Dragon Babies and the influx of babies in China!

Last week was Chinese New Year and the start of the year of the Dragon! In Chinese culture, many Chinese women in China are superstitious in feeling that because the year of the dragon is the “luckiest” year in the lunar calendar, they need to scramble to have a “dragon baby” this Chinese Zodiac year.  I have been reading that there has been a surge in the number of mainland China women going to Hong Kong to give birth in order to avoid China’s one-child policy, which is now prompting authorities to cap the number of births permitted in the former British colony.

Parents across China right now are aspiring to produce “Dragon Babies” in the hope that the symbol, long associated with emperors, power and intelligence will bring wealth and luck. Doctors have warned some women may even turn to illegal means to dodge the cap. Newspapers have reported cases of mainland women illegally crossing the border and skirting the rules by going straight to emergency rooms in public hospitals to deliver their babies. As a special administrative region within China, Hong Kong largely runs its own affairs under the “one country, two systems formula.” Hong Kong also has its own currency and legal system — the “one child” rule does not apply. Who knew that the year of the Dragon could cause a baby boom! I thought you might find this topic interesting – what are your thoughts on the topic? Next year is the year of the snake in the lunar calendar and it is speculated there will be a drop in baby births in China.

CHECK OUT LE TOP CHILDREN’S CLOTHING AT
www.letop-usa.com

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Serenity in the Midst of Clamor

Paul and I are presently in Hong Kong – diligently working on the development of the upcoming Spring 2011 le•top, le•top baby and rabbitmoon collections.  We love Hong Kong (Paul’s birthplace) – it is a truly exciting city – the pace is fast and everyone seems to always have a purpose.  This is a fabulous place to absorb energy and excitement!  However, there are times that we miss our ‘other’ home in California – a place that is quiet and peaceful.  Yesterday we discovered that we could experience serenity – surprisingly enough right in the middle of Hong Kong!

Paul’s brother Anthony invited us and other family members to visit the Nan Lian Garden – a place we did not even know existed.  This is a classic Chinese style garden, in the style of the Tang dynasty, that was built over a period of more than 5 years.  The garden covers an area that is over 8 ½ acres – with meandering paths that take you on a journey that results in calm and tranquility.  Beautiful rocks – some so huge we wondered at how they could have possibly been transported – and grown trees were transported in from areas deep in China.  The garden was designed with attention to the minutest details – the buildings in the garden were all constructed using ancient building techniques – everything is put together without the use of nails, just as they did centuries ago.  There are ponds with large koi fish, waterfalls and beautiful plants. 

This garden is part of the Nan Lian Buddhist Nunnery – and held in trust for the enjoyment of the public.  There are no entrance fees – but a strict set of rules that everyone follows – no touching of the garden elements, no shouting or running and in general that visitors show respect.  The moment we entered the garden we felt a sense of peace descend – truly magical!

There is a special restaurant in the garden, maintained by the nuns, that serves vegetarian cuisine of the highest quality, appearance and taste.  We were treated to a very special dinner by Anthony – every one of the ten courses of the meal was entirely vegetarian – following Buddhist traditions that revere all living things.  I could not believe how delicious and varied the dishes could be!  We had a truly special experience – one that I will never forget.

If you are ever in Hong Kong take the time to visit this very extraordinary place, literally a stones throw from streets thronging with people and shopping areas filled with modern amenities.

Nan Lian Garden
60 Fung Tak Road
Diamond Hill – Kowloon – Hong Kong
www.nanliangarden.org
(click the English button on the bottom right)

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Deck the Halls…from Hong Kong!

I loved hearing from ‘home’ that our office is getting all decked out for the holidays! Paul and I are here in Hong Kong, working on next season’s collections and we always miss home, especially as Christmas approaches. 

Here in Hong Kong – in our ‘other home’ – we can also get into the season – because Hong Kong puts on a huge display of Christmas lights and decorations!  I feel just like a little kid – ‘ooing and ‘awwing as we drive past some of the fabulous Christmas displays.

Paul and I will be home for the holidays with our family – but here is a view of our version of ‘getting into the spirit!’

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Working in Hong Kong

Our fabulous pattern maker

Well, it was time to bid a fond farewell to Hong Kong, at least for a few months. Paul and I and our hardworking staff have put together some pretty spectacular items for next season! Our patternmaker does a great job! (That is him standing over his work table.) I want to share a couple of photos we snapped before leaving – including us enjoying some cake at the factory.

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Hong Kong Light Show – PartII

Okay, I just had to share this photo with you! Last night we were driving past one of the hotels in Hong Kong and they did these amazing lights on the trees out front! I had never seen this effect – the lights are shimmery blue – and they covered the trees and the ground underneath them. Some how it just felt magical! I was not the only awestruck passer-by; there was a crowd of people admiring the effect. Sorry the photo is a bit blurry – this is from the i-phone! I cannot wait to get home, sometime next week, and take in all the lights in San Francisco – we put on a pretty good show there as well!

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’tis the season…in Hong Kong!

Hong Kong skyline laser light show (photo credit: Hong Kong Tourism Board)

My husband Paul and I are in Hong Kong; working very hard on next year’s le•top collection (we are going to have really cute clothes!). We did take a fun break the other evening, because neither one of us wanted to cook dinner after a long day at the factories! We went to the Intercontinental Hotel and had dinner in the coffee shop/lounge area. Believe me, a burger here is special – because there are huge wrap around windows with a view of Hong Kong harbor.

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