Hong Kong for Maynard & Joyce's Wedding

Bern and I recently went to Hong Kong for my cousin Maynard's wedding and had a great time while we were there (despite the humid 90 degree plus weather). I think what really made this trip was the fact that we got to see our family which we haven't done since moving to Japan four months ago. Not everyone could have made it though since this was a destination wedding, but it was nice just to be around loved ones again. Here are some highlights:

Bern and I just getting into Hong Kong. Once we arrived at the airport, there is an express train that takes you right to Central Hong Kong in exactly 24 minutes.

The first full day in Hong Kong was spent checking out all the sites. So we took a bus tour that takes you around the entire island. The main tourist attraction is The Peak where you can get a bird's eye view of the city including the Kowloon side of Hong Kong.

The Peak just so happened to be a part of the cult classic movie Bloodsport, staring Jean Cluade Van Damme. So I had to cease this once in a lifetime opportunity to re-create the scene. Bern, along with some strangers, were just shaking their heads with amusing disbelief but I didn't care.

See for yourself:

            

Later on that evening, we boarded a ferry to take us to the Kowloon side of Hong Kong for dinner and shopping at the Night Market.

On top of a double-decker bus in Kowloon

The Night Market was very similar to a swap-meet with vendors selling everything from Chinese souvenirs to fake Rolex's. The cool part was haggling with the owners to get the best possible deal. 



Hong Kong at Night

The following day we went out for dim sum at one of the local eateries near our hotel. The only two differences I noticed here in Hong Kong is that one; you have to actually go up to the carts and get the items you want just because there's no room for them to get around the tables. And two, the chopsticks and soup spoons I guess are not clean so they place a big bowl in the center of the table along with a pot of hot water in order for you to clean your own utensils. Really?! After dim sum, we went to Macau which is about an hour by a "turbo-jet" ferry.    

Macau was a former Portuguese colony but is now famous for their casinos. It's almost like Vegas with The MGM, Wynn, Sands, Hard Rock, & The Venetian all present but the only difference is that the Macau casinos bring in five times more the revenue than Vegas...crazy huh?! I soon discovered why when we tried to find a table at the Venetian but the minimums started at around $75 USD a bet. Since none of us were high-rollers, Bern, my cousin Merve & I decided to walk over to the Sands where we found $1 video poker machines. I was just glad we got to see the Venetian which happens to be the biggest casino in the WORLD & where Manny Pacquiao fights his battles.

When we got back from Macau, we unfortunately missed the rehearsal dinner so we ended up meeting the groom-to-be; my cousin Maynard for some drinks in an area of Hong Kong simply referred to LFK (Lan Kwai Fong). It's really the party district of the city where all the bars and clubs are located. Good Times that night, 'nuff said!  HAHA 

   

The wedding was on Saturday which came with all sorts of logistical problems to say the least, but everything seemed to work itself out at the end. The reception was held at the Hong Kong Jokey Club overlooking the horse racetrack. We all had so much fun celebrating the night away; especially thanks to the open bar. HAHA Indeed a joyful occasion overall!

Following a nice Sunday brunch, we had the rest of the day to explore more of Hong Kong and complete any last-minute shopping so here are just a few shots from the day:

Filipinos on the streets of HK singing karaoke

Sunday night was a family-only Chinese seafood dinner. The last chance for us to break bread with the bride and groom before they took off for their European honeymoon.   

All the Cousins

Congratulations Maynard & Joyce! Thank you for everything and welcome to the family Joyce!