Christmas in Okinawa....

Kevin and I celebrated our very first Christmas holiday alone....just the two of us. And what better way to celebrate than with a small little Charlie Brown Christmas tree? Here is a photo of our little tree lit up with lights. It wasn't much of a tree, but we liked it. :)



We even had a little train at the base.




For Christmas dinner, Kev made beef tenderloin with a bordelaise sauce. We also had roasted red potatoes with garlic and steamed green beans.




At the end of our dinner, we celebrated with a small Christmas cake from a local Japanese bakery.





And that was our Christmas in Okinawa.

Hope you enjoyed your holidays!

Happy New Year!

Love, Chrissy & Kevin

Merry Christmas!

Or as they would say here in Japan, "Merry Christmasu!"

It is Christmas day here on the lovely island of Okinawa, so from our family to yours, have a wonderful, holly, jolly Christmas!

Love, Chrissy & Kevin

School's Out

Woohoo! Can I get a "Woohoo!?" Yes, I'm a bit excited that this term with the University of Maryland is over. Now I can relax and actually enjoy the holidays. And my goodness, Christmas is next week, eeek!

Kevin and I will be here on Okinawa for the holiday, but we plan to have a good time when we go to Seoul, Korea next month.

Yep, we'll get to do a little sight-seeing in Seoul and then spend a few days at a cozy ski resort.

Should be fun....

Happy Holidays, everyone!!!

Love from Oki,

Chrissy :)

Better late than never....Yoron!

Sorry for the delay, but you know how it is, you take pictures and then it takes you forever and day before you download them, right?

Back in early November, Kevin's best friend from high school, Jari came to visit us. He was only here for a week but we were able to take a small weekend getaway trip to the small island off the coast of Okinawa called Yoron. After a 2 and half hour ferry ride from Motobu, we arrived on the lovely quaint island of Yoron! We stayed at a resort called Pricia Resort there. During our trip, we biked around the island, ate lots of great food, and even went snorkeling!

So without further ado, here are the photos from our trip....

Enjoy.



-This is Yurigahama beach. This beach has a sandbar which is only visible several times a month. You can walk out to the sandbar when it is exposed. Unfortunately when we were here, we did not see it.


-Another view of the beach, the water here was a bit colder than what we were used to. Perhaps this is because we live on the East China Sea and this was the Pacific Ocean?


-We biked a bit around the island and came across a very strong 'alcohol' smell. Then we found the source! Awamori....Awamori is a type of liquor made here on Okinawa. It's made from rice and is pretty much 100% alcohol.



-Here's a photo of the beach condo we stayed in.


-A shot of Jari and I on our walk down to the beach.


-Our last night, we had a BBQ at our table.


-Take a look at the spread. Soooo much food!

Thanks for visiting Jari! Come and visit us again soon....

~Chrissy

100 Things About Me

There is a new survey going around, so I figured I should join the bandwagon. Here it goes. It's "100 Things About Me."

1. I am not a morning person, get me up early and I'm one grumpy lady.

2. I love the color purple. I also like green. Wouldn't you know it, I found ways to incorporate these colors into my wedding.

3. I live within minutes from the beach. When I'm having a bad day, all I need to do is go for a walk and watch the waves.

4. I don't like spending a fortune on getting my hair cut. Call it old age or whatever, now that I'm a married woman, I can't justify spending 200 dollars on a haircut. (Alas, I use to spend this small fortune when I was single....don't tell Kevin!)

5. I would like to get Lasik, but don't think I'm a good candidate. :( I have an astigmatism.

6. I never wore braces as a child.

7. My husband and I love to travel.

8. I have a small circle of close friends.

9. I have expensive taste.

10. I love to cook elaborate meals and entertain. Appetizers, wine, entrees, you name it.

11. I tend to be judgemental at times.

12. I'm back in school working on a Business Administration degree. This means, by the time I'm done, I'll have 2 Bachelors degrees and one Masters.

13. I'm more of a dog person, than a cat person. Although, I love both.

14. I am neat freak, I sometimes clean the house from top to bottom. Perhaps it's OCD?

15. I love the smell of clean clothes, just out of the dryer.

16. I still talk (email now) to my parents every other day.

17. I didn't eat any red meat for 3 years while I was in college. I did it for health reasons and actually lost a considerable amount of weight.

18. I voted for Obama.

19. I am a military brat.

20. I fell in love with my husband in one month.

21. I think the feeling was mutual :)

22. I love to shop.

23. I love Trader Joe's.

24. I plan to have two children.

25. Once we return to the States, I would like to go to culinary school.

26. If I wasn't a TV producer, I think I would work as a food critic, a writer, or an event planner.

27. I don't drink much alcohol.

28. I don't smoke.

29. I bite my nails.

30. I love to get pedicures. Since I live in Okinawa, I try to get them done at least every 3-4 months.

31. I did not have to take out any loans for college, I had a free ride with a private scholarship.

32. I am trained classical singer and somtimes dream of singing at the MET.

33. I love my inlaws. My inlaws treat me like their own daughter.

34. Christmas is my favorite holiday.

35. In the States, fall was my favorite season.

36. I own an insane amount of shoes.

37. I only wear M.A.C makeup. I don't like the cheap stuff.

38. Real whipped cream is 10 times better than Cool Whip.

39. I sometimes have bouts of insomnia.

40. I like to read books, but don't have the time for it.

41. I go to the gym about 4 days a week. On weekends, I like to go for walks or for a short run.

42. I would like to lose 15-20 pounds and get back to my 110 pound, 20 something body.

43. See above. Who am I kidding? Losing weight is a lot harder now that I'm older. :(

44. My husband and I love to try different foods. We are both foodies.

45. I went to an all girls Catholic boarding high school in Monterey, California.

46. I have met quite a few celebrities in my life working as a TV producer.

47. I secretly wish I was taller.

48. I can't stand rap music.

49. My husband and I enjoy walks on the beach and often go for walks at sunset.

50. We are both up before 9am on weekends.

51. We take turns cooking each other breakfast on weekends.

52. I can't seem to get Kev's 'dippy' eggs right.

53. My husband knows me better than I know myself at times.

54. I listen to NPR.

55. I was a huge fan of New Kids on the Block when I was younger...Guess what? They're back!

56. I like to take long, hot, showers. Kev says I like to boil myself.

57. My feet and hands are always cold.

58. My favorite thing to wear is a sweater with jeans. Wear with some great boots and you're set.

59. I think I'm better suited for the heat than the cold.

60. Kev and I like to ski, but often don't have the opportunity to go.

61. I love finding sales. Although at times, I admit I'll buy something even if it's not on sale.

62. I love eating fresh vegetables and fruit from a market stand/farmer's market. I love to support the local farmers. At Assateague, there was this farmer's market that had really fresh veggies. Yum.

63. I make "To Do" lists but often find myself adding things to it just so it makes it look like I've accomplished more...

64. I am the one in our family who sends out cards for holidays, birthdays, etc.

65. When we retire, Kev and I want to live on a tropical island where he can work as a scuba instructor and I can work as an owner of a little cantina serving fish tacos.

66. I love singing karaoke.

67. I love singing Broadway and opera best.

68. I've performed as a vocalist in several weddings/functions.

69. I tend to go to bed between 9 and 10:30pm at night.

70. I am an active member of community theatre.

71. My first stage experience was when I was 7 years old and played the role of "Molly" in the musical "Annie."

71. Since then, I have performed in over 30 theatrical productions.

72. I idolize Kristen Chenoweth.

73. I hardly ever carry cash.

74. I tend not to drink enough water and get headaches.

75. I've been in love twice. Thankfully, the 2nd time, I married him.

76. I believe there is someone for everyone.

77. I am a Pisces.

78. I don't go to church although my Irish-Catholic father would like me to.

79. My brother Julian and I are quite close.

80. When we were kids, we made up our own language.

81. We had a Golden Retriever named 'Lady.'

82. I believe things happen for a reason.

83. I also believe all good things come to those who wait.

84. I have a subscription for Real Simple magazine.

85. I love the beach. Kevin and I were engaged at Cape Hatteras in North Carolina.

86. June 10th is my wedding anniversary.

87. Kevin is a very hard person to shop for.

88. I love going to museums and libraries. I can spend hours in either location.

89. I won an Emmy.

90. I love to knit. I find it quite therapeutic.

91. I once received a ticket for speeding.

92. I miss my parents, I wish they didn't live so far away.

93. I'm addicted to Facebook.

94. I loved my job at Discovery Channel, but I worked way too much and spent way too much time away from my family.

95. My ultimate dream would be to perform in a role in a Broadway musical.

96. I'm not very good at keeping house plants alive.

97. I like tea and coffee. Although I can't drink either after 4pm or it affects my sleep.

98. My favorite restaurant in Washington, DC is Bistot Du Coin.

99. Kevin and I own a condo in Silver Spring, Maryland.

100. We can't wait to start our family.

MCCS Headshots

Here are just a few publicity photos from a trial we did. Not sure if I like my hair....oh and I'm not sure if I like what I'm wearing. Note to self: Don't wear a turtleneck, it makes you look like you have no neck.

Sheesh.





Photos by Ashley Yaggi.

~Chrissy

Thankful...

I am thankful for many things in life....but most importantly, I am thankful for my husband, Kevin, who is my rock, my soul mate, my best friend, and confidante. This Thanksgiving season, I want him to know how "thankful" I am to have him in my life.

I love you, Kevin.





Yours, Chrissy

Happy Turkey Lurkey Day!

Thanksgiving was yesterday for us here in Japan, but for those of you at home in the States---Happy Thanksgiving! Kev and I had a Thanksgiving dinner at his coworker's house. I was tasked to bring a side dish and a dessert so I made a pumpkin cheesecake that turned out to be a big hit! I'm not a huge fan of cheesecake, but for some reason, I did like this one. Perhaps the pumpkin makes it less rich or something. Anyway, here's the recipe, courtesy of Food Network.

And let me admit it now, I did not make my own crust. I didn't have the time, so I used a store-bought pie crust..... I also used my huge Kitchenaid Stand Mixer which helps with the cream cheese. :)

Pumpkin Cheesecake

Ingredients
Crust:
1 3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
3 tablespoons light brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 stick melted salted butter

Filling:
3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, at room temperature
1 (15-ounce) can pureed pumpkin
3 eggs plus 1 egg yolk
1/4 cup sour cream
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon fresh ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

For crust:
In medium bowl, combine crumbs, sugar and cinnamon. Add melted butter. Press down flat into a 9-inch springform pan. Set aside.

For filling:
Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add pumpkin puree, eggs, egg yolk, sour cream, sugar and the spices. Add flour and vanilla. Beat together until well combined.

Pour into crust. Spread out evenly and place oven for 1 hour. Remove from the oven and let sit for 15 minutes. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4 hours.

Now if only I could find a way to get rid of all these leftover slices....And don't say to eat them because it will defeat the purpose of me going to the gym!!!

Happy Turkey Day everyone!

~Chrissy

The Holidays...

A few of you have asked whether Kev and I will be returning home to the States for the holidays--and well--although I hate to say it out aloud, here's the truth: NO. We are not returning to the States. Last year, we flew to Abu Dhabi/Dubai to visit the Barnett's (my family). But this year, Kev and I figured we would just stay put.

I'm a little bummed about it all but Kev says we'll be going on a vacation in January just the two of us....That lifts my spirits a little. :)

We haven't quite decided exactly where, but I'm sure whereever we go it'll be great!

In the meantime, I have this term with University of Maryland to finish up, work, and singing carols with POPS. I've been asked to sing in a quartet. When I was in high school and college, I frequently performed in choirs and madrigals singing and loved it--especially around the holidays. It really helped bring people together in the holiday spirit.

Now remember Okinawa is a subtropical island, so whatever "holiday spirit" I can get, I'll take!

Next week is Thanksgiving and Kev and I have been invited to one of his co-worker's house for dinner. Then, it's my turn. I'll be making a small Thanksgiving dinner for a few Japanese colleagues that work with Kev.

Sounds like fun!

Talk to you all soon....

~Chrissy

Jari's Visit

Kev's best friend from high school Jari is here visiting us for about a week. He arrived last Saturday and sadly, the weather here on Okinawa has been less than stellar. With the Veteran's Day holiday, Kevin took a few more days off from work and was able to take Jari around the sites. They went to the Nago Pineapple farm as well as the Churaumi Aqaurium. On Tuesday, the rain let up a little, so we all drove down to Naha to visit the World War II Memorial Museum. From the museum, I think we all have a greater understanding of the role Okinawa played in the Pacific during World War II.

On another note, it's funny to watch Jari try all the different food here. He's pretty adventurous and is willing to try anything.

This coming weekend, we are all heading to a small island off the main island of Okinawa, an island called Yoron. We will be staying at the Pricia Resort there. I'll try to get some pictures!

~Chrissy :)

Work Hard for the Money....

Since it's been a few months in my new job as TV producer/reporter/editor/writer extraordinaire for MCCS broadcasting, I figure I would post a few photos of me in ACTION!

This job is nothing like my producer job at Discovery (just being honest here, guys)...but at least I do look pretty "cool" with my camera! I do manage to have fun at times as well....

These are two photos from a recent event we had here on Camp Foster.

~Chrissy

Kevin in PA...

Kevin is still in PA after a whirlwind week of watching the Philadelphia Phillies win the World Series, he's due to come home on Tuesday.

In the meantime though, my mother in law was kind enough to send me some photos. I miss Kevin, but from the look of things, I'm not so sure I would have enjoyed sitting in the stadium in cold, freezing temperatures.

Glad to see that someone enjoyed the game though.... :)





Yay Phillies!

~Chrissy

My body doesn't like me...

When my wonderful husband Kevin proposed to me three and a half years ago, he chose a beautiful platinum 1 carat diamond engagement ring from Bailey, Banks, & Biddle in Virginia. Kevin had picked this ring all by himself and I have to say, when I first saw it, I LOVED IT!

For our wedding, I chose a platinum wedding band with 1/3 carat diamonds in a channel setting. I have worn both of these rings for over 2 years now and suddenly (as if overnight) my body is responding with an adverse reaction to my rings.

For the last several months now, I have developed a very itchy, red, scaly, bumpy rash on my "ring" finger that just doesn't seem to heal. I've tried topical creams including hydrocortisone, Neosporin, you name it---but the rash just keeps coming back. As the rash gets better, it dries, and then peels. Lovely, I know. :)

The rash has gotten better recently, but that's because I started using my own hand soap (Avalon Organics, Rosemary Glycerin Hand Soap) in my office. The office bathroom soap must be made from "lye," because it just strips my skin, leaving my ring finger rash just burning....Oww...

That said, the fact remains that I am unable to wear my rings.

I've "Googled" this very problem on-line and it appears I may be suffering from bacteria growing on my rings. The increased humidity here on Okinawa is probably a culprit as well. Sooooo....that said, I am going to try the "home remedy" I read about which includes soaking my rings in 2 parts white vinegar, 1 part hydrogen peroxide and then boiling the rings in water for about 20 minutes. What you say? Scared of boiling ? Yep, I am.

I'll keep you posted on how it goes. For now, all I have on my ring finger is a bright yellow waterproof "Put on a Happy Face" band-aid. HA! The irony....

Does anyone else (this is for those of you out there in cyberland) have this problem? Anyone else develop this rash two years after wearing their rings without any problem? What gives?


~Chrissy

Sunday Dinner with the Girls

With Kev gone, I invited two girlfriends (Leah and Naomi) over to dinner for some wine and pasta. We had sundried tomato hummus and polenta with sauteed spinach with garlic and bleu cheese for appetizers. For dinner, we all pitched in to make the following recipe from Emeril....So yummy. We didn't want to use heavy cream so we used half and half instead. We had a great time, dishing and enjoying wine with our pasta. Although I think the wine may have gone to my head....Enjoy!

Pasta with Peas and Bacon
Serves 2

Ingredients
1 pound cheese filled tortellini
3 ounces fresh bacon, julienned (about 1/4 cup)
2 tablespoons chopped onions
6 ounces heavy cream
1/2 cup fresh peas (blanched), or 4 ounces frozen peas
2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan
Salt and black pepper
Chopped parsley, recipe follows

Directions

Place tortellini in the pot of boiling water.

In a large skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon, place on a paper towel to drain. Pour out all the bacon grease except for 1 tablespoon. In the same skillet place the onion and cook for 2 minutes, or until golden. Pour in the cream, and reduce until lightly thickened.

Remove the pasta from the water when it is al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and add the pasta to the cream mixture. Add bacon back to the pan along with the peas and cheese. Reduce for 1 minute. Toss and adjust the seasonings. Spoon into a large pasta bowl and serve. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan and chopped parsley, if desired.


**we doubled the recipe, but ended up with lots of leftovers....not sure whether the original recipe would have been enough...Guess I'll try next time.**

~Chrissy

That's Amore....

Kev is heading back home to PA today to spend some time with his family. Kev is a huge "Phillies" fan and I know that this kind of opportunity to go see them play in the World Series may not happen again--so how could I not let him go? He cashed in miles to get his tickets so it's not like it cost anything.

School starts back up again for me next week, so even if I wanted to go, I couldn't. Kev said the sweetest thing to me though...he said "thank you" for letting him go. I'm glad to see him happy and I know a trip back home will be good for him. Guess I AM a good wife. :) Nah, I just love my husband, that's all....

Anyway, I wanted to let you all know about an injured kitten my friend Jamey and I found last weekend. Jamey was driving me home after a party when we found the little kitten in the middle of the street. It had difficulty moving, so I got out of the car to help it and that's when I noticed that its hind legs were not working. We took it in and drove it to a vet hospital. Well, two days later, the kitten has fully recovered and is healthy! The kitten is a sweet little girl, about 8-9 weeks old. She loves being held and is absolutely adorable. We are now looking for a loving home for her. If anyone is interested in adopting this sweet girl, let me know and I'll have Jamey send you photos. Of course, this is only possible for those of you in Okinawa....:)

Well, hope everyone has a good weekend.

~Chrissy

Missing Fall...

This time of the year is one my favorites back home....In Montgomery County, Maryland, October is the start of the fall season. This is the month that all the orchards and family farms open up their pumpkin patches. Usually this time of year is when Kev and I would go to the orchard to pick apples for pie, go on a hayride, choose a large pumpkin (for carving of course :)), and buy some homemade jams.

Don't get me wrong, I like Okinawa, but I sure do miss the smells and taste of fall. I miss the fall foliage as well...

I was at the Commissary the other day (the grocery store we have on the military bases here) and saw Commissary staff unloading and unpacking pumpkins. I thought about buying one, but then decided against it. The pumpkins were wet and when I asked a staff member as to why, I was told it was from the shipping. That's when I realized that the pumpkins probably had to be "frozen" in order for them to make the trip from the States to Okinawa!!!! Can you believe it? Even worse were the prices. One medium sized pumpkin was about $15-18 bucks. Errr...maybe not.

With the high humidity here, our "previously-frozen over priced" pumpkin wouldn't last more than a day anyway....

So.... with a heavy heart, I left the Commmissary "sans" pumpkin. We will have to celebrate fall here on Okinawa another way.....

Well, hope you folks at home are enjoying this autumn harvest. Happy Fall!

Love from Oki, Chrissy :)

One Year Milestone

Well, believe it or not....Kevin and I have now been here on Okinawa for a FULL year. Crazy. We moved here in October of 2007 and now an entire year has passed.

We are supposed to be here for a 2 year tour, so that means we have one more year left. A lot has happened in the year that we've been here, I've gone back to school, we've traveled to some exotic places like Dubai and Hong Kong, but one thing is missing. Let's hope this year will be the year that it will happen. Think positive thoughts! Bring on the "----" dust.

~Chrissy

PS: Kevin is leaving for a work trip to Hawaii tomorrow. And he's leaving me behind. Life is unfair, I tell you. Instead, I get to stay home and take my Accounting final. Boo....Anyone interested in taking it for me? :)

Opening weekend of Ragtime....

Well, we did it! Our opening weekend of the POPS production of the musical "Ragtime" was a success! We opened officially on Thursday, had an evening performance on Friday, and a matinee and another evening performance on Saturday. Needless to say, I am very tired. I think my voice is as well, I feel really congested and my throat hurts a bit.... The good news is that we had full houses for all the performances.

I did hear that a few people got up to leave in the middle of the performance due to the adult nature of some the dialogue, but there's not too much that can be done about that. Ragtime is a musical based on the novel of the same title by the author E. L Doctorow. It is a fictional story with some historical accuracies and facts weaved in. The novel AND the musical deal with some "thorny" issues such as racism, prejudice, womens' rights and liberation, free speech, child labor, money, sex, love, violence, and war.... Some of the themes and topics may be a bit difficult for young children to understand, but I think for the older children, this musical has a very important message. Parents should explain the nature and the historical back story of this time period (early 1900's) before taking their children. That way, when people hear offensive language, they won't be offended. It sort of irritates me that people would come to our show and then leave in the middle of it. I understand the show is long, but really, open up your mind and understand that this is a "dramatization." No one on stage condones the language or behavior in any way. This is my blog, so I can say what I think. I'm sorry if you think I'm being a bit harsh.....

Anyway, I'll get off my soap box now. For those of you out there who want to see a wonderful and powerful show, please come out to the Foster Performing Arts Center to see it.

I leave you with a few photos.

Love, Chrissy :)

Ragtime!

-Caroline as "Evelyn Nesbit" & Chrissy as "Mother"

Last night we had our opening night of the POPS (Pacific Okinawa Players) production of the musical "Ragtime." Here are a few photos that my friend Caroline took back stage. I promise to post lots more soon. :)

Come out to the Foster Performing Arts Center to see it! You'll be glad you did.

See you at the show!

~Chrissy

PS: If you can, take a look at Okinawa Hai.com. The link can be found to the left. The very popular blog based here in Okinawa recently posted a story on POPS and the musical.


-Randy as "Grandfather" & Chrissy as "Mother"

Last Day In Hong Kong

Our five days in Hong Kong were drawing to a close, so on our final day we decided to head to the island of Lantau (the largest island in Hong Kong) to visit the Buddha and the Po Lin Monastery. The Buddha is actually quite close to the Hong Kong airport, so we headed to the airport in the morning, dropped of our bags in a coin locker, and then headed off.

We rode the bus to Tung Ching and then boarded the Ngong Ping cable car (I'm used to calling them gondolas) which took us on a 30 minute ride over mountains.









The cable car dropped us off in Ngong Ping village and from there, we walked to the Buddha.







It was pretty hot out on this day, but we still managed to climb the 268 steps to the top!



At the top, there were several other small statues.









This above photo is the entrance to the Po Lin Monastery which is at the base of the Buddha.


All in all, our trip to Hong Kong was so much fun! I leave you with this self taken photo of Kev and I....Hope you enjoyed the photos!



Love, Chrissy :)

More Hong Kong...

After quite a full day, Kevin and I decided to take it easy on Day 3. We woke up late and skipped breakfast, so we could enjoy some "Dim Sum." We found a restaurant called the Jade Garden located near the Central Ferry pier.

The Jade Garden had an English menu which made things so much easier for us. You know, it's funny. Although Hong Kong was ruled by England for 99 years, there are quite a few people who don't speak English. Aside from the upscale restaurants and hotels, it can be hard at times to find people who speak English....

Anyway, here are a few photos from our "Dim Sum" brunch.





After our brunch, we headed to the train station to go to the Hong Kong countryside (if there is such a place)--to an area in the New Territories called Sha Tin.

For those who follow the Olympics, you may be aware that Sha Tin is where the equestrian events for the 2008 Para-Olympics are being held.

Once we arrived in Sha Tin, Kev and I took a nice walk through the Sha Tin Garden Park.



Here's a photo of the two of us "goofing" around....



While in Sha Tin, we visited the Hong Kong Heritage Museum.



The museum had some great exhibits on Chinese ceramics including glazed vases from the Ming dynasty. I was an East Asian Studies major in college-- so most of the exhibits were quite interesting to me, I'm not so sure it was Kevin's cup of tea.



Following the museum, we visited one last stop in Sha Tin. A restaurant that had been recommended to us by Kev's best friend, Ray Kung.

Ray's family is from Hong Kong so they told us that we absolutely could not go to Sha Tin WITHOUT eating the roast pigeon. Yes, that's right. You read that correctly. Roast Pigeon.

One restaurant in particular is quite famous for the roast pigeon. A restaurant called Lung Wah. Lung Wah may have been a hotel at some point, since the signage still reads hotel. The place wasn't too easy to find, but after walking a bit and making a few circles, we finally found it.

This place reminded me of Chinese movies...it was like a throwback to 1930's China. The walkway leading up to the restaurant was lined with these bright Chinese paper lanterns...



Once seated, we ordered and then waited for our pigeon. Finally, ta da!



Looks pretty tasty, doesn't it?






We tried to eat with chopsticks, but Kev and I had to (of course) follow local customs and eat the pigeon with our fingers. The restaurant provided a "finger bowl" with tea for you to rinse your fingers when finished. All in all, the pigeon was delicious. It was juicy and full of flavor.

So the next time you visit Hong Kong, be sure you head to Sha Tin for the roast pigeon....

The next day, we headed to Hong Kong island to go to Stanley Market and Victoria's Peak. On our way to the Market, we rode one of Hong Kong's famous double decker trolley cars. These are a bit different from the ones in San Francisco.





To get to Stanley Market, we also rode a double decker bus, similar to the ones you see in London. Here are some photos Kev took on the bus.






Here we are at Stanley Market. Stanley Market doesn't have too much to offer but shopping, but the bus ride there is quite interesting as you can see all the beautiful houses built on the hill overlooking the water. This area of Hong Kong is where the mega wealthy live.






At Stanley Market, Kev and I grabbed a quick bite to eat. We had sliders....look how small they are....



After our snack, Kev left to go to the Maritime museum and I went shopping. Walking around by myself, I found this small little shrine.



I got bored with shopping after a bit, so I went into this McDonald's Cafe called "McCafe" and waited for Kevin. Kev took this photo because he got such a kick out of it...



After Stanley Market, we went to the Peak. Our visit to the Peak was fun, but I'm not sure if the Peak was really worth the money. The ride on the tram car was quite expensive and once you get up at the top, the Peak itself is highly commercialized. They even had a "Bubba Gump Shrimp" restaurant up at the top.

But if you want to get a great skyline view of Hong Kong and be able to say you went to Victoria's Peak and rode the old fashioned tram car--I guess that makes it slightly worth it.

The ride on the old fashioned tram car was pretty fun. Before the days of power engines, the tram ran on coal and steam....





Once at the top, the view was incredible....






After the peak, we headed back to our hotel in Kowloon but not before stopping at the Promenade to watch the "Hong Kong Symphony Of Lights." This is a nightly light and sound show held at 8pm. Believe it or not, this event is actually part of the Guiness Book of World Records for the world's largest permanent light and sound show. We were able to snap a few photos before it started to pour!