Hong Kong 2023 . July 26 (Day 8)

We were on our way to bus stop by 5AM since the bus will be arriving a little before 5:30AM. Witnessed a sunrise while on our way to the airport and we were there after an hour. 

This day just consist of toxic Filipino trait at the airport, waiting in line to check in our baggage, immigration and running to the other side of the airport for our assigned gate. 

Delayed flight because runway traffic.

Experienced one of the scariest turbulence, landing of all time for me since it is very cloudy in Manila.

Finally landed at 1PM in Manila and we ate at Burger King then booked our own Grab on our way home. 

Arrived at home by 3:30PM ate a little then catch up on sleep. 

Tomorrow, we go back to reality. 

My Photographs: Hong Kong 2023 | Macau 2023

Hong Kong 2023 . July 25 (Day 7)

 

Our last full day in Hong Kong which we don’t have plans since I think we already somehow maximized our stay.

Though I think we skipped a part of Hong Kong that shouldn’t be which is Central.  

We haven’t been to Central so that’s where we go and chill for our last day. 

Decided to give my feet some break from wearing shoes so I decided to wear my Birkenstock which at some point scares the shit out me because I forgot how fast the escalator at MTR stations and the horror stories of escalators haunts me. Haha 

This day is one reason why we are in Hong Kong, Gem wanted to be away for Tita Bing’s birthday and we were supposed to celebrate it by buying cake and just chill. 

Left TST by 12noon which is a bad idea without having breakfast or lunch going to Central because it is really hard sometimes to look a place where to eat. Found Iron Cow Taiwan but then somehow we realized that we don’t have cash anymore and our Octopus card is running low so we have to exchange again my last peso. So bad idea because we haven’t eaten yet and I can’t think straight. Haha 

Finally after looking for an hour, we found a cute place called “2 Cafe” remind me so much of a diner movie scene. 

Saw the Central-mid-level-escalator but we didn’t explore more again, because of the summer heat. 

We just went to another mall and decided to go to the station and just go back to Gateway (Harbour City) just when I thought we saw it all, I missed the part of that mall where Dr. Martens store is located and I just found out when I’m already back home. 

Went back to Donki just to chill but Gem is so tired that she wants to go back and rest at our room it was 4PM. I went with her and then also rested a bit and I’m so game to push this last day and not waste any time to at least explore more so I went out alone.

Saw that famous ice cream truck but I don’t have small bill so I just passed by on my way to Avenue of Stars to chase that sunset which unfortunately was on the other side of the island but it was still a beautiful scenery. 

That alone time somehow fucked my feelings and emotions. (Maybe for a separate post for the realizations). 

Thankful that we were able to survive another adventure after that lockdown for years. 

Very much thankful to a week of no stress. 

Just love having that alone time with a beautiful view. It doesn’t usually happen because there’s no easy access for a beautiful skyline just to have such life realization.

And just when I about to break down, someone reminds me that she’s always there. Thank you, Lulu. <3 

Gem messaged me that she’s already awake and rested she got lost track of time she thought that is was still early but my alone time isn’t over yet so I said we meet outside by 8PM.

I went to K11 Musea looking for Five Guys. Haha saw that in Macau but wasn’t able to see it in Central and since we are still going to have dinner I just ordered a Strawberry Milkshake. One more reason to go back is to try their burgers. 

Went around the mall while having my milk shake. 

Tried that Nike that I want but I still refuse to buy and I even forgot to take picture when I was trying it on.  

Met Gem before getting our deposit back so we can have dinner again at V&B Cuisine then told here I’ll buy chocolates at Donki and drop by SASA and before going back to our room I insist we should try the ice cream from that famous ice cream truck. 

Packed our things and alarm at 3AM for flight back home. 

My Photographs: Hong Kong 2023

Hong Kong / Macau 2023 . July 24 (Day 6)

We left TST at 9AM and we are already at HZMB by 10AM.

Of course, I read and watched some vlogs regarding on how to get to Macau by bus. Ever since I knew that you have to do the ferry but recently the trending is the bus where there’s a bridge that will go underwater and I’m amazed by that again. 

We arrived in Macau by 11AM and we ate our food before we go out to ride the bus. Our first stop should be Senado Square and Ruins of St. Paul but again, there are a lot of people and the only restaurant we saw right away where we can stay and eat is Jollibee. 

Went out to finally walk at Senado Square to Ruins of St. Paul by 2PM which is still somehow a wrong idea but we got to move. It was still so hot and the streets are full of people which is beyond our control and you don’t have to wonder anymore on which way to go since the wave of people goes to the direction of Ruins of St. Paul. 

I wish we can spend more time to go near it but it was again, freaking hot. 

I didn’t even tried the beef jerky since every store have tons of people but I was able to manage to buy an egg tart. 

To be honest, Macau is a little bit confusing to travel on. We came from Hong Kong which everything is reachable by the MTR but in Macau, you really have to read and be alert on what number of bus you should ride on. Some other Filipinos makes it less confusing since we are somehow going to the same attraction. Haha 

After seeing the Senado Square and Ruins of St. Paul, we find our way on how to get to City of Dreams where we will be instantly transported to London, Paris and Venice. We arrived there at 3PM.

I love the Londoner area since it’s very cold on the inside. 

Was able to visit the 3 parts of that area but I somehow regret not going to teamLAB which have an exhibit there. 

Of all the people who are vlogging or sharing stories, they forgot to mention on how you can go back to HZMB from City of Dreams. (Ride 26A bus in front of the Eiffel Tower going to Grand Lisboa area then transfer to 101X bus going to HZMB). Good thing we figured it out and again, Filipinos everywhere and we are all going to the same direction - going back to Hong Kong. 

Our wifi from Klook doesn’t have connection when we were in Macau. I don’t want to order another one just for a short time in Macau so I found this sim card on Lazada which both work in Hong Kong and Macau. Bought it for 400 pesos and another reason why I bought it is that upon arriving in Hong Kong prior on getting our wifi, we also need to be connected already same with when we already surrender the wifi before checking in when we leave. 

That also saves us in Macau because from time to time I have to research things so we can know directions. 

Witnessed a beautiful sunset on our way back to Hong Kong. 

Since we are familiar to where we are staying already and with the help of some apps, we rode a bus straight to TST because we are tired to walk from station to station. 

Arrived at TST by 9PM and almost everything is closing but thankful for the restaurant on the streets. We ate at V&B Cuisine and we became a regular for 2 nights on our last days. 

Back in our room by 10:30PM and that’s when I realized how sun burned I am. Haha 

My Photographs: Macau 2023

Hong Kong 2023 . July 23 (Day 5)

 We checked in at Chungking Mansion on Friday and upon that time we were told that our room is scheduled for disinfection on Sunday morning so we have to pack again and leave our things at the other block. 

That is also one reason why we rest early the day before and while we rest, we pack and plan for the next day. 

Since our room will be cleaned we have to plan on what will we do on Sunday. 

After a tiring day on Ocean Park, I also don’t want to go to Macau on a Sunday but it is also a wrong idea to go to Tung Chung on a Sunday but we got no other day already for it so no choice. 

I don’t plan to shop since I knew that the pricing is the same in Manila and there’s nothing special on the products in Hong Kong maybe except for the chocolates but with shoes, nah. I’m not a sneaker head but I’m also aware of the good and the bad or what’s in or not. 

We arrived at Tung Chung early that the stores aren’t open yet and I was surprised as they are just there right at the exit of the MTR station. I don’t plan to shop but good to see what specific stores are in there. We looked for the food central because we haven’t had breakfast yet and we ate at Pepper Lunch. I regret not eating at any restaurant with Michelin stars this time because we were able to do that in Taiwan. 

While eating we also decided that since we are already there to go to Ngong Ping 360 I booked just then and good thing I booked with Klook because the lines were crazy if you don’t have ticket yet and I just booked the standard one because the crystal one is a bit pricey for 2 people that will never be able to go solo on the cable car and the line for the crystal one is longer too. 

I’m amazed how we get to the other side of the mountain or island by cable car. Saw the Big Buddha right away and I’m ready to go up there but I can’t with the summer heat. I will be back to go up to that Big Buddha and the stairs remind me of Batu Caves in Malaysia. 

We also went back to Tung Chung by cable car again and good thing there’s no longer lines going back. Even we sacrificed Disneyland, we plan to still go there since you can stay outside where the arch is and the fountain. After Tung Chung we go straight to Disneyland to just take pictures and feel the vibe but the people who are already going home are cute to see most especially those tired kids who are wearing costumes after a full day at the park. One more reason why we will be back in Hong Kong is because of Disneyland. 

It just so good to sit there outside and feel the vibe but I don’t regret not pushing Disneyland since I really enjoyed Ocean Park and we won’t probably enjoy Disneyland because of the summer heat. One more reason is that the Frozen theme will be opening late this year. 

We are back at Tsim Sha Tsui by 6PM and the sun is still up. I researched and this time we exit at (I forgot where exactly) but it leads us to Canton Road and we explored that side of TST and just roam at Gateway. Bought that lululemon bum bag that I’m eyeing because I also just want something from Hong Kong since I will not be able to buy shoes or any footwear. 

Ate at Cafe de Coral near Chungking Mansion before getting our bags and settled again for the next days. We rested early because tomorrow we will be going to Macau! 

My Photographs: Hong Kong 2023

Hong Kong 2023 . July 22 (Day 4)

Finally we can move freely and not be worried if we are a disturbance to others. 

We woke up at 6:30AM and started to move since we are going to Ocean Park. 

Ate breakfast at Mcdo then took the train to Ocean Park 

Originally we really wanted to do both Ocean Park and Disneyland but due to our poor planning and that uncertainty on our first days, we have to let go of one and we decided to let go of Disneyland also Ocean Park is much cheaper. Haha 

My sister even said that Ocean Park is more enjoyable than Disneyland.

I somehow watched some travel vlogs about Hong Kong in general and for Ocean Park on what to expect and some tips. 

We arrived at 9AM and the park opens at 10AM. We lined up and I’m already amazed how that place is divided on 2 places and that other part of the park is at the other side of the mountain. I thought when I was watching vlogs that it was just a short trip to the other side but it was a bit far and I just realized that when we rode the Cable Car. I was already amazed how they built a train inside the mountain. 

We went around first on the main land where the Aquarium is located. I know about the panda and some animals but I don’t have high expectation. 

~

Side story: the only vlog that I really do watch daily ever since 2020 is Brian Barczyk. I always love snakes and never thought that people do make reptiles their own pet not until I saw Mr. Brian and discovered much of reptile community in the states. Mr. Brian have “The Reptarium” in Michigan and now he is building his “Legacy Aquarium”. The animal lover in me is happy when I watch and see the animals they have. Since it is hard to keep a reptile with the weather in this side of the world, hopefully one day I will be able to visit The Reptarium. 

~ 

Even I’m not part of planning the Legacy Aquarium I somehow imagined that the aquarium at Ocean Park will just be like at the Legacy Aquarium like how Mr. Brian talks about the fishes and some other plans for their animals. 

Next in the aquarium is the Golden Monkey and the other Panda. Unfortunately, I already read it somewhere that the Panda died couple of weeks ago. After in there we went to where the other panda is staying. 

I will not elaborate but I saw a lot and my animal lover heart was happy that day and watching Mr. Brian gave me some knowledge about reptiles and animals in general. 

But I can’t contain it so here are some of the animals that really makes me so ecstatic about it:

• Panda (of course) 
• Salamander 
• Sloth (even though they are sleeping)
• BALL PHYTON (my dream animal to own but I’m don’t have much knowledge on how to take good care of one) and if only the kids are not so amazed by it I might ask the care taker if I can hold it
• Penguins !!!!! (Cuties) 
• Green Tree Python
• Different kinds of frogs
• ARAPAIMA (one of Mr. Brian’s dream animal) 
• GREEN ANACONDA (which I was able to watch giving birth for 41 babies on Mr. Brian’s Youtube) 
• Sting Rays, Sharks and Dolphins 
• Meerkat, an Aldabra tortoise 
• Koi fish and some more different kind of fish and turtles 

That concludes our Ocean Park adventure. 

I did enjoy much seeing animals that I have saw some from the first time and now hyped because I only see those at the Mr. Brian’s vlog so I’m happy about it and you can’t see those on Disneyland. 

We were back at TST by 6PM and done with dinner before 7PM and since we are tired from Ocean Park and need to be early tomorrow, we decided to call it a day. 

So happy but because of the weather, my arms are tanned but I’ll take that than having rain on our visit to Ocean Park.

My Photographs: Hong Kong 2023

Hong Kong 2023 . July 21 (Day 3)

 Gem took all the explaining and stuff and of course we still have to pay for our stay in there which is we thought will be much cheaper but it wasn’t and its not worthy of the price. 

Since it was hard to talk, Gem and I are chatting on WhatsApp we planned to leave by 11am since check in will still be at 3pm. It was 10:30am when we left we didn’t even took a bath we just pee and change our clothes to yesterday’s clothes again as we will be traveling and wait for check in. 

TST isn’t hard to navigate we saw Chungking Mansion right away and for the first time we ate at Cafe de Coral then decided to walk around the area even it is so freaking hot. 

Went to Kowloon Park but I know it is a huge place and having our whole baggage with us is not a good idea. We just take a seat and breathe some fresh air even there’s mosquitoes around. 

Went down and cross the street to check another sneaker shop then went inside Mira Place because aircon! Looked for comfort room to freshen up and saw someone who looked like Kakashi from Naruto cleaning restroom and that is like the best restroom ever. Lol 

One more hour to wait so we checked Donki and stayed until check in and drink Coke. 

We were able to finish checking in by 4:30pm and as Gem was taking a bath I’m already planning where we can go after we get settled. We are not wasting any day now since at some point I think we wasted the first 2 days already but at least we still have days to make up for it. 

I took a bath like I didn’t for days. 

I decided we go to Causeway Bay just another day of window shopping. We just roam SOGO and the streets and we wanted to have ice cream in IKEA but they are selling DURIAN ICE CREAM and we get out after reading that. Lol 

Went to another Donki and it was a bit confusing. Hehe we went out and left Causeway Bay by 8PM and arrived at Tsim Sha Tsui minutes before 9PM and almost everything is closing but not that one restaurant where I ate goose. Passed by a mini grocery store because I want some chocolates and milk then we went back to Chungking Mansion because tomorrow we go to Ocean Park. 

Finally, first night where we are not living with some strangers even you say that Chunking Mansion is crazy, for us that night it was a peaceful one. 

My Photographs: Hong Kong 2023

Hong Kong 2023 . July 20 (Day 2)

Slept by 10pm the night before but my problem when I’m sleeping that early I tend to wake up on unexpected hours at night. Yes I’m tired but I woke up at 2am and I can’t sleep easily after so I just watched some YouTube videos for me to fall asleep again. 

Got no plans still for today and it is weird to not plan anything but I somehow like it. Gem still doesn’t feel 100% okay and I’m not really sure why. She got body ache because of that escalator incident, maybe on her sleeping position or maybe on how cold the place where we are staying. I made her buy meds for her cough but how can it be effective if we drink Coke most days. 

The reason why we can’t really plan much is because they say that there will be another typhoon but in reality it’s still in the Philippines that time and Hong Kong will be super sunny on the next days. 

I’m fully aware that Hong Kong is known for its tiny spaces but having so much stuff on your bathroom is a different story. Like different kind of shampoo, conditioner, soaps and cleaning materials but you don’t have a tissue or a proper clear top to use in the mean time is another story. Despite of that, I survive taking a bath while sitting on the toilet the whole time thankful for a high pressure water also that bathroom doesn’t have a lock. 

I can do tiny living just without too much clutter. 

Since we don’t have proper plans today and since we can’t plan much because Gem is still not feeling 100% okay, I decided we do go to Mong Kok where we will not be changing train lines. I honestly don’t want to do Mong Kok first because it’s just our 2nd day and we still have much attractions to go to and Macau. I don’t want to spend money yet if ever I saw something that I want. I’m only eyeing a few sneakers like the Nike Air Rift, an Ultraboost and maybe something new to my eyes if ever. Unfortunately, Mong Kok for me is hyped unless you will really buy multiple pairs of sneakers and you are looking for something specific it is still much cheaper in Manila and maybe in Zalora. 

It was still so hot in Hong Kong so we always enter any establishment with aircon and we enter one building that looks like a small mall with small spaces for store and found some restaurant / food court at the basement. I’m surprised that there are tons of Japanese restaurants in Hong Kong and you can get sushi everywhere. 

We decided to eat at Iron Cow Taiwan and until on our 2nd day we still compare Hong Kong to Taiwan on how much we really enjoyed Taiwan and I know it is too early to compare. I enjoyed how the system on IronCow is, so they assigned your table to a specific QR code where you can see the full menu and put your order in, no contact and you will not be bothered if they can’t fully speak English. After you lock in your order it will just be brought in to your table then upon exiting you will bring that mini clip board with your table number so they will know what you ordered then you pay. I love that idea and I love Iron Cow! 

After eating we decided to walk around Mong Kok and I saw a grocery where there’s bunch of chocolates and saw a favorite of mine, Nestle’s Aero in dark and milk peppermint. Yay! I bought 3 bars but I should’ve bought more. 

I somehow can’t understand that all street in Mong Kok is selling the same sneakers and maybe same price. Enlighten me if you know the logic on it. Not sure if where we walk is the Lady’s Market where Gem was able to buy a strap for her watch. 

Since we can’t find a good deal in Mong Kok upon researching Kwun Tong is also an option for outlets. 

Apparently we just went there for the Adidas outlet and found 2 more stores beside it. Didn’t still found a cheap pair of sneakers specifically the one that I’m eyeing. 

Upon returning to the station, we bought sushi for dinner then Gem spotted it at first but I didn’t there’s a Hot-Star and I didn’t to hesitate to buy one even I’m not hungry yet. 

I honestly forgot what exit to take so we exit on a different part of Whampoa where there’s a mall and when I first saw Donki which I regret not buying chocolates. Lol

I’m not sure if Gem is feeling more okay after walking for hours. I just don’t want to waste time being in there but I also can’t leave her alone on that room where we are currently staying. 

We went back after that and the sisters suggest for us to transfer so we can be comfortable with our situation most especially after another person is about to stay on that room starting tonight. 

I’m no expert but cheaper place and some privacy will be a luxury after that unfortunate event. Saw one that is less than 10,000php on Chungking Mansion and didn’t hesitate and booked it right away and we are leaving the “boarding house” tomorrow. 

That night I can’t sleep knowing that tomorrow will be somewhat kind of freedom even it is a hassle to do. 

Lesson: never ever be dependent on someone you know if they don’t care about giving you privacy. Never ever depend on someone who you don’t really know

My Photographs: Hong Kong 2023

Hong Kong 2023 . July 19 (Day 1)

Started my day literally by 12mn on booking a Grab I know that there will be a minimal percent that I will get a ride. I started trying when in just almost done getting ready I haven’t wear my docs and I haven’t brought my bags downstairs and I got a ride. I rushed downstairs and wore my docs. Just like that I’m off to the airport after a full day of work rested a bit and took a shower before leaving. 

I planned to nap on my ride to the airport but somehow it scares me a little since it’s 12mn. Good thing there’s no traffic and I’m a the airport in less than an hour. 

Gem was so excited she got there 30 minutes before I arrived. 

Airport (1am) - makes me shocked that there were no more baggage scanners at the entrance. Paid our travel tax because I didn’t included that on our plane tickets yet. 

Probably a week before our flight I checked our flight details because I also want to print it then I realized that I added a baggage on our way to Hong Kong and not on our way back. I immediately added another baggage for our way back. Upon checking on the kiosk we can’t check in there because we got a check in baggage. I’m so ready not to use it but Gem insisted that we use it. If only that’s the case I should’ve bought the bigger luggage and my blower. Lol 

Cebu Pacific got numerous complaints about changing flights, delays and so much more so that added some anxiety in me about flying with them. We got a little problem upon checking in our baggage, the system went offline. That’s one reason why you should be really early for your flight. We waited maybe less than 30 minutes in there before it became online again. 

Immigration - another reason why you should be early because this is another challenge you have to deal with the line gets longer and people somehow do missed their flights because of it and the officer is another story. 

I got my passport clean because I renewed it late 2019 and the world stopped. I worry that I should bring my old one just to be sure. When I’m at the counter and my passport was scanned I knew by the officer’s face that my travel history is shown on his monitor and asked me about my job and when is my date of return and I’m cleared on immigration. 

Our flight is at 5:50am and we are very much relaxed now on our boarding gate by 2am. 

Tried to sleep but we can’t and by almost 4am we changed gate and we decided to eat first before going to our new gate. 

So sleepy that I just wanted to sleep on the plane. 

I didn’t book a seat but they put us on the first row. Yay as if we needed to be extra cautious because it’s an exit but sorry we just want to sleep. Haha. Thankful for the crew for putting the window closed as I sleep because I forgot to get my sunglasses on my bag before they ordered to put everything on top. 

Contrary to some issues, our flight is on time and landed minutes early than the original time. I literally woke up in another city. 

Booked our Octopus card and pocket wifi via Klook and smoothly we got it just presented the QR code from the email. 

 

A friend of Gem has a family in Hong Kong and someone they know fetch us at the airport because they arranged where we are going to stay. 

Went to Sha Tin first and I’m confused why we went there first other than there’s a bus to that stop. We ate there at Ocean Empire some congee and some other good food. 

We almost got into worst case scenario on an escalator after we almost fell like a domino. Without a proper sleep and all, I’m somehow thankful for my 2 year working out session for giving me some right strength and instinct on what to do.

Went to the place we are going to stay which to be honest is okay as long as it is safe and we are just going to be us on the room. Unfortunately there’s another person in our supposed room. (Not going to discuss it further more but going to mention it again on the next one). 

I’m also not so sure why we took the long route going to that place when clearly there’s a more easy way. By then my new luggage had its first bumpy road and already got some scratches. Hehe

We settle and rest for a bit and since we can’t talk when there are other people around, I silently search where we are heading on our first night. Learned the MTR, we went out by almost 7pm and it still so bright found that Jollibee around the corner. Got confused for the first time with Google Maps. 

Easy choice for our first night, Avenue of Stars which I didn’t appreciate much because of too much people. We even saw some people from our flight that morning. Walked almost 5km on our first night trying to figure out Tsim Sha Tsiu.

Back where we are staying by 9pm and maybe I was instantly knock out. 

Gem wasn’t feeling well already that night. 

My Photographs: Hong Kong 2023