Guan Yu Celebration at my Office

This was one of the events at work, but that's a while ago already. ;)
But with the whole internet stuff ad such... anyhow you know the story.


So this small event occurred towards the end of August:
It’s common to say thanks to the Chinese War hero Guan Yu, who lived loooooooooong time ago.

The Chinese like to pray to him by bowing three times while making a wish.

It was rather difficult to understand what Guan Yu was all about, but I think the essential things about him was his motives and dedication in life, pursuing the right goals. Most of all it is his loyalty to china.
It is very common to see a mini "temple" of him in many offices, restaurants or shops.

      (Anyone who dares to complain about the pic-quality has the choice to buy me a new one :) )

And then we like to bring him offerings by eating good food!!! (No, serious) (It’s sort of: we eat the food, and then the food will go to the afterlife where he resides)

                                  (Two Pigs, two Chickens, two Ducks)

                                  Too much to eat!

More food, I like making people hungry, muahaha! More to follow up...

And thanks a lot to you who comment on my blog!! (I think those are two for now, lol)

I always appreciate comments :)

Cheerio

The famous egg custard tarts!

One of the very special desserts here in Hong Kong are the pastry crust filled with egg custard, the so called "Dan tat".

Everyone's arguing about its roots. Some say its influence came from the British egg tard or others might suggest it came from the Portuguese tard (so called Pastel de nata). Since the City Macau, which is 1 hour away by ship from Hong Kong was once Portuguese and is well known for the Portuguese tarts. They all share significant similarities to the Dan tat.

But let me tell you folks... this Egg tart is one of a kind! It is A MUST if you come down to Hong Kong to go and try this favored Tarts. They're very cheap, yet so delicious. And it's made from the best bakers. It's a must for every food lover and person with a sweet tooth. I recommend drinking a glass of cold or hot milk tea to go with it.

This small desert is mostly found in bakeries, dessert and the typical Hong Kong breakfast locations (called "cha chaan tengs").

Operation: Food

Well then…  lets start making more posts about food, yes? :)

This here was my breakfast a couple of days ago...

Noodle with beef, next to it Egg, Sausage and Brioche. Together with Hong Kongs famous Milk Tea (which deserves its one blog post, because the drinks's pretty epic addictive). It might seem quiet unusual, because nobody really eats noodles for breakfast, but hey this is Asia.^.^

The meal was good enough and worth it for sure, especially since it only costs 36 HKD! Yes, the whole thing! (equals 4.50 Franks! Jes... back in Switzerland I wouldn't even get the milk tea for that!)


Life in Hong Kong can be very cost effective for someone who comes from such a expensive country...
The Price is something a definitely don't miss about Switzerland. But i sure miss all my friend and family. So... SHOUTOUT TO YOU!! =)


Felix

British Influence in a chinese World

Here's a small history insight on Hong Kong and why this city is a little "different" than China.

So as we all know Hong Kong is a part of china. But things weren't always like that. Before first of July 1997 Hong Kong had still belonged to the british, which cessed it away from China in the year 1842 during the opium wars in which Britain was victorious. As a result, the chinese had to hand over Hong Kong to the british for many Years. Around 155 Years after the reign of the british, Hong Kong was returned to the Republic of China. As you can see the european mentality runs deep within the Hong Kong people mixing up the chinese culture with the british habits. Making us quiet unique and apart from the mainland chinese.

The Year 2012 was the 15 Anniversary since the day the Reign of british governement had perished. Though till this very day, one can still tell the differnce from the behaviour of a citizen from china and one from hong kong, apart of the language difference. While the chinese mostly speak mandarin, Hong Kong people speak cantonese which is spoken in the region of canton. (canton -> cantonese, see the connection!?) The influence of modern european society still takes its place among the people who grow up in Hong Kong.

We can see lots of influence in daily life, but more to that another time!   

The appartement

So, i'm currently living with my mother and sister in a small appartement in Mong Kok on the 29. Floor.
The view is great, it makes me sometimes melancholic. Looking down when night falls somewhat gives me a feeling of tranquility...
...That maybe we arent alone in this world and there is something more, something worth... you know what? Nevermind.

Ant People

Oh yeah and this is my bed in the living room!!!
Around 200 in Swiss Franks. It's from Ikea. Pretty neet.

Angry Cakes

Awesome! :D

2 Minutes from the house

2 Minutes Walk away from my appartement:

CHEESUS!
And thats just about your regular night in Mong Kok, the Hong Kong area am staying in. Daaa... After all there are around one billion chinese people living in china.
But i'd like to point out, that we (well, i'm half) from Hong Kong don't see ourself as chinese. There are still many mainland chinese tourists though. But more to that another time.
And yes, the lights reside trough out the entire night. I got used to sleeping with the lights from our appartement on the 29 floor, looking down to the brights. Thank god for curtains.