Fortune Telling at Temple Street Night Market

On August 5, 2014 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, China, Hong Kong, Trips outside ShanghaiLeave a comment

Temple Street Night Market in Kowloon is known for fake everything and fortune tellers. Since I have already got all the fake stuff I could ever want from the excellent markets in Beijing and Shanghai, we wandered through the stalls very quickly. The “Don’t Fart In the Room” and other tacky crap held no appeal for any of us so we just kept on walking. Crossing over into the dark backstreets behind the market, the fortune tellers were lined up touting their services. English speaker? No problem.

There had to be 20 or so fortune tellers lined up with outdoor singing booths across the aisle providing boisterous ambience. We walked by the gents and ladies initially with Thom scoffing at their trade but I decided to do the “when in Rome” thing and picked the gal who looked the most professional. After settling on a 150HK$ palm reading, I literally put myself in her hands, squatted on my plastic stool and let her have a go at it.

Fearless and Lucky I am according to my FT

The left hand, she told me, represents my life under age 30 and the right hand over 30. Immediately she showed me my health line which is the arcing prominent line nearest my thumb. Very healthy indeed! Check and check! She knew that I am a great adventurer (probably because I’m sitting in a dark alley in Kowloon!) and will fearlessly try anything. I have a good human nature but can tell the bad guys from the good guys, which is always a valuable trait. No fooling this lady! My lucky line was strong for both hands. Maybe I can fit in a quick gambling trip to Macau after all??

She continued seriously with very wise advice that could apply to all males–my man is not perfect so ease up on him. Really? Also, he doesn’t have a clue what to buy me for presents so just tell him and everyone will be happier. Hallelujah, sister! She kept repeating that there had only been two significant men in my life, which would be Thom, of course, and my first husband who died at 23. My FT (fortune teller) was impressed with my long life line–they do live long in my family but saw some troubling smaller lines indicating that I need to let things go and be happy more. Ain’t that the truth! That must have been the Perfectionist, People Pleaser and Overachiever lines etched deeply into my palms. She could tell I was very successful in all that I do (I wish!) but helped other people be successful too. I try! Final parting advice-she warned me not to lend money to others because I would never get it back. Duh! Bank of Melinda is now closed.

So many lines, so many details of life in the hands

Overall, my under 30 hand lines are much less pronounced than my over 30 hand. This confirms what I already knew–that I am seizing the day with my over 30 life and enjoying great adventures with Thom while we can! So today we are off to the Big Buddha to pray for contentment and lucky lottery numbers so that we can continue to keep experiencing these awesome travel moments. Big Buddha, brace yourself! The Georges are Coming!

Sea Kayaking off Cheung Chau Island

On August 4, 2014 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, China, Hong Kong, TravelLeave a comment

KEEP AWAY FROM SHARK PREVENTION NET. Okay, so if I had seen this beach sign BEFORE I ventured into the China Sea, OUTSIDE the shark prevention net guarding the beachgoers, to kayak off the island of Cheung Chua, I may have offered to stay behind to guard the backpacks and drink cold beverages. Instead, embracing the “you only live once” motto, I jumped in and off we went with Thom paddling my ass around the rocky shoreline of this charming little fishing island. Okay, I paddled a little but he did most of the work, True love, folks!

Taking off from Cheung Chua Island to Hong Kong via the Fast Ferry

We took the slow ferry (vs. the fast ferry that was the other option) from Hong Kong to Cheung Chua with hundreds of other locals. After paying our $3US for the ride, we took some seats on the upper deck, always the best position for a quick exit strategy in case of ship accidents which have been happening frequently over here, and, after locating the traditional hammer on the window to be used in case of emergencies, off we went. The many families on board were playing cards, eating ramen and enjoying themselves immensely. It’s Beach Day!

On the way over, we saw the Fast Boat quickly pass us as well as a fancy hydrofoil that looked too cool. We found out later that it goes to Macau–not going to make it there this trip but maybe next time. I hear Macau is very fancy and intense–gambling there is a business, though, and not fun like Vegas.

Cheung Chua, famous for their Annual Bun Festival, is quite small and totally devoid of cars, with bikes as the main transportation though you can walk around the island in a few hours. There are motorized carts for business purposes and we did see an ambulance screaming through the narrow streets. Other than that it was blissfully silent of traffic. The mature ladies even had training wheels on their bikes to keep them steady. How cute! The beach is a quick walk across the island from the harbor. Of course, we didn’t quite know where we were going, as usual, but we kept on walking and found a deserted beach with a shack renting kayaks. Bingo! No silly safety instructions or liability paperwork needed here. A quick and painless, if unsafe, process.

At least they had life jackets-no safety lecture or liability paperwork though!

We paid our $80HK/$150HK for our single/double kayaks and started paddling. After seeing a rather large jelly fish float by, I concentrated harder on staying in the sit atop style kayak, praying I would not somehow tip us over. Could I out swim the ocean creatures that could sting, eat or maim me? Well, maybe but I could definitely out swim Thom so all was good. Just kidding!

Sunburnt and hot as Hell, we caught the Fast Boat home and took naps. We’re off to Kowloon tonight to the night markets, taking yet another ferry across the harbor. You know I love dodging boats in a busy harbor at night with no lights, right??? Where’s the hammer and the exit??? You only live once and there are more adventures to be had in Hong Kong. Off we go!

Hong Kong Sunday

On August 3, 2014 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, China, Hong Kong, Travel, Trips outside ShanghaiLeave a comment

Drinking wine, cooking somehow in plastic bags large pots of delicious smelling food, these women were obviously celebrating something. The lovely ladies were wearing ceremonial brightly colored costumes and enjoying themselves thoroughly. What’s going on in Hong Kong today?

Indonesian ladies celebrating in Victoria Park

A street vendor who had costumes to try on for picture taking told us that it was Indonesia New Year this week. I researched this but couldn’t confirm his information. No matter, there was some partying going on–we’re talking thousands of women giving each other manicures, singing and smiling. What a joy it is to immerse yourself in a local culture by walking through the local parks. The few brave men who were jogging through the park were looking around in amusement at their minority status. Better run fast, gents, these ladies outnumber you 1,000 to 1 and some might need husbands!

After wandering the park, we sought out a/c in the first urban Ikea we had seen in Asia. Same meatballs, same furniture. Since we own all Ikea furniture back in the U.S., it was like being at home. Sure enough, many of the Indonesian ladies had perched themselves in the living room showrooms to socialize in the cool conditions. Smart! Next stop was the local mall where we checked out the Apple store (empty!) and the Gap, where we bought James some clothes. He never asks for clothes but the shirt he was wearing today was at least 5 years old so he was due some new duds. Not overtly appreciative of our shopping on his behalf (he’s 21 after all) he did change into a new outfit when we had returned from the pool portion of our day.

Hopefully, James will be feeling better tonight for a trip to the Peak for some picture taking. Tomorrow, we visit the Big Buddha and ask for the lucky lottery #’s for Danny, our hotel butler. He asked us kindly today to bow 3x times and ask for guidance from Buddha. If we receive “89”, then we are not being respectful enough because the lottery #’s run 1-45. When we win, Danny informed us that he will become GM of the Grand Hyatt and we can be CEO’s. Sounds good to me, Danny! Big Buddha, here we come!

Hong Kong Pool Paradise

On August 2, 2014 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, China, Hong Kong, TravelLeave a comment

Okay, so I’m not the Pool Police but….when you walk by the lifeguard, who promptly gags and sticks out his tongue, face twisted with disgust, you know that perhaps you should NOT EVER wear a Speedo. Poolside at the lovely Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, we were treated to a sight no one should have to see, especially on vacation. Ah, the pool is a happy place most of the time but there will be times when averting the eyes quickly is the only way not to go blind. Other than that spectacle, the palm trees were waving with a gentle breeze, the water was warm and the view of Hong Kong Harbor was spectacular. The guy in the Speedo, not so much.

Enjoying a “Seize the Day, It’s Great To Be Young” moment, a trio, two gals and a guy with a great British accent, walked by the pool and then proceeded to jump into the pool with the gals fully dressed and the guy, quickly stripping down to his undies. After proclaiming loudly, “I LOVE MY LIFE”, they swam over to us and asked the “kind gent” to forever capture the moment with their cracked, water logged iPhone. Thom, of course, accommodated. Hope they synced to the cloud cause that phone is toast… well, soggy toast. The lifeguard, happy to finally have something to do, growled at them to get out of the pool. Of course, there was no way the lifeguard was jumping in to get them–hotel lifeguards wear sweater vests and shorts here in Hong Kong–all very proper.

Unable to leave the gorgeous sunny oasis, I drank my water and observed all the comings and goings in pool paradise. Unable to secure a chaise lounge early on, we camped out in the lounge/smoking area. Seems that cigars are big here as there were several guys puffing away. Yuck. One poolside business meeting was taking place over a crystal decanter of amber liquid in addition to the stogies. All very power and manly-like.

Guys ogled the girls in their teeny tiny bikinis as usual, though here, the pool attendants couldn’t help themselves with one pair of gorgeous gals. They asked to pose with them for pictures. Ah Instagram! Hard to imagine what sitting poolside would have been like without smart phones, tablets and Kindles to keep us busy sharing the moment instead of just living in it. What did we do??? Maybe nap and relax or even talk to our friends and family?? That’s just crazy talk!

Thom Enjoying Pool Paradise at Grant Hyatt Hong Kong

Now, I usually just lay by the pool and don’t swim all that much. Really, swimming in a pool is like taking a bath with strangers who probably pee at will and share all kinds of icky stuff among themselves. However, on this hotel day, I threw caution and hygiene to the wind and dove right into the Petri dish of human filth. Felt great! After a crazy week of work, this is just what I needed. Of course, I can’t wait to shower off. Let’s be real.

Tonight, we’ll seek out the famous Night Markets and I’ll bargain like a mule. After all, there is a little space in my suitcase for just a few Hong Kong bargains.

26 Years of Adventures with Thom

On July 31, 2014 By Travels with MelindaIn China, ShanghaiLeave a comment

I’d really like to not die today. This thought runs through my mind most days as I walk to work in China. Navigating the streets of Shanghai can be like running an obstacle course only with life threatening consequences if you don’t dodge the scooter/bus/car/bike at the right time. A green GO light at the crosswalk doesn’t ensure safety–it’s only a pretty symbol that everyone ignores.

So, on my 26th wedding anniversary, as Thom and I decided to walk across Nanjing Road East, one of the busiest roads in Shanghai by The Bund, on a busy hot evening, I looked left and then right and followed him into the cross walk. AAAHHHH!!! My screams as the fast approaching car almost leveled us attracted many stares from the crowds of people on the sidewalk. Everyone like a little drama and excitement but hopefully not at my expense. Where the HELL did that car come from so quick? Hubby saved me at the last minute from certain death by Audi. That’s why I married him! Thanks, babe!

Prior to our brush with death, we started our anniversary celebration with the usual date night of foot massages at Dragonfly. Our ladies tonight had thumbs of steel and pounded us for 60 minutes–amazing how an hour can go by so quickly–next time we are going all out with 90 minutes of foot rubbing attention. What can I say–we are natives now that foot massages are part of our health and happiness. Try it, you’ll like it.

Then, it was off to take the sightseeing tunnel of fun from Pudong to the Bund. For only 50 Yuan you can take the gondola and speed through a light show under the Huangpu River. It is pretty and fairly fast way to get across and everyone should try it at least once.

I had been wanting to go see the venerable Jazz Band at the historic Peace Hotel for a long time so we finally made it. I had heard that the true miracle of this band was that the band members managed to stay awake past 8 p.m. as most were 70+ at least. Laughing at their playing of Yankee Doodle and Dixie for the expat crowd, I enjoyed the Shanghai Cocktail specialty drink while Thom drank his bottled water. My mom would love this place–they played Moon River and had Sidecars on the drink menu.

After the near death experience, we decided to tempt fate again with a night ferry crossing to get home. Always exhilarating to experience firsthand the ferries dodge the coal boats to quickly get across the river, we couldn’t even get to the upper deck because it was so crowded with mainly local folks enjoying the balmy night. I’m so happy I didn’t die today and am be able to enjoy another day with my awesome husband of 26 years and continue our adventure in China! LIFE. IS. GOOD.

Thor The Adorable

On July 29, 2014 By Travels with MelindaIn Dog, Shanghai, UncategorizedLeave a comment

James christened the newest member of our family, Thoraxis, after an alien character from a show called Community that I have never seen. I just watched the movie, Thor, on the flight back from the U.S., so I have decided to nickname him after the hunky superhero in the movie. Though, Thor should have been named Chewbacca because he is a tiny black fur ball who can’t stop chewing on everything in his path. We have tried to channel his teething on chew sticks and toys but he prefers paper and my Surface keyboard instead. THOR!

I was in the U.S. when Thom saw a post on a local blog seeking foster parents for a rescue dog. His sharp tiny teeth may not hurt now but Thom insists that we try and discipline him now or he will start having our Cole Haan’s for dinner soon and that’s a deal breaker.

Right about now as I’m taking cute puppy pictures, I feel a warm wet feeling in my crotch where Thor has been playing with his chew toy. This can’t be good. HOLY. HELL. THOR! The little bugger has let loose all over my beautiful red chaise and me. How can such a little creature make such a big pee stain! As Thom joked, “Puppies give you a warm feeling all over and sometimes it’s not a good thing” or something to that effect. Ha. Ha. Sure, easy for him to joke since the pupster didn’t pee on him, though he did clean it all up. Of course, Thor’s favorite place is next to Thom’s computer under the desk lamp. Let’s see if Thom is as jovial when he has a wet stinky PC to try and dry out.

Adorable Thoraxis right before he pissed all over me.

Thor only weighs over a pound now and is still on antibiotics for various ailments resulting from being the runt of the litter. When we return from our trip to Hong Kong, he will hopefully be well enough to get his vaccines so he can venture outside. Who knows what breed he is but he won’t grow big. Of course, my daughter thought that too about her pound puppy Oliver, the Great Dane. Oops!

Our Chinese tutor, Fiona, has kindly agreed to puppy sit for us while we are gone. I’ll have to warn her to watch out for the little ankle biter’s couch wetting problem but I know he’ll melt her heart with his little puppy eyes.

Even with the large wet spot still drying out on my chaise, we love you Thor and welcome you to the family. Now, go get on your puppy pad for a time out–tough love, Thor!

Styled by Hannah

On July 21, 2014 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, China, Fashion, Shopping, Uncategorized2 Comments

I was lucky enough to spend time with my family this week in South Bend, Indiana. Clean air and blue skies! Even better, my gorgeous daughter Hannah and Baby Mia accompanied me to spend quality time with my sister, Mom and best friend Patti. What a great time we had!

My beautiful daughter and stylist Hannah

When it proved to be too hot for a Zoo visit on Saturday, we hit the mall instead. Yes, it cost me more than the Zoo but we so rarely get quality shopping time together so Hannah took advantage of the opportunity to style an outfit for me. I also had to procure a statement necklace for her so that she would give me back the one she is wearing in the picture–I love it and just am not willing to give it to her–yet! No worries- we found a beautiful substitute at the mall.

It was fun visiting the University Park Mall where I worked as the Assistant Store Manager many, many years ago at L.S.Ayres when Hannah was only 2 and James was a baby. That’s a story for another time but, desperate to leave my job that I held while pregnant with James, I interviewed for my new job that would take me to the UP Mall only 7 days after giving birth. Several week later, we loaded up the car and moved to South Bend, Indiana. We were, and are, truly crazy but enough reminiscing and back to my new outfit.

After finding Baby Mia the perfect dress to accompany her parents to a friend’s wedding in Coeur d’Alene next week, we had some time to shop for ourselves and we made the most of it. Finding fashion bargains is truly one of Hannah’s skills. She can go to a thrift store and come out with a stunning outfit originally from Anthro for less than $20 and looking spectacular.

I love the quality of Banana Republic and know what size I wear without needing to try anything on-a time saver! Hannah combined the trendy polka dot cotton shirt with basic chinos from there but made it POP with the new statement necklace and my zebra belt. My new nerd glasses from Warby Parker, bought on our last NYC trip, give the hipster edge to the look while the Cole Haan wedges, which are actually comfy to walk in, give me a needed lift since I am severely height challenged. Thank you, Hannah darling, for making your Momma look stylish for her meetings! Watch out Hotlanta-here I come!

Warby Parker Fillmore Glasses: https://www.warbyparker.com/eyeglasses/men/fillmore/tennessee-whiskey

Francesca’s statement necklace and earrings: http://www.francescas.com/category/jewelry/necklaces/statement.do

Banana Republic polka dot shirt, zebra belt and chinos: http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=84171&pid=970435&scid=970435002

Cole Haan wedges-picked up at Nordstrom Rack (my fav!) two years ago in Atlanta–classic and comfy!

Blue Skies Are Possible

On July 17, 2014July 17, 2014 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, Chicago, China, Shanghai, TravelLeave a comment

Attention my fellow China neighbors, please visit the U.S.on a day like today in Chicago and experience what blue skies, green water and clean, clean air feels like. I can’t help myself from constantly gazing at the skies here and giving thanks for the U.S. laws that we impose on cars, industries, etc. that keep it this way for us to live in an environment that isn’t hazardous to our health. You can yap all day about less government in our lives (yes, I’m talking to you Tea Party People) but that oversight keeps us safe. Seriously, people who make it happen in China need to wake up and smell the clean air that is possible. The people of China deserve a healthier environment to raise their families and live their lives. Most citizens don’t ever leave their homeland so they have no idea what is possible and what it feels like. I read in the state newspapers that pollution regulations are a priority so I can only hope that they mean it. I know my body can only take it so much longer and I will need to return to breathe clean air again and renew my lung capacity.

Today, I got up and walked the Chicago waterfront enjoying the beautiful Lake Michigan green waters and clean sandy beaches. Everyone was out early playing beach volleyball and staking their claim to a prime spot on the beach. A non-profit was promoting ice cream for donations so I bought a homeless woman a treat to enjoy on this sunny day. There are definitely more homeless on the streets in Chicago than you see in China. I wonder if that is because of the cultural traditions of taking care of family in China.

I’m now sitting outside a Starbucks to enjoy my treat, a Chai Latte. Yummy gingerbread milk on a lovely sunny cool day in the US of A. Doesn’t get any better than this…except when I pick up my beautiful daughter Hannah and Baby Mia today in Chicago and take them for their first visit to GreatGMA Gene and Great Aunt Becky in South Bend. We get to spend some quality time with friends and family before I head off to Atlanta for meetings and Hannah heads to Idaho for a friend’s wedding, Mia’s first. I can only imagine the fancy headband that she will be sporting with her pretty dress. Life is good.

Cooking Local in Shanghai

On July 15, 2014 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, China, Food, Shanghai, Travel1 Comment

To know a culture it helps to understand the food that nourishes the local people. To that end, we decided to take a cooking class in Shanghai. Cherry was our fearless leader (www.cookinshanghai.com) who took our group including Thom and James with a couple from California and a gal from Ireland, to the local wet market and then to a local apartment to cook our meal. Allowed to have some input into the meal we wanted to create, we chose our favorite dishes: scallion pancakes, dumplings and spring rolls.

After a short walk from the subway entrance where we all met up, we walked to the local wet market. This is not a local grocery but more like an indoor farmer’s market with absolutely no health/safety standards, where you can primarily buy produce and meat/fish from stalls. Very locally priced, it was fascinating to watch Cherry pull up the picture of the produce we were looking at on her handy iPad and learn fun facts like how eating bamboo helps offset the bad effects of eating meat or this veggie can help you lose weight or have better skin complexion. Eating dates can help with dizziness–who knew??? Every food in Chinese culture has a health benefit. Finally emerging from the overwhelming smells of the fish market, I gulped fresh air like it was my last breath.

Waiting for the elevator with a local resident in his pj’s eyeing us like WTF are you doing here, we went up to the fifth floor to the apartment where we would cook our feast. Surprisingly large, Cherry explained that they had created a much bigger kitchen than normal just for their business. Before starting our cooking journey, we, of course, had to take time to get to know each other and drink tea. Cherry taught us the healing properties of the different types of teas–White Tea to heal the stomach, Red Tea to cure “cold bones” and lose weight, etc. While our chef began prepping for us, we chatted and learned that the one couple from California were an aeronautical engineer and a soon-to-be Berkley law student on China vacation. The Irish gal had taken a 9 month leave of absence from her job to travel the world with her boyfriend. They were or had been to in addition to China: India, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, New Zealand and the US. WOW! I am jealous. Ahhh…to be young and have no responsibilities!

James started out as bored and disinterested but as he mixed, rolled, flipped and ate, ate, ate, he started to have as much fun as a 21 year old boy can have with his parents. As the only local residents with a refrigerator, we got all the leftovers so that made him even happier. Unable to taste anything myself due to my weak stomach, it all looked very good and easy to replicate at home. Made of very basic ingredients, we look forward to cooking more at home. Maybe I can even encourage James to use his new skills and cook for his parents…dreams can happen!

Home Alone No More

On July 8, 2014July 8, 2014 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, Boise, China, Shanghai, TravelLeave a comment

After a two month journey alone working my butt off and living the solitary life, my fellow adventurer has returned home. Thom landed this week with jet lag to spare. As unhappy as I was by myself, I had grown used to it. Coming home from work to an empty, quiet house after a long day and spending my evenings at the gym, eating cereal for dinner as I read trashy novels on my Kindle was boring, boring, boring. I worked too much and had very little fun. But that was what had become normal. A bad normal but still, after two months, my new normal.

In strolls my funny, grumpy, messy, noisy, opinionated partner for life. Quiet no more. Yet, instead of being thrilled at his arrival, I was irritated at times and not appreciative like I should have been. Hell, Pink, our Ayi, was happier to see him than I was. I resented him taking up my time, not wanting to go to the gym when I did, needing to eat when I was fine with a piece of cheese and a glass of wine, talking while I was working on a project. You get it—driving me absolutely f&@#ing bat shit crazy.

At night, who was that hulk taking up my spacious bed and hogging the pillows??? My pillow was stolen while I was on a nocturnal bathroom break. Not. Funny. Finally, I went to the couch to get some rest away from this strange intruder. Waking up to him making coffee was a plus for sure and softened the transition. Going for foot massage and mani/pedi night was an entre into the life that we had known and embraced. Ahhh…nothing like a spa date to bring two people together again.

Thom getting pampered after his long journey home.

As our daily routine becomes once again filled with the happy sharing of lives, we have vowed not to ever do that living apart thing again. While there were solid reasons for having it happen, i.e. helping with the new baby, moving into our new Boise house, etc., it was NOT pretty. I’m not sure how a relationship can survive separations like this or how people survive life without a loving partner and I never want to try it. Thom, WELCOME HOME HONEY! Now, give me back my damned pillow and make us some coffee. Love you!

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