So, the amusing signs ... I only took a couple of pictures of amusing signs. There were a lot more, trust me.
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| Wanko is every where! |
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| Cockeye Model Dancers - I'd pay to see that! |
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| Fook's Diamond - I would too honey if I could. |
1 year ago
Monday, November 29, 2010
Hong Kong - Funny signs
Just a quicky post as I seem to have developed Gastro and feel like crap.
So, the amusing signs ... I only took a couple of pictures of amusing signs. There were a lot more, trust me.
So, the amusing signs ... I only took a couple of pictures of amusing signs. There were a lot more, trust me.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Hong Kong - Where to shop; part 2 Shopping Malls
I didn't get to as many shopping centres this time around. And the ones I did were a bit more on the upper end of the scale :)
Firstly,
Harbour City (near Star Ferry Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui)
The place is HUGE! But if you are into designer gear, particularly designer children and baby gear (authentic), it is AWESOME. And yes, I did indulge and got some great deals. Particularly a very nice Christian Dior dress for my daughter at half off. God I just love designer sales, and with the exchange rate I got it for a song. Below are some photos from the Ocean Terminal entry side and some of the shops ... and the amazing view from the malls windows.
Langham Place Shopping Mall, Mong Kok
Firstly,
Harbour City (near Star Ferry Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui)
The place is HUGE! But if you are into designer gear, particularly designer children and baby gear (authentic), it is AWESOME. And yes, I did indulge and got some great deals. Particularly a very nice Christian Dior dress for my daughter at half off. God I just love designer sales, and with the exchange rate I got it for a song. Below are some photos from the Ocean Terminal entry side and some of the shops ... and the amazing view from the malls windows.
 |
| As you can see, all the Xmas decorarions are up! |
 |
| With views like this, I don't get much shopping done. |
We also did IFC Mall. Not too far from the Star Ferry Terminal on Hong Kong Island side. We didn't have much time here as we decided to jump a cab and head off to Stanley Markets. Trouble with shopping with other people and they aren't into the same things as yourself.
Anyway, this mall is all about Luxury.
15 Storeys of shopping and worth checking out while you are in Mong Kok at the Ladies markets.
Photos below are all from the mall there
The One is a new Japanese style shopping mall that opened up whilst we were there. It is on Nathan Road in TST (Tsim Sha Tsui). TST is becoming (I found) very heavily influenced by Japanese. Of course it is still full of Pakistani men that harrass you at every turn for "copy watch" "designer bag" "suit" etc And even, on one lucky occasion "Hashish" ~eye roll~
Anyway, "The One" is big and beautiful. Photos below are from there.
And Silvercord Shopping Mall. I can't find a link for the mall itself, but found THIS one that you can use to have a perve as I didn't take any photos there.
I liked this place. Discount and seconds for some designer labels. You have to check carefully as most of them are seconds for a reason. Great place to get really cheap cosmetics and perfume.
We went to a few other malls, but nothing really worth noting.
The following is a list of ones that I have been to in the past, or ones that I really really wanted to get to - but was unable to due to my travelling partners :(
If you need more malls, you can find a list HERE (5 pages)
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Hong Kong - Where to shop; part 1 Markets
One thing you learn in China/Hong Kong - they all bullshit. They will all tell you it is real, it authentic, it is famous brand, it is popular, it is well made, it is cheap etc. 8/10 I would say it is not what they say it is. Don't get me wrong, there are a lot of reputable dealers - but you will rarely (if ever) find the 'real deal' on a street stall. Even the shops can be dubious, but that is for another post.
Just be prepared, know what you are looking for, do your homework, or if all else fails, take someone that knows their shit. You might think you can spot fake leather, but you would be surprised. Can you tell turquoise from marble imitation? can you tell real jade from fake jade?
Just be prepared and you should be right :)
Hong Kong is renowned for several street markets. I will start with the more popular and well known ones...
Ladies Market
Tung Choi Street, Mong Kok, Kowloon (MTR Mongkok Station Exit E2)
Time open: noon – 11:30pm
A lot of the stalls here can be repetitive, but if you know how to bargain you WILL get a deal. See the end of this post on my tips for bargaining. Main items on sale are bags, accessories and women's clothing. Men's and children's clothing and toys is also on offer, but the predominant thing here seems to be bags atm.
Temple Street Night Market
Temple Street, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon (MTR Jordan Station Exit A. Turn right into Jordan Road, then right into Temple Street - it is signposted)
Time open: 4pm - midnight
Once again, a lot of repetitive stalls. Similar items on sale as at Ladies Market - throw in some adult lingerie and mens decorative posing pouches and away you go! Lots of cheap eats at the start of the market. Nothing mind blowing, but good standard cheap fare.
Stanley Road Markets
Stanley Market Road, Stanley, Hong Kong Island (MTR Hong Kong Station Exit D and take bus 6, 6A, 6X, 66 or 260 from Exchange Square Bus terminus, Central). Or, for around $100-120HKD take a taxi directly from central.
Time open: 10:30am – 6:30pm
I would say there are a better variety of stalls here than at some of the other markets. They are not too keen on the bargaining here, and it does feel like the vendors have closed ranks a bit. They can be difficult to bargain with at times. Main things for sale are jewelry, kids clothes, kids costumes, Chinese artwork, silk collectibles and curios, as well as larger-sized clothing. There is a large sized footwear store here called Alibabas, it is down the little alley (in middle) that runs down to the waterfront. The waterfront has been developed beautifuly here, so be sure that you do not bypass it. There are a few stalls down there as well, but the jetty now is home to 4 large restaurants, plus the waterfront is littered with small cafes that have beautiful views.
Jardines Crescent Markets
Jardine's Crescent, Causway Bay, Hong Kong Island (MTR Causeway Bay Station Exit F)
Time open: 11am – 9:30pm
I actually didn't get a chance to make it here, but it is supposedly good for inexpensive clothing, accessories and domestic goods.
Tai Yuen Street Markets
Tai Yuen Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong Island (MTR Wan Chai Station Exit A3)
Time Open: 7am - 7pm
I found this one great for kids toys. I managed to get my kids a heap of Godzilla and godzilla related toys really cheap.
Cat Street Markets (Cat Street)
Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
(MTR Central Exit D2 and turn right to Theatre Lane. Walk along Queen's Road Central towards The Centre. Then take the Central - Mid-Levels Escalator to Hollywood Road.)
Time open: 11am - 6pm
(Cat Street/Upper Lascar Road) Wonderful little flea market lining an antiques specialities street. I didn't get here this time, but I thoroughly enjoyed this last visit. Specialities are jade, silk products, embroideries and wooden handicraft items. Take someone with you that knows their stuff !
You can find further details about street markets HERE . Check all the categories, not just street markets, because they have them filed under what they mainly sell. Ones I would classify as street markets are not on their stree markets list.
Above I have only mentioned ones that I have personally found interesting, or ones that I would have liked to have gone to.
Bargaining
My rule of thumb is to always start offering less than half - usually around 30-40% of what the vendor is asking. I almost never pay over 50% of what they have asked for.
What you have to remember - and actually DO!
* Be prepared to walk away! there is a very good chance that there are at least 20 other stalls selling the exact same thing you are looking at. And the further/deeper you go into the market, the cheaper you will get it!
* Never bother with the first stalls you encounter - all the tourists hit those first, so they are always harder to bargain with.
* Once again, walk away! Some stalls you don't even have to try bargaining with they just drop drop drop. Like one stall I was looking at a necklace, I wasn't particularly interested in it so I went to walk away. The woman dropped the price 200HKD in the beat of 3 seconds just to get me to buy something.
* Know what it is worth! Don't just think you are getting a bargain, KNOW that you are!
* Have a cheap show purse. This is what I do. I put 100-200HKD in it and I keep the rest of the $$ in another purse in my bra. If I am having trouble beating something down, I will open my "show" purse and show them and say "I am sorry, this is all that I have". It has only failed me once - and she was a hard assed bitch.
* Always always be polite. You may be bargaining like hell, but it is never any excuse to be mean or rude.
* Try and learn basic terms in their language before you go on holidays. A little does really mean a lot. Be it "how much is that?" (phonetic pron: gay doh chin) or even a simple thank you (phonetic pron: shay shay). Be sure you get it right though. Hong Kong is mainly English speaking, but their main language is Cantonese. If you go across the border into mainland China for shopping (ie Shenzen) their main language is Mandarin.
That is about it. If I remember anything else, I will come and update, or if you have tips of your own, please comment!
Just be prepared, know what you are looking for, do your homework, or if all else fails, take someone that knows their shit. You might think you can spot fake leather, but you would be surprised. Can you tell turquoise from marble imitation? can you tell real jade from fake jade?
Just be prepared and you should be right :)
 |
| Tai Yuen Street, Wan Chai |
Hong Kong is renowned for several street markets. I will start with the more popular and well known ones...
Ladies Market
Tung Choi Street, Mong Kok, Kowloon (MTR Mongkok Station Exit E2)
Time open: noon – 11:30pm
A lot of the stalls here can be repetitive, but if you know how to bargain you WILL get a deal. See the end of this post on my tips for bargaining. Main items on sale are bags, accessories and women's clothing. Men's and children's clothing and toys is also on offer, but the predominant thing here seems to be bags atm.
Temple Street Night Market
Temple Street, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon (MTR Jordan Station Exit A. Turn right into Jordan Road, then right into Temple Street - it is signposted)
Time open: 4pm - midnight
Once again, a lot of repetitive stalls. Similar items on sale as at Ladies Market - throw in some adult lingerie and mens decorative posing pouches and away you go! Lots of cheap eats at the start of the market. Nothing mind blowing, but good standard cheap fare.
Stanley Road Markets
Stanley Market Road, Stanley, Hong Kong Island (MTR Hong Kong Station Exit D and take bus 6, 6A, 6X, 66 or 260 from Exchange Square Bus terminus, Central). Or, for around $100-120HKD take a taxi directly from central.
Time open: 10:30am – 6:30pm
I would say there are a better variety of stalls here than at some of the other markets. They are not too keen on the bargaining here, and it does feel like the vendors have closed ranks a bit. They can be difficult to bargain with at times. Main things for sale are jewelry, kids clothes, kids costumes, Chinese artwork, silk collectibles and curios, as well as larger-sized clothing. There is a large sized footwear store here called Alibabas, it is down the little alley (in middle) that runs down to the waterfront. The waterfront has been developed beautifuly here, so be sure that you do not bypass it. There are a few stalls down there as well, but the jetty now is home to 4 large restaurants, plus the waterfront is littered with small cafes that have beautiful views.
Jardines Crescent Markets
Jardine's Crescent, Causway Bay, Hong Kong Island (MTR Causeway Bay Station Exit F)
Time open: 11am – 9:30pm
I actually didn't get a chance to make it here, but it is supposedly good for inexpensive clothing, accessories and domestic goods.
Tai Yuen Street Markets
Tai Yuen Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong Island (MTR Wan Chai Station Exit A3)
Time Open: 7am - 7pm
I found this one great for kids toys. I managed to get my kids a heap of Godzilla and godzilla related toys really cheap.
Cat Street Markets (Cat Street)
Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
(MTR Central Exit D2 and turn right to Theatre Lane. Walk along Queen's Road Central towards The Centre. Then take the Central - Mid-Levels Escalator to Hollywood Road.)
Time open: 11am - 6pm
(Cat Street/Upper Lascar Road) Wonderful little flea market lining an antiques specialities street. I didn't get here this time, but I thoroughly enjoyed this last visit. Specialities are jade, silk products, embroideries and wooden handicraft items. Take someone with you that knows their stuff !
You can find further details about street markets HERE . Check all the categories, not just street markets, because they have them filed under what they mainly sell. Ones I would classify as street markets are not on their stree markets list.
Above I have only mentioned ones that I have personally found interesting, or ones that I would have liked to have gone to.
Bargaining
My rule of thumb is to always start offering less than half - usually around 30-40% of what the vendor is asking. I almost never pay over 50% of what they have asked for.
What you have to remember - and actually DO!
* Be prepared to walk away! there is a very good chance that there are at least 20 other stalls selling the exact same thing you are looking at. And the further/deeper you go into the market, the cheaper you will get it!
* Never bother with the first stalls you encounter - all the tourists hit those first, so they are always harder to bargain with.
* Once again, walk away! Some stalls you don't even have to try bargaining with they just drop drop drop. Like one stall I was looking at a necklace, I wasn't particularly interested in it so I went to walk away. The woman dropped the price 200HKD in the beat of 3 seconds just to get me to buy something.
* Know what it is worth! Don't just think you are getting a bargain, KNOW that you are!
* Have a cheap show purse. This is what I do. I put 100-200HKD in it and I keep the rest of the $$ in another purse in my bra. If I am having trouble beating something down, I will open my "show" purse and show them and say "I am sorry, this is all that I have". It has only failed me once - and she was a hard assed bitch.
* Always always be polite. You may be bargaining like hell, but it is never any excuse to be mean or rude.
* Try and learn basic terms in their language before you go on holidays. A little does really mean a lot. Be it "how much is that?" (phonetic pron: gay doh chin) or even a simple thank you (phonetic pron: shay shay). Be sure you get it right though. Hong Kong is mainly English speaking, but their main language is Cantonese. If you go across the border into mainland China for shopping (ie Shenzen) their main language is Mandarin.
That is about it. If I remember anything else, I will come and update, or if you have tips of your own, please comment!
Hong Kong
Well, I am back after 8 days of Hong Kong solid shopping :)
Completely knackered.
I will do a few posts on Hong Kong - in parts.
Where to Shop - Markets, or higher end. As well as a good tailor and jeweler (tailors and jewellers are everywhere in Honkers but these two that I will recommend are good and trustworthy).
Where to eat - Cheap and good. Higher end and good. Middle range and consistent.
Things to do - okay, so the ONLY thing I did other than shop was go to Ocean Park for the day, so this post will be about Ocean Park.
Funny Signs - what is a post on any part of Asia if you do not include any Engrish?!
Basic customs - What to do or say, even where to stand :)
I will start doing these posts in the next few days, once I finally unpack everything.
Completely knackered.
I will do a few posts on Hong Kong - in parts.
Where to Shop - Markets, or higher end. As well as a good tailor and jeweler (tailors and jewellers are everywhere in Honkers but these two that I will recommend are good and trustworthy).
Where to eat - Cheap and good. Higher end and good. Middle range and consistent.
Things to do - okay, so the ONLY thing I did other than shop was go to Ocean Park for the day, so this post will be about Ocean Park.
Funny Signs - what is a post on any part of Asia if you do not include any Engrish?!
Basic customs - What to do or say, even where to stand :)
I will start doing these posts in the next few days, once I finally unpack everything.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Gifts in Jars - again
Okay, I am being super organised and have started making gifts in jars.
I have done half of the Christmas eve ones (the brownies in jars - see recipe a few posts back)), and I have done up some gift jars for my eldests kindy friends and kindy teacher.
I still have to print out the instructions for the jars. Am planning on doing them onto a gold (gold gold, not yellow) star so it will probably be on a white circle, lol.
I still have to print out the instructions for the jars. Am planning on doing them onto a gold (gold gold, not yellow) star so it will probably be on a white circle, lol.
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| Brownies - Not *too* different from the inspiration |
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| Xmas Eve place setting gifts - Luckily I found some gold satin and some burgundy and red ribbons with gold stars on them laying around the house. |
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| Kindy Kids gift jars - red, green and white Jelly beans or red, green and white M&Ms. The Green and white M&Ms are choc mint. The red M&Ms are actually Jaffas. |
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| One Kindy Teacher is getting a brownie jar, the other will be getting a christmas cookie jar :) |
Monday, November 8, 2010
Christmas
Just because I want to go completely overboard!
I am pretty sure I am going to do a version of cake pops for xmas for the kids - but instead of cake, I am just going to do chocolate truffles as it is easier. Bakerella did some beautiful ones.
I am pretty sure I am going to do a version of cake pops for xmas for the kids - but instead of cake, I am just going to do chocolate truffles as it is easier. Bakerella did some beautiful ones.
I also want to do mini apples. BUT, do I do the caramel apples from Meet me in the kitchen ?
or I could do the mini caramel apples at From glitter to gumdrops ?
OR should I do the mini chocolate apples from Zuppas ?
Which would you do?
I will be doing the appetisers for Xmas Eve dinner. So I think I have decided to do this
^Bread, Camembert, grapes and parsley to garnish.
^bread, ham and cucumber.
I will be doing the appetisers for Xmas Eve dinner. So I think I have decided to do this
^Bread, Smoked Salmon, Salmon Roe, tiny bit of spanish onion and a shave of truffle (olive pictured but that is too phallic). Parsley to garnish
^bread, prawn, slice of lemon and aioli.
Update II
Well. I made my daughters birthday cake, and I don't think it looked *too* different to the inspiration cake. I was pretty over the restaurant bringing it out in the plastic box I brought it in. I thought (as they were charging 'cakeage') that they would at least put it onto a plate and bring it out ready to sing happy birthday to. Fuckers.
^The cake.
^The sorting of M&M colours and sizes. Fun. Not.
^Christmas place settings for the kids. One christmas cup, one Daryl Lea chcocolate pop, a Daryl Lea candy cane, a Christmas tree lollipop, a box of smarties and a freddo frog.
^Then wrapped them in either red or clear cellophane and green and gold curly ribbon.
Simple, but better than shitty crackers!
Update I
Okay, going to be a long photo update in a couple of parts.
Firstly, bag to the Dragon party! I finally got the pics off my camera and found some stuff!
Firstly, bag to the Dragon party! I finally got the pics off my camera and found some stuff!
^ The loot bags. Pretty boring. I also added in some bubbles and a box of smarties.
^Another photo of the cake. I 'jazzed' it up with a couple of Gronckle figurines
^After everyone had left the water police whacked on the sirens and pulled up a boat
at the bottom of the yard. Excitement for the boys!
Friday, November 5, 2010
Gifts in Jars
I am finding this concept fascinating! So watch out people come Xmas!
I have done 2 posts over at my cooking blog Cathode Cook
I have a recipe over there for buttered brazil nuts, so I am going to do a few jars of them up for the Xmas table.
Anyway, found another few links for ideas of what to put in jars
Gifts in Jars
Jar Mixes
More gifts in jars
Jar packing tutorial
7 great edible gifts in jars
The trick is going to be making them as appealing and attractive as they will be yummy!
ETA, just found place to buy them all from too! MASON JARS (eta the postage worked out to not be feasible for me on this one. Have since found a few places in Perth, if you are interested, leave a message and I will give their details).
On another note ... I can't believe my daughter is going to be 1yr old very soon!
I am going to make this one for her birthday cake :)
Also, The Maylands Street Festival is on this Sunday! If you are in Perth, come on down! especially if you have kids!!! There is a massive art and craft marquee with loads of free and even some fancy stuff for the kids and something for the adults to do as well! Loads of FREE rides and entertainment!!!
Some links for Christmas Craft ideas
http://www.craftelf.com/craft_elf_holiday_Christmas.htm
http://www.craftelf.com/Christmas_Gumdrop_Christmas_tree_craft.htm <- looks easy as!
http://www.deliciousmagazine.co.uk/articles/home-made-christmas-gifts
Christmas cookie jars
OMG, I think I am actually getting excited about Christmas for the first time in donkeys years!
I have done 2 posts over at my cooking blog Cathode Cook
I have a recipe over there for buttered brazil nuts, so I am going to do a few jars of them up for the Xmas table.
Anyway, found another few links for ideas of what to put in jars
Gifts in Jars
Jar Mixes
More gifts in jars
Jar packing tutorial
7 great edible gifts in jars
The trick is going to be making them as appealing and attractive as they will be yummy!
ETA, just found place to buy them all from too! MASON JARS (eta the postage worked out to not be feasible for me on this one. Have since found a few places in Perth, if you are interested, leave a message and I will give their details).
On another note ... I can't believe my daughter is going to be 1yr old very soon!
I am going to make this one for her birthday cake :)
Also, The Maylands Street Festival is on this Sunday! If you are in Perth, come on down! especially if you have kids!!! There is a massive art and craft marquee with loads of free and even some fancy stuff for the kids and something for the adults to do as well! Loads of FREE rides and entertainment!!!
Some links for Christmas Craft ideas
http://www.craftelf.com/craft_elf_holiday_Christmas.htm
http://www.craftelf.com/Christmas_Gumdrop_Christmas_tree_craft.htm <- looks easy as!
http://www.deliciousmagazine.co.uk/articles/home-made-christmas-gifts
Christmas cookie jars
OMG, I think I am actually getting excited about Christmas for the first time in donkeys years!
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