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!

Amazzone Monday

I don't know why the word "Amazzone" but it came natural to me... ;)

Anyhow, what a good Monday it was! Even though I was awakened by a few phone calls, not the best way to wake up, things sort of fell into places. The email reply I was waiting for came in. A friend forwarded an opportunity or two... I got out of the house, bought myself something nice to eat for dinner!

Also I attended a focus group survey at this company where the staff were mostly Japanese, how cool! I really enjoyed it especially when I was asked to give my thoughts. I adore this guy who was showing us the images, I don't know why but he made me feel at ease :)

Ideally

In an ideal world, things never end. The lovers will always have an exciting life together, the kids will never grow up, the loved ones will never die. The food will always be good. Conversations are always fruitful. Friends are plenty, the enemies will die, people you hate are cursed with eternal bad luck and people you love prosper and share it with you. Wow. This is my ideal world but it comes in the form of a non lucid world. Dream.

Closure who?

Q: Are you looking for one?
A: I am afraid he's not here all the time.

That is life. Sometimes there just isn't any closure. He's out having fun. Who said life is fair, not many. Recently, watching "The Lovely Bones" taught me this. Life has to move on, everything around you will not wait for you... Stop pressing that "pause" button on your life! Like a merry-go-round, keep going and one day you will get out of that spiral movement...

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!

This Valentine's

I have something to share - a quote that we have always seen it around. Always said easier than done, isn't it? 

I didn't know that someone 6 years back could actually make me realise this. (All the other blokes between now and then didn't seem to come any close.) Seeing him happy now made my day. Those years apart, like a quote says,"Absence makes the heart grow fonder"... I thought of him from time to time, wondered how he was getting on.

When we finally reconnected this year, a day before Valentine's Day, I feared. I feared of those feelings he would stir up in me. I asked questions which I dreaded to know the answers. His answers didn't make me tear or give me a shock, he still listens and cares. Like 6 years ago. Perhaps he just wasn't meant to be part of my life, but I thank God for him coming into my life and the fond memories we once shared.

I know I have let him go. I am proud of the strength You gave me. I hope we have renewed it this time with a friendship that will last, speaking again to someone I once cared so much about is a huge consolation in my life.

Here's a page I found, tremendously useful to help you let go of someone. I also realised I have done all the suggestions on the part 2 of the article! Also a tip of caution I have quoted from the page I fully agree with -
"Don't make someone a priority only to find out you are an option to them."

A different CNY

This is the first Chinese New Year in years I can remember that I didn't visit my "grandma's house". She passed away last June. So technically, it's not "grandma's house" anymore but my uncle's. Things just do not feel the same anymore.

I often wonder what's the most important value in kinship, most people around me place their emphasis on money over love. So many families break up because of money, inheritance and greed. It became the same at home, money is a sign of filial piety. Without them, there is no love.

When grandma was still around, my uncle's wife made everyone else contributed money to pay for the maids in her house, because she said she hired them for grandma. But they never took care of her well, she fell a couple of times and became bedridden. Still she only cared about money and the expenses grandma incurred. She is obviously way wealthier than everyone else in the family but like the rich, the wealthier they are, the tighter their wallets become.

This Chinese New Year I spent it chilling at home, while the rest of the family went over to uncle's place. Many others skipped because according to some traditions, the "sons in the family" weren't allowed to celebrate the festival. So the uncles could not give out "ang pao" but the aunties (like my mum) could. Due to this, I didn't get to see everyone this time unlike the past years. But we had open house twice over the two weekends where aunties, uncles and cousins popped over. I think it will be the same the coming years.

Despite the quiet celebrations, I welcome the year of Horse and may the new year starts with good wealth and propserity come galloping through. On the side note, the little sister finally found her ideal job after two years. There is hope as long as you persevere, I say! I am happy for her and am hoping the same for me soon!