December 27th – 30th, 2014

Hong Kong seems to have a pulse of its own- locals and tourists cross streets in tidal waves as neon signs beam and flicker messages 24/7. And since most of the buildings are made of glass, it makes for a surreal, kaleidoscope experience even in broad daylight.

As my first stop in Asia, ever, this was actually an excellent jumping off point. In Hong Kong- there’s something for everyone. The traditional Chinese-influenced culture is prevalent, however due to the large ex-pat and international community, you can just as easily brunch on streets that look like Abbott Kinney or eat dinner at an Argentinian restaurant.

But at night, it’s a total light show. There were SO many awesome night markets to weave through and eat at. My favorite was one at the Temple street market in Kowloon, just off an insanely crowded alley selling everything from cell phones to Spongebob suitcases. We pulled up plastic chairs underneath a giant tarp, and pointed to beer and noodles and commenced the people watching for a few hours.

It might as well have been noon on a Saturday, for how many people were out and about at midnight on a week night. We didn’t set foot in a single club (well, except one experimentally wild night in Lan Kwai Fong and a particularly rowdy brunch with a local sorority sister and her friends :-P), but were thoroughly entertained otherwise.

This particular night ended with a pretty epic Christmas laser show on the waterfront set against a twinkling neon skyline you can’t beat, followed by a ferry ride back over to Hong Kong.

Next time I’m BYO-ing a selfie stick. Rookie mistake.

 

Secret brisket noodles joint. Had an hour wait with a line around the block and I couldn’t tell you where it was if I wanted, but it was life-changing.

Noodles late night or for breakfast? Both, and.

Hot pot! My new fave.

I hope I didn’t eat one of you.