Pre-spring break excitement started the minute our airline tickets were purchased back in September. We were heading back to Hong Kong! I spent seven months dreaming about H.K.'s city life and amazing food. Although, my goal towards an exciting family adventure and rest and relaxation were quickly met with a reality check. Sibling bickering, tears, tantrums, and hormone surges (young and old) was not the family adventure I envisioned. Overloaded from being pulled in different directions from well-intentioned H.K. family members, tensions were rising. Tempers were boiling. Kids were resenting parents, parents were resenting kids. At times David and I felt defeated.
But just like all experiences we learn from our challenges, grow stronger as a family, and reflect on the lessons learned. What better way to truly understand who your kids are than out of their comfort zones and in another country. Traveling with kids is so freak'n stressful and exhausting. But I'd do it over and over and over again just to create and relive their childhood for one more day.
A family adventure is what it is...an ADVENTURE. Imperfect but truly momentous and impactful in building a healthy family unit. That realization only comes when I finally look back at all the photos from our trip. I'm filled with such gratitude to live such a mighty life.
So, without further ado, please enjoy some (way-to-many) snapshots of what it's like Growing Up Hui in H.K....
Experienced travelers.
H.K. International Airport baggage handlers.
My alternate self is home.
Background noise.
So many egg tarts, so little time. Breakfast before breakfast every morning.
We were meant for the big city.
Reached close to 20,000 steps a day.
High towers.
Sidewalk showers.
Open for business.
Side piece envy.
Jetlagged through dinner.
Even slept through dessert.
Underground sea of humanity.
Enter at your own risk.
Break from the noise.
Through the looking glass.
One of my favorite meals of the trip.
A Lego store seems to follow us wherever we go.
A humble eatery serving the best bowl of wonton noodles.
A lesson in Chinese history, first at the Hong Kong Museum of History.
Then, at the Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre.
Traveled back to the Ming Dynasty.
Searching through antiquities.
Two first born Huis.
Plus a middle child and a baby girl.
The round table.
Women who hustle.
All mango. All the time.
Always travel with loose change.
DIM SUMbody say CHEESE!
Beer for brunch.
Wipes for you and your pigeon.
Gimmicky.
We hit gold.
Truman found his match.
On the go snacks.
Cousin Belinda guided us through Central-Mid-levels. We half escalated/half stepped all the way to the top on the longest escalator in the world.
Tailor room with a view.
Off to Tai Kwun, Centre for Heritage and Arts. This compound combines new builds with historical architecture in a cohesive way.
Currently on display is Trolleys Central in the old prison yard.
Cousins who hunt for Pokémon cards.
Also boil things up together.
My world 🌎.
Rain, rain, go away.
Taking cover.
Rainy day comfort food. French toast like no other french toast.
Finding shelter.
We took a ferry to Lamma Island for a day trip.
She was in a "mood" all day.
Lamma Island is a small fishing town.
Filled with village folks.
Alley streets lined with souvenir shops and tiny cafes.
Expats serving up unique bites.
Spicy!!!
Look at ME!
Viva La Vitasoy.
Easy on the eyes.
Back on solid ground and ready for afternoon tea.
Because Japanese soufflé pancakes.
The pancake craze here is no joke.
H.K. is obsessed with all things Japanese.
Nine days of fun. With no where to run.
Time to send notes explaining why my kids haven't been at school.
Year of the Pig is starting out to be pretty fantastic!!
Not bored yet? Click here to see more pictures from our 2018 Hong Kong trip.