Landed

I love to travel.   The thought of exploring new destinations, meeting new people, trying new food fills me with excitement.  I am so grateful that I got to visit so many places (22 countries at the last count), but no matter how much fun a trip has been, it's always great to be coming back home.  

When the plane touches down, more often than not, I find myself listing the many different things I've missed and I start thinking when and how I'll get a taste of home again. 

Do you feel the same way?

Back in the land of Bruce Lee (at the Hong Kong International Airport)

{Also linking up with Life Thru the Lens; The Good.  The Random.  The Fun;

Wordless Wednesday, Little Things Thursday, Photo Friday, Pictorial Friday}

Serendipity

Starbucks came out with a new Teavana.  Iced shaken hibiscus tea with pomegranate pearls. I just had to try it.  Even though I had to walk all the way to the plaza to get it.  While the rest of the gang were sitting comfortably at our usual coffee place, having their usual quiche and coffee, and chatting away.  Normally, I'd stay put, but (1) I love tea more than coffee, (2) iced shaken hibiscus tea, (3) iced shaken hibiscus tea with pomegranate, and (4, the clincher!) iced shaken hibiscus tea with pomegranate pearls.  There. 

Z agreed to come along and keep me company. She had her iPod and she had her strawberry banana smoothie (from the coffee shop).  She was set.  

On the way back, we spotted these pretty purple flowers by the roadside. They were just there, so pretty against a bright, yellow wall. I just had to stop and try to get a shot.  I went for iced shaken tea and got back with the tea (so good, by the way!) and a snap of these lovely flowers.  I love it when life throws you a little something extra.

{Also linking up with Life Thru the Lens; Wordless Wednesday;

The Good.  The Random.  The Fun, Little Things Thursday, Photo Friday}

Playing Tourist... Again

I've mentioned in the past how much I enjoy playing tourist in my own backyard. Especially in a place as colorful and vibrant as Hong Kong, one is bound to come across little gems --be they in the form of quaint little shops, a tucked-away hole-in-the-wall or kooky interactions with strangers. 

My friend and I were waiting for the bus after lunch last Friday.  In the rain, along Hollywood Road.  We'd been waiting for over 20 minutes and the traffic was slow-moving.  I'd been eyeing this tiny roadside "shop" across the street. It was humble. Simple foldaway tables and chairs plunked down right on the concrete sloping street. Condiments in a small tray on the table. Chopsticks stuffed in a tall, uncovered container next to it. Very local.

During a break in the traffic and with no bus in sight, I'd decided to dart across and snap a few with my phone. I'd had to balance my umbrella, crooked against my neck and shoulder, while I tried to zoom in and focus.  I got this.  It was worth stepping in a puddle or two.

When the weather is cooler and drier, I might go back and check out the food and the little dessert kiosk beside it.  

{Also linking up with Life Thru the Lens; Wordless Wednesday;

The Good.  The Random.  The Fun, Little Things Thursday, Photo Friday}

Blame It on the Rain

It's been a very wet few days here.  While I generally love the rain, it does make going out a tad inconvenient.  I love it when I'm comfortably dry at home while it rains outside. The rivulets of water that slide down the window panes, the steady shower that's like a hundred rain sticks being handled in one go, the smell of damp earth after a downpour (petrichor, it's called).

I don't particularly like it when I'm out and caught in the rain, though. I don't like having to carry an umbrella. I cringe at the feel of wet legs and feet.  But sometimes I am thankful for the rain despite the many inconveniences it brings. I am thankful for the opportunity to capture this image while on the bus the other day. I found the steady thrum of the rain on the bus somehow relaxing and was just mesmerized by the sheets of rainwater on the glass. I was marveling at how commonplace things briefly become pretty. Thank you, Rain.

{Also linking up with Life Thru the Lens; Wordless Wednesday;

The Good.  The Random.  The Fun, Little Things Thursday, Photo Friday}