tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19446668955321227362012-02-16T16:57:22.340+08:00At the end of February 2007, expats Ms. Randy J. Prescott and Mr. Steven C. Sun together moved to Hong Kong 香港 where Steve accepted a job. The purpose behind our blog is to be a journal for family and friends back home in the USA to read our stories and view our photos so they can share in our journey in moving to a new country and exploring the other side of the world.Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.comBlogger2531100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-75626698104921965232010-03-01T00:00:00.003+08:002010-03-25T14:01:52.650+08:00

RJP. Using up Steve's vacation time to go back to the States 2x year makes it hard to travel, so long weekends gives us that opportunity, because HK is such a great jumping point to get around Asia. Over the Easter weekend, April 2009, Steve and I traveled to Xi'an (pronounced "Shee-ahn"), China, a city known for its Terracotta Army. It was an adventure as we traveled via taxi, MTR (subway), bus

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-36862466273208300952010-01-30T10:54:00.001+08:002010-01-30T17:23:24.074+08:00

RJP. One Sunday afternoon at the end of last March, instead of going to the gym, Steve and I went for a walk. We began walking down Robinson Road and Steve spotted a rare site: the non-native Lesser Sulphur-crested Cockatoo. While there are only about 100 in HK, it is one of the largest world populations for this endangered bird.   We continued to Magazine Road and onto Bowen Road in

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-11449554217865920062010-01-29T21:33:00.000+08:002010-01-29T21:33:48.748+08:00

RJP. Back on the blogging bandwagon. The last time I wrote about the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens it was 4 months later. lol. Now 2010's is just around the corner. Three years in HK and our second time attending the Hong Kong/Rugby Sevens (March 2009). We first went to the Sevens in 2007. Do I have any fabulous, colorfully, vivid photos to show for it? I went to the Sevens and all I got is a belated

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-8128003405967667192009-09-02T18:48:00.012+08:002009-12-05T14:14:10.171+08:00

RJP. Taken during Earth Hour, 8:30pm - 9:30pm, Saturday, 28 March 2009 in Hong Kong from our apartment building looking to Mid-Levels and Central. HK was an official, participating city and the usual brightly colored Center and International Finance Centre buildings were dark. Sadly, so many office, apartment and building lights remained on. (seemed fitting the Facebook HK Earth Hour event was

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-90598758145853311422009-06-11T18:29:00.004+08:002009-09-02T18:48:09.607+08:00

RJP.Yes, I'm so far behind in recording memories. Visitors and our summer trip back Stateside, followed by more visiting. I think I'm going to stop sounding like a broken record (great now I'm dating myself); it gets written when it gets written. Do you know what a record is? Anyway, on to the writing.The ad went like this:"Come and join us for a fun day of shopping, prizes and excitement. The

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-44046700131864202012009-06-11T15:12:00.006+08:002009-06-11T18:39:41.571+08:00

RJP. Back in March, Steve enjoyed a quiet birthday with dinner at home, celebrating with spaghetti ala bolognese and cake.While Steve was still at the gym, I picked up a specially made surprise cake. It was his birthday weekend after all. In which case I would have gotten the cake Friday but it wasn't ready until Sat.The cake idea came back when we were on the ferry headed to Peng Chau Island for

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-50123894132261553702009-06-11T11:52:00.007+08:002009-06-11T15:01:46.378+08:00

RJP. In March, I saw in the YWCA's monthly e-newsletter that there would be a free monthly afternoon tea held at the Shangri-La Hotel's Lobster Bar in Pacific Place. As Steve says, "if it's free, it's for me." Plus I thought it'd be fun.Upon my arrival, I learned the tea is actually a teaming up of the YWCA with AGS Four Winds International Movers.Our hostesses - l: Danielle of AGS Four Winds and

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-41719824971081022882009-06-10T18:55:00.011+08:002009-06-11T13:17:26.452+08:00

RJP. In March, I went with the AWA (American Women's Association) Photography Group to the HK Flower Show of 2009. It had been a year since I joined the group and went on this very outing with them. The show is for 10 days at Victoria Park, Causeway Bay, organized by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department of Hong Kong.This year the show's theme flower is the Cosmos and its theme is "

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-7888057646294398122009-06-10T18:13:00.002+08:002009-06-10T18:49:39.196+08:00

RJP. Last year there was not a single April post due to my busy-ness. This year there is no May. I've just finished the post of Steve's and my March visit to Peng Chau Island, but that shows under April, when I began the post. Well I'd best get busy.Some foreshadowing on future posts on why I've been so busy. In April over Easter weekend, we went to to Xi'an, China. It took me a long time to edit

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-66189125830377392252009-04-07T12:01:00.007+08:002009-06-10T18:06:37.183+08:00

RJP. On a low humid, just slightly warm Sunday afternoon in mid-March, Steve and I took the ferry from Central Piers to Peng Chau Island for a hike. While Steve has been to an outlying island (Cheung Chau last Dragon Boat holiday), this was his first trip out to Peng Chau.l: Steve liked how the colors on this rock were so different when it was dry vs. wet.r: a beach with a tire in the middlel: I

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-51952443370573094372009-04-07T10:09:00.003+08:002009-04-07T17:51:48.455+08:00

RJP. In March, the YWCA held for its members "a relaxing evening tasting a selection of fine wines from all over the world."My friend Vishaka, also a YWCA member, and I agreed to meet up there. (We first met at the end of 2007 in the YWCA's Mandarin Level II class; we still get together with our former teacher Jackie for lunches.) Her husband, Vivek, due to work, was unable to attend. Steve said

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-4229607071689876092009-04-06T19:14:00.009+08:002009-04-06T22:52:44.681+08:00

RJP. Mid-March, we decided it was high time us girls all got together: Emma, Fran, Heather, Heidi, Michelle, Nikki and myself. With the births of children, the holidays and hectic schedules, it'd been quite a while since we had all been able to be in the same place at the same time. It was easiest for and kind of Michelle to host since her newborn Ava was only 1 month old.We had quite a feast. I

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-21541760337337065472009-04-06T16:55:00.007+08:002010-01-08T17:55:12.380+08:00

RJP. On a Saturday afternoon, at February's end, Steve and I had the pleasure of dining with some of his family's friends and their son James at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Wan Chai. James has had a short term assignment in Hong Kong and over the last several months the three of us have gone out to brunch/lunch at more casual places, like The Flying Pan or McSorley's Pub. James' parents were

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-91560103472825877112009-04-06T15:24:00.003+08:002009-04-06T16:43:57.693+08:00

RJP. Last year for my birthday, Steve gave me a brand spankin' new Canon Digital Single Lens Reflex, mostly known as SLR for short. Essentially that means it's a fancy camera like the pros use, not the compact one most people keep in a purse or pocket.At the end of February, through the YWCA, I took a class about Canon Digital SLR cameras at Digital Salon. I hoped to gain a better understanding

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-53832851726937666192009-04-06T11:14:00.006+08:002009-04-06T15:10:25.233+08:00

RJP. In February, Jackie, Vishaka and I had lunch at the club Ning Po Resident's Association in the Yip Fung Bldg, Lan Kwai Fong. Such is the way in HK; there are many recreational members' clubs and most Hong Kongers belong to one or another. Many clubs have restaurants and in some cases, members have to spend x amount of dollars there per year. Its' one of those places I would never have found

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-16526408175323685632009-04-05T21:14:00.002+08:002009-04-06T11:14:11.428+08:00

RJP. In February, Steve and I had dinner with his industry colleagues and friends Katarina and Thor. HK has not been immune to global economic troubles and they both were recently laid off. This dinner was a sorry to hear the news/good luck with your next venture and just a plain ole excuse to get together with friends. Earlier in the week I made reservations at Le Fauchon in Wan Chai and on

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-48575083671100431542009-04-04T15:28:00.020+08:002009-04-06T09:57:31.700+08:00

RJP. In February, my friend in adventure, Andrea and I did some more Hong Kong exploring. We took the ferry from Central Pier #6 to Mui Wo, Lantau Island, with the ultimate destination of Tai O fishing village. It is home to the Tanka people, a fisherfolk community that has lived on boats and built homes on stilts. This had more meaning to me as I was in the midst of reading Egg Woman's Daughter,

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-8414514277504846172009-04-03T20:00:00.004+08:002009-04-04T15:26:54.204+08:00

RJP. 2009 is a good year to remember Charlies Darwin. Two hundred years ago in 1809, he was born and fifty years later he published his famous scientific work, On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection.In February, invited by my friend Vishaka, a member of the Royal Geographic Society, Hong Kong, I attended Professor Frank James' lecture "Darwin, Science and Religion." Professor

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-1135637183111496102009-04-03T18:40:00.003+08:002009-04-07T17:53:42.288+08:00

RJP. It's hard to find good Mexican in Hong Kong. There are some known establishments, Taco Loco in SoHo (South of Hollywood Rd). We ate there once and think it's just so popular because it's just so cheap. We've eaten at Coyote Bar & Grill a couple times, but we don't make it over to Wan Chai too often. There's also Caramba! in SoHo (same food group/owners as Coyote), while good, has been hit or

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-90062816508700696482009-04-03T17:00:00.002+08:002009-04-03T18:00:31.237+08:00

RJP. In Jan, several of us went out for tea at the "Stuffin' Lounge" as we call it. It was the afternoon tea buffet at the Tiffin Lounge at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, Wan Chai. I was reluctant at first as I had just gone the previous week to introduce my friend Andrea, but I am a sucker for the humongous, scrumptious buffet at the "Stuffin' Lounge."Disappointingly, Michelle and Fran were unable to

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-71393871305324659812009-04-02T10:20:00.009+08:002009-04-03T11:54:26.346+08:00

RJP. Chinese New Year has come and gone (1st day was January 26, 2009) with its oft repeated phrases Sim Nihn Faai Lok! and Kung Hei Fat Choi! Happy New Year and Good Wealth! It's now the year of the ox. If you want a makeup class and need a lowdown on the traditions, foods, etc., check out my post on the YWCA Chinese etiquette class I took last year.I enjoy Chinese New Year and its festivities,

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-62858748680759925262009-04-01T08:26:00.008+08:002009-04-01T21:58:46.601+08:00

RJP. Over Christmas and New Year's, I'd stayed an extra several days past Steve to cram more time in to see friends and family. I returned on Tuesday and later that week, Steve's Auntie Ru-Fang and Uncle Dalen came to stay with us for the weekend. I hoped I would recover from the jetlag enough to be a good hostess. For most the weekend, they had plans: a school reunion and gatherings with friends

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-1464451778663758752009-03-28T12:24:00.003+08:002009-03-30T15:31:30.337+08:00

RJP. Yes, the phrase is "not everyone's cup of tea," which would seem more appropriate in HK. Me and my changing phrases to suit.I brought a little of America to HK and a while back I made a big pot of chili. Chili is a stew-like dish made with chili peppers (so it's usually spicy) and can be found worldwide with local variations on the theme. In the States it's most prevalent in the South and

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-39660298520581940382009-03-12T09:37:00.020+08:002009-04-02T18:31:15.087+08:00

RJP. Blog catch-up. Here are December's events in brief, but still capturing their essence so they are not forgotten. Recently I had lunch with my friend Andrea and I had to laugh as I told her I was working on December's post-I realized that all my outings were with her, whether we went somewhere together or we'd signed up for a YWCA class.YWCA Walk Peak to CyberportYWCA class description: "Walk

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-30017034165388194432009-03-08T13:30:00.004+08:002009-03-11T17:01:53.732+08:00

RJP. It appears I've been slacking on posts, but I am midway, give or take, through Kam Shan Country Park and its macaques.Lately, my attentions have been focused elsewhere. Since I started this blog, the writing space has slowly diminished, making way for gadgets (guilty of using-come on they're cool) and advertising space. The downside is that it messed up the visual aesthetics of all my posts

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-28342518629381193642009-02-25T21:03:00.015+08:002009-03-11T16:56:38.517+08:00

SCS & RJP. Many of your may remember reading about this outing in our December holiday letter: "We've been exploring our own large backyard that is Hong Kong. Along with the concrete jungle city that HK is known for, it has quite a large amount of parks and trails. We recently ventured to Kam Shan Country Park in the New Territories to see the macaques (monkeys) up close and personal" in the

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-65330275594158338452009-02-25T12:33:00.023+08:002009-02-25T20:17:19.697+08:00

RJP. On Thursday, November 20, 12:30PM, our friend Heather organized/hosted a baby shower honoring our friend and mommy to be Michelle. On a side note, in 2007 I learned this is a North American tradition as our British friends weren't familiar with it, but it's really just an excuse to get together and eat (and mommy to be gets gifts).Before I get into the details of the joyous afternoon, I

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-71522546501350259762009-02-24T17:21:00.014+08:002009-02-25T12:30:51.622+08:00

RJP. Blog catch-up. Here are November's events in brief, but still capturing their essence so they are not forgotten.Two November events will get their own posts because they deserve it: our friend Michelle's Baby Shower and our trip to Kam Shan Country Park.Lunch at NanxiangI went with friends Vishaka and Jackie (our former YWCA Mandarin teacher) to lunch at Shanghainese restaurant Nanxiang

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-34323824511261138222009-02-23T16:16:00.018+08:002009-02-24T18:48:49.768+08:00

RJP. If you've read earlier posts, I've well established that I'm quite behind in this blog. Of course, as Steve says, life keeps going, so I'll always be behind. Behind is one thing. Several months behind is another. But I've refused to skip ahead; I don't want to forget anything about this almost surreal, fantastic life I have in HK. But as past posts shown, I'm not above truncating and

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-23029880089333753742009-02-05T14:46:00.060+08:002009-04-01T16:53:49.091+08:00

RJP. Dad & Grace, I've finally finished the post of your visit! :) Better late than never is my motto. I started it in December and here it is February I'm actually publishing it. (a combo of attention to detail, traveling and writer's block) I hope this post does your visit justice and brings back many cherished memories.At the end of September into October, my dad and stepmom Grace visited us.

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-71522701422767995292009-01-31T10:46:00.004+08:002009-02-04T10:17:58.318+08:00

RJP. random thought as I started typing. I always put my initials here as the original intention was to differentiate Steve or I authoring a post, but I don't think he's written one since our first month here, almost 2 years ago. I suppose that was to be expected since he is working and I am more flexible, volunteering with the American Women's Association of Hong Kong.Time flies. Hard to believe

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-10415974695104612392008-12-07T11:23:00.011+08:002009-01-30T23:18:29.658+08:00

RJP. highlights of September that I wish to remember.Mamma Mia!I met up with some of the girls (Emma, Heather, Heidi with Nikki and her son Gabriel making a quick hello) for tea/coffee at the IFC Palace Cafe. That was the pre-event and an excuse to do some chatting. After, we went to see Mamma Mia! at the IFC cinema downstairs. I'd seen Mamma Mia! on Broadway so my only expectation was to be

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-91238084261801328832008-12-07T09:57:00.006+08:002009-02-28T15:36:59.096+08:00

RJP. I met my friend Andrea back in May on the YWCA hike across Lantau Island. Since then we meet up to explore Hong Kong together, be it urban shopping or rural walks, but always ending with good eats. We started getting together in August. First we took the ferry out to Yung Shue Wan, Lamma Island and had lunch at the Bookworm Cafe. The Goddess Lasagna is divine.Next, we traveled north to

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-56476568577434890652008-11-21T16:16:00.032+08:002009-02-28T15:59:22.502+08:00

RJP. For the Hong Kong September holiday, Mid-Autumn Festival, long weekend, Steve and I went to Taipei, Taiwan. Not usually one of the most demanded locales for HK vacationers, but to me it was a new place to go. Our arrival and departing flights were not affected but in between Typhoon Sinlaku wreaked havoc. It made landfall, but mostly it hung just off the coast, bringing heavy wind and

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-48395845895605655782008-11-21T09:07:00.005+08:002008-11-21T16:09:33.750+08:00

RJP. In Sept, I took the YWCA cooking class, "Delia's South Beach Diet Recipes - Tofu-licious." "Tofu is versatile, absorbs flavor well and easily adapts to different cooking styles". It was a part hands on, part demonstration class.Tofu cacciatore.Sweet and Sour Tofu Balls. probably my favorite.Tofu cakes with sweet chilli dipping sauce.Don't adjust your monitor, it's blurry. I borrowed the

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-78018596683015577172008-11-20T22:41:00.005+08:002008-11-21T09:06:10.911+08:00

RJP. I dug out my leather boots and wore them today. They are calf high, brown with a small heel. I am loving the weather last week and this and enjoying it while I can. It's supposed to warm up over the weekend.Okay, so it's not THAT cold; the northerly monsoon has brought us cooler weather. This week seems cooler than last week has probably averaged in the mid to high teens (60s) and I love it

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-29620716802357472502008-11-20T15:59:00.005+08:002009-02-28T16:08:45.334+08:00

RJP. One night Steve and I spent the evening at a couple of different places, all on Peel Street, just a little ways down the hill from us, in an area known as SoHo (south of Hollywood Road).We started off with dinner at Shui Hu Ju Restaurant. Lots of construction going on at the time. As is common here, it's actually owned by a group (Aqua) which owns several restaurants. It had been recommended

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-17093898895364305362008-11-19T13:45:00.005+08:002009-02-28T16:14:13.460+08:00

RJP. At summer's end, our good friend Heather suggested we get together for a pampering afternoon of lunch and spa. At our other good friend Emma's suggestion, we turned it into a bachelorette occasion for Heather since she was about to become a Mrs. (Satterfield). She and Stephen were to tie the knot at the end of September.A waiter was generous enough to take our picture. Everyone say "cupcake.

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-28077010864739576772008-11-18T19:39:00.005+08:002009-02-28T16:15:57.312+08:00

RJP. This morning I went to the General Post Office to send some mail and to return some to Customer Service for reason of "no such person." We keep getting mail for people who no longer live here. But I digress.Returning home, I walked to the Central-Mid-Levels Escalator. It was not long after 10am and the Escalator was in the process of being changed, from down the hill to up. I was quite

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-29518415734353863432008-11-16T12:56:00.013+08:002009-02-28T16:41:47.781+08:00

RJP. In the interest of having a snowball's chance in hell of catchng up on this blog on our current adventures, here are the highlights of our summer adventures in HK, breaking out the months into different posts. Last but not least, August.Oceans 11, 12, 13...no 12, now 11 and back to 12. Steve and I went with several of his industry colleagues to the gambling Special Administrative Region (of

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-82803669993297478152008-11-16T12:54:00.013+08:002009-02-28T16:30:16.056+08:00

RJP. In the interest of having a snowball's chance in hell of catchng up on this blog on our current adventures, here are the highlights of our summer adventures in HK, breaking out the months into different posts. July in HK was short since we went back to the States for about a week to see family and friends.Pink Dolphins. I signed up through the YWCA to go on a Pink Dolphin watch.It's

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-52228889448569242222008-11-14T20:15:00.024+08:002009-02-28T16:48:16.283+08:00

RJP. In the interest of having a snowball's chance in hell of catchng up on this blog on our adventures so I can write more of "I spy" and other current anecdotes, here are the highlights of our summer adventures in HK, breaking out the months into different posts. Let's begin with June.Job simplification.Steve switched from working for two companies to one. There was a farewell party for him.My

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-30986448229901368272008-11-14T19:45:00.002+08:002008-11-14T20:15:01.905+08:00

RJP. ...with my little eye.Recently I hung out with my friend Andrea and we had at a couple observations at differences in HK from the States. We observed them at the mall, specifically the International Finance Centre (IFC).1) There are employees who stand by the directory on every floor to help direct shoppers to what they are looking for. Job creation for you. On occasion I've found

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-75024709596311894132008-11-01T11:04:00.015+08:002009-02-28T16:58:26.729+08:00

RJP. It's been an extremely busy summer and fall and heck Halloween is past as I return to this long ago started post and I'm already planning how to have an honorary Thanksgiving dinner in HK without an oven. I still want to try to do some catchup instead of foregoing since it's become a journal for me.June's Tuen Ng Festival-our second in HK. Otherwise known as the Dragon Boat Festival. You can

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-58939650593511592502008-10-06T18:48:00.015+08:002009-02-28T17:29:52.831+08:00

RJP. My dad and stepmom Grace were here for about a week and last week I was quite sick, but now I'm back to blogging the highlights of our adventures. I can't believe it's now Nov and I started this post in oct.May was my second (annual) pilgrimmage to the hot, humid, flat and last but not least beautiful Singapore. Once again Steve was there for work and I tagged along for the sheer fun of

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-11503508396272606722008-09-23T22:22:00.003+08:002008-09-24T14:12:47.875+08:00

RJP. Almost every time a typhoon is about to blow into town, I seem to find myself out and about with the hurried crowds. Maybe it's something to do with procrastinating errands or wanting to experience local life and be in the thick of the city reacting to an oncoming storm. Although not much different than a snowstorm in northeastern States: people leave work early and form long lines at the

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-18271993926657292322008-09-23T08:52:00.005+08:002009-02-28T17:36:42.431+08:00

The rainy season was upon us so for this outing at May's end so the AWA Photo Group stayed inside. We went to the Langham Place shopping mall (opened on March 2, 2005) in Mongkok, Kowloon to see its interesting architecture and long escalators. Our leader Michele infomed us, "It is a 15 storey mall and is called the 'Spiral.' The reason for that is when you get to the top of the escalator and

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-5101444703660733712008-09-22T19:42:00.008+08:002009-02-28T22:46:34.383+08:00

RJP. Not so belated as September (remember I'm way behind on this blog)...and as I have become to think of this as a journal to remind me of the memories when I'm old and grey and even shorter than I am now I don't want to completely skip ahead.Way back when in the end of May our friends had a belated Cinco de mayo fiesta at their abode in Stanley. This was the photo on their e-vite.Given I'm

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-74308467256421203642008-09-16T20:49:00.003+08:002008-09-22T19:42:49.253+08:00

RJP. Today I saw a man in monk-like dress on a cell phone. I didn't think they used cell phones. Or technology. But they're monks, not the Amish. What do I know. I'm a Catholic raised gweilo in the foreign land of Asia.

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-79105661915681873932008-08-22T08:37:00.011+08:002008-08-24T14:10:12.987+08:00

RJP. For pretty much all day yesterday, the No. 1 Storm Signal (a stand-by signal ) was in effect by the HK Observatory. The HK Observatory issues warnings when cyclones are within 800 km (~500 miles) of HK; it's webpage gives more info on Tropical Cyclone Signals.By the time we went to sleep last night, it'd been raised to Signal No. 3. {average wind speed of 41-62 km/h (26-39 mi/hr)}. Typhoon

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-41626977459799583632008-08-15T12:35:00.050+08:002009-03-01T00:21:39.363+08:00

RJP. Long post, but preserving a memorable trip. I believe it was early February when I got the call while walking down Robinson Road. A spot had freed up on the American Women's Association Borneo trip and I was first on the waiting list! YAY! They have 8-10 trips per year and they fill up so quickly. I hadn't applied right away, so I figured I didn't have much of a chance, but they say if you

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-24403000632379587012008-08-14T21:39:00.004+08:002008-08-15T12:35:07.559+08:00

RJP. Mid-May James Blunt came to play in Hong Kong for his All the Lost Souls tour. The concert was held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai on Hong Kong Island (seen in the front center).The concert was on a weeknight so Steve went right from work and we were to meet up at the venue. Before I bought the tickets Bela and David had also expressed interest in going so we

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-63218658640759999822008-08-14T17:10:00.002+08:002008-08-14T20:51:03.237+08:00

RJP. Buddha's birthday is a celebration in Hong Kong's Buddhist temples. This year the day fell on Monday, May 12. It's a public holiday in HK, so Steve was off from work. Instead of going to bathe a Buddha statue, we celebrated by revering relaxation and headed to the QueenSpa in Shenzhen, China.Steve and I have both been here several times, but surprisingly we'd never gone together. I'd been

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-51205030221170349792008-08-14T16:50:00.004+08:002008-08-14T17:06:12.808+08:00

RJP. lol. I don't know why I bother putting my initials in posts to specify it's me, Randy, not Steve, when 9 times out of 10 or more it's me. Habit or signing my work I guess. okay, on with the catching up.In May, Steve and I were invited to brunch by his industry colleague Thor. The three of us met up and shared a taxi to Aberdeen where we met up with even more for brunch at the Top Deck. Top

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-78974915321845445212008-08-14T13:04:00.006+08:002008-08-14T21:12:49.258+08:00

RJP. In early May, Steve's cousin Melody traveled to Hong Kong for work. If I remember correctly, her husband Josh had business on the Mainland and passed through HK for a day or two.This was our first time meeting Josh as we had been unable to make it back to the States for their wedding last summer. So much to do, so little (vacation) time (scenario). We'd already recently been back to attend

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-70577527687038182402008-08-13T20:57:00.004+08:002008-08-14T13:03:02.067+08:00

RJP. In May, I went with the American Women's Association to see a dress rehearsal of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra playing "Mozart in the City."The meeting time and place: 9:45am at the City Hall. It was a bit rainy that day and I didn't want to arrive sweaty from the humidity and drizzled in rain, so I took our shuttle bus down to Central, near the Post Office by the former Queen's Pier

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-66859718295676349772008-08-07T18:56:00.006+08:002009-03-01T00:28:15.950+08:00

Annually in May, there are warmup races for the dragonboats competing in the Dragonboat (Tuen Ng) Festival in June. Steve and I went out to Stanley Beach (southern Hong Kong Island) to check them out. Mainly we went to cheer on the American Women's Association, which I'm a member of. This was the first time in several years, that they'd had a team. For the record, the name is a misnomer and their

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-56419998650694988342008-08-07T12:15:00.003+08:002008-08-07T18:55:28.936+08:00

Shortly after 5:30, we saw on tv that the No. 8 Signal was lowered to 3 and the worst of Severe Tropical Storm Kammuri was over. Steve talked me into going to the gym and planned on the 6:30 shuttle bus. Our shuttle wasn't running so we flagged a taxi to Lan Kwai Fong and walked past the partiers who had passed the storm by hanging out at Stormies restaurant/bar.Of course both of us had briefly

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-33349560849351393322008-08-06T10:26:00.003+08:002008-08-06T16:59:11.884+08:00

RJP. It's late afternoon as I type this, nearing 1700 and surprisingly, it's a weekday and Steve and I are lounging around, watching J.A.G. on the FX channel together. It's practically the middle of the day; usually Steve is still at work for several more hours.The No. 8 Southeast Gale or Storm Signal is in force.This means that winds with speeds of 63-117 kilometers (39-73 miles) per hour or

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-60428801789310773902008-08-05T10:50:00.009+08:002009-03-01T23:20:37.965+08:00

RJP. At the end of April, I went with the YWCA for a hike on Lantau Island. We took a ferry to the island and back; on the island we hiked from Discovery Bay to Mui Wo.Start. Discovery Bay, near the Plaza.Photos along the hike The end is in sight. See the path at the bottom. Amazing. Now just down to the beach and around and then a much welcomed rest via lunch.Once we reached the waterfront in

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-840516554246169172008-08-04T16:12:00.015+08:002009-03-01T23:36:39.655+08:00

RJP. I went with the AWA Photography Group to snap some photos at monasteries in Tsuen Wan, New Territories. First we went to the Yuen Yuen Institute and then to the Western Monastery where we enjoyed a delicious, vegetarian lunch.Here are my favorite photos from the day.Yuen Yuen Institute The Yuen Yuen Institute (圓玄學院) was established in 1950 by monks from the Sanyuan Gong (Three Originals

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-45605696304042750422008-08-02T23:23:00.005+08:002009-03-02T11:14:11.398+08:00

RJP. Michelle Kim is a member of the American Women's Association and a professional pianist. Originally from Seoul, Korea, she studied in the States and is now living in Hong Kong with her husband. One Sunday in April she held a concert as a fundraising event and proceeds were to go to the AWA's Education and Charities Fund.Our friends and neighbors Bela and David were also going and so we

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-59485316414192347862008-08-02T20:21:00.003+08:002008-08-02T23:23:14.171+08:00

RJP. I don't remember when Heather and Stephen got engaged (sorry guys!) but once they did, our group (a.k.a. the tai ta mafia) talked about getting together for a congratulations (on your engagement) party. With schedules and whatnot, the end of April was chosen.For convenience, Heather suggested she and Stephen "host." Stephen's in an MBA program here in Hong Kong - his class would go late that

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-64574001205768037342008-08-02T14:55:00.006+08:002009-03-02T11:17:43.810+08:00

RJP. After the AWA vote for the Board gathering, I walked home to change. To pass time on the Mid-Levels Central Escalator, I called friends and Michelle was the first one I reached. She said she and her friend Vivian were going to meet up shortly and go see the Wishing Tree in Tai Po and invited me along. I'd never been, so I said sure, but I'd have to rush and not wanting to hold them up, I

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-36760955988733352502008-08-02T12:56:00.005+08:002008-08-13T22:09:00.582+08:00

RJP. In mid April the American Women's Association had their annual Vote for the Board gathering. I'm not sure if it's always held here, but this year it was at the members only China Tee Club in Central.Most of my friends didn't have any interest in attending, but I suppose I felt closer to the administrative side of the Assoc. since I work on the website and know some of the people and I also

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-61354699667701006972008-08-01T20:09:00.006+08:002009-03-02T11:20:13.324+08:00

RJP. One afternoon we had lunch with friends and neighbors Bela and David. We went to Top Deck, the top floor of the Jumbo Floating restaurant. Jumbo is a well known as a big tourist, Chinese seafood restaurant while the newer Top Deck is mainly Western food.We took a taxi to Aberdeen and then a small ferry to get to the floating restaurant off the shore.The Jumbo Floating Restaurant and Top Deck

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-32901518700737066332008-08-01T17:23:00.010+08:002009-03-02T11:23:41.712+08:00

RJP. One early April eve, Heather and Stephen invited friends out for impromptu drinks at M1NT, the member's only club in their building, CentreStage. You can read about our 1st experience there. It's an elaborate lounge with a long bar, aquariums and shark tanks built into the walls and many long cushioned benches around tables for all the groups that gather and order bottles of champagne and

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-86557273181151205152008-08-01T13:04:00.004+08:002009-06-10T16:53:32.749+08:00

RJP. With the American Women's Association in April, I took a day trip via Chinese junk to Peng Chau Island (1 of over 260 HK Islands) for some island exploring and lunch.Chinese junk, our transportation to and from Peng Chau Islandapproaching Peng Chau IslandBefore lunch, we walked around the islandTin Hau Temple. Built in 1792 for T'ien Hou, Queen of Heaven who looks after sailors on the seas.

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-80926140544833479192008-06-27T16:52:00.037+08:002009-03-02T17:37:34.749+08:00

RJP. Alright I've established I'm (almost hopelessly) behind in posting (partly bc this is a long one) so let's get to it. One of my best friends, Kate, came out to visit us the first week of April. I've known Kate seemingly forever, since our kindergarden days. I don't remember our first encounter, but throughout our elementary years we certainly enjoyed singing "New York New York" on the bus

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-81860386558281322262008-06-26T10:13:00.005+08:002008-06-27T16:43:56.248+08:00

RJP. It seemed much less dramatic than when Tropical Cyclone Pabuk hit, probably because the worst of it was late at night, was over with by late morning and also Pabuk was my first experience with a tropical storm here in HK.Tuesday, I was checking the weather as I was scheduled to go on a trip Wednesday a.m., through the YWCA to see the pink dolphins off the coast of Lantau Island. In the late

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-14704466204166154562008-06-24T17:11:00.006+08:002008-06-27T11:31:53.762+08:00

The three main reasons I'm behind in this blog I'd sum up as the title suggests. I spent a week in April entertaining my friend Kate, whom I've known since kindergarden, who came out from the States to visit. The rest of April was busy with life...events and I suppose I wasn't in a writing mood. and it kinda snowballed from there. May was travel month. I went to Malaysian Borneo (Malaysia on the

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-45759499731328434092008-06-11T13:13:00.003+08:002008-06-11T20:42:13.977+08:00

RJP. Not exciting, but it was my first visit to a US Consulate. Who'da thunk I would need to add pages to my passort. Not me. I got my first passport which I am still on not even 6 years ago in my late twenties. Part of it is that I"ve been to the mainland several times, I don't quality for a multiple entry visa, only double, and China's visa takes up a whole page.Before I left, I cleaned out my

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-3472435634997928112008-06-09T18:11:00.003+08:002008-06-09T20:02:16.836+08:00

RJP. Today is a public holiday in Hong Kong: "Day Following Tuen Ng Festival." The Dragon Boat Festival. Last year we went to Stanley (southern HK Island) to see the races. The races are on Sunday and this year that was yesterday. We saw races in Stanley and on Cheung Chau Island, but I'll get to that later. I'm not sure if there were more races today.Although closed, Steve went into the office

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-56540726062895406212008-05-15T18:51:00.004+08:002008-05-15T18:53:59.509+08:00

RJP. April has passed and took half of May with it. I was asked about April. What happened to it? I just don't know. It went by so quickly. I have much blogging to catch up on. For starters the whole first week of it, my best friend since Kindergarden, Kate came out to visit. But not right now...I'm off to Borneo, Malaysia in the morning so stay tuned. I've begun to understand why they say people

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-67814482211162646082008-03-31T18:15:00.019+08:002009-03-02T17:57:53.270+08:00

RJP. Over Easter weekend (and Steve's birthday) Steve suggested we go away since it's a long weekend here with Easter Monday. We couldn't decide where to go and one of Steve's coworkers suggested Bangkok. I inquired online with some of Cathay Pacific holiday packages, but they were booked so Steve went through the travel agency they use at work and we got a 4 day/3 night package.DAY 1 FRIDAY:

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-35118697438409583222008-03-31T18:14:00.007+08:002009-03-02T18:44:54.296+08:00

RJP. I planned to go to Victoria Park in Causeway Bay to see the HK Flower Show with the AWA photography Group. I had recently joined and this was my first outing with them. Well I made it to the park, but then was sick, so had to bail. My friend Michelle walked me to the exit and I took a cab home.Feeling better the next day, I returned on my own to capture some floral beauty. I'm including some

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-31367720119517730762008-03-31T18:13:00.014+08:002008-08-02T14:30:07.075+08:00

RJP. It was a day of beauty treatments and lunch with the girls. It should've been such a relaxing day, but sadly and surprisingly it felt more like an errand day than a beauty day. It started with trying out a new hairdresser at a different salon, since my regular is on sabbatical. He was quite nice and from Ireland so of course he'd gone out to guzzle his share of Guinness for St. Patrick's

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-73288041638804788642008-03-31T18:13:00.013+08:002008-05-07T21:09:07.524+08:00

RJP. On March 17, otherwise also known as St. Paddy's Day, I had a morning meeting at the American Women's Assoc. about how our contributions to the AWA website were going. I thought of wearing green for my Irish heritage and wore a multicolored blouse that had green in it.Usually to be at the AWA office in the morning, I would tag along with my friend and neighbor Bela going to work. Recently

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-42553043152325624182008-03-31T18:12:00.016+08:002008-05-07T21:04:21.150+08:00

RJP. Disappointed with our lack of spice experience at The Red Pepper Restaurant, we continued our search with dinner at another restaurant also in Causeway Bay, Hunan Garden at the Times Square mall. It was recommended by a coworker of Steve's. We quite enjoyed it.Here are the meal highlights.Soup starter. Sweet and sour minus the pork.Roasted eggplant and peppers.Chicken with chilli peppers and

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-15931796172564505772008-03-31T18:05:00.005+08:002008-05-06T21:12:59.551+08:00

RJP. Well a rather long post, but wanted to capture the memorable "cultural experience." The Plan Earlier this month Heather and I decided to cross the border to Shenzen and experience the QueenSpa that Steve had recommended. We had planned to go our previous (my 1st) trip to Shenzen, but we were with several others and by the time everyone got their clothes ordered or picked up, it was decided

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-73995468501360642008-03-25T18:53:00.009+08:002008-04-07T18:25:57.959+08:00

RJP. Not necessarily in that order. Through the YWCA I signed up for "Tea ware museum tour with dim sum lunch." We were to meet in the lobby of a hotel in Pacific Place mall shopping center, which is next to Hong Kong Park where the teahouse and museum are located. I can't recall which hotel it was...it was one I hadn't been in yet (translation I haven't had afternoon tea there yet)...I think it

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-13469368845002653412008-03-25T18:52:00.010+08:002008-03-31T15:43:16.557+08:00

RJP. I spotted this sign and took this photo in March of last year while going up the Mid-Level to Central Escalator. It was an ad for the Hong Kong Art Walk 2007. We'd been in HK only a couple of weeks at the time and I hadn't come across it in time. It seemed like fun so I promised myself that I would go the next year when it came around again.I should explain. ArtWalk. It's a charity event

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-75747503616086556152008-03-25T18:50:00.010+08:002009-03-02T19:12:40.938+08:00

RJP. Through the AWA (American Women's Associaion) I went for a junk ride from Aberdeen to the town of Yung Shue Wan, Lamma Island. It was my first trip to Lamma. I took a taxi to the Kwun Hoi Path in Aberdeen to board the junk.You can see the island of Ap Lei Chau in the background. Fishing island known among the expats as a place of furniture shopping-Steve and I'd gone there when we first

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-18435610402026725402008-03-12T10:09:00.002+08:002008-03-29T13:38:26.582+08:00

RJP. The day after we went to the Red Pepper, it was a Saturday. We usually go to the gym but I wanted a variety. There will only be so many more days left to walk to the Peak (it takes us about an hour and half) since soon it will be too hot and humid.So in the midafternoon we took the Mid-Levels to Central Escalator up to the top at Conduit Road (Or Gong Duck doh as they say here) and hiked up

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-10666073133874265432008-03-12T10:08:00.005+08:002009-03-02T19:16:47.603+08:00

RJP. Steve's been searching for a good Sichuan restaurant and we just never really got out and tried to find one. This one was recommended to him so a few weeks ago, we finally made reservations to go to the Red Pepper Restaurant in Causeway Bay.We took the MTR and we ended up being late because we got a bit lost trying to follow the map and made a wrong turn so we walked in a circle. Nothing new

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-78782901456742812142008-03-12T10:07:00.005+08:002009-03-02T19:21:25.296+08:00

Steve and I took our first trip out to Discovery Bay on Lantau Island, a more "suburban area of HK." We took the ferry from Central, had brunch at the Flying Pan for their egg white omelettes and then walked around a bit, but we didn't take the 45 min walk from Disco Bay to Mui Wo, saving it for another day. Afterwards, we took the ferry back and Steve tried to convince me to go to the gym but I

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-8022895113356662552008-03-08T18:35:00.018+08:002009-03-02T19:38:53.357+08:00

RJP. March has been a busy month so I am suddenly finding myself quite behind in more posts than I care to admit. So to move things along, the next 10 or so posts will be on the shorter side (meaning less of my wordy descriptions) but still a way for me to capture the memory. Or maybe not, who am I kidding. I'll try.Met at infamous Admiralty station's Starbucks, swiped octopus card for MTR-KCR

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-53872923735578757572008-03-06T12:01:00.003+08:002009-03-02T19:42:57.687+08:00

RJP. Yesterday I went on a field trip through the YWCA. It was a tour of a cookie and chocolate factory in Chai Wan, on the eastern side of Hong Kong Island. I'd heard from a couple of people who had taken the tour that it was great,m but I never got any specifics just that it was Swiss so I was curious.We met at the Y and then took a bus to the factory, which took about a half hour. When we

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-58193435692467033382008-03-04T18:22:00.004+08:002008-03-04T18:42:00.181+08:00

RJP. Last Saturday night Steve and I went out with Heather and Stephen for dinner at La Bodega in Lan Kwai Fong. Many moons ago, in the summer, we'd met up with them and had drinks at M1NT then JJ's at the Hyatt. So this was our reciprocation.HSBC otherwise known as Hong Kong Shanghai Banking Corp. has been running a promotion with Igor Group restaurants: 30% by paying with your HSBC card. So

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-1378336539749389522008-03-04T17:54:00.004+08:002008-03-04T18:21:12.212+08:00

RJP. Steve would tell the anecdote better than I, but it'll be a while if ever before I get him to do another post (he wrote the very first one!) Sadly for you, dear reader, his easygoing writing style flows better than my descriptive, digression-filled documentaries.In my recent ramblings of encountering afternoon vs. high tea and other British terms, I was reminded of a conversation Steve and I

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-64830900305223194012008-03-04T17:16:00.003+08:002008-03-04T17:26:08.443+08:00

RJP. I like to go through newspapers, i.e. The Standard and HK Magazine and tear out articles or announcements on topics of blogging interest or events. I recently tore out one about the Tiam Tsuen Wishing Tree in Tai Po, a popular attraction especially during the Lunar New Year. I'd meant to go see it but was busy and forgot about it.Anyway, on the back was an article, "Restaurants face the

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-90485240658739307042008-03-03T19:42:00.002+08:002008-03-03T20:06:33.574+08:00

RJP. The parallel road just below us on the hill is Caine Road or "Caine doh" to the taxi drivers. Home of our favorite local Italian restaurant Casa Nostra. I wrote about our meal at Casa Nostra in October. Steve has always liked to write his order on the tablecloth in crayon.Our drycleaner is a hop, skip and a jump from here so in passing it since we've returned in the New Year I could see the

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-54607047909541855072008-03-03T16:34:00.018+08:002008-03-03T19:38:35.608+08:00

RJP. I signed up for my 2nd cooking class at the Y, "Making Indian Bread" or in other words naan. (My first class was Chinese cooking for Vegetarians.) I loooove naan. Especially ones with garlic and/or onion, but not the stuffed ones.It was a slightly larger class this time, at least 10 people so the dynamics were different. For most of the class we didn't gather around the counter prep area/

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-83396428474238593152008-02-29T19:06:00.005+08:002008-03-03T18:38:40.025+08:00

RJP. This afternoon was tea at the Lobby Lounge in the Conrad Hotel with some of the girls. Emma, Heather and Michelle to be precise. Nikki had appts with her new little one and Heidi was back in the States, skiing Whistler. Too busy gabbing and stuffing my face to bother with photos.Since arriving in HK and being exposed to British terms and practises, I've grown accustomed to "lift," "queue"

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-91761502406930980642008-02-27T22:47:00.002+08:002008-02-28T19:41:17.394+08:00

RJP. Steve's been in the mood to iceskate and there are several rinks in HK. His coworkers have been singing the new mall MegaBox's praises so last weekend we went .We took the MTR and I'm not feeling technical so it was the red line to the green line to the Kowloon Bay station. We knew through word of mouth, there is a free shuttle bus from the MTR station to MegaBox. We had a hard time locating

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-5525905692840593932008-02-27T22:03:00.005+08:002008-02-27T23:04:01.008+08:00

RJP. It's always disconcerting to walk into your everyday supermarket to find your favorite items no longer there or relocated. Ever since the lunar new year, Wellcome at the end of our street has been undergoing a makeover. The makeover process is painful and it's been piecemealed. The first day I noticed, the cashews and nuts were in a different aisle, it took me 10 minutes to find the

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-27994776849924707042008-02-27T20:05:00.004+08:002008-02-27T23:03:22.851+08:00

RJP. I've learned there really are other movie theatres than the AMC at Pacific Place which Steve and I always go to. The other main one in Central is Palace IFC . Due to space limitation on HK Island, I think just about everything shares space in a building, i.e. movie theatres in shopping malls. After the walking tour in Aberdeen, I took the bus back to Exchange Square next to the International

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-83942408768843319782008-02-26T23:44:00.008+08:002009-03-02T19:52:51.756+08:00

RJP. One year. 1 Year. Already? Really? Time flies when you're having fun. Although I'm having more fun than Steve. I hate to sum up all that I've liked most or what I miss back in the States. That would feel too much like saying goodbye.Steve has experienced working in another country. Another culture. Like how nothing gets done between 1 and 2pm while practically everyone goes to lunch. This

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-41648714080718190872008-02-26T12:13:00.008+08:002009-03-02T19:56:25.775+08:00

RJP. Last week I went on a walking tour of "Amazing Aberdeen" or Heung Keung Tsai with the YWCA. It's an area on the southern part of Hong Kong Island. I learned the area was named after the Earl of Aberdeen, Secretary of State for the colonies in 1848.Being right on the shore, there is a lot of activity centered around the water such as the ferries to outlying islands, seafood market and Tanka

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1944666895532122736.post-77533260265101232432008-02-25T21:01:00.005+08:002008-02-27T17:04:32.648+08:00

RJP. Sunday the 17th was the Standard Chartered Marathon, the 4th and final leg of the Greatest Race on Earth.It seems like another lifetime ago that I planned on running it with my friend Jen from back home and later recruited my friend and neighbor Bela over wine and chips. Then it downgraded to the half, then maybe the 10k and then before I knew it, nah, not enough time to comfortably train.

Ms. Randy J. Prescotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14202393398185721196noreply@blogger.com1