Transformers 4... The Age of Extinction

The film crew of Transformers 4 have hit the streets of Hong Kong!

Last weekend while running around Sheung Wan, I came across a man with an alien sword-like-laser beam-like-machine gun strapped to his back.  Like any American, I first thought... terrorist attack!!!  Then I remembered I was in Hong Kong and thought... that's just bad fashion.  Shortly there after, I realized I was in the middle of the filming of Transformers 4.  

Here are a few pics and a couple of very short videos I took last Sunday.

The alien sword-laser-beam me up-machine gun!
(I have no idea what this movie is about... does it show?)

Actors Nicole Peltz and Jack Reynok
 taking direction from director Michael Bays

Ferrari/Transformer

                                       

While I was watching Nicole in this scene, I couldn't help but think, 
isn't she standing next to me too?
Turns out she isn't a twin, just a stunt double. 

On a side note:  As I watched the incredibly slow process of filming (15 minutes was my limit), I couldn't help but think how great it would be if I too could have a stunt double in Hong Kong!  Seriously... I can't count the number of times I have walked into a glass plate wall, fallen as a result of slippery floors in shopping malls, MTR entrances, the ramp leading down to the ferry, the slopes along side the Mid-Level escalators or how many times I have jumped on a downward escalator while thinking it was going up (driving isn't the only thing opposite here).  Not to mention the number of times my body has been used to clear the aisle, stairwell or doorway of a city bus.  

Yes... indeed... a stunt double would be great!  

Clearly the exciting news with the post isn't that I came across the filming of a movie...   that I will most likely never see.  But that I successfully loaded a video from my iPad onto my blog!!!  

Three times!!

Space Management

650 SQUARE FEET... According to Hong Kong!

What do you think?  I found this flat on a realtor's website (hence the annoying watermarks stamped across all the images... ugh!) and I think they were asking around US $4,500 per month.  No matter how many times you read that sentence, it will say US $4,500.  Let's move on.  After having viewed many flats myself, I can safely say this open concept is not normal for Hong Kong.  Builders typically layout spaces with as many small closets rooms as possible.  In many cases, the rooms are unusable once furnished with bedroom doors that can't open all the way and beds that can't be made-up easily because they're surrounded by walls on three sides.  But, this designer kept the space open, while providing privacy if needed, but still allowing for long site lines which allows one to not feel so cadged up.  

The design is smart and simple.  One paint color, one flooring and the color palette of white, shades of charcoal and accented with splashes of caramel all allow the eye to move around without interruption.   Notice how the kitchen appliances are concealed, the coffee table and stool color blends in with the rug.  The white sofa and bed simply disappear against the white walls.  Stopping the eye can make a space feel even smaller than it is.  I don't know about you, but I really like this flat.  

For the last month or so, I have been checking out realtor sites, reading up on small space planning and pinning like a fool.  For the last few years, I have ended each year negotiating a new job contract, re-applying for a new work visa, while also finding and negotiating a new flat rental agreement.  And all of this just weeks before my favorite holiday... CHRISTmas!  And to my surprise, just weeks after the Christopher Radko cartons arrived from Macys.com (yay!!), this year is turning out to be no different.  I'm moving... yes, moving. 

Again.  

Hong Kong Mid-Autumn Festival

 Happy Autumn Everyone!

Last month, while I was in the states (sorry for the delay), Hong Kong's Victoria Park was transformed with as many paper lanterns as there were tourists, for this year's Mid-Autumn festival.  Compared to years past, the 2013 Rising Moon showcased not only a refreshing modern look, but it was environmentally friendly too.

What started out as this...

And a few of these...

Saaaay... 7,000 to be exact!

This formed!  Nothing short of spectacular.

With the help of 7,000 individual LED bulbs placed into each water bottle, which created an effect that mimicked individual paper lanterns, the dome was able to take on different light effects that imitated different lunar phases.  This incredible light installation was the result of a design competition organized by the Hong Kong Tourism Board and supported by The Hong Kong Ambassadors of Design, The Hong Kong Designers Association and The Hong Kong Institute of Architects.  The exhibit was used to help celebrate Hong Kong's Mid-Autumn Moon Festival, which takes place each autumn at Victoria Park in Causeway Bay.  I only wish I could have been in town to have seen it in person!

Here are some additional light installations that were showcased in Victoria Park.

Back in the states, Spring was my favorite time of year.  After months of leafless trees, gray skies and brown grass, I always loved watching the transformation of green take place.  But now in Hong Kong, Fall (or Autumn, as it's more commonly referred in Hong Kong) is now my most favorite time of year.  There's nothing more enjoyable after the hot and humid summer's of Hong Kong, than feeling cooler temperatures and crisp air.

And dry shirts.  

Tired. Just Tired.

One of my goals is to walk the pups at least once a week.  I know how much they love getting outside.

In the heat.

With no air conditioning.

Or so I thought.  

I'm not sure how long this had been going on, but last weekend while walking, I looked down and noticed Grayson was dragging Lily!  And my first thought... "Great, now I have to bathe Lily when we get home".  

Poor girl.

And poor Grayson!