Someone accused me (I think it was either my mom, Laura Casey, or Lauren Sadlon) of claiming to really like every place I go. And that is entirely false, because I hate Venice, Italy. What a tourist trap overpriced apathetic riding on its laurels dump, and I pray to God that I am never made to go back.
But actually my mom/Laura/Lauren do have a point, because I tend to find something magical about most places, whether it be the people or the food or the scenery. So let me share some first Hong Kong impressions after 24 hours here.
This city is absolutely brilliant. We rocked into town about 11pm last night, and I was hungry (not new). The front desk recommended the McDonalds down the road. But we pushed on for one more block, and I found a noodle joint. Menu outside was only in Chinese but there were pictures, so we took a gamble and came away with some incredible shrimp dumplings with yellow noodles and broth. Today, we walked to Central Hong Kong Island (maybe 1.5 miles), passing shops selling shark fins, herbal remedies involving dried geckos, live fish in the wet markets waiting to meet their maker, random meats hanging on hooks, roasted ducks dripping fat in the windows, and loads more. We had dim sum for lunch at Luk Yu, an institution in the city – and the food was just amazing, basket after basket of lovely dumplings. We followed it up with a herbal remedy tea at the local pharmacy – not sure exactly what we each drank, but I'm praying mine expands my stomach ten-fold so I can keep eating.
And your Yankee dollar goes on forever here. Noodle shop last night ran me $4 for 2 orders, dim sum for 2 at a legendary place was $35, the local tram is 25 cents no matter how far you go, and the Star Ferry across Victoria Harbor (one of the best ferry rides in the world) is 22 cents in economy (downstairs), 28 cents in first class (upstairs). We decided to spring for the upgrade.
We have 5 more days in Hong Kong – but as you could have predicted, Mom/Laura/Lauren – I do love it here.
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Like one of Lauren's previous comments, I'm commenting so you know we're reading and keep it coming! I think Mark and I will eat our way through NYC as an ode to your travels. We just had dim sum on Sunday so we're right on track :) Keep writing and be safe out there!
ReplyDeleteThanks Karyn (and Lauren) for the notes -- I will keep writing because it gives Andrea some free time and she really, really, really likes that. As for NYC eats -- I often dream of a day that starts with a sesame bagel with lox, maybe lunch at Gotham with a nice bottle of wine, and finishing things off with steak for 7 at Luger, rare. Maybe this fall?
ReplyDeleteMight as well end your world tour with a couple days in NYC :) And how's your health? I was looking for an update somewhere in Italy but didn't see one.
ReplyDelete1. I can relate to the need for some free time and space.
ReplyDelete2. I would like to invite myself along to Luger's this fall.
3. B, I think it's wonderful that you love every place you go...I tend to be the same way. Perhaps it's overly optimistic, but I couldn't live with myself if I had spent $$ on something less than fun/enjoyable/interesting. It's fantastic to find the adventure in new places.
4. Karyn, hope all is well in your world! Perhaps you should blog about your eating adventures in NYC...I know I would read :)
Karyn, thanks for your interest in my urinary tract ;-) All is good, haven't had any issues so waiting for Australia to get the all-clear test, doctors aren't in a rush and less of a language barrier (or so I assume).
ReplyDeleteI only read this blog for updates on Brian's urinary tract. In my mind, his travels are incidental.
ReplyDelete