Saturday, March 31, 2007

Hong Kong Trip (3/17 - 3/23)

Welcome to my first entry on Pic Stops! This blog is primarily intended for casual snapshots taken "on the go." Even though this particular post loosely chronicles my first trip to Hong Kong with a select bunch of photos, I'm hoping that some subsequent posts may revolve around more spontaneous shots. Who knows? Maybe this blog could help me think of a new painting or a personal series...I'd like to see.

But for now, here are some of my Hong Kong pics. I had the privilege of taking a business trip to this wonderful city alongside a few other people from Funrise. It truly was a fantastic experience.


Saturday, March 17 – Arrival at The Royal Garden Hotel in Kowloon...sweet relief after 15+ hours on a plane.


I am normally content with Econolodge standards...but being greeted by little chocolate squares on my pillow is a rather welcome change...


Here's a view of the hotel's atrium taken from the elevator.


Sunday, March 18 – After a late breakfast, we took a cab to Stanley Market on Hong Kong Island. It's definitely a tourist spot, with tons of outdoor vendors eager to sell a variety of goods (and some not-as-goods.)


Little girl finishing her ice cream...


Just one of the many bustling areas you'll find at Stanley Market.


Waiting for the owner...and looking adorable while doing so...


Inside the Délifrance at Stanley Market. This is a rather popular French-style café you'll find all over Hong Kong, as well as some other parts of Asia.


Starbucks...seems like there's one on every corner in HK too...


Monday, March 19 – This is a bridge connecting my hotel to the Tsim Sha Tsui building...which is where the Funrise Hong Kong office is located. Since I was about to begin my official workweek in HK, I found this bridge to be a wonderfully convenient shortcut! By the way, the company's staff in HK is truly awesome, and I enjoyed meeting & working with everyone.


After work and dinner, I decided to take a stroll within the vicinity of the hotel...and stumbled upon a Charlie Brown Café! Apparently, there are a few peppering the streets of Kowloon. For any Peanuts fan like myself, this was a real treat (please bear with me for the following photos)...


(Again, you'll have to bear with me...)


Beagle Scouts straight ahead :)


I love this "scene"...


Tuesday, March 20 – This shot was taken at the InterContinental hotel in Kowloon. Right behind A is perhaps one of the most beautiful skylines I've ever seen. And you're guaranteed a great panoramic view from virtually any spot within the hotel's Lobby Lounge.


Yes, there just so happened to be an amazing red-sailed boat casually making its way along the Victoria Harbor...kind of random, but awesome nonetheless...


Wednesday, March 21 – There's the Shangri-La Hotel in Kowloon...home to one of the most amazing buffet restaurants I've ever had the pleasure of invading.


Here's a night shot taken right after work from the previously mentioned bridge connecting the hotel to the Tsim Sha Tsui building.


I quickly learned that Hong Kong is known for top-notch international cuisine. Isola, an Italian restaurant located in the city's International Finance Centre, is definitely no exception.


A peek at a few gentlemen preparing food at Isola. I was so full and sleepy by night's end that I don't remember too much else after that...


Thursday, March 22 – For our last big dinner in Hong Kong, A.C. from the HK office took us to Central on Hong Kong Island to have a taste at his favorite sushi restaurant.


Me...goofing off near the elevators.


Embarrassing Note #1: I actually forgot the name of the sushi restaurant...but I took a picture of their sign for reference. Does anyone know what the sign says? Er...is that even their sign? :)


Our sushi chef hard at work.
Embarrassing Note #2: I don't actually eat sushi, but I happily came along for the ride and ordered chicken teriyaki & tempura instead.
Embarrassing Note #3: I was handed a spoon in the middle of my dinner.


A.C., our delightful host for the evening :)


Cheers to S, K, and A.


After dinner, our group headed to Lan Kwai Fong, a popular dining and barhopping district. The area gets busier and busier as the night progresses!


Another shot in Lan Kwai Fong.


Topping off the evening at the Peninsula Hotel back in Kowloon. The image above was taken at Felix, a restaurant/bar located at the top of the hotel & created in part by famed designer Philippe Starck.


Circular wine room at Felix.


Blurry snapshot of the hallway to Felix's main dining area...I sort of liked how it turned out, so I decided to include it :P


Friday, March 23 – My last day in Hong Kong. The hotels are already preparing elaborate Easter decorations.


A, A.L., and yours truly...making our way back to the office after lunch. Only a few more hours left!


My last snapshot in the city right after work. There's the harbor, right outside of the hotel. I then proceeded to take care of some last-minute shopping...and then it was off to the airport!


Waiting in line at Hong Kong International Airport. Notice the little girl on the luggage...


Last photo on the trip...I was waiting for my last train ride to the boarding gate.

So...that's pretty much it! Thanks for letting me share.

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To view my art portfolio, please visit: www.viviandesigns.com