13th - 20th Dec 2008
Sincere apologies to my supportive readers for the arrival of this long-awaited blog. You see I couldn't help being lazy nowadays after a long 8-days holiday - something to calm all that's happened during the year.
Sincere apologies to my supportive readers for the arrival of this long-awaited blog. You see I couldn't help being lazy nowadays after a long 8-days holiday - something to calm all that's happened during the year.Without further ado, comeon hopping into my memory in this never-done-before mega-blog of collective blogs.
Ready? Fasten your spectacles, have your finger hot on the "down button"/scroll cursor and let's go . - ~ ^ ' `*
De one with Hong Kong Here I Come!
Left house flustered, got into a cab and travelled to pick my travel buddy, Mohan, at his house. That accomplished, I complained to him about how my aunt and cousin keep annoyingly blubbered about how I'll be late and missing the plane. It's so irritating to have people "making noise" when you're in the rush hour.
Our touchdown, the first gag I told Mohan was about how those people lined outside the arrival gallery, were my "fans" waiting for my arrival. Lol. Ok, not funny. The both of us faced alittle "nick of time" situation as we considered between purchasing the "3 day pass"/"Octopus card" for our transit purposes. Pity we'd only realised the outweighing benefits (which consist of trip to and frown on the airport express plus 3 days of unlimited travel on the MTR) of the "3 day pass" while onboard the airport express. Whereas constant deduction for every trip we make if using the "Octopus card" (something just like our EZ-link).
Making our way to Kimberley, the two of us (I didn't have breakfast/lunch) ventured for food at this restaurant laid across the street opposite our hotel. I have to admit we looked helpless when it comes to their ordering procedures with limited experience and language barrier. Thank goodness, we managed with my Mandarin and their knowledge of English. After a S$15+ dinner, we headed along our area (Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui). I was desperate for cologne and got the latest "Gucci" for man at SaSa (which was located within every 10 metres around the vincinity - very successful compared to Singapore's).
Our touchdown, the first gag I told Mohan was about how those people lined outside the arrival gallery, were my "fans" waiting for my arrival. Lol. Ok, not funny. The both of us faced alittle "nick of time" situation as we considered between purchasing the "3 day pass"/"Octopus card" for our transit purposes. Pity we'd only realised the outweighing benefits (which consist of trip to and frown on the airport express plus 3 days of unlimited travel on the MTR) of the "3 day pass" while onboard the airport express. Whereas constant deduction for every trip we make if using the "Octopus card" (something just like our EZ-link).
Making our way to Kimberley, the two of us (I didn't have breakfast/lunch) ventured for food at this restaurant laid across the street opposite our hotel. I have to admit we looked helpless when it comes to their ordering procedures with limited experience and language barrier. Thank goodness, we managed with my Mandarin and their knowledge of English. After a S$15+ dinner, we headed along our area (Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui). I was desperate for cologne and got the latest "Gucci" for man at SaSa (which was located within every 10 metres around the vincinity - very successful compared to Singapore's).
De one with "Seh Mey"?
I believe everyone couldn't be more familiar with the fact that dim sum was a "must-try" in HK. These people have frequent dim sum sessions, like how we have tea/coffee on daily basis! Out of our 8 days, 4 days we had dim sum for lunch. Let's see, we went to one (which I forgot the name) along Nathan Road, Jordan; Maxim at Cityhall; Ming's Court (posh environment) and the one at our hotel. Shiu Mai and Hakkao were the "indispensibles", the rest we tried different stuff at the varying restaurants. There was this glutinuous riceball with mango stuffing. It's nirvana after bitting into it. Ho sei wor!
We note that some Hongkongers practice washing their utensils at the table before use. Which explains why at the very first restuarant we went, a glass bowl and a pot of hot water were served. Puzzled and uaccustomed, I asked the waiteress how we were supposed to go about washing the cup. She poured the hot water into our cups and left. The amusing thing was, the glass bowl was gone even before we emptied our water into it. Damn. I had to ask gain for the glass bowl. Abit paiseh looking dumb la.
I read from Mohan's lonely planet book that the some Chinese are particular over sanitization. Which explains why some resturants serve two pairs of chopsticks. One for serving and the other for self-feeding. It usually comes in two colors too! Mohan and I agrued over this at Ming's Court. I spent my attention observing what people around us were doing! Mohan can't help being amused by my being a "conformist". I thought, it was education! tsk tsk.
I read from Mohan's lonely planet book that the some Chinese are particular over sanitization. Which explains why some resturants serve two pairs of chopsticks. One for serving and the other for self-feeding. It usually comes in two colors too! Mohan and I agrued over this at Ming's Court. I spent my attention observing what people around us were doing! Mohan can't help being amused by my being a "conformist". I thought, it was education! tsk tsk.
The normal Hongkong food limits down to Wanton noodles, Pork chop, Beef and more pig's organs. Well, there are a couple of japanese, korean, Western and even Indian cruisines. Mohan doesn't eat Jap. Western food included our lazy visits to Mc for breakfast, Delifrance.
One night, I was dripping from my nose and this was an amazing discovery. An "East meets West" dish (it's actually Hong Kong mee baked with cheese and ham). Never ever seen in Singapore before!!
Mohan wanted to try this famous dessert. I never knew how prominent it was until I heard it from my colleagues when they asked. Ring a bell? It's called "Tsu Liu Xiang" - the brand name of the shops which sells mango and other fresh fruits-laid on ice desserts. Hmmm.. Most of the time, we were just bloated by the time we ate that.
~Hong Kong food : Tantalising ~
De one with Encounter with Buddha
Come our 3rd morning, we woke up early and took about an hour to get to Lantau so as to pay a visit to the Giant Buddha. While transferring from one MTR to another, I dropped my wallet by accident. Thank goodness, these passengers were super selfless and helpful. This young-looking guy immediately picked up my wallet and rushed to me to return just before I approached the door. Hongkongers = Morale citizens. Or Buddha knew I was coming? *shrugs*
The MTR was fast. Nothing as fun when co mpared to this minibus (No.23)
which embarked on a bumpy, road-winding ride to bring us up to the mountain on which Buddha sits.
It was chilly despite the sun's glaring down. There's this circular, three-staged parlor with flags on the tri-circled circumference. I believe and obeserved people actually stand in the middle and make wishes while facing in the direction of the Buddha.
Me? I like what I told Mohan, "Buddha only grants wishes to good people. For the average people (who have yet to accomplish whole-hearted goodness), well..Buddha can only grant forgiveness and wisdom to remind us to be good." Not a convictious offense. Just a mere personal opinion on MY personal blog. *"V"hand-sign*
We..or I prayed at the temple, something I take it as a fun experience. 
People were dropping coins into the donation box even before they pray. I did the reversed. Just don't understand why drop your wishing coin even before you make your wish? Hehe.
The chrysanthemum, catus and lotuses at the temple grounds were enchantingly beautiful! Couldn't resist sharing these here!
Then, we climbed what? 90 steps? before we met the magnificant Buddha which sits on a three-level platform, with six erm...fairies (3 on each sides) offering different gifts to the Enlighted one. Me? I'm considered the 7th gift! (as below)
I was filled with profused enthusiasm so I climbed the steps in a hast. Mohan keep reiterating "You're supposed to think of the Buddha as you climb the steps. Not climbing faster than other people". Bet Clara would have thought likewise. I simply was too excited whenever it comes to climbing stairs. Of course, the army bunk building was a method of different thing. Hehe.
De one with Disneyland HK!
One night, I was dripping from my nose and this was an amazing discovery. An "East meets West" dish (it's actually Hong Kong mee baked with cheese and ham). Never ever seen in Singapore before!!Mohan wanted to try this famous dessert. I never knew how prominent it was until I heard it from my colleagues when they asked. Ring a bell? It's called "Tsu Liu Xiang" - the brand name of the shops which sells mango and other fresh fruits-laid on ice desserts. Hmmm.. Most of the time, we were just bloated by the time we ate that.
~Hong Kong food : Tantalising ~
De one with Encounter with Buddha
Come our 3rd morning, we woke up early and took about an hour to get to Lantau so as to pay a visit to the Giant Buddha. While transferring from one MTR to another, I dropped my wallet by accident. Thank goodness, these passengers were super selfless and helpful. This young-looking guy immediately picked up my wallet and rushed to me to return just before I approached the door. Hongkongers = Morale citizens. Or Buddha knew I was coming? *shrugs*The MTR was fast. Nothing as fun when co mpared to this minibus (No.23)
which embarked on a bumpy, road-winding ride to bring us up to the mountain on which Buddha sits.It was chilly despite the sun's glaring down. There's this circular, three-staged parlor with flags on the tri-circled circumference. I believe and obeserved people actually stand in the middle and make wishes while facing in the direction of the Buddha.
Me? I like what I told Mohan, "Buddha only grants wishes to good people. For the average people (who have yet to accomplish whole-hearted goodness), well..Buddha can only grant forgiveness and wisdom to remind us to be good." Not a convictious offense. Just a mere personal opinion on MY personal blog. *"V"hand-sign*
We..or I prayed at the temple, something I take it as a fun experience. 
People were dropping coins into the donation box even before they pray. I did the reversed. Just don't understand why drop your wishing coin even before you make your wish? Hehe.
The chrysanthemum, catus and lotuses at the temple grounds were enchantingly beautiful! Couldn't resist sharing these here!
Then, we climbed what? 90 steps? before we met the magnificant Buddha which sits on a three-level platform, with six erm...fairies (3 on each sides) offering different gifts to the Enlighted one. Me? I'm considered the 7th gift! (as below)
I was filled with profused enthusiasm so I climbed the steps in a hast. Mohan keep reiterating "You're supposed to think of the Buddha as you climb the steps. Not climbing faster than other people". Bet Clara would have thought likewise. I simply was too excited whenever it comes to climbing stairs. Of course, the army bunk building was a method of different thing. Hehe.~Lantau Buddha: Spirit-and-Mind purifing~
If anywhere were to be located "Wonderland on Earth, there's no better place than Disneyland!!
Endless delights and joy fills your heart from the moment you set foot onto this "dream come true" compound!
I droved a jeep..
Flashed my smile for the camera from day...
to night...
with "erupting geyser" too!
Appeared as special guest in Toy Story 3...
Met Princesses who waved and blew kisses (at me? *blushed*) when their Princes are nowhere to be seen....
Ate candy-foss, calm my nerves abit...
as I watched the spectacular "Let It Snow" Parade...Apart from the above, rides such as Space-mountain (thrilling roller coaster in the galaxy of stars), Tarzan river boat (I read it was a World famous), It's a Small World (see below) were not to be missed.
Well, I wished we came earlier, I spent quite awhile at the merchandise, browsing for sovenirs. And guess what!? I was successful in "kidnapping" the chipmunks when they were "patronising" the merchandise store. Had the cashier girl as my accomplice. Brilliant! Hehehe.
However, spending too long in the cold weather conjured running nose. Thanks to me not heeling Mohan's advice to put on something that'd keep me warm. Oh saint. Nonetheless, the dazzling fireworks displayed at eight (after waiting doing nothing for 1 hour) momentarily suppressed my flu. Made a clip but couldn't upload. So I attached the link to a youtube clip in courtesy of mutatedsilian. What you'll find in there is exactly the same magical display I've witnessed! (don't wait further, click on the picture below to get redirected!)
I heard it'd be even more stunning at other Disneylands. But, I guess this one at Disneyland HK was good enough for me. Everybody exclaimed "wow" during the finale (well, it seems the exclaimation was thoughout the video). It certainly melt our hearts!
~Disneyland HK: Elixir of Youth!~
Well well, that's all for Part 1. Stay tune for more in Part 2 coming soon!!
