Total lunar eclipse in Hong Kong on December 10

Total lunar eclipse in Hong Kong on December 10 (24 November 2011)

A total lunar eclipse will occur at night on December 10 (Saturday) and will be visible in Hong Kong if the weather is fine. Scientific Officer of the Hong Kong Observatory, Mr Woo Wang-chun, said, "The duration of the whole process (from the moon entering the penumbra to leaving the penumbra) will last six hours, the longest period of lunar eclipse visible in Hong Kong since the year 2000. As the elevation of the moon will be rather high during the eclipse, most places with an unobstructed view to the east are suitable for viewing the event. If the weather is fine, the condition will be very favourable for viewing the eclipse." "The moon will not completely disappear but will appear coppery-red in colour during totality. This is because sunlight scattered or refracted by the Earth's atmosphere will be projected onto the moon," said Mr Woo. A webcast of the event, covering the time the moon enters the umbra until it leaves, will be jointly provided by the Hong Kong Observatory and the Hong Kong Space Museum on the following web page from: www.weather.gov.hk/gts/hksm/astrophoto.htm (Please refer to figure 1 of attachment for relevant QR code). Additionally, the Hong Kong Space Museum will organise an observation activity titled the "Night of Total Lunar Eclipse", in the central section of the Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui from 7.30pm to 11.30pm. "The public will have the opportunity to observe the total lunar eclipse with telescopes and various kinds of astronomical instruments under the guidance of Space Museum staff. The activity is provided free of charge and no registration is required," said the Curator of the Space Museum, Mr Chan Ki-hung. Please refer to attached diagram for details of the moon's path during the eclipse. An animation of the lunar eclipse is also available on the Hong Kong Space Museum's YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/hkspacem/) (Please refer to figure 2 of attachment for relevant QR code). Details of the lunar eclipse are as follows: Hong Kong Time Direction (Azimuth) Elevation Moon enters penumbra 7.32pm East-northeast (75 degrees) 26 degrees Moon enters umbra 8.45pm East (79 degrees) 42 degrees Total eclipse begins 10.06pm East (83 degrees) 60 degrees Middle of eclipse 10.32pm East (84 degrees) 66 degrees Total eclipse ends 10.58pm East (85 degrees) 72 degrees Moon leaves umbra 0.18am (next morning) Northeast (52 degrees) 90 degrees Moon leaves penumbra 1.32am (next morning) West (274 degrees) 74 degrees Please refer to the Hong Kong Observatory website for an explanation of the cause and different stages of a lunar eclipse: www.weather.gov.hk/gts/astron2011/lunar_eclipse_e.htm (Please refer to figure 3 of attachment for relevant QR code). The next lunar eclipse potentially observable in Hong Kong will occur on June 4, 2012, which will be a partial eclipse. Also in 2012, an annular solar eclipse will be potentially observable in Hong Kong on May 21, and a transit of Venus on June 6. Both are rare astronomical phenomena.

More upcoming Christmas Bazaars

The Repulse Bay Christmas Fair

Sunday, 27 November 2011

11:00 am to 6:00 pm

Free Admission

Come and join our fair with more than 50 stalls

Christmas items / children’s books / toys / gift items / cards

paintings / handicrafts / jewellery / home accessories

and much more…

                                                      Live bands, children’s activities, bouncy play area

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Glenealy School International Bazaar

If your weekends are already filled up, this is a great evening option featuring plenty of stalls selling all sorts of items, games and international food to munch on whilst you mingle with other families.

Where: Glenealy School, 7 Hornsey Road, Mid-Levels, Central

When: 18 November, 5.30-8pm

http://sassymamahk.com/christmas-fairs-list-sassy-mama/

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Hong Kong Winterfest
Hong Kong Tourist Board’s official event will see a fabulous festive fiesta taking over the entire city! Statue Square in Central will set the scene with a twinkling Tiffany’s decorated Christmas tree, carol-singing and a carousel whilst HK’s first ever outdoor ice-skating rink will appear in East Tsim Sha Tsui so you can glide under the stars and soak up the festive atmosphere. There’ll also be carnivals, sparkling Christmas illuminations, seasonal menus, special offers in shops and restaurants and much much more!

Where: Everywhere!
When: 25 November-1 January
More info: www.discoverhongkong.com/winterfest 

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JWA Bazaar
The Jewish Women’s Association bazaar will be selling an assortment of branded clothing, bags, accessories, toys, homeware and other Christmas items – with all proceeds going to charity. There’ll also be food, activities and much more fun for all the family; just remember to bring your ID card.

Where: Island School, 20 Borett Road, Mid-Levels
When: 27 November, 10am-5pm
How much: $20 (children are free)
More info: www.jwa.org.hk

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Hullett House Christmas Market
Hullett House’s historical courtyard and garden will be transformed into a quintessential European Christmas Market, with a mouth-watering array of specially-selected sausages, smoked meats, cheese, teas, gingerbread, Christmas cakes, chocolate, jams, preserves – and even a sneaky tipple of mulled wine and eggnog too! There’ll also be Christmas cards, ornaments, books and other seasonal gifts, with carol-singing and a special appearance from Santa and his reindeers – so there’s absolutely no excuse for not getting into the festive spirit!

Where: Hullett House, 1881 Heritage, No. 2A Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
When: 9-11 December
More info: 3988 0000, www.hulletthouse.com

Upcoming events for November & December 2011

UNICEF Charity Run 2011

http://run.unicef.org.hk/en_event_details1.php

UNICEF Charity Run 2011 will be held at the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and Sunny Bay on 27 November (Sunday). This year the race will continue to raise funds for UNICEF’s “Unite for Children. Unite against AIDS” Global Campaign.

The aim is to have 13,000 runners and raise HK$8.5 million for the purchase of “HIV Test Kits” for pregnant women. If HIV-positive mothers-to-be know about their situations at an early stage, they can promptly receive essential medication and care so as to prevent the transmission of the virus to their babies.

Jointly organized by Hong Kong Committee for UNICEF and Hong Kong Amateur Athletic Association, UNICEF Charity Run 2011 includes Half Marathon, 10km Run and 3km Fun Run. The course of Half Marathon and 10km Run are sanctioned by AIMS (Association of International Marathons and Distance Races). The Half Marathon and 3km Family Run are already FULL. Open are the 10km Run and the 3km Individual Run for teenagers aged 11-15. Enroll now to secure your place before the remaining quotas run out! Visit their website

Date: 27 November

Time: Various, depending on the run that you choose

Location: Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and Sunny Bay

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Picnic In The Park

Discovery Bay

 

Grab your picnic blanket, don your dancing shoes and head over to Discovery Bay for the 6th annual Picnic in the Park – Hong Kong’s largest music and dance festival. Organizers have added a second stage this year, which means double the entertainment from some of HK’s most popular bands, including Helium 3 and The Vibes.

The family-friendly festival will feature an awesome Kids’ Zone with pedal cars, bouncy castles, face-painters and more. Plus, food and beverages courtesy of restaurants Hemingway’s, ZAKS and McSorleys means you won’t go hungry or thirsty. (All vendors are cash-only.)

All proceeds are donated to the Hong Chi Association and Hong Kong Student Aid Society.

Catch the 25-minute ferry from Pier #3 in Central and head to DB for a day and night of fun

What: Kids’ Zone with pedal cars, bouncy castles, face-painters and more at the annual festival

When: Saturday, November 5, 2011 from 11am to 9:30pm

Where: Siena Park, Discovery Bay, Hong Kong, info@picnicintheparkhk.com, www.picnicintheparkhk.com________________________________________________________________________________

City Kids Christmas Fair

Fun for the Whole Family

Activities at the City Kids Christmas fair will include:

• a bouncy castle
• a visit and photos with Santa Claus
• face painting
• cupcake decorations
• craft making
• children’s games
• raffle prizes
• vendor stalls from some of Hong Kong's finest boutiques featuring clothing, toys & furniture, and other Christmas gift ideas for the whole family

City Kids (www.citykidshkppa.org) is a not-for-profit playgroup and preschool.

What: Parents can relax, chat, and shop while the children are entertained!

When: Saturday, November 19, 2011 from 12pm to 5pm.

Where: City Kids School, 12 Borrett Rd, Mid-Levels, Hong Kong, +852 6704 1313, www.citykidshkppa.org. Free admission

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween from Hong Kong!!

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Hong Kong and Halloween events around Hong Kong

Where to find costumes and other Halloween paraphernaliaJ:

Information found on http://www.littlestepsasia.com/articles/play/halloween-zone

EVENTS:

Parties and Events...

Baby Loves Disco Halloween Party with Little Steps at Middle Bay

Ocean Park Halloween 2011
Disneyland's Haunted Halloween
SCREAM at Madame Tussauds

Phantastic Photos at Avenue of the Stars

Halloween at Wise Kids (great for little ones!)

Halloween Carnival in Discovery Bay (great for little ones!) http://www.littlestepsasia.com/events/discovery-bay-halloween-carnival

5th Annual Halloween Hong Kong Cancer Fund Charity Parade

Halloween

COSTUME SHOPPING:

Buying Costumes...

Makswell Costumes, Chai Wan, Hong Kong

Fortune Costume, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong

Toys "R" Us, Various Locations, Hong Kong

Matteo Party, Central & Causeway Bay, Hong Kong

Toys Club, Central & Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong

Choi Chi, 13 Tung Choi Street (Ladies Market), Mong Kok, Hong Kong, +852 2770 2868

Renting Costumes...

Academy of Performing Arts Costume Department, Wan Chai, Hong Kong

Hong Kong Repertory Theater, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong

House of Siren Productions, Central, Hong Kong

Chung Ying Theatre Company, Central, Hong Kong

Markets...

Pottinger Street, Central, Hong Kong

Ladies Market, Mong Kok, Hong Kong

Stanley Market, Stanley, Hong Kong

Tai Yuen Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong

Babies Only...

Hip Little Bubba

Simply Little

Monkey Pants at Baby Central

DIY Costume Making...

Materials: Fabrics, Buttons, Beads, and more! Visit Shum Shui Po Market, Shui Shui Po, Hong Kong

Tailor Made Costumes: Remy Fashion, Central, Hong Kong

Make-up Products...

Ivy League Company, Jordan, Hong Kong

Matteo Party Shop, Central & Causeway Bay, Hong Kong

Stocking stuffer!

Buy at you local Japan home store in Hong Kong.

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Linkin Park concert tonight!!

My new job...

My new job keeps me pretty busy...I hope it will let up some. I miss going out on my private adventures.

Suggestions for Visitor to HK-2011

I am working on creating a list for visitors to Hong Kong. I will eventually use this list for my job, but I think it is useful for anyone who comes to visit. Everything on this list is the standard stuff you will find in a travel guide. There isn’t anything on this list that is off the beaten path.

THE PEAK - A trip up to Victoria Peak is a must!  The view at 554 meters above sea level is spectacular both by day and by night. It is also a "trip" to take the wine-colored, funicular railway known as the Peak Tram for the adventure. The Peak Tram runs daily from 7:00am to midnight and leaves from the Peak Tram Station under St. John's Building. At the Peak Tram station, you can get a one-way or round-trip ticket. Once you are on the tram, you ride it all the way to the end. If you don't want to ride the tram, you can take the various buses or taxies that also can be found at the peak tram.

THE STAR FERRY - The famous Star Ferry has been zipping across the harbor between Central (Hong Kong side) and Tsim Sha Tsui (Kowloon side) since 1898 and is as much a sightseeing attraction as an invaluable way to cross the Victoria Harbor. The crossings are almost continuous with 5 -minute frequency at peak hours. The Star Ferry runs along a number of routes, however the original, and most popular route, is between Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon and Central on Hong Kong Island. Ferries on this route run as frequently as every 8 minutes, cost HK$2.50 –HK$3.00 and take less than 10 mins. The first ferry is at around 6:30am and the final ferry at 11:30pm. Tokens for a ferry ride can be bought at the Star ferry terminal.  The easiest way to get there is to take a taxi tell the driver “Star ferry, central terminal”

ABERDEEN HARBOR - Aberdeen Ha andrbor is best known for the hundreds of people who still live out their lives on boats. Take a stroll along the waterfront and if adventurous, bargain with a determined old lady who will seek you out to sell a trip exploring these waterborne homes by sampan. An alternative would be to take a trip out to one of the floating restaurants (they have their own motor boat service from the Praya) for a light snack or dinner and you will also get a glimpse of harbor life. Bus number 7 from the Central ferry pier no. 7 will take you to the Aberdeen Harbor, Hong Kong. You can also take the bus number 70 from the Exchange Square Bus Terminal located in the Central District. Another Option is the Ocean Park Citybus, which is a special service bus from the Star Ferry Pier.

MAN MO TEMPLE - Hong Kong has more than 360 Chinese temples dedicated to Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism or a combination of these religions. If you can only visit just one temple during your time in Hong Kong, this is the best choice. Man Mo is a traditional Taoist temple and is the oldest temple in the territory. Located on the corner of Hollywood Road and Ladder Street in Central it is open from 7 am to 5 pm daily. The temple is actually half temple and half museum with collections of altars and sedan chairs. Address 126 Hollywood Road, the easiest would be to take a taxi.

CENTRAL DISTRICT

Designer Boutiques: Located in Prince's Building, the Landmark and Swire House, among others.  Pedder Building has a number of designer label factory outlets and boutiques and is worth a browse, offering designer names at rock bottom prices on the 3^rd and 4^th floors. 

Antiques: Hollywood Road is a Mecca of antique shops as well as a location for porcelain and soft furnishings.  Here you will find antique Chinese furniture, a good selection of early Chinese pottery, antique textiles and robes, Tibetan carpets, jade carvings and many other distinctive works of art.  There are many reproductions, so it is wise to go to a reputable dealer who will give you a certificate of authenticity.  Prices vary and bargaining in some shops is essential.  Always obtain an official receipt.

Bargains: The small lanes and alleys in Central are crammed with stalls selling leather goods, sunglasses, costume jewelry, fabric, bargain clothing items, etc.  Known colloquially as "The Lanes" or "The Alleys", these market streets run perpendicular to Des Voeux Road and Queen's Road Central.  You should visit Li Yuen Street East and Li Yuen Street West as well as Theatre Lane.  Also on the stairs on Pottinger Street, above Queen's Road Central, you can find sewing materials, umbrellas, shoes and costumes.   Nearby department stores are Marks and Spencer, Wing On, and Sincere.

One of the latest shopping malls on Hong Kong Island is situated on the lower floors of the International Financial Center (IFC) Two.  Although it is located a little ways to the north of the Central District by the fast disappearing harbor’s edge, one can easily get there by taxi ride or walk there thru a maze of covered walkways over the busy Gloucester (Express) Road.  At IFC 2, there is a major department store, grocery store, boutique shops, and many great restaurants.  United Artists (UA) Movie Theater offers the latest foreign and local film hits.

ADMIRALTY - Pacific Place Mall is another great place to shop with high-end shops.  There is also a Lane Crawford, Watson's (drugstore), Body Shop, Great (Gourmet foods and deli), Joyce Boutiques and many major stores as well as excellent dining facilities that range fast food to more formal bistro-style restaurants.

CAUSEWAY BAY - Another major mall in Hong Kong is Time Square.  It houses many shops familiar to Hong Kong plus Tower Records and Liz Claiborne There are nine floors of shops, three floors of restaurants and a large United Artists movie theater.  It is only a short walk from the Causeway Bay MTR station (MTR Exit F).

STANLEY MARKET - Located on the South side of Hong Kong Island, Stanley Market is well known for its souvenirs, linens, household goods and factory outlet clothing.  Although times have changed and the real bargains are not as great as they used to be, Stanley is still a fun place to spend a few hours wandering through the maze of stalls and small shops and a nice place to have lunch or tea in one of the waterfront restaurants along the tree lined boulevard that connects the market to Stanley Plaza.

WESTERN MARKET - The Western Market is the oldest market building in Hong Kong and worth the trip to see it.  The further away from central one gets the more local color you will find and the Western District offers a wealth of fascinating sights and sounds and the opportunity to gain insight into traditional Chinese lifestyles. 

Sunflower Pottery studio in Hong Kong

I took a group of Kids today to Sunflower pottery studio

 

2/F, 1 7 1 Hennessy Road
Wanchai, Hong Kong
Tel: +852.2511.2538
Fax: +852.2511.3298
Mobile: +852.9553.8982
Email: reginia@myhappysunflower.com
Website: www.myhappysunflower.com
http://www.myhappysunflower.com/pottery.html

We had a blast today and Reginia is Awesome with the kids! This is a great activity with your family, kids or kids and friends kids on a free day in Hong Kong this is a great way to spend a few hours.

Rocksalt in Stanley

A Frozen Strawberry Margarita at the Rocksalt in Stanley.  What a wonderful way to start your Friday night on the Soutside.


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Now what pt 3- New Job

Now what? I started my new Job yesterday. I am going to be pretty busy for the next few months, so I won't be posting as much for awhile. Once I get comfy in my job I will start posting again.

Now What? pt 2

Now What?

I got the the JOB!  I start on Monday!

OMG a Dairy Queen!

Macau has a Dairy Queen.

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Got a job!!

Got a job!!! It is in something I love to do. Helping people who are new to Hong Kong. This job will also be great in me finding more places in HK to hang out and tour too!



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Now what?

Now what?

Now What? That is such a popular question in general about life. You are either asking yourself or people are asking you –Now What? Hong Kong is no exception, if anything, it is kind of worse here. This is a fast moving, overly stimulated, and humid place. I am no exception to Hong Kong’s Now what attitude. Once you get sucked in, just enjoy the ride, but weary of the consequents (smile).

Example…Ok, I live in Hong Kong-Now what? Ok, my kid is in school-Now What? Ok, I have made some friends-Now what? Ok, I am going back to school-Now what? Ok, I join an organization(s)-Now what? Ok, I went to the wicked ass clubs-Now What? I think I have made somewhat of my point.

Now What? I applied for a job that's what!

Snoopy World in Sha Tin

Snoopy World !! 

Snoopy world wasn't what we planned today it just happened. Our plan was to visit the temple of 10,000 Buddhas and we saw a sign for Snoopy World... we made a short detour. This is a great place to come when you are planning a day out in the Sha tin area.

• At the end of the post  I will state how to get there, compliments from Hong Kong Extras http://www.hongkongextras.com/_shopping_malls_lantau_new_territories.html
• http://www.newtownplaza.com.hk/eng/snoopy_world.html  : This webpage does not have a whole lot of information. 
• Address: Snoopy's World, L3 podium, New Town Plaza, Shatin
• Located on the third floor of the New Town Plaza (outside), includes Snoopy's House, a canoe ride and a museum of Peanuts characters. Currently there are not many signs around Town Plaza pointing  the way to Snoopy World. BUT It is on the third floor outside.

 

 

From Hong Kong Extras "GETTING THERE – MTR Shatin Station (East Rail Line). New Town Plaza is connected to the station via Citylink Plaza (two minutes walk). BUS – Routes 83K,83S,282,283,284 and 299 serve Shatin Central Bus Station opposite New Town Plaza Phase 3. There are escalators leading into the mall from the bus station. Routes 85K,86K,89X,170 and 263 serve Shatin Station Bus Terminus by exit A2 of Shatin Station. New Town Plaza is two minutes walk via station concourse and Citylink Plaza. HomeSquare is located in Grand Central Plaza about 5 minutes walk from exit A2 of Shatin Station and Shatin Station Bus Terminus. Grand Central Plaza/IKEA is clearly visible from exit A2" http://www.hongkongextras.com/_shopping_malls_lantau_new_territories.html

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CoCo Ichibanya ( curry house)

We found CoCo!!

These photos were taken with the iphone, so they are not as clear as I would like. No worries though I will be going back and I will take Better ones.

COCO's home page http://www.ichibanya.co.jp/english/index.html
CoCo's in Hong Kong web page: http://www.ichibanya.com.hk/main/


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