Thursday 27 May 2010

Beach Holiday



Am off again for another long weekend. But this time I will be making my way, for the very first time, to Perhentian Island with my beloved girlfriends (Cai Mei, Mandy and Kimberly) for some sand, sea, sun and snorkeling.

See you on Sunday! :)

Wednesday 26 May 2010

Food Adventure

Hong Kong is a city of lights, a dancing kaleidoscope of neon effulgence; a city which only recognizes those who are well-equipped with copious amounts of dough; a city that inhibits a diverse range of individuals, from those who are absolutely down-to-earth and humble to those pretentious kind who yearn to be in the limelight of the upper class society as well as those who have, of course, actually "made it" and deserve to parade/flaunt their wealth around like nobody's business (flashy cars, designer goods, high tea sessions, etc).

It is interesting. Every nook and corner of the city has a different vibe.

I have experienced dining in the shadows of dim streets, surrounded by some sort of foul cesspool odour which mildly penetrates the highly polluted air of Hong Kong...to exquisite fine-dining sessions surrounded by candlelight, complemented by the complex harmonies and less percussive melody of bossa nova music that subtly serenades us in the background; these restaurants are usually located in the upmarket streets of Soho. Nonetheless, it is the bedraggled places that serve the most flavoursome and palatable food at such a bargain. In lament terms, such places would be known to us, Malaysians, as hawker centres and in the local Hong Kong dialect, Cantonese, as "dai pai dong".


The above photos highlight the interesting attributes to why Hong Kong is a country that is rich in history and culture. The left image was taken at a local coffee shop tucked away in the nook and corners of Mong Kok (right image). I was consuming what is known to the locals as "chi faan" - meat floss and deep fried flour sticks wrapped in glutinous rice accompanied with a bowl of warm soya bean milk.


 At the corner of Argyle Street, a shop that sells an assortment of finger food, even the infamous "smelly tofu". My favourite is the spicy fish balls, "laat yu daan".

 Besides immersing myself in the tasty delights of Hong Kong, it was also a great opportunity to catch up with the boyfriend. There was, however, this amaaazing place we dined at for dinner called Inaniwa Udon - Nabe Japanese Restaurant, which is located at the spanking new mall known as Elements at the International Commerce Centre, Kowloon side.


Inaniwa Udon noodles boast an impressive history dating all the way back to 1665. Uncompromising when it comes to taste, these noodles are prepared to a time-honored secret recipe, passed down from generation to generation for more than 300 years. The result is a superb tasting, smooth textured noodle that maintains just the right amount of firmness.

We also ordered a delectable fresh platter of pork and wagyu beef strips for our shabu shabu.

Our shabu shabu.

Our shabu shabu condiments and my delightful order of cold udon. My anticipation was running abnormally high as this eating method of dipping cold noodles into cold soup is the epitome of eating noodles, which was craftily handmade by a noodle artisan. Indeed, ice-bathed to perfection.

Finally, something that is NOT TO BE MISSED whilst in Hong Kong.

  New York Fries

New York Fries is a Canadian fast food restaurant that mainly serves french fries and hot dogs. They also serve poutine, The Works (with chili, cheese sauce, sour cream, bacon bits and green onions) like the above, Veggie Works (with cheese sauce, sour cream, tomatoes and green onions), and Pepsi-Cola brand beverages. 

However, Ireland's Potatoes is still the better bet. Here’s their slogan: 

“There are two things in the world that can’t be joked: 1) Marriage and 2) Potato”
  
Oh, don't you simply ♥ the wide spectrum of food that is available in Hong Kong?

Thursday 20 May 2010

One Country, Two Systems

The view of Central on a misty Winter's night. Snapped by me, Dec 09'.

I am off to my favourite city in the whole entire world, Hong Kong (my beloved home for five fabulous months during my internship days at HSBC Hong Kong), for the weekend. Will definitely return to blog about my interesting escapades, from catching up with familiar faces to partying the night away in Lan Kwai Fong!

But now, it is time to paint this glorious city red!

Saturday 15 May 2010

Life In The Fab Lane


Experienced living the glitz and glam life for one night as my girlfriends and I were invited by the ever-so-provocative Cai Mei Khoo, the Fashion & Features writer of Harper's Bazaar, to their Fashion In Focus event held at the concourse of The Gardens Mall.

Surrounded by excess estrogen, inclusive of minuscule amounts of testosterone from some fellow male members, plus all that designer paraphernalia, ranging from Chanel hangbags to wicked 6-inch Christian Louboutins, was a pretty interesting experience. Beautiful women and even some swanky MEN were in heels, clad in the most fabulous and fashionable ensemble and carrying the finest bags (one bloke was carrying a burnt orange Birken from Hermes) was a definite eye opener.

The icing on the cake moment of the night was people-watching (identifying who is who and what they do) and mingling with some 6 feet tall and above Brazilian models.

 The Brazilian models and I.

I simply love living life in the fast and fab lane. :)

Wednesday 12 May 2010

A Lady's Best Friend

Or rather, my best friends (plural). Leather goods are my greatest weakness. These can simply range from shoes to handbags to accessories and THESE are my recent additions to the family, my newborn babies.

Roberto Cavalli Metallic Platform Sandals

Metallic-gold leather T-bar sandals with a heel that measures approximately 140mm/ 5.5 inches with a 40mm/ 1.5 inch platform. Roberto Cavalli sandals have a buckle-fastening ankle strap and an open toe. 

John Galliano Leather Platform Sandals

Add gilded glamour to an evening look with these stunning sandals! Gold patent-leather and black suede sandals with a stiletto heel that measures approximately 105mm/ 4 inches with a 20mm/ 1 inch platform. John Galliano sandals have bronze-tone buckle-fastening straps across foot and ankle, two straps across toe and stitched-seam detailing.

Sunday 9 May 2010

Going Once, Going Twice, SOLD!

 Harrods, Knightsbridge, London. Snapped by me, Feb 2010.

Harrods is the epitome of luxury shopping in London. Located along Brompton Road in Knightsbridge, London, Harrods harbours the world's top luxury brands, the finest foodstuff, etc...you name it, they have it. The department I pay homage to, surprise surprise is not the leather goods department, but the amaaaazing food hall. I completely canonize the saying, "The best way to a man's heart is through the stomach". :-)

And today morning, I awoke to the confirmation of the landmark transaction that Mohammed Al Fayed has sold the London department store to the Qatari royal family's investment company for a reported $2.3bn as he has finally decided to retire and spend more time with his family. The Egypt-born tycoon acquired the business in Knightsbridge following a £615m takeover in 1985. Despite the fact that he will not be involved in running the business on a day-to-day basis, he will still continue to promote the store through the role of an honorary chairman.

How exciting. Am definitely looking forward to great things from Qatar Holdings. Hopefully, the legacy and tradition of Harrods garnered since the late 1800s will still be maintained. See you next year, Harrods!

The Modern Woman

W.O.M.A.N.

What is your definition of a woman?

According to www.thefreedictionary.com, the definition of a woman is:
1) An adult female human belonging to a specified group, occupation, nationality or other category
2) Feminine quality or aspect; womanliness
3) A female servant or subordinate

 What is your stereotypical perception of a woman?

You know that saying "Women, take care. Men, take charge"? This phrase sums it all. The stereotypical perception of women is that females tend to avoid circumstances that are likely to produce success, that the common goals of an average woman is to find the perfect man, tie the knot, consummate and provide for the basic needs of a family i.e. cook, clean, etc.

However, many young women are now believed to be moving out of the 'traditional' stereotyped roles for females; such females should not be plagued by fear of success. Who says men are the only breadwinners of the family? I would like to lead the world and not just live as the wife of somebody as I believe women can definitely do more than solely adopt the roles of wives, mothers or trophy women.

Since the early 1900s, feminist activists have campaigned for women's legal rights - such as rights of contract, property rights and voting rights - and workplace rights. Such movements have also led to the improvement in equality in terms of freedom of speech as well as the protection of women against domestic violence, rape and sexual harassment.

I have had the privilege to gain education up to tertiary level, the privilege to obtain a job in the "male-dominated" banking industry and am not frowned upon for being a woman, to have the rights to vote and the freedom to voice out my thoughts. It's time to get my career on the move and take the next step up the corporate ladder. :)

GIRL POWER and yes, HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY! x