The top cool things about my trip countdown continues…
7. Grand Palace, Bangkok
We visited the Grand Palace in Bangkok on New Years Day. I had no idea what to expect and was thrilled to step into a complex of beautiful and opulent buildings, statues, and temples. There was so much to see and explore and I had a lot of fun doing just that. Here are some pictures that show a sampling of this vast Royal place.
Cool right?
6. Victoria Harbor & the Star Ferry
There is just something about the ocean. Lakes. Rivers. Water masses make everything a little more romantic and beautiful. While in Hong Kong I fell in love with the Victoria Harbor. A harbor between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, you can take a cheap and quick ferry ride across it to travel back and forth. I loved the ferry boat, the Star Ferry. You get to sit and enjoy the movement of the boat and look out to the stunning Hong Kong skyline.
5. Shopping
Yes, shopping is number 5. I can’t help it, I love to shop and as I am sure you can imagine, Hong Kong is the place for shopping. Of course, there are a couple drawbacks–apparently in Hong Kong I am anywhere from a XL to XXXL size. Not so good for the ego. Ah, Hong Kong sizes.
The other drawback, at least in my estimation, is bargaining. I can’t stand bargaining. Or should I say, I am really bad at bargaining. It makes me uncomfortable to have to put on a uninterested face and talk someone down from a randomly chosen price they set for me. I prefer items for sale to be offered at a set and reasonable price. Is that too much to ask?
Okay, so issues aside, shopping was FUN. There are outdoor markets everywhere selling everything you can possibly imagine. The shopping malls are nothing like most malls you see in the US–they are full of designer stores. Not the kind of malls I can afford to shop in but it is fun to walk around and look. The coolest store I went to was Shanghai Tang, a high-end store selling stunning Chinese style clothes and products. Everything about this place is cool. I bought a great red silk top there that I love. The other cool shopping place we went to was Pauline’s. Actually, I don’t think it is called Pauline’s but Pauline works there and is the sole reason for the many dollars (Hong Kong dollars that is) I spent there.
Here we all are with our favorite sales lady:
We all bought way more Chinese style jackets and shirts than we could ever need but we had so much fun doing it who really cares about practicality? Pauline thought we were a bit crazy but I think she liked us. Or at the very least she liked our business. I can’t wait to go back and buy more…urm…visit.
#’s 4-2 on Thursday…
The following 7 comments were originally left at blogspirit:
I hate bargaining too! I have friends who just live for it, though. I’d almost rather not buy something than have to bargain for it.
I would wear only Chinese clothes if I could shop in that store!! Hong Kong is full of eye candy!!
Nice chicken!
That rooster soldier is just about my favorite thing that I have ever seen, ever. Thank you for sharing.
Oh my gosh!! We really did go to the same places in HK. I loved Shangai Tang…I bought the Knit Girl sweater and the red cashmere hoodie with jade buttons.
I loved the shopping and now I really look at ‘made in China’ labels sooo differently now. I hated the bargining but by the end of the week I was getting good. I bought a Thomas the Tank Engine watch for my nephew…from $4 to $2. When I told my nephew that I got it in China he said “Aunt Mary, I want to go to Hong Kong with you.” Wanted to melt…he is 4.
I love the way you are posting your trip! You guys look like you had a fab time.
When I was in the Middle East, I had to bargain too… not a big fan of it. I prefer the set price too.
Love your pictures!