Catching Up With Life in [Hong Kong] - Day 6

Dear Pipsqueaks,

Our last day in Hong Kong - and we planned to make the most of it despite all of us feeling exausted from the last few days of walking. For breakfast, we decided to stick with what parents liked - the wonton shop with approved dimsum - followed by a cuppa at a nearby well-known cafe called 18 Grams. I tried their specialty orginal 'Shakerato', a bit more sour than I had expected but that's normal for cold coffee. Very refreshing indeed!

It was in the moment of enjoying a nice brew that we all agreed to challenge the Big Buddha. It definitely wasn't an easy decision to make because the weather was just unforgiving. Even when there was no sunlight peeping through, you could feel the heat. Like you're constantly walking in an oven. Ridiculous how people can stand this kind of temperature!

So we went back to the hotel to pack up and check out. Didn't take that much time after a few days of training. Now, the plan was to check in the large luggage at Hong Kong station so we only have to worry about the two small carry-ons. By the time we left the counter, we checked in all 3 luggage. It was just easier that way, but that meant I had to carry my laptop up Big Buddha. Sigh.

Which by the way, for those of you who plan to take off in the evening but want to make the most of your day in HK, you can check-in your stuff at Hong Kong station and still use the same ticket for your travel to the airport. If I'm not mistaken, the ticket is good for the day. So cheers!

Then, we began our journey to Tung Chung station to take the cable car up Ngong Ping. If it's your first time, I would advise to pay a little more for the crystal cars - the bottom is glass so you can see the view all around. We saw some brave souls trekking up the mountain and gave them a supportive wave!

Once we reached the top, bellies were growling! So we took the advise of one of my cousins to have ramen. She couldn't remember the name but luckily there was only one shop, so all good. After visiting these tourist stops, we realise the food were all quite delicious - unlike the usual tourist food, if you get what I mean. Like a decent meal but slightly more pricy which is expected. My thoughts: if you're hungry, just eat!

By the time we finished lunch, my sister had confirmed with the hostess of the restaurant that it is too late for us to rush over to the 'Fish Village', which people normally would visit following Big Buddha. But nah, we didn't want to rush or push ourselves too hard so we stuck with just one target instead.

The climb was more difficult than I imagined even though it was only 260 something steps. In comparison, I can do the Batu Cave climb of 700ish steps no problem. Maybe, I've been Malaysianized! Nonetheless, we did make it to the top eventually and enjoyed the aircon inside the Buddha. We also got a glimpse of the bone relic hosted inside. I don't know much about this type of relic so will have to do more research, but it sounds interesting!

After that, my sister had wanted to see the Wisdom Trail, so I toughed out another round trip of 45 minutes walk with her. It's a really cool place actually even though I can't read half the writing. But I did feel more at peace with the heat there while sitting on a rock waiting for Ivy to walk about. If you're going to make the trip up the mountain, then make the extra effort to see this amazing scene.

With nothing much else to see, we descended the mountain and spent the next hour at the outlet. No seriously, they got some really good deals there! I bought myself a few new shirts and a Jean dress - a happy customer. Running short of time, we made our way to the airport.

No joke, by the time we reached home in Taiwan, we all just collapsed. The day had been a long one, but so well spent. Actually, all the days we've been out had been long days! Yet, we managed.

I'm glad we were able to take the parents out on a short trip to see a little bit more of the world, and that they have the health to do the travel. I pray that we'll be able to do more of these mini trips with them. Hence, back to saving! Until next time. Nights peeps :)

Catching Up With Life in [Hong Kong] - Day 5

Dear Pipsqueaks,

To wake up this morning was more difficult than I had imagined. As the traveling days go by, that seems to be the case. Maybe my battery is running low again...really need a vacation after this vacation, haha.

As agreed the night before, we met up with Apes this morning for dimsum breakfast. Best part was, even the semi-local needed to map her way there. We also ran into the restaurant we had supper last night, and the walk there seemed shorter than the way Apes took us last night! Jokes.

A good 20 minutes walk from our hotel, we finally arrived at Lin Heung Tea House. You could tell it was a place with history, and in many ways have grown to become the eatery that it is today. Why do I say that? Because the waiters were so fierce to keep their so-called 'order' on how to do things - you need to wash your cup and utensils in tea, cannot touch the leftover set on the table in case someone wants a seat (common to share tables), and telling us some food cannot be cut into smaller pieces. I'm like, uh, we're tourists from Taiwan or Canada...whatever floats your boat. Not from mainland, hello. Geebiz, like so the fierce for what. Anyway, at least the food was good and the parents enjoyed their first-ever dimsum breakfast in Hong Kong. All smiles! And of course, thanks to Apes who made the time to come out before her shift~ always nice to spend time with the BFF. Thanks for the treat too!

(Which by the way, I'm blowdrying my hair in sessions as I write because it keeps dying off...bleh!)

Then, she dropped us off at IFC for us to start our random journey in Hong Kong. Something weird to note: Men's toilet is very scarce for some reason. My papa kept saying this toilet has a long line up, then we walked to the next and that also had a long line up. Finally, by the 4th toilet, he was able to go in without a line. Actually, in general, I don't feel Hong Kong is as convenient as Taipei in making toilets available. FYI, toilets are available in malls, metro stations, temples, and convenient shops (7-11 and Family Mart). So yes, make sure you know where to find a toilet if you intend to load up on liquids.

Having heard about the longest escalator in the world, we just had to go check it out!

"In Hong Kong, the Central - Mid-Levels Escalator system is the longest outdoor covered escalator in the world. The escalator runs a length of 800 meters and climbs 135 meters in elevation. To ride the length of the escalator takes approximately 20 minutes."

We had a blast taking the escalator through Hong Kong, passing a supermarket who's entrance was literally right at the end of a section which shared a small platform with the next flight of escalator. The most bizarre place to be seeing a door to a supermarket actually - quite out of place is what I'm trying to say. Anyway, we went in for a branch of bananas in case we get hungry later.

It felt longer than 20 minutes, but we made it to the top! After a quick water break, we decided to go up The Peak. We hopped on the next taxi and HKD22 later, we were at the ticketing area for the tram. There was a slight line up, but expected since it's one of the main attractions of Hong Kong. We reached the counter and asked for four adult tickets, and was told CASH ONLY.

You cannot imagine the number of swear words floating in my head at that moment. I mean seriously, you're a tourist attraction for heaven's sake! How can you not accept credit card?! I mean, it's not like the ticket was only a few dollars. It was HKD83 per pax, totally about HKD332. As a tourist, I'd rather spend the cash on smaller purchases than spending it buying higher priced items. And really, it's just inconvenient! If you wanted cash only, at least say so somewhere?! It didn't say cash only on your website or anywhere at the ticketing area until we reached th counter. That's just poor. Not something I'd expect from an international hub like Hong Kong. Even Machu Picchu had better signs! But okay, done venting.

After another hunt for the Bank of China to exchange money, we were on our way up the peak. Luckily there was a bank within walking distance, or else we'd just skip it altogether. Anyway, now that my parents have also gone up to see the view, I probably will not be taking the tram ever again. The Hong Kong skyline is worth the hassle once. Never again.

Oh, and if you're looking for a place to eat up there, you can try Wildfire. Their supreme pizza, risotto and quesadilla were surprisingly delicious! But it does come with a tourist location price, expected.

Returning to the bottom of the peak, we hopped on the bus towards the harbour and paid a shockingly cheap price of HKD2 per pax to cross the Kowloon. What to do in Kowloon was another mystery to solve when we get there.

Arriving at Harbour City, we had Movenpick ice cream and looked for the Avenue of Stars. Unfortunately, it was under construction so we enjoyed the river scene instead. Of course, the night scene would have been even more beautiful, but one, we had dinner plans, and two, it's the same view taking the normal ferry. So meh.

We thought it'd be a cool experience for parents to ride the ding ding, but completely forgot about the fact that we were clashing with people getting off work - super jam. So we switched to metro instead. Man, was that the longest walk ever from transport to transport. We literally walked a good 20 minutes from Wan Chai dock to reach Wan Chai station. On top of all the human traffic, I think I was nearing the end of my ability to focus. I was just happy we got on the train!

Apparently, my sister said the metro didn't accept her HKD100 for our tickets. They only take HKD100 bill only if the purchase is over HKD80. I mean, isn't that just bizarre?! I honestly can't think of why they make rules like these. But anyway, we're only visitors.

Dinner was at Fu Sing Shark Fin Restaurant at Causeway Bay. Don't worry, we didn't have any shark fin. The food was great - my favourite cha siu so far at all the restaurants we've had on this trip. Nice and juicy with a bit of crisp. And of course it was good - this restaurant was on the 2015 Michelin Bib Gourmand Restaurant list! Definitely spoiled by awesome food on this trip - I'm a happy girl!

A taxi ride back to the hotel, I'm ready for bed! Well, after another session of blowdry...nights peeps!

P.S. We had a day of taking different modes of transportation! From escalator to taxi to tram to bus to ferry to metro. That should be a record in the Sung books!

P.P.S. Hong Kong needs to fix it's aircon-dripping-water-on-streets issue! Just fine anyone who's aircon drips, then problem solved!

(You literally have to bring up your bill paper to grab the dimsum from the trolleys, or else by the time it comes around to your table...all gone!)

(Apes and le sister discussing where to go next)

(At the top of the world's longest outdoor escalator trying to figure out how far is The Peak tram)

(After all the hassle of getting cash, we're finally on our way up!)

(Wildfire's pizza...YUM!)

(So trueeeee)

(Look at the view from the pier...wow)

(After a good 30mins of walking only to find this notice...GREATTT)

(THIS IS THE BEST CHASIU EVER!!!!)

(Their siu-yok is also nice and crispy)

(Can't go wrong with fried tofu - soft on the inside, crispy on the outside!)

(Their famous roasted duck - really thumbs up!)

Catching Up With Life in [Macau] - Day 4

Dear Pipsqueaks,

The day started with me being super lazy to join the parents and sister for a breakfast hunt, but give me some credit: I made it to the gym and did three sets of 7 minutes. Not bad for someone who had been consistently hitting 18,000 steps these couple of days! *clap clap clap* for me.

We had to pack up and check-out by 11am, which is considered early by international standards. Not to mention, the normal check-in time is 3pm?! Do they really need 4 hours to clean up a room? I wonder. But overall, I quite enjoyed our stay at Studio City and will definitely stay there again to try their facilities. The only thing I would suggest improvement is their collection of restaurants. Not many to select from but I'm sure that would come with time.

Leaving our luggage for pick up later, we hopped on the bus to the ferry terminal and switched to a MGM bus. The thing with Macau is, major hotels all have buses to ship their potential customers to and from the hotel. So there is really no need for taxi unless you're in a rush. Otherwise, these buses are quite the ride with aircon and free wifi. Not bad at all!

So we took a walk in MGM and were truly amazed by their indoor fairyland! Huge butterflies, beautiful Portuguese-style building fronts and glass ceiling with the light beaming in...just wow! I would spend an afternoon at a cafe there just to read.

Then, we walked across the street to Wynn and caught the end of the Tree of Prosperity show. Really a dazzle to see! We had wanted to walk back later to see the full show, but no time. Maybe next trip. By then, we were starving so we headed to the 1-star Michelin dim sum place called Wing Lei Heen. Apart from the disturbing experience of the guy sitting directly behind me letting go of the loudest fart ever, the restaurant was quite nice. Food was good but rather small portions. Flavour-wise, agreeble - especially their lotus root cake. That one is my favourite out of all the dishes.

It was only then my cousin mentioned another really cool dimsum place with super adorable presentation: the Michelin 3-star The Eight at Grand Lisboa Hotel. Not only were the dimsum too cute to eat, they were full of flavour and texture. Definitely would suggest the "Porcupine" cha siu bao. They even treated us to appies and a wee cup of Honger-style milk tea with a refreshing piece of lychee jelly (sprinkled with gold shavings!) I'm absolutely sold about this place -  a must-try in my books that's for sure!

Hint: If you're a member of the casino, then you'll be able to get a discount on the meal. So get one before you ask for the bill! Don't waste your time going all the way to the ground floor like I did, because you can register for a member's card on the 2nd floor - the SAME floor as the restaurant. Yes, yours truly went up and down 5 floors to get this card! (G, UG, 1st, Upper 1st, then 2nd). I suppose the same rule applies to all casinos/hotels, so start your card collection! I already have two and I don't even play =)

After having two dimsums back to back, we needed to go for a walk before eating another bite. Time for the must-take-photo with the remains of St.Paul's! As expected, the whole area was filled with people, but luckily most of it was in shade. So I didn't mind that much. We also tried the famous egg tart at Cafe e Nata Margaret's and curry fish balls at 恒友. Both were really worth the calories but my stomach was at its max. I couldn't take another bite of anything at that point, so we slowly made our way to the bus stop to head back for our luggage.

La-di-da, we were at the ferry terminal ready to board the 7.30pm ride even thought we bought for 8pm. The guy said it was alright since seats were available. Better for us since we're meeting up with Apes for dinner. She had already chosen a place and met us up at our hotel to walk over together.

This wanton mee place called 細蓉記 was a rather nice surprise at such a late hour. The mee was very well backed up by their selection of dimsum. Yes, you read correctly - we were having more dimsum for supper! I personally feel this place had got it right - would recommend! Though, aircon was a bit too strong for me. Came back with a headache and stuffy nose. Boo.

Now, I'm lying in bed ready to call it a day. Apes had already suggested a place for dimsum breakfast at 9am tomorrow! Can't wait *excited* NIGHTS PEEPS.

(What a cool place at MGM!)

(This looks like the doorway to fairyland~)

(My favourite dish at Wing Lei - lotus root cake)

(Shrimp rolls~)

(These rolls are packed with chasiu...yums!)

(Dimsum isn't complete without siumai)

(Setup at The Eight Restaurant)

(Look how cute these curry puffs are!!!)

(And and and their ha-gaooooo)

(and their fried shrimp balls...awwwww!)

(Lotus bites...)

(and you'd never guess what this is...chasiubao! Too cute too eat, seriously)

(Their chasiu is a must-order I tell you)

(Complimentary HK-style milk tea with lychee jello - I'm sold on this place!)

(This place has the best curry soup...my cousin would drink the bowl dry. A bit too spicy for me but worth a try for sure)

(Dinner with Apes at the famous wonton place)

(Papa couldn't wait for breakfast to have dimsum so...)

(Surprisingly, the dimsum at this place is agreeable with my parents! Phew~)

Catching Up With Life in [Macau] - Day 3

Dear Pipsqueaks,

Typing this while putting up my feet to drain the blood from a whole day of walking. No joke, just about over 18,500 steps. I could feel this pain at my arches and calves were tight. Maybe I'm really out of shape!

We left the house around 7am after I've sent Apes off to take the bus to Taipei. We'll be seeing her shortly in Hong Kong so it's all good. A slight jam in the Airport System of highways but made it in good time. Then the bizarre part: today was not a holiday or beginning of a weekend, but the airport was full of people! Lots of travel groups and a few teams of dance crews taking up most of the walking space. No worries, we sped up to avoid them through security and immigration.

Dee deeeee! What happened? My mama - who I will add has traveled load of times before - had forgotten her Swiss Army gadget the size of a business card in her backpack. So, le sister had to exit the security zone to post the item back home. Earlier, my papa had forgotten that his lighter needed to be in the carry-on and tried to stuff it in the checked in luggage. Sigh, I guess that just means they need to get back to traveling again...

So we thought we managed to avoid the group of kids? Nahhhh. They were on the same flight with us to Macau! G-R-E-A-T. They literally took up the whole gate seating area, so we were kinda forced to go downstairs first. Luckily, we didn't have to wait long to board and the next thing you know, we were in Macau!

I can't remember when was the last time I was here (until we walked into the Venetian later on). Sure felt like ages! Lots of construction starting from the airport. We waited for almost an hour before exiting. Oh, and I exchanged USD at the rate of 7.60, which seems to be a better rate than what you'd get at hotels. One of the casinos was trading at 7.5! By then, it was a smarter choice to use RMB. Best part is, you can't even place bets with MOP (Macau Pataca). You can only place bets in HKD (Hong Kong Dollar)! Odd eh?

Anyway, so we walked outside to catch a hotel bus and OMG was that the most horrendous experience or what. Because the airport is under renovation, the route to the hotel buses must have changed and basically a huge flood of people were all being funneled down this tiny walkway to a bus loop. Luckily, other buses came and left with a crowd so we could at least stay in the shade a little longer. We waited a good 15 minutes in the heat before our bus came. Really disappointed considering these hotel buses are on a constant loop, so it can't take that long unless you have a small fleet. For such a big hotel group like Melco Crown Entertainment, I'm surprised. La-di-da, we eventually made it to the hotel.

Check in was supposed to be at 3pm, but we managed to get our rooms around 1.30pm - thank goodness! We were starving so we went looking for food. Let's just say, Studio City is still looking to build on their food menu. So we left for Galaxy instead. We did so much walking - Galaxy to Venetian, a park full of pretty flowers, and then to Dumbo Portuguese restaurant for dinner with my cousin and cousin-in-law - I really just wanted to rest. Not to mention the allergies on my forehead that I can't seem to get rid of.

Maybe I expected more of a rest than a discovery holiday. Can't help it though - parents haven't been to Macau so they gotta go out walking and see! Will suck it up and just do it for them. But not before gym first thing tomorrow!

Here are some photos - caption will come later on when I get on my laptop! Nights peeps :)

(Our room at Studio City!)

(Crystal Hall at Galaxy! So prettttty)

(Lunch at the HK famous Choihua but I thought it was just alright...)

(Taking a stroll at The Venetian - brings back old memories of the first time I was here back in 2009)

(What a view at the casino hotels!)

(Old Portuguese Houses) 

(Not sure what this place is called but busy busy busy)

(Dinner at Dumbo - Portuguese style everything!)

(Famous 木糖布甸...REALLY GOOD!)

(Looking down the Cotai Strip from our hotel front)

(Apparently the two circles are Ferris wheels...and we didn't find time to ride them!! Next time we shall~)