 |
|
|
|
Hong Kong Shopping Festival
Lucky reader Silvia Vanderliek won a trip to Hong Kong to attend the city's incredible Shopping Festival. Check out her online travel diary and find out what she bought, where she stayed and where you must shop!
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
Silvia and her husband, Joe Vanderliek
|
|
1. How did you react when you found out you've won?
Joe and I never win anything. We were so excited to find out that we won the
trip to Hong Kong. At first it was almost disbelief.
2. What did you think Hong Kong it would be like?
Neither Joe nor I have ever been to the Far East. We have seen pictures when other friends and family traveled there and knew that the geography of China was quite beautiful. I also teach many students from Hong Kong and they tell me how lovely it is.
However, we had no idea how lovely the people are. It was such a treat talking to some of the local people in the shops and markets. They were very personable and made every effort to speak English. We came to realize how multicultural Hong Kong is; very much like Vancouver. It was easy to become familiar with the transportation system and people were always willing to help out if we were unsure of where we were. In fact, Joe and I discussed (hypothetically) the idea of living there for one year, if we could both leave our jobs, just to really experience life there.
3. Can you give us your comments about the contest (shopper of the year) from an entertainment and organizational point of view? How strategic it is for tourists in order to get acquainted with the city?
I believe that the objectives of the contest made in necessary for contestants to familiarize themselves with the city. Fortunately Joe and I were on a prearranged tour the day before and had an idea of the various markets and tourist attractions in Hong Kong. It is different than just being a tourist; we feel as though we saw the sights in six days when normally, visitors would take two weeks to explore the area.
The contest itself was amazing. The work and effort that went into the
preparations must have been incredible. We were very impressed with how available people were to answer questions and explain procedures to us. We had a lot of fun with the other contestants and the people associated to the "Canada team". We were constantly amazed at the amount of press present
at the event, and all of the attention we recieved.
4. Can you describe your four assignments and challenges and how did you accomplished them all? And why did you get what you got?
We were required to purchase something for a colleague for the first challenge. The previous day, when we were on the tour, the guide told us
that parents buy their infants jade bracelets, to protect them from evil spirits, and ensure a healthy life. One of the teachers at work just had a
baby in July, so we thought it would be a nice gift for her new born son.
The second challenge was to buy an item for a relative. Joe's son is trying out for the Canadian Wushu team in the Spring, and wanted a new out
fit. We found a Martial Arts supply store, and purchased the outfit, a broad sword, and shoes. The shop keeper gave us a carrying bag for free.
The third item was to be a meaningful keep-sake to remind us of our trip to Hong Kong. On the tour the day before the guide had told us that in five
years the "Junks" (fishing boats) would not be seen in the harbour, as the fishermen could no longer make a living, and that the younger generation is looking for employment in the city. Joe and I thought that a carving or painting of a junk would be a memorable souvenier. It took us about an hour and a half, and after searching in a variety of stores we found a crystal junk at the Hong Kong Tourism Board gift shop. We have had so many compliments on it from our friends.
The fourth item was to purchase something for ourselves, so we bought a digital camera. You can't go to Hong Kong and not buy some type of
technology.
|
|
|
|
Next page |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
 |
|
| |
OR |
|
| |
|
|
| |
 |
|
| |
|
|
|
