Wedding Time

Yesterday was Lil Miss J and Mr L's big day. We all gathered at Lil Miss J's high school church for her shuffle up the aisle. Given the so-so weather prediction, we were very lucky to have a sunny blue sky and not the showers that were expected.

I was not well positioned for happy snaps and this was the best I could do:

Lil Miss J looking stunning while making her way up the aisle.

Lil Miss J: "Muwahahaha... I got you now!!!"

Signing the official documents.

The lovely lacey train. Tucked away very well for the bridal dance.

Me and Smee outside the church.

The cute peonies. No, not beautiful. Look at the round little balls of petals - they're cute!!! I just wanna squish 'em!

After the church, we made our way to the reception to watch the tea ceremony and pose for a few group photos. A good time to have a few canapes and drinkies.

The behemoth.... No, not Lymbo!

Catching J in the middle of her bridesmaid duties. Off she teetered to attend to train neatening and bouquet holding.

We settled down to some entertaining speeches (groomsmen and bridesmaids were so farnie!) and a 9 (or was it 10?) course meal :D. When I remembered, I took a photo of each dish!

I'm extremely proud to say that I at least sampled every dish! And I even had room for wedding cake *sheepish face*

Group dancing (what other way?) closed our night and the happy couple retired in preparation for a well deserved honeymoon. Congrats to Lil Miss J and Mr L and make sure you enjoy Fiji!

I'm home!

I'M HOME!!!

I survived the flight without any stomach incidents! Wow *pat pat* tummy you are such a good girl.

Good to see the crew at home (yes siblings and parents - I'm referring to you). I especially like the bit when I get to unpack and distribute my UK care package i.e Harrods mugs, European clothes, foodstuffs. I'm a happy pack mule!

Ok, well I haven't slept since jetting in this morning... it's time for bed and timezone readjustment.

Hong Kong - A journey out but the hotel beckons...

Well I hoping for some good luck with the last day in Hong Kong. I definitely felt I was on the mend and ready to eat proper food.

We had some clothes tailored whilst here and today was collection day. We were all pretty happy with the results and I was especially chuffed at the jacket I got cloned. The actual shopfront looked dodgy dodgy dodgy but hey, the customer service was good, the boss spoke fluent English and they delivered a decent product. If you want cheap, fast tailored clothing, try Pacific Fashions.

Our final meal in HK was at Sergeant Chicken Rice in the Food Republic hall within the Silvercord building. Yeah, ok so chicken rice isn't HK cuisine but we've eaten here before and it was decent. Also, I considered the dish a small (safe) step up from the congee I'd been consuming.

But no... no, no, no.. ... my stomach just wasn't ready. It was another run back to the hotel, painful cramping all the way. A bit of sobbing occurred in the bathroom *woe is me*, followed by a few exasperated "I don't want to get on the plane" cries. Oh if only those tiled walls could talk. How pitiful I was.

Well I had about 30 minutes to feel ok before making our journey to the airport for the 8 hour flight home. All I can say is - my stomach likes me when I need her most (so far). Now.... just waiting to board.... *winces*

Hong Kong..... from the hotel room

Well, I felt better much today but to play on the safe side I decided to stick to the 'asian sick people diet' of congee. *sigh* Very upset at missing out on the seafood/fried food/general over-eating.

Not wanting to totally waste my food opportunities, I thought, 'Hey, I'll have a guilinggao.' It's a sick people food, I guess. I got the version for tummy upsets. I don't really pay attention to the whole yin/yang thing with food but it does feel a lot better to eat warm foods when having stomach issues, so I got my jelly heated. Of course, it also tastes better slightly sweetened, so a bit of honey was added. Honey is sick people friendly! Mmmmm it sure felt good to eat that. Slippery, sweet, warming jelly. Tummy so warm. *rub rub*

Well about... oh I dunno... an hour later, I had to return to the hotel. Stomach cramps.... so.........nnnghhh...... pain....ful! *clutches stomach* It was tiring and I had to sleep for the rest of the afternoon. So here I am.. in the hotel room.... *sigh*

I also realise, I don't really like taking those small, brown, traditional Chinese medicine pills. It just seems to have the same effect as Imodium. Not liking that at all...

Macau Day Trip = Tum Tum Issues

I'm going to start with what happened by the end of today. I'm having severe stomach issues. Correction - both me and Smee's brother are having stomach issues. Something we ate in Macau :S Smee escaped the food poisoning despite eating the same stuff. Curse him and his night market stomach! *muttering, muttering* Actually I'm quite envious of his iron stomach.

Our day began as planned as we mustered up all our strength to wake at 7am (on a holiday!) to catch an early ferry to Macau. I don't suffer from motion sickness but Smee does. The ferry ride was just over an hour and even for me who doesn't mind the ups and downs of a ferry, this was not a comfortable ride. The audible vomiting and snot-hawking from the surrounding tourists was just ... not pleasant.

After disembarking, we exchanged some cash as our HK dollars were of little use in a region where Pataca is the official currency. Pataca - cute word, like ... maracas! Hehe. We jumped into a taxi and set off into the city centre.

Now, I haven't been to Portugual yet (but I've been to Spain!) and Macau feels distinctly colonial in contrast to the Chinese metropolis of Hong Kong. It was weird to see all these Chinese people surrounded by architecture typically found on the Iberian peninsula.

The main square. Look at the background - I could be anywhere in Iberia!

Even the street signs are in Portuguese. Cool.

We trounced around and saw the major historical site, the Ruins of St Paul.

All that is left is the church facade after it burnt down in the 1800s.

Whenever I tried to take a photo, this was all I could see:

I haven't captured a Chinese camera stance in a while.

Of course, we hit the food stalls in search of foodie treasures.

Mmmmm... Portuguese Tarts. Oh, my dear tasty tart. Were you the source of my food poisoning?

Mmmmm... Pork Chop Bun. Oh, my dear tasty Pork Bun. Maybe you the source of my food poisoning?

Mmmmm... flat, sweet, warm (key word here) Chinese pork jerky. Oh, my dear pork jerky. Could you be the source of my food poisoning? I did take a free sample. Maybe you just wanted to let me know that nothing in life comes without paying some sort of price?

Mmmmm... bun from bakery (in Smee's hand). Were you the source of my food poisoning?

*sigh* Whichever piece of food did it, it will remain a mystery.

We then climbed up the Fortaleza do Monte where I happily posed for this photo:

By then, I was getting a little grumpy with the bright sun, mild dehydration and general NQR feelings. I thought it was the after effects of the bumpy ride and drank a bit of water.

Avoiding the sun but with grumpy face intact.

The water made a slight difference but by the time we were ready to get back on the ferry, I definitely felt nauseous. Being the pragmatist, I forced myself to vomit in preparation for the ferry ride back. *thumbs up* Yes, yes that did give me mild relief. By the time we docked back in Hong Kong, I was a ball of grumpiness and had to return to the hotel where the usual food poisoning traits ensued.

I slept for the rest of the afternoon and only woke to meet up with friends who I hadn't seen in three years. Aaah they were so nice and took me out for congee. Let's hope I'm better tomorrow - there's eating to be done!

Hong Kong - Day 1

Our first day in HK was the same old stuff..... shopping..... eating.... I didn't photograph anything because it was all the same stuff that I've eaten on my previous visits. I *heart* Hong Kong! :D Tomorrow, we've decided to do something a little different and make a day trip to Macau, the former Portuguese colony. It's so close yet we've never bothered to visit. I say it's time to gorge on Portuguese Egg Tarts!

Back in Honkieland

Well, I've safely arrived in Hong Kong and have made it to the hotel. Yay!

I've just returned from dinner. No, no not a refined dinner, more like a gorging session at Itamae Sushi. I'm sure that this may not be the best sushi restaurant in Hong Kong but it is a damn good one. The half hour queue at 9.30pm is indicative of a healthy food fanbase. This is probably just the 'standard' level of sushi available in HK and maybe I thought it was freaking awesome simply because I have been deprived of decent sushi in London.

Anyway, I forgot to bring my camera so no photos. But I do have to say, I had the best unagi nigiri I've ever had in my life! Mmmm so fresh.... mmm just off the griller.... mmm just slightly warm on the rice. Yep yep, I'll come back to Itamae Sushi. For a better review with pictures, go here.

I'm outta here!!

YAY!! I've left work early and I've packed my bags. I'm heading off for 3 weeks! A few days stopover in Hong Kong first (to satisfy a few food cravings) and then on to Oz. Yippee! The grey and drizzling rain outside sure makes me feel good about heading home for the beginning of Summer :D To those in Oz - see you soon!

My First Hat!

Wanting to move up from the world of scarves, my next knitting project was a hat. After re-knitting my scarf, I had some leftover yarn which I estimated would be enough for this simple hat. I have no idea how to use circular knitting needles at this stage, so I chose a pattern which required sewing up.

Photowhoring.

The hat doesn't really sit on my head like how it does in the pattern's photo but it sits ok-ish. I do think I look like I'm wearing a tea cosy, but it's a warm hat and it matches my scarf so I'm quite content.

Monkey: Journey to the West

Monkey was ritual TV viewing when I was growing up. Every afternoon at 5.30pm, my siblings and I gathered at TV to watch the 'irrespressible!' Monkey along with Sandy, Pigsy and Tripitaka make their way across to India to retrieve some Buddhist scriptures. Whoever didn't watch this as child, I pity your deprived childhood. That theme song is just genius!

I learned many valuable lessons watching Monkey:

• Be weary of perverted men (Pigsy)
• When Japanese people speak English, their lips don't match the words
• Don't cover your child's mouth when they're crying. You might kill them (Traumatic episode, that one)
• Traveling via cloud is very efficient
  

One thing that confused me as a child was Tripitaka. I now know why they cast a female but when you're young all you think is 'how come he looks and sounds like a girl?'

I was DYING to watch Monkey: Journey to the West when I first heard about it at the Manchester International Festival last year. Too bad I don't live in Manchester on top of that, too bad I found out about it a month too late.

Another missed opportunity was when it ran for a week (!?! just one?!?) at the London Royal Opera house. I tried to book tickets but all that were left were cruddy ones. So when I saw posters in the Tube for another run, I initially thought I was looking at an old advertisement but then got super-excited when I saw the dates of the show!

A purpose built tent was constructed for the show at the 02 to allow for an extended run. The important thing to understand about the show is that is not a stage version of the hit TV series, but rather a Chinese opera. And... it was all in Mandarin too. I know that aspect of the show is going to be a difficult one to overcome for a lot of folk.

Outside the tent.

I'm gonna say all the cliches here - visually stunning, amazing acrobatics, all with the expected military execution we've come to expect from Chinese performers, a-la Olympics ceremony style. I don't think any of the stunts were faked, but I'm not too sure. It was especially good to see my extended family spinning plates on sticks. I'm allowed to make these kinds of jokes because I'm ethnically sound and any jibes are merely self-depreciating.

It is a show for everyone? Most definitely not. Anyone who goes expecting to relive their childhood, should read a bit more into it before buying tickets. But otherwise, I really enjoyed it!

Re-Done Scarf

Well, I did it. I unwound the four balls of wool which collectively made my moss stitch scarf and re-knitted them into a less bulky version. I'm quite happy with the result because now, the puffin-chest effect has disappeared.

Before and After

Before - Scarf chokes and causes Puffin Chest Effect
After - No Puffin Chest!

Not terribly happy with having to end on a purl stitch at the end of my rows, giving the sides a wonky look but the scarf does the job and that's what matters. I will look back one day and laugh at my feeble knitting attempts. At least, I hope I do.

London Westfield

The new Westfield London opened recently. There was much media coverage and hoo-ha about it. It was billed as 'Changing the Face of London Shopping'. When I first arrived in London, I always wondered 'where are the shopping malls around here?' and 'why are people still subjecting themselves to street shopping in this stupid weather?'. I am puzzled as to why 'shopping on the High Street' still reigns supreme here. Mind you, it took me a little why to figure out that bit of British terminology. (Me in London first time: 'Shopping on the High St? Wtf does that mean?')

High street shopping has it's charms and perks. I enjoy wandering down Bridge Rd, Chapel St and Oxford St (Sydney). The Antipodean weather often encourages that kind of lazing-up-and-down-the-street-now-I'll-just-stop-for-a-coffee type of shopping. However in Australia I also have the option of going to a shopping centre which usually are no more than a 10 minute drive away.

High street shopping in the UK is perky and charming too.... when it's sunny. When it rains (and yes, the stereotype fits) or it is just plain cold, then it's just plain old shit. Hmmm for me, that would be about 80% of the calendar year. Umbrellas everywhere, people everywhere, puddles everywhere, buses splashing puddles everywhere. It really is an ordeal. Hey, even when it's sunny outside, it still can be crap. Going into a store on the High Street expecting some relief from the relative heat, you come to the realisation that effective air-conditioning doesn't exist in this town. The closest shopping mall is somewhere in Zone 4 or 5. Bleah.

There are plenty of those worried about Westfield affecting the Brits traditional high street shopping. To that I say:

"I'm all for the quaint high streets with the boutique and quirky stores (Carnaby St, Covent Garden), but look at the typical High Streets (Oxford, Regent St) and it is all just chain store after chain store - nothing special. Where is the charm and uniqueness? Even the cafes are chains. The advantage of a mall is that all the chain stores are within close proximty and you don't have to fight the elements. The Brits cling onto High Street shopping for no other reason than a means of identity - maintaining 'Britishness'. With the UK's climate, they should embrace shopping malls or at least, covered footpaths."

So...... *nyah*

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that sheltered footpaths are non-existent in London too. Maybe I wouldn't be blogging this post if Oxford and Regent streets' footpaths were covered.

Anyway I made my way down to "Shoppo" to see how it stacked up to it's Australian counterparts. I was impressed but at the same time not impressed. I've never been to a decent mall in the UK or Europe for that matter so Westfield London was impressive in that regard. But otherwise, it reminded me much of Westfield Bondi which opened several years ago and also Chadstone. Ok, so the London complex was purpose built and has a clearer layout than Bondi but it exhibited the same clean lines, glass fronted stores and modern design. I'd expect Westfield Donnie and any other Westfields undergoing refurbishment in Oz to look similar. I think I'm just jaded with shopping centres and they have to be really superspecial before I'll be impressed.

I was happy to hear that Boost Juice had opened it's first London store in Westfield :D

That was my highlight. Although paying the equivalent of $8 for a $4 drink wasn't great.

I got the same ice cream headache I get whenever I drink a Boost Juice. That's reassuring :D

So verdict on London shoppo? Yeah it's pretty good, I'll go there again. Way better than shopping on the High St.

Gordon Ramsay Cookalong

I managed to score some free tickets to a taping of celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay's Cookalong Live *excited face*. For those who are unfamilar with the concept, the ingredients used on the night are posted on the internet a week prior to taping and the show is broadcast live. You literally 'cook along' with Gordon at home. I had four tickets in total, so Smee, Lil Miss J and J joined us. We arrived an hour early for the taping yet a queue had already formed.... grrrrrrr....

Wrist passes were handed to us when we reached the end of the queue - yay! Guaranteed entry!

Once in we were ushered to a cloak room where we had to dump our belongings whether we wanted to or not.

The filming studio unlike the taping of 'The Fashion Show' was in a warehouse which was open to all the elements. Not great for those standing near the door on a November night. Brrrr... Again, we were taught how to clap and more importantly because this would be airing live... when to clap. Oooh, technical.

Our view of the stage. Great view but it meant our chance to be on TV was very slim!

The guest chef cooking with Gordon tonight was Britain's Got Talent judge, Amanda Holden. She was a little annoying. David Coulthard was one of the guests who would be served food. Wow, his jaw is bizarrely square.

The funniest part of the night was when a Ramsay lookalike appeared with Gordon's wife. Some lookalikes are really bad, but this guy... he was uncanny. Here he is in action.

Blink and you'll miss us! A friend who watched the live show from home reported seeing us on TV. Yay! They must have been searching for us pretty hard because the screenshots I've found ... well you have to squint a fair bit and use your imagination.

The four of us indicated by the yellow arrows.

Me and Smee under the yellow arrows!

Maybe if we managed to get high definition recording of the show, the above screenshots might have been clearer.

The night didn't end too late but we were all pretty starving and unfortunately the food that was cooked was not served to us!

One last photo in the kitchen.

Knitting Projects Completed

Well since I picked up the sticks, I've just stuck to a few simple projects. Three scarves in fact. You can never be short on scarves in London.

My moss stitch scarf.

Using a thick yarn and big sticks, this was completed very quickly. I didn't realise how bulky it would be and when I wear it, I get sweaty!

The scarf.... slowly suffocating me.

I think I might have to 'frog' it (oooh knitting slang!) and knit it up again and make it less bulky.

My waffle scarf. Oooh I do like this one. The free pattern can be found here.

Another scarf. *yawn* It was made with the thought of giving it to a man. I might just force this upon Spuey.

Once you've mastered the scarf, it does get a bit boring. I feel the need to be challenged. I think I'll try a hat next.

Top Gear MPH Show

Smee and I were looking forward to this. The annual Top Gear MPH show is the easiest way to see the boys from Top Gear live if you don't wany to try your luck on the two year waiting list for the TV show. Smee and I had a late one last night (happy birthday Smee!) and needless to say, it was a drunken escapade which involved me guiding a very drunk Smee home..... walking in my heels. From Tottenham Court Road... to St. Pauls. Mmmm yes.

Lucky for us, we had booked an afternoon show. We got to Earls Court, had lunch and then made our way to the exhibition centre. It was then we realised that the show began at 2pm and not 2.30pm as we originally had thought. :-S We ran into the centre and made our way to our seats much to the annoyance of others. We'd missed the first 20 minutes! :( Upsetting.

Anyway, the rest of the show was enjoyable. The played car soccer again, had a whole bunch of stunts, did the whole boy banter thing. It is definitely worth going if you like the show. If you have no interest in cars and can't stand the hosts......then..... don't go.

The boys waving us goodbye.

Afterwards we had a look at the cars on show and Smee found his (current) dream car, the Evo X.