End the Year Strong: Sheung Wan of a Kind

Sheung Wan of a Kind is the first leg of End the Year Strong series. Expect some keepsakes, new discoveries and a bit of couple coordinates since I roamed the north-west part of Hong Kong Island with my other half, Butch.

Exchange visits make any long distance relationship a little more exciting, so coming back to the boyfriend's homeland last December was definitely a high.

Before the visit, we had agreed to treat each day as a holidate since it's the most beautiful time of the year and we haven't been on a physical date for months. But that's the beauty of LDR - the less frequently you see each other, the more you appreciate the time you spend together.

So, here are some snaps from an afternoon in Sheung Wan that made our first holidate wonderful:

In a neighbourhood that seamlessly blends the old and young Hong Kong, 

the best way to really experience the place is to get out the street level and explore. 

A street made of stairs. Where the film The World of Suzie Wong had some scenes shot.

Although there's not much of sightseeing going on, we walked up and down the 

350-meter "ladder" and enjoyed the idyllic throwback 50's vibe of the street.

The surrounding colonial-style buildings with jutted windows, laundry on hangers and 

walls that are either black with dirt or covered with graffiti offers a stark contrast.

A smorgasbord of inspirational ideas around every post (and corner too). 

On our way to a temple, we came across Upper Lascar Row aka Cat Street by chance. 

It was the perfect way to start the wandering process.

There's a lot of trinket stalls scattered along this lane.

I could spend every damn day strolling in Bridges Street. Each corner is a 

picture-perfect hangout spot. I promise - it was Instagram heaven.

My eyes are very pleased. 

Graffiti greets you at every turn. 

A vintage boutique with its own faux optometry store. 

There's a lot of hidden gems in there. Too bad we can't take photos of them. 

We also did a walk along Caine Lane and visited the Hong Kong Museum of Medical Sciences. 

We absolutely fell in love with this three-storey, century-old building. 

It's all in the architecture. No words. 

I loved how the figurines on the ridge make a

pleasant contrast against the background of residential developments. 

One of Hong Kong's oldest temples. Taking over the camera once in a while. 

Giant hanging incense coils.

Locals come here to worship the venerable deities Man (God of Literature) and Mo (God of War).  

Getting my thoughts in order. A hazy perfect place to gather my zen.

On our way back (to our itinerary), we then stumbled upon happiness. Tucked in between 

two streets: Caroline Hill and Haven. That beautiful royal blue façade though. 

Impressed by the items I could find here ranging from clothes, hats, gifts, 

movie posters, pottery to vinyl. All vintage yet the items look current and edgy.

Another retro shop with a relaxed atmosphere. It stocks vintage goods 

from high-end brands including Chanel and Hermès. 

We landed to another mecca of old things. 

More antiques! Never enough.

In his element.

To him, happiness is a heap of (working) film cameras. 

I loved this globe but sadly didn't have any space to bring it home. Le sigh. 

It's not possible to choose just one. 

Sidewalks built of old finds. 

Street gems.

Observing how locals wander.

Nook after nook selling vintage goods in bags and full boxes.

Instagram-worthy sidewalk. 

Wonder walkway.

Places to check out: 

• Cat Street 
• Select-18
• Mido Eyeglasses
• Hong Kong Museum of Medical Sciences 
• Man Mo Temple
• InBetween 
• Hipster 9
• Hui Chun Arts Antiques

Photos by Butch Domingo and Lad Argonza