HK Getaway

Last week was a rough week and by Friday I was in much need of a little get away! As soon as school was out I packed up my things, packed a bag, got Krista and we hit the road to HK. It was a bit of a process to physically get ourselves across the border...filling out the wrong form at customs, leaving my wallet on the table where I filled out the proper form, and only realizing that I didn't have a wallet when I was on the bus probably didn't help things. This resulted in me looking like a total twit when I was trying to run back across the border (illegal, who knew?) to fetch my precious Mulberry clutch (that contained virtually my whole life). Once I was able to make myself understood security got on their radios and waved me through; Thank God my wallet was right where I left it and we were able to get the next bus. Getting the next bus was probably for the best, I'm sure the people on the first one were a little miffed with me running back and forth and throwing my underwear all over the street in hopes that my wallet was at the bottom of my bag...
Anyway! 

The boys enjoying the game - Envious!

We made it to our hotel, The Best Western, which was just a bit of an upgrade from The Hong Kong Hostel that the group of us stayed at on our last HK adventure (glitter and mirrors, everywhere). We got ready, had a bottle of wine and shared a small bag of chips (meant to hold us over but ended up being dinner) and were then ready to hit Mid-Levels. Now, I have only been to HK 3 times now but I still leave each time thinking about how much I love this place and how many fantastic things there are to do! Mid-Levels, although we were lured into the first place on the strip due to the great live music, the 7s being on the big screen and it being packed with people with wine (always a good sign) is such a neat place! It is where you find the longest escalator in the world and along it on both sides you can find many bars, restaurants and shops (offering anything you may be in search of). After getting our glass of Rose (a mistake I hope not to make again - too sweet) we set up near the man playing all of the classics and swayed to the music while chatting. It wasn't long before we met a large group of guys from all over the world who had come together for a bachelor party week-end (Hong Kong 7s would be a wild bachelor party). They bought us a bottle of wine, gave us their "business cards", we laughed at them and then we all headed to Lang Quai Fun (Fong). Lang Quai Fun is quite the place, I've been there twice before but never were there so many people. It was a sea of people through the streets and into the bars. The energy was pulsing, the costumes were wild and we were ready to dance! After having a drink on the street (out of big plastic needles) we headed into Graffiti and went straight to the dance floor. Krista and I were having a great time when all of a sudden I had someone giving me a big hug from behind. Low and behold it was Patrick!! Now, when I say there was an ocean of people I am not exaggerating, you wouldn't be able to find someone if you wanted to! But, it was meant to be. The boys arrived and I had been hugged and had a flag draped around my neck before I could say "Is this real life!?". The night went on and after a turn of events it ended with Patrick, Joel and I having a drink on the curb, us then losing Joel and Patrick and I going home to the Hostel. In the morning we all had a good laugh, the boys got their costumes on, had a drink and we headed to the stadium. They were able to get their tickets and I went off to find Mariya, Ross and Allison. 

Mariya, Allison and I had a wonderful day in Hong Kong. It was exactly what I needed! We walked Ross to the stadium (which I will be entering instead of walking past next year) then went on to Starbucks. We had a coffee and then began our HK day. We used the metro which was fantastic and easy, it's so organized and clean! We went to mid-levels and before sitting down for a delicious lunch at Life Organic Health Cafe (which I would highly recommend to anyone) we made out way to Lululemon...one of the loves of my life! haha Dangerous! I was half hoping there wouldn't be sizes so that I could save my wallet but sure enough, I tried on a couple of shirts that the 3 of us agreed I had to buy. Justification: It's my Easter present to myself and with all of my working out I deserve a treat...I think it works! haha 
After our healthy and delicious meal we headed to our next destination: Apple Store and Book Store! Mariya and Allison shopped around while I bought my new baby, a beautiful white 4s iPhone :) Moving up in the world! You would understand what I meant if you could see what I have been using all year. Granted, it worked well and did it's job but my word having an iPhone is a wonderful thing! I feel so much more connected to the world both in and outside of China!! From there I played on my new toy while Mariya and Allison shopped for books to add to the library collection and for Heritage Fair Prizes. 
Allison left us at the mall and after doing some more window shopping Mariya and I headed home to Shenzhen. I don't think it's possible to thank Mariya for our day together in HK, it was such a lovely time and it was so nice to chat with her about everything that has been going on. She really made me feel a great deal better. Ross and Mariya are like my second parents here and I am so thankful for them! 
Saturday evening I spent in their room playing on my iPhone and Mariya was helping me download apps! Patricia came for a visit and then I went to bed laughing at updates from the boys who were still in HK for the second day/night of the 7s (messy haha). 
Needless to say, the spontaneous trip over to HK was brilliant and I will be returning very soon!!