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Thanks everyone for the messages and phone calls! Even though I didn't do anything spectacular this year, I still considered it a birthday well spent. It scares the hell out of me that I'm already another year older, but in Crystal and Sandy's words, "We will be forever 18!". So this is the 2nd year that I've spent my birthday in Hong Kong, and it does kinda suck that it is another year that I don't get to spend it with my girls back home. *Sigh*. The downside to working abroad.
The bf flew in to celebrate with me, and we had an awesome time. Though I rarely talk about him in my blog ( I don't believe it is anyone else's business unless I want it to be), I really have to thank him for making my birthday a memorable one. From the big decisions to even the smallest gestures, everything he does, he does it for me. Thanks dear. I u.
First of all, the present he got me this year blew my socks off. It was 100x better then last years because I prefer gadgets over jewelry. I guess I'm in the minority. lol.
TADA!!!
LG KS20
So I've been bitching for a while about how I needed a new phone because my crappy ass one kept shutting down on me. While I wanted a smart phone, I thought the iPhone was too big and bulky. Well, the LG KS20 is perfect! Its sleek, slim, and comes with a bunch of functions; Mp3 player, camera, wi-fi, touch screen, and it runs on microsoft os. I am still getting use to the touch screen though, it feels a bit wierd not to have the buttons. However, he said that the main reason he got it for me was because it came with an organizer. He thought that it would be useful for me since I am a very unorganized person. Well, whatever the reason, I got a cool new phone!
So while he was here, we were able to check out a few really good restaurants that we've heard many good things about. Though I never thought so before, hong kong is really a food lovers paradise. There's just so much to choose from! I was getting really sick of chinese food, so the food this weekend was strictly non-asian.
First stop, Samba @ Tsim Sa Tsui. I adored the food here even though I thought the tables were a bit too close together. Service was excellent.
Shrimp salad, and crab meat with avocado salad.
Foie Gras. It was decent, but I think it could've done a few more minutes in the pan.
Shawn's oyster appetizer dish was alright. I can't remember what it tasted like.
I LOVED THIS! A mushroom pastry drenched with truffle sauce.
My beef tenderloin with goose liver entree.
Lamb shank with shrimp.
Mmm creme brulee.
Molten lava cake.
My baked alaska! This was on the house. Shawn thought this tasted better then the other desserts we ordered.
So the next night, Shawn took me to the Seafood Island Oyster Bar at Knutsford Terrace. The food was good here too, but a bit more pricey then Samba.
I had fresh oysters on the half shell for an appetizer. I haven't had raw oysters in a long time ( I don't dare to in Asia), and these tasted delicious with a splash of lemon juice, tabasco, and cocktail sauce.
The oyster bisque here was heavenly. It was creamy, smooth, and the taste of oyster was in every spoonful. There was also a big oyster waiting at the bottom of the bowl.
The white truffle ravioli was definitely something to rave about too. Besides Foie Gras, truffles are also something that I've taken quite a
liking to. I was very disappointed though because I had ordered this
dish thinking it was an entree (it cost almost the same as an entree), but there were only 4 raviolis in the dish! I know truffles are not cheap, but still, I wish there was more. I literally scraped every bit of sauce of the plate. It was that good.
The lobster thermidor was scrumptious! Every bite was filled with warm, cheesy, creamy, lobster goodness.
The chocolate mousse was nothing to write home about.
Molten chocolate cake (again!) with friend bananas. The banana's paired very well with the cake. Too bad I was too full to eat more then 2 bites.
Thanks dear!
I've been wanting to try a good French restaurant in HK for a while now, and Le Marron at Causeway bay came highly recommended. Karen swore that it was some of the best french cuisine she's ever had. After checking this place out, I've also joined its cult like following. Its good ambiance, good food, and good service. I will definately come back again.
Charming decor isn't it?
The window overlooks SOGO.
Pan Fried Foie Gras with Exotic Fruit Salsa and Citrus Caramel Sauce. I can never get enough of foie gras, and this got full marks here! Crisp on the outside, soft and melt in your mouth buttery on the inside. The chunks of fruit was a nice touch.
Escargots with parsley butter. Shawn liked it alot, but I thought it was only ok. A bit too salty.
French baked onion soup. The layer of melted cheese was so thick. Lots of cheese=GOOD.
Shawns mushroom soup. We both thought it wasn't thick enough. Tasted a bit watered down. The plus side was the chunks of mushroom floating in there.
Lamb Wellington Stuffed with Duck Confit and Prosciutto with Garlic Gravy
This was so good! There wasn't any gamey taste in the lamb. In fact, it almost tasted like steak! Buttery, tender steak. *drools*.
Cajun and Almond Crusted Black Cod with a Mustard Fine Herbs Beurre Blanc. This was another hit. The fish was moist and flaky, and the almonds added a nice crunch.
Baked Banana Tart Tartin with Vanilla Ice Cream. A nice end to a satisfying meal. However, by this time I was so full, I just ate the bananas only.
 .
After such a fattening weekend, I have to go on a diet now.
So we also dropped by Crystal and Sandy's birthday party at TST. They rented out a bar for the night, and the alcohol was free flow.
September babies!
Clubbing at Club Cliq in LKF. Since I am no longer an exchange student , I have significantly scaled back on the partying. I can't hang like I use to, I actually NEED sleep now. I'm old .
Got a care package from the girls back home today. Ithem. They always know what I need. Flaming hot cheetos, Hostess snack cakes, Trojan condoms, Always Pads, Caramels, Marshmallow Creme. and an H&M gift card. Thanks guys! Especially with typhoon season here, this stuff will come in handy during the times I can't make it out to the store! A big special thanks to Connie Y. Thank you so much for putting the card together. I really appreciate how you always put that extra personal touch on the gifts. Its hanging on my door right now=).
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| I am back in Hong Kong now, and work has started. Its still relatively easy, and I hope it doesn't start getting too crazy. I've met my colleagues, and they all seem like easy going people. It should be a good working environment. Anyways, my trip home was awesome, and my short vacation in Singapore and Indonesia was a relaxing one. It sucks because I'm missing home already. No matter what anyone says, I will never ever get use to the heat in Asia.100+ degree, humid weather is not my friend.
Indonesia
Loved it. The resort was awesome, the food was good, and I have never felt so relaxed. Thanks dear .
Batam, Indonesia
Harris Resort
I their pool. I went swimming here every morning.
Our room number. We were actually able to get a japanese suite. It was so spacious and gorgeous! This included a bed room, living room, 2 bathrooms, and our own japanese hot tub in our private balcony!
This was the best part of the suite!
These were the little huts where you got your spa treatments/massages.
The Indonesian massage I got was very relaxing. The masseuse cracked so many bones that I never knew could be cracked. haha.
@ our poolside candlelight dinner.
The menu. Haha we DID get a honeymoon package, but we were not on our honeymoon.
The food exceeded my expectations.
They even sent a band out to sing to us.
Random shots on our ride to town
A mosque.
Nagoya Hill Shopping Center.
Indonesia's version of Walmart......hypermart!
Go Karting! The race track was HUGE!!!!
Eat my dust sucker!!!
We also did this thing called the fox flyer. Basically you get harnessed, and you glide down from the roof of the hotel. It wasn't exactly scary since I've already done bungee jumping, but it was still fun. And it was only 3USD!! haha. Here's a vid of me doing the fox flyer. Pardon the sideway video, SOMEONE videotaped it sideways!
Jenny and Evan are in town, and I've been showing them around the past week. We've done the regular touristy spots like Victoria's Peak, Avenue of the Stars, Ladies market, and etc. A toilet themed restaurant opened in Mong Kok not too long ago and we decided to check it out since I've always wanted to go to one. The place was super cute!!!! the food...not so much.
I their logo.
toilets and more toilets!
A sink under our table.
If you need to crap, just pull up the seat.
The menu.
A bathtub table!!!
Our drinks came in little urinals!
Popcorn chicken.
My meal came in a mini toilet!
The actual bathrooms. What, you mean you can't just go in your seat?
Teehee.
Poop related toys.
I'm really sad that I couldn't attend Sandra and Johnson's wedding since I had to come back to Asia. From what everyone said, it was super awesome. Anyways, Here is a pic of the lovely bride and groom from the wedding I missed. Congrats to them!!!
The gorgeous bridesmaids. Don't try and tell me they ain't smoking. I bet they gave all the guys nosebleeds. haha.
The girls and the fellas. *sigh* I missed out.
For the second year in a row, I had to miss out on Connie's birthday too. (*sigh* I'm missing out on all the good stuff)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY CONNIE!!!!!!!!!
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| *Warning* Insane amount of pictures ahead *Warning*
I had 4 of my wisdom teeth extracted yesterday (two were impacted), and now I have the poofy "hamster" face. I look just like the pet hamster I use to have, right after he stuffed his cheek pouches with two dozen sunflower seeds. Attractive, no? I' ve only eaten porridge, a few bites of nasty baby food, and sipped juice for the last 48 hours. In other words, I'm starving. I've been popping the medication consistently every 4 hours, so the pain has been bearable so far. I hope i'll feel better soon. This is my last full week in the states, and I do not wish to spend it at home in bed all drugged up. I have far too many things to do, and many people to see.
So over the weekend, me and the girls(and some of the guys) made a trip up to Reno for some bonding time. Words cannot describe how much I miss these girls. Throughout the years, these girls have been my rock. They've been there for me when I was down, and they've seen me at my worst. Honestly, without them...I wouldn't know what to do. I'm very blessed to have them in my life. I love you guys. (yeah yeah, I've been quite sentimental lately.)
Scenic view on the drive up
Pit stop at In N' Out.
My first In N' Out burger in 2 years!
This induced a mouth orgasm.
Animal Style fries. Sinfully delicious.
Welcome to Reno, Nevada! The poor man's Las Vegas. lol.
Where else can you get unlimited slices of prime rib for $20?? I buffets!
We also devoured plates upon plates of seafood.
Taking a shot before heading out for the night.
Chugging straight from the bottle.
Water Rafting at Rancho Cordova!
Me and Lily are the only ones who can swim. No life jackets for us!
Tina and Connie need extra protection. haha
Making lunch. This was right before some stupid hicks on a neighboring raft shot their water guns at us. We were unprepared and unarmed. They got all our food wet=( , so we threw cans of coke at them
Haha! I was the only one who came away without a sunburn, thanks to my long sleeve shirt, and constant reapplication of sunscreen every 30 minutes. I learned my lesson from the last time we went to Santa Cruz.
Random Pictures from the past month:
Snacks and dessert at Yummy Guide.
Jen T. and I.
Playing Rock Band at Shara's apt.
Me and Shara at KTV for Danny's b-day.
Birthday Boy and Tyrone
JayZ
Jamie, Cindy and I at Zabu Zabu for Shabu Shabu. hehe.
Group Shot
SFSU CityU Sem B alumni reunion. haha. I miss these guys.
My eating buddy, Gary.
Tart Froyo. I can't believe they don't have this stuff in Asia. It's so addicting. Its like crack! Yakult flavored crack!
Marsh and Amanda
The guys.
July 4th BBQ at Monterey Beach
BeeDee and KellyT.
SoberLy and grANNA
@ Connie G's 26th Birthday party.
Playing tour guide in SF. Lombart St.
Alamo Square.
The weather was ridiculously nice. Postcard quality nice.
June and I
Me and Anhthu.
Brokeback and his clam chowder.
Dinner in Berkeley. Smoked salmon in a wasabi sauce.
Flavored beer at Jupiter's.
Packing heat at the Shooting Range
Hanging out at Tapex.
*sigh*, one more week to go.
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| Hi all, I AM FINALLY BACK IN HK!! Thank god. My month long trip in China had its up and downs, but I'll talk more about that next time. Let me just say, CHINA HAS ONE OF THE WORST HEALTH CARE SYSTEMS in the world, and I was unforntunate enough to experiece it....3 times. Anyways, my flight back to the states is tomorrow at 5pm. I can't wait!! I miss home so much. A taco bell run will be the first thing on the to-do list. lol. See you all in Cali! | | |
| First of all, I would like to say: CONGRATULATIONS TO SHARA AND DANNY ON THEIR ENGAGEMENT! I always knew these two were going to be the first out of all of us to tie the knot. Even though I'll be in HK working then, I'll definitely fly back to be a bridesmaid! I'm so happy for those two.
Because I have had a bunch of free time lately, I've taken up baking!! Food+Me= So far, I think the best thing that I have baked would be carrot cake cupcakes with cream cheese frosting. The worst thing would be the honey cake that deflated when I took it out of the oven "Hostess" cupcakes w/buttercream frosting 
Yellow Cake W/ Chocolate Frosting 
Perfect vanilla buttermilk cupcakes 
Blueberry muffins. 
Key Lime Pie. 
I was craving for corn dogs but I couldn't find any here, so I made corn bread muffins with hot dog pieces! It was just as good. 
"Frosted' with mustard. 
Banana cupcake with cream cheese frosting. I love cream cheese frosting 
Recipe for Banana Cupcke with Cream Cheese Frosting (Monica, let me know if you want any other recipes)
Makes 18-22
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup mashed ripe bananas
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
5 tablespoons milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Insert liners into a medium cupcake pan.
2. With an electric mixer on medium speed, cream the butter and sugar together until fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Add the eggs to the creamed mixture and beat well. Add the bananas and mix well.
3. In a separate bowl sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
4. Add all the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture and mix until completely integrated.
5. Add the milk and vanilla. Mix for 1 minute on medium speed.
6. Fill cupcake liners one-half to three-quarters full with batter. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of cupcakes comes out clean. Cool cupcakes in the pan. Cream Cheese Frosting 1/2 cup of butter (1 stick), room temperature 8 oz of Philly cream cheese (1 package), room temperature 2 - 3 cups of powdered sugar 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract1 With an electric mixer, mix the butter and cream cheese together, about 3 minutes on medium speed until very smooth. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure even mixing. 2 Add the vanilla extract and mix. Slowly add the powdered sugar. Keep adding until you get to desired sweetness. 3 Either spread on with a blunt knife or spatula, or spoon into a piping bag to decorate your cake or cupcake.
Wendy was in town last week. I got to play tour guide again . Its funny how I'm local enough now to be able to take up that position. hehe. Dim Sum 
Wendy and her HK snacks. 
Wong Tai Sin Temple. I got so many mosquito bites there, 
 Dinner with Crystal and Athena at Satay King. 
Madam Tussads at the Peak. 
Crystal and her double G's. 
I could never get tired of the view from Victoria's Peak. 
Olympic Mascots at TST. 
KTV in MK. 
I hope Wendy had a good time. We did alot of exploring in 4 days.
Anyways, I probably won't be blogging for a while since I will be going up to China on Sunday for a month. I won't have access to websites like xanga and youtube . The next time I update, I'll probably be back in the states. YAY!!!! | | |
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