ThisSide.... Now: January 2017

Friday, January 27, 2017

OUT and ABOUT in hong kong

Hong Kong is certainly not short of outdoor adventures. One lazy afternoon, we wanted some fresh air but weren't up for a big "excursion".... so we took a short cab ride to DEEP WATER BAY and then walked our way back to Repulse Bay. Slowly. We stopped to collect sea glass on the beach, to watch fisherman working and dogs going for walks. We met a couple who 'lived in hong kong once, 20 years ago', who were starry eyed with their return visit. We felt relaxed, refreshed, and enlivened - and were surprised when we realized we'd only been out of the house for 2 hours. Sometimes, with the hustle and rhythms of everyday life, we forget what a magical place we live in...

January - and short sleeves weather - pretty awesome!

biodiversity - I learned, yesterday, that we have over 600 different species right in our own Tai Tam Bay!

hole for the DRAGON who lives in the hill behind to go through when he needs to get out

And on the other side of the hill.... in the alleyways of the city....

And outside of our flat in Tai Tam ...

the outdoors - view from our living room - not too shabby

Sunday, January 15, 2017

Chi Lin Nunnery // Nan Lian Garden

A real treasure here in Hong Kong - that we {finally} went to see on a gorgeous afternoon.

This is the world's largest handmade wooden structure and it is built entirely without nails. Erected in 1934 as a retreat for buddhist nuns - it's a place of quiet, reflection and (let's face it) being a tourist in your hometown. :)

- getting into the spirit -

our little 'buddhist child', happily learning the prayer motions from those around her

she insisted on stopping to pray at each statue after she got the hang of it

The gardens apparently follow meticulous rules of traditional Chinese gardens from the Tang dynasty. A treat to exhale here with the family.

vegetarian restaurant behind that waterfall !

inspired to write
so we sat down to rest for awhile

Tuesday, January 10, 2017

Hong Kong Staycation :: an island hop

What to do when the city empties out and you decide to stay?

Book a night in your own city, of course!

CHEUNG CHAU - a small island just west of Hong Kong Island (one of 263) - is a chill, outdoorsy, village getaway. A favorite among the mom-set. Once the treasure-trove of Pirate Cheung Po Tsai, this place no doubt is home to at least some of the descendants of his 50,000-strong pirate crew.

Incredible seafood, colorful boats, hikes, beaches, bikes, a maze of village houses, tasty street food ... such a delightful and easy weekend with the kids. Thirty minutes away by ferry. We have been twice before for day trips and this time enjoyed the benefits of staying the night. Take a look..

travelers ready

that one's on the way to Macau - strange looking thing, isn't it? pretty darn fast, too.

Warwick Hotel - handy for naps, on the beach, friendly, Chinese restaurant on site
kids loved their floor mats & fluffy blankets
just about makes up for the brick-like bed we slept in :)

- AROUND THE VILLAGE -

fancy some seafood? choose your creature! it's FRESH

taking her bird for a walk

there is so much I don't know!

She had her HEART set on this (really ugly) Belle doll from a street stand. We finally caved on the 2nd afternoon and to our dismay, the thing plays music when you squeeze her tummy... no, not Beauty/Beast, not even Disney Princess music... oh no, this Belle sings "I'm a Barbie girl, in a Barbie worrrrrrld..."

- THE WATER -

view from the hotel

- FOOD -

seafood - mango mochi - and pretty much anything

our restaurant pick for dinner - one of a gazillion along the waterfront - The Baccarat - don't peek into the kitchen, but the food here was REALLY, REALLY delish!!