Yummy Yummy

05.08.05

My first lunch in Hong Kong consisted of baby pigeon, chicken's feet, and other dim sum delights. Tomorrow my lovely and wonderful tour guide Katherine promised to take me for turtle jelly, a Chinese delicacy that's supposed to be quite healthy.

I actually didn't think I'd make it to Hong Kong. The kind folks at Japan Airlines took one look at my luggage and said I'd have to pay $500 in excess weight fees. That's pretty much the equivalent of a round-trip ticket to Japan. But after crying my eyes out and making a fuss for 30 minutes, they gave in and let me go free of charge. Thank god.

Hong Kong is stunning- hundreds of brightly lit skyscrapers surrounded by water and tiny mountainous islands. Parts of the city remind me of Tokyo, NYC, and even Vancouver, but it's got its own vibe, smells, and..... the largest number of Filipino and Indonesian domestic workers I've ever seen in my life. We drove by a park in downtown Hong Kong today that was PACKED with these domestic workers- it was quite a sight. I've been told that one month's salary in Hong Kong is equal to one year's salary in their native countries. These women are so careful with their money, saving every penny for their families in the Philippines, so instead of shopping or going to cafes during their breaks and days off, they hang out in the parks. That way they don't spend a dime.

Sheila

Photos: 1) A gigantic Buddah at a beachside temple, 2) How cute is this cat? I love fat cats. 3) Today's lunch.

Posted by Sheila at 06:56 AM