我的朋友在香港(vi)

Time flies when you are enjoying~

My second last day in Hong Kong was the only day I had time to go shopping! I dedicated the whole of Monday to be on Hong Kong island, so I could be on the trams (locally known as "ting ting") as much as possible.

That morning, I made it a point to get into Hong Kong island early enough to sit in a cafe and had a drink. I had been reading up on cafes even though I am not a fan of coffee and had shortlisted a few of them. As I was meeting some friends for lunch, I settled for one in Central named Simplylife Cafe, having my favourite - hot chocolate! I wished I could dine there but I couldn't with all the things already scheduled for the day!

Hong Kong island, especially Central, is packed all the time, I guess it is because it is the CBD (Central Business District) of Hong Kong but people seem to be everywhere at anytime. Even at 10am on the streets, you see all the people around. I wonder if the working hours are that flexible?

After a drink to start the day, I began my walk to Sheung Wan to meet an ex-colleague whom returned to Hong Kong for lunch. Coincidentally, another ex-colleague was in town with her husband, so all of us got together for a Dim Sum lunch date! It is very comforting when you meet familiar faces abroad! It was a really sumptuous lunch at Dim Sum Square, many thanks to Rebecca whom insisted on footing the bill. Look at the amount of food we had to finish!!! I even got the leftover as takeout.

After a very heavy lunch, I just had to burn them off by walking. Haha. I went to Cat Street to have a peek at the antiques market but it was surprisingly small. So I moved on to Causeway Bay's Jardine Crescent on the ting ting but along the way, something caught my attention. I spotted a market along Tai Yuen Street and immediately alighted. I was loving the fact that I was alone and I could do WHATEVER I wanted, at my own time! It was one of the best markets, competitively priced and with a lot more variety of stuff, from clothes, babies goods, food, accessories, mobile cases to stickers and toys. I would have stayed longer if I had more time.

Then I moved on to Causeway Bay to see Jardine Crescent and got a few more stuff (many bags and clothes here mainly) and also checked out a few shops that my sister and friend had requested me to see. I dislike running errands for others on a holiday but since I was almost done with what I wanted to see, I gladly ran along. It ended up they didn't want to buy anymore and I bought myself my most expensive shoes from Melissa! Damn, those shoes still bite me, whoever said Melissa doesn't hurt??

Thanks and no thanks to the free data plan, my phone was almost dead before the evening. My last run in Causeway Bay was to get Hang Heung wife cakes for people back home, arrghhh, I hate this but just gotta do it.

Then it was a mad rush getting back to Soho where I met an old friend for Tapas and drinks. It was also my first time in Soho and being on those mid-level escalators, not as exciting as I anticipated! After a couple of hours, we aparted our ways at our respective ferry terminals. I was overloaded with shopping bags by then and I wondered how I managed to get back at midnight after all those hours of non-stop walking. Then it was last hours of crazy packing and I resigned to bed at about 3am!

The following day, I decided to do in town check-in at Hong Kong station instead of getting a taxi across. So in that way, I still had a bit of time on the island, perhaps getting a decent lunch before I boarded the plane. The in town check-in was a breeze, almost effortless, and I was luggage-free to wander around! If you have a late flight, this is highly recommended!

My last mission for the trip was to get myself a magazine! It seems like a must for me to get a fashion magazine from Hong Kong whenever I visit; I had been eyeing at them since the first hour I stepped into the airport but could only leave them to the last. So heavy! I got the Cosmopolitan (HK version) which came with a super cute Tsumori Chisato water bottle.

Syn came along that morning and we had Tim Ho Wan, it was amazingly affordable but very limited variety for a Dim Sum place. But it definitely wasn't Syn's day, I didn't know how but she splattered soy sauce all over herself and in the end she lost her appetite, so I made her brought home the leftover. Awww, poor girl!

Then I boarded the Airport Express to the airport where I met Adam who was also departing the same afternoon. We went into the lounge for ice cream :) Haha. I was fed again (fortunately a different flavour) on the flight back. Sadly, Sex and The City wasn't showing and the food on the way back was worse than the flight's before. I wasn't excited to go home, but somehow I was ready to leave Hong Kong and say bye bye to the ferries.

Hong Kong, till we meet again!

我的朋友在香港(v)

The following day, I just wanted to laze in bed! Gimme a lazy Sunday anytime!

The night before, I attempted to ride on Syn's bike which was overloaded with bags and fell right within a minute of getting on it! Haha. It must be about 6 years since I last gotten on one, gosh.

Syndy suggested all the daytrips I could do to Tai-O fishing village or Citygate Outlet but I just didn't fancy a long bus ride out to anywhere. I wanted to stay still for once. I would have loved to do a morning trek but that muscle pulling in my calf wasn't encouraging me to do so. So I stayed in, did some laundry, watched the neighbour's dog and then attempted the second time on the bike to get lunch at a Vietnamese restaurant. Haha. As expected, I nearly knocked a tourist in her bum when she accidently walked right onto my path. I had the cold noodle with lemongrass pork chop recommended by Syn who said it's a hot favourite among her visitors and John. Indeed it did not disappoint!

 

After lunch, we embarked on a walk around the Mui Wo villages and visited a small waterfall. Apparently, there are quite a few villages in Mui Wo, when you do go around, you get to see all sorts of houses and very innovative scarecrows. They brought a smile to my face, seeing how creative one can get! On the way to the waterfall, Syndy adopted a stray dog which looked like it was half blind (I wonder if it was where the fleas came from. Or perhaps from the fleece jacket I accidentally dropped, a kind soul picked it up and left it on the bridge when we came from, so I found it!) This must be one of the rare trips I kept losing stuff.

After all the drama, we met John at the beach for a picnic and beach badminton. The Sunday Mui Wo beach was packed with families, dogs and people whom came over from other parts of Hong Kong. The ferry fares are also almost double on Sunday! It definitely wasn't easy playing badminton on a windy beach! But it was a good exercise. We didn't stay long enough but just about the time we finished a pack of nachos and a drink.

We went back for a rest before Syn and me headed out for a so-so claypot dinner and grocery shopping. I had a better grasp of the bike now with lesser people on the road. I love supermarkets, but I didn't get as much as I wanted with the limited luggage space I had! I gotta leave some space for all those shopping the following day which was my last full day in Hong Kong.

That night, we painted our nails and also google hung out with the girls in London and Vancouver. It was a few months since the last one. A good good night.

我们去澳门(iv)

The following Monday, I bade Adam goodbye after a good lounge breakfast and headed to the ferry terminal. The Hong Kong China Ferry Terminal was harder to get to than I thought; things didn't get easier with the unfriendly morning Hong Kong residents. It just irked me being in another big city where everybody were all about themselves.

I finally found the ferry terminal just in time to join the queue and when it was my turn, I was told I was at the wrong queue! What a day, what a start! Then I was finally queueing at the right one, and when I was about to enter, someone tapped on my shoulder and said I dropped my "Octopus Card", naturally I followed her and got out of my queue to realise that my card was indeed gone and was it stolen or picked up by someone I really don't have a clue till today. Then yes, I had to re-join the line all over again. It was really just my luck!!! Poor Octopus Card, and I hoped that dishonest person would lose all his money at the casino!

I was so occupied about my loss that the one hour ferry seemed like a breeze. I wasn't bothered about the smelly uncle sitting besides me or the noisy kids and the loud Mainlanders surrounding me. (I was onboard  Cotai Jet to Taipa). I finally surrendered and accepted that "Shit does happen during holidays!". When I arrived, I saw Syn and John waiting for me right at the exit. It just lit up my day after all the unfortunate events! I did not plan a single thing for Macau as both of them seemed to have already scheduled the day for me.

So we headed to our first stop for lunch at A Lorcha, a restaurant for Portuguese food. It was packed and we reckoned it was mentioned on some guidebooks and thus all the tourists knew about it. The food was really great though, we had seafood mixed rice, risotto style! After lunch, we went to the temple next to it, then onto the bus again to the infamous Senado Square which was done up with overdue Chinese New Year decor. It was a Saturday afternoon and needless to say, it was just so crowded. I roamed around and bought myself a cheap checkered hat from a really really old lady.

We then had a short tour inside St. Dominic's Church with a really pretty yellow facade. John left for work and so Syn and I pretty much had the rest of the day to ourselves. We headed to the Ruins of St. Paul after passing by so many touristy shops along the way, many selling almond biscuits and ginger candies. Then we sat down for a rest at the garden adjacent to it and had an aerial view of the city at Monte Fort.

After that, we were supposed to look for the bus-stop to head back down to Taipa Village where we would have dinner. But before that, we had a little walk around admiring the lovely architecture of Macau, enjoying the space and the slower pace of life compared to Hong Kong.

We finally found Rua do Regedor and began my little tour of Taipa Village. It was a cool stretch of street filled with food places, souvenirs and the usual shops for almond biscuits and ginger candies! I had a rose milk tea at the cafe Syn took me to, and she ended up watching me drink.

Then for dinner, she decided on Corto, apparently another place for portuguese food. After a long wait, we finally were ushered in, I settled on veal while the missy had duck stew. The food was alright I thought, the servers weren't the friendliest and the place was cramped. But people continued to flock in. Then it was time for a casino tour.

 

These are some of the casinos we passed by along the way to The Venetian. I would love to visit the Grand Lisboa the next time I am there, it looked just so magnificent! I had my first 100HKD gamble (sponsored by Adam) at The Venetian and alas I lost it. I wished I was more decisive in picking a table, that indecisiveness really dampened my gambling mood and luck. LOL. Not that I am a gambler, this is my second time placing a bet after my first jackpot try in Las Vegas. Then I was told I must have the Portuguese egg tart at the Lord Stow's in The Venetian. That was my last supper before we headed back to Hong Kong!

That ferry ride back to Hong Kong, without distraction, was really bad. I almost thought I needed to use a bag. Then we had to take the 1am ferry back to Mui Wo... and I was so glad when I was finally in bed!

我的朋友在香港(iii)

The following morning, I think I pulled a muscle. For the next couple of days, I was having a problem climbing down stairs. Fortunately, it didn't spoil the holiday!

I headed over to Sheung Wan to get my Macau ferry tickets (about 375HKD). It was a breeze. I also found an awesome bakery (Arome Bakery) along the way, they were selling the most beautiful cakes I saw while I was there. Wooooaa!!

Then I went over to Holiday Inn Golden Mile to meet Adam who was fashionably late, fortunately I didn't have big plans that day, so I just waited and waited in the lobby. When he finally arrived, we checked in, the room was actually quite spacious for a Hong Kong hotel, despite accomodating two beds and a working desk. After settling down, we went on a "markets exploring" trip... I suggested them as I knew he wasn't a big fan of shopping, so we could probably take some pictures.

First stop was Apliu Street market in Sham Shui Po, it's famous for electronics and gadgets. It was great place to find handphone accessories though the prices weren't really that cheap (but same as what I had seen elsewhere) but with a great variety! It was an interesting walk that barely took an hour, and not at all touristy!

 

Then we headed to the best smelling market in Hong Kong, the flower market in Mongkok. I wish I could buy them. So fresh, cheap and too beautiful! It was a refreshing walk and definitely a place for colorful photos. Around the corner, we found Yuen Po Bird Garden where many old men were standing there sharing tales and showcasing their birds (as above).

After the markets, we went back to the hotel to enjoy the lounge for the evening before venturing out for cakes. It took us a while to find the well hidden cafe in Harbour City, C'est La B; it was recommended by a friend and I have read about it as well. Pricey little cakes, but they did 'wow' me! The citrus twist (if I recalled correctly) I had was lemon meringue in a tiny pot - as sour as I like it.

It was half past ten after dessert and I wasn't just ready to head back. So Adam retired to the hotel while I kept my feet going... to the Temple Street night market. I think it wasn't accurately indicated on the map because it was a deserted area I found, then I followed some people whom were also looking for the market and found the right direction. At the start of the market nearer to Jordan, things were much cheaper but when it got towards the Austin stretch, somehow prices were more touristy. There were plenty to see, from cute cartoon thumbdrives, souvenirs, sex toys and lingeries, fortune-telling stalls, clothes, handphone accessorises to plenty more. From the sound of it, I think you can do a little bargaining.

I also chanced upon Australian Dairy Co. which is famous for their steamed milk and breakfast, unfortunately I didn't get the chance to have it this time round. There were also plenty of street dining options available along Temple street. I had a honeydew sago takeaway to go with cider for late supper (what a weird combination I know!). Later back in the hotel, Adam showed me some documentaries on Temple Street and tourist scams (women using sex as emotional blackmail), it was then I realised there was something going on in that area.

我的朋友在香港(ii)

I love grocery shopping anywhere! And so my first one in Hong Kong, I already bought these (things that I don't get to see in Singapore)... That's a Somersby PEAR cider, not the apple one!

I also bought some chips. But my "mother-in-law" Syn wasn't happy about my soda and chip diet. But hey it's my holiday!!! So I just gotta bear with her constant nagging...

The following day, I ventured out on my own to check out Li Yuen street (shopping lanes) in Central before meeting Dan for lunch. Since I couldn't stay with her, it was good to catch up too! In fact, she's a friend of Angela and we actually didn't hang out before. But it was all cool, it didn't feel awkward and she even introduced me this industrial building with good shopping right by Lai Chi Kok MTR! I also brought over pineapple tarts for Dan and Syn, it seemed like Hong Kong didn't have them for their Chinese New Year (how weird)! Bengawan Solo or Prima Deli should open up there ;)

Uh..oh! Visa was running this promotion in Hong Kong till end February, visitors could go to PCCW and get a free tourist 5 days SIM card (unlimited SMS/calls/data). I was lucky I read this in the forums before the trip ;) Otherwise, you can buy it at 69HKD.

After bursting my wallet, I met Syn for dinner and more shopping at Tsim Sha Tsui. Syn brought me to some place filled with small boutiques, they practically don't have fitting rooms and you can't even try the stuff. The prices weren't cheap as well. I didn't get any as I already got quite a few things earlier in the day, so Syn does her own shopping but ended up with a 100HKD jacket. Ha. I guess she just didn't like to spend on clothings. Somehow she has became super thrifty (maybe under the influence of John). Then we roamed about and somehow got lost but at least I found myself a nice fruit tart (from Pie & Tart).

We settled for a chinese restaurant in K11, having 小笼包 and 拉面。 After dinner, we went to 1881 Heritage, formerly Marine Police Headquarters, it was beautifully lit up (as shown). Like a classy version of Chijmes.

After the walk, Syn had a dessert at 许留山, the prices have since went up (a lot) and the standard significantly dropped. I would rather look for more authentic dessert places. 

Then I had my virgin Star Ferry ride. A cheap and easy 5 minutes ride with the most scenic nightview, I was so glad I tried it. I highly recommend it for travelling to Central from Tsim Sha Tsui or vice versa. It's so much more fun than riding the MTR! We were on the upper deck, and I read it was cheaper to be at the lower bunk where it would be more noisy and smelly (but probably an even better view!).

Afterwhich, we headed back to Mui Wo. The following day, Syn and John left for Macau (for John's work trip), I would join them on Saturday for a daytrip. I also got a last-minute notice that a friend, Adam would be in Hong Kong too, so I would crash at his hotel than enduring more ferry rides! Thank God! It was nice to be staying in the city too as I could go out really late and just WALKED back to my bed!

我的朋友在香港(i)

Destination: Hong Kong
Dates: 19 - 25 February 2014
Airline: Singapore Airlines (A380)

 My 3rd visit to Hong Kong!

And so... since this trip is all about seeing friends in Hong Kong, thus the title above :)

Initially I was planning to stay with two different friends, Dan and Syn (in short), but my dear Syn kept screwing up my plans with the dates she would be leaving for Macau and in the end I just settled to be at hers the whole time. Dan was happily awaiting for my arrival but as she lives with her husband and daughter in a tiny apartment, I thought it would be more convenient to be at Syn's since she has a spare room. Syn lives on Mui Wo (Lantau Island), being someone prone for seasickness, my only concern was having to take ferries daily! I guess it was the time to face my fears then! The next terror was Syn being a mother-in-law alike, hahaha, she is famous amongst us (FAB 4) for being overly protective, naggish and bossy. I should have gotten used to it during the USA trip but it was a nightmare having to relive it all over again, so I went hoping for the worst and everything would turn out better!

Our dearest friend, Syn, has been living in Hong Kong for a couple of years now. Her complaints about the Hong Kongers or life there never seem to stop for some reason. I believe her husband finally decided to move to Mui Wo so the dear wife would be much happier. It did seem to work but somehow that negativity seed had been integrated into her life. I wonder if that complaining nature is that of a Singaporean or she just really adopted that in Hong Kong. Anyhow, she has been inviting her friends to come over for the longest time... and with my expiring KrisFlyer miles, I just thought,"Why not?"

I arrived about 5pm. The flight with SIA was good. I was initially sitting with a mum with her two toddlers, but somehow my entertainment system failed to work and I was moved to the back, with 2 empty seats besides me. I was watching Sex and the City (Season 5 Collection) the whole time and couldn't stop laughing. I had 3 more episodes to complete on my return journey but guess what, SIA literally changed the programmes just after one week! Damn.

Where's the Blue taxi?

 The chilling weather welcomed me, and I was glad to be travelling again. It kept me sane. After a long wait for the Blue taxi, I finally got one and that 30 minutes ride which was rumoured to have made many puked, didn't get me sick fortunately. Syn arrived on her bicycle just in time when I got off, we walked to her place (maybe 20 mins) and got settled before heading out for dinner again. I wonder why she did not attempt to cook the whole time whilst I was there, and John (the husband) was bragging about her cooking, I wanted to try! So Syn's first complaint when I got there was it was too cold, but I simply loved it.

A trip different from the others

And so it has been over a week that I have been back from Hong Kong. I haven't found the time to write about it nor rest especially with a bunch of unwelcome visitors all the way from Hong Kong. Fleas! Oh my gosh, I never knew they are so terrifying!

My trip this time to Hong Kong was mainly to catch up with some friends and see places I hadn't been to. It was supposed to be relaxing, in fact it was but somehow one week seemed to be over too fast. Let me share with you on the next posts.

I just wanted to let you know I'm still alive after battling with the fleas for over a week. Cleaned my stuff. Changed the sheets. Threw the mattress. Scattered the salt. Set up traps. Treating my swollen bites. Bearing with bad itching. Smoked the room twice. Sprayed myself with lemongrass mist. Ionizer with lemongrass every night. Please leave me alone, fleas. Go back to Hong Kong!

香港续集 - La Familia Fun (V)

The final day in Hong Kong.

Stranded with bowls of cup noodles we bought as "emergency food", we had them for breakfast. Mum and sis went to visit the famous Wong Tai Sin temple. I had my share the last visit and decided to sacrifice that for a few more hours of lazing in bed.

Dad, as usual, was more than happy to stay in the hotel room. I switched on the TV for him, while I had a nice bath for the 2nd and last time in Hong Kong. Shame that I skipped the morning swim. Then I prepared two cups of tea to go with the Tiramisu cake I bought the day before. Indulgence!
They returned and we checked out. Disappointed that the hotel didn't even offer us a room for the late check out at 4pm - I have read about them doing so! I also didn't like the fact that I had to pay a huge amount of deposit with my credit card when I had fully paid for the room in advance! Our flight was 8pm but the airport transfer would only pick us at 5ish. So we left the luggages with the concierge and we wandered off for lunch and last minute shopping at Festival Walk, a station away on the MTR.
Mum and dad made new friends with an old couple sitting besides them while waiting for me and sis to get some last minute souvenirs. We then had a late lunch at Wang Jia Sha, a shanghainese Dim Sum place... the food wasn't too bad at all, so was the service. Mum liked them, so did I. The little buns were yum.

We went back around 4ish, so they could just sit and relax while sis went back alone to ladies market to get a bag similar to the one I bought. Not very helpful, I had mum nagging the whole time why she wasn't back yet!

The flight was pretty full, we didn't get a chance to check in early online so we didn't get the best seats. Centered in the centre rows near the back of the plane. The Cathay inflight service was disappointing, they never responded to requests except for request to buy duty-free products! The food too was horrible... I didn't even want to finish it. We were so glad we ate Popeye in the airport before we boarded. Sis and parents took the paid buggy ride since the gate was superb far, I chose to walk myself there which took as much time as their buggy ride did! LOL.

Finally home. Oh yes, and surprisingly with additional shopping bags, we still could fit in the cab nicely!

香港续集 - La Familia Fun (IV)

YESssssssss. Lantau island.
I had been wanting to visit since the last trip... but it was too short then to do so many things. And now we finally did it. It was an awesome daytrip (better than bringing mum to the casino in Macau!). But I know she wanted to do Macau too, perhaps next time. I would rather fly there than being seasick for an hour there and then back! :p

Even though sis loves the Ocean Park's cable car more, I feel unjustified for Ngong Ping 360 because to me both are just as great. They show very different sides of Hong Kong and I've enjoyed each and every snapshot I have now in my head. My parents obviously love cable car rides, I can't remember if they were ever on the ones to Sentosa even... perhaps a long long time back. All the time, they were looking out for something... their eyes peered faraway. Undisturbed.
The view on Ocean Park's cable car was magnificent because we saw mountains, greens, islands and the theme park right below. But on Ngong Ping 360, we saw a lot of nature, mountains, the airport, the giant Buddha from afar... and people walking on the path below. Crazy to imagine how far it takes to walk there when it's 15-20mins on the cable car! We didn't opt for the crystal cabin with see-through ground, because sis would have freaked out! LOL.

The Ngong Ping village is indeed very well done, pretty and well equipped. Food are available everywhere and that's a good thing! They aren't too overly pricey like most touristic places. There are some entertainment and attractions you can visit if you buy the package. The rest are just souvenir shops and tonnes of them - my parents, being religious, just had to get something!

I wandered off to see the Giant Buddha. I lost sis, as she was supposed to meet me somewhere. So I went up alone! Parents were resting somewhere slurping their noodles, while sis got lost somewhere and me up at the Giant Buddha and very thirsty. Later I realised sis didn't manage to go up because she thought we needed to buy a ticket! But it was actually FREE to walk right in, the tickets were for meal up in the Giant Buddha! I was up there for a while, the view wasn't as great as on the cable car but seeing the Giant Buddha right in your face after the 268 steps climb is something! :) It is also world’s largest outdoor bronze statue.

We hopped on the cable car soon after and spent the rest of the afternoon back at the Citygate outlets. The mall is filled with outlets of all kinds of brands from Burberry, Kate Spade, Timberland, Quicksilver to Nike. Funny enough, we didn't manage to find anything we like. I got a belt, that was it. Sis found nothing!

Time to leave Lantau and embark on another adventure. As we were leaving the next evening, I reckoned we should buy the infamous Wife Cakes or also known as 老婆饼 because I didn't want the last minute rush and panic the following day. I have already marked down the locations. So the idea was to get to Central, take a tram to Causeway Bay where we can get them at Sogo.
Excited and ready for the tram, we boarded but to our dismay I realised we were on the wrong one after I couldn't spot the street names on my map! We alighted, instead of being frustrated, we were quite pleased we finally got on the electric tram for once! We cabbed back to Causeway Bay which was a distance away, bummer! There was some tension that night as by then we were all pretty exhausted and sis was very annoyed with her fruitless shopping trip thus far. She wanted to shop but all dad wanted to do was to sit down and eat! Food was the only thing that kept him motivated. We were also carrying huge bags of wife cakes and it seemed stupid to walk with those. Sis didn't want them to go back on their own because she was being a big mummy again. So I convinced them I would take them back and leave her to shop till she was happy, she would then return.

It all worked out pretty well. What a day!

香港续集 - La Familia Fun (III)

Saturday was supposed to be easy. Easy on everyone. Easy on daddy's legs - not wanting to break them. Easy after a late night out. Easy because we are not doing breakfast but brunch (breakfast + lunch).
It was Dim Sum we decided. We took the shuttle provided by the hotel (finally tried it) to Tsim Sha Tsui, where we conveniently located a few places to eat. After some consideration, we settled for Canton Deli which did great prawn dumplings (super yum, and we ordered another tray) and delicious congee. We had the fresh fish and scallop congee. We did a lot of shopping, I began to rekindle my love with bookstores. Dad got a book, both me and sis bought ourselves a Lomo camera each! YAY we love artistic stuff. I found myself a mustard colored stockings (one of the things I'll never get bored of).

There was also a sport bazaar going on. Dad replaced his pair of walking shoes, he seemed very pleased. I found a red Puma Madison which is ultra cool... I have been wanting a pair of shoes without laces for the longest time since my last baby Adidas died. Mum and sis didn't get anything, but not for long! We visited H&M, and got stuck there. Even mum loves the things, she got a perfect blouse. Poor dad had to wait for hours!
Saturday is really just all about shopping and showing the parents another area of Kowloon. Sis was crazy about the Esprit outlet, so we went. Before that we had an early dinner at "Sweet Dynasty" which is famous for desserts. My parents ordered a weird looking fried rice named "福建炒饭" and they seemed to like it. It looked like rice fried with baked beans and blah blah to me. Food was decent and affordable.

We got home after sis was done with Esprit shopping which I didn't seem to fancy. We had a rest before mum tagged along with us to the night ladies' market at Mongkok. It was much easier without bringing dad for shopping, because he would have been so bored. I guess watching TV back in the hotel suited him fine! The night was still early and energetic... we strolled along the stretch of the ladies' market. I love the ambience except for some very rude sellers whom would start yelling the last price they offered when you walked away.

I managed to get a pink bubble handbag at less than half the price she first offered. Lucky me. Sis wasn't so lucky, she only went back on the last day to get a similar bag but at a much higher price. But I guess if that makes her happy! We ate 臭豆腐, spicy fishballs and BBQ squid... The smelly tofu wasn't as bad as I had imagined really. It didn't smell bad when you bit into it, only when they were deep-frying them. I also ended up with a pair of gold studded heels at a real bargain HKD40! We got back past midnight with clumsy dad locking mum out!! Fortunately he wasn't sound asleep and we gave him a scolding for locking the door!

I ended up buying so much that I swore I never shopped this much on my past holidays! Call it a self-pampering trip or an advance birthday celebration?

香港续集 - La Familia Fun (II)

The second morning, I woke up with sinus which hasn't returned since my teenage years. The problem I have sleeping with air-conditioning. It takes a while for my body to adapt it.

It was Jordan for breakfast at a place named "Australian dairy Co.". I was there twice on the last trip and decided to bring them there. Unfortunately, they weren't impressed except for the yummy toasts. The service wasn't worth mentioning too, the guy who took our order was hostile and never followed up with our food. In the end, we seeked help from the other guy. I guess, that might be the end for it, I shall seek better quality places with more personal service.

After breakfast, we were off to Ocean Park. 1st October is China's National Day... and unsurprisingly, Ocean Park is extremely crowded. All the Chinese tourists must have taken the long weekend off! I had to queue for a long time before I could get the tickets and a stupid chinese woman behind tried to cut my queue. Everywhere was swarmed with people on a Friday, I couldn't imagine it during the weekend. I bought myself a "blue hat" to decorate myself in the pictures... "YEAY I am all ready for the rides!"
The Skyfair was our first. 22m in diameter, this big helium balloom brought us up to 100 metres above the ground to savour the breathtaking views of Ocean Park and the southern side of Hong Kong. Dad didn't want to go up so he was sitting there entertained by clowns and amazing acrobatic performances. The view was worth the over 1 hour of waiting... some things you just gotta try it once!
All rides are plagued with long queues, not to mention all the cafes and restaurants in the park! We decided to skip most rides, have a look around the park and take things easy. Sis and me went up to say hello to An An and Jia Jia, the two pandas up at HKJC Giant Panda Habitat. They were gifted to Hong Kong in 1997 to mark the return of Hong Kong to Chinese sovereignty. Huge, adorable and hungry, these pandas fascinate me.

We then headed to the summit by cable car where we tried to look for lunch. There were so much to see and so much to do, but we were limited by the crowd, long queues everywhere and very hot weather. I need to return another time during the off peak season!

The cable car took us from Lowland Gardens to Marine Land as the Ocean Park attractions are located on two different sides of the mountain. Exceptional views of the surrounding area, the sea, and the entire park - you should never ever miss this if you visit the Ocean Park! My parents loved it, while sis got cold feet from the height! I totally enjoyed it too and we decided to buy the family snapshot as a souvenir for over S$30. Fortunately we did, because we realised it was the only family picture we have from this Hong Kong trip! I just realised we didn't get a chance to take the second longest outdoor escalator in Ocean Park - such a shame!
We caught a glimpse of the California sea lions at Pacific Pier before sis and me braved ourselves for "The Dragon". The roller coaster ride with 3 full 360° rotations, only meant for the thrill seekers. I could only recall screaming so hard at each of the full 360° rotation, and then it was over too quick. When I stood up, I could still feel my hair standing, my heart trying hard to get the blood in my head down to my knees. I needed reloading of sugar. McDonalds.

I didn't feel like I needed another dizzy ride after "The Dragon" and to risk my McDonalds from being emptied from my happy stomach, we decided to head back down with the new Ocean Express. A quick, smooth and entertaining ride from the Summit back to Ocean Park's waterfront in just 3 mins, the train also carries a very funky and futuristic design. The train travels though a 1.3km tunnel, and at the same time offers this cool experience with music, video and changing lights that simulates a journey through the ocean's depths. Astonishing. So good that I don't mind having a few more of the 3 mins ride!

Bye bye Ocean Park! As we bade farewell to the park, we somehow also left our childhood behind.

After an adventurous bus ride (with the lack of taxis and availability of taxi bookings), we found ourselves enjoying nice sumptuous desserts at Honeymoon Dessert in IFC Mall. I was soaked in cold mango sago madness. Bliss.

We cabbed back. Sis and me then dressed up for Lan Kwai Fung where we were going to hit up with Syndy and John (my lovely friends). It was my first time there, boy was I excited! I even bought myself a pair of bunny ears to get the party started :) After hopping 3 bars, John retired from the night while the 3 mad women carried on partying! We eventually settled in Bar George with our new found friends, two crazy Japanese men. A local bunch joined us too. It was some mad dancing, drinking... The DJ, apparently, a friend of the Japanese boys, bought us shooters! I loved the drink, even though I had no idea what it was! LOL.

2am - time to go back and hit the sack. Another day tomorrow.

香港续集 - La Familia Fun (I)

2 medium luggages & a small one.

We managed to fit into a cab (what a relief). It was barely 7am when we arrived at Changi Airport T1. Finally flying Cathay again, my first flight on it was to London 6 years back. But it isn't as good as it was anymore - sadly.

At the boarding gate, a woman with skinny limbs and no make-up sprung out of nowhere and called my name! It was Syndy, this liar!! She had lied to me that the flight was full and she couldn't get on it. But It was a nice surprise and we sat together since it wasn't full. Syndy was dozing off all the time, while I laughed myself off watching "Hangover". Hilarious. I loved how the story unfolded itself.

It was past 2 when we got to the hotel. The airport transfer took a long while after dropping various people at numerous stops. We'd have gotten there if we took the Airport Express train! We stayed at Royal Plaza (4*) at Mongkok East. It looks grand, at the same time charming and a little old but the rooms are spacious!
Settling in, we then grabbed a quick meal at Grand Century Place, the mall right next to our hotel. Decided to venture into Mongkok, we ended up lost on Fan Yuen street with cute furry bunnies and packs of colorful fishes. After some helpful guidance, we found Langham Palace. By then, we could see Dad's leg was already "screaming" for help. We found them seats in McDonalds while we wandered around. After a little shopping, we decided to cab back and end the long day.

It was 30mins to 8pm when we got back, I wanted to go to the pool and jacuzzi which would close by 9pm. It was empty when we arrived. The guy at the fitness center kindly introduced us to the jacuzzi and set it up and running for us. Unfortunately I was in my retreating mood, and wasn't too sociable to make small talk with him. Sad to say, I didn't manage to find time to go back to the pool again :( Oh well!

家，我们回来了。

Home finally. With plenty of laundry to do, unpacking to be done, new additions to the wardrobe and freed from the agony and pain - which I'll elaborate more later.

To be honest, it isn't that bad. I thoroughly enjoyed myself, done the things I didn't manage to the last time round. For mum & dad, I think they had welcomed the new experience. Afterall, it's dad's first flight and our first family holiday abroad. Dad has traveled to Malaysia umpteen times on coach but Malaysia is definitely a far cry from cosmopolitan Hong Kong. For sis, I reckon she hasn't shopped to her satisfaction; a shopaholic with parents tagged along on a holiday doesn't sound like the best idea.

Sis is like a big mummy, protective and overly responsible. I think she's worse than mum. Mummy dearest got all anxious when sis wandered off alone too. I begin to see similarities - worrying parents. Maybe I will one day?? But not at this moment. I feel everyone needs to have some personal space and learn to be independent. "Mum, I'm not 12 anymore."

I am open to the idea that my parents could take a cab back to the hotel when they wanted to but sis was against it. I didn't like the fact that she was overdoing things. She can't be the big mummy all the time, and she doesn't have all the time to do her shopping. I wasn't surprised when she finally lost her cool because she was just trying too much.

Dad has this joint problem and walking too much annoys him. He was a pain in the ass, sorry dad, but you were horrible at some points. He would sulk and he wouldn't even say when he was starving. God, we felt like we were bringing a big baby around. He made 3 women very unhappy and frustrated! Poor dad or poor us? He finally seemed more chirpy on the last day and was fiddling with the remote on the flight back. I ordered him a wine to keep his spirits high. LOL.

I'll be writing more on the things done on the trip in the next entries - coming soon.

He left...

Not my phone, a real human.

Those painful coughing. No more. That familiar voice. Gone. Forever.

After an evening of commotion outside the flat, we received the news that he has paased on. My neighbour, our long-time neighbour, we have been living next to each other since the day we moved here 20+ years ago. Somehow it seems unreal. Few days back, I still bumped into uncle while I was leaving the flat or maybe coming back home. He had been unwell for quite some time, and no one has expected today to be the day. Mum said he's already in his 70s, a doting and stern grandfather, we often heard and seen him teaching the kids a few lessons.

I remember growing up, playing with the big sisters and brothers next door. Today they are all happily married, I still could recall myself having a big crush on the big brother I always looked upon. So amusing to think of such things now.

That ambulance has left. Without him. He never made it to the stretcher. My sister heard the crying. We did not go over to witness the commotion next door, but quietly and anxiously we waited for news. It came and unfortunately not the good one we wanted to hear.

I hope he is in a better place now. God bless!


I am buying my parents a trip to Hong Kong... and suddenly I felt this is much needed. I finally could do this and this is one of my wishes this year. I am fulfilling it before it is too late. We never had a family holiday out of Singapore, and during my childhood my dad could only afford Kusu island or Sentosa as our regular outings. Till when I was 21, with the help of my colleagues, I began my adventure - to see the world. And I wished my parents could see what I saw... and now I want them to do so. My dad will have his first flight on Cathay and my mum, her second! (The fortunate thing is my sister is coming along to help me split the costs! PHEW.)

香港 - Eat, drink, shop (III)

I hope this will be my last entry about Hong Kong else some people might start snoring soon...

Okay, I'm getting a bit lazy to write lengthy stories about the places... How about I list them in point form and do a little elaboration? Sounds good?

• Star Ferry's Harbour with clock tower - last few times to witness the star ferry boats which are said to be ceasing operation
  
• Avenue of Stars together with Symphony of Lights - wasn't as exciting as it was said to be, but nice cool weather with the colorfully lit up skyscrapers...
  

• Madame Tussauds together with The Peak (tram ride too) - it was just great fun, magnificient sight plus really expensive food up there
  

• Jordan - place with lots of good food around (Australia Dairy's Co. is here)
• Mongkok - where I permed my hair at Esprit Salon, a big hole in the pocket... I guess SG is about that rate but I get served by a top stylist, why not! where we found the famous wife's biscuit, Hang Heung! where our hostel is conveniently located opposite the Ladies' market
  
• Causeway Bay - trendy shops that opened damn late, 1pm, and prices aren't any cheaper than SG. where a huge SOGO is situated. where Times Square is but only for upper class shopping

• Central - where I found H&M!! and quite a nice place to shop actually if I have the time the next time...
  
• Branded sale at warehouse - Esprit, Adidas, New Balance, blah blah
  
• Wong Tai Sin temple

• Markets - walked among the mongkok wet market, ladies' market, wan chai's market...
• Hong Kong International Airport - where we ate Hui Lau San, bought much affordable priced magazines (than Singapore)
• Festival Walk (shopping mall) - where I found LUSH!!! and we had Ajisen noodles

All in all, I have really enjoyed Hong Kong! There are really some things I like about it and now I miss it:((

• Japanese presence: Japanese brands which have closed down in SG or are more expensive e.g. Aji Ichiban, Sogo, Ajisen; Japanese stuff (magazines, cosmetics, lots & lots of japan guidebooks at low prices, etc)
• Cheap transport system: I haven't got to try the HK$2 electric tram!!! We used the MTR a lot though, but I think it's still possible to walk a lot of the times provided you're in no rush
• Late opening hours: Supper is always possible, so is shopping. Markets & malls open up to 1130 or even midnights. Not to mention 7-11 is everywhere, one every 2 streets:))
• Big Breakfast: The most important meal of the day! Breakfast is emphasized, the portion is huge and often you can even skip lunch if you've a small stomach and do a tea-break;)
• Weather: The weather ranges from 23 to 28 degrees while I was there, and is no way is as humid as Singapore, how cool is it to visit in winter time - I will try that!

All right, you've come to the end of my Hong Kong travels' journal... If you might like to view the holiday photos, here's the link below:

Madame Tussauds
Food & Places to eat
Sightsee & general

* I have cut down from a massive heap of 1000 (300 from mine, 700 from my cousin's!!). Be rest assured, I only have uploaded about 130 photos:)))

p.s: I'd love to visit Lantau Island's Big Buddha next time, Lai Kwai Fong's nightlife, Ocean park (maybe), do The Peak again (maybe try climb one-way), see Stanley/Jade Market and perhaps do a Macau daytrip with portuguese egg tart!! So I'll need a good stamina buddy who's up for more "physically exerting" activities:))

香港 - Eat, drink, shop (II)

我又回来了！！
I'm back!!

Now I'm going to continue my eating around HK experiment... Being too adventurous, my first lunch was spicy beef balls with fish noodle (noodle made from fish meat!) after a stick of spicy fishballs from the street hawker. Chili padi in homemade beef balls! Sounds yummy, right? It was so hot that I had to order a bottle of Coca-Cola... and everything started to go really wrong. For the whole day, I couldn't eat anything. I felt so full, right to the time I went to bed. At 2am, I couldn't hold on anymore, I just threw up! I reckon it must be indigestion... after swallowing a bottle of 保濟丸, and a second one the next afternoon, I recovered! But that morning I didn't even have the appetite for a sumptuous breakfast, so sad... but here's what we had!

This above picture is taken at Australia Dairy Co. where it is also famous for the steamed egg with milk or 炖奶 (if I write it correctly ;P), shall show you what the "egg white" version looks like! The texture feels a bit like 豆花，but carries such a fragrant sweetness that makes you yearning for more. Thank you Lezann for the kind recommendation, I also found this in a magazine review;)

Not forgetting a 菠蘿包 茶餐厅 named 中国冰室 which I found through a local magazine I bought;) The pineapple bun is heated with butter（also named "buttered pineapple bun" or 菠蘿油) shown in the picture below, you can't get enough on a carbo-deprived day! We also had breakfast there, tried their 鸳鸯冰 (an icy drink with red beans, pineapple and lotus seeds) and 杏仁蛋糊(raw egg in hot almond drink) shown in the picture below buttered pineapple bun。

We had dim sum breakfast at "Fa yuan" restaurant which is mainly patronized by the locals, thus the service wasn't exceptional as again language seems to be a barrier. Quality was so-so, thus not showing you any pictures! I think the 鼎泰豐 (which has also branches in Singapore)'s 小笼包 is much better than the ones I had over there. There must be better dim sum places around - shall look for it the next time!

Before I end my HK eating adventure here, let me name you the must-eat dessert place. Hui Lau San or 许留山 which is also recommended to me by Xiuling, I think a picture speaks louder than words... so shall end it off with my "Bird nest mango pudding".

香港 - Eat, drink, shop (I)

老婆饼，迪士尼乐园，臭豆腐，女人街，太平山顶。。。
In English: "Wife's biscuit", Disneyland, "Smelly tofu", Ladies' market, The Peak

Doesn't those words remind you of vibrant Hong Kong?? However if you would to ask me to describe Hong Kong with also 5 words or 5 things that reminds me of HK, my answers would be LUSH, H&M, Madame Tussauds, MTR, Watsons... These are the things I have closely associated with for the past couple of days.

Staying in a hostel was a nice choice, as it definitely saves us at least 30% from the lowest hotel rate you could find. And now you can direct those money to lavish shopping - especially at the flea markets. There were countless markets, however if you DO NOT speak CANTONESE (like me), you'll be very handicapped when it comes to bargaining. Most of the time, I didn't even feel like bargaining, I just asked the price and left!! Do not bargain and walk away without buying, I tell you, these rude people will swear their heads off.

Being in Hong Kong with Cantonese's incapability, I felt very crippled. In fact, very uncomfortable. I wonder how the tourists (ang mo) and their expatriates get by!!! Okay, back to flea markets, we missed Stanley's but ended up walking at Wan Chai and Bowstring street (near Temple street) and got some good bargains. I didn't get much from Ladies' market which is just across the road from our hostel, reason 1: can't bargain in cantonese 2: things aren't of very good quality 3: prices aren't dirt cheap, and if you bargain, you better buy!

Before coming to HK, I have already done my research... I'm not looking for Esprit or Giordano or I.T. but I am there to patronize my favourite stores (which I used to go in London) and aren't available in Singapore!!

I'll go on about food and sightseeing in my next entry... for now, I need some sleep!!

London in Asia = Hong Kong

Tommy and little Phantom bear welcomed me home to Singapore (to bed)... after a starving 3+ hours flight on Jetstar, only arriving minutes before midnight.

The flight was smooth, service wasn't too bad except that they do not have ENOUGH FOOD onboard. NO HOT MEALS or even SANDWICHES after serving 8 rows before us, I couldn't believe our luck or that they do not carry even enough food for 50% of the capacity (wasn't even a full flight!).

I shall begin my long story about the 4 days 3 nights after I write my thoughts about Hong Kong.

Somehow stepping into Hong Kong reminds me a lot of London city, it wasn't anything in particular but I felt it. Once under the British occupation/colony, I bet that must have been an influence. I have missed a chance to visit back in 2003 when I was supposed to stop-over on my way back to Singapore from London. SARS ruined it. After watching so many HK films and drama serials, those scene of the streets, red cabs and old buildings became alive right in front of me... Only thing that was missing is probably the hooligans or secret society they rumoured to exist in HK.

As I was walking among the streets of Hong Kong... something in my head clicked. Singapore is like Switzerland in Europe, Hong Kong is like London. And then all sorts of reasons surfaced... It is quite funny, but that's how my mind works a lot of the time.

* Dear friends and random readers, what you're going to read below is entirely based on my perception and might not state the facts as it is of today. So just read it for fun but not use it as a judgement of the places or countries.

London & Hong Kong *

• One main common language (Cantonese in HK; English in London)
• Tube similar to MTR (the way it is structured, exits located in buildings)
• Cosmopolitan, however the locals and foreigners are not a good blend together (you can still witness some racism, sikhs being cursed for no reason)
• Cities which has a lot to offer (so much going on and lots to do)
• Both have each a Madame Tussauds (hahaha)
• Lots of big and similar malls (Harrods, Harvey Nicholas, Selfridges in London; Lane Crawford, Sogo, Esprit in HK)
  

via

Zurich & Singapore *

• One common language but most people are bilingual or trilingual (English in both places; with German & French (& Italian) in Switzerland; with Mandarin/Chinese Dialect, Tamil and Malay in Singapore)
• Diversified population, with emphasis on foreign talent/expatriates
• Not the most exciting place to be in (as in not that much to do), but a good place to travel to surrounding countries/areas