I Was Wrong About Hong Kong

Its exactly one month ago today that I step foot in Hong Kong. It took me more than 50 years of my life to discover that it is an interesting country after all. I have been to many other countries but I deliberately choose to avoid Hong Kong for various reasons. For one, my idea of a vacation abroad must be filled with sight and sound of a totally different kind. I am Chinese so I thought it made no sense to go to another country where everyone speaks the same language as in my own city. As if I didn't fly out at all. I have also heard alot of unpleasant stories from friends who have returned from a Hong Kong holiday. The rude people being one of them.

On one account, a friend who complained to a restaurant manager that his waiter was mopping the floor under her feet while she was still half way through her lunch, was bluntly told that its alright for him to lose her bowl of business but he cannot afford to lose his staff! She was asked to finish her lunch quickly and leave! Another classic one was not to ask to touch and feel a product from a shop if you don't end up buying it. You will most likely get a earful of insults from the sales attendants.

Maybe that was many years ago when I gather those grouses. But now and after my visit to Hong Kong on 19th of February 2009, I have nothing but good things to remember about the intriguing and fascinating country.

Top ten most memorable moments I will always cherish about Hong Kong in a satisfactory way.

1. The Over-Hanging Street Signs
The most characteristic feature of Hong Kong. A clear reminder that you are right in the heart of this vibrant country. That's the first thing I encounter when I step into the streets of Hong Kong. Gave me such a thrill to realise I am no longer staring at any postcards but for real.


2. The Unique Food Taste
Dim sum and wanton noodles are totally out of this world unlike the ones we have in my country. Here is where you get original dim sum and wanton. The land that created and perfected it. Of course you have to know where to find the better restaurants. Thankfully we have HK friends to take us there.


3. The Reliable Public Transport
Trains, ferries or buses, they are always on time. We were never worried about being delayed or get caught in a traffic jam. Come to think of it, despite HK being a crowded city, I haven't seen any traffic jams. Amazing.


4. The Vibrant Harbour by Night
One of the most colourful skyline in the world captured with my own eyes. Needless to say any tourist like me will not miss the dancing neon and lazer light show by the harbour. The lazer show was not as impressive but the fact that I laid eyes on the most recognisable skyline is a sight to behold.


5. The Warm Hong Kong Friends
The Hong Kong friends are warm and friendly in a matter-of-fact way. Taking time out to meet us and one kind HK pal even throw an open-house party and invited us to join them. We were fortunate enough to be invited and caught a glimpse of how they live their lives. The picture above show us walking towards a condo. Rare occasions I cherish.


6. The Efficient Restaurants
From small cafe to fancy restaurants, they are always crowded but service is consistently efficient in as far as I have encountered. The waiters are alert and always quick to take orders. The food arrive fast and steaming hot. More importantly when you are especially hungry after a full day of touring.


7. The Cool Cold Peak
We took a tram up to the top of the peak over looking the entire Hong Kong captivating harbour. We were there at the right time to experience the cool winter breeze right at the top of the peak but didn't get a very clear view around due to the cold mist. But we got the idea.


8. The Unique Cantonese Sound
Everyone in Hong Kong speaks cantonese as if they are straight out of a Hong Kong TV or movie show. It's their intonation and the way they express themselves. I speak cantonese too but not as accurately since my cantonese has been mutated in a Malaysian way. So in a country where cantonese are used so skillfully from sales attendants to friends, I decided not to embarrass myself and converse in English instead. What a shame.


9. The Disney Experience
A whole new world. Check out Mickey Mouse speaking in cantonese when you are there. Never fail to amuse. Going on a Monday is a wise thing to do. That's because its not as crowded and we don't have to wait in line for any rides or entertainment. Even then, I have some younger friends who dashed from one rides to another giving me an impression that one full day is not enough in the land of Donald Duck.


10. The Pyjamas Party
After every exhausting day of wondering around Hong Kong, its nothing like hanging out with friends in the comfort of pyjamas. Sharing our life experiences and reflecting on the day's accounts complete with wine all round. It all boils down to one thing about this trip. Friends who travel with you make alot of difference in making a vacation more satisfying.


A Movie Sum Up of My Hong Kong & Macau Adventure:



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Bangkok Revisited

Going to Bangkok seems like an annual affair for the past 6 years. Last year after returning from Bangkok, I told my traveling pals I dont think I will be going to Bangkok again anytime soon. At least not for a while. Not that I don't like Bangkok anymore. After all its one of the best vacation city in the world and its just right next door to Malaysia. But after 6 visits in a roll, stayed in the same street, ate the same (but great) Thai food, tour the same spots, there isn't much else to do. However encouraged by good company and cheap airfare, I found myself walking the bustling streets of Bangkok before I can finish saying 'Sawasdee Krub'.

So how was it this time around? I must say I thoroughly enjoyed myself because the huge difference is, I was traveling with a big bunch of great friends. All 8 of them out of which one a Singaporean and the other a Japanese. The joy of seeing friends enjoying themselves is rewarding enough since I played a small part in guiding the tour.

So there I was in the month of early March 2008, spending my first Thai Baht on my favourite bottles of freshly squeezed orange lime juice (see photo) right outside Swiss Lodge where we were staying. The bustling streets, the street food, the friendly Thais, the shopping malls, clubs and bars, the sights and sound seem all too familiar but set against the backdrop of great friends and laughters, its a whole new way of enjoying Bangkok all over again.

The bottom line is wherever you are, friends make a big difference in our lives. More so when they are trusting and supportive. Especially when one hit pass 50, good and caring friends are hard to come by. It shouldn't take a Bangkok revisited trip to realise that. Thank you my dear friends. You know who you are.


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Old, Cold, Low and Slow Hanoi

Just came back from a 5-day vacation in Hanoi with three soulmates. Our first time there. How was it? Seems like stepping back in time. Took a 4 hour rewinding flight and got a feel of how Kuala Lumpur may have looked like 50 years ago. Here's a photo to prove it. Interesting isn't it? Yes, this photo was taken on 4 May 2007. Not 1957. While this nostalgic charm of Hanoi seems to stay vividly in my tourist mind, there are other lasting impressions I have of Hanoi too.

Here are some I will never forget:

COLD RAIN
The first day we arrived, we were greeted with bone chilling rain. The next day, it rained whole day. We traced our way around wet tattered roads with one hand holding a damped map and the other, a hotel loaned umbrella. We weren't too crazy about the rain but the cold air-conditioned breeze was a cool surprise. Old female vendors wasted no time in peddling thin blue plastic rain coats at every turns.

LOW STOOL
The low stools are a common sight. Especially noodle stalls by the road. Seems as though someone came along and introduce a whole new way of squatting by resting their Vietnamese bums on this short legged stool. I was in a narrow CD shop and I found this stools most useful while combing through their pirated wares.

HONKING
The honking of cars, trucks and motorbikes never cease. Practically every 10 seconds. Its as if anyone who's anyone with a horn is having fun with it regardless! It was irritating on the first day. Annoying on the second but once I got used to it, it was charmingly funny in its own Hanoi way.

MOTORCYCLES
Hordes of them. Most apparent when one is trying to cross a road. They come from everywhere. Left right centre. This makes crossing roads in Hanoi a nightmare. If you don't see them, you'll hear them. But you won't bump into them. That's because they have these skillful ways of maneuvering away from your ginger path.

SLOW CART
While we were on the way back from Halong Bay, this van that ferried us crawled as if some cows were pulling it from the front. What should take no longer than one hour to hit Hanoi but took three and half hour instead! This doesn't help when my bladder was coming up full. I thought the driver was the only slow coach. When I looked around, every other vehicles were cruising like bollock carts! Damn! I almost peed in my pants!

ICE-CREAM CROWD
I have never seen an ice-cream parlour so crowded with people. Looks to me like the crowd was waiting to get into a cinema. Yes a cinema crowd! Could it be that this post-communist town only just recently open its door to allow fellow comrades to enjoy decadent western ice-cream? Mind you, the ice-cream doesn't even come with fancy branded wrappers. The takeaway counter was swamped with teens. See photo to believe. After I savoured a few of those extra-sweet morsels off the spoon, I wondered what's the big deal.

My account above doesn't sum up the relaxing yet quaint vacation I had. Hanoi does have a few surprises to offer like the laughable Water Puppet Show, the breathtaking Halong Bay and even thick bitter Vietnamese coffee sipping by the lake. But I am not here to sell Hanoi. Just recollecting the initial impressions. I did have a great time, more so with great company, however I wouldn't go back to Hanoi again in the remainder half of my life time.

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