Wednesday, February 8, 2012

New Year's in Hong Kong: Pictures and More! (But mostly pictures)

Xin Nian Kuai Le!
To ring in Chinese New Year and the year of the dragon, I traveled south to the wonderful island of Hong Kong.  I met up with a very good friend living in Shenzhen, China (only about thirty minutes from Hong Kong).  We spent only 3 days in total on the island, but those were definitely 3 busy days!  In those few days, we did all sorts of things from watching the New Year's Parade and fireworks, going to the top of Victoria's Peak, shopping at Stanley Market, to my favorite - wandering the picturesque, city streets. 

After trying to figure out how to best describe my time in Hong Kong, I realized that it was not through words, but rather pictures!  Here are just a few from my amazing adventure celebrating the beginning of my lucky year - the Year of the Dragon.
Photo from the Man Mo Temple

Lanterns bringing luck and messages to the ancestors, Man Mo Temple

You can see the juxtaposition of this very old temple and the high rises that developed around it.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Messages of Good Luck

The Star Ferry and Victoria Harbor

The perfect New Year's decoration for any Phi Mu
Heritage Square

Victoria Harbor at Night


Victoria Harbor at Night
The Peak Tram up to the top of Victoria Peak
At the top

Such a wonderful view!  It was so incredibly foggy that we couldn't see anything!
Streets of Hong Kong - also, the Habibi Cafe in the back did a great job satisfying my Egyptian food craving!

Streets in the setting sun

Fireworks!  So difficult to get good pictures of them!
Small shrine on the Stanley-side of the island

Why, hello, Pacific Ocean!
The brief time I had in Hong Kong was exactly what I needed to renew my spirit.  It also reminded my of how blessed I am to be able to travel and do what I love!

When I got back to Xiangyang, however, I was struck by how "at home" I felt: the familiar streets, sights, and sounds.  This place has become my home and it will break my heart to leave it at the end of the month.




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