser at Log-On
The shoe samples I loved so much that I had pairs custom made for me!
Here’s the damage from GiGi Shoes.
Back at the Hong Kong International Airport to catch a flight to Singapore
Seen at the airport book store. Still haven’t bothered to read these, but I guess they’re too racy to keep unwrapped.
A child eagerly awaiting his flight
Watching our plane being unloaded and cleaned before boarding
I love seeing the view during takeoff!
I love seeing the view during takeoff!
Flowing raindrops from the moving art sculpture, Kinetic Rain, at the Singapore Changi Airport.
A cartoon sign telling people what not to do with the Kinetic Rain sculpture.
Sitting across from a man at the Changi Airport. I liked his shoes.
Heinz Chili Sauce is “Asia’s Hot Flavour”
I never tried these, and I’m sad about it.
Outside the Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands
A jogger runs along the promenade outside the Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands – crazy man!
Din Tai Fung is everywhere, but always busy. They’re apparently famous for soup dumplings. One day!
Inside the Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands
Lots of celebrity chef restaurants. Daniel Boulud was one of them. I know him from this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kC4OqdZElX8.
Cut by Wolfgang Puck
An aerial view of the Gardens at the Bay from the top of the Marina Bay Sands hotel
A beautiful tropical tree
The Marina Bay Sands hotel is famous for this rooftop pool
The tasting menu of Ku De Ta, located on the roof of the Marina Bay Sands Hotel
David Beckham is a spokesperson for Marina Bay Sands Hotel
Flowers outside of the Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands
A promenade outside of the Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands
The serious sushi chef at HY California
Bento box at HY California
A lotus pond outside of the Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands
The Singapore Flyer
A reflection of the ArtScience Museum in Singapore
A view of Marina Bay Sands Hotel from outside the Shoppes
A bridge and the Singapore Flyer
Metal in Singapore
Another promenade outside the Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands. This one’s near the top floor.
Trees with giant pods
The Gardens by the Bay
The Singapore Flyer and the Gardens by the Bay
Tropical trees at Gardens by the Bay
Tropical trees at Gardens by the Bay
Tropical trees at Gardens by the Bay
Tropical trees at Gardens by the Bay
The Supertree Grove at Gardens by the Bay!
Is this a baby pigeon? It kind of looks like one, but I might be wrong. If not, has one ever seen a baby pigeon?
Leaving the Supertree Grove to head into the domes at Gardens by the Bay.
Inside the Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay
Inside the Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay
Inside the Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay
Inside the Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay
Inside the Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay
Inside the Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay
Inside the Cloud Forest at Gardens by the Bay
Inside the Cloud Forest at Gardens by the Bay
Lego plants!
Heading back towards Marina Bay Sands after our trek through the Gardens at the Bay.
The Supertree Grove at night
The Supertree Grove at night
Singapore’s Chinatown
Apparently this Rucksack hostel is a really good place to stay in Singapore
Apparently this Rucksack hostel is a really good place to stay in Singapore
Souvenirs at the market in Singapore’s Chinatown. That cutout near the bottom looks like me!
Restaurants and street food vendors in Singapore’s Chinatown
The market in Singapore’s Chinatown
The market in Singapore’s Chinatown and the temple next door
Outside the temple in Singapore’s Chinatown
Outside the temple in Singapore’s Chinatown
Outside the temple in Singapore’s Chinatown
Decorations outside the temple in Singapore’s Chinatown
Walking from Chinatown to Clarke Quay
I don’t remember what this restaurant was, but it’s apparently a must try.
Some of the buildings in Singapore are quite unique. I’m pretty sure that Park Royal is a hotel.
Locks of Love are everywhere!
Locks of Love are everywhere!
Locks of Love are everywhere!
Clarke Quay in Singapore
Clarke Quay in Singapore
Lunch at Swissbake
A temple in Singapore’s Little India
Snacks at Honeymoon Dessert
Snacks at Honeymoon Dessert
Honeymoon Dessert in Singapore (better than in HK)
Art inside ION Orchard mall in Singapore
Art outside ION Orchard mall in Singapore
ION Orchard mall in Singapore
The start/finish line for a run at the SEA Games Singapore 2015
Singapore’s first sustainable urban farming project
Walking around the grounds of the Singapore Flyer
A view from underneath the Singapore Flyer
Fish pedicures in a spa at the Singapore Flyer
The bus driving up to Sentosa, an island resort in Singapore
We saw a Chili’s and it was Wednesday BOGO free drinks, but, man, they were expensive! More than double what it costs at home (their dollar is pretty much equal to the Canadian dollar).
On the grounds of Resorts World Sentosa
A fun version of Singapore’s mascot, the Merlion.
Ships displayed outside the S.E.A. Aquarium in Sentosa
Fish at the S.E.A. Aquarium in Sentosa
Fish at the S.E.A. Aquarium in Sentosa. This little guy was playful.
Fish at the S.E.A. Aquarium in Sentosa
Fish at the S.E.A. Aquarium in Sentosa. Dori!
Fish at the S.E.A. Aquarium in Sentosa. This one looks scary.
Fish at the S.E.A. Aquarium in Sentosa
Fish at the S.E.A. Aquarium in Sentosa
Fish at the S.E.A. Aquarium in Sentosa
Fish at the S.E.A. Aquarium in Sentosa. Nemo!
The hilariously playful divers inside the giant tank at the S.E.A. Aquarium in Sentosa.
Jellyfish at the S.E.A. Aquarium in Sentosa
An octopus at the S.E.A. Aquarium in Sentosa. Someone behind me used flash and scared him.
A happy sting ray at the S.E.A. Aquarium in Sentosa
A leafy seadragon at the S.E.A. Aquarium in Sentosa
A seahorse at the S.E.A. Aquarium in Sentosa
Seahorse with intertwined tails at the S.E.A. Aquarium in Sentosa
Back in the main area of Singapore
Dinner at Thai Express. This soft shell crab was amazing!
Sticky rice with mango from Thai Express.
The Singapore skyline.
A picture of a guy taking pictures.
The Singapore skyline as it gets darker
The merlion spouting water over the waterfront
More merlions
A night view of the Marina Bay Sands Hotel, Shoppes and ArtScience Museum before their (sort of sad) light show started.
Another night view of the Singapore skyline.
One of the bridges near the Fullerton Hotel in Singapore
Good quote at this bakery
Back in Hong Kong at another meal with several courses. These were just the appetizers.
At my cousin’s hair ceremony. This takes place the night before one’s wedding.
At my cousin’s hair ceremony. This takes place the night before one’s wedding.
At my cousin’s hair ceremony. This takes place the night before one’s wedding.
A pretty tea set
A pretty tea set
My cousin’s traditional outfit worn for the tea ceremony the morning of her wedding.
My uncle’s Picasso
All ready for the tea ceremony to start
My nieces
The bridesmaids waiting around
Games for the groom and his men
A good luck charm
The tea ceremony is underway!
Ready for the wedding!
High tea at Mango Tree
Thai style high tea
Thai style high tea – desserts
Thai style high tea – salads
Thai style high tea – meat
I want to say this was the Valentino window display at Elements
Shoes at Titikaka in the Olympian City mall
Shoes at Titikaka in the Olympian City mall
A view of Hong Kong from The Peak
Pastries at Simplylife
More Honeymoon Dessert in Hong Kong
More Honeymoon Dessert in Hong Kong – Strawberry Sago
Jewelry at the Homeless store inside the Eslite bookstore in Hysan Place
Midday sushi snack at Shiro in Hysan Place
Midday sushi snack at Shiro in Hysan Place
Shiro is known for their Crystal Sushi, which incorporates flavoured jellies with the sushi
Midday sushi snack at Shiro in Hysan Place
The sushi chef creating a combination plate
Midday sushi snack at Shiro in Hysan Place. Our stack of plates isn’t that bad!
Shiro in Hysan Place
Just arrived at Hong Kong Disneyland
At painted wall inside the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel
A chandelier inside the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel. Look closely to find a surprise!
Do I feel like a princess yet?
A child’s balloon in the halls of the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel
The grounds outside the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel
Dim sum at the Crystal Lotus restaurant inside the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel
Dim sum at the Crystal Lotus restaurant inside the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel
Who knew about Mickey Mouse’s teddy bear?
The grounds outside the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel
The grounds outside the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel
The grounds outside Disney’s Hollywood Hotel. This makes up the lack of a photo of the real Hollywood sign when I was in L.A. this February.
A bird
A white butterfly
Mickey, Mickey, Mickey
Hong Kong Disneyland
Mickey riding the waves of a whale’s water spout
Thanks for visiting Hong Kong Disneyland!
Children playing with their Disney balloons
A handle on the train that takes you to and from Hong Kong Disneyland
A digital menu at Itacho Sushi.
Rolls at Itacho Sushi
Assorted sashimi at Itacho Sushi
Dinner at the Racing Club. Tasting menu by Chef Shaun Anthony.
Dinner at the Racing Club. Tasting menu by Chef Shaun Anthony.
Dinner at the Racing Club. Tasting menu by Chef Shaun Anthony.
Dinner at the Racing Club. Tasting menu by Chef Shaun Anthony.
Dinner at the Racing Club. Tasting menu by Chef Shaun Anthony.
Dinner at the Racing Club. Tasting menu by Chef Shaun Anthony.
Yupi candies!! Thanks to my uncle, I came back with a suitcase full of gummy worms and berries.
Our last dinner in Hong Kong, courtesy of my cousin Kelvin and his wife Kelly.
Our last dinner in Hong Kong, courtesy of my cousin Kelvin and his wife Kelly.
A pool of oil on a plate while having family lunch at the Jockey Club. Go figure. It looks like a horse head.
Lunch at the Jockey Club
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