Photo by BHG
When we were booking our flight to Nepal we had to connect in Hong Kong, so we decided to make a weekend out of it and explore the city for a few days! Neither Brian, or I had been to Asia before this trip, so we were chomping at the bit to get our first taste of it. It definitely didn’t disappoint; it was a whirlwind of new foods, sights and experiences.
Day 1-
After a very long flight, we arrived in Hong Kong at six am and hit the ground running. There were so many things we wanted to see in our short stay. We also had yet to feel the effects of the jet lag so we were still flying high at that point! We headed straight to our hotel to unload our bags and set off in search of breakfast. I had read in my guidebooks that most locals eat Dim Sum for breakfast and I insisted that we give it a shot. Because who doesn’t want to eat chicken feet for breakfast, right!? Yes, Brian really did order chicken feet at Dim Sum. CHICKEN FEET! The sight of them alone made me shudder. I still tried one though because I believe whole heartedly in the saying “when in rome”. I didn’t eat a whole chicken foot but I did put a chicken foot to my lips and take a small nibble. It was enough for me to know that they weren’t for me. Luckily we ordered 500 other things (flying half way across the world really makes you hungry) and I loved the shrimp dumplings. I could have eaten twenty of those little guys.
After breakfast we strolled the bustling streets, well, I hobbled with my broken toe and explored. I was mesmerized by everything especially the outdoor markets; so many vibrant colors!
photo by BHG
My smile faded quickly when I turned a corner and found myself in the area that housed the butchers. Considering I usually see my fish and poultry looking pretty on ice in a Whole Foods Market, it was a bit of a shock. It wasn’t a sight for the faint at heart.
After walking around the city for a few hours we started to feel tired and decided to head back to our hotel to do this…
What, you don’t hang in bed with sunglasses on?
Finally around six pm we pulled ourselves together to meet Brian’s friend, David, who recently moved to Hong Kong for a night out on the town. We were both so exhausted with jet lag and so thankful to have a tour guide. Luckily David led us exactly where we wanted to go…street food! Before leaving for our trip Brian and I watched Anthony Bourdain in Hong Kong and decided that we wanted to be as adventurous as Anthony and be open to all food…even street food.
The dinner spot was in a back alley and packed with locals. We sat down at a little rickety table and ordered three beers and three dishes- fried noodles, squid and pork ribs. The whole experience was delicious and only cost us fifteen U.S. dollars. You can see Brian getting down with the squid below…
After filling our bellies with delicious street food we took ourselves back to the hotel to SLEEP….we were so tired and my poor toe had had enough.
Day 2 up next!
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My mom just came back from a business trip after spending 2 weeks in Hong Kong. Like you, it was her first time to Asia. She said it was an overwhelming, fast paced, cosmopolitan city that reminded her of NYC. However, she said she would never go there as a tourist since all people ever seem to do there is shop and there doesn’t seem to be that much to do apart from that. She also told us about the chicken feet which she did not try!
Kate, your wonderful photo’s are too enjoyable…they are always so embracing that they allow my mind to always think that I am there with both of your enjoying the sights, sounds, and food! You always bring a certain joy to a day…thanks my sister!
Wendell, YOUR blog always brings a certain joy to my day! I also always look forward to reading your comments. They put a huge smile on my face 🙂
I am so jealous! My husband and I would totally love to do something like that! Maybe someday! Absolutely love the pictures. They are gorgeous!
Oh, the color! And the food! And the fabulousness!
Can’t wait to read more. XO
Oh my word, these photos are AMAZING. Love all the color. Can’t wait to read more!
I’ve been anxiously awaiting these posts since you left for your trip. Not that I was wishing your vacation to go quickly or anything (well maybe a little). The pictures are amazing. I can’t wait to hear about rest of your time traveling.
Also… I must add, I’m SO impressed that you get your travel blogs posted so quickly. I don’t even want to think about the fact that 6 months has passed since our road trip & I have yet to post a single thing. Overwhelmed! Ha!
ps. I hope your foot is better 🙂
Hong Kong reminds me of Taipei and other cities in Taiwan- only writ much larger. It is gratifying that one can get a great meal, in one of the most expensive cities in the world, for $15.