Where Old and New Collide

Skyscrapers, dumplings, high-end shopping, Cantonese, and grits. That's what I found in Hong Kong--it really is Southeast Squared! I just spent a short weekend in the shopping mecca of the region. On day 1, I perused the ridiculously expensive shops in the Central district. I had never heard of some of the European luxury brands with the outrageous price tags. On day 2, I spent the entire day on a boat in the South China Sea, riding the waves, swimming in the cool water, and hanging out with a fun and eclectic group of people from all over the world (apparently that's the norm in HK). After the boat tour, I met everyone out for a night on the town. We hung out at a local bar in Central called Fly that has awesome co-owners/managers, tasty drinks, and a rockin DJ. By the end of the night, we were wiped out and hungry. This is where the grits come in. We stopped at a late night diner and as I was ordering my biscuits and gravy (also very Southern), the waiter pointed out the sides and asked which two I'd like. I was amazed, and super excited, to see grits. I'd like grits and grits, please! Two little ramekins of yellow grits later, I felt like my HK experience was complete! I wish I'd had more time to take in the tourist sites in HK, but I guess I'll just have to go back one day! Hope you enjoy some of my photos.

My teeny tiny hotel room. Apparently the
norm in HK even though you pay way
more than in other cities like Bangkok.

Street view near my hotel. All skyscrapers
and very clean like Singapore.

The Central area was super hilly, which I didn't
expect. There are tons of little stairways like this one.

View of HK from the boat.

Learning to shuck oysters!

The fruits of our labor! I wasn't a raw oyster fan until these!

One of the outlying islands near where we swam.

View of HK as the night lights are coming on.