Toronto Bound

Today was our last day in Hong Kong.

I sadly heard my alarm go off, and silently wished that when I got up this morning it wouldn’t be time to go to the airport in a few hours.

Granted I was happy that I’d see my family, and friends that I loved back in Toronto, but I just wasn’t ready to say goodbye to this place or its people just yet.

Ah well. I fixed my bed for the last time, and took a shower. Folded the stuff I slept in, and tossed it in my bag along with the rest of the stuff I packed last night.

We were ready. Ready to head back to the land of Snow, and below zero temperatures. Our regular tax filled shopping and a life style that many people refer to as working to live, and living to work.

Even though I am a strong believer in choices, and you make life what you want it to be. Certain things like weather…if it’s warm out. Biologically and psychologically. You feel more energized, the vitamin D supply to your body and skin is increased. You don’t open up the curtains and see it gloomy and feel lazy and just wanting to crawl in bed. Ah well. It is what it is.

I wanted to pick up a pair of shoes I had seen earlier on during the early days of our trip, but never got around to doing so. Now that my bag was packed, I knew I could afford to pack it somewhere.

We were hungry too, so we went to grab some food.

We called a taxi company to give us a special rate to go to the airport, and in the meantime, went downstairs to where the  shuttle bus takes us to the subway station.

There was something wrong though. I couldn’t find my “octopus card.” It’s the equivalent of a metro pass as well as a loaded card which you can use to purchase food in some restaurants and purchases in 90% of local convenient stores.

I was not happy. I needed to find it. FAST. I’m sure I brought it with me last night, and checked everything I wore, but there was no sign of it. We already missed our shuttle bus, and I had less than 15mins to catch a mini bus from across the street as an alternative if I was to grab the shoes I wanted and make it back here on time for the taxi.

Double checking, nothing. Bedroom, NADA. I checked what I wore to sleep…BINGO!

We rushed to the stop and took the mini bus to “running shoe street.” Went into a few stores that had it for a lot more than what i had seen it for, so, a quick scan here and there…and voila! I found the perfect store. I asked them for the size, tried it on. Fit like a glove.

It also had 2 gifts that comes with it, as well as a sale price. DOUBLE BINGO!

We got out of the store, and got some food.

My Cantonese has been improving drastically, and while Tony was in China, all I spoke to locals was Cantonese. Broken, but that’s how you get better right? So we went up to the cashier and I ordered in FLUENT Cantonese. I replied to her questions, and Tony was very impressed. He even regretted not blogging it.

I’m fairly fluent when it comes to ordering or bargaining now I suppose. Haha.

I promised him and myself that next time I come to Hong Kong, my Cantonese would be at a minimum of 30%.

We chowed down our food, and we had time to spare, walked around for the last time in the Mong Kok area, and took the shuttle bus back home.

Tony’s niece had a few friends over, so I gave them the gifts I got, and switched  my shoes. Put the skinnier ones in the bag, and put the new ones on. Even though I feared that wearing those and landing in Toronto where it was supposed to snow, wouldn’t be the best idea for the first wear.Ah well.Taxi ride was smooth, we checked our stuff in. Sat down and watched planes fly, land, taxi and refuel.

Tricked around in the airport, a few photos and videos, and we boarded the plane.

A very uncomfortable 14 hours later, we were descending ahead of schedule. We had a buddy come pick us up, and ended up going to get Greek food from our favourite joint.

Satisfied tummy’s, I felt the fatigue, as the jet lag started kicking in. Tony was alright for a bit longer than I, because he slept for 3hours or so on the plane.

Shortly I came to realize that we just time travelled. Yup, we left Hong Kong  on Thursday, flew for almost 15hours, landed in Toronto, and Thursday had just begun. We just travelled back in time. hahaha.

So my new agenda will have: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Thursday, Friday? Awesome! If only I knew, I woulda left on Friday then right?! haha.

Ah…The adventures we had. Lots of laughs, lots of fun. Lots of footage, but most importantly, a great experience for myself, since Tony’s been there before.

Like I said earlier, it’s one of those places i’ve always wanted to visit since i was a child. Now that i did. I don’t think i want to part it. It’s almost like something which I always wanted and i got it, but had to say goodbye.

I’ll be back. I’ll be back soon.

Stay safe everyone. Thanks for sharing our adventures, and stay tuned for the video blogs.

Love you all.

The Chase

Today we got up fairly late.

Our bodies definitely needed some recharging from the past few days.

Anyhow, after our showers, we went to cafe de coral to get some late breakfast/lunch.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After that, we hit off the Mong Kok area for what is possibly our last night of shopping in Hong Kong.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tony and I had wanted to pick up some camera gear since the first time we came across the camera stores a while back in the blog. We just said we’d pick it up closer to the date. For budgeting purposes and the amount of space it would take where we were staying and when packing our bags.

So today was the day.

We picked up reflectors, batteries, polarisers, stands and the list goes on. We would’ve picked up more…but we wouldn’t know where to fit it in our luggage, so there’s always a next time.

Anyways, on our way back to the MTR…i stopped by to pick up a few pairs of socks and jackets, which Tony ended up picking as well…and we were walking through the MTR station looking like we either looted a place or we were weird looking santas.

This time around, on the way back to the station to go home, there was an old artist. A man probably in his early 70′s sitting on a chair right by the subway stairs, making amazing art from palm tree leaves, using his hands and teeth! He was phenomenal.

I took my phone out since I didn’t have my camera on me, and I had a feeling he may not like the idea of me taking a photo. There’s only one way to find out right? The phone camera is slow, and the resolution and lighting is fairly poor, and *CLICK* goes my cam. I walk a few steps with Tony towards the tunnel leading to the trains, and the man jumps off his seat, and yells in Cantonese, but a weird accent. I just look at him, towering at least 6 inches over him.

I calmly gestured for him to keep it cool, I don’t want trouble, but my guard is up just incase. After all, he is from the streets. I took a few more steps, and look at Tony…Tony is in shock too, and a few other people look quick and walked away.

I asked him in Cantonese: “how much” he said “$100!”

I was like a “$100, that’s way too much.”

A few more steps away and he carried on yelling and following. I for a split second had wished that he turned into a younger guy for a minute and I might’ve reacted more aggressively. That wasn’t the answer though. He did come close. Very close. No physical contact at all though. So we carried on and walked away, as we awkwardly laughed it off.

We got home and dropped off the stuff to go out with some friends, which we had planned to go karaoke with.

Too bad, those plans went to scratch…and we just ended up packing for an hour or two.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We felt hungry, so we took the shuttle to the station and practically ended up where we were earlier to grab a steak.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sure enough on the way back home I met her. One of the peaceful female nun/monks. Hmmm…perhaps a sign.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oh well, we walked towards the same MTR station where the old man was earlier wasn’t there anymore.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I kinda missed him. haha.

Smooth ride back and we were home for our last night in HONG KONG time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We still have one more DAY, but time for the last NIGHT blog.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Goodnight peeps.

Welcoming Year of the DRAGON

New years time is all family oriented.

Such a beautiful thing. Seeing all the family members happily getting together, away from stress, family feuds, work, and instead gathering, laughing, eating plenty and starting a fresh new page for a fresh new year.

Tony and I both received red envelopes each. A tradition carried for ages. Where a married couple give close ones, family and optional friends/co-workers or strangers money.

The amounts may vary based on social status, relationship with the people etc…

I was so happy to live this experience in no other place than China. It just wouldn’t be the same for me in Canada.  I also fell in love with my new extended family in Hong Kong. Tony’s brother in Law, his sister and their daughter. Such amazing hosts and wonderful people. I love you guys.

Anyways,  we had a dinner table booked at Ruby Tuesdays.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A restaurant where we’ve had those huge burgers at before. We showered, and got ready and were on our way to shop for a few things.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Once we were done, we took the subway to meet up with them at the restaurant where we’d be having dinner…but the police had already starting blocking the streets in certain areas to direct pedestrians a certain way.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tonight was going to be PACKED for the 23minute fire work show by the harbour front.

4 massive ships with cannons, gun powder and hefty crackers. We raced through our meals, and with time to spare went out on the street to try and find the best view to see the open skies.

Police kept directing us away from where we’d want to go. People went in every possible angle to try and find the perfect view…then BANG! The first few rockets were in the sky.

We followed the colourfully lit sky and settled for an poor viewing area.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Blocked by a few buildings and trees, we tried and tried, then i finally spotted the police that were closing a certain area left. People raced like rats to a cheese slice for the better spot. Ahhh…it was much better, but i didn’t think that’s the best i could do yet.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I figured i could jump or climb a building but, i didn’t want to get arrested on this joyful day. So0o0o, a little look around, and i spotted a hotel. Earlier we managed to get a better spot by going through the hotel and out from a connecting path to get  a closer view, what was this hotel connected to???

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I told the brother in law to check it out while we held our spots…he was gone for a few minutes, then he came back…with a smile! Let’s go!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We raced under the police tape and into the hotel lobby. The view was great! The harbour front! The water…laser in the sky, and to our left…the sky was lit up. Reds, blues, greens, golden, silver…tons of people and lots of great energy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All I could see was the fireworks and lots and lots of people with cellphones, ipads and cameras recording this great show.

Definitely put the Canadian fireworks show to shame. our 2-3.5mins ‘Canada Day’ was owned by this 23 minute show.

Such an amazing display, round of applause, and we headed back to the restaurant where the rest of the folks were.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We told them about our great viewing area, since they thought when we left, we’d get stuck with a real crappy view. mwahaha.

We got some tea and coffee, and took off.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The guys took off to go home after the kids took some shots with the local Chinese SANTA. LOL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then Tony and I met up with our other friends that were having ‘high tea’ in a nearby hotel.

We hung out with them for a bit, then took the MTR to the mini bus station to go home.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We took this mini bus home a few times, but this time, the Chinese music playing on the bus, suddenly turned to Jay-z and other rap artists. Great times, great laughs…and it was finally our stop to get off.

We usually have to walk about 3mins to get to the uphill which leads to our place. This time, there was a pretty big stray dog in our way.

Tony told me I was the dog trainer and I should lead, and that I did. The dog barked, and as we walked with confidence, he’d back up…and so on. Until he eventually turned into an alley and we passed and were on our way uphill.

He turned and looked at us at one point, but we weren’t scared…haha…at least I wasn’t.

Bedtime!!!

Wild Fire

I got some good sleep, and got up all refreshed.

We went out for a small quick breakfast, and went to a gigantic 7 story mall to hang out until it was time for our reservation for dinner at a restaurant called “Wild Fire.”

Bad news was, we were waiting for Tony to get back from China to start eating. We got hungrier and hungrier as time passed. Until eventually, we gave in and ordered some starters. Soup, garlic bread, and salad. One thing led to another and we ordered a pizza for all of us to share…haha.

He finally called and said he was in the mall and on his way to the restaurant.

It was great, the food was tasty, and the portions were filling.

We ordered our actual main courses and I was glad he finally made it before we starved to death. Dessert was great too.

Anyhow, we noticed he was wearing a new bomber jacket. Black, pouffy, with patches all over it. 14 to be exact. Haha…the fun we made of him.

Oh well, we got back home, dropped off his suitcase from China, and took off to meet with a friend of ours (Miss Asia Toronto) until the early morning hours.

We laughed. We tricked. Took some photos.

She’s never been to the ‘red district’ area, so we took her there, but it was empty though because it was new years time.

We went by the harbour front, but a lot of it was closed for fire work pre-setups. So we walked back to where there were local vendors on the street trying to sell all they can before new years.

We picked up a few things. Tony’s shopping list included, Stockings, eyelashes, contact lenses and make up brushes…and we just couldn’t help but laugh at him.

All the walking made us hungry, we got some crepes, and ended up in Mc Donald’s for a small breakfast when it hit 4:00am.

We took a cab home, dropped our friend off first, then we continued our ride back to our place.

Goodnight.

Victoria Park

This morning was the last day for any girls that hadn’t already left to leave. I had one last look out the window to say goodbye to the awesome view. One side was the water front. The other was the Pool.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sadly got up in the morning, took the bags down to the hotel lobby, checked out and said our goodbyes.

They were off to grab a quick bite together and off to the hotel, while i took a shuttle bus to an area that was going to my neighbourhood so i didn’t eat with them.

I went  along with (Miss Asia Toronto) and her mom to their new hotel where they’d be staying for a few more days before they head off to Beijing.

The new hotel was tiny compared to the other hotel they were staying at. It was very hard to find any hotels, because it was either all booked or all double priced due to the Chinese new year  in a few days.

We left the hotel and ate lunch. Ironically I was the one to order in Cantonese, since they both spoke Mandarin. They had a hard time figuring out what they wanted whether they tried Mandarin or English.

Lunch done, and we were off to the shopping area. Great laughs, and bargaining skills. We made some friends, and I even took a photo with a few of the locals merchants with my new “Superman” outfit.

All the walking around in the chilli weather, shopping and bargaining made us hungry. We stopped by burger king for a bite quick bite, before we went home to drop off the items we picked up, and we would possibly meet up together again later on.

I went over to the Central side of Hong Kong and waited in one of the malls (world trade center) until I met up with another friend of mine. I took a picture of some of the great work they had inside the mall.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finally, she was done her family dinner and we met up and we were off  to “VICTORIA PARK.”

Picture CNE, but a lot busier…more people in a smaller area.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We managed to pick up a pair of Pantoufl (winter slippers) for my friend..

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lots of sales, noise, bargaining, music going on, a lot of young student vendors…very enthusiastic and great energy. Some were very creative and funny as well.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then it was time to grab a quick bite.

We muscled our way through to the exit, and grabbed some food, then dropped off the stuff home.

My friend’s cousin wanted to go back to that crowd, and sure enough we went back to battle the thousands of people in that festival like event.

On the way to the park the second time around though, my friend was getting colder by the minute. Sure enough we switched jackets.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So in my jacket, she looked like the hulk. In her jacket…I just couldn’t fit. LOL

Soooo, the next best option was to wear it like a cape.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

People looking at my crazy new outfit, with my invincible cape i flew right passed them. Just for jokes, i even stood on a few fences and posed like a super hero! haha.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then i took her furry purse and hid the handle, held it close to me, and pet it. Every girl that was passing said one thing “awwwwww,” they thought I saved “kitty” from the usual high roof or tree scenario… until i flipped the bag and held it by the bag strap. They laughed, everyone was having a great time, and we finally met with the cousin.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We battled through, and unfortunately we couldn’t find what they were looking for, so we ended up leaving around 1:30am and we wanted to catch a movie. Too bad, it started at 1:30am though, and by the time we got to the theatre area it was 1:40am already.

We called it a night, and i walked my friend home, and she almost got hit by a crazy taxi driver. Then i took the MTR (subway) which lucky for me was running 24hrs that day because it was new years eve. It was very empty in some parts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Voila. I took the mini bus that take me home from the station, and I was home shortly after.

Goodnight!

Big Buddah & Shoot

After returning at 7am to the hotel, you’d think we’d pass out cold.

We were actually up until one of my friend’s got up (since she didn’t come to party with us) because she had a photo shoot in the morning.

We snuck in Quietly not to wake our friend up. Let me tell you. It was very hard not to laugh or scream when we saw her! LOL!!! Here’s why….

She was sleeping with one hand crossed behind her head, at an elevated angle, facing the television which was ON while the other hand was in a very modelesque pose towards the ceiling.

The minute we saw that she was sleeping and her eyes were closed, we turned back to the television, and it SWITCHED OFF! NO TIMER or anything and the remote control was right next to us. LOL so a mix of laughter and yelp was very hard to keep in.

Tony was in Shen Zhen since last night, so I was “flying solo” in Hong Kong.

My friends and I had planned to check out the big buddah and temple once my friend (Miss Vietnam) was done the photoshoot.

10 a.m. The alarm went off, and she got ready for the makeup artist who was going to prepare her for the shoot.

A few of the girls were leaving to their countries already, since the pageant came to an end a few days ago. So some of them stopped by to say goodbye.

A few hours later at the hotel, hair and make-up was ready. We went out for a quick bite. Ironically (Vietnamese food), and got back to the hotel where the photographer was going to meet up with her for the shoot.

It was a little breezy out, but that’s where the photo shoot was going to take place.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There’s a beautiful outdoor pool on the roof top that looks like you’d fall off the side of if you went swimming there. An indoor pool which had see through walls.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Simply, amazing architecture in this country.

Anyhow, we picked up a few snacks and watched my lovely friend pose, and withstand the breeze for the shoot. It reminded me of all the hard work models and actors have to go through. Like wearing a t-shirt outside on a -14 day and you are supposed to make it look like summer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Click. Snap. Click. Snap. Her poses looked better and better as she warmed up. Her dress looking like a super hero cape knowing what she was going through.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A pose here, a pose there. Judy (Miss Cambodia) and I just watched her work her magic as we munched through the bag of Jalepeno Cheddar Cheetos, hopping the Jalepenos would keep us warm on this breezy roof while trying not to make our friend laugh while posing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

She ended up doing a few indoor shots as well, and I personally can’t wait to see those. They look fantastic from what i’ve seen on the camera from raw photos so far.

Once it was a wrap, the photographer and I took the subway home after taking a few “goodbye” shots with my friends.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

While the girls waited for a ride to go out with the stylist for his birthday dinner.

I walked back home after the mini bus dropped me off, and I had a hunch that I would run into our friends (whom we were staying over at) and sure enough their van came by me, and gave me a ride up the hill.

I didn’t have dinner with my friends thinking that I’d have dinner together with our friends (hosts), but they had already eaten. Oh well…I was going to eat alone, but lucky for me, I was accompanied by the super awesome MARIA (Tony’s sister) for dinner after we walked around a few areas to find a good and new place to eat. We ended up in an Irish pub, ate there, then stopped by a Chinese cafe for some lemon tea.

By the time that was done, it was 1:00am and the MTR station was closed. Mary took off, and i took a taxi to the Hotel where the girls would be spending their last night.

I got there. We hung out. Got some Mc Donald’s for a late dinner, and went to sleep.

Too bad no big buddah. Next time.

Back in Hong Kong

The Miss Asia Pageant is done and over with and it’s time to fly back to Hong Kong.

Funny. It’s been a while since i’ve been on a plane. Since 2002 actually, and in a span of 15 days, i’ve been on a plan 4 times already, and i got one more flight to catch to head back to Toronto. Haha….made up for the lost time i suppose.

Anyways, we checked out and went over to the restaurant for our breakfast. Eggs, fruits, cereal, crepes, buns, chicken, rice, noodles, juice, coffee, tea, milk!!! Yes milk isn’t that common here, and if it is…it’s either bad (local brand) or expensive, the imported brands.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Breakfast done, and we head off to the bus which was waiting outside for us to drop us off at the airport.

A quick scan here and there to our faces to match our passport photo and voila…but wait a minute. We had to go through the scanning of luggage and the screening door frame.

Sure enough, i see another female that smiles at me. Tony looks over and tells me what i knew would already happen.

I walk through, and i set the alarms off. LOL. She asks me in Mandarin to stand on a stool…so now i’m that much taller than her, and she scans me with the beeping ping pong racket. Of course it rings near my crotch, and i can’t help but laugh. She giggles and tells me it my buckle. Sure, sure…i grab my bag from the conveyor belt and walk off laughing it off with Tony as she smiles goodbye.

While waiting at the Hainan airport, the duty free shop was almost worst than some of the flea shops you can find in scarborough. We checked it out anyways, and it was time to get on the plane.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We walked out by the engine and plane…took a few photos and boarded.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

55mins later we were descending to land in Hong Kong.

Feels great to be home.

Once we got out to the terminal, we saw a few funny cartoon versions of emperors.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next on the list was, to go home and nap for me, while Tony watched some T.V.

A few hours later, he took off to China, while i went to meet up with the pageant girls that were finally ‘PAGEANT FREE’ and their choice of outting for the night…clubbing district.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

They could’ve told me before i met up with them though…hence the runners, and casual sweater…oh well…haha

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A crazy night nonetheless.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We ended up having breakfast around 5am, and back around 7am. Good night…errrr…morning everyone.

V.I.P. Flight to Hainan

Early morning for us today.

We showered, took our packed bags and head off to the airport.

We got there in approx 40 mins or so, and got to see our chartered flight’s line up. Such a great feeling not having to line up amongst the masses.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Anyhow, we got our tickets and had some time to kill.

While waiting, i needed to buy a belt…and stopped by one of the airport shops and finally found one.

It was our time to board, and stepping through the sensor gates. As we came closer, i told Tony that the lady would stop me…haha…sure enough, i went through and i was asked to get a quick scan with the magic wand.

She scanned from head, lower to my chest, and lower to my groin…and it set the alarm off…LOL. I laughed and so did she…then we found out it was the new belt’s buckle…goodtimes and great laughs.

We were ready to board the plane when suddenly, we were told that our pilot had suffered some type of seizure and was rushed to the hospital. We had to wait for a replacement, and while waiting…Tony grabbed a chocolate croissant and a cold mocha drink.

Sure enough when you’re dressed up in a suit, and you’re extra careful…you know something is bound to happen. That it did. He dropped some flakes on his shirt, and while trying to wipe it off, his finger had chocolate on it, and stained a portion of his shirt. FAIL.

We laughed at it, blogged it…and it was time for us to board the plane, and everything was relatively smooth after, until the plane started moving!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was like a parking lot. Lots and lots of planes taxiing on the runway and waiting for their turn to fly. Not only that. To get to the runway, taxiing took us at least 20 minutes!!!! It was the longest i have ever been on a plane while taxiing.

We finally took off, and our 1hour flight was under way.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Smooth flight, before landing, there was turbulence but we made it, and the weather wasn’t too bad.

We got to our hotel, and got our keys to our room.

The room is epic! The washroom is all glass windows, bath tub side and toilet seat side. Picture a door, but all glass…YES…SEE THROUGH GLASS! LOL.

The beds were super comfy though, and we watched tv for a bit, before we got ready to hop on the bus to head off to the pageant.

The pageant wasn’t too bad, and we cheered for our friends, and took some photos and videos. Good job to everyone.

It’s a night…we’re back to the hotel…but we feel hungry.

Too bad the bus won’t stop until the hotel.

Once we got to the hotel, we asked if the restaurant was open, but we figured it would be too late for that. So we had no choice but room service. Which was another funny story, because the night shifters seem to only speak mandarin, and no English or Cantonese which are the languages that we can communicate with.

Anyhow, a funny mandarin, cantonese, english mix of ordering on the phone…i guess it worked, and we got our order an hour later and went to bed for our early flight back to HONG KONG the next day.

Early night

Today was such an early night for us.

We just got food to eat, and hit up a few camera stores where Tony picked up some equipment.

Shortly after we took a bus back home after picking up our hemmed pants and went home to get some rest before our flight tomorrow.

Goodnight everyone.

Jackie Chan Studio. Pizza Challenge. JCVD.

I slept on the couch last night and got up super early, especially the fact that I slept at 4 and got up before my alarm went off.

For those of you that don’t know, Jackie Chan happens to be one of my role models growing up, if not the biggest role model as a humble man, that didn’t let fame or money get to his head, his love for his audience or his on screen performance.

I met him once in Toronto, and worked with him later on that week for a promotion for one of his films. Never got a chance to fully talk to him as much  as i wanted. I did promise him though, that when i was in town (Hong Kong) i would go visit him. Sure enough, that is what I intended on doing the minute my foot touched Hong Kong soil.

We helped Tony’s mom pack and we dropped her off at the train station that takes her directly to the airport.

Shortly after, we picked up Tony’s niece and were on our way to the J.C. studio. Huge, is one way of describing it…considering the fact that it is not a full out filming studio with many different warehouses etc.

He’s also working on his museum where he will showcase all his gadgets, cloths, weapons, cars etc…used in his movies as well as a stunt school.

Anyhow, we got to the studio, and the gates slowly opened up for us as we drove through.

The gate attendant and security told us we can park anywhere as they were expecting us. We went inside, and saw a huge hallway full of his posters, from 90% of his movies. All his movie collections. All his Music CD collections. and on the other side was a collection of stars that have sent him autographed photos etc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We went in and sat in the V.I.P. conference room. More trophies. Customized figurines from (drunken master) to (1911), and a big conference like table in the centre.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I had a chit chat with one of the head people there, donated some money to his charity, dropped off a few things for Jackie, and she confirmed what i already knew…that he was in Taiwan filming.

I was hoping he’d be in town for chinese new year, but oh well…can’t be too picky. I will drop by again sometime soon.

As we left, we took a few shots and they gave me a few souvenirs and ’thank you’ items, and slowly worked our way to the car and drove off.

Next, was our trip to an area not too far away from the studio for a PIZZA CHALLENGE.

While waiting for our “challenge” time, we walked through the fish market and by the pier and harbour.I even taught Tony’s niece another parkour lessonwhile waiting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was finally time.

The Challnege. The rules are: 24 inch pizza, 20 mins.

We ate and ate, the pizza was definitely wider than 24inches and when we watched the video of the guy making the pizza later was crazy! He had at least 7 layers of double handfuls of CHEESE! It was like a CHEESE PIZZA BUBBLE GUM!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Anyhow, we got ready for the challenge, sat down, and the plan was we eat 4 slices each. fold 2 on top of each other and eat it like a sandwich.

That plan worked for the first half of the double layered pizza, then we realized it was too think and went singles.

4 slices into mine, Tony started slowing down around his 1/2 way mark of the 3rd slice.

With people watching and cheering, the timer mercilessly counting down behind us…it was chew, swallow, chew chew, swallow…no time to complain…but he was slowing down and i knew he wouldn’t make it.

I left a few of my crusts behind to get to after i ate the thick bodies of the pizza slices. So we switched, he’d eat my crusts while i devour his last slice of pizza.

With a handful of seconds to spare, i finished the 5th slice but Tony was low on power, and that was it. He could not down anymore pizza!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Good try, and we paid the penatly for loosing. The full pizza price + $100. We’ll be back pizza place!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With a good laugh about the road’s name after we finished our video blog, It’ was time to head to a downtown hotel where Jean Claude Van Damme was staying…remembering the Bloodsport days.

I dropped by the hotel to say hi, but he had just left the hotel to a domestic trip and unfortunately i was going to be leaving the next day to fly out to Hainan.

It’s  a wrap…goodnight!