Hong Kong Photo Diary

Thursday, August 28, 2014

A few months back we ventured down to Hong Kong, this time with my Mama in toe, to spend 9 days in one of my favorite cities. The hubs took off ahead of us and the three shorties followed behind, leaving Tokyo for our Asia adventure.

Traveling with a walking, talking toddler is quite a change from an infant. Thankfully Grandma and I tag-teamed the duties and the flight wasn't terrible. A few spilled beers, mild tantrum and a dead I-pad were just minor hiccups in the 5 hour flight. For a then, 14 month old, the girl has become quite the seasoned flier. I'm sure she has more passport stamps than I did at 25.

Trains, Planes and Automobiles. A cab ride to the train station, a one hour train ride to the airport, security, customs and incorrect name spelling on flight booking = a drink or 12.

"Oh hey Hong Kong, I'll be there shortly."

Our hotel was situated between enormous skyscrapers and the back hills of the jungle. It was beautiful and an example of the distinctive terrain and atmosphere in Hong Kong.
(Swimwear: Godard)






Swimming in Skyscrapers


VICTORIA PEAK

My mom and I acted as tourists during the day, making it our mission to hit up as many "kid friendly" sites as possible. Victoria Peak was a must-see viewpoint on our list, but we kept pushing it off until the weather permitted a "perfect view". We were quick to learn that a clear day in Hong Kong is celebrated and not as common as we desired. However, despite a semi-clouded outlook, the views were still incredible and the peak is full of restaurants, shopping and various photo taking opportunities that made it worth the scary trolley ride to the top.

Don't let that mug fool you, he is a scam artist that will chase after you if you take photos after he insists  you take photos.



Mom and I decided to walk down the Mountain. Don't do it! The trail is longer than you think and it becomes a busy street NOT suitable for kids.
Def pay the few extra dollars for the highest view point access. The panoramic skylines are breathtaking.



Maya the Explorer is ready for her next adventure!

OCEAN PARK


Various friends told us to hit up Ocean Park and we are so happy we took that advice. I am not sure what to even call the "amusement park", as it was a zoo, aquarium, theme park and Sea World all in one. The park was divided onto two sides of a mountain that overlooked the sea. The setting was beautiful and the park itself offered so much entertainment it would've been easy to spend more than one day there with kids.

In order to get from one end of the park (bottom of mountain), to the other attractions (top of the mountain) you must take a cable car, or a shuttle. I have a fear of gondola rides, but we couldn't leave the park without taking it. The views were amazing and you could see a panoramic look of the entire park.


The pandas were easily the majority favorite. We were able to see them right when the park opened and avoided lines. It was just us and the bears.

Right next to the panda exhibit was a goldfish aquarium. There were dozens and dozens of different "goldfish" varieties. 

I am not a huge advocate for the dolphin and whale shows, but multiple animal shows are included in the entrance fee. 

JUMBO


We were itching to get to a little port town called Aberdeen. We didn't have a destination, but asked a nice gate worker at Ocean Park for a recommendation. She told us to go to JUMBO restaurant. We didn't know what to expect, but we were blown away when we hopped out of the cab. It was a floating Chinese restaurant. Boats were available every 10 minutes or so to taxi you back and forth from the docks. It was truly beautiful.


The China Room

Our good friend Amy booked us a table at an amazing, old school restaurant called The China Room. Inside the old Bank of China, the multi-floor restaurant was filled with avant-garde art, and apart from the main dining area, special themed rooms for private bookings.

Striking our best "Melrose Place" pose in the Library

Lady in Red





We had a great trip to Hong Kong and it is hard to cover all the amazing parks and sites just in one post. It was a jammed pack trip and so special to have my mom experience this incredible city with  us and Maya.

Budda Bellies Cooking School


While my mother-in-law was in town, she and I attended a cooking class here in Tokyo. I can't believe it had taken me four years to take the plunge into Japanese cuisine. Thankfully my MIL found an awesome cooking school on TripAdvisor and organized an amazing sushi-rolling day, and we both learned a ton. Check out the details below in the article I wrote for Savvy Tokyo.



Going out for Japanese food is always a treat, but have you ever tried to duplicate your menu favorites at home? Apart from broiled fish and maybe simple Udon dishes, Japanese cuisine can be intimidating for non-Japanese natives.  If you are in the market to expand your skills in the culinary arts, Buddha Bellies Cooking School in Jinbocho is the perfect resource to learn how to make and roll sushi, design pretty bento box meals and even master the skill of fish cutting.
 
Me and the instructor Ayuko in her cooking studio
The owner and instructor behind Buda Bellies Cooking School is an English speaking, Japanese Native named Ayuko. She is a certified sushi instructor and trained professional cook specializing in Japanese fine dining. Her mantra, “I believe that good foods and nice conversation will make the world peaceful”, is translated through her exceptional customer service, passionate demonstrations and hands on approach with her students.
 
The variety of knives used for cutting the fish used for sushi

Ayuko gives an explanation of all the different types of "sushi" and their history in Japan.


Ayuko meets you in her red apron at the train station exit, conveniently located right next to the school.  She walks you into her intimate classroom, filled with a library of Japanese cooking books, a large table and her kitchen tucked away in the back.

Ayuko’s classes cover almost every Japanese cuisine including Sushi, Bento boxes, Nabe, Udon and Chicken teriyaki steak, Suki-yaki and even specialized classes such as decorative sushi and vegetarian meals. The classes welcome all levels, from beginner to advance and teach the basic fundamentals of preparation, cooking and descriptions of utensils used for Japanese food. A special fish cutting class is offered prior to each sushi class, where she explains the different knives used for cutting sushi grade fish as well as a demonstration on how to fillet and debone a whole fish.
 
The most labor intensive step in the sushi making process?  Preparing the rice. 

Sushi Rolling


 There is definitely a reason Buda Bellies Cooking School ranks as the number one cooking school on trip advisor. The cozy atmosphere and small class sizes provide a personal and one on one experience with a profession chef  with a wealth of knowledge. This is a great idea for a date with the hubby, a ladies get together or a fun surprise treat for an out of town guest.




Cucumber and Egg Roll. (Design Sushi)

VOILA!





Here are the details:
-       They ask participants to book at least 24 hrs in advance so they can prepare the ingredients. (Although, classes fill up rather quickly so the sooner you book a class the better).

Lesson Schedule: Check the website for the course descriptions and dates.  All classes start at 11:00 am or 11:30 am. However the Fish cutting class begins at 10:30 am and there is one evening class at 6:00 pm.

Price: The costs vary depending on which class you book, however most classes range between 6500 JPY- 7500 JPY. All payments are required to be paid via Paypal in advance. The booking will be confirmed after your payment is received.


Address:  2-4-3 Kanda-Jinbocho, Uekuri Bldg. 2F
Chiyodaku, Tokyo, Japan 101-0051

Access: Via Subway: Jinbocho station Exit A2, the street level is our meeting point


Website: http://buddhabelliestokyo.jimdo.com/


Converse X Missoni

Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Cooler temps, camel colored ensembles and spiced candles are enough to get me pumped for the seasons to transition, then Converse had to go ahead and release an uber-cool Chuck Taylor All Star collaboration with iconic Italian fashion house Missoni, and get me completely ready for Autumn, and over the fact Japan doesn't sell pumpkin spiced lattes at Starbucks. Fall footwear is always a fun break from flip flops, and a trendy sneaker is a perfect replacement for those sandals taking up all the closet space.  

Even though this is Missoni's 8th collection with Converse, it will be my first time indulging in a pair of the signature zigzag kicks. They have 6 sneaker styles available at Nordstrom and Converse online all for under a hundy! 

Check them out here:





Baby Oh Baby

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Boy oh Boy I just can't wait to meet you! We are expecting another bambino early next year, and this time it's a boy! Having two children abroad seems like a scary concept, but Tokyo is very accommodating to Mother's and families which keeps me pretty confident. I'm sure I will lose all of my composure the first couple of months, but whether you have one child or five, I think that is customary in motherhood. If you don't have at least one break down, you aren't human, you my friend are a robot. 

I actually really love being pregnant, so until the chaos begins, I am going to relish the next 5 months of baby kicks and turns and dressing my expanding tummy (and ankles). Summer is winding down and fabulous fall is around the corner. Blessings all around.


















Family Fashion Credits (for old times' sake)



Daddy: T-Shirt:  Uniqlo UT by NigoSweat Shorts:  SECOND SUNDAYSneaks:  Chuck Taylor All StarsSocks:  Seattle Skyline (available at Nordstrom)Mommy:Romper:  MinkPinkWedges:  Charles and KeithSunnies:  Dolce and Gabbana
Maya-Chan:T-Shirt:  Gap KidsJean Skirt:  Old NavyShoes:  Sperry Kids


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