We are the stars

One of the things that strikes me about Hong Kong is the Asian diversity.  To the western eye it can be so subtle that it goes unrecognized.  I'm sure I missed quite a few non- Asian nationalities and couldn't identify a good number of the various Chinese ethnic groups but one group that did not escape me were the Muslims, who I assume were Indonesian.  In full burkas they were definitely hard to miss.  The intrigue for me really comes in because the stereotypical Muslim that I grew up seeing was more Arab than Eastern Asian.  A mosque right in the middle of downtown set my curiosity aflutter and destroyed a long standing stereotype that existed in my mind.

Asian Muslim women 

By this point we had been walking all day long! Although our hearts were content our legs were exhausted, mine actually started to burn.  BUT, we were on a mission, our last stop of the day was to be Avenue of the Stars and if our GPS served us correctly we still had about 6 or 7 blocks to walk.

As were strolled down the street Arab shop salesmen stood outside their stores verbally advertising custom made suits.  I absolutely wanted one for all my guys and perhaps a dress for my self, but budget  and time restrains would not allow such a luxuries despite its reasonable prices.  This would be on my "When I return to Hong Kong" list.

As we got closer to Avenue of the stars the scenery changes for city blocks to a city park approaching an urban waterfront walkway over looking the spectacular city of Hong Kong.

Portable grass patches to lounge on in the park

Avenue of the stars was much like the one found in Los Angeles only on the water's edge and all the stars were from Chinese cinema not American Hollywood.  Many of the Chinese greats were honored here, Jet Li, Jackie Chan, and of course the legendary Bruce Lee.  I wish I were familiar with more of the stars, I would even like to believe that although I did not recognize names that I would recognize their faces from movies I've seen. 

It was a great tourist stroll.  It seemed that there were a few conventions in town.  I saw groups of people with matching t-shirts roaming the area and taking pictures.  Even though they were also Chinese I assumed that they were from out of town and not Hong Kong natives. After a while Dude made it clear that he couldn't walk anymore and to be honest I felt the same way and was happy that we were all exhausted and ready to sit.  The sun was beginning to set and sitting on one of the many benches to marinate in the middle of this monstrous city was the only brilliant move to make.  So we sat and talked.  We talked about the things we saw and did during our long day.  We took usies, made jokes, and enjoyed family time. 

Video: Avenue of the Stars, Hong Kong

http://youtu.be/xCwrnbM-Jlo

About 7 minutes later as we all relaxed on the bench looking across the water front I felt a presence behind us.  I whipped my head around only to find a man posing behind us, peace sign in the air in true Asian fashion.  He was thrilled, wait for someone taking a picture of him AND US?!  I quickly whipped my head back the other way and indeed a women was there snapping away pictures of us and her friend.  This is the first time I can recall being in a picture where everyone else gets to pose and knows they are in a picture expect me, in this case us,  I held my hand up like "wait, hold up, stop." The lady lowered her camera.

Slowly in English accompanied by hand signs, I communicated. "Are you taking pictures of us?"

Eagerly she shook her head yes, her eyes totally lit up with a huge smile.

I pulled out my iphone/ camera "If you take pictures of me, I must get pictures of you too."

Thrilled is an understatement,  She and her friend were elated.  Now when I proposed this offer I envisioned her continuing to take our picture with her friend then taking an additional picture with my camera,  What actually happened was way different.  Out of nowhere a group of their friend came from what seemed to be thin air and bombarded us.  not a group of 3, but  instead a group of 8 people to be exact.  8 freakin' people pounced on us.  One man was so excited he swooped poor dude up in his arms like a trophy as a friend snapped pictures paparazzi style.  "Put him down!" I roared at him.  I swear he was one step away from running of with my baby, his new found exotic price.  He put Dude back down at my side and I quickly attached myself to my little one to make sure a similar or worse incident did not happen again.  As this happened camera lights flashed non stop.  How was this possible?  On Avenue of the Stars, we were the real stars and had a fan club of paparazzi to confirm our celebrity status.

They were all over us.  Hair being pulled and rubbed. Skin being touched and poked.  Pictures taken from every angle whether you were prepared or not.  If you ever see a horribly ugly picture of me I'm sure it was from the avenue of the stars picture bandits.  They were out of control and we were too shocked to help them get a grip.  After about 10 minutes of poses, non-poses, and making sure our children were not getting abducted by these well-meaning strangers, boardwalk security lerked a little closer as if to save us.  Our fan club seemed to get the message and wrapped up their photo attack, saying goodbye, and going on their way.  

The vibe around us went from 0 to 100 back to 0 within a time span of 12 minutes.

Zane:  WHAT WAS THAT?!?!?!? WHAT JUST HAPPENED?!?!?! IT'S LIKE WE WERE FAMOUS FOR 10 MINTUES!!!!!!

He was totally right.

Me: *still stunned and thanking the ancestors that we still had both children by our sides*  Zane, I think they just aren't used to seeing non-Asians and then seeing black skin and with our super curly hair and dreadlocks.... they just couldn't control themselves.

Zane: WHAT?!?!?! THAT WAS CRAAAAAAAZY!!!!!

Dude:  I don't like them *pouting, with lips poked out* they touched my WHOLE HAIR.  THEY MESSED UP MY WHOLE HAIR!!!!

That made us all crack up laughing.  It was definitely crazy and the group was definitely super aggressive.  We took a few more moments to discuss it and how it made us all feel.  They understood that we were definitely different and that the strangers got excited.  Dude was pissed that he was picked up and his hair was "messed up", Zane liked the celebrity status even though it caught him off guard.  They both said they didn't mind taking the pictures and being touched but were thankful that it didn't last longer.  Too much of that would be annoying.

Security stayed close to us for the remainder of our time on the bench.  The guy was watching over us like he was our personal bodyguard, not like we were the criminals.  That made everything just a little bit funnier to me. That 10 minutes of celebrity status made me realize that being famous was definitely not all fun and games.

Once we saw the coast was clear to move on without being the center of attention, we made our way to the Bruce Lee statue and hand print.

As we took our final pictures the sun dipped behind the buildings and the temperature instantly got cooler.  Dinner and bed were our next destination.  Today was plenty of excitement and tomorrow was time to head back to the side of the planet were we reside. 

We were super silly on the escalators and train ride home.  The night air was chilly but we knew we needed to fill our bellies and pack up on night snacks and drinks.  Poor Dude fell asleep in the restaurant before dinner was even served and didn't wake up until the next morning.  After we got our snacks we dragged ourselves up the steps and threw ourselves in the bed for a good night's sleep.  Explorations is the best exhaustion ever, top that with celebrity status, and you can expect to be asleep as soon as your head hits the pillow.

Temple time at Yau Ma Tei

metro ticket machine

After Mickie D's we went back underground to catch the metro to our next destinations.  Before descending down the high speed escalator, AlphaPoppa was approached by a sneaky looking guys who flashed him an iPhone and whispered to him "iPhone? iPhone?"  AlphaPoppa declined and as soon as he was out of sight was both cracked up.  The funny part was that each day since we'd been in Hong Kong "creepy" men have been approaching him trying to sell him iPhones.  Each time him saying no.  This absolutely reminded me of the gypsies that constantly approached him begging in Germany.  He would always be kind enough to spare them some change (Euros!!!) so I tease him that they'd spread the word to the other gypsies to make sure they asked him for money.  I couldn't pass up the opportunity of teasing him about the iPhone guys in Hong Kong, most likely trying to sell him stolen merchandise.

After one or two stopped we were at Yau Ma Tei. I had no idea what to expect all I knew is that there was a Buddhist temple a short walk from the metro station.  After about half a block we saw a basketball court occupied by a couple of teams hooping it up.  I wanted to stay and watch them for a while but I was out voted by the others to keep going.  I was really interested in seeing how well they played.  I'd hear on more than one occasion that basketball had become a very popular sport in China and I was hoping to see the relatively new fans practice their moves.

Across the street up a long staircase was a meditation garden.  We decided to go up there since it seem temple related.  The garden had benches, a pond, and structures, it felt like a stereotypical peaceful Zen garden, it felt my mom's asia garden in Florida.  It was peaceful and calm.  The kids did a great job at not disturbing the Zen vibe.  They sat on a few benched and quietly stared into the lake in hopes of seeing a big fat fish or a hoping frog.  Even though we didn't see either they seemed cool with the meditation garden.  Dude must have felt his creative photographic juices flowing because he also wanted to take lots of pictures, especially of the "rules" posted.  As I type this I realize that I should find his pictures to share with you all.  Life from the perspective of a 5 year old is always eye-opening and interesting.  After getting our peacefule mediation on we decided to walk around the block in hopes that a temple was attached to the back end of the area.  We were in luck.

Dude was really into this whole temple thing.  He wanted to see where the chanting was coming from, who was doing it, and why.  I had to keep up with him as he moved from each door entrance poking in his head to see what was going on.  Every now and then he'd whisper me a question.  He enjoyed just standing there and watching people bow, kneel, chant.  I watched him soak in and experienced the burning incense, the ritualistic movements of the monks, and the  waving prayer flags.  He was so respectful and quiet.  He's such a special little guy and definitely showed great maturity and age appropriate intellectual curiosity.  Watching him  and Zane experience the world have enhanced my once solo travel world.  They keep me free-spirited and grounded in their love all at the same time and for that I am forever grateful.

Mong Kok snacks, drinking worms

Mong Kok was packed with people and street vendors.  People were selling and buying selfie-sticks, sunglasses, hand bags, clothes, shoes, and toys; a little (no... a lot) of everything.  we strolled up and down streets trying to soak it all in.  After passing a few food vendors, we figured it was time.  Time to sample FOOD!  The first food stand to catch my eye had a few snack with which I was at least remotely familiar.  The first was stuffed dough balls, what its stuffed with can very, but its usually a sea food and veggie like cabbage, the other was like two mini pancakes with cream stuffed between. While I stood in line to get the snacks, AlphaPoppa went to the neighboring vendor to buy bubble tea... oooh, my favorite!!

Ordering my snack was not easy at all, the server/ chef know no English what-so-ever and as far as my Cantonese I had only learned good-morning, my numbers, and thank you, on the plane using a language-learning game provided with in-flight entertainment.  She was annoyed with me and I was only capable of pointing to what I wanted and holding up the amount I wanted.  All the other people at the booth were eager to help me order.  One man knew enough English to help, they all smiled and laughed with me at my awkwardness, but I really appreciated their help, they seemed to enjoy helping.  Paying also was weird trying to figure out the prices she said then figuring out the money.  AlphaPoppa must have had an easier time than I because as soon as I turned around with our snacks in hand, he was already behind me with 2 large bubble teas.  We saw a nearby park and decided to sit on a low wall surrounding the play area.  That would get us away from the crowd a little, allow us to eat comfortably, and let the kids play in the park.

Dude jetted off to the park immediately letting us know that he was not interested in what we were eating.  The rest of us were ready to try our new finds.

Octopus balls covered in sauces and shredded seaweed

Zane eating a tentacle, this dude is like the kid version of Bizarre Foods

Cream filled pancakes

I ate 2 of the octopus balls but I didnt like the sauce at all so I had to stop, to be honest even with Zane eating  tentacle I didnt realize we were eating octopus balls.  We'd had them previously in Japan prepared by my sister-in-law but without the sauce,  Her version was much better, in my opinion.  the cream pancakes were the real MVPs and were gone in a blink.  Periodically Dude ran over to check on us, he had made friends on the playground and was very aware that he didnt understand his new friends and they didnt understand him.  Playing, running and jumping, however were all their top priorities so they made the non-communicative relationship work.  While snacking Sane and AlphaPoppa were diligently sipping on that bubble tea.  All of a sudden Zane screams....

Zane: Oh my god! Oh my god! What was that? What was that?

Me: *about to panic at his hysteria* What?! What?!

Zane:  Oh my god, Oh my god, it slipped down my throat. Ughhhhh!

Me: *calming down* Oh Zane you know it's just the tapioca balls at the bottom.  You've have bubble tea before...

Zane: *more hysterical now* No! Not the ball! It was a worm, a worm slid down my throat!!!!!

Me: *back on panic level 10* WHAT?! A WORM?!?!?!  No it cant be!!

AlphaPoppa:  Ok, both of you calm down, Zane it was a noodle, I have them in mine too.

Zane: *relieved and pissed at the same time* It was a noodle? A NOODLE?!  WHO PUTS NOODLES IN A DRINK?!?!?! OH MY GOD!!!! Ughhhhh!

Bubble Tea picture copied from Google images

The straw is very wide permitting the tapioca balls at the bottom to be sucked up and chewed

In our case there was also tapioca noodles that passed up the straw

By then we were all cracking up and Zane and I were squinting through the milky colored drink trying to see these alleged "noodles"  AlphaPoppa caught one in his teeth and showed us what he was talking about.  A clear colored chewy looking noodle.  Immediately we started a game of catch the noodle while drinking the bubble tea.  

This definitely looks like a worm, but it is indeed a noodle.

After eating and waiting for Dude to finish playing we decided to try to check-out a Buddhist temple one stop down  None of us are big shoppers, so although Mong Kok was nice to see and experience there wasn't much of a reason to stick around long.  On the way back to the train station we passed a McDonald's Dude went nuts.  The idea of getting a Happy Meal in anywhere on earth was enough to make him jump out of his skin.  Since he hadn't eaten we with us we were game for letting him get his toy, hamburger, and fries.  We descended the stairs to find and underground McCafe and full McDonalds.  The line was short but EVERY seat was filled.  Hey! There go some black people! *waving and smiling* OK so we get in the line order and just like NYC needed aggressiveness while I waiting to be served the food the guys stalked people who looked like they were about to get up to get their seats.  Once seated and eating AlphaPoppa went back up to street level while the kids and I eat french fries and Dude happily bounced and feasted on his Micky D's.  All of the women at our loooong table sat and staring at me, the prettiest one looked at me and in Mandarin asked "Ni shi nagouren?"  Hey, I understood someone!!!  She was speaking Mandarin, we know a little of that!

So I answered "Wo shi Meigouren". (I'm American) She shook her head in approval and seemed satisfied enough to not ask anymore questions, but continued to look at us in a friendly way from time to time.  Once we were done, Dude pocketed his new toy we told our table mate "Zaijian" (goodbye) and headed upstairs to meet AlphaPoppa.