Christmas Season

The Christmas season began in November when the shopping malls started putting-up Christmas decorations.

The decorations at Elephants Mall at ICC were typically impressive.

A huge neoclassical edifice on a fashion and clocks theme.   No doubt intended to attract visitors and encourage them to buy an expensive frock or watch.

The display had 'clock-work' figures - party-goers and musicians - that moved into life on the half-hour with a musical accompaniment.

It was well done and attracted big crowds.

The ICC building also put-up decorations.  A huge christmas tree.

Surrounded by revolving figures on a 'fairies with big balls' theme.   Good to see them 'embracing diversity'!

Shing Kee Noodles

One of the well-known and popular restaurants in Shatin is Shing Kee Noodles,  famous for its hot-pot cuisine and its decor.



Id been interested in going for some time, but we only tried it for the first time recently.  It quickly become one of our favorite restaurants since the food is delicious, the staff are nice and the prices are very reasonable.



I found out about it by searching the very useful website 'Open Rice Hong Kong' for the most recommended restaurants in Shatin  (Open Rice Shing-kee-noodles).  

We would never have found it otherwise,  since it is hidden-away in the bowels of the Lek Yuen Estate.   The first time we went, I used Google Maps but still couldn't find it without asking for directions twice!



But is its easy once you know how.   From Shatin's main road you take the walkway under the Rural Committee Road to the Lek Yuen Estate.  Stay on ground level and head for the passageway on the left (next to the public toilet)....



Go down the secret passage and...



... there you are, outside Shing Kee Noodles!



The quirky decoration is made from recycled materials and creates a cosy atmosphere (link).



The only problem is that it it is extremely popular, especially in winter, and you often have to book more than a week in advance.

We went again recently with the As and had a lovely meal.   For the hot-pot we chose one mild broth made with bitter melon, plus a spicy broth with chillies and Sichuan-pepper, then lots of meat,  seafood and vegetables which we cooked in the broth.   Washed down with reasonably priced cold beer and white wine.



While Hannah and Yu-chan enjoyed playing with the I-pad together, and occasionally allowed themselves to be fed...



Looking forward to going back again soon!

Christmas Market

Rika has been working hard preparing stock to sell at Christmas Markets.  She has booked three:  two at Discovery Bay (Nov and Dec) and one at posh hotel on Hong Kong Island.




On Sunday we got up early and helped her take the stock to Discovery Bay and set-up her stall.    Then I looked after Hannah until the market closed at 6pm.



Hannah and I hung-out at the market and then moved to the DB North Plaza for lunch and several hours at the Discovery-land playroom (now called Epic-land).    Rika's stall had a lot of interest and she made a small profit after the costs of rent and transport.



A few days later Rika had another Christmas Market at the ballroom of the Conrad Hotel at Pacific Place.   The rent for the space was a rather high HKD 5,000.   Unfortunately Rika's sales we about the same as the DB market, so she made a small loss after rent and transport costs.