Hong Kong, CHINA - "All That Jazz"

Continuing on with our backpacking trip (I use this term as loosely as Pam Anderson's morals) we arrive at the five star, Island Shangri La Hotel to meet my "God Sister" Courtney Lemmon. With a stellar voice, Courtney's back on the island for her second music contract, this time singing six nights a week at the Lobster Lounge. Hong Kong truly was our oyster, exploring the vibrant metropolis by day and come dusk front row seats to our favorite jazz singer. Life was great...maybe a little too great!

On a fine Monday evening we did our best to visit what would seem to be every club, bar and lounge on the island. This night had debauchery written all over it... Vodka and fur coats in a Russian freezer, champagne in a ping-pong club, Patron and a stripper pole, and martinis, oh so many martinis, while surrounded by 50 birds swinging in cages and a 100 models strutting around to the bumpin' music! But, what night would be complete without a little passionate romance? With my arms grasped around his neck, my hair swung over my shoulders, sweat dripping all over my body, the toilet and I became inseparable for the next 24 hours!

After a night of sashaying around town, it's safe to say my fling with alcohol is over! With a full day of rest, our socks pulled up, sun visors on, and our fanny packs loaded, it was time to do some serious sightseeing. The next two days we covered the horse races, the big Buddha, Repulse Beach, harbour fairy trips, many markets, and views from the Peak, the Bank of China town, the Intercontinental hotel. All of which were unmatched by the view of Courtney's bedroom on the 42nd floor of the Island Shangri La Hotel.

Courtney, we laughed, I cried, and we danced adorned with swimming goggles and hair donuts. I wouldn't have had it any other way. It was wonderful spending time together, we adore you. Thank you. I love you so much.

HK, to me you are a banana split. Delicious and tasty, but not great for my body. All in all, your international feel and endless energy has earned you a spot as one of our favorite cities.

Jade and Ken

Nanning, Guilin, Yangshou, CHINA - "Thank You, Mr. Chen."

Our first destination on our quick southern tour was Nanning. We arrived at night and have never seen a city so beautifully lit up. Lights adorned every free inch as it tastefully painted the sky. Nanning is a young booming place, much like Calgary. What it lacked in historical sites, it made up for with its stunning architecture.

After a brief tour of Mr. Chen's traditional Chinese headquarters - with an office fit for a king - it was off to karaoke. After Ken "ganbei" 30 shots of brandy, I'm sure we made Canada proud with our own rendition of "Achy Breaky Heart." After our group's ears had enough, it was time for us to retire back to our five star hotel.

Our personal Audi A8 was waiting for us at 7:00 am, next on our tour is Guilin. In our eyes Guilin was like a cheap reproduction of the "Mona Lisa". Naturally breathtaking, it's a vibrant city set within mountains. Come night fall it looked more like a cheap whore with too much make-up! Unlike Nanning the lights were tacky. It wasn't until our boat ride the next morning that we discovered the simple beauty at Yangshou, an hour outside of Guilin. Here we peddled our way - as best friends do - through the countryside. The farmers, and their traditional Chinese homes (over 400 years old) warmed our hearts.

Mr. Chen kept his promise and more by showing us the true beauty and character of China and its people. Thank you Mr. Chen!

Ken & Jade

Beijing, CHINA - "The Heart of China"

Our trip began in the capital city of Beijing. It has won over our eyes and hearts much easier than our stomachs. With majestic sights such as the Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, and the Forbidden City. It's not hard to believe why China chose Beijing for it's breakout party for the Olympics in 2008. What we didn't know was that it is full of character, a thriving art scene, and amazing shopping. The modern architecture spotted throughout the city blew our minds, and the 798 art district is like no other place we've seen in the world.

It was here that we met my dad's friend and billionaire business tycoon, Mr. Chen. At our first dinner he declared his plan to kidnap us and show us the best of China...

Jade

CHINA - "Mystery Meat"

China. What to say about China? It's been a culinary delight! There is no such thing as a picky eater in this country. Who wouldn't love such delicacies as snake duck soup, chopped piglet, snake wine, squirrel fish, shark fin soup, oily popping peaking duck skin, and of course bijou to wash down every nasty mouthful? Looking back the Chinese wine (more like gasoline) eased our nerves and killed our taste buds before putting mystery organs into our bodies. The Chinese say, "Eating eyeballs are good for your sight, and feasting on brain will increase your I.Q." Mmm...that's hard to believe!

Ken & Jade

Calgary, CANADA - "Off We Go"

Ken & I have booked our flight to Asia... and with only twelve hours before take off! I have chosen not to sleep this evening, in order to do a few last minute things. Like creating this travel blog with less than four hours before we head to the airport! And, I'm still deciding what I should cram into my backpack for the next three months. Only three tank tops for the whole trip?! This is harder than I thought it would be.

First stop, Beijing, China.

Jade