Pictures

Here are a few pictures taken over the past few days.

Wonderful World of Shenzhen

Nick and I returned from Shenzhen yesterday, Christmas afternoon. We decided on staying a second night when we realized our alternative was returning to a messy apartment with no presents, no Christmas dinner and therefore more $12US hour long massages started to look all the more attractive.

Our stays in Shenzhen are always eventful. SZ falls just outside the border of the 'New Territories' (part of HK) and is therefore mainland China and thus it's residents speak Mandarin (not Cantonese) and generally have a different way of life. More to be said on that later.

When we arrived on the afternoon of the 23rd, following settling into our hotel room, and procuring lunch, we headed over to LCC the 5 story mall that holds untold bargains though a headache or two will naturally accompany after all haggling is said and done. Our first stop was to head to floor 5 where the tailors reside, figuring if we were to have any garments made, it'd be better to allow for more time so as to return the next morning for a final fitting.

I'd never had any clothing custom made. Frankly the idea of a stranger measuring my 'wobbly bits' scares the hell outta me not to mention all that is required in picking out this, deciding that, which tailor to use, etc... I try to avoid new and complicated things whenever possible.

I'd bought a 'Shopping in Shenzhen' guide which narrowed down the 50-75odd tailors to about 5 which is why I was even willing to give this new experience a go. Having only one fitting suit I knew I needed another one or two. And with a trip in January to Hawaii and clearly not a summer dress in sight in any local store (the locals think it's winter here) I wanted a few beachy sundresses...

I'd searched the web prior to our arriving in SZ and came up with the base idea for 2 dresses but I wasn't sure what would come about. Do they need more than a picture? Is this pattern too complicated? Does the picture show enough detailing? These were my worries.

From the recommended tailors (in the shopping guide) I chose Stephanie who was said to have a sense of style and could assist in tailoring an idea to your body type. And she spoke great English, also a plus... I knew immediately she'd be the girl I needed. I didn't simply want a garment made, but rather made by someone with enough intuition to tell me "Your butt is too flat for that style," or "No can do with those calves honey..." this kind of thing... Versus some tailors who simply make what you request regardless of whether you have any idea what you are asking for.

I showed Stephanie the dress photos and immediately one of the funnest experiences I've ever had began to unfold. Quickly she, I and her assistant became a fashion dream team and the humble request I had exploded into a full fledged attempt at recreating the black and white Max Azria dress I'd admired. We walked through the fabric market where I meandered through hundreds and hundreds of colors, textures and detailed cloths. I quickly found the white scalloped fabric that'd create the edge needed for my dress. Moving on to a booth full of ribbons I bought thick and thin black ribbon and white slotted ribbon through which the skinny black ribbon would be woven. We were finding success in our attempts to mimic the Max dress...

I also had an idea to create a long casual beach dress (or 2) in the style of the loose waisted shorter diddies that girls wear over jeans. I explained this and soon was choosing from spools of colored cotton while designing the overall style and detailing I wanted on all dresses.

After Nick and I were carefully measured and all fabric was in hand we finalized the details with Stephanie and were on our way--to return the next day to be fitted in our suits and for me to receive the finished dresses sown overnight by Stephanie's hard working crew.

We shopped for purses (Christmas gifts in mind) and then decided it was time to head to the spa. A highlight of my 90 massage was when the masuese (sp?) proceeded to tug on my eyelashes (twice) to determine whether they were real... Hilarious I thought. She proceeds to say 'hen piao liang" which from my limited Mandarin I know means very pretty. I said "Xia Xia" which is naturally, thank you... On that subject this was the first opportunity I'd had to use Mandarin in public... How nice it was to be able to ask for specific change amounts from taxis and communicate the basics to people around me though I did also feel aware of just how much I couldn't say.

On our last trip to SZ we'd visited 'Taco Bell Grande' --not sure whether it is affiliated with Taco Bell in the US. I say no, Nick read an article saying otherwise. The first time around we must've been very hungry and desperate cuz we thought it was worth visiting again; but the second time proved enough for me. Good food is hard to find in Shenzhen. Even the simple french fry tastes different at most restaurants, not sure what oil they fry with...

Just before reaching TBG I saw evidence of our being in mainland China.

This needs explaining, but how... Well, being a resident of HK sometimes we hear stories of horrified expats (or even longtime hk residents) who witness what they call 'odd behaviour' by someone in public, perhaps often by a person visiting HK from the mainland. One such rub in culture shows itself where bathrooms are concerned. Mainlanders often prefer to squat over a hole in the floor (inside formal restrooms) and well when not around a public bathroom they do as we may do when camping. This isn't always a public event, but does become so when speaking of small children. There have been accounts of parents dangling children over trash cans inside HK's subway stations for what purpose I think you already know...

Now, back to SZ, here this sort of thing is apparently the norm. Picture yourself a parent of a little tot whom you dangle over the public garbage when he has to go. Kinda seems it'd get complicated removing the clothing, etc... So in effort to make things convienient seems many moms opt for the 'Open Butt' onesie. I kid you not. There I was walking through the mall seeing for the first time a little boy in a onesie which clearly revealed all his tiny bits, pieces and rump. To make matters worse the kid was crawling on the floor. Horrifying to me, it was.

Nick was lucky enough to miss this sight atleast for the time being. However, we saw a second baby boy in said get-up the following day while meandering through DaFen's art village. As Nick pointed out perhaps it is our norms that are weird seeing as how we make our babies sit in their sh*t. I agree, however is the open butt outfit really necessary? And how do they know when the 1 year old who can't speak is about to pee or poop? Does it always make it into a trash can or bush? I think not.

With that said I will move from the topic of scrotum bearing onesies and onto the topic of art. I tell you, family and friends, you really ought to visit us here. And when you do we will escort you to SZ where we'll spend a day or two in the spas, fabric market and art village. Be sure to bring a photo you'd like made into a piece of art. We saw dozens and dozens of paintings, not surprisingly many of which were recreations of the world reknowned work of famous artists. You'll have your pick from many painters who offer to bring your photo to life.

We spent 2 and 1/2 days in SZ and clearly could have spent another 2 or 3. Shenzhen has alot to offer and I'm guessing a peek at my new custom clothes might get you all wanting to experience this first hand ;) I know I will be visiting Stephanie again soon. Perhaps I will post pictures of her work soon...

I'm out for now. Will post again soon.

A True Christmas Miracle

I had my own little Christmas miracle yesterday. A few days ago Nick and I approached the subject of Christmas gifts. "Are you ok with not getting any?" we asked. As the past few weeks have been quite busy finding us leaving work between 7:30 and 8pm only to head to a Christmas dinner function of some sort we hadn't found much time to search the city for gifts. Not only did we have little time, but our searching would've likely resulted in very few purchases as neither of us could come up with any solid ideas to guide us anyway.

I told Nick there was nothing I wanted (that could be found here) and he said the same. But while I was thinking on the issue it dawned on me that like most people I really did wish I could have atleast one present and instantly an idea of what that would be came to mind. I didn't bother to share it with Nick though as it would've required pre-planning and arranging for a shipment from the US, most likely with family member help as it seems 9 out of 10 companies do not ship internationally.

So there I was wishing I could have just a little box of See's candies to eat over the holidays. I'm not much of a chocolate person, which may be why I really enjoy See's candies every so often. See's seems to specialize in caramels and nuts, which I love. And discovering them a few years ago meant I could now, like the average woman, enjoy receiving a box of chocolates from time to time. Preferably half almond squares, my fav.

It all began yesterday with my leaving the house without my wallet. I took a 6am cab ride to the gym only to find upon arrival that I had no money what-so-ever to give the driver. "Oh no," I said. I called Nick, woke him up and inquired on whether my wallet was at home. He said it was.

After repeated attempts at getting the cab drivers phone number so that I could arrange later payment I finally let him drive off as he insisted the ride was on him. I apologized again and went on my way. Sort-of on that subject, I recently found out I am one of few locals who tip cab drivers, so perhaps I will find him again and be able to make up for it with a tip or two.

Needing my wallet in order to go about my day I called Nick and asked, "Could he bring it into town and meet me at the smoothy shop after my work-out." He oblidged.

Following the workout we met up at Kosmo cafe and sipped juice and munched bagels. Just before sitting down I picked up a little leaflet claiming to have the scoop on where to find great gifts for Chrismas. I joked at how it was a little late to be telling me where to shop, but proceeded to browse through the publication anyway.

A few pages in was a 'Top 5' list covering chocolate goodies and where to get them. I simply could not believe my eyes. There, in plain text, was clearly listed a See's Old Fashioned Candies store. "No Way!" I said. I told Nick about how I'd wished for a few See's candies for Christmas and now here I find out that in the middle of China (mainland HK) there is indeed a lone See's candy shop. Instantly we knew what our Friday night plans were.

Last night we proceeded out to 'Kowloon Tong' to verify this treasure really did exist. Thankfully neither of us were starving and we decided we could put-off dinner until after chocolates were in hand. We arrived at our target destination at 6:40 finding they were closing early for the holiday (7pm instead of 8) but this left just enough time to pick out 18 lovely morsels. I tell you, I was thrilled. I still am thrilled, they had all my favorites and they taste just the same.

This will no doubt make future gift purchases for me a bit easier on Nick.

Hong Kong / China sure is an odd place in ways. Nothing seems to be well advertised. I took marketing for granted in the states. Here you don't see alot of store commercials on TV, not alot of flyers in the mail. At best companies send a person to the street corner outside their location to hand out flyers, but that is mostly done with local Chinese establishments. It seems everything I have found here has been found by accident. Which means it is all time consuming and totally up to chance. I often say many things sold in the states are not sold here. To some degree I think that may not be true. Hong Kong may sell just about everything, but good luck finding that which you want.

Back to my story... not only did we find See's Candies but we found it inside a mall with a nice theater, an ice skating rink, a cool gadgets store and an italian restaurant that truly must have the largest portion sizes of all of Hong Kong.

So there you have it. My Christmas story of how a forgotten wallet led to a little Christmas Miracle. I am a very happy camper.

In addition to the above, I must note that both my sisters Jessica and Amy went to the trouble of mailing me a Christmas present. In true form I was overcome with excitement and did not wait to open either gift seeing as how neither had instructions that I were to do so. How happy I was at their thought of me--they did a great job finding things from the states that brought a big smile to my face, and Nick's as well. Thank you Jessica and Amy, your efforts really meant alot. I am shopping for you also but my gifts will come in January...

Today Nick and I head out to mainland China, to Shenzhen were we will spend the day being massaged in between harassing conversations with tailors, shoe salesmen and purse crafters. Our plan is to return tomorrow, on Christmas Eve, but if things are going well we may stay through Christmas morning as well. Oh the things you can do spur-of-the-moment when you are childless, says I who made arrangements for Zoe to be in a kennel through Tuesday. No feeling sorry for her, the holidays are all the same to her so Nick and I might as well make the most of them sans wirey dog...

Merry Christmas to you all. In my place would you take a trip to view Christmas lights and don't forget to pick up a pumpkin spice Krispy Kreme and Starbucks vanilla skim latte for the ride... Doesn't that sound lovely... Hugs, and we'll talk later.

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I made a mistake in my last post. I edited it cuz as a writer I do that. If I don't like how something sounds, I axe it. But sometimes this doesn't work cuz what I way saying, even if poorly said is important. All that to say, I'd gone on (after my complaining about our thus far lame December) to say that perhaps the lack of family and presents will result in Nick and I focusing more on the reason for the holiday. Perhaps the lack of 'distractions' will allow us to reflect on the true reason for the season... I don't feel I need to say anything else on that. We will make do and celebrate the meaning of the day.

Spelling. Sometimes it's a challenge. Is cocoa spelled like that? That's a tricky word. Restaurant is tricky too, just learned that one.

We started watching 'Ugly Betty' recently. This seems to be a cute show. It's funny how when shows come out like this one, so many people think they are the 'Betty' or the 'Ross' or the 'Napoleon' or whatever, I do too--I'm a Betty. One more file to download every week to keep up on things at 'Mode' not to mention SNL, The Office and 30 Rock. BTW, I think the name 'baby Chutney' was too cute. But not so cute that I will be using it myself. Cute in a TV/movie character sorta way.

I have been so tired lately. Very tired. Can't get myself to the gym in the mornings, and the past two weeks have been not so good on the diet side of things.

I started tanning so I don't burn in Hawaii this January. This basically means I get to burn now. Only this time, unlike the even burning I developed in American tanning beds, 5 hours after the session I was red and white striped. Candy cane-ish. How appropriate.

I have certain expectations of bloggers. One is that you post a minimum of 2-3 times a month, if you want to call yourself a blogger that is. Otherwise you are merely a holder of blogger sign-in credentials. Hint-hint, wink-wink, to a few of you.

In the last 2-3 eye exams I underwent my eyesight improved. Weird.

Work has been busy. It's not supposed to be at year end. Sigh. Will try to write later.

Does Christmas come to Hong Kong?

One of our apartment neighbors bought a Christmas tree this past week. Or, they have a green dog shedding fur that looks alot like pine needles. Nick and I however, will be limited to a table-top 12" high decorative tree as truly none of the 700 square feet we have sit open, waiting for a 3 week visit from a pine tree.

Having been in Hong Kong for less than 12 months there are still holidays to be experienced for the very first time. While Easter and the 4th of July passed with little notice this year, Christmas seems to be another matter. Maybe it's the citywide decorations. Maybe it's the scheduling of shopping for a few family gifts. Maybe it's the questions from co-workers on what your holiday plans are or the change in the music that plays overhead at the mall or grocery store. Likely it's all of that.

So here we are in Hong Kong trying to make the most of Christmas despite the fact that 24th and 25th will be spent in our tiny apartment without a tree, without family (sans the 2 of us and wirey dog) without many presents to share and without an oven in which to bake holiday goodies.

Because of the mentioned challenges I find myself trying harder than usual to bring holiday cheer into our home as it will be the little things that make Christmas Eve and Christmas Morning feel different than any other day away from the office.

Last week I purchased advent calendars for Nick and I. I've never had an advent calendar, but always thought they looked fun. The grocery store didn't offer many choices so I picked up what they had and hoped for the best. Last Friday, December 1st, it quickly became clear our countdown calendars would offer us a 'chocolate a day to throw away.' I'd purchased the 2 boxes knowing the treats inside would probably be less than tasty seeing as how it was Disney and not Mars/M&M that'd made them.

The problems with adulthood--one being that a Christmas countdown just isn't good enough if what's inside tastes like 10% coacoa and 90% wax. Not to mention the opened flap revealed nothing written inside. I'd thought it was a given that along with the candy would be 1/25th of a story to be completed on Christmas morning.

So here we are, dissapointed with our advent calendars now opening multiple boxes a day in effort to catch-up as it isn't exactly exciting to keep up on the little waxy insides. This revelation has added one item to my holiday shopping list: a 'Christmas Countdown Wall-Hanging' that'd allow me to stuff it with my own chocolate goodies. There will no doubt be other efforts on my part to find purchase holiday cheer. Trips to the grocery store can not be made without picking up a shortbread cookie or two and a bottle of sparkling cider. And the 'X-mas play list' our Ipod holds will become more valuable as we try our best to envision 'frightful weather' and 'chestnuts roasting' in the middle of ever-humid Hong Kong.

That said, it still is a joy to present my family with gifts that make them smile, even if across the globe. Please let me know if there is something you'd really enjoy receiving from Asia; otherwise Nick and I will likely mail one TBD Nordberg family gift and one DeLand family gift...

Update: since writing the post above Zoe, my dog, has proceeded to punch in the 25th square on my advent calendar thus removing any anticipation on what it held and thus depleting any commitment I had to the thing despite it's lameness. My advent calendar has hereby been discarded...