Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Imagine a place that is never boring. Imagine a place where there's more than a million things to do. Imagine a place where it is constantly changing and that trends come and go all the time. Welcome to Hong Kong.

Here is a list of a few things to do in Hong Kong:

1. Ocean Park

Ocean Park is a combination of an amusement park and a marine park. There are lots of rides (just like six flags) and houses the largest fish aquarium in Asia. Nevertheless, the pandas from China that was a gift to Hong Kong is also here too! There's a fish aquarium, shark aquarium and a jellyfish aquarium at the Ocean Park. There is also a theatre for dolphin, seal and whale shows. Ocean park is built across 2 knolls and there's a cable car that takes you from one to another.

2. Disneyland

Disneyland was just completed 3 years ago in Lantau Island. There's a train that connects the city to the park. The Disneyland in Hong Kong is very small, however they are still expanding it in every way. The way the park was built was based on votes based on significance. Apparently the Cinderella Castle was of the least significance that it is smaller than usual. "It's a small world" and "Haunted House" was not even on the list. (I'm sure they're going to add those in the new expansions)

3. Macau

Macau used to be a colonial of Portugal and returned to China in 1997. Macau is heavily influenced by the portugese and there are lots of amazing portugese restaurants. Macau is very good for sightseeing and gambing & gaming. All of the overseas investors are starting to invest in the gaming business in Macau and it is growing by 20% per month.

4. Beach and boating

There are lots of beaches in Hong Kong and lots of outer islands that you can rent a boat and go to. The weather in Hong Kong is hot most of the time which makes it great to go to beaches and boating.

5. Christmas & wedding anniversary party with my family

My family always host a Christmas party at our house every year. Coincedently, my parent's wedding anniversary was in christmas day which makes it extra special for our family. My sister and I would have to fly home for our holiday break to celebrate.

6. Horse Racing

Horse Racing in Hong Kong is a big event. It happens 2 times a week for 10 months, with 2 months of summer holidays as it gets too hot for the horses to engage in a race. Millions of people go to these events to gamble, however our family just go for fun sometimes. My sister's boyfriend's father is a jockey turned horse trainer so we get front row seats at the derby.

7. The Peak

The Peak is one of the highest point on Hong Kong Island which gives you breath taking views of Hong Kong. It is a "Must-go" place in Hong Kong. There's also a hiking trail where people can go for a short scenic walk. Most tourists go to the peak by the peak tram.

Home

Hong Kong is my home. I cannot imagine my life without it. Hong Kong is one of the most fascinating places in the whole world. It is an international hun for businesses, unlimited shopping, great food from all over the globe and never ending nightlife. Hong Kong is THE place to be.

A day in the life of Fiona.

My life in Hong Kong consists of eating cheap but superb food, shopping, partying with my friends and going to the spa (so amazingly cheap compared to USA).

One of my favourite restaurants in Hong Kong is Wasabisabi Japanese restaurant. They have the freshest fish and serves authentic japanese food with a modern twist.

I also love eating seafood in Hong Kong as it is fresh from the waters and you can choose from tanks and tanks of live seafood. (and yes, we eat a WHOLE fish, including the head)

One of the things that a person must do in Hong Kong is to have dim sum for breakfast. Dim sum are different types of dumpling-like food wrapped with different material. It is very hard to explain who haven't had it before as it is more than just dumplings.

My favourite place to shop in Hong Kong is Causeway Bay, it is a place where there are lots of shopping centres and department stores where you take days to walk around. The Times Square is located in Causeway Bay. I also love to shop at Central for high end luxury boutiques.

The most famous place for nightlife clubs and bars is called Lan Kwai Fong. There is also a Soho/ Noho in Hong Kong, where all the famous chefs open restaurants and where you can find all the cuisines in the world such as Russian, Vietnamese, Nepal, Spanish etc.

The spa I always go to in Hong Kong is called Orient Spa, and I also love foot reflexology where I go every week.

Savannah Dhu

Today I took a visit at the Savannah Dhu. Savannah Dhu is a 5,000 acre, privately owned wildlife preserve near Savannah, NY. Owned by Robert Congel, developer of Destiny USA Mall in Syracuse, this facility is an invitation-only deveopment that consist of a conference center that can accommodate up to 400, 2 lodges that sleep 30 people each and an outdoor tent camp that will house 42 people for hunting and fishing activities.

The place was impressive. It wasn't my first time being there and it still impresses me with their innovative and creative interior design.

[This information was taken from their website, http://www.savannahdhu.com/]

The Conference Barn

The Conference Barn has been built on the foundation of the former East Lodge. It has eleven bedrooms accommodating 30 guests. The 7,000 square foot hall and state-of-art kitchen are capable of accommodating up to 300-400 guests and is site of cooking classes, especially the culinary art of preparing wild game. The structure also contains a meat processing plant, a smoke house and a room for making maple syrup. The East Lodge was the second lodge constructed at Savannah Dhu in 1989. In the evening of September 7, 1998 a fierce storm ripped through the Syracuse/Savannah area. After being subjected to an almost constant barrage of lightning strikes, the lightning rods in the roof of the structure heated to the point they ignited the surrounding wood. The wine cellar in the Barn has wine that survived the fire that destroyed the East Lodge.

The Pines Lodge

The 28,000 square foot Pines Lodge is one of the most complex and architecturally striking buildings of its kind in the world, it incorporates a renewable energy HVAC system that uses the temperature of the 140-acre man-made pond it borders to help cool and heat the structure. There is a small 'home' kitchen and there are less rooms in the lodge. There is a private dining room in the basement and there is a wine cellar in the basement as well. In the wine cellar, there are cages of wine with the grandsons and granddaughters names one it and inherhit when they reach 21.

Fiona's Guide to London

London is like a second home to me. I go there every year to visit my sister, see my friends and go shopping.

My favourite sightseeing spots

1. London Eye

Since opening in March 2000 the British Airways London Eye has become an iconic landmark and a symbol of modern Britain. I love to go on the London eye when it's sunset so I can see the city of London when there's still a little bit of daylight and also when all the lights are on in the city.

2. Piccadilly

For many years, Piccadilly Circus - at the junction of five busy streets - has been a famous London Landmark. At its heart and backlit by colorful electric displays is a bronze fountain topped by a figure of a winged archer. The statue is popularly called EROS, the pagan god of love, but it was in fact designed in the 19th century as a symbol of Christian charity - a monument to Lord Shaftesbury, a philanthropist. Piccadilly is basically a place I pass by almost every day in London.

My favourite places for eating

1. Tutton Brasserie

It's the place I go to everytime I go to London, where it is shopping at Covert Garden, or to have a pre-theatre meal before the Ballet at Royal Opera House right next door. Tuttons is renowned for its delicious modern European cuisine. Daily specials are announced on the restaurants large blackboard and are all very reflective of te season and weather and ensure that the choice at Tuttons is always interesting and diverse.

2. Wolseley

Wolseley is the place I always go for afternoon tea in London. Wolseley transformed an old bank space on a busy Piccadilly corner in Mayfair into a luxurious Viennese-style eatery with excellent food, matching wine list, exquisite desserts and outstanding coffee. I remember seeing Jude Law and Sienna Miller there one or twice.

My favourite places for shopping

1. Harrods

Harrods is one of London's most prestigious shopping venues – a glittering tribute to all things opulent and stylish. Owned by Mohammed Al Fayed, each floor scales the heights of designer fashions and accessories, luxury furniture, cosmetics, fine jewellery and classic toys.

2. King's Road

The Peter Jones department store dominates the Sloane Square end of the King's Road, and opposite is the newly developed, Duke of York pedestrian precinct. The further (west) you walk, the greater the number of smaller, independent clothes and shoe shops, plus a good selection of contemporary furnishing stores selling wallpapers, fabrics, handmade carpets, storage and lighting. I love shopping at the small boutiques as I think they have something different and unique.

3. Portobello Market

Famous as the backdrop of the movie "Notting Hill", portobello market is a great place for the freshest produce and antiques on weekends. Nearer Notting Hill Gate, prices and quality are highest; the middle is where locals buy fruit and vegetables and hang out in trendy restaurants. Under the Westway elevated highway is a great flea market, and more bric-a-brac and bargains appear as you walk toward Golborne Road.