My first trip back to Hong Kong since I was 5 was this past spring. We decided to plan it around my cousin's wedding. Her wedding happen to fall on the day after my birthday. I didn't know what to expect from this trip or this wedding. My friends can tell you I e-mailed them to ask about the difference between Hong Kong weddings and western weddings. I really have no clue.
I was so nervous about doing hair for this wedding. Not only was it my first time, it was also overseas. My job for the day was to focus only on the bride. She had a different person for each of her bridesmaids. I thought those plug converters would work for my curling irons. Boy, did it ever NOT! After scrambling for a new converter, I finally settled on purchasing a cheap curling iron from the drugstore. It did its job. The other concern....the humidity! Considering, I think my hairspray faired better than the other hairstylists. But, no matter, everyone's curls still came undone or frizzed within 2hrs of being outside. Same with the make-up. Impossible not to melt when outside. The up-side? Being under these conditions makes me far more confident about doing hair here at home. Anyways, it was a very long day, but a beautiful wedding.
Most of my friends thought I would love Hong Kong. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case. Don't get me wrong. We were VERY fortunate to stay with my siser-in-law and her family at their unbelievable flat (which apparently Chow Yun Fat owns a townhouse in the same complex - that's right, I name dropped) and the food was amazing (can you say Yun Kee?). But the excessive crowds, the homelessness (tamed version of Slumdog Millionaire), and the humidity (which leads to swelling and bloating) was what killed it for me. Some hightlights - spending my birthday at The Peak, the 90 minute massage session for $35CDN (we went twice!) and the Big Buddha. The trek to the Big Buddha was where I felt the most at peace. Best vegetarian food I've ever had. All in all, I liked it, but I didn't love it. It will hold me over for another 20 years. I think I'm more of a Europe chick.
The ultimate hightlight was actually my one night stay in Ginza, Tokyo ^^ An obvious contrast after leaving Hong Kong. Being born and raised in Vancouver (the most beautiful city in the world), there are only a few places I would agree to live in. San Fran, and now Tokyo. I'm in love. The people, the food, the cleanliness, lol, the Sanrio World, what's not to love? I hope I get to go back for a real trip!
Drool....
