Much of the rest of my time in Hong Kong was spent negotiating my way to and from the blasted houseboat into the centre of town, sometimes taking well over an hour. Next time, i am so staying in the city! I was also whisked off my feet by the tall, dark and handsome stranger. Who i will call the beaming Belgian on account of his infectious smile, and over the weekend we indulged in a couple of long and lingering food infused dates. We dined well but not local. We sampled far too many courses of gorgeous Spanish tapas and were fascinated watching it all being cooked as we waited, while salivating over all the succulent dishes that other people were ordering nearby. In a small but perfectly formed tapas bar called Tapeo round the corner from Central station.
Tapas goodness at Tapeo, Soho, Hong Kong
Salted cod, Calamari, Chorizo, patatas bravas and a deliciously salty Manchego cheese to start with. Then our too big eyes ordered Churros and some decadent salted caramel and banana Spanish pancakes for pudding. It took ages to pluck up the courage to attack them, but i couldn’t leave them. They were too tasty!
I also ate some of the best Italian food i have ever eaten outside of Italy in Hong
Sweet treats at Tapeo, Hong Kong
Kong. Aqua was full of Italians chatting loudly and gesticulating in true Italian style which speaks volumes in itself. With an extensive cocktail menu, including my favourites Aperol and Sipsmith gin and a stunning 29th floor view back over Hong Kong island and it’s glittering lights, it’s in a spectacular location. A simple but incredibly high quality charcuterie to start followed by a white pizza (my all time favourite) topped with talleggio (another favourite), truffle oil and an egg… i was in heaven. But alas that was not enough! We followed that up with not just one but a flight of desserts, what little piggies we are. You can tell why we clicked can’t you?!
I did manage to break up this whirlwind of romance with some sightseeing with one of my friends from the train on Sunday
High rise heaven, view from the top of The Peak
afternoon. We headed up to The Peak to take the journey up the hill in the old funicular railway and soak up the views of the HK sky line from up high. There was some really good commentary on the viewing deck detailing what all the buildings are, and the stories behind some of their features (Including the fact that one of the HSBC building lions is called Steve, love that fact!) But the view was actually better as we strolled down and took the winding Peak walk down, as you end up a little bit below the fog of smog and the landmarks became a lot clearer.
The bustle to get up to The Peak station was a little overwhelming, the streets were packed as it was the weekend and a day off for the domestic staff of the city. Good for them you might say upon first hearing this fact, some time to shop and relax. Shopping for these ladies is around the corner from the glamorous designer stores of the Central district though and in the parks amongst the street traders of Hong Kong. Followed by a number of hours perched in a park if they are lucky or a street corner/pavement/set of steps if not. Their day off necessitates them being out of the households that they look after, and they seemingly have nowhere else to go. It was described to me by one local as “picnic day” i couldn’t help but think it’s not so twee for these ladies displaced from their adopted homes for up to 12 hours on their day of rest.
The Peak, my Friday night wandering and a moonlit stroll along the avenue of stars were the limit to my sightseeing in Hong Kong, i was distracted by the beaming Belgian. But I did fall in love with the bustle of the city, and was very sad to leave it and the beaming Belgian… i think i’ll be back.
A very happy cake lady, moving onward to Bangkok
x x x x
1 Comment