Christin and Jared in Hong Kong: Day 1

Our fist day was spent fairly close to home, on the northeast corner of Hong Kong Island. Here's a look at the miles of territory we covered (highlighted in orange)...

Since jet lag had us all up by 6AM, we decided to head out for some early morning dim sum at the Star Seafood Restaurant in Sai Ying Pun...

Weekend mornings are always packed at dim sum restaurants...

...but, fortunately, we didn't have any trouble finding a table at 7:30AM.

After breakfast, we took an easterly stroll through the streets of Sai Ying Pun, Sheung Wan, and Central...

This hair salon is just "so-so"

Perusing the many dried seafood shops on Des Voeux Road West

Stopping by the Western Market in Sheung Wan

Cutting through the cramped bazaar of Central's Li Yuen Street...

...where shops were guarded by the most unlikely soldiers

Outside the Landmark in the heart of Central

A Filipino cultural demonstration (a common sight on Sundays in Central) as spied from a walkway between Alexandra House and Prince's Building

Outside the Legislative Council building in Statue Square

Around noon, we worked our way up the Mid-Levels escalators and had brunch at the Life Organic Cafe, a great vegetarian spot...

Enjoying the comfort of the rooftop balcony

Gray's frittata

Christin's granola with soy yogurt and fruit

Katherine's mushroom omelet

Jared's poached eggs

After brunch, the journey continued up-hill...

Looking down on the Mid-Levels escalators from Caine Road

...until we cut west and reached the University of Hong Kong...

HKU's front entrance on Bonham Road

Main Building, where Katherine has her office

Outside Eliot Hall

Once we finished the University tour, it was time to head back home and rest for a bit. Just before 6PM, we ventured back out for dinner at BBQ, our favorite teppanyaki joint...

BBQ is very popular and always packed

Digging in to the grilled skewers!

We had octopus...

...eggplant, fishballs, and a host of other tiny treats

With dinner concluded, we returned home and tried to stay awake for as long as we could. By 9PM, though, the struggle was too great, and sleep took us all. A great first day!