When searching for professional development opportunities, a conference at Hong Kong International School with Kathy Collins and other great educators was recommended.
I leaped at the opportunity because
A. The presenters at the conference were fantastic
B. I would get to see my friend, Rachel, from high school who lives in HK
C. I have wanted to visit HK since July of 2005 when I flew through the airport en route to Taiwan
D. All of the above
And the answer is: D!
Landing in Hong Kong reveals an incredible concentration of humanity and nature. Here skyscrapers are justified. There is a limited amount of land on the islands that can support buildings due to the steep rocky terrain.
We landed on Friday night and took the train in to HK's Times Square (many neighborhoods and streets are named after places in New York City and London) and met my friend Rachel. We bundled up and went to Din Tai Fung for delicious dim sum.
Then we found out just how steep some parts of the city are as we walked and later rode on the mid-levels escalator.
Saturday's workshops were great! That night we managed to see a little more of Hong Kong. We found the city to be very accessible. We walked to Victoria Harbor. We then took the Star Ferry across and watched some of the daily light and laser show that is played on the skyline.
Then we headed up to Aqua Spirit for a yummy cocktail with a great view (we passed on the gold flake martini). Then we took the ferry back and walked to the mid levels escalator again to get dinner.
If posh shopping is your thing; Hong Kong is your city. Seriously. There were lines outside Cartier. And, yes, that is a bejeweled motorcycle helmet.
As we walked, I marveled at how much I enjoyed the cold weather and how refreshing it was to see people bundled up in coats and scarves.
We then stayed out for a bit longer and eventually ended at LKF, Lan Kwai Fong. When we arrived it felt like a festival because there seemed to be more people in the street than in the bars. Once we got inside a bar I realized there were as many or more expats packed into the bar.
On Sunday, I had another day of workshops, which were great. Since we were taking a late flight back, we had enough time for HK residents' favorite pastime--a hike.
We were on a tight timeline so we did an urban hike to Victoria Peak. We were on paved roads all the way, but that didn't mean that the hike wasn't strenuous! It was a beautiful way to see more of the city, and the views of humanity and nature compressed were great!
And, not shockingly, there was a mall at the top of the peak.
Zoom in and you'll find the temple that's there too.
We made a quick stop at the Hong Kong Football Club, and then we were off to the airport and back to Bangkok.
 |
| View from our hotel room |
I leaped at the opportunity because
A. The presenters at the conference were fantastic
B. I would get to see my friend, Rachel, from high school who lives in HK
C. I have wanted to visit HK since July of 2005 when I flew through the airport en route to Taiwan
D. All of the above
And the answer is: D!
Landing in Hong Kong reveals an incredible concentration of humanity and nature. Here skyscrapers are justified. There is a limited amount of land on the islands that can support buildings due to the steep rocky terrain.
We landed on Friday night and took the train in to HK's Times Square (many neighborhoods and streets are named after places in New York City and London) and met my friend Rachel. We bundled up and went to Din Tai Fung for delicious dim sum.
 |
| We haven't seen each other in the states for years... We managed to catch up twice in Southeast Asia in four months! |
Then we found out just how steep some parts of the city are as we walked and later rode on the mid-levels escalator.
Saturday's workshops were great! That night we managed to see a little more of Hong Kong. We found the city to be very accessible. We walked to Victoria Harbor. We then took the Star Ferry across and watched some of the daily light and laser show that is played on the skyline.
 |
| I felt right at home with the Philly LOVE light sculpture. |
If posh shopping is your thing; Hong Kong is your city. Seriously. There were lines outside Cartier. And, yes, that is a bejeweled motorcycle helmet.
As we walked, I marveled at how much I enjoyed the cold weather and how refreshing it was to see people bundled up in coats and scarves.
We then stayed out for a bit longer and eventually ended at LKF, Lan Kwai Fong. When we arrived it felt like a festival because there seemed to be more people in the street than in the bars. Once we got inside a bar I realized there were as many or more expats packed into the bar.
On Sunday, I had another day of workshops, which were great. Since we were taking a late flight back, we had enough time for HK residents' favorite pastime--a hike.
We were on a tight timeline so we did an urban hike to Victoria Peak. We were on paved roads all the way, but that didn't mean that the hike wasn't strenuous! It was a beautiful way to see more of the city, and the views of humanity and nature compressed were great!
Zoom in and you'll find the temple that's there too.
We made a quick stop at the Hong Kong Football Club, and then we were off to the airport and back to Bangkok.
 |
| View of the Hong Kong Football Club from our hotel. It is quite extensive and includes a horse track. |
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