Hong Kong (Public Holiday special)

Venture through my day

To me, every day is special. Even if it happens to involve the most mundane of all tasks, it all ends up being a moment in the past. And even if the same day does repeat itself, there’s often a minor difference in the schedule somewhere. The place where I keep these memories is obviously my blog, and although the majority of the posts I've written tend to be based on an overarching theme (i.e. travel, food & fashion), last Thursday proved to be interesting enough to be blogged about.  

It all started with an extravagant dim sum breakfast...and two tickets to the C All Star concert later on the day.

Then it ws a nice leisurely stroll to the flower market.

 

Clearly, I have a slight obsession with roses (especially colourful ones)

Lunch was at the delicious Spanish restaurant, Espumo.

Lunch with a view

Here's a couple of pics of what we ate!

Calamari

Tortilla espanola

Ok I know eggs benedict with avocado is not technically Spanish but it was too tempting to resist. Especially since the below photo shows that it's perfect for breadstick dipping.

And here's a couple of photos of the artistic motifs in the restaurant. Pretty cool huh?

Last but not least was the C All Star concert. I'll blog about this in more detail in a separate blog post but here's a quick taster for all those who are interested/ fans of this band.

Arriving at the concert arena

Photos with our dear friend/ singing sensation

Getting ready for the show

Obviously not every Thursday is a public holiday like this one was, and clearly not every weekday can be packed with fun filled events. But I think it's fair to say that when they do occur, I tend to seize them enthusiastically and cherish every moment during the 24 hours of freedom.

Stay active & positive - enjoy each day while it lasts.

Vindolanda

Only a “simple” day trip

Sometimes in life, the best thing to do when you’re stuck on a problem (or in my case, assignment) is to leave it for a bit and come back to it a while after. Although it’s tempting to drill at the presently unsolvable question until an answer can be obtained, life has taught me that this is, to an extent, ineffective. It’s better to have a break and allow your mind to relax so that you can return with fresh ideas and clear thoughts. For many, a pause from work may mean resorting to the comforts of one bedroom, or even a quick chat with friends and family (be it online or via the telephone). In my case, there’s only one option: travel.

The four mighty pillars

Two heads on a vase

The graceful statuette

I’m sure you’ve realized by now through reading my blog posts that North East England is full of wonderful and hidden treasures. Just to name a few: Bamburgh Castle, Yarm, Tynemouth etc. All of these places have a unique and long history. Some have been well preserved in writing, while others have been retained through specific landmarks. On this very occasion, I decided to visit Vindolanda, a Roman auxiliary fort.

A bi-cultural background

Approaching the excavation arena

As someone who studied anthropology at higher education level, culture is topic that consistently arose through speech, lectures and articles. It’s a curious concept that, if we take the simplest understanding, can be perceived as the collective term used to group specific norms, beliefs, and practices associated with a particular community. There are some controversies regarding this statement, but I for one think that this is the best criteria to represent this highly complicated idea. At the Roman Vindolanda, the name immediately gives away the sort of cultural traits that you’d expect to see. Perhaps the slightly less obvious side is that this magnificent site is set against a very British countryside.

That, in my opinion, is why there is a “bi-cultural” background.

The bold eagle

But that’s not the end of the story, oh no. The blend of cultures is embraced warmly by the remainder of Hadrian’s Wall (which was originally a 122 AD northern defensive fortification established by the Roman Emperor Hadrian). Furthermore, the Vindolanda simultaneously encompasses an impressive archaeological excavation arena (if you fancy getting your hands a bit messy for a chance at discovering hidden treasures, book yourself a place online immediately). Standing firmly on the hilly landscape, I felt myself breathing in the scent of power and battle reaching back many centuries, and gazing at the minutely threaded series of historical events the site presented. It was an unforgettable moment.

Pottery and trinkets of time and history

I came back home feeling very satisfied and ready to pounce on the assignment that had troubled me much earlier.

Ending remark

So if you’re ever in need for a bit of fresh air, the Roman Vindolanda is a must-visit spectacle.

Aloha from Hawaii, Tips from a Local

Hello Lovelies!

Just based on that, you might be thinking, "who is this?  This isn't the normal post..." and well, you're right!  I'm Krysti from KrystiEncounters and I've had the most awesome opportunity to work with Tiffany, here at TheAmatureAnthropologist.  We decided to do guest posts for each other and if you would like to see what she posted on my blog, take a look here (http://krystiencounters.com/2014/08/25/durham-england-travel-tips-from-the-amateur-anthropologist). Our post is going to talk about where we come from and some places you should come check out if you're ever in the area / places to add to your bucket list.

As you can guess by the title, I live in Hawaii, but more specifically, on the island of Oahu.  I must say that it is a really beautiful place to live and I am very lucky to be able to bask in the sun and share the Aloha Spirit with those I come across. 

​If you're visiting during an Eat The Street event, I would totally go--it usually falls on a Friday.  It's usually crowded and it's cash only for most, if not all, the food truck vendors, but it's totally worth it.  You can expect to pay close to $50 per person on all the food you're most likely going to be eating (bring an appetite!).  If I were you, I would share the food with whomever you attend this event with, that way you can try out more of the ono (delicious) grindz (food).  Some of the food is a specialty the vendors are making only for that night, and you may never see them again, so get your fill, and don't forget to ask the vendors which one you have to try while you can.  You can check out my post here on the latest Eat The Street event I went to.  You can also check out their Facebook and Instagram.

If you're coming to Hawaii, or thinking about it, it's probably for the beautiful scenery, right?  I would recommend hitting up the North Shore side of the island to watch a sunset, at least once.  No matter how long I've lived here, I can't get past how breathtaking the sunsets are.  Just be careful as North Shore becomes a hot spot for sunsets and it could be hard to find parking; but don't fret too much, there's plenty beach to go around.  I recommend going about two or three hours before sunset and wade in the water or sunbathe as there will be less hectic tourists trying to frantically find parking / a good spot.

If you're into shopping, I would check out the outlet stores of Waikele before hitting the department stores in the tourist hotspots like Waikiki; don't get me wrong, Waikele is jam packed with tourists as well, but it's still an outlet store with great deals.  It's currently under construction so I apologize for the lack of pictures to show you a little more.  I think my favorite is Charlotte Russe and of course the occasional Coach.

Close by to where I live, is a newly opened place I love to eat breakfast; Rise and Shine Cafe.  Yum! I haven't gotten to try all their food yet, but rest assure, I will try.  My favorite so far was their french toast.  My friend's favorite wasn't the eggs benedict, but the potatoes it came with.

Hope can find the time to come out here one day!  Oh, and don't forget, if you're not used to being out in the sun, or a harsher sun than that of where you live, don't forget to bring a higher SPF!  If you manage to get sunburnt, go to a local drugstore and pick up Aloe Gel, as it will work wonders and feels great!

Aloha, and <3 Always,

Krysti

Profile of the (truly) amazing Krysti

Krysti is a 21 year old blogger who runs KrystiEncounters, mainly a beauty, fashion, and lifestyle blog.  The blog started as a hobby and a small space to express herself and has since expanded to be a little more organized and include other topics.  She lives on the beautiful island of Oahu in Hawaii and loves to spread the 'Aloha Spirit' to those she meets.  Krysti is currently in University hoping to get her Bachelors in Business Administration, focusing more on marketing and is hoping to get a Social Media Marketing position in the future.

Side note from The Amateur Anthropologist

Well folks I hope you enjoyed this very special blog post from one of the best and nicest bloggers I've ever met. Make sure that you go and say hi to her if you're ever in Hawaii.

Remember,

Live, Love, & Learn

x