Young Post cadets Snehaa Senthamilselvan Easwari and Kristie Wong headed to Victoria Park to source some unusual goodies at the annual market
One of the highlights of this time of year is visiting the Lunar New Year fair. Our cadets went to the one at Victoria Park to see what's new and up for grabs for the Year of the Goat
Sushi socks
Packed beautifully in a sushi box, we thought these were delicious eats, so we made an immediate beeline to the booth. But upon closer inspection, we realised they were actually socks rolled up to look like sushi!
The mastermind behind the idea, Polytechnic University student Caluy Lin, says they wanted to welcome the New Year with something impressive. The socks cost HK$99 for three pairs and comes in seven different ‘flavours’. There are even instructions on how to roll up the socks so they look like sushi again.
Basil seed sago juice
While it might look like you are drinking a million tadpoles, this is actually a refreshing juice with added basil seeds. The seeds are said to have many different health benefits. When mixed with coconut oil, it is said to be very effective in treating skin-related problems. Basil seeds are also said to be very helpful for people with Type 2 diabetes, as the seeds are meant to help regulate blood sugar. To prepare the seeds, add them to water and wait for them to swell up so they look like sago. You then add them into any beverage you like. Think of it as a healthier option to bubble tea! A cup costs HK$20 at the market.
Umbrella Movement boxers
Occupy Central was one of the biggest news event in Hong Kong last year and supporters are still fighting to achieve their goal of universal suffrage. What can they do to remind people of their fight? How about putting symbolic yellow umbrellas on underwear? Polytechnic University student Tony Cheng thinks that the fun item will raise awareness - or at least get people talking.
You might wonder how popular would want to buy boxers with yellow umbrellas all over them would be. Much to our surprise, the students have sold 200 pairs since the fair began. Grab yours for HK$38 if there are any left.
Magic Goo
It's hard to miss the big bubble in front of this stall. Originally from Germany, Magic Goo is a polymer-clay-like product which you can blow it into a bubble. While it's similar to the common magic plastic balloon toys that we have in Hong Kong, bubbles made with Magic Goo can last for more than 40 minutes, much longer than the local ones. You can blow a giant bubble of up to 50cm in diameter and also change the bubble's hue by mixing different coloured Magic Goo together. This is definitely fun for both adults and kids. You get three packs for HK$99.
Bread phone holder
OK, there is nothing groundbreaking about these phone holders. But look at those expressions, they're just so cuteeeeee. There are three slots in the loaf of bread where you can put your phone, but also your Octopus card, MP3 player, or anything else you want close at hand. The best thing is that the holders are soft, you can squeeze the cuteness out of them, or take your stress out on them (but we're not sure how you could be mad at such an adorable thing).
DIY ice cream ship cushion
Like the real thing, the cushion can be divided into two parts, the cone and the scoop of ice cream. There is a space in the cushion for a box of tissues, and "toppings", such as the tiny colourful "sprinkles" with letters of the alphabet so that you can spell out a message on your faux-frozen treat. For HK$168, you can get the cone, ice cream and three toppings.