Shanghai - April 2019

First trip since December. No need to go as frequently this year as the project I was leading has completed.

Came in on Easter Sunday and spent Monday with some Sydney friends who are visiting.

Stayed at The Langham the first night as I had a free night and it is still my favourite hotel in the world I think. I then moved to Intercontinental Pudong which is close to my office.

Sunday night I had hotpot in Xintiandi...



Tofu in brown sugar. Yum !

Buffet breakfast was included and it's really good. There's even a noodle making guy...

On Easter Monday, I took my friends around Xintiandi and the French Concession which are areas that I know well.

Had a break at Coffee at Uncle No Names in the French Concession...

Tian Zi Fang in the French Concession...

Street scene in the French Concession...

Headed to the South Bund Fabric Market to have some suits made...

Being measured for a new suit...

Ended the day with a well deserved drink at Calix in Xintiandi...

Tuesday I headed to work. Here's the view from my office...

On the Tuesday night I took my friends to Lost Heaven on the Bund, and Sir Elly's at the Peninsula...

Had a bit of trouble getting a taxi back to our hotel and had to agree a fixed fare in the end. But we made it.

Found a local area on my way to pick up my suit at South Bund Fabric Market...

Love my new suit...

My friends headed back to Sydney and on my last night I went to Flair at the Ritz Carlton. Wasn't a great night but this bar had been on my list for a while. There was some function for the motor show and I only got in as I was by myself. Had dinner and drinks here then walked back to the Intercontinental, 2.4 km straight down Century Ave.

Next day headed back to Hong Kong.

Hong Kong - April 2019

It's Rugby 7s time. I was given 2 tickets for all 3 days...

Went back to my old favourite ramen place in Sheung Wan. Love the black ramen..

Callum came to visit...

And we went to Shenzhen one day. I really needed those shoes. Really !

Joined a new gym - Pure...

Went to a Rugby related function at the Hong Kong Yacht Club which was a bit tricky to get to, even though it's in Causeway Bay. This is the view looking back to Wan Chai...

And across to Central...

This is the view of some random building from Tai Kwun...

Tried a new cafe for breakfast. In Staunton St next to the escalator...

Friday of the 7s was a Public Holiday - Ching Ming Festival. Went to the 7s on Friday evening. Australia were thrashed by NZ !

Walking home. Of course LKF is even crazier than normal !

I couldn't find cake tins anywhere. But then in Sheung Wan !

Sydney - March 2019

Quick trip home to see the family. Took the day flight on a Friday. Flew Premium Economy which was nice and I got some sleep !

Alex and Eliza picked me up. Great to see everyone.



Saturday hung around at home doing chores. Brunch at St Ives with Jacqui.

Sunday had brunch at Narrabeen.

Later, bought a bike for Callum and went to Freshwater and had a swim. Gorgeous day. Had dinner with the family at the Greengate restaurant which has gone up market and is quite expensive. A$37 for a sirloin !

Alex has a smoothie named after her at the local cafe !

Monday drove to Canberra with Eliza and visited my mother. Stayed over at the Hutchies.

Eliza drove the first 2 hours...

Stopped for lunch at our usual bakery in Goulburn...

Tuesday drove back and did some more chores. Family dinner at Terry Hills Tavern. Had fun singing in the car on the way home.

Wednesday caught the 6am train to the airport and headed back to HK.

Great trip !