Fish & Flowers
10 Sep 2005 — Yay! It’s the weekend at last, which means, I can spend the whole day with my friends, or Shihui at least, poor Peiling is still stuck in meetings, even on a Saturday! So the day begins with yum cha for brunch. Didn’t take pictures of the food, but what I did want you to see was this amazing struture in the middle of the restaurant that serves both as a fountain as well as a sculpture. And doesn’t it also resemble a red dragon swishing through the place, hmm… must have some auspicious meaning.
Anyway, after filling our tum-tums, it was off to the markets today! Yup, Shihui’s bringing me to both the fish and flower markets. Never been to these places in HK, supposedly more local, which is exactly what I’d like to see, so I’m really excited.
So here we are at the fish market. Just look at the road conditions — completely congested!
And so are the walkways, totally jammed-packed with people!
As you can see, there’s no actual market “building”, it’s just rows and rows of shophouses all selling fish — all sorts of variety!
We took a breather from the crowds by escaping into this shop which housed a huge tank of Japanese koi fish — absolutely stunning aren’t they?
But of course, just check out the number of medals the owner has nabbed! Though I must say, they’re looking kind of old and dusty aren’t they? No recent wins?
And if you’re not a fishy kind of guy or girl, there’s other stuff to check out too.
From these adorable terrapins…
… to these sweet little hamsters…
… to these less agreeable reptiles (though they still look quite cute from certain angles)…
… to these downright frightful vermins!!! Eeeww!!! Maggots and Uni-clawed Crabs?!? So scary!!!
Thank goodness we’re moving on to tamer grounds. Next, the flower market!
Just as busy as the fish market, and just as colourful isn’t it? It’s always a good feeling to be surrounded by so much fresh flowers! So therapeutic…
If only you could smell the roses too.
If you’re running out of arrangement ideas, there’s plenty to inspire.
I particularly like this one, so simple and chic.
Just as there are scary pets, there’re scary plants too — check out these carnivorous ones!
On a lighter note, there are these that “sprout” from an eggshell!
This bouquet is bound to sweep any girl off her feet! Especially one like me with my major sweet-teeth!
Too bad I don’t live in HK, if not, I would sure put my creative juices to the test, which is what Shihui is doing here!
And voila! Here are her creations. My favourite was the water lily one until her brother informed us shortly after that they wouldn’t be able to survive in such shallow water. Oopsie! Oh, and here are some pictures of her place:
After that it was off to the market again! But of a different kind, we’re going to the local wet market this time cause Shihui wants to 弄两手 and whip us up some dinner!
Her place is at this place called the Mid-Level, which is half-way up the Peak, which is basically a mountain. So you see, it’s so funny, to get to the market, we have to go down “the mountain” via these steep flight of steps. (You think this is bad, imagine later on, with all our groceries headed back UP! Oooh… those knees.)
Shihui in action.
My favourite, the seafood store, and all sorts of shellfish. Sambal la-la… man, I’ve been away from JB far too long, too long!
Just imagine! Those fishes in the plates are still alive! Yup, you better believe it, ‘cos in the next shot, the storekeeper is delivering the fatal blow!
Ouch!!!
Happy thoughts, happy thoughts: the fruit stall everyone.
And finally, the roast shop. And with that, we’re done!
See like pro, 3 stoves going all at once…
… Tah-dah! The final product! Actually don’t look too bad at all hey? Hey, mai-xiao-xiao, even got clam soup ok? Wah… sure didn’t know Shihui was so domesticated!