Red tide

Such a waste that the beach has to be closed at a time of maximum visitors.

Sail away...

Fancy a paddle?

Awww, aren't these pleasure boats just cute? The belong to Silvermine Beach Resort, which seems to be heading in the right direction by making full use of its location to promote holiday activities. 

Can I have one in the shape of a swan please?

O pretty day

My colleagues say I never need to go away for a short break because "every weekend is a holiday for you". I must say when the sun is shining in Mui Wo, they might just be right.

Sunny days

After weeks of miserable weather (notice how uninspired I was at posting?), Mui Wo is basking in the sun again.

Isn't it wonderful how the two sunny days have coincided with the weekend? The restaurants are packed and hikers are out in force... it's perfect holiday weather!

Some sun-worshippers even braved the cool sea water.

Video tour of Mui Wo

Ever since I started this blog, I've been getting queries about Mui Wo from a few people considering moving here (yay).

I will be posting some Mui Wo FAQs later but, in the meantime, Youtube has a video that gives you an idea of the faces and place in the area.

I can't figure out the code on blogspot that will ensure that the right side of the screen isn't chopped out but you can view the high definition of the video on Youtube.

Tai O day trip

I've always seen people queuing up for the No 1 bus to Tai O during the weekend. It looked like a fun place to go for a day trip. We finally made it there yesterday.

The 45-minute bus ride had lovely views but I got terribly car sick. Must remember not to sit on the side of the slopes again because it can get quite claustrophobic.

But it was worth it. The fishing village on stilts was unbelievably filmic, with fish laid out to dry, live seafood splashing round in tubs and pretty houses the size of a garden shed everywhere.

There's lots of eat along the streets: grilled scallops (with extra garlic for serving), maltose syrup candy sandwiched between two crackers, glutinous rice cakes, pressed squid... you could fill your stomach just walking through the village.

But when it came to nice sit-down restaurants, there didn't seem to have many. Most were simple cha chan tengs decorated with an abundance of mosaic. Finally, we found a lovely spot along Kat Hing Street.

Shop-cum-restaurant The Balcony is a fairly new place, overlooking the river and a nice renovated stilt house. It serves espresso coffee (very important for Buffalo Wilbur), a selection of snacks and some local dishes. Go for the egg-yolk prawn. They peel the prawns for you so you can just pop them into your mouth like bar snacks.

How to find it: Cross the swing bridge, walk to the end of the road to Fook Moon Lam restaurant, turn right then continue on till you get to No 86 Kat Hing Street. (Tel: 9153-7453).