Finally Finding the Glitter

Join me on my new blog, findingtheglitter, where I will be sharing posts about all that glitters in my life after finally finding what I so longed to see during the time I spent in Hong Kong. It took my heart being broken, and battling many personal demons before meeting the right person to help me bring out the glitter that has been within me, and all around me, all along -- I just needed some help seeing it. 

Closing a Chapter

{My engagement ring in 2012}

Two years and two days ago, I got engaged. At the time, I was feeling over the moon to be starting the dream that I'd always had for myself - to be happily married to a man that I love, with a home and white picket fence, and one day, children to love and nurture. Unfortunately, I was too blinded by my "dream" to see that the relationship was toxic, and that it was taking away a little piece of who I was, day by day. I had become a shadow of who my family and friends knew me to be, and for this, I knew that I could never be happy, "dream" fulfilled or not. 

After that relationship ended, and not on amicable terms, I returned home to Canada, leaving Hong Kong, and him, for good. I was embarrassed to admit to the heartache and pain that I felt when it ended, but today, after having the opportunity to share my faith journey in my Religious Education course with the Toronto Catholic District School Board (I was hired as a permanent teacher upon my return in March 2013), I felt the need to close this chapter. I chose to do it here, on the blog that I had started with the intention of documenting my journey to Hong Kong, and my experiences adjusting to life there. 

What I went through when my relationship ended, I believe, had to happen so that I could finally see and understand what it means to truly be happy. This part of my life is now over, and I am overjoyed to be sharing a new and much happier beginning with someone that I was blessed to have met after a difficult time in my life. As we celebrate 1 year together, tomorrow, I can only look back and believe that things happen for a reason, as cliché as that may sound, because I have never been more content and at peace in my life, and for this, I will never have any regrets. 

{A much happier me with David, my boyfriend - 2014}

Sneak Peek: Ocean Park

I got to spend a day at Ocean Park with some colleagues/good friends earlier this week. Here is a sneak peek at one of the many pictures I snapped while there! This little guy was just hanging out in the tank with his fellow octopodes. More pictures to come in a future post. My sister is visiting me in Hong Kong all the way from Canada over the next couple of weeks, so I apologise in advance for what will be sporadic updates on my blog. Have a great day! xo

-- Ivy 

Chinese New Year

I took a well-deserved break during Chinese New Year, not only from work, but from blogging as well! For my return post, here are some pictures that I have snapped around Hong Kong of all the CNY decorations. Hope you all have a happy and prosperous Year of the Snake! 

To my Vietnamese family and friends: Chúc mừng năm mới/Happy Vietnamese New Year! May you all: live a long life of 100 years (sống lâu trăm tuổi), have security, health and prosperity (an khang thịnh vượng), have everything go to your will (vạn sự như ý), have plenty of good health (sức khỏe dồi dào), and have money flow in like water (tiền vô như nước).

New Scarf

Spent the day in one of my favourite Hong Kong spots: the Stanley promenade on the south side of the island. Since it was a particularly chilly (by HK standards) day, I picked up a new, "100% cashmere" scarf in Stanley Market which cost me $59 HKD, or about $8 CDN. A steal for "cashmere"... Whether it is truly made out of the material advertised or not, I am still happy with my purchase since not only is it soft to the touch, but it kept me warm, too!

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Mornings

I know many people who do not consider themselves morning persons, but for me, I love my mornings! I've been enjoying the a.m. a lot more now that I've been making delicious Starbucks coffee at home with this baby: the Chambord French coffee press by Bodum. Mmm, coffee!

{One of my favourite Starbucks mugs acquired here in Hong Kong}

A Lovely Sunday

 

I had a lovely day with a good friend and colleague (from Edmonton!) that I have been blessed enough to meet here in Hong Kong. We spent a not so lazy Sunday having a teppanyaki lunch and then my wonderful and patient friend taught me how to skate! It's shameful, I know, being an Ottawa girl with the Rideau Canal in my backyard for all of my life, and not knowing how to skate. But she successfully taught me how today. It is never too late to learn something that you have always wanted to do.

Photo credit goes to my beautiful friend, YC.

Some CNY Glitter

When I came to Hong Kong, I promised myself that I would endeavour to see the "glitter" that living here has to offer. I must be honest and say that I have seen a lot more grey than I had hoped to see, but now with Chinese New Year just around the corner, there is still a chance for a new and better beginning. I've been greeted by these blossoms on a daily basis while on my way to work, and lately, it's what has been helping me remember that there is always "glitter" in everything; I just have to be willing to see it.

Avenue of (HK) Stars

It's free evenings to myself in Hong Kong when I get to stroll along the harbour and view the beautiful skyline that I truly love the city. Even though I've been here since August, I sometimes still feel (and act) like a tourist. While walking along the Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui after a curriculum meeting on the Kowloon side, I decided to take advantage of my time and spend it as a tourist, snapping photos and taking in the sights.

Victoria Peak

Sneak Peek of The Peak!

I went to Victoria Peak last month, where you are able to get the best view of Hong Kong: from above! Here is a sneak peek of the incredible view that I was lucky enough to experience. More photos, once I have sorted through them (one month late, I know!), to come in the next post.

Chinese New Year at the Flat

{Lucky candy}

The flat is looking less like Christmas with the wreath being taken down and being replaced with beautiful, red and gold Chinese New Year decorations.

{Decorations on the metal gate in front of the door}

First Hong Kong Wonton Noodle Experience

{A bowl of wonton and beef noodle soup}

Last week, I had the pleasure of having dinner with a lovely Aussie, now Hong Kong resident, who showed me many restaurants that are worth trying in this city. One of the recommended spots was Tsim Chai Kee, a Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded restaurant located on Wellington St. in the trendy SoHo (South of Hollywood Rd.) area. After leaving from a much-needed hair appointment, I found myself walking toward the restaurant since I was hankering for something simple to eat for dinner. Although I experienced a bit of a language barrier issue when asking for a table, the subsequent meal had all but made me forget about the minor struggle. I chose the two topping option and picked wontons and beef to go on top of my choice of yellow noodles. When the steaming bowl was placed before me, and I took my first slurp of noodles and soup, I was hooked! For only $28 HKD, my meal was satisfyingly tasty and cheap! I will be making more visits to Tsim Chai Kee, for sure.

{Grabbed a picture with my meal before digging in}

{The short, no-nonsense menu; just noodles, and nothing else}

The Best Movie Theatre Experience

I went to see Django in theatres recently, and had the *best* experience I've had in the cinema, ever. We bought tickets to what is called the UA Cinemas' Director's Club at a price of $175 HKD/person which includes your choice of a hot dog or sandwich, and bottomless drinks and popcorn. Upon entering the theatre that contains 16 of the comfiest armchairs, each complete with its own ottoman to stretch out your legs, the attendants showed us the call button located underneath the table in between our seats to use for when we wanted more popcorn and pop. Let's just say that I took advantage of that button at least twice before the end of the movie which, I must say, is also worth checking out!

Custom-Made Jacket

Nearly a month after getting measured for a custom-made, cashmere-wool blend coat, I finally went to pick up the finished product from Shenzhen, China, this past weekend. Here it is (pictured above)! I picked a lovely charcoal shade for the exterior, and although not visible, the lining is a deep purple satin. Can't wait to put it to good use next year when it will be needed at home in Canada.

The Simple Things

Sometimes it's the simplest things, like a fresh bouquet of beautiful flowers, that can brighten up one's day. This bunch is currently sitting pretty at my flat in an improvised vase: an old pasta sauce jar that has been cleaned and de-labelled.