Dates: August 31st - 9th 2024
Host: Emily Lau
Assistant host: Jesse Ehrenberg
Group size: 10 people + 2 leaders
Hosted by Emily Lau,
Award-winning musician & owner of Cloud Pine Tea + Culture
A luxurious yet down-to-earth experience curated by Hong Kong-native Emily Lau in an intimate setting. It is an offering one will not encounter anywhere else. Take the opportunity to be in one of the most fast-paced, futuristic, culturally-diverse cities in the world that is also a sub-tropical nature paradise. The purpose of the trip is to experience other-worldly cuisine and scenery, look at new things, learn new perspectives, and make cultural, creative, intellectual, and interpersonal connections.
It will be the 7th time Emily takes a group of Americans on an epic international adventure in the last 10 years. :)
Oh, and the temperature is going to be warm and balmy. And Americans do not need a visa. Just your passport.
Details:
Sample Itinerary
Travel Day August 31, Saturday
Day 1 September 1, Sunday
Day 2 September 2, Monday
Flight out of PDX with transfer
Arrival in the evening, taxi to hotel, check-in, rest
Take the MTR (subway) to Hong Kong Central District and have brunch @ Central Market, (built in 1895 as the oldest organized wet market in Hong Kong)
Explore the central district’s modern and historical architecture
Peak Tram to Victoria Peak
1.5 mile walk/hike to enjoy the breathtaking view of Hong Kong Island
Visit Tai Kwun
Hotpot dinner at a secret local spot
Day 3 September 3, Tuesday
Taiwanese Lunch @ HK branch of an TW eatery where Bobba Tea was invented!
Take the incredible glass bottom cable car up the mountain
Big Buddha
Po Lin Monastery
Lollygag around quaint seaside neighborhood Mui Wo
Sunset on Silvermine beach
Cantonese Seafood dinner in Mui Wo
Day 4 September 4, Wednesday
Hanging out @ Bird market, Flower market, Pet market
Cantonese BBQ afternoon meal at a super delicious local spot
City stroll on Nathan Road to Tsim Sha Tsui (2 miles)
Local street food on the way
Victoria Harbor Evening Cruise
Symphony of Lights (laser light show) at the Victoria Harbor
Dinner a famed and historical Indian restaurant in HK
Day 5 September 5, Thursday
Beach/nature day in Sai Kung
OPTION #1
Hiking in the expansive wilderness of Hong Kong (McLehose Trail)
Chill and Swim at secret beach
Difficulty level: It is not not difficult. 8.5 miles of up and down the mountain (fully-paved but extremely steep). There will be 2x meal breaks and stops at beaches. Expected to take 5++ hours.
OPTION #2
Lollygag all day in the seaside neighborhood Sai Kung
Day 6 September 6, Friday
West Kowloon Cultural District
M+ Museum, one of the world’s foremost contemporary art museums
Biking and walking and people watching
Dinner on Temple Street, Al Fresco
Day 7 September 7, Saturday
10000 Buddha Monastery
Squid Fishing Boat Tour
Day 8 September 8, Sunday
Day 9 September 9, Monday
6 manners of relaxation/flexible day/TBD
Fly home, arriving also on Monday
“As soon as I saw you, I knew an adventure was about to happen.” – A. A. Milne, Winnie the Pooh
“We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.” – Jawaharial Nehru
“Travel isn’t always pretty. It isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. But that’s okay. The journey changes you; it should change you. It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and on your body. You take something with you. Hopefully, you leave something good behind.” – Anthony Bourdain
To sign up, and to ask questions, please contact Emily at cloudpinepdx@gmail.com
Space is extremely limited :)