{Postcards from Hong Kong}

Hong Kong, as seen from The Peak

Hello from Hong Kong!

With two weeks behind me, my Asian adventure ends in Hong Kong – another cosmopolitan city with commanding skylines, comprised of a plethora of skyscrapers and a tropical island backdrop (imagine Manhattan, only larger, plopped down in the middle of Hawaii).  Whether from its famous Victoria Peak, the Stanley waterfront, a chic city bar, or from the back seat of one of the city’s many red taxis, the cityscape charms me with its beguiling views, by day and by night.  While the city’s modernity is apparent, especially when seeing commuters embark on their daily inclined track of escalators, the island’s culture remains present.  One day, I took a short subway ride to see Hong Kong’s Big Buddha, a sight made visible via a cable-car ride over the city’s mountainous terrain.  My outer-island trek, followed by a traditional Dim Sum lunch of freshly-made dumplings and noodles made for a dually cultural Chinese experience.  The incitement for my trip, and perhaps the cherry on top of my vacation, was the wedding I was invited to here in HK.  The affair, a mix of Eastern and Western traditions, such as the bride wore red, white, and purple gowns, perfectly proves how blended Hong Kong is in design, tradition and culture – a delightful discovery to leave China with.

Yours, Jenn



Red taxis driving through HK



The Stanley waterfront



Escalators in Soho



Cable-cars en route to Big Buddha



Big Buddha at a distance



The bride all dressed in purple



HK by night





{Postcards from Shanghai}

The Pudong at night

Hi from Shanghai!

Having spent three days in Shanghai, I understand why they call this city the “Paris of China.”  This city, a bustling, modern metropolis (having more skyscrapers than NYC), with both European and Asian influences, is primarily a city of light, with the Pudong as its crown jewel.  The Pudong, an area, mainly comprised of financial statement pieces, illuminates at night along the river, while hotels, restaurants and bars intermix among them, allowing for the most spectacular views – a sight I happily indulged in over cocktails.  Opposite this financial mecca, The Bund, a more colonial European crown of buildings sits, twinkling back at its contemporary counterpart with Shanghainese old-world glamour.  Although the massive skyscrapers remain the city’s focal points, its more quiet neighborhoods are equally impressive.  I enjoyed walking through its classic Old City and serene Yu Yuan gardens in the morning, as well as, its trendy French Concession district at night.  During my stay, I also ventured outside the city’s center to Zhou Zhuang, a water village, often referred to as “the Venice of the East.”  These areas, sprinkled throughout the city, dually remind me of the city’s history as well as its urban progress. All in all… I ❤ SH!  Now, my Asian adventure continues to Hong Kong…

Yours,  Jenn

The Bund at night

Elevators at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, 87 flights high (looks kind of like a peacock)

Old City

Yu Yuan gardens

French Concession district at night

Zhou Zhuang

Advertisement in the Pudong

{Postcards from Beijing}

The Temple of Heaven

Nihao! (Hello in Chinese)

This is my first trip to Asia and I have been in Beijing for four hot and hazy days.  The city's expanse as well as its modern design infused with old-world Chinese charm is an amazing sight to see and comprehend.  Their famous Birdcage stadium, built for the 2008 Olympics, is sandwiched between two dynasties' palaces, The Forbidden City and The Summer Palace.  I loved touring these palaces because their entire structure and design is saturated with symbols, for example: lions act as father and mother gatekeepers, dragons display power, and yellow pays tribute to the imperials.  One day, after a two-hour drive through the countryside, I walked along The Great Wall of China, another ancient marvel of mass and design.  With a long, hot day behind me, I ventured to the Hou Hai lake district at night, where red lanterns glitter against the backdrop of the lake and music fills the air with energy.  On my last day of touring, I visited a Hutong neighborhood, where I indulged in an old-fashioned rickshaw ride through its small and windy streets.  And lastly, much to my eyes’ delight, I toured the Lama Temple, a Buddhist temple and monastery, where incense burns steadily, monks draped in red and yellow robes chant from their scriptures below their giant gilded god, and common-folk worship beside them.  With each day I was entranced by Beijing’s ever-present design and old-world allure.  Now, the journey continues to Shanghai...

Yours,  Jenn



The Summer Palace



  



The Birdcage stadium





The Great Wall of China




The Hou Hai lake district





Rickshaws in the Hutong





Smiling Buddha at Lama Temple




Male lion gatekeeper at Lama Temple