love in the movies

Given the fantastic selection of movies available on the Cathay Pacific flights to and from Hong Kong, it really was a pity that I was too tired (and sleeping too comfortably) to watch more than one each way. On the way back, I picked 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower'. I didn't know much about the story, only really that Emma Watson was in it.

This is what it says on the official website:
"A funny and touching coming-of-age story based on the beloved best-selling novel by Stephen Chbosky, THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER is a modern classic that captures the dizzying highs and crushing lows of growing up. Starring Logan Lerman, Emma Watson and Ezra Miller, THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER is a moving tale of love, loss, fear and hope—and the unforgettable friends that help us through life."

I loved the film! I laughed and cried (a lot) and would thoroughly recommend watching it - if you haven't already.

And here's a quote that stood out for me:

 We accept the love we think we deserve.

What do you think? Do you think it's true? I don't think I thought about love or being loved in this way, but when considering it, I wonder whether it's true and whether it's the cause for certain issues I've experienced in my relationships.

Hong Kong 2013 - Day 5: Time to say goodbye

Back at the hotel, we were treated to a 60 minute massage at the Mira hotel. Annie, my therapist, was brilliant and it was one of the best massages I've ever had.

And then it was time. We all wanted to stay, not least as the prospect of more snow in the UK was not particularly appealing, especially when compared to sunny 22 degrees...

We checked in in town (which is great, as you get rid of your luggage, before making your way to the airport). As our flight didn't leave until after 1am, we had another lavish dinner at the Skycity Nine Eagles golf course next to the airport. With planes passing every 5 minutes, I am not sure how enjoyable a game of golf really is here, but then again I've never played golf.

At the last minute, most of us got upgraded to business, with a few less lucky ones flying premium economy. Having been spoilt on the way out, the 'old' business class wasn't quite as spacious, but still fabulous, of course. I even fell asleep before take off...

And then it was all over. Even though we just stayed for a few days, we were able to see and do so much. It was such a great experience and I am very grateful that I was able to be part of the trip.

Bring on the next fam trip!

Hong Kong 2013 - Day 5: All on board

It was time to enjoy the glorious sunshine - on board The Bounty. And I managed to get a bit of sunburn on my nose... The ship is a replica of the famous Bounty and you get great views of the city. You can hire the boat for banquets and activities, with a maximum capacity of 60 passengers.

After the harbour cruise we went for lunch at The Peninsula hotel, amongst others famous for its afternoon tea.

perfect scallops

I don't usually like gnocchi - but these tasted delicious

yummy!

Hong Kong 2013 - Day 5: Sunday=Funday

After VERY little sleep, we checked out of our rooms at 9:00am. The day started with a calligraphy lesson. And let me tell you: it's much harder than the teacher makes it look! We first learned the different strokes, which we then put together to draw the sign for fortune. After practicing on paper, we then drew on a fan. I'm pleased to say that the teacher thought that I was doing a reasonable job. Maybe it's in the genes?!

an hour's work!

we all got a fan with our name written on it as a present

Hong Kong 2013 - Day 4: Let's party!

To celebrate our last night in Hong Kong in style, we went up to the Peak. And we made it just in time for the nightly A Symphony of Lights. From up there, we had great views over the city and the multimedia show that lights up more than 40 buildings on both sides of the harbour. Once again, none of my photos came out any good...

After dinner, we went on to Sevva, where we enjoyed champagne on the terrace in the summery evening.
Check out their website - the space is amazing, including a cake bar and this great ceiling decoration:

Next up was Armani Prive and cocktails on their roof top terrace. What followed after that was a number of bars with dance floors. It had been a while that I stayed out until 4:30am... It was all good fun, even though I wasn't too sure about the audience. A lot of (very drunk) gap year students, it seemed.

Hong Kong 2013 - Day 4: Ladies Market

The majority of the group went from the racecourse to the beach and Stanley Market. Together with two other participants, I headed for the legendary Ladies Market instead. Contrary to some of the others, I hadn't come prepared with a shopping list. I just wanted to have a look around and I also don't care much for brands. If it looks nice, I will like it. It doesn't need a brand logo. As it was a Saturday, the market was really crowded (having said that, it's probably very busy at all times).

Once I got into the groove of things, I thoroughly enjoyed the haggling! :-) It also helps when you are not really keen. Or at least don't appear keen. Without even trying, the sellers kept reducing the prices for me. Walking away also does wonders! Never pay the price they first quote you! Very often they go down to about 50% of the original price.

I got a wonderfully pink shoulder bag, a camel coloured business bag and three pretty pashminas:

they just need a bit of ironing

Hong Kong 2013 - Day 4: Place your bet now!

For lunch we went on to the Happy Valley Racecourse.
It was probably for the better that there were no races going on... The restaurant was crowded with large Chinese families anyway. Surely a good sign! And the food - including dim sum (amongst others a particularly yummy barbecue pork bun!) - was once again delicious!

with the stunning skyline in the background

Can you spot the two people on the lawn? Not entirely sure what they were doing - but what a sisyphus job!