Going to see the Buddha aka I'm never doing anything "touristy" again!!!

So while we were in Hong Kong I had the bright idea that we should go see this giant Buddha....I imagined that it would be a fun afternoon outing.  An enjoyable yet somewhat spiritual time as we visit this amazing sculpture on the top of a mountain.....boy, was I wrong. The vision in my mind and the reality could not have been more different.

Even though we bought our tickets ahead of time once we got there we had to stand in the "fast" line for 45 minutes...it was 90 degrees Fahrenheit and 90% humidity.....along with looks from my husband, this was not a good combination.  As I stared at the signs showing cheesy touristy activities you could "enjoy" once you got to the top I quickly realized that this was not going to be a good time.  I tried to keep smiling, while sweating profusely, while wanting to run back to the train station, while making fun of the crazy fashion around me in my head, while dodging my husband's stares and coming into contact with any other human body (a feat in Asia in and of itself). You get the idea.....

Looking down thought the glass bottom of the "VIP" gondola....see how swollen my feet are from the heat! 

That's what the gondola looks like and much to my dismay, it was not air conditioned...and after you boarded the gondola, a very annoying man with a camera demanded that you say "cheese" for a photo. I can laugh....now that I have stopped sweating. 

Looking down for the gondola thinking, "Wow, that water looks so cool and refreshing!" 

Approaching the Buddha, still in the gondola full of kids who were also complaining about the heat...

This is on the way to the Buddha.....at this point I just wanted it to be over.  My best intentions had turned into a sweaty mess....

By this point in was soaked in sweat and ready to get back to the hotel for air conditioning and a cold drink...totally fake smile here in my selfie....

Yep there it is, and nope we are not walking up those stairs......

 At the end of the day we laughed about my "great idea" and talked about how we are not, not, not  tourist-attraction sort of people(my husband insisted on the three "nots" to emphasize the point) rather, we are air-conditioning and cold drinks sort of people. I hope that you too got a good laugh (at least a good giggle) at my attempt to play a tourist.....lesson learned :) 

Marina Bay Sands in Singapore...you're kind of a big deal!

So one of the things that made my mind say, “Holy Crap!” over and over again on this trip is the scale of everything.  Everything is BIG! Then they take those big things and cram every inch of them with amazing stuff!!  Enter THE Marina Bay Sands….it’s a hotel, a world-class mall, a theatre (Sound of music was on), a museum, and a 5-star collection of restaurants and bars (try saying that in one breath).   That’s all before you get to the top…..I mean I ate at Mozza (yep, that’s right Italian), went to Hugo BOSS and Phillip Lim where EVERYTHING was 50% off, then saw an amazing photograph exhibit all in one afternoon!!! Fan-freakin-tastic!!!

At the Art Science Museum there was an exhibit featuring the one and only Annie Leibovitz: A Photographer’s Life 1990-2005.  It was phenomenal! It was such a carefully chosen homage that chronicled her amazing life and career.  And again, there was hardly anyone there—no crowds, yippee!!!!  Maybe it’s a museum thing???

In the evening after dining at David Boulod (yep, that’s right French) we made our way to the roof top bar Ku De Ta.  Here we enjoyed the sunset, champagne, and the “dress rehearsal” for the firework show that would commemorate the city’s birthday later in the month.   

The city laid before us like a sleeping giant….what a place, what a city.  So full of life yet so calm at the same time.  We lingered there for a long time after the fireworks.  I think it one of those moments that were so special you don’t want it to ever end…..

Asia trip update!

Hello everyone, 

I am having a wonderful, whirlwind trip so far!   Singapore to Hong Kong, Hong Kong to Shanghai, and Shanghai to Qingdao on Tuesday.  Each city is unique and wonderful in its own way.  I will be posting individual blogs in the near future that highlight my favorite aspects of each city in greater detail. In the meantime follow me on Instagram for daily updates (agirlgonekiwi)!

Two things that have been consistent throughout my time here is the humid heat (thus the permanent sock bun) and how friendly people have been.  This trip so far had been such a great experience on so many levels! While learning about this part of the world I feel that I have also been learning about myself.  

Yesterday I had such a great day of shopping  and exploring (shout out to my new friend Sophia who was kind enough to show me around).  Today, in a few hours, we will go even deeper into the true Shanghai shopping experience! Stay tuned, in the mean time here are some photos from this journey so far......

SINGAPORE MOCA exhibit

Singapore harbor 

Shopping Center, Lucky Plaza

Marina Baysides Hotel

Going to see the Buddha, Hong Kong 

Max's noodle shop-each bowl represents a happy customer! 

Shanghai skyline

On the streets

Posting this now as I was unable to get anything to upload while in china!!