Result is out.. Singapore's new president is ......... Tony Tan
I am a bad citizen that actually holds no regard to who our president really is. Somehow this position seemed to be there only as a figurehead. Smile smile, shake hand, wave at public. Hmmm...
Hence I am not particularly interested on who becomes our president.
However perhaps this new president can prove me wrong. He is there for a good reason, besides merely be what I'd mentioned. So we shall see.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Viral Infection, NOT Dengue
Being feeling feverish since last Thursday, when still in Hong Kong! Though not high fever, but the temperature always range from 37.0 to 37.5 degree celcius. This is higher than my normal temperature which even on the high side is only about 36.7
Hubby decided that I must go and see the doctor since a week had passed and the condition still the same.
Went to the doc, she advised to run some blood test. She's afraid could be dengue fever since it's on the rampant these days but I am not overly concerned since I understand dengue fever usually involves high fever and body aching which I have neither.
Finally the blood test is out around 5pm! I'm clear from dengue! Likely viral infection so my body is fighting it hence the feverish. Phew!
Looks like I need to pop a couple of panadol afterall to aid my body on the fight! Let's win this battle!
Hubby decided that I must go and see the doctor since a week had passed and the condition still the same.
Went to the doc, she advised to run some blood test. She's afraid could be dengue fever since it's on the rampant these days but I am not overly concerned since I understand dengue fever usually involves high fever and body aching which I have neither.
Finally the blood test is out around 5pm! I'm clear from dengue! Likely viral infection so my body is fighting it hence the feverish. Phew!
Looks like I need to pop a couple of panadol afterall to aid my body on the fight! Let's win this battle!
Monday, August 15, 2011
Aug 12 2011 - Back in Singapore
A late post... Was back last Friday, 12th Aug 2011
Since we need to check out in noon, we just went for a relatively late breakfast, about 10am at the Cha Cang Ting near our hotel, Fung Wah. Definitely compared to Tsui Wah, their breakfast is quite a far cry.
Shopped around abit, grabbed some more titbits and back to the hotel we go. Lazing around to wait for time to pass.
Quick check-out and they helped us to hail a cab. Before we know it, we are at the airport already. Flight is 3.20pm. Seemed like a long time more. But... stopover to grab some interesting flavoured collon (bird nest with coconut and mango pudding). Checked in our luggage and checked in. More shopping at Zara and it's time!
Time flies. Before we know it, we are back in Singapore. No one come to pick us up. Sob! Hahaaa, but it's actually my parents-in-law thought our flight is tomorrow. What a boo-boo!
Overall, quite enjoy this trip! Yeah!
Since we need to check out in noon, we just went for a relatively late breakfast, about 10am at the Cha Cang Ting near our hotel, Fung Wah. Definitely compared to Tsui Wah, their breakfast is quite a far cry.
Shopped around abit, grabbed some more titbits and back to the hotel we go. Lazing around to wait for time to pass.
Quick check-out and they helped us to hail a cab. Before we know it, we are at the airport already. Flight is 3.20pm. Seemed like a long time more. But... stopover to grab some interesting flavoured collon (bird nest with coconut and mango pudding). Checked in our luggage and checked in. More shopping at Zara and it's time!
Time flies. Before we know it, we are back in Singapore. No one come to pick us up. Sob! Hahaaa, but it's actually my parents-in-law thought our flight is tomorrow. What a boo-boo!
Overall, quite enjoy this trip! Yeah!
Friday, August 12, 2011
Aug 11 2011 - Shop Shop Shop!!!
Initial plan to go Ocean Park or the Peak was aborted. Shopping shall be our main agenda!
Took hubby to this famous dim sum restaurant, Lian Xiang (Hee, mine is Hanyu Pinyin.. will try to write another post on restaurants we went later). Very traditional style, we even have the ladies pushing out carts of dim sum and you let them know what you want, and they will stamp your card. Kinda crowded but the human traffic comes and goes quite fast. Though probably considered more expensive than usual, the quality is quite good and portion is generous.
Shopping! We headed to Argyle Centre. Done my research and read from some blogs that this place is recommended for cheap female wears and assessories. Unlike street market, you cannot bargain here which is what I like. I prefer fixed price where I should not be overtly concerned if I managed to get myself a good deal. Here, the clothes basically sold at HK$60 for tops or bottoms, about SG$10!! That's a steal! Quality is actually similar to those you bought from those blogshops (lower-end). If you want to look for slightly better quality, check out the shops instead of those stalls. I bought 3 dresses, 1 top, 1 sweater, costs me HK$1217 (about SG$200) Perhaps not very cheap... oops! Well, but at least I am happy with the purchases.
However do be informed that the shops generally do not open very early. We reached the place about 10am and no shops are open!!! So hubby and myself decided to check out their famous dessert stall nearby, Xu Liu Shan. Not too bad. I love their mango juice! Yumz!
I understood from the salesgal from the shop that no fitting allowed in the shops in Argyle Centre and they generally open about 3pm. Though there are some that open earlier. To avoid the crowd, it's recommended to go about noon however expect that not all the shops will be opened.
We also managed to get my Little Twin Star luggage from Eminent (HK$999)! Cool! Love!!
Back to hotel to put down all our purchases, we headed out for lunch.
Along Wellington, there's quite a few famous food outlets. Besides the Dim Sum restaurant, we went to Yung Kee, famous for it's roasted goose. This is really good, please visit there if you have the chance. Pricing more expensive than the usual Cha Cang Ting, then again, this is like a typical Chinese restaurant setting.
Hmm, perhaps this location is not too bad afterall.
On the way back to hotel, we ended up at a shoes shop, My Gallery. Selling very nice leather shoes, I splurge on 2 pairs! Oh no! But they are having offer, both pairs costs me about HK$1200 (about SG$98). Very worth it!!
After spending so much, think we should just hide in the hotel room except for dinner. Hee!
Dinner, Tsui Wah... As usual, no complaints on their food.
Took hubby to this famous dim sum restaurant, Lian Xiang (Hee, mine is Hanyu Pinyin.. will try to write another post on restaurants we went later). Very traditional style, we even have the ladies pushing out carts of dim sum and you let them know what you want, and they will stamp your card. Kinda crowded but the human traffic comes and goes quite fast. Though probably considered more expensive than usual, the quality is quite good and portion is generous.
Shopping! We headed to Argyle Centre. Done my research and read from some blogs that this place is recommended for cheap female wears and assessories. Unlike street market, you cannot bargain here which is what I like. I prefer fixed price where I should not be overtly concerned if I managed to get myself a good deal. Here, the clothes basically sold at HK$60 for tops or bottoms, about SG$10!! That's a steal! Quality is actually similar to those you bought from those blogshops (lower-end). If you want to look for slightly better quality, check out the shops instead of those stalls. I bought 3 dresses, 1 top, 1 sweater, costs me HK$1217 (about SG$200) Perhaps not very cheap... oops! Well, but at least I am happy with the purchases.
However do be informed that the shops generally do not open very early. We reached the place about 10am and no shops are open!!! So hubby and myself decided to check out their famous dessert stall nearby, Xu Liu Shan. Not too bad. I love their mango juice! Yumz!
I understood from the salesgal from the shop that no fitting allowed in the shops in Argyle Centre and they generally open about 3pm. Though there are some that open earlier. To avoid the crowd, it's recommended to go about noon however expect that not all the shops will be opened.
We also managed to get my Little Twin Star luggage from Eminent (HK$999)! Cool! Love!!
Back to hotel to put down all our purchases, we headed out for lunch.
Along Wellington, there's quite a few famous food outlets. Besides the Dim Sum restaurant, we went to Yung Kee, famous for it's roasted goose. This is really good, please visit there if you have the chance. Pricing more expensive than the usual Cha Cang Ting, then again, this is like a typical Chinese restaurant setting.
Hmm, perhaps this location is not too bad afterall.
On the way back to hotel, we ended up at a shoes shop, My Gallery. Selling very nice leather shoes, I splurge on 2 pairs! Oh no! But they are having offer, both pairs costs me about HK$1200 (about SG$98). Very worth it!!
After spending so much, think we should just hide in the hotel room except for dinner. Hee!
Dinner, Tsui Wah... As usual, no complaints on their food.
Aug 10 2011 - Back to Hong Kong
Breakfast provided for at Altira. I took the Chinese set and hubby the Western set. I love my Dim Sum, Porridge. Their mee is so-so though. Dough with soya milk is not too bad except the soya milk is unsweetened, or you need to add your own sugar? hmm....
Back to our room. Same as yesterday, we have no intention to get out of the room. I soaked myself in the nice round bath-tub. Shiok! Can really fall asleep or am I too tired?
Before we know it, it's time to leave the gorgeous room and go back to Hong Kong. Again, excellence service is provided when the limousine service had already being pre-arranged to send us back to the ferry terminal.
Once we were at the ferry terminal, we were at a loss on which ferry to take. In the end we ended up getting tickets from First Ferry which is a wrong choice as the destination is Tsim Sha Shui. Turbo Jet will have taken us to Hong Kong Island which is where our 2nd hotel at Hong Kong, Butterfly on Wellington. Nonetheless problem easily solved by taking a cab to our intended destination.
Although our driver does not know his way to our hotel, he took the initiative to search the map and utilise the GPS on his mobile. Wonder if Singapore drivers will have provided such service or initiative?
The first impression? The streets is very very narrow and crowded. Does not give me a good impression. Check in at Level 1 and we were given room 1005, again the one nearest to the lift lobby. However at least not as noisy as we were at Nathan Hotel. Perhaps this hotel does not really cater to families with young kids as much as Nathan Hotel.
After check-in, we went about exploring the area. We got lost initially but managed to pick up our bearings in no time. Though it seemed that this location does not seem as good as Nathan Road and definitely not as near to MTR station.
We settled for late lunch at Da Jia Le. Not too bad but definitely the roasted meat is not as good as Altira.
Shopping around the vicinity does disappoint me. All the brands... not my style. I am a cheapo gal.
In the end we went to Bonjour to get the masks requested by my BIL's gf plus some drinks and snacks.
H&M!!!! Buy buy buy! Shop shop shop! My new love brand.. too bad, no outlet in Singapore.
We bought back Mac Donald's as late dinner.
Back to our room. Same as yesterday, we have no intention to get out of the room. I soaked myself in the nice round bath-tub. Shiok! Can really fall asleep or am I too tired?
Before we know it, it's time to leave the gorgeous room and go back to Hong Kong. Again, excellence service is provided when the limousine service had already being pre-arranged to send us back to the ferry terminal.
Once we were at the ferry terminal, we were at a loss on which ferry to take. In the end we ended up getting tickets from First Ferry which is a wrong choice as the destination is Tsim Sha Shui. Turbo Jet will have taken us to Hong Kong Island which is where our 2nd hotel at Hong Kong, Butterfly on Wellington. Nonetheless problem easily solved by taking a cab to our intended destination.
Although our driver does not know his way to our hotel, he took the initiative to search the map and utilise the GPS on his mobile. Wonder if Singapore drivers will have provided such service or initiative?
The first impression? The streets is very very narrow and crowded. Does not give me a good impression. Check in at Level 1 and we were given room 1005, again the one nearest to the lift lobby. However at least not as noisy as we were at Nathan Hotel. Perhaps this hotel does not really cater to families with young kids as much as Nathan Hotel.
After check-in, we went about exploring the area. We got lost initially but managed to pick up our bearings in no time. Though it seemed that this location does not seem as good as Nathan Road and definitely not as near to MTR station.
We settled for late lunch at Da Jia Le. Not too bad but definitely the roasted meat is not as good as Altira.
Shopping around the vicinity does disappoint me. All the brands... not my style. I am a cheapo gal.
In the end we went to Bonjour to get the masks requested by my BIL's gf plus some drinks and snacks.
H&M!!!! Buy buy buy! Shop shop shop! My new love brand.. too bad, no outlet in Singapore.
We bought back Mac Donald's as late dinner.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Aug 09 2011 - Macau
Woke up about 7 plus to get ready. Luckily managed to finish packing last night so today shall be just R&R.
We went out for breakfast about 9am, in search for yet another Cha Cang Ting. Now that we are more familiar with the environment, the search is easy! We settled at Tsui Wah Restaurant, it's less than 10 min walk from our hotel. I'd actually preferred the food here than from the famous Australian Dairy Company. Generally I think Hong Kong food are saltier but at least Tsui Wah's food is lesser than ADC.
After breakfast, we decided to head back to the hotel since most shops are not open. Simple relaxation in the room to wait for check-out. Service at the counter was fast and friendly and we were out of the hotel in no time.
Check-out 12pm, caught a cab to head down to China Ferry Terminal. There, you can choose from Cotai Jet, Turbo Jet and First Ferry. We took the 1pm ferry from First Ferry, costs us HK$51 each. It was abit of a rushed though. Hubby was scared that we might miss our ferry. Immediately after the purchase of tickets, it's about 12.30pm and hubby said we need to check in 0.5 hour before! At the custom, there was quite a queue and coming very close to 1pm! Ferry departed quite on time, 1.05pm.
After quite a rush, we finally made it to the ferry in time! Thankfully the seats were assigned (at check-in point), otherwise I cannot imagine if hubby and me have to sit away from each other. Especially so when the ride was quite a bumpy one and me with my motion sickness does not help. Took the motion sickness pill and snoozed.
About an hour later, we arrived at Macau! Felt so stupid to believe in my brother-in-law when he told us that there is no need to fill in the arrival form. What nonsense! Such embarrassment when we were told to stand aside to fill up those forms.
Hotel pickup was already waiting for us when we stepped out. Got to praise their service! Just before we took off from Singapore to Hong Kong, I'd received their email to request for me to provide some information and arrival timing for limousine pickup service. The next few days we emailed each other to confirm the arrival details as earlier, I had no idea what are the available ferry time slots.
The room is wow!!! Those who being to Capella and loves it (I am one of those), will love this room as well! The room is big and comfortable. The service is impeccable. Absolutely no complaints there!
However, this hotel is inaccessible to the attractions. So in the end, I got to listen to hubby's advice and just stayed in the room to enjoy. After all the endless walking day after day, it's a good break for my poor legs.
To further spoil ourselves, we actually called in room-service. Not too bad an idea since I preferred Chinese food and hubby Western. I went crazy ordering.... I ordered their BBQ platter, Crystal Prawn Dumpling, Custard Bun and Hasma Dessert! Yumz!!!!!! Hubby just had one pathetic plate of Carbonara. Hahaaa... but no fear, as usual, I could not finish my food and hubby ate all for me! I LOVE FOOD!!!
Once my body is on relaxed mode, it sure took advantage! I snoozed right after my sumptuous dinner!
We went out for breakfast about 9am, in search for yet another Cha Cang Ting. Now that we are more familiar with the environment, the search is easy! We settled at Tsui Wah Restaurant, it's less than 10 min walk from our hotel. I'd actually preferred the food here than from the famous Australian Dairy Company. Generally I think Hong Kong food are saltier but at least Tsui Wah's food is lesser than ADC.
After breakfast, we decided to head back to the hotel since most shops are not open. Simple relaxation in the room to wait for check-out. Service at the counter was fast and friendly and we were out of the hotel in no time.
Check-out 12pm, caught a cab to head down to China Ferry Terminal. There, you can choose from Cotai Jet, Turbo Jet and First Ferry. We took the 1pm ferry from First Ferry, costs us HK$51 each. It was abit of a rushed though. Hubby was scared that we might miss our ferry. Immediately after the purchase of tickets, it's about 12.30pm and hubby said we need to check in 0.5 hour before! At the custom, there was quite a queue and coming very close to 1pm! Ferry departed quite on time, 1.05pm.
After quite a rush, we finally made it to the ferry in time! Thankfully the seats were assigned (at check-in point), otherwise I cannot imagine if hubby and me have to sit away from each other. Especially so when the ride was quite a bumpy one and me with my motion sickness does not help. Took the motion sickness pill and snoozed.
About an hour later, we arrived at Macau! Felt so stupid to believe in my brother-in-law when he told us that there is no need to fill in the arrival form. What nonsense! Such embarrassment when we were told to stand aside to fill up those forms.
Hotel pickup was already waiting for us when we stepped out. Got to praise their service! Just before we took off from Singapore to Hong Kong, I'd received their email to request for me to provide some information and arrival timing for limousine pickup service. The next few days we emailed each other to confirm the arrival details as earlier, I had no idea what are the available ferry time slots.
The room is wow!!! Those who being to Capella and loves it (I am one of those), will love this room as well! The room is big and comfortable. The service is impeccable. Absolutely no complaints there!
However, this hotel is inaccessible to the attractions. So in the end, I got to listen to hubby's advice and just stayed in the room to enjoy. After all the endless walking day after day, it's a good break for my poor legs.
To further spoil ourselves, we actually called in room-service. Not too bad an idea since I preferred Chinese food and hubby Western. I went crazy ordering.... I ordered their BBQ platter, Crystal Prawn Dumpling, Custard Bun and Hasma Dessert! Yumz!!!!!! Hubby just had one pathetic plate of Carbonara. Hahaaa... but no fear, as usual, I could not finish my food and hubby ate all for me! I LOVE FOOD!!!
Once my body is on relaxed mode, it sure took advantage! I snoozed right after my sumptuous dinner!
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Aug 08 2011 - I Hate the PRCs!!!
Breakfast at the much famous Australian Dairy Company especially since it is quite near our hotel. MTR Jordan, exit C2 and walk down one block and turn left. Frankly I found their food too salty for my liking.
Then Disneyland, Here I Come!
...
I will not go back there though!! The rides are not exciting except the Space Mountain which is an indoor roller coaster ride. It's pitch dark and in great speed. Shiok! The first ride that actually made me feel like puking! Haa! But very fun. Stitch Encounter is damn cute! The guy who did the voice-over is witting and sure can think fast. We went for the Mandarin version, though it sounded weird (Stich speaking Mandarin?!!), hubby and myself really enjoyed it so much that we did not mind going for the English version, if time permits. And of course time does not!
We did not stayed for the Fireworks at 9pm. Wasted but no regrets. Any more extended monents with the PRCs is making my blood boil! They are so damn inconsiderate. Pushing you while in the queue, absolutely no sense of personal space! Trying to cut your queue! Walking and knocks into you without any apology!
I really really really really hate them! Can they be taught any manners?!!
Came back to our hotel before 7pm to cool off and shower. Then we went shopping at Wing On right opposite our hotel. Bought underwears! Seemed cheaper than in Singapore. The eco-range from Triumph costs about S$40 (Bra). If I did not remember wrongly, Singapore sells them at almost double the price! Bought 3 sets! And bought another 3 from another brand not found in Singapore, Embery Form. Also bought Le Sportsac, was given 10% discount since the salesgirl sold me the bag on display instead. We found my cartoon luggage bags!! There's Mickey Mouse, Little Twin Star and Hello Kitty. I am going to buy!!!! Though not now, wait till we come back from Macau.
Dinner.. We decided to try Hulu Cafe, 2 streets away from our hotel. Quite good leh! I ordered Prawn Pasta with spicy tomato and hubby seafood baked rice. Their portion is quite big. They seemed to specialise in Angus Steak and the price is cheap! The steak set meal would have cost about S$30 plus. Hubby said he will be back to try it.
Time to pack the bags, check my work emails and blogging...
2.30am! I am sleeping later and waking up earlier when on vacation. What nonsense!
Oh yeah.... I am sun-burnt!
Macau shall be our next conquer.....
Then Disneyland, Here I Come!
...
I will not go back there though!! The rides are not exciting except the Space Mountain which is an indoor roller coaster ride. It's pitch dark and in great speed. Shiok! The first ride that actually made me feel like puking! Haa! But very fun. Stitch Encounter is damn cute! The guy who did the voice-over is witting and sure can think fast. We went for the Mandarin version, though it sounded weird (Stich speaking Mandarin?!!), hubby and myself really enjoyed it so much that we did not mind going for the English version, if time permits. And of course time does not!
We did not stayed for the Fireworks at 9pm. Wasted but no regrets. Any more extended monents with the PRCs is making my blood boil! They are so damn inconsiderate. Pushing you while in the queue, absolutely no sense of personal space! Trying to cut your queue! Walking and knocks into you without any apology!
I really really really really hate them! Can they be taught any manners?!!
Came back to our hotel before 7pm to cool off and shower. Then we went shopping at Wing On right opposite our hotel. Bought underwears! Seemed cheaper than in Singapore. The eco-range from Triumph costs about S$40 (Bra). If I did not remember wrongly, Singapore sells them at almost double the price! Bought 3 sets! And bought another 3 from another brand not found in Singapore, Embery Form. Also bought Le Sportsac, was given 10% discount since the salesgirl sold me the bag on display instead. We found my cartoon luggage bags!! There's Mickey Mouse, Little Twin Star and Hello Kitty. I am going to buy!!!! Though not now, wait till we come back from Macau.
Dinner.. We decided to try Hulu Cafe, 2 streets away from our hotel. Quite good leh! I ordered Prawn Pasta with spicy tomato and hubby seafood baked rice. Their portion is quite big. They seemed to specialise in Angus Steak and the price is cheap! The steak set meal would have cost about S$30 plus. Hubby said he will be back to try it.
Time to pack the bags, check my work emails and blogging...
2.30am! I am sleeping later and waking up earlier when on vacation. What nonsense!
Oh yeah.... I am sun-burnt!
Macau shall be our next conquer.....
Aug 07 2011 - Lesson Learnt... Must Open Your Mouth
Well, hubby and myself have the impression that Cha Cang Ting can be found in Hong Kong so easiy. However we are so wrong, or are we?
Started the day with the hotel buffet breakfast. Sucks big big big time. What a disappointing meal to start the day!
After breakfast, we went back to our room to get ready to set off for our 1st day. We are going to visit the Big Buddha at Lantau island.
Got ourselves the Octopus card and we are off to roam the country. I will say the train network is quite efficient, even more than Singapore.
Finally we arrived at MTR Tung Chung Station. Headed straight to take Ngong Ping Cable Car Terminal. We waited in queue at least an hour for just a 20 min cable car ride and that is taking the crystal cable car instead of the standard. Of course, it will have cost more but at least not another 1 hour extra wait!
Cutting through Ngong Ping Village (there are quite a number of shops selling souvenirs and eateries), a long flight of stairs.... we finally reached the top! To see the magnificent Tian Tan Buddha Statue!
Settled for lunch at one of the eateries, Euro Go Go, baked pasta with tuna and baked pasta with chicken. Not too bad.
We took the cable car ride back to Tung Chung. There's a shopping centre just there (cannot remember the name though). Attempted to shop for awhile but failed miserably. Quite a few brands and seemed like it's a factory outlet so the price supposed to be cheap... but there were so many people! I am those kind that hate going for sales because I do not like to jostle to squeeze through, plus the long queue at the dressing room and cashier. Crazy moments! We gave up and decided to check out Sky100 at Kowloon.
Initially we lost our way though we did manage to find W Hotel and Ritz Carlton. We headed back to the shopping centre, Elements and did manage to find Sky100 and bought the 6.30pm slot, hoping to catch the sunset. This place is located at level 100 of the building and give you 360 degree view of Hong Kong. Not too bad but catching the night view will probably be better, I think.
There is Airport Express at Kowloon Station which we were hoping perhaps we can buy Disneyland tickets since we learnt our lesson this morning with the long wait for the cable car. However the customer service is so unfriendly! Instead the chap at Sky100 is more helpful. Still, we did not manage to buy the tickets since he said the nearest will be at Hong Kong MTR. Oh well... perhaps we will get it at our hotel tourist centre.
Oh, a mention though. You can check in at Kowloon and Hong Kong MTR for your air flights! Isn't that cool?
Hoping to find some Cha Cang Ting to get our dinner. Walking round round at Cetral without any luck but we did ended up catching the Symphony of Lights!
We decided to head to Tsim Sha Tsui instead to try our luck since Grace gave me a food list and seemed that Tsim Sha Tsui has a number of recommended. Sadly, we had no luck but we ended up shopping in one shop (Log-On) at iTower that sells interesting household products and snacks, and stationery.... and alot others. Meanwhile being trying to find a rubber band for my hair since yesterday! Walking a few times with no luck. In the end, I decided to ask one of the salesgirl instead. Guess what, they do sell it!
While making payment for our purchases, I'd decided to ask if they are aware of any Cha Cang Ting nearby. She told me the direction and mentioned that there were a few along the stretch, I can just take my pick but she felt Macau Restaurant and 98 is not bad. We ended up eating at Macau Restaurant. Hubby ordered Macaroni and me the Pork Chop Bun and Portugese Egg Tart. Quite a satisfactory dinner!
See, the power of asking! =)
Started the day with the hotel buffet breakfast. Sucks big big big time. What a disappointing meal to start the day!
After breakfast, we went back to our room to get ready to set off for our 1st day. We are going to visit the Big Buddha at Lantau island.
Got ourselves the Octopus card and we are off to roam the country. I will say the train network is quite efficient, even more than Singapore.
Finally we arrived at MTR Tung Chung Station. Headed straight to take Ngong Ping Cable Car Terminal. We waited in queue at least an hour for just a 20 min cable car ride and that is taking the crystal cable car instead of the standard. Of course, it will have cost more but at least not another 1 hour extra wait!
Cutting through Ngong Ping Village (there are quite a number of shops selling souvenirs and eateries), a long flight of stairs.... we finally reached the top! To see the magnificent Tian Tan Buddha Statue!
Settled for lunch at one of the eateries, Euro Go Go, baked pasta with tuna and baked pasta with chicken. Not too bad.
We took the cable car ride back to Tung Chung. There's a shopping centre just there (cannot remember the name though). Attempted to shop for awhile but failed miserably. Quite a few brands and seemed like it's a factory outlet so the price supposed to be cheap... but there were so many people! I am those kind that hate going for sales because I do not like to jostle to squeeze through, plus the long queue at the dressing room and cashier. Crazy moments! We gave up and decided to check out Sky100 at Kowloon.
Initially we lost our way though we did manage to find W Hotel and Ritz Carlton. We headed back to the shopping centre, Elements and did manage to find Sky100 and bought the 6.30pm slot, hoping to catch the sunset. This place is located at level 100 of the building and give you 360 degree view of Hong Kong. Not too bad but catching the night view will probably be better, I think.
There is Airport Express at Kowloon Station which we were hoping perhaps we can buy Disneyland tickets since we learnt our lesson this morning with the long wait for the cable car. However the customer service is so unfriendly! Instead the chap at Sky100 is more helpful. Still, we did not manage to buy the tickets since he said the nearest will be at Hong Kong MTR. Oh well... perhaps we will get it at our hotel tourist centre.
Oh, a mention though. You can check in at Kowloon and Hong Kong MTR for your air flights! Isn't that cool?
Hoping to find some Cha Cang Ting to get our dinner. Walking round round at Cetral without any luck but we did ended up catching the Symphony of Lights!
We decided to head to Tsim Sha Tsui instead to try our luck since Grace gave me a food list and seemed that Tsim Sha Tsui has a number of recommended. Sadly, we had no luck but we ended up shopping in one shop (Log-On) at iTower that sells interesting household products and snacks, and stationery.... and alot others. Meanwhile being trying to find a rubber band for my hair since yesterday! Walking a few times with no luck. In the end, I decided to ask one of the salesgirl instead. Guess what, they do sell it!
While making payment for our purchases, I'd decided to ask if they are aware of any Cha Cang Ting nearby. She told me the direction and mentioned that there were a few along the stretch, I can just take my pick but she felt Macau Restaurant and 98 is not bad. We ended up eating at Macau Restaurant. Hubby ordered Macaroni and me the Pork Chop Bun and Portugese Egg Tart. Quite a satisfactory dinner!
See, the power of asking! =)
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Aug 06 2011 - I'm Leaving On a Jet Plane!
Or rather I'd already left on a jet plane.. Hee!
I had reached Hong Kong last night. 3.05pm flight on SQ went without any hiccups, flight departed on time (Hey, this is SQ! I dun expect them to!! =P) However inflight dining was nothing to shout about.. Though I'd managed to catch Kung Fu Panda 2 on the flight. Yipppeee!!
Touched down at Hong Kong about 7pm. We decided to take some time to figure out how to get to our hotel. MTR? Bus? Cab? Oh well, let's go the lazy but most expensive way... the cab! And, the meter jumps at $1.50 for each tick! Damage HK$237. Haaa!
Finally managed to check into the hotel, Nathan Hotel at about 9pm. Set our stuff aside, we left the hotel to explore the vincinty.
At 9pm, lots of shops are still open, perhaps it's the weekend. Just blind walking and trying to recognise the landmark around. Though I did get myself Ji Dan Zai. Hmmm, frankly, so-so only. Got a couple of drinks back to the hotel.
Impression so far, lotsa neon lights billboards, definitely the reason why Hong Kong is much better lit than Singapore. Lots and lots of shopping centres along the stretch. Are we at Hong Kong's version of Orchard Road? The weather... wails! Like Singapore, hot and humid! Thankfully I'd packed in quite abit of tanktops and shorts!
I had reached Hong Kong last night. 3.05pm flight on SQ went without any hiccups, flight departed on time (Hey, this is SQ! I dun expect them to!! =P) However inflight dining was nothing to shout about.. Though I'd managed to catch Kung Fu Panda 2 on the flight. Yipppeee!!
Touched down at Hong Kong about 7pm. We decided to take some time to figure out how to get to our hotel. MTR? Bus? Cab? Oh well, let's go the lazy but most expensive way... the cab! And, the meter jumps at $1.50 for each tick! Damage HK$237. Haaa!
Finally managed to check into the hotel, Nathan Hotel at about 9pm. Set our stuff aside, we left the hotel to explore the vincinty.
At 9pm, lots of shops are still open, perhaps it's the weekend. Just blind walking and trying to recognise the landmark around. Though I did get myself Ji Dan Zai. Hmmm, frankly, so-so only. Got a couple of drinks back to the hotel.
Impression so far, lotsa neon lights billboards, definitely the reason why Hong Kong is much better lit than Singapore. Lots and lots of shopping centres along the stretch. Are we at Hong Kong's version of Orchard Road? The weather... wails! Like Singapore, hot and humid! Thankfully I'd packed in quite abit of tanktops and shorts!
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