31 JAN 2005

Went to Tai Po, Lam Tseun in New Territory. Went to the famous Whishing Tree. Took the bus no 73K. The bus passes by Sha Tin. To enjoy the view along the way, sit in the upper deck of the bus. The bus ride is about 50 minutes. The final stop is Tai Po Town Centre. After reaching Tai Po town centre, had Yunnam rice noodles for breakfast!! Yummy!! After breakfast, took the taxi .Taxis in New Territory are green in colour, and they are only allowed to transport passengers within New Territory. It’s a little cheaper. The meter starts at $12.40, instead of the usual $15.00. There are actually 2 wishing trees in Lam Tsuen. 1 is for love and the other for career. The one nearer to Tin Hou Temple is for love. “Bo Dip” is an orange tied to a few pieces of colourful papers. Sold at $3 each. Just buy one, write your wish on the “Bo Dip” and throw it onto the tree. If the “Bo Dip” hangs onto the branches, it means that your wish is granted!! If your wish comes true, be sure to go back to the wishing tree to thank the gods by giving offerings. The people here believe that if you do not thank the gods when your wish is granted, bad luck would follow!! So think twice before you want to make a wish. After that, took the bus to Yuen Long, which is also in New Territory. We took the smaller bus. $9 for the trip. There are Light Rails in Yuen Long, the light rails are under KCR company. The light rails are electric trains which runs on the road. Took the bus No. K65 to Lau Fau Shan. It’s a fishing pier like Tai O. At around 3 to 4am in the morning, the fishermen returns to this pier with their catch. It’s also an oyster culture farm. Try out the fresh oysters here during weekends.  Will be going to Lantau Island tomorrow. Weather is getter cooler. Temp. today was around 13-16℃.

30 JAN 2005

Went shopping in Tsim Sha Tsui with my cousin. Had dinner in Tai Ping Koon Restaurant. It’s established since 1860. The specialty- chicken wings with swiss sauce. It’s a must try!! For more info on Tai Ping Koon Restaurant, go to www.taipingkoon.com. We walked along Granville Road. There are a lot of interesting shops along the way. Then we stopped by a small shopping complex called Rise shopping complex. The shops are really small and to get the trendiest clothes and accessories, that’s the place. Each of the shops are unique and has their very own style and range of clothing and accessories. However, the style are mostly what they call “Street style”, which means it’s only for casual wear and it’s mostly for youngsters. Then I went to another shopping complex which is between Granville Road and Kimberley Road. I don’t know the name of the shopping complex but I only know it’s something like “Bak Lei” Shopping Complex. It’s similar to Rise Shopping Complex but it caters to the older age group. The clothes and accessories are not as hip but it’s still unique. I bought a prom dress for $500!! And all I can say about the dress- STUNNING!! After that we went to “Hui Lau San” for dessert, the mango pudding is delicious!! Hong Kong is well known for all these kind of special desserts, e.g. mango pudding, sago, sesame paste……

29 JAN 2005

Went Yum Cha with my aunt, grandma and grandpa’s younger sister’s son (what do I call him?). We went Yum Cha for almost 2 hours!! It was quite interesting, they talked about politics, current issues and can you believe it- gossiping! Went shopping again because I didn’t feel like staying at home. The apartment is really small . I miss home.  There’s nothing much to do actually other than shopping and going out. Bought some stationeries, and I found something interesting, Vodka in tubes!! It’s only 4% alcohol, Vodka with lime, in a toothpaste-like tube, 190ml for $12.90. Felt like a walking zombie today. Went back home after collecting the photos that I dropped off to print last night. $0.90 @ for 3R/4R digital printing. Slept for about 2 hours after taking a shower. Might go shopping tomorrow with my cousin. 

28 JAN 2005

Went to The Peak today at around 2pm. Took the bus no. 930 (CityBus) There are a few different bus companies, KMB, CityBus and AirBus. The bus stops at Admiralty MTR station, it’s the final station of the route. It’s $15.30 to get there(usually it’s $15.50 but Octopus card users have $0.20 cents off). On the way, the bus goes trough an underground tunnel to Hong Kong Island. And as I’ve said before, Hong Kong is divided into 4 major areas. This is actually the first time I’ve been to Hong Kong Island since I’ve came here. Be sure to look out for trams when you are in the Central region. I’ll go and have a ride on those maybe sometime next week or the week after. We then took the taxi to The Peak. It’s $44.40 to get there by taxi. The weather was foggy that day. Visibility was quite low. Couldn’t see much from there. Plan to go there again another day when there’s bright sunshine  so I can take some pictures. Had dinner at Shooters 52, in The Peak Gallery. Had a $198++ set dinner!! The food was merely ok. The Lemon Chiffon Pie was terrible . The drinks they serve there are HUGE, really, they use jars instead of glasses to serve drinks! And it’s EXPENSIVE-$45 for a coke!! Went back to Admiralty MTR station again by taxi and took the bus back to grandma’s home.

27 Jan 2005

Arrghh!! I’ve gained weight!! I think I’ve gained at least 2-3kgs!! L
Went to Tsim Sha Tsui again today. Went to the Hong Kong Museum of History. Took the B2 exit, and walked eastward along
Cameron Road. Was lost because there wasn’t any signs around and forgot to bring along the mapL.
#Usually there would be special signs which shows directions to places of interests/ tourists attractions . The signs are setup by the Hong Kong Tourism Board with a special colour, either purple or blue, with an “i” on top of it. It’s difficult to miss anyone because it’s strategically placed round major roads and MTR stations.#
But I wonder why there wasn’t any signs to the Hong Kong Museum of History and The Hong Kong Science Museum. By the way, both of the museums are actually together, but the Science Museum is closed on Thursdays L Actually, I’ve been there a few times before, may plan to go there next time, but truth is there’s nothing much to see, it’s more suitable for kids. Oh, was lost on my way to the museum. Asked for directions from a policeman on patrol. He was really friendly, he actually walked me there. J Thanks Mr. policeman!
The visit to the Museum was actually my first time. Never been there before. Admission is $10; admission to special exhibition is $10. Special exhibitions vary from time to time. The special exhibition going on was “ Hunting and Rituals: Treasures from the ancient Dian Kingdom if Yunnan”. It was pretty interesting, an eye opener indeed. The relics are mostly made of bronze decorated with hunting scenes.
I’ve actually spent 3 hours in the museum. The usual exhibition is the “Hong Kong Story”, it’s about Hong Kong starting from 400 million years ago until it’s history till today. How it all started, from geological to it’s culture and people. There are all together 8 sections. Each section with a different theme, e.g. folk culture, opium war, Japanese occupation of Hong Kong………
Stopped by the Health Education Exhibition and Resource Centre which is just next to the mosque(next to Park Lane Shopper’s Boulevard). It’s a place with “Food Safety, Environmental Hygiene and You” themed exhibition. It promotes food and environmental hygiene issues. Very educational place. Here, you’ll learn about high risk food, food labelling etc.
Had a stroll in Kowloon Park after that. It’s a very beautiful place, with special themed gardens, an aviary and a bird lake (and they have pink flamingos!). There’s also an indoor and outdoor swimming pool. The weather was cloudy and the air is cool. Perfect weather for a stroll. J
Don’t know where I’ll be going tomorrow yet… But 1 thing for sure is that I’ll start to go on diet tomorrow!

26 Jan 2005

Had $5 Cheung Fun (steamed rice flour roll, with a mixture of sauces: peanut butter like sauce, soy sauce and “Sweet Sauce” which is red in colour) for breakfast. It’s very filling as it’s mostly carbohydrate and fat. #Note to self: no more Cheung Fun tomorrow!! Wouldn’t want to sabotage my figure and let my pretty dresses go to waste!!#
Had a haircut in a nearby saloon in the morning, haircut+wash+blowdry=$69. It’s actually considered quite reasonable in HK. Went with my grandma. It’s the chineses’ tradition to buy new clothes, have a haircut, cleanup the house and stock up on groceries before the new year (Chinese new year). The people here follow the Chinese Lunar calendar, so it’s still considered the end of the year over here in Hong Kong even though it’s almost the end of January. And according to the Chinese Lunar calendar, I’m supposed to be 23 years old instead of 22( I’m born in 1983).
Went to Tuen Mun Town City this afternoon. It’s a half an hour’s bus ride. I went there with my 2 aunts, we took the bus no. 58M, $7.20 for a ride. And again, I used the Octopus card(actually, I hadn’t seen anyone use cash for bus rides yet J . So it’s advisable to get an Octopus card when travelling in HK). On our way there, had a glimpse of the Tsing Ma Bridge. The view was spectacular. The weather today was kinda cloudy, temp. around 19-21℃. Just nice. J
Tuen Mun Town City is a shopping arcade in Tuen Mun (it’s in New Territory). Hong Kong is divided into 4 major areas- New Territory, Kowloon, Hong Kong Island and other islands like Cheung Chau, Lantau Island and Lamma Island. The usual taxis in Hong Kong are red in colour, green-coloured taxis can only be seen in New Territories. J
Had lunch in a very posh Chinese restaurant. The food is just wonderful!! YUM! J and $198++ for 4 person!! Shopped for a while, tried on a few pair of boots. Quite pretty but I don’t think it’s suitable to wear in KL( Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia L ), all are at 60% off!! So the best time to shop in HK is either before or after Chinese New Year. The stuff are actually cheaper after Chinese New Year ;) but it’s kinda sad ‘cos the stuff on sale right now are mostly for winter.
Plan to go to Tsim Sha Tsui again if it doesn’t rain tomorrow.
* ”--And where are you now, now that I need you?--” Emotions by Destiny’s Child*

25 Jan 2005

It’s grandma’s birthday today! Happy Birthday Grandma!! She’s 83 years old this year.
Slept until 10am this morning. Didn’t go anywhere today. Too tired to go out. Can’t go anywhere anyway. It’s a big day today. Everyone’s here to celebrate my grandma’s birthday. Besides, it would be rude to keep myself out of the occasion. And it’s not like I’d always have the chance to celebrate my grandma’s birthday. J
We went out for dinner tonight. It was really fun. The restaurant was really noisy!! It’s a restaurant serving chinese cuisine. I think it’s actually the habit of the people here- Everyone just talks so loudly! So unlike the soft spoken Malaysians. It’s like they always shout at each other. I wonder how it’s like when they actually shout at each other J The food is just superb J YUM!! Tried roasted pigeon! The meat is just so tender and juicy. Even had lobster and noodles.
Sat down and talked to my cousins. And again, we talked about guys. The problem persists all around the world. It’s like the battle of the sexes. Just that there’re no weapons of mass destruction. Only different tactics to torture each other psychologically. I’ve been through this before. And it’s really terrible. Especially at times when I have to wait for the guy to reply my messages or call when he promised he would. L The wait is just so tormenting. What can be more disappointing when the phone suddenly breaks the silence and only to find out that it’s just not him! I’m sure lots of people may have the similar kind of situation. Well, to hell with guys!! I’m off shopping tomorrow!!

24 Jan 2005

OH MY GOD!! My legs are killing me. It’s as if I’ve just finished a marathon! I went to Tsim Sha Tsui today. Went there by MTR (Mass Transit Railway) , it’s an underground subway system. The ride from Tai Wo Hau to Tsim Sha Tsui is $8.20 for 12 stops. The transportation system in HK is just wonderful. Whether by ferry, rail or tram, you can get around easily. Almost all public transportations utilize the Octopus card, which is an electronic fare card (it’s like a prepaid card and after you touch the card at special sensors, it automatically deducts the fare from the card. It can also be used at certain supermarkets, even 7-Elevens! Talk about cashless revolution—No more small change!). Octopus cars are available at the Customer Service Centers in any Airport Express or MTR station.
*The Octopus card is actually like the “ Touch ‘n Go” card in Malaysia, and the EZLink card used in Singapore.*
After reaching the Tsim Sha Tsui station, I used the E exit. Then follow signs to
Salisbury Road. There will be a huge Esprit store( 5 floors!) on your right. Be sure to stop by there, it’s full of great bargains. I got a top for $19!! The Esprit store sells apparel for both gender and even kids. They even have Red Earth cosmetics on sale.
Took the underground subway passage (pedestrian tunnel) to cross Salisbury road. Then follow the sign to Teddy Bear Kingdom. It’s HK’s first and only teddy bear museum. It houses over 400 teddy bears from all over the world. Admission to the teddy bear museum is $25. Opening hour: Daily from 11.30am to 10.00 pm.
Then followed signs to New World Centre, it’s a shopping arcade and right next to it is the Renaissance Hotel. Go through New World Center, and you’ll reach the Avenue of Stars. It’s a new tourist attraction in HK. It’s like the HK version of Hollywood walk of fame, with handprint impressions of HK superstars e.g. Jackie Chan on the pavement. I didn’t find it interesting L , but it sure did attract a lot of tourists.
After that I went to the HK Museum of art. Admission is $10 for adults. It’s free admission on Wednesdays. The museum was founded in 1962, it houses a collection of over 13000 items, including paintings, antiques etc. The visit to the museum was enlightening, though I couldn’t really grasp the idea of art.
After a quick lunch, I headed on to the Harbour City, just next to the Star Ferry Pier. Continued shopping until 4 something. Had to head back home before 6pm to avoid the rush hour. Took the MTR back home J
# Love watching the TV programmes here. Even the TV ads. are interesting. Loved the “Lacoste- Touch Of Pink” advertisement. Actually loved the song, it’s “Save your kisses for me” by Natasha Thomas.#

23 Jan 2005

An uneventful day, got up at around 9 and had egg tarts and milk for breakfast. If I have that for breakfast everyday, I can be sure that my coronary arteries would be clogged up by atherosclerotic plaques in no time!! I’m starting to get use to washing my face with cold water. My body’s really tired but I just can’t sleep!! Help~~~
Went to the market with my grandma again. I just don’t feel like being out today. I just want to stay at home and finish reading “The Da Vinci Code” by Dan Brown. Can’t believe I still haven’t finish reading it yet. Usually I’m not that slow but my brain’s been kinda jammed and I can’t even absorb anything that I’m reading. It’s like I’m just looking at the words and nothing makes sense.
Plan to go to Tsim Tsa Tsui tomorrow. Really need to go shopping!!! Will be visiting the Teddy Bear Museum too.
*I need to find a site where I can upload my pictures so people can see the pictures that I’ve taken. Can somebody help me with that? Thanks!!

22 Jan 2005

Had trouble sleeping last night. Didn’t get much sleep. Been having my period since yesterday. It always happens—cramps, lethargy, lost of appetite, water retention…….. I don’t know whether I should hate it or be grateful to know that I’m actually fertile. Doesn’t matter anyway, not planning to have kids. After witnessing an actual delivery, it just traumatized me. I wouldn’t want to go through that kind of pain. :(
Went to the market with my grandma and aunt. There are 2 markets, 1 is the Tsuen Wan market and another 1 the Yeung Uk Market a little further down. We went to Yeung Uk Market, it’s my grandma’s routine to buy her fishes from that market. And I bought egg tarts on our way back. It was really good!! Yum!! J
Even though grandma can’t see clearly, she insists that she prepares proper home cooked meals for me as I’ve been away from home for quite some time. She never let me help her in the kitchen. She even tries to shoo me out if I tried to do anything!!All I can do is just stand next to her and observe how she prepare for meals or just simply talk to her.
I watched her as she does everything with sheer concentration. She’s devoted her life to care for her family. I can’t help but feel sad. She’s old and lonely. Sometimes, forgotten by her family as they all carry on with their lives. She may nag and complain at times but I really think all she needs is just a bit more care and attention from everyone. She loves going to the market, guess the hustle bustle of the streets is more exciting then staying at home watching TV. Oh, and 1 thing, she still treat me as if I’m a kid even though I’m already 22!!

21 Jan 2005

Got up at around 8.30 am. The water was @#$% cold!! My fingers felt numb after running them under tap for a few seconds!! I was really wide awake after washing my face.
Went out for Dim Sum with my grandma and aunt. Finally had my pan fried Cheung Fun. Yum!! J I noticed something odd about the customers in the restaurant, almost all of them were well over their fifties. Guess the others are either at work or in school.
Went shopping in the afternoon, went to CitiStore. Bought a long sleeve shirt for $89, a long sleeve T-shirt for $39 and a pair of jeans for $99(alterations free of charge)!! Can you believe that!! What a bargain! I just LOVE shopping!
Had dinner at home with grandma. I really do miss home cooked meals. And mom, I miss you!!

20 Jan 2005

I can’t believe I spent the last 45 minutes of my first day in Hong Kong running around in the airport. My rescheduled flight was supposed to leave at 6.45pm but due to “Unforeseen Circumstances” it was delayed to 7.40pm. I arrived in Hong Kong at 11.13pm. My flight took about 3 hrs and 22 minutes.
If I hadn’t asked for a window seat I would’ve been sitting right next to the lavatory!! Can you believe that! But at least I get to have my own little TV screen where they show in flight movies. I watched Wimbledon, a movie about tennis starring Kirsten Dunst and Paul Bettany. It was kinda boring but at least it’s better than nothing! J
I really have to tell you about the guy who sat next to me. His name is Mr. Chin, he’s a “Professional Services Director” of Comex GeneSys, at least that’s what’s written on his name card. I can’t believe I actually initiated the conversation. Usually I don’t even care about taking to people but I was really bored. Believe it or not, I actually sat in the KLIA ( Kuala Lumpur International Airport) alone for 5 hours!! God knows why I did that!! Guess it’s because I didn’t want anything unexpected to happen as I really was determined to head to Hong Kong.
When the plane touched down, I was really glad. My spirits were high (I didn’t have any alcohol, though the air stewardess did offer beer, hmm.. should have had some) and I just couldn’t believe I’m finally in Hong Kong. While waiting for my luggage at the baggage reclaim area, I took a few travel brochures by the Hong Kong Tourism Board. It was really helpful, I I used them to plan for my activities in Hong Kong when I was here for a holiday about 2 years ago.
My aunt was at the airport to pick me up. We took the bus no. A31 to Dai Wo How Sports Centre. The bus ride costs $17.00 and took about half and hour. When I got to my grandma’s house, I was really really tired and went straight without taking a bath!!

19 Jan 2005

Woke up at 4.30 pm. After getting dressed and have everything packed and stowed away, still had lots of time to kill. The CD player was playing Mariah Carey-Honey over and over again (in case you don’t know, I always play a song that I like sooo many times that I think it’s beginning to drive my housemates crazy!) Anyway, I was sitting on my bed singing to the song, then suddenly I felt the urge to look at my passport. I got up, reached for my passport and flipped to the last page where my picture was. “ God! I look hideous!” Then I looked at the date of issue- 04 Feb 2000! I felt that something was wrong, then I looked again. To my horror, my passport was valid until 04 Feb 2005!

I quickly rushed to the airport only to find out that I could leave Malaysia, but not permitted to enter Hong Kong. I cancelled my flight and changed it to a later date. I just sat down in a quite corner to calm down. I can’t help but feel sad. Then a grumble from my stomach mad me realize I haven’t had breakfast since I got up. Sadly, I dragged my luggage to McDonalds. The friendly employee greeted me with such cheerfulness but I just can’t even smile back at him. The Big Breakfast I ate was tasteless, even the orange juice was like water L

After depriving my body of the necessary nutrients, I supposed the low blood glucose level is really taking a toll on my thinking ability. After finishing breakfast, I left my luggage at the Left Luggage area at the rate of RM10 per day. Then I took the KLIA Transit to the Bandar Tasik Selatan station for RM26.50. The ride is about 30 minutes. From the station I changed to Star LRT and headed to Bandaraya station for RM1.70. At the station I asked for directions to the Immigration Department. It’s located in the Wilayah Complex, about 15 minutes walk from the LRT station. After all the commotion of filling up forms, photocopying documents and taking photos, I was actually relieved to know that I could collect my passport the next day.

A few phone calls later, I’m out to meet a friend from Sabah. Funny to think that I wouldn’t have a chance to see him again if I had left that morning as scheduled.
Moral of the story? Remember to check your passport!!

Introduction

This is a travel journal of my trip to Hong Kong. Why am i writing this? Well, it's part of my assignment called an "Elective" where we can either choose medical or non-medical fields. In my case, it's travelling.
First and foremost, for those who don't know me, I'm Jenny from Malaysia. I'm a medical student. For those who know me, just wanna lets you guys know that i miss u!!
Feel free to comment on the blog :)