Sunday, May 30, 2010

Mirror Ball

I found this scene funny: moving a giant disco ball in the middle of the busiest part of the city. The bars and clubs are a few blocks away, so I have no idea where the mirror ball was going.

Monday, May 24, 2010

Cebu

We went to Cebu, Philippines for a long weekend. It is only a 2 hour, direct flight. We stayed in an awesome, small, boutique resort, The Abaca. The service was impeccable, and it was very private and peaceful. The restaurant was award-winning Italian which we didn't know when we booked it--a nice surprise since most resort food is mediocre. It has been a while since we look a purely relaxing vacation--just what we needed.

Here is Erik's slide show: http://www.flickr.com/photos/eschrei/sets/72157624147622836/show/



One day, we rented a private boat to take us island hopping and snorkeling. The water was crystal clear. The coral was spectacular, and we probably saw 20 different kinds of tropical fish.




The Philippines is very poor, so we only ventured out of our resort one day to go into town. We visited Magellan's cross where he marked the territory for Spain. There is also an old Catholic church from the 1600's. Filipinos are devout Catholics.


I am sure we'll go back to Cebu. Next trip, USA!

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

More Butchering

Another example of fresh meat: Erik snapped this picture which we stumbled upon walking down a small street in the evening. Chinese are fanatics about fresh food. We recently watched the movie "Food Inc.", and this photo is another reminder of the difference between US and Asian food cultures.

Monday, May 17, 2010

Big Tuna

There was a special event at our grocery store where they butchered a whole, fresh tuna fish. I didn't know this event was happening, but fortunately stumbled upon it close to being complete. The customers were nuts fighting over the best cuts. The choicest pieces are the most fatty, but I prefer the leaner portions, so I was able to get a nice fillet. The head was the last piece to be sectioned off, and I saw one woman purchase both eye balls. I cooked it simply by searing with some crushed peppercorns. It was amazing!


Friday, May 14, 2010

More, Bigger, Better

Hong Kong always has construction happening. It is amazing how quickly major projects are completed. Much of the new construction is housing since the city is so crowded and new apartments are highly coveted. Recently, a big works project started near our apartment. The area used to be a driving range which was a poor use of the space considering it has a harbor view. I am fairly certain this will be a new apartment complex. Our apartment is marked with the arrow. Notice that the ICC building next to us is externally complete. It is 118 stores tall and our apartment building is 80.

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Spring Cleaning

One of the most striking first impressions of Hong Kong is how clean it is. Near my job there is a small park where a full time crew works to keep it clean and maintain the landscaping. Here is a prime example of the crazy cleaning--two days of power washing the sidewalk. I love this fountain near my job and the large pedestrian walkway.
At home, I've been doing spring cleaning as well. We brought very little to Hong Kong, and I pared down my clothes considerably; however, it is amazing how much we've accumulated in the past 2.5 years. It feels great to organize and purge.

Finally, a fun little spring creature:These large snails are common during the rainy season.