LUXOMME

No words needed. 

SAI KUNG

So I've been reminiscing about my days in Hong Kong - being able to wake up when I want and not when my alarm rings, and beginning each day not quite knowing what it will bring. 

One thing I loved was being able to spend my mornings jogging along the harbor front, breathing in the fresh ocean breeze, and admiring the restaurants and their gigantic sparkling seafood tanks. Whenever I'm in Hong Kong, I always catch myself stopping mid-run to admire all the fascinating things that live within.

Sai Kung is the center of water activity, whether you want to go fishing, yatching, or sailing. You can hop on your private yatch on one end of the pier, and purchase seafood from the local aunties on the other side. Shouts of  'Good Morning' and the sounds of splashing water fill the air. Everything is so vibrant and alive.

Although it's become more of a tourist trap over the years (you'll see hosts luring travelers with English signs and promises of delicious meals), Sai Kung still retains much of it's original character. On one side you will see the large Seafood restaurants with their glittering signs, and on the other side you'll find little shops tucked in the smallest of corners - harboring tiny Chinese gems that can't be found anywhere else. 

It's a place where the local meets the traveler, and the old meets the new.

naomi

I've only really had one good tea in my life, and that was in London so long ago that there's barely a wisp of memory left in my mind. Obviously I can't just hop on a plane and venture across the Atlantic just for some afternoon tea, so I called up Crystal (which is a tea connoisseur) and she suggested we hit up one of her secret gems.

The only time we could schedule each other in was on a Wednesday, so when we arrived, the place was practically empty. Crystal and I had the ENTIRE place to ourselves, what a treat!

After choosing our teas (which was hard, mind you), they were brought piping hot in the most deliciously carved ceramic pots. I went for the champagne tea, while she opted for the peach.

There's a few different afternoon sets to chose from here, which is nice to have that option. Both her and I went for the Savory Tea [19] despite being teased by the thought of the full afternoon set. We just couldn't since both of us had dinner afterwards.

 l

I can't remember the names of the individual sandwiches, but I assure you, they were delicious.

The whole set comes with a little fruit bowl, six finger sandwiches, two scones (one plain and one blueberry), fresh strawberry jam, and a gentle squeeze of mascarpone cream. Although I wish the cream was a little less gently squeezed, I practically spooned that stuff into my mouth.

I practically finished my set, although we both had leftovers - so the savory tea was more than enough, even for a full meal.

I don't know about you, but what an absolutely tea-lightful way to spend the afternoon, with scrumptious refreshments and lovely friends.

naomi