China Tour: Part 1 - Hong Kong

7 days, 1 extraordinary city.

We were entranced (shocked? dazed?) from the moment we landed - on the bus from the airport into the city, crossing bridges from island to island, barely able to soak in everything this completely new universe has to offer; on the trek over beautiful pedestrian walkway to our hotel; right to the first rambunctious/hot/humid dinner we had, squeezed into a corner table shared with 2 other couples, barely able to fit all our hot-pots and claypots and clams and pork rib broth and giant Blue Girl beers. It was an experience. To say the least.

Hello, Hong Kong. What a welcome.

From there, each day the adventures (and the food!!!) just blew us away. Victoria Peak, Victoria Harbour/Star Ferry, Mongkok, Temple Street Market, Lantau Island, BIG BUDDHA, all the dim sum, cha chaan teng, chiu chow delicacies, night markets, snacks (7-elevens!), desserts, bitter tea, silk tofu with black sesame, silk tofu coffee drink with red bean (??!), mango sago, frog, crab, scallops, goose, beef brisket noodles, wonton soup, grass jelly, cable cars, hikes, bookstores, gardens, the incredible incredible giant ancient trees (indian rubber! banyan! fig!!) … just to name a few memories. All the while we felt like we were becoming locals, commuting on the metro every morning to the beautiful CUHK in the New Territories for rehearsals.

Truly, a special week, being both tourists/insatiable foodies and working musicians. It was a deeply fulfilling experience. To not only explore the city through such new, curious eyes (and bellies..), but also to connect with the students, teachers, colleagues at CUHK and pour our hearts into this concert, which was already gaining fresh perspectives/meaning as we experience and live in the cities that the music is depicting. I could see the dazzling, sparkling lights of the Hong Kong movement come alive. I could hear, feel the scenes as they cut back and forth between all the kaleidoscopic microcosms of the bustling night market streets. It all became embodied, no longer ‘impressions’, but almost - real, living, breathing memories.

We can’t say enough how grateful we are for the Canada Council, for our host Wendy Lee at CUHK, the students who helped with our concerts, Alice Ho for writing this piece and introducing us to Wendy, everyone who so warmly welcomed us to this city - thank you all for making this such a memorable, unique visit. Hong Kong will really hold a special place in our hearts.

Here are some little snippets/summaries of the adventures~

Hope to be back soon!

xoxo

Skye.pianist

Day 1 Arrival, Kwan Kee Clapot - clams, pork bone soup, chicken claypot

Day 2 The Peak, The Peak Tower, garden, night skyline, trees trees trees

Day 3 Victoria Harbour, Star Ferry, Beer Point, Dim Dim Sum, Monkok, Temple Street Market, fresh hot tofu with black sesame

Day 4 Lantau Island, Peak hike, starbucks red bean tofu drink, street car, cable car, Big Buddha, Mui Wo seaside eggplant and scallops and beer, Kau Kee beef brisket noodles, grass jelly, wine bar

Day 5 Dim Sum Maxim’s Palace, Hong Kong Park, tea museum, conservatory, Lily’s bookstore, Hung’s delicacy Chiu Chow goose

Day 6 Masterclass, halfway coffee onsen avocado salmon toast, Chung Chi staff club dim sum, Wing Fat seafood at Temple Street, claypot, frog, crab, Sweet Season mango sago

Day 7 Concert. Pavillion of Harmony