I do feel extremely lucky - everything I end up writing here seems to revolve around me doing something very indulgent usually involving food, friends and chatting! BUT, in my slight defence, I don't write about the boring stuff because, quite frankly, its boring. But do forgive me, if it ends up being a bit repetitive!
On Sunday, the day after the Junk Boat, I went for Sunday brunch at a really nice restaurant called the Pawn in Wan Chai. Now, for those who know me, I have a love of beautiful architecture and buildings and I have been ever so lucky to grow up and live in places with a lot of history and culture and pretty buildings to admire! In the south of France this summer (I miss you ALL SO much!) there were some of the most beautiful villages I have ever seen. I could not think of a better way to spend my graduating summer than in such beautiful surroundings with some of my bestest friends.
Hong Kong itself is sadly lacking in the sort of architecture that you would wander round and admire. The architecture in Hong Kong is incredible for the sheer scale and size of the cityscape, surely some of the best in the world. The harbour in between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island consists of a narrow strip of water that can be crossed by the star ferry in 5 - 10 mins and offers some of the most spectacular views of both sides of the harbour skyline. There are just so many buildings in one space that is really is strangely magnificent, although I never thought I would say that, and in a totally different way to other types of architecture. Indeed, on Friday, as I was headed home from work (on my ritual of taking the Star Ferry across the harbour!), I saw a couple posing for wedding photos with the Hong Kong Island skyline as their backdrop. There was something so incongrous about it, and not something you would traditionally hope to have as your wedding photo background, or maybe it is. Apparantly, if you get married here, it is extremely popular to have such a setting for your wedding. It certainly is amazing to see, and unique! and they both looked incredibly happy so thats all that matters!
Oh wow, what a tangent I have gone off on. How am I to bring this back to Sunday brunch I hear you wonder as you drop off reading this exceedingly dull post! Well, the vague point was The Pawn itself is housed in one of the remaining 'old' buildings in Hong Kong from pre 1900! It is a three story newly restored heritage building in a colonial style with a roof garden right in the centre of Wan Chai, which was a real treat in itself! Inside, it was like stepping back home, it reminded me of a British gastropub with wooden floorboards and tables and a bar and to top it off the waiters were in tartan trousers! It was a lovely setting to treat ourselves to an all day brunch menu! It is not cheap of course, and full of expat types but so lovely and relaxing. They have treats like Heinz baked beans which comes in its own serving jug!, fish and chips and poached eggs on english muffins.
Bit of a luxury, but once in a while, when you need a bit of escapism to remind you of home, it does the job!
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