China's Paradise - Hainan

Perhaps the most beautiful destination of my summer was Hainan.

It has been said that Hainan is China's Paradise, so believe me when I say - it lived up to it's reputation. Beautiful weather, stunning stretches of golden beaches & breathtaking views.

I remember the moment I was sitting underneath this straw umbrella enjoying the gusts of wind that brushed gently from the waves. & that moment, I felt nothing, nothing but contentment. I don't remember the last time I felt so at ease, at ease with the world, at ease with myself. Everything just seemed to come together. & for the duration of the time I was sitting there, I just listened as the waves crashed against the shore. It was a picture of beauty, a feeling of serenity. The world just seemed to make sense ... It sounds strange, but it felt like I found myself again. Like the world was at my feet and I was ready for flight. 

I spent a long weekend in Hainan, and for the time I was there I stayed at Hainan's BEST hotel. 

Le Méridien! Many of you may have heard of it, as it's an international hotel brand. Being a traveller, I have stayed at some of the best hotels - but maybe due to it's location & the experiences I had there - this hotel just ticked every box from room service to views. The picture above was taken from the Hotel Lobby.

Being Chinese I do believe that Feng Shui brings an element of luck. The front of the hotel faces the ocean, and the back is carried by the hills. (Meaning it faces the world of opportunities & has a stable/reliable source to back it up) 

It was a beautiful get away & I would highly recommend it for people who just want time alone, to get away, or just to think. This place is also PERFECT for lovers, a gentle scroll along the beach would sweep anyone off their feet. 

Gel Nails

I've never been a girl who enjoyed getting her nails done. But the gel nails looked & felt so real that I could not resist myself. I got them done 3 times as they last for a long time. 

People have asked me a number of questions on these so here are your questions & my answers.

1. Do the gems fall off easily? - No, so long as you don't deliberately try to damage them then they will stay on until you go & have them redone.
2. How long do they last? - Depending on how fast your nails grow. With me after about 3 weeks it was noticeable that they were fake.
3. Can you put your contacts in with those nails? - Yes of course, & you can type on your iPhone's too. I actually found it easier once I got used to them. 
4. How much were they? - I got mine done in Mainland China, the price varies according to quality. The gems were 1RMB each. The first time I got them done it was 200RMB. The red ones above were 190RMB & the ones below were slightly more expensive because of the amount of gems 250RMB. So on average about £20?!... not bad for 3 weeks of perfect nails :)

If you have anymore questions then please feel free to ask me in the comment box & I will answer them once I get the chance. :) Enjoy!

Ocean Park

I PASSED FIRST YEAR OF UNI!!!

So after getting the best news this summer that I passed my first year of University with GREAT grades I thought it was time to treat myself and where better to go than to Ocean Park with a couple of friends. Though I venture to China every year I've never found the time to visit Ocean Park. It was DEFINITELY worth the visit. Though by the end of it we were all hot & exhausted.

The aquarium was beautiful! I could have stayed there forever. I would recommend going with a partner but avoid going in the summer when the kids are off.

*S*M*I*L*E*

I think the one thing that makes me feel really happy is when I know I've done something good for somebody else.

Those who are closest to me, or have known me the longest know how important it is to me to keep the people around me happy - even if I don't always say it they know in the end that I'll do it. One of my relatives have been having a pretty hard time with a pretty harsh break-up, so even though I was exhausted after work I travelled from Central Hong Kong to Mei Foo, then back to Kowloon Bay I hope she knows where my heart is, cos it'll always be with you guys.

BlueBerry Cheesecake - Starbucks

K.B.Chau & Co Solicitors & Notaries

Normally when I go back to China I try to avoid the busy rushes of Hong Kong by taking refuge in Zhangmutou, Guangdong. However, this time it was different. As many of you know I study Law at University, therefore I thought I would make the most of my summers by seeking work experience in the field I hope to pursue once my academic life seizes.

This year I was fortunate enough to work aboard to gain international experience. In addition to that I had found a placement within the most corporate area of Central, Hong Kong.

Reception

My internship encompassed many experiences that I will not list in this blog as it will bore many of my readers. But it taught me many invaluable lessons that I will carry with me throughout my career. But it must be said the volume of work that is ahead of me excites me. My very first day, my desk could not be seen due to the amount of documents placed on it.

我是他的代表律師 - I cannot wait to say this line.

Bell & JY Reunion in Shenzhen!

One of my favourite places in the world - Mainland China. Mostly due to the lifestyle and the fact that the majority of my extended family are situated within close proximity to one another in Guangdong Province.

Hotel Daytime & Night Time View

Shenzhen is located 20 minutes away from my hometown Zhangmutou and is easily accessible to Hong Kong Residents as Lowu is just an MTR ride away. So it only made sense that I would meet my sister Jessica there. She'd been on exchange in Ningbo for the year so I was nervous to see her, see how much she'd changed, see whether or not she'd be the Jessica I've always known. But as soon as I saw her, the nerves faded away at 'Hello' and I could embrace my sister again (I really have missed her) ... & to my surprise we became closer than we've ever been. I wouldn't trade those two days for anything else. 

Although our sisters Melissa & Zoe couldn't join us ... we couldn't help ourselves but keep them at heart. Every memory we made we tried to involve them by vlogging our events. Let's hope they enjoyed our efforts!

Medicated.

I had taken careful precautions before and during the time I was away. Drinking plenty of water on the plane, staying hydrated due to the humid weather conditions, avoiding cold drinks & opting with hot ones. But I still managed to get ill. 

Five different medications due to a stomach infection! Asian people do like their western medication. I on the other hand had tried to avoid the doctors like a plague. Healthcare over in Hong Kong & Mainland China is ridiculous $270HKD (£21.56) for a stomach infection 360RMB (£35.10) for an ear infection. Costs more to be ill than it is to be healthy!!! Now I am truly grateful for the NHS. 

3D Sex & Zen - First 3D Erotic Film!

I made history!

I witnessed the first 3D Erotic Film to be aired at cinemas just two days after I landed in Hong Kong. I must admit I'd been eager to see this, I mean who wouldn't be intrigued about the first ever 3D pornographic film to be aired at their local cinema. I did not have high hopes for this film due to the excessive amount of criticism on the internet, and just like the critics said the film was 'not what you expect it to be'. Less pornography and more flying daggers. I won't give too much away since it's due to be released in England and I'd hate to be the spoiler of good fun.  But it has to be said - It was pretty painful sitting through this film. 

But never mind, at least it gave me a chance to venture to Time Squares at Causeway Bay and experience the exuberance of Hong Kong night life for the first time this year. It was so refreshing to be somewhere other than England.

Hong Kong International Airport!

On 26th May 2011 I landed safely on the runway of Hong Kong International Airport to begin my 3 month trip in Asia. Here we go!!!!!!!!!!

No Motivation!

For the past 3 months, I've found it harder and harder to write. Maybe it's because I haven't found the time, maybe I've lost my ability to write or maybe I have too much to write about. Whatever it is, I plan to get over it.

Today, I've decided that this blog is purely going to be about the experiences I encounter. The events that unfold in MY life. The fact that I have broadcasted these events on the web, I welcome you to join me. Be patient, I'll get there.