the fine things

China Trip Updates     It was real nice of  Uncle Peter to bring us all the way to Lantau Island for some sight-seeing.  The place isn’t far, a few train stops and cable rides – we’re there!  A different setting – away from the busy city life, this place sure is serene!  I’m such a country girl at heart – simply love the green and quiet setting.

World’s largest, seated, outdoor bronze Buddha

overlooking the village’s tea house

and ha!  I didn’t expect to see Starbucks Coffee!

China Trip Updates  

China Trip Updates  Cable car ride that began from Tung Chung to Lantau Island. Beautiful panaromic views  that include the Hong Kong International Airport, mountainous terrain of Lantau Island, the Tian Tan Buddha Statue and  the Ngong Ping Plateau. 

These cable cars look like bubbles for far!

China Trip Updates In kiddy world,  everything is practically ’alive,’  places like Disneyland sure make their imagination run wild!

This trip was purposely planned to coincide with Ian’s birthday.  It was his day.

H a p p y     B i r t h d a y, I a n !   W e   lo v e   y o u

We spent the whole day in the Park – with lunch and dinner right up to countdown – the fireworks were awesome!  Guess it’s every child’s dream to go to a ‘Disneyland’. It really is a fun place and definitely not a place meant to be enjoyed by only kids! The only thing that’s not so fun is having to stand in terribly long queues that take a lot of the time! Would we return? Absolutely. Perhaps when Ian turns 6 or 7,  at least then he’d be able to enjoy more most of the rides and attractions.

More pictures here

China Trip Updates     Macau,  often called “Little Venice of the East” is a great place – lots of building with ancient architectural designs were  preserved by the government of Macau.  One needs to spend more than one day to really feel and see Macau. We were here for just 2 days – not enough!

The streets in Macau look smaller, perhaps because of the fact that they are so “full” with plenty of cars, bikes, trucks etc.  Abundance of shops, high-end boutiques and food stalls line the streets!  I’m pretty sure I’d find some fascinating hidden treasures if we really explored those back lanes. 

some treasures here!  *grin*

“pasar gantung”

 more pictures  here

China Trip Updates Loved every minute of our stay at The Venetian Macao.  Located on the Cotai Strip – the setting of this resort is overwhelmingly amazing! This resort is modeled after its sister casino resort, the The Venetian in Las Vegas.  It is also the largest single structure hotel building in Asia and the fourth-largest building in the world by area (www.wikipedia.com).  The casino consists of over 3400 slot machines and 800 gambling tables – none of which I have even tried!  Im not into these but I should try … next time!

The Venetian features the same faux Venetian design, the number of hotel rooms available is 3000, it houses the biggest shopping mall in the region.  I’m particularly impressed with the faux Venice sky.  Took me a few second to notice that we haven’t even stepped outside!

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part of what it is, from outside

more pictures here

China Trip Updates      Seems like ages since I last blogged when it was only slightly more than a week!  Our recent trip was fun despite the hot and rainy weather.  First off, we would like to thank “Kam Fu/Kau Kung / Kam mou/Kam poh” for the great hospitality extended to us during our stay in both places – they were wonderful! They probably will not read this anytime soon  but somehow I got the feeling they will come across this some day.  Perhaps Jacky will?  Also, a big thank you to Daniel’s fishing gang, Steven and friends –  for the sumptuous dinner and celebrating Ian’s birthday with us!  The cake icing ‘on fire’ presentation was awesome, Steven – certainly something new and interesting to Ian!  He enjoyed the indoor playground so much  too! 

Anyway, we had sore muscle and all   We did a lot of walking – from start til end.  Ian surrendered on the 3rd day -  he just wanted to be carried!  We just had to get him a stroller. 

I’ll start posting pictures soon.  Check out some wonderful people at Ian’s Adventures !

How ignorant, selfish and greedy can some human beings get? All for the purpose of scrambling for profits that they should ignore the safety of the products?  Talking about milk here to be consumed by babies!!  Im sure any normal human beings out there are sickened by the irresponsible companies in china that went all the way to produce unsafe products - from candies to yogurt to rice balls to milk!  We are talking about human lives here, for heaven’s sake!  No explanations or justifications required! 

Like many other out there, Ive been following this shocking news.  Sadly, up to date, it has been reported that more than 53,000 infants have become ill and four babies have died in China.  All four died after being fed by melamine-laced baby formula.  (Source: CBC News, Posted: 09/24/08 11:19AM,Filed Under: Top News).  The list of countries that have banned/recalled Chinese products or dairy products is growing.  Good move, why wait?  

Remember those White Rabbit brand candies that Mom & Dad used to buy for us when we were kids?  Well, that’s now contaminated too!! Bummer! I actually love those candies!!!  

Related links:  White Rabbit brand Chinese Candy contaminated: Asian Health Officials

List of Products Not Affected by Melamine Contamination: www.moh.gov.my 

Above photo by AP Photo/Aaron Favila (grabbed)