Yummy! It is the only word I can tell when I taste a chocolate from agnes b’ s chocolate shop.
Actually, Jerome made me a very good surprise today. He brought me a nice little box full of chocolate. But, not ordinary one (even if it would be perfect for me, you know me!), I recognized immediately the famous signature on the box. Before coming in Hong Kong I did not even know that agnes b had a chocolate shop in her own name… Here, the Hong Kong people are addicted to this brand. I discovered also that she is not only in fashion and cosmetic products, she is a great business woman. Indeed, she opened her first-ever flagship store, “La Loggia” last year in the big shopping mall IFC located in Hong Kong Island.
Directly on the bay, an area of 4500m2 imagined by designer André Fu is more than just shop! All the classic brand are proposed (lines Women, Men, Travel, Jewelry, Sport b.), but also some unusual places in Hong Kong only!
Thus, the Loggia is also a restaurant named ”le Pain Grillé”, where you can sample traditional French cuisine, a boutique florist Agnes b., the ” agnes b délices” or “la Maison sur l’eau ”which offers both products, exhibitions and decorative objects.
I love agnes b chocolate
Maybe I will dissapoint you but I have not visited yet this place whereas Jerome did. Shame on me…
To return to my chocolates during my pregnancy everything is allowed, but after life will be tough with all the bad eating habits taken …
For the first time, Jerome and I joined last night some friends in Happy Valley, a district in Hong Kong Island. Oliver, an friend from London, proposed to come to the horse race. We attented our first race in the giant race track located in Happy Valley.
In my opinion, what is ammazing when you come in the racetrack, is its location in the middle of the illuminated skycrappers. OUAAAAAAAAAAH! We went there yesterday because each Wednesday, it is the place to be for both newcomers like us and insiders. Everybody can come to see! You have to pay only 10 HKD (1€) for the entrance. Inside, thera are many stands : you do not die of thirsty and beer flows like water! For me as usual, of course, no alcohol grrrrrrrrrrrrr!
Except this, it was an incredible night, we discovered a nice place and it was a good experience. Guess what? I played twice and won twice!!! A lucky hand??? Watch the video below.
During the Chinese New Year, there are a lot of celebrations in Hong Kong, Jerome and I went to one of them last night. I can you tell it was a long trip to go there. Firstly, we took a bus from our place for 45 minutes but we got off a little bit earlier : I forgot to tell you, here you can not spot you. Why? Because quite simply, nothing tells you where you are… A little bit annoying, isn’t it? Then, we looked for a taxi driver who could drive us until our destination but no one of them seemed to understand… Finally, we found one who brought us to the right direction.
Cygnes
We arrived at 6.45 pm in the Waterfront Park Of Tai Po. Tai Po is a area located in the middle of New Territories. To be honest, when you arrive at Tai Po, it is as if you were the Chinese border. What do I mean? There is no tourist or expatriates there.
cascade
We visited at last a beautiful Waterfront Park which was specially decorated for the Lantern Festival. We discovered colourful lanterns by night.
Folkloric dance
After we assisted a ceremony : the Dance of Lion. But we prefered to leave because of the crowd and I am not an addict of chinese songs…
First of all, I wish a happy new year full of hapiness, peace and a good health. This year, Jerome and I decided to join some friends in Bangkok for the New Year’s Eve. We stayed for 4 days. Since I am in Asia, I love the idea to celebrate each year in another country. Last year, it was in Singapore, a relax dinner with a couple of friends, Aurélie and Arnaud.
Nghia, a friend was the “event planner”, he found the place after visiting several one. It was not very easy task for him because we gave him some recomandations : a place affordable and not far from the hotel. Oh, I forgot, the hotel, he chose it : IN CRE DI BLE! A nicely and stylish bedroom, everything was perfect : the design of the bedroom, the unforgettable matress of our king size bed (I want the same in my real life!!!!), from you bed you can see all it happens in your bathroom thanks a large window (I love it!) and the kind of the staff…
Thus, we had dinner for the last day of 2008 in the restaurant lounge of this wonderful hotel. We were the only one. The thai menu was cheap and delicious, just one thing : a little bit too spicy for me… Then, we walked to the bar “Long Table”, a gorgeous bar located on the 25th floor of a building with a wonderful view on the city. What I love in Bangkok, all the nice place are often hidden and you have to find them : it is the reward! At midnight, we had the chance to see a Bangkok illuminated by the fireworks. But, do not believe it lasted 5 minutes, we were captived by the numerous of fireworks : when one finished another one took place. So beautiful and impressive!
We had a lot of rest : each morning after the breakfast, Jerome and I went to swim, guess where? at the rooftop of the hotel on the 16th floor. Then after lunch and a walk, a little nap. I know the reason why we became lazy : the guilty is the mattress…
At the end of our trip, Jerome and I visited the Jimmy Thompson House, the teck house belonged to the american architect and his collection from his different trips in Asia. When the visit finished, a big surprise waited for me : I recognised a famous person. No, it is not Jude Law, unfortunately… Try again : a “people”? Not really… But a very famous woman in France. I had a little conversation with “Marie José Pérec”! You do not know her? It is impossible it was the French woman who won the most gold medals in history. A very respectable and respected woman , I do tell you! I was so excited to meet her because when I was a teenager, I followed her perfomances, she was a model for me. I can say she was very cool and simple. Needed a picture! I would not imagine before to meet Marie Jo Perec in Bangkok, so funny!
What it impressed me in HK it is HK by night. This big urban city is livingfull as well as day and night. When I speak about HK is all the area : From HK Island to the New Territories. There is always people everywhere : you can not be bored!
What I prefer, it is the moment when HK is lightening as soon as the night is coming down. It is magical to see the skycrappers dressed of shiny highlights.
Jerome and I were glad to discover the view from the “SEVVA” a very hype bar located at the 25th floor of “Prince’s buiding” in Central Business District. Nghia brought us there last Saturday. You can see the video above.
One of my brother Fred decided to visit me. This is the first relative who come and see us in Singapore and I hope not the last one! Fred stay 2 weeks, his first trip in Asia. Jerome and I are so glad to spend time with him.
Here it is our program.
Day 1 : Fred, Jerome and I walked on Orchard Road, the most famous street of Singapore. There are numerous and big malls there. Fred was He was especially impressed by the number of luxury shops per square metre. He thought he could buy some products with low price but he realized he was wrong… Unfortunately, Singapore is an expansive city.
In the evening, as we are so lucky to live close to the seaside, we went to have a drink on East Coast Park. It is so pleasant to walk along the sea : we appreciated fresh air, silence and our drink, of course! The jet-lag is difficult to support from West to East, Fred was in good shape and did not want to go to bed (Normal, we have 6 hours more than France…). The last time I came back from Paris It took me 2 weeks to get back into the rythm of Singapore…
Day 2 : After explaining to my brother how to go to “Little India”, Fred tried to go there but he never managed. Indeed, He took the right bus and the right direction. But, the problem here it is when you take the bus and you want to get off at the right stop it is very diffficult if you have never been there before. Why? Because, in the bus, there is no sign to show where you are on the line. This is a little bit boring, isn’t it? Thus, My brother got off at the wrong stop. When he asked someone where the district was, he replied the wrong direction… Fred was lost and decided to go back home. What afternoon!
Day 3 : The weather was very bad all the day. At the end of the afternoon, we went to shot some golf ball at Parkland Golf Driving Range. As you know we have just begun to take golf lessons as beginners and between these lessons we have to train at least twice a week. It was the first time for Fred and he enjoyed practising.
Day 4 : Fred and I went to Jurong Bird Pard. What a hell to go to Jurong from home? It took us one hour and half to go there. First, we took one bus until downtown after we took the MRT red line then the MRT green line. After, we could take a bus but we have preferred to take a taxi because of the crowd at the bus station. The Jurong Bird Park is at the opposite of East coast where we live but It is worth to visit it. The admission fee is 18 SGD per person (9 €). There are more than 600 species from all over the world. It is better to visit it in the morning during the feeding of the birds. I liked the lorry loft because you can approach them very closer without scaring them. We walked on the huge flight aviary where there were wonderful parrots. I liked pretty much to see the gracious flamengos.
Day 5 : Fred was sick so he had some rest. In the evening, we discovered the Night Safari, a very famous attraction in Singapore. It costs us 32 SGD (16 €). The ambiance really reminds the savane with the sounds of tam tam, the luxuriant vegetation, the brown dark colors. We explored 3.2 km of wildlife by tram. We discovered rhinos, elephants, giraffes, tapirs, tigers, lions in the darkness in order not to scare the animals. Fred and I were disappointed by this trip because it lasted just 10 maybe 15 minutes and we saw almost nothing.
Day 6 : Fred stayed in bed all day because he was ill…
Day 7 : Fred and I went to Singapore Fashion Show to see “Something growing” by the Chinese designer Qiu Huo. Our first Fashion Show of our life took place on Orchard. I had bought 2 tickets for only 20 SGD (10€). It was the opportunity to discover asian fashion. Then, we went to another with admission free which showed the amazing collection of 4 new designers natives from Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia and Philippines. 4 differents styles. It was interesting to see their work. Singapore is not reknowed for its fashion, it is affordable to discover it. So different from Paris, NYC or London…
Day 8 : Fred and Jerome decided to go to Little India. Fred took finally some pictures of this typical district.
Day 9 to Day 12: Departure for a wonderful destination : BALI. Fred and I flew to Bali for 4 days. A dream come true. Unfortunelaty, Jerome stayed in Singapore for working. Jerome works and I travel : I am joking, of course
We took a package : airfare+ hotel 4 days / 3 nights. The journey was incredible : we stayed in Upma Sapna a private villa In Seminyak, area in the south of Bali. My brother and I had never booked a place like this before : private pool and garden, a spacious bathroom composed of a huge shower and bathtub. The best moment was when I took a bath with a very relaxing view outside. This place was perfect for a honeymoon (even if for my honeymoon in Brazil 3 years ago, I had not had that!). It was too much for us but so pleasant!!!
Indonesian people are very friendly, I love them because they are so natural ; they are very respectful. It was very interesting to talk with them and share their culture and habits. They live thanks to tourism. Their life is very hard because of the poverty. I would like to go back to Bali just for them.
4 days is nothing : there is a lot to do in Bali. We should stay at least 2 or 3 weeks to know a little bit. There are numerous beautiful temples, beaches and places… Next time, Jerome and I will go to the North, less touristic area, we will appreciate more the local life.
Day 13 : Ouch! I missed some practise this week… This Saturday, I was not in shape for our 3rd lesson of golf, too tired and it is too hot at noon on the green. I hope to do better next week.
For the last evening, we had dinner with friends in a thai restaurant near our home then we had a drink in a wine bar. The glass of red wine is a veritable pleasure for me in Singapore. I can not eat a lot of cheese (too expansive, urgh!) so I do honour the red wine.
Day 14 : This morning, Jerome and Fred went to our swimming pool, it was hot. The last day before the departure, I am a little nervous, I hate to say good bye. I spent a very good time with my brother, I will try to keep in mind these moments. I was very happy to share my life in Singapore with him. Tomorrow, our home will seem empty but that is life…
Are you crazy? That is the question people asks me. Why? Because, I tell them that I would like to learn Mandarin language. Well, I know it is one of the most difficult language of the world. But, I am in Singapore which is located in the middle of SouthEast Asia. If I do not do here, where I could do!
I reasure you : I am not sick. I just want to discover and to challenge myself.
So, I decided to start my chinese courses two weeks ago. I can confide that at the beginning It was really hard. My first course was horrible because I understood nothing. I hate when I do not manage to control the situation. Fortunately, the teacher Michelle, a native Chinese, is great. Little by little, I understand better and better. Each day, I am a little bit more proud of me.
When my friends ask me : “France-Lise, do you know how to say this or that?” I reply with a big smile : “ok, I can”(not everything, do not dream!) My advantage or may be my disadvantage, nobody can say : “no, It is not exactly this word or you do not have the right tone”. Talk about the four tones, tones are very important because if you do not pronounce well the word, you can change the sense of the sentence. This is quite confusing…
All I can say I have to practise a lot, it is so interesting to discover a new language, sometimes I feel like a little girl. I would like to keep going two months more until the intermediate level. I could not supposed to speak fluently but if I can speak and the others can understand me. OUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!
P.S : Je ne sais pas si les chinois m’en voudront mais je ne peux pas mettre les accents sur le titre en chinois…:(
Jerome, a couple of friends and I decided to go to Natas Fair last week end, a tourism fair where there were interesting packages all over the world.
The entry fee was only 3SGD (1,50 €), nothing comparing to France!
We visited numerous of booths. We first went to Malaysia’s booth, it is the nearest destination, you can go there by taxi, coach, boat, plane, for cheap price. But if you go in the North, it is better to take the plane, if you do not waste your time!
After, we walked towards the Australia’s one, the biggest one. Australia is huge and it is an ideal destination because there are various sceneries : mountains, deserts, beaches, …
Then, we had a look at India. This country fascinates me by its culture and colors but I will wait to save for a long trip.
In anticipation of the arrival of my brother Fred at the end of March, I was looking for the best price for Indonesia and especially Bali. Bali is a must do if you go to South-East Asia! I was so happy because I found a package only for 448 SGD per person for 4 days. What a big deal!!! I have even bought the”lonely planet” of Bali and Lombok.
Singapore is the best place to go to the paradise islands. the only way of writing on my blog is to travel, it is really hard life!
My first time in Macau was amazing! Jerome and me decided to spend two days there. For this, we booked one night in the “Landmark” Hotel, one among the famous hotel, and round trip tickets in a travel agency situated in Hong Kong Island. It costs us 1 400 HKD (that means about 130 euros for both).
The day after, we took a boat from Hong Kong to Macau. It just took us 45 minutes to go there. The weather was nice. As soon as we arrived, we walked to the prestigious Casinos such as the oldest “the Lisboa”. Why does it name like that? Because Macau is a former Portuguese colony. Therefore, the population is very mixed. There are also “the Gran Lisboa”, “the Wynn”, “the MGM”, “the Rio”… But which caught all my attention is “the Venetian”. It has just opened its doors. One word to describe : “IMPRESSIVE”. This is the biggest and for me it is the most beautiful. A little Venise has been reconstituted. This is “blufflant” (I don’t know how say it in English…). Could you even imagine the canal on the first floor? It does exist!
Yet I can say before I was full of misunderstanding about Casinos. I hated this materialistic world. But all is possible, the magical was made…
