Halloween with the Cheungstones

Hong Kong loves Halloween. It's one of the most celebrated events of the year. I'm not quite sure why. It might have to do with how superstitious people are here. Cantonese people have a huge fascination with ghosts and goblins. Their version of Halloween is called "yue lan" which occurs at the end of August when ancestral spirits roam the city for 24 hours. But because Hong Kong is a big international city and people have a desire to adopt everything Western, Halloween is a big deal here. The practice of TrickOrTreating is not a common practice from our observation. Stores don't advertise candies and kids didn't ring our doorbell in the evening to fulfill their sugar appetite.

Many people dress up in costumes and roam the streets to check out how their outfits stack up with others'. Streets are barricaded and specific routes are set up days ahead to direct traffic to the parade or parties at the bar street, LKF.

Deterred by the huge crowds around LKF, we decided to party at a lounge/restaurant in Central called Zuma.


Fred and Wilma Cheungstones - Pre-partying at home.


There are security guards/cops at every major intersections to guide people in the right direction.


Most of the sidewalks were set up to go in only one direction. Overall it was a very orderly night. Getting home at the end of the night was tough because most taxi's were holding out for long haul customers since the demand was so high. All trains and buses shut down after midnight.


Get there by 11PM or deal with the huge line, even if you've prepaid.


Special guests were photographed at the entrance by professional photographers so I decided to join in...not sure if she was a star or just a random guest.


Look, it's Daniel Wu! Cantonese actor/producer/martial artist, born and bred in Berkeley, CA.


Before 11, everyone was congregating around the bar for the free Belvedere Vodka.


At midnight, the lounge was only half full. At 2AM, there was barely any room to maneuver on the dance floor.


Russell from the Disney 3-D animation, Up.


Some cheerleader friends.


A bunch of our friends visited Lijiang, China and came back with tribal outfits.


Snow White and her dwarfs.


My favorite of the night, Predator!


Not sure who these girls were. Every minute of the night was a bit fuzzy and dark.


I think we freeloaded Vodka shots from these people.


Another Fred in the party! Hottest mermaid I saw all night :)


Not sure what this scene was. I think these are blood thirsty zombies attacking a Central bag lady.


Mario and Luigi!


Warrior girl


Darth Maul