It was a warm afternoon at the beach when out of nowhere, this scenery started to form outside the small hut where I was trying to doze off. I had to point my camera at it before it disappears 😀
Batanes 2013.. The sun setting, the diamonds it created on the water, the curtain and the door framing the beautiful scene outside.. my entry for the Weekly Photo Challenge: Juxtaposition
My friends told me I should shop here, I gestured an uncommitted smile. I arrived in Hongkong with only my backpack. All my important documents intact inside. It was January, I read that Hongkong January’s can be pretty chilly and that I should bring jacket and I did. I was fascinated!
I stepped out of the hotel on my first attempt to explore the city and it felt like everyone is taking the fastlane..
If I have to describe Hongkong in one word though, I’d say: CLEAN.
Fascination with street signs:
i think i have several of this sign in my camera 😀
Just another sign
To the Peak Tram
My souvenir ticket:
I keep tickets as souvenirs.. any ticket as long as it has a sentimental value
Souvenir ticket from The Peak Tram
Fascination with buildings:
Shout out to my brother – You’ll love this.
Feels like I’m in wonderland
The long winding cable 🙂
Cable ride to the other side of Hongkong.. EXCITED!
The other side of Hongkong. Like a small city, unique in their own way. Clean. Refreshing. COLD
And a long winding road ahead.. To visit the Buddha
Fascination with Temples:
Fascination with… FOOD
A sense of “security” seeing something that’s similar to home..
and Mc-Mc was everywhere.
Every single time I went to my hotel, I always have with me a bag of Mcdonald’s, too often that at one point, one of the staffs bravely asked me if I wanted some KFC and proceed to show me directions to the chain 🙂
Fascination with Airports:
Hongkong Airport – Can’t wait to be home at last
Amazing! Took a short train ride to and from the airport to the immigration. COOL!
Another long winding walk inside the mall to find your own gate… I didn’t know my sense of direction will be challenged here.
Waiting for my flight..
Manila bound…
January 2012.
It was the day before I have to leave for Hongkong. It was my first trip out of the country. At 1:00 in the afternoon, I sat in front of the computer and started writing articles that I needed to submit that afternoon. Knowing at the back of my mind that I still need to go out and do some stuff that I needed for my travel (exchange rate, scan passport, buy toiletries etc..) I continued working on my articles until I noticed the time, 4pm. I rushed to change on my jeans and tee and went out for a quick shop and bank.
My brother was all smiles when he accompanied me to the airport the next day. I went to pay my airport taxes, checked in, went to say goodbye to him and proceeded to the immigration. I was alone and it was my first trip abroad, I was more than apprehensive, my stomach was churning but my mind was to excited to take notice of it. I proceeded to my gate and waited patiently.
Living in a tropical place, I wore a plain tee with my jeans and a backpack that quite hurt mt shoulders. I held a knitted coat on my arm just in case the temperature in the airplane gets too cold, and although the flight was a bit delayed I would say I still enjoyed it.
1st day (or night) in Hongkong
Landing at the Hongkong airport my mind was in chaos. Going through the hassle and bustle of frequent travelers, I let myself be guided by the string of people leaving the aircraft and into the ramp. Still contemplating on how will I get myself out of the airport was my main problem, then I remembered my friend’s voice saying “You’ll never get lost, all signs come in English too and of course you have the PR thing, use it”. With that, I gained some self confidence and proceeded to walk the isle and indeed signs were everywhere! Although written in Chinese, they had a corresponding English version. I felt happy.
A short train ride led me to their immigration where they do their routine of asking you few questions before they clear you. Once I stepped out of the airport, I realized a bigger problem, not all the people there understood English, the good thing was that in my itinerary form that I printed, a corresponding Chinese note was included, everything from there was downhill. I rode the bus to my hotel like its the most natural thing for me to do in this strange and new place. While riding their double deck bus and taking pictures, I felt the chilling coldness of the weather prompting me to wear my coat in which, I would have been more comfortable if I had my fake fur jacket with me.
I arrived at my hotel few hours before my check in time so I opted to go around the vicinity and check on stores but really, I just wanted to take a look on what people normally do there.
In the afternoon when I get to my hotel room, the attendant was kind enough to introduce to me all the different tourist spots that I should visit while I’m there. She also gave me a map that will serve as my guide while I’m out. People in Hongkong were so accommodating. Once I got confused with which train to take and when I asked someone for help, they were more than willing to oblige.
To name a few, here are the most interesting things I found in Hongkong:
Transport: Their train transport is unbelievable. At least 3 train lines are connected to each other that gives you the best and most convenient way to travel. I was so amazed. DisneyLand Hongkong also has its own train line, how amazing is that?
Weather: Living in a tropical country, I marveled the cold chilly January weather in Hongkong. Although I’m not so fond of being greeted by cold winds in the morning, the experience brought me back when I was small in my hometown Batanes during the Christmas season. I also liked the idea of wearing a jacket or a coat when going out.
Food: I resorted to a popular fastfood chain the first time I was in Hongkong, it’s because I was alone and didn’t quite want to try something different without someone actually urging me to try but after going around town and seeing throngs of Chinese restaurants and street vendors, I had to try their food and I had a blast.
Chillin’ at Hongkong airport on my way back home
Airport: It may not be the best one but it was beautiful, organized not to mention entertaining airports I’ve seen.
There’s a lot more to see in Hongkong and I will sure visit again given the chance to do so.
Articles On Us 