5:30 pm Monday, March 12
Troy and I just returned from our all-day trek around Kowloon. The Hong Kong subway system is similar to its ex-parent's, London, so I quickly figured out how best to make our way through it. Some neat things we did this morning: walked around an open-air temple that was filled with so much burning incense it was hard to breath (pictured here), then we walked through the palm readers' stalls where I learned to bargain for a palm reading (the reader confirmed it: this is a prime childbearing year for me), and then toured a beautiful nunnery with stunning altars that reminded both of us that compassion and wisdom are good virtues to attain.
About noon, Troy said we needed to eat even though I was not hungry and felt more like going to bed than eating a big meal. The easiest food option was a mall and inside the mall, Pizza Hut looked very tasty to me. I had heard Pizza Hut was an "upscale" experience in China so we ate there. Half-way through our meal, a waitress came over and asked if we were from Europe. We said, "No, United States." She asked if we were on holiday. We said yes. She then said, "Then why are you eating here at Pizza Hut?" Good question. We decided that she was the voice of reason and adventure so we vowed to no longer play it safe and instead take the leap and do the "point and hope" method of ordering at restaurants.
Before I talk about what happened in the afternoon, let me tell you about early this morning, about 4 am, when neither one of us could stay in bed any longer, we had a power crisis: my hair dryer and my flat iron blew the circuits in the room leaving only the in-room hairdryer that couldn't even dry a bad comeover. My hair dryer and flat iron are not just comforts, they are necessities for me. After I reconciled myself to having "naturally-dryed hair" throughout this trip, I thought that at least I still have my third comfort, my laptop. Troy went downstairs to buy our internet pass while I opened my backpack. I found one laptop but no power cord. I left it at home! Still exhausted from the trip and it being 4 am and my hair is a mess and I'm hungry like it is 6 pm...let's just say I wasn't the most charming soul. Troy told me not to worry, we will blog at internet cafes and who knows, maybe we will find a Dell adapter somewhere in the market. Guess what--in the afternoon, we found a Dell power adapter in the electronic market for 28US!!!! (Normally $143US). And it works. Now I can write, keep this blog and post pictures all from the comfort of my hotel room. Thank you God for allowing at least 1 of my 3 comforts.
Troy and I just returned from our all-day trek around Kowloon. The Hong Kong subway system is similar to its ex-parent's, London, so I quickly figured out how best to make our way through it. Some neat things we did this morning: walked around an open-air temple that was filled with so much burning incense it was hard to breath (pictured here), then we walked through the palm readers' stalls where I learned to bargain for a palm reading (the reader confirmed it: this is a prime childbearing year for me), and then toured a beautiful nunnery with stunning altars that reminded both of us that compassion and wisdom are good virtues to attain.
About noon, Troy said we needed to eat even though I was not hungry and felt more like going to bed than eating a big meal. The easiest food option was a mall and inside the mall, Pizza Hut looked very tasty to me. I had heard Pizza Hut was an "upscale" experience in China so we ate there. Half-way through our meal, a waitress came over and asked if we were from Europe. We said, "No, United States." She asked if we were on holiday. We said yes. She then said, "Then why are you eating here at Pizza Hut?" Good question. We decided that she was the voice of reason and adventure so we vowed to no longer play it safe and instead take the leap and do the "point and hope" method of ordering at restaurants.
Before I talk about what happened in the afternoon, let me tell you about early this morning, about 4 am, when neither one of us could stay in bed any longer, we had a power crisis: my hair dryer and my flat iron blew the circuits in the room leaving only the in-room hairdryer that couldn't even dry a bad comeover. My hair dryer and flat iron are not just comforts, they are necessities for me. After I reconciled myself to having "naturally-dryed hair" throughout this trip, I thought that at least I still have my third comfort, my laptop. Troy went downstairs to buy our internet pass while I opened my backpack. I found one laptop but no power cord. I left it at home! Still exhausted from the trip and it being 4 am and my hair is a mess and I'm hungry like it is 6 pm...let's just say I wasn't the most charming soul. Troy told me not to worry, we will blog at internet cafes and who knows, maybe we will find a Dell adapter somewhere in the market. Guess what--in the afternoon, we found a Dell power adapter in the electronic market for 28US!!!! (Normally $143US). And it works. Now I can write, keep this blog and post pictures all from the comfort of my hotel room. Thank you God for allowing at least 1 of my 3 comforts.
The afternoon was filled with markets and markets and more markets. We saw all kinds of raw meats, cooked meats, stores that sold unidentifiable and smelly dried goods, and even a store that was selling live chickens (thought of you on that one, mom.) Troy bargained successfully for a tie, I didn't do too bad on a pair of sandals, and the greatest treat of the day...Starbucks tastes like Starbucks on this side of the world. We are now resting for an hour or two, then we are going out for the night to the Temple Street Night Market.
We were both touched today by the sincerity of the people praying at the Temple and the Nunnery. I'm joining them in prayer this week that I practice more compassion and wisdom in my life today.
2 comments:
Hi, Mommy & Daddy,
I had a nice quiet day today - everyone went to work and school except host dog and me. I found another couch, too! Hostess said it was OK. Still no bed though :(
Hostess said to remind you that whenever and wherever you travel in the world always remember that the LIONS CLUB is an international organization. They meet for lunch on a regular basis at a local (usuall family owned) restaurant with good local foods and reasonable prices. When in doubt, eat where the LIONS eat! It's a great 'rule of thumb' for unfamiliar places.
Also - if you can find a FROMMER's
Travel Book (in English), they take no advertising dollars and are very reliable with up-to-date reviews, suggestions, and tips.
Hostess, as you know, has traipsed across a pretty good chunk of the world and these ideas helped her.
Gotta go for a walk...they really like that, so I humor them...
*Lick, lick, and sniffy* ~ Sarah
Post a picture of yourself with crazy, frizzy, hairdryerless hair!!!
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