A great start to the day with some blogging. We then headed down the street restaurant affiliated with the hotel, The Cottage, for our included free "American Breakfast". Our expectations were low with hotel-included breakfasts, especially, since we risk wasting one of our scarce meals in HK eating non-local food. We were pleasantly surprised by… Continue reading Asia Day 2: Hong Kong – Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC)
Category: Hong Kong
Asia Day 1: Ottawa – Toronto – Hong Kong
We had a great start to our day, first by avoiding extreme surcharges on our Uber by waiting merely a few minutes, then bypassing a long line up at the airline's bag drop counter due to our attempt to travel carry-on only. It was a smooth ride to Toronto's airport only to find that the… Continue reading Asia Day 1: Ottawa – Toronto – Hong Kong
Hong Kong Day 8: HK – Shanghai – Vancouver
Today's flight: So our connecting flight had problems today and they had to drive us off to a sketchy hotel 20 minutes away to feed us and allow us to rest. I was watching some local Shanghainese show when someone knocked on the door to tell me the plane is ready for us. After another… Continue reading Hong Kong Day 8: HK – Shanghai – Vancouver
Hong Kong Day 7: Wanchai – Mong Kok – Harbour City
Took the star ferry one last time to see the infamous 金紫荊 statue. Then went to Mong Kok to eat at the toilet based novelty restaurant - Modern Toilet. The decor is so bizarre, I couldn't tell what's real and what's just decor most of the time - as a matter of fact, i… Continue reading Hong Kong Day 7: Wanchai – Mong Kok – Harbour City
Hong Kong Day 6: Macau
After a nice classy breakfast at the lounge in our hotel, we head off to the terminal to board the ferry to Macau! After an hour ride across the open sea in the pouring rain, we arrive in Asia's own Las Vegas. It's so interesting to see a language on the signs which I've never… Continue reading Hong Kong Day 6: Macau
Hong Kong Day 5: Shenzhen
Another long mtr ride, but this time, to the border of HK and Shenzhen. Was brought around town by a family friend in Shenzhen. Just cross the river and what a huge difference from HK. Ate authentic 潮洲 food - so delicious but got a major food coma. Watched a local haggle - so entertaining,… Continue reading Hong Kong Day 5: Shenzhen
Hong Kong Day 4: The Peak – IFC – Stanley
Rushing into the peak tram was intense. Of course, with my Canadian ways, I couldn't get a seat. Standing at 45 degrees was not easy. It was worth it though because the view up there is really nice and the market is pretty cute. IFC - the high end mall of hk. Our tour… Continue reading Hong Kong Day 4: The Peak – IFC – Stanley
Hong Kong Day 3: Ngong Ping – Temple Street – Causeway Bay
Took a long mtr ride to Tong Chong, then boarded the gondola up to Ngong Ping mountain. Pretty awesome ride since I got to see the bird's eye view of their airport. Visited the big Buddha and paid my respects there. Such a hot day so we needed to get refreshed with some Vita crysanthemum… Continue reading Hong Kong Day 3: Ngong Ping – Temple Street – Causeway Bay
Hong Kong Day 2: Wanchai – Causeway Bay – Mong Kok
Today turned out pretty well for an unplanned day. Took the star ferry over to Wanchai and grabbed some breakfast at cafe de coral. Then took the tram to Causeway Bay to check that area out. Couldn't stand the heat anymore so checked out the very well air conditioned Times Square while I was there… Continue reading Hong Kong Day 2: Wanchai – Causeway Bay – Mong Kok
Hong Kong Day 1: Shanghai – Hong Kong
Experienced Shanghainese traffic and taxi driving today. It was intense with a lot of honking and lane weaving. Felt my blood pressure and heart rate elevating. Don't know how the locals can deal with this everyday. Finds of the day: - Trolleys for carry on baggages - my backpack was getting heavy. - Coat hooks… Continue reading Hong Kong Day 1: Shanghai – Hong Kong