"Day at the Races" and "Eating and Shopping "

Day 26 - Hong Kong, China

We had noticed yesterday that Theresa had developed an allergic reaction on her arm. We woke up at 4am and noticed that it had significantly worsened, spreading to both arms and legs. So we took a walk to see if there were any stores opened that sold Benadryl. Only 7-Elevens were opened and they did not have it. Surprisingly, there were still people out drinking. We witnessed a fight breaking out, we took cover in a doorway. The one tall, skinny, euro guy who started the fight, breaks away and runs past us and jumps in a cab. Pretty funny because he was running like a little girl.

At 8:30am, we called Theresa's aunt and uncle. Her uncle then took us to their family doctor for a 9:30 am appointment near the peak. The doctor said that it was likely an allergic reaction to some medication that she had been taking and prescribed some anti-histamines and a steriod cream. We were in and out within 30 minutes. Amazing to get an appointment on a weekend with no unnecessary waiting times.

Today was our day at the race track in Sha Tin. When we arrived, we walked through the owner's parking lot. It was basically a Mercedes car show. There we had lunch at the Hong Kong Club box with Theresa's uncles, aunts, and cousin. It was an appetizer and dessert buffet and we both ordered prime rib for the main course. Theresa and I won three quinellas. Too bad we were only playing $10 HKD a number, which is not even two US Dollars. We started doubling our bets, but had less luck. After the 7th race, Theresa went dress shopping with her aunts while I hung out with my uncle and aunt for the rest of the racing day. We were up more than 300 HKD at one point, but came out even at the end.

We then went with my uncle and auntie to dinner at Amigo in Happy Valley. It used to be a Spanish restaurant, but now it's a French restaurant with a Spanish theme. It kind of reminded us of Bern's in Tampa, but more formal. We were given small Amigo notepads with our names on it. So fancy. We had escargot and caesar salad for appetizer. Theresa mistakenly ordered an ox tail soup as another appetizer. For the main course, my uncle and I both had the duck fillet with mushroom sauce and my auntie and Theresa both had the ox tail stew. We were too full for dessert, but still got complimentary chocolate covered ice cream balls on a stick. Perfect.

After eating so much for lunch and dinner, we realized that we can not eat like this everyday.

We met up with Theresa's cousin at Tonic in the SoHo area to end the night.

Day 27 - Hong Kong, China

We woke up to find that Theresa's skin is doing much better. Hopefully, people at the stores won't freak out when she tries on dresses.

For lunch, we met up with Theresa's college friends, Jenny and Eugene and their baby, Jake, for dim sum at Lei Garden in the IFC building. Very tasty. We noticed how great the customer service is here. This woman was saying she was cold and the waiter brought out a wrap for her to use. I can't imagine that happening at a dimsum place in the states! After stuffing ourselves, Theresa went dress shopping with Jenny while I had drinks and snacks with my uncle and aunt near Central.

Eugene's aunt owns a clothing shop that specializes in name brand discounted items (Prada and Armani jackets for about $100 USD and suits for $150 USD). I ended up buying a reversible hugo boss jacket. Theresa struck out - she was hesitant to buy anything knowing the limited space we have in SF.

We then headed to Kennedy Road to meet up with Theresa's aunt and uncle for pre-dinner drinks. Theresa is getting good at giving cab drivers addresses - "Keh nah dee DOH." We've learned to just say English very fobby, and we can usually find our way. Her uncle's specialty is gin and tonic. He was happy that he now had another drinking buddy. For dinner, we went to Chi Fu with her aunt, cousin and grandma. We had steamed fish, sweet and sour pork, vegetables, eggplant clay pot, and vermicelli with beef. After dinner we went back to her grandmother's and hung out looking at old pictures.

Afterwards, we went out with her cousins Michelle and Willy for drinks in SoHo. They had a good time making fun of Michelle in front of her boyfriend.

For the pictures of Days 26 and 27, go to: http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=theresang1977&target=ALBUM&id=5394950523694938017&authkey=Gv1sRgCMfZnr_gnObjJQ&feat=email