My trip to Asia was a world wind! I went to Taipei, Seoul and Hong Kong. Flying 6 times especially with two 13 hour flights, it took me a while to get my bearings when I got home.
I was in Taipei for a weekend getaway and the main purpose was to eat their street food and street meat! I never new Taipei was known for their street food, they put other cities and countries to shame.
I did do my nails prior to leaving Vancouver thinking I will get a blinged out Asian manicure while I am away. Let's just say it did not pan out as I thought it would. My friend and I were exhausted from a day filled with shopping and eating so we decided to go get a manicure. Mind you, this was about 10:30PM. We were in a pretty bumpin part of town near our hotel. However, I did not recall ever seeing a tattoo shop or a body piercing place. Hummers parked on street corners in Asia. So gangster. Regardless, we finally saw a nail salon that was open!!! We practically ran in because we wanted someplace to sit and get pampered. Boy oh boy were we in for a surprise. This two seater place also had a bed in there for girls to get eye lash extensions ... in the open. We sat down and we knew it was a mistake. The vibe from the place seemed like they catered to a specific type of late night career woman. Then the girl doing my nails started FILING off the polish instead of using nail polish remover. I almost cried. Because they only spoke Mandarin, I was in no luck. I was locked in for the rest of the ride. Turns out the polish was Shellac-ish. I had the worse time getting it off when I got home and my nail underneath was scratched up :(
So ladies, don't go to some random hole in the wall at around 11 in the night to get a manicure. Wait until daylight when you are well rested and level headed.
I thought I would score lots of cute DIY knick knacks while I was in Korea. But no such luck and no such time. However, while I was in Hong Kong my BFF Vivian took me to the fabric district. I was in HEAVEN. It was basically blocks of stores selling fabric, trims, beads, buttons, bindings, findings, crafting goods ... just EVERYTHING!!! This area is called Sham Shu Po in Kowloon.
One of my favorite places in that area is Accessory Republic Company Ltd. Not only was their selection HUGE but their prices were so CHEAP (to the eyes of a Canadian crafter that is). The ladies working there were more than helpful! If you have a project in mind they will let you know exactly where each component is and would give you detailed tips and tricks as well. Let's just say these ladies know their stuff and around the neighborhood too. If they didn't carry something they will direct you to a shop nearby.
All in all it was a good trip! I didn't leave my heart in any city but I did leave one of my best friends in Hong Kong. Technically, I didn't leave her there, she moved there hahaha. Vivian, I was glad I got to be with you 24/7 for a couple of weeks until the next time I see you!
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