Moon over Hong Kong

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Originally uploaded by Amie Oliver

My senses are overwhelmed by the sights and flavors of this place. I am reminded of Lost in Translation: jet lag, lost syllables, overwhelming transitions in time and structure. We made our way back on the ferry and out of the tunnel and back into Kowloon proper. A Banyan Tree engulfs a large percentage of the block across the street next to a Tiffany's that seems to be clinging to the block. After a day of dim sum, art and shopping for materials we made our way back to the Salisbury Y to check in on the arrival of the rest of our crew.

I can't remember what I did during our time at the hotel... maybe I made my reservation for our return? I think I met Louise and we talked about the pros and cons of the Louis Vuitton exhibition in the museum across the street. I confess I have no interest in seeing it as it is all work I've see before...repackaged for the Hong Kong / International press. Did I pack for Guangzhou? Its a mystery that only jetlag can explain.

I do know there was a dinner plan but I was not hungry. Everyone met in the lobby and walked past the museums to the point shown in the photo above... to see the Hong Kong skyline in all its byzantine global glory. There is a light show here every night... but I can't imagine how it can compare to the magnificance of this view. It must be something to see.

The restaurant was surreal.. with feathered columns and mirrors everywhere... part vegas and fantasy island. I was there for a beer and to get to know a few of the new faces that landed here this afternoon. I shared a light with Andre from the Australian contingent. He seemed very world weary and we've yet to really hit the rails. That's what jet lag will do to you.

After the meal a few of us walked the point and admired the wonder of a monument to Bruce Lee and looked for anything that would sell us something cold to drink. Hugh,
(Melbourne) Matt (Belfast) and I were up "for a wander" and were fortunate to find a Starbucks and a Pub prior to their closing... two choices (!)... and each shared a version of the view shown above with outdoor seating. I'll remember this place... even if I have no idea how much I am paying for anything at least I'll know where to spend whatever currency I have left at the end of this gig.

a dim sum day

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Originally uploaded by Amie Oliver

Thank god for Starbucks... I know, I know. its evil. Its bad... but when one is far from the comforts of home it can be a beacon.

We walked to the ferry which transports people between Kowloon and Hong Kong proper... and at this point I truly felt like we were beginning our journey. Irene is intimate with narrow alleys and secrets of Hong Kong so we were free to gawk and take photographs as she led us into the bowels of the city. We climbed the stairs off an alley to a wonderful shop full of Chinese paper, paint and brushes. It was heaven... it was cheap... and they took credit cards. It was hard to say no to quality of the materials for the price... so I had to focus on my eventual return and the three weeks between...still... it was a blast selecting a number of brushes and papers. After our art adventure we found my bank and a contraband Starbucks. Did I mention the intensity of the heat here?

We met Po Chung in the elevator of the China Club. He is the founder of DHL and founding benefactor of Metasenta. It was an honor sharing a dim sum brunch with this worldly man of the arts, philanthropic and business worlds... plus I knew that whatever food we'd have on our journey into China and Tibet... it is unlikely anything could be compared to this amazing meal.

The photo is taken from the stairwell looking into the first floor foyer. Note the gold fish in the porcelain platter embedded with porcelain erotica (figurines). It was part David Lynch and Ang Lee. Exquisitely real.

We climbed the stairs to see three or four floors of the club's collection of post war and contemporary Chinese painting, sculpture and prints - all curated by Mr. Po. We wound on the upper balcony for a view of Hong Kong I didn't anticipate. Is this real or jet lag?

no king kong in Hong Kong

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Originally uploaded by Amie Oliver

I managed to sleep for eight hours on the 15 hour flight... which was a blessing. We landed around 7pm on July 5... baggage claim, customs, et al was a breeze, mainly because there is strength in numbers. I was relieved to be navigating a strange airport and its potential mysteries with new friends.

After losing everyone while waiting for my luggage (one's bags are the last ones to arrive in the carosel when they are the first to be dumped on the flight)... Steve and the Princeton crew found the counter which handles the shuttle to the Salisbury. We managed to follow the shuttle directives (it was a little surreal) wound up on the bus with more tickets than we had people. That was a bigger deal to the shuttle driver than it was to us... everyone has their own priorities after 15 hours on a plane.

It was fun finally connecting the dots on the bus: artist with work, words with faces, etc. Upon arrival at the Salisbury we made our way through the surreal lobby (with duty free in tow) to check in with the color coordinated staff (very Lawrence Welk... but this observation was lost on the Aussies... ) ... there was a message from Irene - (wow... this is real!)... and a few surprises. I didn't expect a private room.

We met the rest of the western team (Hugh, Matt and Sarah) in the lobby and reviewed tomorrow's itinerary... the arrival of the other team members, etc. I must confess... I was distracted by the need of wifi since the Salisbury only offered a tragic internet corner in the damp cafe downstairs.

Hetty and I agreed to do a wee walk-about in the rain... since I was in search of an ATM for the Construction Bank of China and free wifi to confirm my arrival with the Harryman. No luck on either front... Hetty was together enough to email Harry for me from her blackberry while I stood in the doorway of the Starbuck's... (directly across the intersection from the Salisbury Y!) and searched for a signal...

It was a good thing, having a private room. I took every advantage of it.... stayed up late, did laundry, unpacked paint and paper... and fell asleep to an american tv show... soon enough these western comforts will be far, far away.