#the kind around here are quaint in comparison to some regions

[marlynnofmany]

I was reading about how big and apocalyptic hailstones can be, as you do (we only get the tiny ones where I live), and I can't help thinking it seems like such a fantasyland concept. Lumps of ice big enough to kill you just fall from the sky sometimes? Usually a lot at once? Clearly you've pissed off something supernatural, and you'd better figure out what.

(Alternately, you might cast your own spell that makes the hailstones splash into water on contact, or flowers, or who knows what else. Repopulate The Frog Population With This One Simple Trick Mistake. Whoops, that was the wrong spell. No one will notice, right?)

[affordablecarandtruckrental]

Car Rental In Georgina: A Brief Information

The right set of wheels can go a long way when it comes to enjoying every inch of beauty Georgina has. If you are visiting Georgina for a short visit or are planning to stay longer, hiring a car in Georgina is the best choice one can make as it offers so much convenience and adventure. This blog will explore the benefits associated with a car rental in Georgina, how to get discount car rentals as well as give reasons why renting a vehicle is your best bet.

Reason for hiring a car in Georgina

Georgina in Ontario, Canada, is well known for its beautiful landscapes, quaint towns and recreational opportunities. At one end, there’s Lake Simcoe, whose magnificent sight cannot be missed, while at the other end, several parks and pathways are running through it. Renting a vehicle in Georgina lets you discover at your own pace; thus, visiting hard-to-reach areas or making unscheduled stops becomes easy.

A rental car gives you a chance to visit famous places such as the Georgina Pioneer Village or Sibbald Point Provincial Park, which has a calm atmosphere. Moreover, taking your car will facilitate better management of luggage and other materials required on one’s trip. Therefore, whether it is a weekend trip or an extended vacation, having your own transportation ensures a stress-free journey throughout this place. As a result, you can hire car in Georgina.

Options for car rental in Georgina

It is to rent a car in Georgina because several alternatives suit various preferences and pockets. There is a car for everyone, from small models for city driving to large SUV types used by families or groups. Car rental agencies operate locally offering various kinds of choices, many of them famous for their great customer service and affordable prices.

When going for a car rental service, make sure that you check on the vehicle condition preferences as well as risk management, among others. You may also check on various costs as well as customer feedback before making up your mind on which one to choose out of the many available options in Georgina. If you go around the town, you will find some impressive deals from these rental companies.

Searching for a discount car rental in Georgina

If you are searching for a discount car rental in Georgina, here are several strategies to aid you in saving on your next car rental. By booking in advance, many agencies offer lower rates for those planning ahead. Keep your eyes peeled for special promotions or seasonal discounts that might be around.

Other tips: full use of comparison websites, which put prices from several rental companies in one place, letting the customer easily find a good deal. Check for coupons or loyalty programs that further reduce your rental costs. Sometimes, choosing an unpopular car model or using a somewhat out-of-the-way rental agency can help you save money.

Final Words

Renting a car in Georgina could enhance your travel experience by allowing you to move freely within this lovely region. Therefore, if you want something that works for you and is within your financial ability, there are many types of rentals available, along with discounts as well. Having a plan and capitalizing on deals will give you an unforgettable time that leaves you feeling happy. So pack your luggage, take your keys and prepare to see everything that Georgina has in store for you. The best place from where you can rent a car is the one and only Affordable Car & Truck Rental.

[champion-prism]

Fluff Alphabet- Champion Leon

Activities - What do they like to do with their s/o? How do they spend their free time with them?

Initially, it’s all a bit Pokemon centric. Going to the Wild Area to see wild Pokemon, battling and training, occasionally even grooming and dressing Pokemon up (you have a picture of Charizard with pink ribbons around his ear/horn things). But Leon is observant, he quickly takes notice of your special interests and plans activities surrounding them. 

Beauty - What do they admire about their s/o? What do they think is beautiful about them? 

Leon thinks the most beautiful thing about his s/o is how kind they are. He is encouraging and sweet by nature, wanting to bring out the best in everyone around it- it warms his heart when he sees how kind you are to the people around you, especially if you’re dealing with children.

Comfort - How would they help their s/o when they feel down/have a panic attack etc.?

Wraps his cape around you. It’s heavy, but warm and comforting and it smells like him. Soft kisses on your face, gently asking if you want to talk. 

Dreams - How do they picture their future with their s/o?

He won’t easily admit it, but he likes to think about getting a farm, somewhere far away from the lights. A farm and a barn and some Wooloo around, maybe a few kids? He loves his job, both when he’s champion and when he’s running the battle tower, but he longs for the quaint rusticity of Postwick sometimes; he wants to whisk you away to someplace pretty and natural.

Equal - Are they the dominant one in the relationship, or rather passive?

Dominant. Leon is very sweet, he’s a good guy, but for all that, he’s used to being an unstoppable force. He’s also an older sibling, someone who had a parental role from very early on, so Leon is used to thinking that he is responsible, that he knows best. He can be a bit overbearing at times, but he’s aware enough to take it down a bit when you point it out.

Fight - Would they be easy to forgive their s/o? How are they fighting?

If it’s a fight about something fundamental that you disagree on, Leon will try to compromise, but he won’t keel over. If push comes to shove and you violate one of the principles he holds fundamental to himself, that’s a deal breaker. However, with petty little fights and squabbles, he can be difficult. If you’re upset with others, Leon can be very understanding. If you’re upset at him, that’s a different case altogether. He’ll move directly to appeasement without understanding the issue, he’ll be cranky if his attempts at apologizing don’t work- the good news is, once you properly communicate to him why you’re upset, he’ll genuinely try to make a change. If he’s upset with you, still difficult. Leon doesn’t like to admit he’s hurt, he doesn’t like to admit that he had expectations that weren’t met. You’ll have to pry it out of him, then apologize with lots of kisses.

Gratitude - How grateful are they in general? Are they aware of what their s/o is doing for them?

Moderately grateful. Leon’s observational skills pertain directly to what he chooses to focus on. With his head up in the clouds, he may miss a few things that you do for him here or there, but on the whole he’s very appreciative of you. Loves it when you take time off to come to his battles, to travel to different cities or regions with him. The thing he’s probably most grateful for is when you wash his hair- the first time you did it, he assumed you were going to have shower sex, but you ended up carefully untangling, washing, and unconditioning his hair. The sheer care and effort made him tear up a little, to be honest. 

Honesty - Do they have secrets they hide from their s/o? Or do they share everything?

He’s not dishonest, more so repressed. He doesn’t want to tell you things that he thinks would unnecessarily make you worry, and he’s careful when he talks about himself- years of diplomacy in practice. You get to know Leon slowly, over late night pillow talks and rare moments of vulnerability and exhaustion- but it’s all worth it, in the end.

Inspiration - Did their s/o change them somehow, or the other way around? Like trying out new things or helped them overcome personal problems?

To Leon, real love should be a means of self actualization. He knows he’s truly in love with you when he realizes you both make each other better. You admire and learn from his work ethic; because of you, Leon learns to become more emotionally open, and it helps all his relationships, especially with Hop.

Jealousy - Do they get jealous easily? How do they deal with it?

Unfortunately, yes. He doesn’t seem like it, but Leon is a little insecure, along with being competitive. His insecurities stem from how he feels the need to be perfect- he needs to be the ultimate whatever- the ultimate trainer, the ultimate boyfriend, etc. He tends to focus on what he perceives as flawed within himself, and it helps him grow, but at the same time, it can get a bit unhealthy. So when he sees you with other guys, or if someone flirts with you, he gets a bit withdrawn and sulky- in his head, he’s trying to figure out how to better himself to the point where there’s no chance of losing, become the ultimate boyfriend you’d never dream of leaving. It takes a lot of prying to get these things out of him, and a lot of talking to eventually make him realize that you like him for him. 

Kiss - Are they a good kisser? What was the first kiss like?

Good kisser. The first kiss is gentle- he’s figuring you out, he goes in slow and soft, fingers cusping your chin with one arm around your waist. HIs lips are soft against yours, and he ends up smiling against your lips before he goes in to kiss you again. 

Love Confession - How would they confess to their s/o?

Woah, boy. It does not come easy. Leon is a strategist by nature, so he plans and plans and plans. He lays the groundwork. The thing with romance is, it doesn’t have the same degree of predictability as a Pokemon battle, so Leon is a bit out of his element. After a lot of times of backtracking, chickening out mid sentence, and very unassuming flirting, he ends up just telling you when you’re talking at his place one night, his eyes wide and misty as he looks into yours and tells you he’s falling in love with you.

Marriage - Do they want to get married? How do they propose?

Definitely wants to get married. He wants a soft domestic situation with comfort and mutual affection. His proposal would be private, one moment in his life he definitely doesn’t want to share with the public. Probably a soft romantic date, followed by a midnight walk where he’s holding your hand, saying sweet romantic things, before he leads you back to his apartment. He’s got a sweet little setup on his balcony, overlooking the Wyndon skyline, with an assortment of cushions and blankets on the floor where you sit and cuddle and talk until he sets himself up, gives a tiny speech, and pulls out the ring. When you say yes, Charizard emerges from within the apartment, carefully another, daintier ring between his teeth as Leon laughingly explains that his Pokemon wanted to propose, too. 

Nicknames - What do they call their s/o?

In public, he’ll stick with a shortened version of your name, or something like babe. In private, he has personal nicknames for you, some teasing, coming from inside jokes.

On Cloud Nine - What are they like when they are in love? Is it obvious for others? How do they express their feelings?

Leon is very guarded with others, but when he’s in love, the people close to him notice that he’s more energetic than ever. Happier, more upbeat, maybe even a little giddy. His happiness permeates everything he does, and he’s even more sunshiny that usual.

PDA - Are they upfront about their relationship? Do they brag with their s/o in front of others? Or are they rather shy to kiss etc. when others are watching?

Very, very private. Leon’s entire image is carefully controlled, and he doesn’t like bringing his personal life into it at all. He’s a bit possessive, so he might hold your hand and glare around any guys that happen to look you over, but nothing more than that. However, with his friends and family, he’s obviously very proud of you- doesn’t brag, but he’s always the first to appreciate your achievements and support you. 

Quirk - Some random ability they have that's beneficial in a relationship.

He’s a very caring person in a responsible way, so he’s always making sure you’re well fed, happy, exercising, things like that. 

Romance - How romantic are they? What would they do to make their s/o happy? Cliché or rather creative?

Romantic and creative. He’s always finding clever ways to make you happy, either through presents or gestures that involve humour and inside jokes and a very personal touch.

Support - Are they helping their s/o achieve their goals? Do they believe in them?

He’s a whole cheerleader, no matter what you do. Always cheering you on, always believing in you, hyping you up, telling you to believe in yourself. He does whatever he can to help you with your goals, whether it’s helping you keep fit, or waking you up in the morning for classes.

Thrill - Do they need to try out new things to spice up your relationship? Or do they prefer a certain routine?

Prefers routine. He doesn’t want thrill or exhilaration from his relationship, he gets enough of that at work. He wants comfort. He wants to cuddle on the couch and chatter mindlessly, drag you playfully and be dragged, eat dinner together, read, be all warm and comfy and safe.

Understanding - How good do they know their partner? Are they empathetic?

Empathetic and observant, he knows you well. He remembers every little detail he’ picked up about you, whether directly from you or from other sources. 

Value - How important is the relationship to them? What is it worth in comparison to other things in their life?

The more time elapses, the more important it is to him. Leon’s altogether too busy to simply be messing around, and as you guys are in it for the long run, your relationship is one of the most valuable things in his life. You’re a solid part of his life, someone he knows and respects and loves.

Wild Card - A random Fluff Headcanon.

One of his favourite things to do with you is just watch you play video games when he’s snuggled up beside you, your legs entangled in a blanket. If it’s an RPG, he’ll get invested in the storyline and ask you not to play without him. He’s an enthusiastic cheerleader during boss fights. LOVES Super Mario Odyssey- he makes you buy Mario a snapback, and he even ends up playing co-op with you when he learns that he can play as Cappy. 

XOXO - Are they very affectionate? Do they love to kiss and cuddle?

Privately very affectionate, even a little sappy. Lots of chaste kisses here and there- on your forehead, your cheeks, your shoulders, your hands. When he has time to relax, he loves being held and having his hair played with or braided. It might make sleeping a lil complicated because you end up with a big, dense man with his arms and legs thrown over you, but you appreciate it all the same.

Yearning - How will they cope when they're missing their partner?

He works harder and smarter than ever. He’ll throw himself into training, but when he gets back home at night, he’ll miserably yearn to be cuddled and held, especially when he’s so tired. 

Zeal - Are they willing to go to great lengths for the relationship? If so, what kind of?

As long as he knows you’d reciprocate, Leon will go above and beyond for you. It doesn’t matter what you need- care, attention, presents, gestures he’ll do them. It gives him a huge rush to see you happy because of him, to see you light up and pull him in for a passionate kiss.

[memorylang]

Five Thanksgivings in Snowy Mongolia! | #14 | November 2019

Thanksgiving’s season marks my one-year anniversary since accepting my invitation to Peace Corps Mongolia. This Thanksgiving, I reflected on all I’m grateful for. And I celebrated it nearly a week, thanks to Mongolia’s Independence Day and Chinggis Khaan’s Birthday leading up to Americans’ day of thanks! Plus, unrestricted weekend travel in-country began.

I’ve been grateful especially for my students and the time to reflect on life and relationships. Part of why I chose Peace Corps after college was to refocus on people I hadn’t spent as much time with while a busy undergraduate. 

You can compare this to my story #4 (August 2019), from when I first arrived in my current city. Preceding Thanksgiving, I also shared a novena of photos and reflections from my first five Mongolia months, from training to beginning my service.

Snaking Snow

Many Mongolians call winter their favorite season. I like snow.

One morning, while seeing the glistening light blue snow merge with the horizon’s blend of smog, my view looked beautiful but bittersweet.

While leaving the orphanage one day, powder snow skirt across the creamy surface snow, blasting freeze in my face. They remind me of the summer’s dust storms, yet these stings linger.

I had never felt face-numbing cold before. Every exposed side of my face felt cold. I pulled down my beanie to even keep my eyebrows warm. I wrapped my scarf around my head to protect my cheeks. Even still, the furthest edges of my cheeks numbed. I get used to it, though. Best to bundle up!

Snowy Thanksgiving Adventures

This Thanksgiving outside America, I basically celebrated five times. Recalling the White Christmas ideal, we’d snow blanketing our Thanksgiving world.

First, I celebrated it Monday at a fellow Peace Corps Volunteer’s secondary school, with snacks for her and her students. She made amazing bread pudding. I enjoyed meeting her students again, too, since they participate in our student community English club.

Then the volunteer and I met again Thursday night (Thanksgiving Day) for the community dinner she helped with at the coffee shop of our World Vision building. As it happens, I dropped by the coffee shop to write, ran into our German volunteer friend, then stayed. An American couple from the Jesus Assembly group hosted the dinner. I felt impressed one shared the Thanksgiving origin story from the Native American perspective, because of his ancestry. I wished more Americans could hear his story, yet here I heard it in Mongolia.

University’s Thanksgiving

My biggest Thanksgiving came Friday (Thanksgiving Day in the U.S.). My department celebrated our university's Thanksgiving with our students. My department values teaching not only language but also culture. So, since I’m here as the American here this year, we celebrated my holiday. I helped make the itinerary.

Students included our English education sophomores, Mongolian language and literature education seniors and foreign relations sophomores. Their wonderful dishes made me more forgiving of the students missing in class. While eating, I recalled Friendsgiving events from my university years.

For our activity, I joined suggestions from other Peace Corps Volunteers with an activity from summer training I recalled during my Thanksgiving novena. I had students draw hand-turkeys then tape these to their backs. Afterward, they went around to write on each other’s backs what they’re thankful for. I felt delighted teachers and students loved these.

My colleagues also had students write in advance English thank you cards to whomever. I received two! One student gave me the craftiest little paper book, with a Pikachu face. She thanked me for everything. Her piece reminded me of my own crafts I loved to make. Another student gifted a letter he typed and sealed in an envelope. He gleefully commemorated the (only) PUBG match I was credit to team. He, too, gave many thanks.

 Above the Snow

I traveled to a neighboring province that night and reunited with one of my Mongolian teachers from the summer. They next day at brunch, I celebrated Thanksgiving with fellow Peace Corps Volunteers and a community group. Whatever food I missed at my university’s Thanksgiving, I found here.

Then I enjoyed my weekend leave with a hike to the stone гэр \ger\ and a Buddhist monastery.

The winter’s snowdrift was so packed, I could wake on top of it without falling through. I walked out from the slippery city square, across a park and up a hill to the stone гэр, as we called it. I later read it serves as a mausoleum. I felt somewhat sad to see industry’s smoke billowing across the quaint town from where I came. I donned my face mask.

Continuing, I saw the monastery over the ridge, as the Volunteers said. Though rebuilt after Soviets destroyed it, it still looked as though centuries old.

I love history. It makes me smaller.

Afterward, resting a moment, I returned to cook with my fellow Volunteers. That evening, we celebrated our Thanksgiving for the province with local Mongolian counterparts and phone called Volunteers celebrating their Thanksgiving another province over.

While in the cab ride back to my city, I mused how people compare Northern Mongolia’s snowcapped hills and mountains here to Northern Nevada. And while I find the comparison a bit overstated, I do, too, get the feeling from days like these.

Their Brother

I find comfort in being someone's “агаа” \agaa\ (like 哥哥). Literally, “older brother,” the term extends to plenty males slightly older than us. You needn’t even be friends by Western standards to be one’s агаа. But the name feels so endearing to me.

All are brothers and sisters in the Catholic sense, too. But we don't usually call each other these in English. So I like this about Asia.

The first day I heard the word, “агаа,” I mused to the friend who said it how I’d never heard the word before. I thought it strange I’d been in Mongolia so long without hearing it. 

God must have noticed. That very night, in a video call with my language partner, over her shoulder suddenly popped her younger cousin, who beamed a huge toothy grin and just greeted me, “Aгаа!” giggling. I felt agape. Then the girl rushed away. 

I never quite know what about me excites small children and pets. It’s like… my presence is plenty. 

Maybe I stem the feelings from missing Mom. Or maybe the titles remind me of the bygone age when my own siblings were warmer toward me. That was the time we lived in Indiana, before moving to Vegas. Though I still call my siblings “sister” and “brother,” I feel more warmth from other languages’ terms. 

Have I mentioned, when Mongolians ask where I’m from, I consistently identify as an American Midwesterner more than as a Nevadan, despite living in Nevada just as long? Maybe childhood roots hold stronger.

 Fulfillment in My Service

During my first site placement interview this summer, the regional manager explained my backgrounds in helping students speak publicly, build confidence, and succeed in interviews and applications could help especially in a сум (soum), with high schoolers. Indeed, other managers also commented I did very well with our soum’s children. 

In August, I felt surprised then to five places especially where I fulfill what the need that manager described.

Weekly with working adults, I’ve helped the new Toastmasters public speaking club. And, with students and adults preparing for IELTS and TOEFL, I help them rehearse their interviews. On one occasion at a past Peace Corps Volunteer’s school, where my senior students did their practicums, I even gave a personal development workshop on goal-setting. At my own university, I’ve given resume workshops. But lately, this orphanage has felt most special. 

After co-teaching my very first English lesson for the orphanage teenagers, the 12th grader whose birthday was that day wanted to keep in touch. That night, we discussed her goals for life after high school. And I felt her eagerness, although she didn’t know how to get there. But I teach at a university, I explained. So I know a bit. Another time I visited the orphanage, she had me help with her homework. 

Unlike the younger orphans, who call me, “агаа,” she called me, “bro.” Being a supportive bro to her and the rest matters to me. 

Roots in My Community

The Saturday one week after Teachers’ Day was the first time I returned downtown, since recovering. That afternoon, one of my senior students doing his practicum invited me to help at his school’s speaking club. 

As I learned from the teachers there, this was a school where generations of Peace Corps Volunteers have served! I learned their previous Volunteer was Chinese, like me. And some of their staff even used to work where I teach now. 

That afternoon, I fielded a delightful QA about American teenagers. We also discussed social inequity and homeschooling. Cultural exchanges interest me plenty. 

Afterward, my senior student treated me to snacks, which was so kind. Then I returned to church, since it was en route to the birthday celebration of our teacher I wrote about some time ago. Church had rosary, since it was Saturday. Although I still struggle with the words, I felt peace. What a mystery! I actually prayed a rosary that morning, too. 

That night I even saw one of the students who visited me during my cold, during our teacher's birthday! Apparently he was her teacher, too. What a small community. 

Living Legacies

Before learning I would serve as a Peace Corps Volunteer in a city that’s known decades of them, I worried I would be boxed by those I worked with, being expected to look and act like whoever came before me. But instead, I’ve found excitedly the opposite.

I feel such joy when colleagues and community members compare me to the Volunteers they knew before, like the English Volunteers Rob, Sam and Adrienne and even the Health Volunteers Alice and Samantha. I feel comforted to enter into the legacies of those who served before me. I feel glad, in doing as I want and feel drawn to, I am for these communities like those they knew before. I think, no wonder we were placed in the same city and schools! There are things about us that just fit. 

While I was preparing to leave the office for home one day, a colleague mentioned how one of her evening course students asked her if she knew me and whether I could come help teach the course. My colleague said she felt surprised! Me too! I’d hardly been in this city three months, and people already knew of me and wanted my help. What a marvel. I love to help, of course. So, I shouldn’t even worry about the legacy I’ll have… I will have made differences. And those will be enough.

Onward!

Gratitude is a lovely topic. I’m closing the year with December’s first story detailing a typical week from this autumn life, followed by last stories before my return visit in America.

You can read more from me here at DanielLang.me

[packratblog-blog1]

Hong Kong 🇭🇰

Hong Kong is a unique beast. It’s two sets of sharp teeth stretching high into a vast and often humid sky, skyscrapers and high-rises compete with each other for height, space and architectural magnificence, glaring at and taunting each other across Victoria Harbour. Beast is a term that gestates two major connotations; majestic and wild. It’s not a term that I choose to use lightly, but the images and ideas it fosters in the mind are completely relevant. This is a place that is a living, breathing contradiction…in the best possible sense. Hong Kong is Western yet firmly taking its place in the East, has one of the highest per person per capita densities on the planet, and yet has an insane amount of park and green space (surprisingly only 25% of its land has been built on!), these being just two basic examples. The beast is fascinating. Situated on (and off) the southern coast of the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong is made up of islands, in fact there are at least 200 of them, with Hong Kong Island and Lantau Island being the largest and most territorially significant. As well as this Kowloon Peninsula and the New Territories also make up the areas connected to the Chinese mainland, all in all constituting what we today call Hong Kong. You may be left asking a common question by this; “Is Hong Kong Chinese then?" …My answer is a frustrating one; it’s a yes and a no, and it’s giving an answer on this that the history nerd in me is really my best ally. Hong Kong’s full and long-winded name is the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China. So by that definition, yes, it’s Chinese. However, the Special Administrative Region aspect is really important. This means that Hong Kong is given autonomy from Beijing and up to a point, governs itself. More questions. The next logical one is why then is it separate from the rest of China and why does it have this special status? As is the answer to many historical, geopolitical lines of questioning, the short answer is, “the British.” Britain colonised Hong Kong at a considerably late point in the grand scheme of its colonial history and governed the territory consistently between the end of the Second World War and 1997. It is this aspect of Hong Kong’s past that makes it the unique beast that we know and love today. From the 1970s onwards Hong Kong’s unique status and decreasing need for British rule gradually paved the way for what is widely known as ‘The Handover’, and on July 1st 1997, sovereignty of the city was given back to the Chinese. Hong Kong’s considerable cultural, financial and political differences to China are all aspects of Beijing’s decision to give autonomous leeway when negotiating the Handover with Britain and establishing the city-state afresh for the future. In the wake of The Handover, today Hong Kong stands as an economic powerhouse, a bridge between East and West, and in terms of further human standards, as a beacon of the future; it boasts the planet’s longest life expectancy for its residents. So yes, Hong Kong is a beast. However, it's entirely possible to love a beast, beasts are fascinating. Mike Tyson had his tiger, Slash keeps a few hundred snakes apparently and numerous Bond villains have had sharks and stuff. Beasts, while not docile, comfortable pets like rabbits or kittens are unique and wild, they’re lovable because they’re as interesting and as unpredictable as hell. It’s for that reason that this post is a love letter. I love Hong Kong. Hong Kong just works, it’s an unbelievable place that’s a testament to human efficiency and co-existence. When Hong Kong’s population (approximately just under7.5 million people as of last year) is compared with its land mass (of around just under 3000 square kilometres), the number crunching tells you one specific, standout fact; that’s an insane amount of people for an insanely small place in comparison). It’s despite this population density, the planet’s fourth largest (more on that in future posts), that Hong Kong really does just somehow work. Traffic is an issue but not in the same way as it is in other major global conurbations, the people follow rules such as walking on the right side of the pavement/sidewalk to alleviate congestion and they follow jaywalking laws to a tee. The city’s fantastic metro system (the Hong Kong MTR) is clean, efficient and consistently modernised, it can get you to any corner of Hong Kong and it even runs on time! (I’m from England…google ‘Train reliability in Britain’ if you want to find out more about why I’m amazed at trains running on time). And while I’m singing the praises of Hong Kong running like highly modernised, mechanised clockwork there is still that amazing unpredictability that sets my teeth on edge. You can walk along one street with gleaming, modern skyscrapers, your nostrils filled with the scent of Char Sui buns from local street vendors, then turn a corner and be surrounded by quaint Chinese streets filled with Buddhist temples and the smell of incense hanging in the air. It’s unique: It’s modern, it’s steeped in history, and it truly is like nowhere else I’ve ever been. We’ve both been endlessly excited to get back here and it still holds a tonne of new experiences and insights for both of us that we just can’t wait to get our teeth into. Can you tell I’m hungry? Yep, the food’s unbelievable too. With all of that in mind, let's get started on some of my favourite things about Hong Kong... AREAS/PLACES TO VISIT: - Victoria Harbour: The harbour can be seen from either side and whichever way you choose it's always impressive. Arguably though, if you had to choose one or don't have time for both, visit the harbour on the Kowloon side around evening time. If you're lucky (and depending on the time of year) you'll get to see the skyline in the daylight and after a slight wait of an hour or so you'll get to see it lit up for the evening (at 8PM there's a light and sound show each evening which is mega impressive!) I love Victoria Harbour, I believe that if I saw it every day it still wouldn't become something that doesn't blow my mind. - Garden of Stars: Get the MTR to Tsim Sha Tsui and two minutes away is Garden of Stars. This place is very cool, it's Hong Kong's equivalent of LA's walk of fame. Rather than the stars in the pavement/sidewalk, Garden of Stars features handprints and monuments from some of HK cinema's biggest names. The coolest part though? They have this amazingly detailed Bruce Lee statue that really, if you're a martial arts fan, you've kind of GOT to make the voyage to see! - Victoria Peak: Yeah, it's a tourist thing to do but even if you're the kind of person that hates that you should still 100% make the trip up. I'm a skyline and building nerd, and to be honest, besides from the Kowloon side of the harbour, nowhere else in the city gives you a better view (with so many different angles) of HK's unreal skyline. Again, you never get accustomed to that view, it melts my mind. Ocean Park: You won't often find me visiting many theme parks (not out of dislike, I just don't tend to!) However, Ocean Park is very cool. It's equal parts theme park (with rollercoasters and other rides), stunning island-to-sea views, an extensive aquarium and a pretty big outdoor zoo. The best part...they have pandas, and it's unbelievable to see them up close, it's worth a trip just for that. Since I last visited HK last October, Ocean Park now has it's own line on the MTR, which is much easier than the previous bus that was required to make the journey. - Big Buddha Monument: Definitely the largest Buddhist monument I've ever seen, it's situated at the top of a mountain and it's amazing. There's a great cable car trip up there which provides some great photo and video opportunities up over the bay. - Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery: The name sums this one up, it's a hike to get up to the main area of the monastery but the whole way is lined with SO many different Buddhist statues. There are even more at the top where you're also rewarded with great views and some really cool temple buildings. - Kowloon Walled City Park: I get these weird things that I become fascinated by and I end up doing endless research on them...Kowloon Walled City is one of them. The Walled City was a former shanty town which occupied a full city block on Kowloon Island up until as recently as 1994 when it was demolished. It may sound boring, but I saw a documentary on it years ago and became amazed at it's ramshackle, improvised stacked-up architecture. Google it to learn more (as I could go on for ages about this)...it truly is fascinating to consider how the place became a city entirely of it's own. Since demolition in the mid-90s, the city block it once occupied has been transformed into a lush, tranquil park which acts as a great relief from the hectic pace of HK for the locals. To visit was very cool, and it was unbelievable to stand in the centre and imagine the place going back 30+ years. FOOD: Before I start this, I want to state that Hong Kong's food is magnificent. I'd argue that the city is worth visiting just for the food alone (it's that good!) While this isn't an exhaustive list because I could go on forever, this is a list that I've tried to include some different options and price ranges... - Cafe de Coral: It sounds French, it isn't. Cafe de Coral is a large chain in HK. They provide phenomenal Cantonese food with the efficiency of McDonalds. While it's great at any time of the day, what I love about Cafe de Coral is that it's always busy, it's always full of locals which speaks volumes for the food. It's also a good cheap option which makes it great for backpackers and other budget travellers. - Maxim's MX: MX is much like Cafe de Coral and have sprung up all over the city over the last year. It's extremely similar to Cafe de Coral in both the food served and the mode of service as well as price. It's worth visiting both at some point though, as they both have delicious signature dishes of their own! - Tim Ho Wan: There are a few of these phenomenal restaurants dotted around the city. We recently visited the North Point location (a few times, I have to admit), and it's hands down the finest Dim Sum at a reasonable price in Hong Kong, I can't recommend it highly enough. Hong Kong gets more and more interesting and exciting each and every time I visit, we'll be back to visit in a few weeks time. Before that though we cross the border into a place I've always been fascinated by: mainland China. Hong Kong, we'll see you again soon...Shenzhen, we'll see you even sooner!