Chinese New Year and much more

Hello again!

I've been back in Hong Kong for a month now and I can confirm that I love living here. The city has become small and cosy in many ways but still captures my attention with all its sights, smells and spectaular array of things to do.

Some highlights:

* Climbing to the Peak along the Old Tramway route and doing Hong Kong trail part 1

* Trying new cocktail hangouts with friends and on our own.
 -  001, a New York style speakeasy that is hidden away in Central
 - California Vintage in Wan Chai
 - Hyatt Hotel in TST (K11 Mall)
and finding some new places to eat, high point was Sushi at Sushi Shin - so yum!

* Exploring the markets! Sham Shui Po, Mong Kok, Causeway Bay even and the great Shopping Mall displays.



* And of course Chinese New Year celebrations have been exhilarating  The New Year started started Sunday 10 Feb, and festivities roughly ends 21 Feb. During that time you can find numerous opportunities to join in the fun:  Lion Dances, Bamboo Theaters, street parades, fireworks and dragon mimes.  Lots of free entertainment walking around this week. =D

This is the first month in over two years that I haven't travelled, but no need, the tourists come here for this :-)

What good food should be like

So this post will be about Hong Kong Central and a little shout out for two good food/drink finds in Hong Kong Central.

Saturday afternoon Sweet Chai Latte at FUEL, Landmark Mall Basement was a real treat, perfectly made in the right proportions. Only criticism was the cup was not big enough. The mandarin poppy seed cake was ok, a bit dry but quickly overshadowed by the Latte.

Saturday evening dinner was a pleasant surprise at California Vintage, an unique dining idea where you can order a range of Tapas style dishes and pair them with a wide selection of wines.  The experience is interactive, wine sample selections are done using a 'charge card' system from stainless steel fine polished wine dispensers.  And the food is fresh, generous and good. I was so inspired by the Watermelon Cucumber soup that I have new motivation to try more WATERMELON in food combinations.

Saturday was a special day spent with my love, but a topic for another day. Pictures and impressions from Central on a Saturday are below.  In general I can say I am starting to feel a less lost, and a lot more happy and comfortable here, really enjoying the city in many ways.

Tourist signposts:

 Old stairs off Lyndhurst Terrace:

Markets stocked with Halloween Decorations:

Dogs spotted in 7-11: :-)

These stairs in Duddell street are special since they host the last remaining gas lamps in Hong Kong.