Jake Visits Hong Kong (Part 1)

David and I have been anticipating Jake's visit to Hong Kong for months. He looked so handsome when we picked him up from the airport.

The very next day I took him on my morning routine of hiking Victoria Peak. I was happy that he was as enthusiastic about the views as I am each day. 

                     
We hiked three trails in one day. I usually
hike one a day.

 

Boys and their maps.

As much as David and I love "looking" at the pool, I can't say we have taken advantage of using it. Jake used it more in the short time he was here than David and I have in three months.






We then hit Hong Kong city on our way over to Kowloon to meet David.

Star Ferry

Jake laughed when he saw his Dad's office was full of toys. He said that toys do not depict his father's personality....but Jake did have fun reminiscing his childhood.

David took us to a place with a great view and great food. I had to pinch myself as I thought of being in Hong Kong with one of my children. Happy times.

We then walked the harbor to see the night skyline. I will never take this view for granted.

And no trip to Kowloon is complete without a "Mister Softee"

The next day we left for Beijing, China. The first stop was the airport lounge. Jake said flying with his Dad is a little different than Southwest.

Flight was without incident. We then checked into the St. Regis. I love hotel decor in Asia....

....except one of the displays in the hotel window freaked me out. All of my children know that my worst nightmare is dressed up animals.

Our first walk (miles and miles) was to Tiananmen square. On the way I saw an astronomy museum that I thought would be cool to walk through. Mmmmmm, not so cool.

Tiananmen Square felt hollow. The 1989 protest resulted in military suppression and the deaths of multiple protestors trying to voice their concerns regarding communism. It hurt my heart to think of the hundreds/thousands that lost their lives at the hand of their own government. No where on the grounds of Tiananmen Square is there a shred of tribute, or even recognition, to the lives lost.

After walking for what seemed like forever, we decided to venture out and try some street food. I suddenly wasn't hungry.

Who knew a putty knife and trowel could be used as cooking tools?

Jake talked David into eating the mystery meat that the cook described by flapping his arms. We thought it must be chicken. I believe it was. We're just not sure what part.

The meat held "us" (David and Jake) over until they found a "much nicer" restaurant. The ambiance was worth every penny. Not sure what the guy was smoking, but he seemed very happy.



And no meal should end without Jasmine ice cream. Disgusting. I took one taste and almost lost it. Jake made it through two licks. And David, yes the man who will not waste a dime, threw his away. I can't describe the taste, but think of biting into a Jasmine flower straight out of the dirt.

Next up: The Great Wall. 

Dining Out

David and I enjoyed a Friday night eating out at a fancy restaurant, St. George in Kowloon. For those of you who do not know us, this is not common. Our children can attest to this. Our idea of a great meal is In and Out, Board and Brew, Pipes and Cafe Rio (listed in order of preference).

Hullet House is an amazing colonial building dated back to 1881 where guests can stay in ten individually designed suites. St. George is one of the five restaurants in the Hullet House (pictured in the background). 

David's accessory is a bandage over his eye (a small patch of skin cancer removed).

The food was just too amazing to described. The French pastry chef had been working in the UK before taking the position as head chef at St. George. Everything from the mushroom soup to David's prime rib and my Sole was truly beyond description. 

Lobster appetizer

And of course the dessert was simply divine. I hated to bite into it because of the presentation. However, after my first bite, I destroyed it.

David's chocolate delight

My "green mint" dessert

Next up: Shenzhen, China. Mike and Rini (David and Mike work together) host an annual "Show 2 Hands" party where everyone brings their specialty dish to share with the others. Again, for those of you who do not know me: I HATE to cook. I bake cookies. My cookies were a paltry comparison to what the real chefs brought. 

Mike and Rini were excellent Host and Hostess. 

The night involved a lot of eating.

Fun was had by all!

David and I are fortunate to stay in many nice hotels because of his gazillion hotel points. I rank hotels based on the bathtub. I know, many people cringe when thinking of taking a bath in a hotel tub. I don't. And I liked this tub.

The following day after the party, Rini graciously took us to the Art Village where there is shop after shop of local artists that sell their own paintings or paint originals you request.

We went in many shops and admired the artist's work.

We were hungry after all of that shopping.

I'm not sure what I ate, but I liked it. I haven't mastered the chop sticks yet, but I'm getting better.

Time for more shopping. We then went to the "great and spacious building" as David likes to call it. For those who have shopped in Tijuana and felt attacked by all of the street people, Shenzhen makes Tijuana seem like you're shopping in Saks. I have never heard "YOU NEED" more in my life. It was as if they knew me. Surprisingly I bought very little. I do have plans on going back (great tailors and material).

One of my favorite places in the building was watching this young girl weave yarn to make blankets, shawls and scarfs. I bought a simple scarf with no pattern. How could I say no? Look at that cute face!

Two very fun weekends in a row. I hope we're on a roll. To be continued.....