Trip to Hong Kong! « JM’s Arsenal of Thoughts

Trip to Hong Kong!

This is the reward I gave myself after missing all the Philippine holidays. As my work requires me to follow US holidays, it just means that I take less day offs than the usual. We had this trip during Thanksgiving (Americans usually celebrate this during the 3rd Thursday and Friday of November) and so some friends of mine at the office thought that this is an opportunity not worth missing. The trip was actually cheap since we were able to avail of low airfare rates from PAL and we decided to stay at a hostel – imagine this, each of us paid only Php 2,800 for accomodation for 4 days and 3 nights! Of course the Wang Fat Hostel will not give us 5 star amenities but we thought that it’s the most practical way to choose since we will be out going places the entire day for this trip. What mattered though was that the room and bathroom were clean, the bed was comfortable, it was airconditioned, and there’s wi-fi access. It is located at the heart of Causeway Bay (which resembles the Times Square) and an ideal place to stay for backpacking. In fact, most of the people staying there are foreigners who are up for some adventure. The trip was really fun and needless to say, I was the only thorn among the 8 roses on this 4-day trip (hehehe). I was with Jo, Myra, Cathy, Vyke, Ela, Laura, Jonice, and Jelay. I was with Jo and Cathy during my Knowledge Transfer training in Chicago while Myra used to be a frequent lunchmate, while it was my first time to have actually been out with the rest as I would just usually say ”hi” to them in the office. Corollary to being the only guy in this trip, it was inevitable that I bear the responsibility of carrying the heaviest luggage and most of the shopping bags and being the last person to take a shower. It was cold when we went there and I was able to wear some of my winter clothes again with the excemption of thermal clothes as it’s absolutely not as cold as Chicago. So let me now share my Hong Kong adventures by showing some pictures…

Day 1

Before leaving the Manila Centennial Airport

L-R Cathy, me, Jo, Jelay (behind Jo), Ela, Myra (behind Ela), and Vyke

L-R Vyke, Laura, Jo, Cathy, Jonice, and me

Just arrived at the Hong Kong International Airport!

About to board the train going to Causeway Bay

At the hostel entrance

At night time, we decided to go to the Victoria Peak or the Peak Tram.

On the way, some locals were doing some Tai-Chi exercises in one of the nearby parks

Here’s an awesome view of Hong Kong’s harbors and skyscrapers from the Peak

First complete group pic on the way back to the hostel

Day 2

We first had breakfast at Mc Donald’s before going to the Hong Kong Disneyland to have some energy before going around the park.

First pic of the day

Just felt that I have to take a pic of this cup as it says “love ko ‘to”

The train we’re boarding on the way to Hong Kong Disneyland

You could feel that you’re already in Disneyland even inside the train (notice the handle)

Welcome to Disneyland!

Relaxing after a long walk from the train station

Mickey surfing

Mickey’s behind me

Group pic

Outside the castle

My Hong Kong love affairs…

With Sleeping Beauty

With Belle, but I’m definitely not the beast (hehe)!

With Cinderella

The trip at the lagoon

Feeling like Tarzan

We took this train inside the park to bring us to the venue of the parade

Below are pictures of the Disney Christmas parade. To get better shots, I literally climbed a post but my hands didn’t hurt since I was enjoying what I was doing. Most performers there are Filipinos and a friend of mine from Footworks (CSB’s dance troupe) was actually there.

After a busy trip to Disney theme park, we then went to Mongkok at the night market where I was able to buy my early Christmas presents for my family.

Day 3

Even though we were so tired, we managed to wake up really early since it’s the day we’re supposed to go to Ocean Park. It’s an adventure of experiencing breath-taking rides and exploring marine life.

As a morning ritual, here’s the 1st pic of the day

First time to board a 2-storey bus on the way to Ocean Park

Kung Fu Fighter Wannabe

Arrival at Ocean Park

Yup, I survived the ride at the Mine Train

Still relaxed after the scary ride

Before watching the dolphin and sealion show

And I am convinced that God blesses all creatures

This was my 2nd time to take a cable car (the 1st one was in Tagaytay Highlands) and I was surprised to find out that the one in Ocean Park was scary.