Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Hong Kong / It’s been a while - oooohhhh how I have missed you!!!

It was a struggle, but I’m here. It’s always hard getting out the door with all the last minute shinanigans… but I have arrived!!! It’s been a while since I last spent some quality time here. I really love this city- not as much as I love Shanghai but it’s awesome.

A lot of cites in China try to emulate the “heyday” of Hong Kong… the bold lights, and practically every square inch of the city is built on top of itself. I feel like Hong Kong has hit its peak, and now needs a mini- facelift… a quicky to catch up to the level where some other parts of China have gone to. Much of the spirit that was Hong Kong has left for the Mainland in hopes of re-creating the magic. Prices were low, business was fantastic, and everything awesome was coming out of Hong Kong. When I first started manufacturing overseas 7 years ago- it was all about Hong Kong. Now to even stay competitive in price and quality, everything is manufactured in Mainland China…at least in my industry this is what I have experienced.

Here I am back in a place where I have spent so much time alone, learning the ropes of garment manufacturing. I was 23 the first time I visited, “fresh off the boat” never alone in a foreign country….. by myself. Smack dab during the SARS epidemic , it’s was frightening and exhilarating all at the same time. The feeling of uncertainty and solitude from the cultural and language barrier was insane, and one that I will never forget.

The shopping was incredible!!! SARS had scared off everyone from coming here, so retail took a major blow. No joke, everything in Hong Kong was like 90% off! I went mad with the credit cards. And in Hong Kong- they take Their designer very seriously…. There is a Gucci and LV every square mile. I scored some serious wardrobe staples then. The Peninsula Hotel was the place to be…. I discovered deep tissues foot baths at that time……

I am sitting on this park bench reminiscing of so many super awesome Hong Kong moments. I have a perma-smile. The skyline in front of me is breathtaking- 180 degrees of water and amazing architecture together harmoniously. It is so peaceful, and relaxing… a perfect way to spend the weekend. I could sit here taking it all in for hours, but the multitude of Tourists asking me to take their photo is sooo distracting!!!!

On to my next adventure!!!!!


My awesome afternoon at the park bench

2 comments:

Fabulous Twin said...

Lookin' good as always! Have a safe trip to Japan, can't wait to see you when you get home! Gannon misses you too and sends HUGE kisses!

Rozdeen said...

Looks amazing! Going there late Nov. and can't wait.

www.rozdeen.com