Shopping Mis-Adventure

Hey Everyone,

Have you ever had a moment where time just passes and you have no idea where you've gone? Well, this short incident really did have us going.

Second term had already started and my classmates and I found that we had quite a bit of time on our hands. Today, we decided to go shopping. I'd been procrastinating since the formal wear episode and needed to purchase a white blouse, or else risk repeating another wardrobe experience. (no thanks!)

Anyway, C and I stumbled upon this shop called Dark Art in Causeway Bay. This tiny shop was about 5'x8' but carried the most amazing custom made wedding-esque dresses. I'm not saying I'm looking for wedding dresses or anything of the sort but WOW. They were gorgeous, lots of lace, chiffon, tulle, and bodices that would have been fun to breathe in. We were so amazed at the quality and originality of the designs that the next thing we knew we had wandered out of the store and further into the maze of shops.

The thing about these shopping areas (when they are not actually located in a mall) is like a series of small glass boxes set within levels of a building. Each level separated by an escalator or staircase houses 30-40 glass boxes, each displaying their products and their doors not always facing the same direction. C was looking for skirts today and had decided to go back and purchase one that she had seen beside Dark Art, so we backtracked.

...and backtracked

... and backtracked.

We couldn't find the shop.

We walked the floor five times! I'm sure the shop keepers were eyeing us and counting the times we walked passed their door. Because the shops were set up in rows and many shop dead ends (being staircases), we were afraid that we had missed the shop. So, we kept searching. By the time we figured out the general layout (minus the illusion of added hallways from the many mirrors used to make the space larger) we delegated aisles, to make sure we didn't miss it.

Still, we couldn't find it... and then it hit us.

We vaguely recall taking the escalator...Maybe?

We found the store on the level below us.

C and I were so enchanted by these dresses that we had managed to walk through a level and a half of the shops and not notice any merchandise landmarks... that says something.

If you ever get the chance to walk these type of malls, bring bread crumbs because you'll need them to find out where you've been.

Only one of the dresses but the ones on the rack
were much more flowy and artistic, absolutely gorgeous

PS: I did find my blouse, and am now set for blending in with HK students' "Formal Attire"... Bring It!

Bi-City Biennale of Urbanism/Architecture in Shenzhen

Hey Everyone,

I know it's been a while since my last post but I would just like to say.... Happy New Year!This past month I've had a wonderfully restful, albeit cold winter break in Winnipeg. I would just like to thank all my friends and family who found the time to welcome me back, and kept me busy over the break. I am sorry that I was not able to spend time with all of you individually.

These last few days I've been catching up on my sleep and surprisingly stepping foot outside my apartment. Today, I was invited by a few of my HKU studio friends to visit the Bi-City Biennale of Urbanism/Architecture in Shenzhen. It all started this morning when I messaged my friends B and K around 10:30 asking what plans did they have today. They quickly messaged me back letting me know their plans to go to Shenzhen and invited me along. I had never been to Shenzhen and seeing as I had a visa to re-enter HK I found this to be the perfect opportunity to explore a new place.

After transiting for approximately 1.5 hours, we (there were six of us) made our way towards the border. May I just say, that being the only "foreigner" I had the lovely privilege of waiting in the longest lines possible. If that wasn't frustrating enough, I was pulled over by the Immigration Dept because my presence in HK was not documented on my passport but recorded on my HKID. Thankfully, they were able to let me through after a few minutes of questioning and checking their computers. I'm so grateful that everyone was willing to wait for me and not leave me behind. I don't think this trip would have been possible if I did not have my trusty tour guides.

Before we headed out to catch another train, all of us had to use the bathroom. The only reason I mention this is because going to the bathroom was a feat in itself. I am not joking. The washroom was less than ideal, but what choice do you have when they're going to be a lot worse somewhere else...

Try holding your purse and jacket,
 keeping the door from opening
and making sure you don't drop anything
 while going to the bathroom.... It's fun

Transiting to the warehouse where the pieces were displayed took approximately 45 minutes. We did a lot of travelling today. Upon entering the space we were greeted by exhibits provided by different architecture firms as well as universities.

The first display we saw upon arrival which consisted of a variety
of urban typologies and where they were located as well as
who first developed them.

A series of proposed high-rise mixed used buildings

The BBUA was divided into two locations. The second location was situated inside an old glass factory. This venue had three levels, each housing several displays. 

The view of the factory from one of the walkways

Not all of the displays were board based. One of the workshops housed in the glass factory demonstrated the art of traditional wood temple construction using foam. Such workshops encouraged visitors to learn about Chinese culture and participate.

The foam cutting and build workshop

All in all, I had a wonderful time walking through the Biennale and look forward to another adventure outside of Hong Kong.

Until next time, take care!