Adevntures in China

My yummy strawberry chocolate margarita at the feathered boa.

Emily and I have been talking about heading into China for a few months now, and we had both gotten Visa’s (which aren’t cheap) so we decided to use the two days off that Emily had to head to Guangzhou. Guangzhou is located about 2 hours Northwest of Hong Kong. After a night on the town Saturday night, Sunday morning arrived quickly, but we had a train to catch. We quickly packed an over night bag and jetted to bus stop.

Once at the train station, we figured out which track to head to, flashed our tickets and visa’s and passports, and boarded the train. There was some miscommunication as to which car to board. One train attendant pointed us to one end of the train, only to get there and have to walk back the entire length of the train! We were assigned seats so we plopped down and were ready to go! Only a short time into the trip, Emily took a trip to the bathroom (she has a peanut bladder! Luv ya Emily!!), only to come back a few moments later, laughing! Peeing while moving is tough enough, but when it’s just a hole in the ground that’s even more tricky! So I of course had to go see this toilet for myself! It was quite an experience... I will leave it at that!

Soon we arrived in Guangzhou, and realized we had no idea where we were going. We both looked at each other and laughed. We would figure it out… no big deal! Just then some man walked up to me, (we were the only white folks in the entire train station, so we must be tourists right?). He helped us figure out where to go and also tried to convince us to take a cab across town to the hotel where we were staying at. This would have been 180 Chinese, about $30 US. We opted to take the metro, and find it on our own. We were feeling adventurous. As we started on our way we soon realized that people really liked to stare at us, we were clearly different. Without even going the wrong way once we made it to our stop in central Guangzhou.

A park in Guangzhou

On our way out of the metro, a teenage boy, asked us "how much?" we both just looked at each other, laughed and said to ourselves... not for sale! On our walk to find the hotel, there was this small boy who was following us, like we were this strange creature he had never seen... it was quite interesting. Soon we found our hotel and were so proud of ourselves!

The main reason we went Guangzhou was to go to a spa that was recommended to Emily by a friend. It was apparently really cheap and relaxing. We were both all over the idea. So we asked for information at the front desk, but they had not heard about the spa we were recommended. We were given the name of another place, so we thought lets try it!

Upon arrival at the Spa we were immediately pounced upon. The women that spoke to us, spoke in very broken English, but we soon learned she was the best speaker in the house! We were in for an adventure! We chose a few items from the spa menu that looked good and were cheap! A manicure. pedicure, back rub and head/shoulder/back massage. Sounds good right? We thought so!

We then were given these key bracelets for our lockers and taken to the changing room, where things started to turn into a Seinfeld episode! We were taken to our lockers. The only way for the ladies to communicate with us was to push us around the locker room. We were really talking with our hands and feet! We were then under the impression to put on our bathing suits. We complied. Then were told to "SHOWER" so we did. At this point Emily and I are looking at each other like "what is going on!" Once out of the shower they all huddled around us and were trying to ask us something, but the language barrier was getting in the way. Emily and I finally realized that they were angry we showered with our suits on, because now they were wet. Oh well easy solution.. they shoved us into the sauna. At this point they are all standing outside probably talking about us, which is ok, because Emily and I are equally as confused! We sat in the sauna and both burst into laughter... what is happening?!? The sauna smelled like a a big bowl of Raumen noodles! After only a few moments they call us out and put us into different rooms and pulled a curtain shut! Uh Oh! The women then motions for me to lie down on my stomach... I am thinking ok, this is the back rub. Little did I know this was the Brillo rub! So my first though is maybe they have to clean us before they give us the back rub. Boy was I wrong! this was a full body exfoliation! Painful at times! I don't know I have ever been so exfoliated! All that scrubbing left me with some soft skin though!

Once I was done getting scrubbed I was pushed back into the shower, but I thought where is Emily? I was sure to not get my bathing suit wet again! After the shower I still didn't know where Emily was but I felt I must follow my lady to the next post. So like a good little kid I followed like a puppy. Little did I know that very soon I was going to be put into the most ridiculous outfit I have ever worn. Broke down palace anyone?? You remember those prison outfits, that is what we were given to wear. Meanwhile I am still wondering where is Emily? Moments later after sitting in a recliner, a women walked up to me and handed me Emily's bathing suit. I think to myself.. Where is the girl that goes inside the bathing suit? What happened to Emily?" Moments later Emily appeared and just laughed at my outfit! Soon though she was in the same one!

Yes this is the most unflattering photo, but I wanted you to have a visual on just how ridiculous we looked!

After reuniting we headed upstairs and were placed into these wonderful recliner chairs, were were given Tsing Tao beer. Here we received our manicure and pedicures and head and shoulder massages. None of these were the best we had had, but still we were paying close to nothing!

After getting manicures and pedicures were realized that they did not include nail polish, we were made our way to the painting station. This was hilarious. The girls here were so much fun! One in particular spoke a few words in English and was a hoot!

Once we were all painted we headed to eat some food and then back to the hotel. The cab ride back to the hotel, had to be one of the move frightening rides I have ever been on. In Guangzhou they like to use there horns and drive fast in two lanes! We were both excited to make it to the hotel in one piece! Our hotel was nice but had the hardest bed ever! I was able to jump on the bed with a glass of water on the mattress and not disturb it!
This the view from the hotel window.


The next morning we had a short time to walk around before it was time to make our way back to the train station. There was a beautiful park across the street. So we went to explore. There were couples getting wedding photos taken, old men and women practicing Tai Chi and playing ping pong, as well as the lovely old man who was walking around hawking loogies left and right. This is an awesome Chinese custom! Ping Pong in the park

One of the awesome signs I have seen on my trip!

Emily and I were both glad we were able to go to China, but were also excited to be back Hong Kong!

My last few days here have been bittersweet. I leave for Thailand tomorrow and am very excited but also sad to leave behind all the wonderful times and people I have met! For my last night here we are heading to the horse races. It think this will be right down my alley!

Tomorrow its off to Khoa Lak, I will try to update you all soon! Thanks again for all the emails and comments... its great to hear from everyone!

Same, same but different

Something I have learned here, is that people want to please you. A quote that I have grown to love is "same, same, but different" this is a common thing they will tell you when you ask a question or are looking for a particular thing. They will tell you or show you something that is not at all what you asked, but to them, they want to please you, so they find some commonality in it and will tell you "same, same but different". This is a quite common thing to say here. Emily and I were out the other day and saw a Chinese man with a shirt on that said "same, same" on the front and the back read "but different". We had a good laugh!


The last few days have been somewhat chill. I have been hanging out with Bruce, Emily's friends while she has been working. He just bought a new flat on the 62nd floor of a beautiful building in Kennedy Town. So the other day I went light fixture shopping! I had a good laugh, thinking of all the times I went with my dad and was so bored, now here I am doing it on my own will! We did find some great light for he apartment, so maybe all those year listening to my dad talk about lights have paid off :)

This is a view down into Kennedy town from the 62nd floor

This is a view off the balcony looking up at the peak.

Also a view from the balcony, but looking the other direction toward the harbour

On Wednesday, we went up to the peak via the tram. It reminded me of being in Switzerland! There, we went to this really nice restaurant and had gin and tonics... my favorite! We then were planning on meeting of with a friend of mine from the navy who was to be in port here for Thanksgiving. But turns out they were not granted diplomatic clearance, so no Hong Kong for them. Big Fat Bummer! It is pretty sad, many of the sailors families had flown in to be with their loved ones, only to find out they weren't coming!

Emily and Bruce at the fancy restaurant.

We found this great statue while searching for my friends Hotel... so in true Sanna fashion I needed a photo with it! Bruce thanks for joining in!

Yesterday I decided to hike the peak again, so I walked from Emily's apartment in Wan Chai. I walked over through Pacific Place, a huge mall with lots of Hotels. You feel like you are back home here! Then I cut through Hong Kong Park. This is popular place for school trips so there were herds of small, cute little Chinese kids running all over the place. I went through the aviary and also by the marriage registry. It is common to see couples all dressed up taking there wedding photos there.

Some turtles in the park

One of the pretty birds in the aviary

Class picture!

The bride and Groom walking through the park.

One of the many wedding cars parked at the registry.

The hike up is quite steep and draining, so once I got to the peak I was hungry! So I treated myself to some ice cream... and it wasn't until I was walking down that I realized I had just paid nearly $6 for 2 little scoops! oh well.. you only live once right, if a girl needs some ice cream, I am gonna get some ice cream;)This is how the whole way up the peak looks! Nice and steep!

After hiking back down the peak, which only took about 15 mins, contrary to the 4o it took me to muscle my way up to the top, I stopped in at the tea museum. Mom you would have absolutely loved this! I wished I could have made you magically appear just for a moment so you could have seen some of these tea sets. There was a competition last year, for the greatest, most creative tea set. I took a few photos of the ones I liked, before getting told that photos were not allowed!

This was the computer virus set

Just one of the many displays!

Tomorrow Emily and I are heading into mainland China to a town called Guangzhou. We will stay the night at a spa which all costs around $50 US. We plan to do some sightseeing as well!

I will be sure to update the blog when we get back!

Buddha Time!

Can't believe how fast time is flying! I feel like it was just yesterday I arrived, but at the same time feel I have been here forever, and am even starting to know my way around!
Yesterday Emily and I took the ferry over to Lantua Island, this is the same Island where the airport is. The ferry ride took about 20 or so minute and when we arrived it felt like we were in a different country. It was like a small town far away from busy busy Hong Kong Island. We were not entirely sure where we were going once we got to Mui Wo. We knew we wanted to see the Buddha and figured it would not be hard to find... we were right, we followed a group of tourist and sure enough they lead us to the bus we wanted.
We boarded the bus using our Octopus card (this looks like a credit card that you can put money on, and use on pretty much on any form of public transportation, very easy!) This bus ride was an experience, there were several moments where Emily and I thought we might go flying off a cliff! For those of you that have seen the movie Tourista, it was like the bus ride at the beginning of the movie!
Once we arrived in Ngong Ping Village one quick glance to the right and holy moly there was a HUGE BUDDHA

We walked up the a few hundred steps (I wont lie, my legs were burning a little from all the hiking and walking I have been doing!) The buddha was quite impressive, he's a big dude, with some curly hair. The view from the back side of the buddha (yes his butt side ;) was a quite awesome view of the South China Sea.

After taking it all in we walked back down to the village and ate a very cheap( less then $2) plate of not-so great vegetarian noodles and an egg roll. I guess you get what you pay for! We then walked through the monastery, which was beautiful.

Then we decided to take one of the shorter trials and just explore. About 10 mins down the trail was a sign to Tung Chung( 2 1/2 hrs), the town were to meet up with some friends later that evening. Emily and I looked at each other and said what the heck, lets walk, instead of paying to ride on that crazy bus! This was the best decision! A few steps later we ran into a couple, and me wanting find out where we were headed, struck up a conversion. Turns out they were from North Carolina and were visiting there daughter here on Lantua Island. Small World! They assured us the hike to Tung Chung was great, and boy were they right. This might have been my favorite thing thus far. We, for the first time since I have been here, were the only people on this trail! We walked over the hills and through the woods ( or should I say jungle) and saw some of the coolest sites! There were some old abandoned monasteries, little villages, streams and water falls. I joked with Emily that it would be cool to see some wild animal, she didn't think it was too cool, when all of a sudden Emily jerked to a stop. Yikes what is it?? Was this going to be the wild native animal I wanted!?! HA well it was an animal of sorts. It was a bright red bug, that Emily almost squashed! It was our wild animal for the day!

The start of the path to Tung Chung

Emily and I had a blast, just chatting away taking it all in, as this was also the first time we were both seeing something completely new. A ways into the hike two girls caught up to us. Again I stopped to talk and realized they were German (from Frankfort), so of course I had to test out some of my German skills and we chatted for a bit and then went on walking. A little while later we met up with them again, at a split in the trail, we then ended up hiking together into the town of Tung Chung. Vanessa and Sandra, were on holiday in Hong Kong before heading to Taiwan for a wedding. They were the most jolly girls I have met!

A garden area we stumbled upon

Another Monastery along the way...

Once we arrived in the city of Tung Chung, it was like walking through the Truman Show set, only Asian! All the buildings looked alike. All massively tall with lots and lots of clothes hanging out the window to dry! We also for the first time since I had been here, were the ONLY white people, in a sea of people. We all just looked at each other and smiled.

Once we made it to the town center we went our separate ways, the German girls back to Kowloon and Emily and I headed to the airport to meet up with Bruce for dinner. It was just a week before that I landed with my huge bag and big eyes. Now I was an old pro at getting back into the city . Emily and Bruce, headed to see Lincoln Park and I headed back into the city. I walked from the train station to Emily's ( about 20 mins). I only had one moment of panic that I was going the wrong way, but soon realized I was doing good. I arrived home around 9, and was BEAT! Needless to say I slept like a baby!

Today I am going to head to Hong Kong Park and then maybe up to the top of the IFC ( the tallest building here in HK) before meeting up with Emily and heading up the peak for drinks!

Thanks for all the comments and emails. It's so great to hear from you all! I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving... I am trying to not think about the AMAZING meal I am missing. ( Mom my mouth is watering thinking of the amazing spread you are cooking up! We might have to do Thanksgiving in March!)

Hong Kong Hiking

Can't believe I have been gone for a week already! Time is already flying... I know it will only start to go faster! So its time to soak it all in. This past weekend was lots of fun. On Saturday I navigated through the city on my own, via bus to Emily's work. Once she was off, we made a B-line to the other side of the island, Kennedy Town to meet up with Bruce and hike the peak. The peak is one of the taller peaks on the Island (I don't think its the tallest though).

We met up a some friends of Bruce, Greg and Megan, at their 59th floor apartment in a building called the Belchers. What a view and their apartment was amazing! From there we walked to the foot of the peak and started the hike, which started with lots of steps!

As those of you that mountain bike with me know, it takes my a good 1/2 hour to get warmed up. So needless to say I was out of breath on the way up. The views were amazing though and it was a "clear" day for Hong Kong standards. We walked around the top to see all sides of the island. Here are a few photos...

Victoria Harbour and the smog!

Emily and I... Just a little sweaty!

Saturday night we went back to Greg and Megan's for a delicious dinner and a great night view of Hong Kong.
On Sunday we took the ferry over to Lamma Island, which is known as the more laid back "hippie" island. I was excited with the idea of getting out and seeing something new as well as going to a "laid back" place! The ferry ride over was interesting. We got on the ferry and it was already packed! There was no area to sit outside, and there were only a few random seats here and there. Emily and I found two seats on either side of a women. We politely motioned to her if she could move so we could sit next to each other. She just stared and then finally pointed to the two seats on either side! She clearly wasn't understanding our request. Finally she moved and we were able to sit next to each other! After about 25 mins on the ferry we arrived in Lamma, and started up the hill/mountain. We planned to hike Mt. Stenhouse. Emily and Bruce had attempted to hike it a month or so ago, but were forced to turn around due to the heat. We were all excited with the weather, it was in the mid 70's, with a thick smog cover! (gotta love HK!)

Mt. Stenhouse

As we started hiking I remember that Emily had told me the trail was not maintained very well! EX2 and MORE you are needed here! As we headed up about 10 mins. into the hike, it looked the trail had ended! With Bruce in the lead we fought through some heavy brush! My legs were getting torn up, but I was still excited to be out!

After about 1.25 hours of hiking through the brush we made it to the top!

Bruce, Emily and I at the Summit of Mt. Stenhouse

The way down was almost harder then the way up! The overgrown trails were easiest to navigate a steady pace going up, but then coming down good ole gravity set in and you didn't always have control over how fast you descended. There were some spots where you had to boulder up and around rocks... lots of fun!

Once we got back down to the little town we were all starving and sat down for some food! We went to one of Emily and Bruce's favorite Seafood places. As many of you know I am not a huge seafood fan! But each time I force myself to try something new... this time it was scallops! While the service was not great, the food was awesome! We also had some yummy beer, Tsing Tao along with some fried rice, and sweet and sour pork and veggies!

This was the view from our table.

We then jumped back on the ferry and headed back to Hong Kong Island

This is one of the many ferries out in the Sea

What a great weekend! I am really settling in to the whole traveling lifestyle. I am meeting and making great friends, and enjoying every minute of it. I have a bit of cold, at the moment, but am sure it will subside in a few days. Emily and I are planning to go see a Buddha tomorrow! Please keep up the comments and emails I love them!

Note: you can comment at the bottom of each entry, this way you don't have to scroll all the way to the bottom of the page.

Adventures in Hong Kong

Its Saturday morning here in Hong Kong, Friday night back home. I am sitting in at a little coffee shop catching up on some emails. My view from where I am sitting includes a Subway, and 7 Eleven as well a small, weathered native scrubbing what looks like a parking meter. If you ever doubted that China has the most people in world...doubt no more! It is absolutely nuts how many people there are, and I am just seeing a small portion of it!

Yesterday my day started by going to work with Emily, at My Gym. She is an instructor/teacher and works with little guys, so I was in heaven watching her teach 6 months- 2 year olds! We then met up with some friends for lunch. We walked through Central which is a busy busy area. Hong Kong is much like many european cities, in that they get a 1-2 hour lunch break, so when 12 noon rolled around the streets were packed with people ready to eat!

After lunch we stopped at H&M (one of my favorite shops!) and did some quick shopping! Then we headed out to Mong Kok to see the markets. This was an experience! and I had to keep telling myself this as literally hundreds of people were bumping into me. Emily and I would occasionally see a store with few people in it and jump in to get a break from the hussle and bussle of Mong Kok.

Me in Mong Kok Market

Chicken Anyone?

After some shopping ( I bought two pairs of shoes for under $20!) We headed to Jordan one stop away to meet up with Emily's friend Bruce. At this point we were both so overwhelmed by all the people that we were so excited with the idea of walking to a less crowded area with Bruce to grab a beer and just chill out for a bit. I was so happy when we walked into the restaurant and we were the only ones... I finally had some space to myself, I had my own little bubble!

Once we finished there we headed back to Mong Kok to eat at Temple Market. This was an experience as well! Emily and Bruce knew what to order and man it all was pretty great... I even tried calamari. Not sold on it yet!

Emily and I at the Temple Street Market

Dinner in Temple Market

After dinner we walked to the pier to catch the Ferry back to the Hong Kong Island.

Bruce and I walking back to the pier

Just another busy Hong Kong Street

This a view from the Ferry of Wan Chai

Wan Chai Convention Center

Once back at Emily's Apartment we were both pretty exhausted from a long day and it was getting late, so we called it a night. I am happy to report that I actually slept more then 6 hours! I for the first time feel well rested! I am starting to tackle this thing called jetlag! This afternoon we are headed to Kennedy town to go hike the peak. I am so excited to see some trees and get out of the hectic city for a while. I will write more soon! I look forward to hearing from you all and thanks to those that have posted comments and emails! I love getting mail, so keep it up!

Trains, plane and automobiles!

Stanely, Hong Kong

Well after 26+ hours of travel ( the same amount of time it took to drive from DC- Boulder) I arrived in Hong Kong!
I left my house at 5:30 in the morning... my Mom and Dad (who really isn't a morning person) took me the airport to send their little girl off to see the world. Ofcourse there were some tears when we said goodbye, but if there weren't well that just wouldn't be my mom and I! I flew first to LA, where I had very short layover and walked and walked and walked in the short 45 mins I had. I knew after 5 hours of being crammed into a seat... 15 more would be hell, so I needed to stretch those legs!
I was happily surprised when I found that I had 3 seats to myself on the way from LA to HK! This was a blessing! I was able to spread out and slept quite a bit. A total of 5 movies were played, none of which I watched all the way through... can you say ADD. But I did enjoy parts of Hairspray! The time passed surprisingly quick! I am used to flying to Switzerland which is about 7/8 hours and this didn't seem like much longer. I suppose it would have if I didn't have 3 seats! It seemed every 1/2 hour the stewardess was coming around with drinks or food, none of which was terribly appealing! Getting off of the plane, I could have been anywhere. Everyone speaks English and all the signs are written in English. I quickly realized they drive on the "wrong" side of the road when I almost walked onto the wrong down coming escalator! I soon was in a sea of people, all of which were tiny! I felt like a giant! I also realized that they don't believe in the personal bubble! I was giant smushed by all these little people. It also smelled pretty great in the airport shuttle... really what do people have against some deodorant! Once I got through passport control and customs I was able to hop on the Hong Kong express and make my way into the city to meet my pal from college, Emily. She has been living here about 3 months and has another 6 or so to go. It was so great to see a friendly face, especially since we haven't seen each other in almost 3 years ( sad because we lived just an hour apart!) We then took a cab to her super cute, tiny to American standards, huge to Hong Kong standards, apartment! I surprisingly had a hard to time falling asleep! I only slept about 6 hours, and really haven't slept more since I arrived. My system is all whacked out, I feel like an infant who needs a nap every few hours ( Elizabeth does this sound right?)
Yesterday Emily had the day off which was great! We went to Stanley,which is on the East side of the island. It was so refreshing. In downtown HK it's like NY city, lots and lots of buildings, lights and people. A short bus ride to Stanley and you are in one of the most beautiful places! You are on the water, the Pacific ocean, and there are trees, something there are few of in the city! It reminded me of a tropical version of the San Juans. Absolutely beautiful! I will try and upload some pictures soon!

Stanley Harbour

A cool tree in Stanley

This is a view on the way back from Stanley, taken from the bus ( see all the snog... yes that what I am breathing these days.)

Ladies of Ladies night! (Ling, Sarah, me, Emily and Carol)
Last night was ladies night, so despite being exhausted (Emily had to practically pull me off the couch!).... I needed to go out! Emily and I meet up with some of her friends. They are all super fun and welcoming and are all English speaking, either Aussies, Brits or Scots. We went to several different bars and even stopped by a late night 'restaurant/fast food' place and got Emily's favorite thing, the name has escaped me but its fries with cheese and gravy, honestly I thought it sounded gross, but it was actually quite good! With some fries in our belly's it was time to head home and hit the hay! Today is my first day flying solo in the city, as Emily is at work.
I will try and write more later, please keep the emails and comments coming! I love hearing from you all!! Its time for a mid-day nap! Miss you all tons and wish that you all could be here with me experiencing this great place!!