Spotted in Hong Kong: An Asian Pilot with Platinum Blonde Curls

{Barely visible: pilot-man's thigh-high boots}

Last week, after coming back from our holiday at home in Ottawa, we got right back in to the HK life by taking a stroll through Mong Kok, the most populated area in the city and, lo and behold: this gem, pictured above. Of course, the dogs caught my eye at first, but as my train of vision moved past the massive canines to the person walking them, I couldn't help but think to myself: only in Hong Kong would I find a man with bleached blonde, tightly curled hair in a pilot (?) outfit walking his ginormous Afghans on a crowded street.

OZONE, the Highest Bar in the World

Last month, before the craziness of the holidays and end of term "teacher stuff" for me, I never got a chance to post about a unique experience where I had the fun opportunity to go to a bar that is located on the 118th floor of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel which is part of the International Commerce Centre (ICC), the tallest building in Hong Kong. The drinks were pricey, but well worth it to say that I was having great time with good friends in the sky where we were amongst the clouds.

While I was Home in Ottawa...

{First order of business: a delicious North American-portion brunch with friends at the Mayflower on Elgin St.}

I believe that I have mentioned before my love affair with food and my favourite pastime: eating. Well, one of the main things I looked forward to the most about being back home for the holidays, other than seeing my wonderful family and friends, was the food! Although Hong Kong has its fair share of good food, there were just some things that could only be found in my beloved city of Ottawa. Here are a few pictures of my food adventures while I was home. Not included in this post: the multiple turkey dinners that I consumed over the holiday.

Shawarma (it's the best!) from Shawarma Palace on Rideau St.

Pho from Thu Do on Somerset St. West

Homemade bread and amazing selection of brunch menu items at Jak's Kitchen on Bronson Ave.

Mouthwatering, freshly-made burgers from Hintonburger on Wellington St.

Current Obsession: Essie Mirror Metallics

{On my nails: Essie Mirror Metallics - Penny Talk}

When I was home recently in Canada, I could not help but take advantage of the reasonable prices of beauty products, such as nail polish. After seeing it first on Pinterest, I was in search of Essie's Mirror Metallics line and got my hands on two shades out of the available five: Good as Gold and Penny Talk. I absolutely adore the look of the nail polish! Perfect for going out or just for some everyday "bling". 

{On my nails: Essie's Over the Edge and Good as Gold accent nail}

From Twenty Twelve to Twenty Thirteen

2012 was a year of change for me; big changes. First of all, I went back to school to pursue and complete a degree in Education, leaving behind what I once thought was my dream: to be a public servant for the Government of Canada. Secondly, my boyfriend of four years (at the time) proposed and asked me to spend the rest of my life with him. Lastly, the biggest and final change: my fiancé and I packed up our belongings and traveled across the Pacific to live in Hong Kong, our new home. 

What was supposed to be a wonderful end to 2012 has, unfortunately, not been as spectacular as I had imagined since I could not have predicted just how homesick and lonely I would feel here in Hong Kong. Having been told that it would take time to adjust to my new home, I hope that my brain and my heart will just somehow have a sudden jumpstart so that I can finally enjoy this wonderful opportunity that I've been given. So, for 2013, my personal wish is to be at peace with where God and fate have taken me, and to stay positive, no matter what. Here's to 2013 and whatever is in store.

{January - Ringing in 2012 at home, last year} 

{April - Me and my 24th birthday present: a beautiful Marc Jacobs bag}

{April - Birthday dinner with my best friends}

{May - A huge milestone in my singing career, I had the opportunity to perform at Ottawa's National Arts Centre}

{2011-2012 - My lovely hoodie proudly showcasing my alma mater}

{June - At the perfect wedding of my beautiful friend in Wakefield}

{July - My fiancé and I at one of two friends' weddings that we attended in the summer}

{July - Celebrating what my friend called her Chindian wedding - a gorgeous celebration for a wonderful couple}

{July - Happily engaged} 

{July - An engagement card from one of our good friends} 

{Summer - Enjoying my downtown surroundings during my final summer as a Government of Canada public servant}

{Summer - Savouring some Ottawa views and memories}

{August - Had a chance to spend some quality time with my other favourite Canadian city: Toronto}

{August - Took in my first-ever baseball game watching the Blue Jays at Rogers Centre}

{August - Farewell dinner and celebration with friends}

{August - I was overjoyed at the happy news of my good friend's engagement, too}

{August - First day in Hong Kong}

{August - The beauty that exists in the concrete jungle that is Hong Kong} 

{September - Victoria Harbour}

{Hong Kong skyline} 

{November - My fiancé and I at the Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui}

{December - Took in the best view of Hong Kong at Victoria Peak}

{December - Victoria Peak before heading home to Canada for Christmas}

{Final week of 2012 - got to spend Christmas with the people that I most wanted to be with in the world, and in the city that I so love}