Hong Kong

While everyone was granted a 2-3 week holiday, I was allowed a 2-day rest. Fair isn’t it? I believe so since I went home last October already. Actually I didn’t have any plan at until an invitation from a friend came, a 4-day trip to Hong Kong. I told him its fine but it should be from Thursday to Sunday only. We planned to meet at the airport and will take a cab to the hostel.

wandering beggars
maze through a busy terrain
taste of adventure

Thursday. I arrived 2030H, HK time, a little than the estimated time of arrival. I thought my friend must have been too tired to wait for me as he is scheduled to arrive 2 hours earlier. The clock said 2330H and that’s when I decided to go to the hostel. WHOAH! That was my reaction upon seeing the place. Its very far from what I imagined. LOL! Anyway, after inquiring, I went to our room, knocked for 5 minutes before it was finally opened. He was already in dreamland. BOO!

Friday. Started the day early. Our first stop was Man Mo Temple, it was a small temple and cameras were not allowed so we didn’t stay long there. Next we decided to go to The Peak via Peak Tram, as they say its one of the most popular attractions in Hong Kong. Now I know why. Up there, you can relax and see the skyscrapers of the city.

Next was Madame Tussauds Hong Kong. Well I was hoping a Martina Hingis wax replica was there but to no avail. Ha ha! Going through the wax statues, I can’t help but be amazed by them. They all look real, but lifeless.

As we are trying to squeeze as many destinations as possible for 24 hrs, we then went to Ocean Park. Ocean Park is just like any other amusement parks, sorry, not a fan. There are still lots to like here, the cable car, the Sky Fair, and the festive atmosphere.

The sun may be gone, but our energy is still up. Off we went to Golden Bauhinia Square just outside the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center. It’s a historical place where the handover took place, return of Hong Kong to People’s Republic of China. We stayed there and watched the famous Symphony of Lights.

Saturday. Despite having a long Friday, we were up early for our Saturday trip. Our first destination was at Po Lin Monastery, where the Giant Buddha seats atop Nong Ping plateau. It took years to finish the statue and as they say your Hong Kong trip wouldn’t be complete if you fail to visit it.

After exploring the place, we went to Tai O Village but didn’t stay long enough. Guess we are already too tired, we are just afraid to admit it. Ha ha. Our adventure continued at the Clock Tower and Avenue of Stars and again, waited for the Symphony of Lights to be displayed.
Sunday. Its time to go home. I am going back to Japan and my friend to the Philippines for a month long vacation.

Again, thank you bespren for this adventure. Guess next time, you should check the accommodation before confirming anything. LOL! And maybe next time, European tour will be our next escapade. Happy Holidays and advance happy birthday to both us.

Be safe on your trip back to Norway and see you in 2012. Ha ha!

/totomai
12/26/09