Macau Adventures: Day 3 - Ferry to Macau

Screen cap of Google Map's street view of China Hong Kong City Building

     Yes, my friends and I decided to have an Amazing Race across China and its special administrative regions (SARs).  We visited, Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Macau in our 4d3n tour last February.  It's a very crazy idea. I don't encourage anyone to do the same, especially for first-time travelers.

     Throwing caution to the wind, we spent a night in Macau just to be able to say that we've been there.  Well, I've been there before, but most of my companions were first time visitors of HK, China and Macau.  

     So, from our hotel, we took a shuttle going to TST.  The stop was very near the China Ferry Terminal.  It's very easy to find.  Just go inside China Hong Kong City,where the huge Esprit outlet store is located at the ground floor.  Refer to the photo I screencapped from Google Maps.  Entrance is beside Esprit, just go up to the short escalators until you reach the third floor, I think, where the booking offices are located.  From there, you can take your pick of ferry service depending on the time you want to depart. Most services leave even every 30 minutes, except for Cotai Jet which departs late in the afternoon if I remember correctly.  This ferry station also services passengers to Mainland China such as Zhuhai. [Update April 2014:  The Esprit outlet store relocated inside the China Hong Kong City Mall]

This is the floor where the ticketing offices are located. 

Departure Area at the China Ferry Terminal Station

     After buying tickets and while waiting for our ferry to depart, we ate lunch at Cafe de Coral, a fast food chain in Hong Kong which offers cheap meals, of course by Hong Kong standards.  The food there is quite tasty and they change their menus depending on the time.  After 2 p.m., no more lunch sets, for example.  Be sure to state clearly your choice of set meal and which beverage you want since not all cashiers understand English well.  You can point to the menu on the wall, then say if you want milk tea, or if you want cola (additional price).  You'll be given a printed receipt plus an order slip which you'll have to hand over to a staff at  a separate counter where roasted ducks are hung.  Wait for your order and hope that the cashier and helper got your orders right.

Well, what do you know?  Look at how dirty my cup was.  

Probably, the tea spilled.  It was just surprising that the staff were unconcerned 
about the messy cup and did not even bother to replace it.   

This was my lunch.  It was an oven-baked pork chop with pineapples and sauce poured over the rice.

Yummy, but there was too much sauce. 

     We picked First Ferry/Turbo Jet as our service provider.  It was the same company we used when I went to Macau in 2009 with my family.  It leaves every 30 minutes from 7am to 10:30 pm everyday. Makes you wonder how many gamblers, tourists, businessmen and locals shuffle to and from Macau each day.  Hmm.

     Anyway, I think we paid around HKD 150+ per person since it was a weekend.  But the ferry was not packed and it was a pleasant ride so we were able to take a nap.  About an hour later, we reached Macau! Yay!

      Once in Macau, and after passing through the immigration, we took the underpass going to the other side of the street to catch a free shuttle bus to our hotel, the Venetian.

The Venetian Hotel's Mascot was at the Ferry Terminal to welcome Macau's visitors!  

So cute!

The Free Shuttle to Venetian.

Hong Kong Adventures 2012 Day 2: At the Lohu Border

     Our second day in HK was a little warmer at 17-18C.  Great!  I still had to wear tights since I was wearing a mini skirt which I bought, and used, too in Singapore.  In fact, I use that Annie skirt from Cotton On a lot.  I think it makes my stumpy legs look loads better.

     Anyway, we had to join a half day city tour so we'd get a free tour to Shenzhen, China, in the afternoon.  Our half-day tour was so boring.  We only went to a part of the Avenue of Stars, same place we went to last year, then nothing else.  Except for JC jewelry factory, again.  We didn't mind the shortened trip since we wanted to go Shenzhen earlier than scheduled.

Avenue of Stars

   I believe this is a ferry to Macau. 

    So, we're off to Shenzhen.  Only this time, we were given return-trip tickets.  Yay!

     The train ride to the Lohu border was uneventful, but the train was packed.  I was standing for most of the ride.  Anyway, we had to stop for a while after reaching Lohu and bought some drinks, breads and sandwiches and 2 packs of Yakult.  The HK Yakult is bigger than our Yakult but tastes the same, of course.

     You should know that Lohu is a very busy station as it is the border for HK and Shenzhen, China.  Of course, there are a lot of people rushing and it can be very intimidating.  So, be cautious and try not to slam into someone.

    If there is one advice everyone should follow going to Shenzhen is this:  GO STRAIGHT TO THE CHINA IMMIGRATION AREA AND NEVER TURN BACK ONCE YOU GET TO THIS PART.

     Why?  Well, all people are moving towards the China Immigration right after having their passports stamped by the HK Immigration and if you turn back, the security will chase after you.  You'll be suspected of having illegally entered the Hong Kong part of immigration, that is why.  We saw a lady, in her 20s walking against the flow and she was shouted at, chased and accosted by the security and was brought to a holding area.  Let it be a lesson for all.

     

Hong Kong Adventures 2012: Day 1 - The Rush for Warmth

It was this foggy when we arrived at the HKIA.  

Yes, it was cold.

     I went to Hong Kong for the third time earlier this month.  I travelled with my friends this time around.  We didn't get to do anything, except for shopping on the first day for warmer clothes and comfortable shoes, and going to Disneyland.  But since it was almost closing time, we just took photos outside the park.

    Why did we need to buy warmer clothes in Hong Kong on our first day?  You see, my friends were not appropriately dressed for the weather even though they knew that it was going to be cold in Hong Kong.  It was around 15C when we got to Hong Kong but most of my friends were wearing summer clothes; one was even wearing flip flops!  When we were on the plane,we were amused with our co-passengers on full winter gear.  One friend quipped, "Exag[gerated]! May fur-fur pa!"  I laughed along with them since I also thought that bubble jackets weren't necessary.  But when we boarded down the plane, guess who the laughing stock was.  Yup, us!

It was so foggy HK was barely visible.

In fact, we only saw the harbor when we were this close already.

    It got worse when we arrived at Hong Kong International Airport's immigration.  We were surrounded by throngs of travellers from Japan, and possibly, Korea, too, (let's just say East Asians to be sure).  And they were all dressed to impress, in full winter garb!  My friend, as I said, was wearing flip flops, and her toes were turning blue from the cold..  My other friends were wearing high-heeled sandals and stilettos, the ones you wear to the office.  One does not have a jacket on, just a thin blouse, but at least they're wearing pants because my flip flops loving friend was just wearing leggings.  Imagine the bewilderment of the people queued at the immigration.  You can clearly see the shock on their faces, even consternation from some.  All of them were looking at our footwear.  Guess, they were thinking how stupid we were.  

    I came almost adequately prepared; I was even appropriately dressed. But I was really hesitant to wear my rubber shoes because while it provides comfort, it isn't fashionable.  I was aware that people in Hong Kong, locals and travellers alike, are generally well-dressed.  You can even say fashion-conscious.  I wanted to look the part of a posh traveller but I did not want to bring my winter dress coat since it's too heavy.  When I got to see those travellers at the immigration, I wished I brought it along since most were wearing their most fashionable coats, boots, etc.

     Anyway, we rode our coach service going to our hotel and we rested for an hour or two before we headed out to shop.  We went to Tsim Sa Tsui to buy warmer clothes at H&M.  I just bought some bonnets on sale (HKD 10 a piece) and some flats to go with my new shoulder bag I bought back in the Philippines.  My friends rushed to look for winter clothes and shoes but only one did buy a more comfortable footwear.  The rest skimped on spending and braved the cold weather.  One purposely didn't buy anything because she said she had thermal underneath.  But she was shivering nonetheless and had to wash it everyday as she just had one thermal with her.  I even had her use my newly bought flats since she couldn't walk anymore by night time; she was wearing stilettos.

Is this the Silvermine Beach?  

The windows of our coach service is kinda filthy, hence the brown streaks.

I had to tweak the photos to get rid of the fog, but the color of the sea is real. 

So pretty!

K-11 Mall is very near Mirador Mansion, just beside Holiday Inn if I remember correctly.

This dude was sleeping at the open-space area at K-11 Mall.

 Tsim Sha Tsui

     Then we went to Mongkok and browsed the camera shops there and ate our super late lunch/early dinner at Cafe de Coral, a food chain I see almost everywhere in Hong Kong.  As we squandered our time shopping, we barely had time to go to Disneyland so we just took photos outside.  We were supposed to watch the fireworks but it was damn cold and we were all shivering. I was shivering the least.  My friends quipped that they now know how Nelo felt as he dies in the snow with Patrasche. And it was only about 13C!  Can I just say that every time I remember the anime "My Patrasche" tears well-up in my eyes?  Damn.

 Sunny Bay.  All Disney!

Sorry for the crappy night shots.

I didn't know I could adjust the ISO.

     To give ourselves another chance to buy warmer clothes, we went to City Gate.  But no luck!  We headed back to Panda Hotel via cab.  It cost HKD 170.00 or thereabouts from City Gate including toll fare.  And there goes our first day in Hong Kong!

    

Thoughts: Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Macau With Friends

     Yes, we went to all those places with my friends last week.  For some weird reasons, my friends acceded going to Shenzhen.  I was not keen on the idea since most of my friends are first timers in Hong Kong.  They won't see much of Hong Kong if we cram it on a 4D3N trip.  However, I didn't voice out my reservations, except to our friend, who owns a travel agency from where we bought our land arrangements.  She travelled with us, too.  She said that it's okay.  Oh well.

    Anyway,  since I am not feeling particularly industrious, I will just note some of my observations during our travel in the meantime.  I'll start my detailed travel stories next week.

     So, here are my observations which I'll try to update if I remember something to add:

• It's cold in Hong Kong this time of the year.

Yup, knowing that, I was constantly checking weather forecasts and reports for Hong Kong starting the last week of January.  Apparently, just last week, temperatures dropped to 10C, a day before we landed in Hong Kong, then the weather got a little warmer, averaging around 15C to 18C.  So, I had on with me some cardigans, but with all those clothes for cold weather I bought, it was not enough.

• You see, 15C spells the need to wear winter garb in Hong Kong, and probably, the rest of East Asia.

It was cold, but not particularly cold.  It was way colder in Beijing when I went there late November where temperatures dropped to -5C.  I mean, 15C is just a little shy colder than in Baguio, right?  So, I was thinking, I don't need to bring my winter clothes and trench coat, that I don't need to buy winter boots.  Well, turns out that I was so wrong.  When we all got to the immigration at the Hong Kong International Airport, we were surrounded by Japanese and perhaps, some Korean travellers, who were fashionably dressed in their best winter clothes.  I mean, faux fur, shearling, winter boots, coat dresses, trench coats, scarves...you name it, they're wearing it.  My friends were wearing summer clothes despite my repeated warnings that it'll be really cold.  And what did my friends wear going to Hong Kong?  Flip flops,  sandals and stilettos.  In short, their feet were exposed.  Of course, people were staring at us.  Not only do we look stupid wearing summer clothes (like flimsy short-sleeved shirts, with no inner blouse and slacks or jeans), we looked dowdy compared to our fellow Asian travellers who were dressed to the nines.

• Hong Kong is a fashionable city teeming with fashionable people, locals and travellers alike.

As I've said, those Japanese and Korean fellow travellers who were lined up at the immigration counters with us were ultra-chic and appropriately dressed, whereas my friends were shivering in the cold and sad to say, we looked like the posh Asians' domestic servants.  Perhaps, that is the reason why my friends were questioned quite a lot by the immigration officers. 

Also, it should not be forgotten that Hong Kong is so fashion-forward.  That is the reason why I bought all of my new clothes and the most fashionable ones at that.  And, I was forced to put on a trendy lipstick so I'd look presentable at the very least.  Well, normally, when I travel to Hong Kong and Taiwan, I put on make up because people are wearing make-up and it's almost a politeness expected of you to be wearing some.  It's especially true in Japan as well, and perhaps, even in Korea.   If you don't like to put on some make-up, be wary that there is a marked difference being a fresh-faced beauty and having an oily face.  Oiliness is next to ugliness.  Or being make-up free and looking like you just got out of bed.  Besides, winter is a great time to wear make-up.  It won't melt, like it usually does when I'm in the Philippines.

Anyway, I was wearing rubber shoes when I got to Hong Kong only because my winter boots have been rendered useless.  It was not fashionable but at least, it was comfortable and apt for the weather.  So while I was a little cold wearing just a long-sleeved shirt and thicker cardigan, my hair was at least pretty (it has a great color, with highlights) and I looked somewhat passable.  On the other hand, the rest of my stay, I made up for my near fashion faux pas on our first day in Hong Kong.  Well, my clothes were still not warm enough but at least, I looked really good in my opinion.

So, if you're thinking that no one really cares how you look when you travel, you're just kidding yourself.  At least in Asia.  Well, people may not particularly care, but that will not deter them from staring at you in open amusement, pity, or even disgust.  I mean, if you want to be gawked at from head to foot, then, whatever floats your boat.  At least you've been forewarned. 

• Shenzhen and Macau is not as fashionable as Hong Kong.

Yay, finally.  In both these places, it is easier to fit in.  In Hong Kong, if you're not that fashionable, you stand out a lot easier, like a moving target.  Perhaps, that is the reason why touts along Nathan Road constantly badger you if you "want to buy a copy watch." 

• Don't buy cameras and electronics from shops along Nathan Road with flashing neon signs.

My friend wanted to buy a camera, an LX5.  It was her first time in Hong Kong so when we passed by those camera shops along Nathan Road, she half-dragged me to side so she could browse one of the stores.  I dragged her harder and told her that it's a no-no to buy there unless you want to end up paying more than the mall price.  In fact, you shouldn't buy cameras in any stores in Hong Kong with those flashing neon signs.

• Exchange rates are better at Mirador Mansion.  

Compared to money changers at the airport, malls or banks.  Pinoys generally flock to Wing Hoi money changer in Mirador but we usually just go to a Western Union money changer in Mirador since one of the staff is a Filipino, and thus, it makes it all the more easier to ask questions not just about foreign currencies, but as well as general inquiries regarding Hong Kong.

• Hong Kong is not for the lazy.

As with other developed Asian countries, Hong Kong is not for the lazy.  You have to walk, walk and walk some more to reach the proper bus stop, MTR station, malls, attractions, etc., unless you have money to pay for cab fares.  And if you want to mall hop, of course, you'd have to make use of those legs and feet God has given you.

Having a leisurely walk on rush hour in TST or Mongkok?  Good luck to you; you might just get bumped by people walking fast. 

• There are homeless people in Hong Kong, too.

Like any other place, Hong Kong has homeless people, too.  I've seen a couple of homeless people huddled under sleeping bags under flyovers.  So, Hong Kong is not all glitz and glamour.

•  Don't assume that English is widely-spoken and understood.

While Hong Kong used to be a  British colony, you'd be amazed to realize that more often than not, your words couldn't be understood by cabbies, store clerks, cashiers, etc.  Well, except perhaps at the malls, nice restaurants, tourist-centric places or shops.  Don't worry, you can always point and show, which I did at McDonald's.  So, it's better to ask your hotel's concierge to write down the places of your destinations.  Or better yet, use public transportation since they have English announcements and signs inside rather than taking cabs.

• Use the hotel's shuttle services in Macau. 

Yes, a lot of hotels in Macau have free shuttle service.  The moment you step out of the ferry terminal, you can catch a free shuttle to your hotel.  Want to go from one place to another?  Shuttle service is best.  From The Venetian, there's a shuttle to the Sands which is near the Fisherman's Wharf.  Want to go to San Malo?  Take the Cotai connection from Venetian to the Galaxy and take the shuttle from there to San Malo.

•  Half-day tour in Shenzhen? Go to Splendid China to watch the shows.

 If you're on a group visa, and wishes to go to Splendid China, skip the 5pm show and tell your tour guide you want to take pictures of the miniatures instead.  It's the Phoenix show that really matters and you should not miss it.

• Try not to buy from the factories you visit in your tours. 

 I mean, for jewelry, watches, jades, etc.  Except when the products are just cheap assorted general merchandise or trinkets.

Hong Kong Adventure - Last Day in Hong Kong Riding the Tram and the Star Ferry

  

     After our Shenzhen adventure, we went back to Hong Kong via train to Hung Hom and the MTR going to Nathan Road.  I didn't eat dinner anymore.  Well, I was so tired anyways. After resting for 30 minutes or so, I took a quick shower then I retired for the night; I don't sleep without taking a bath whenever I spend a whole day outdoors.

     The following day, we checked-out early, before 12 p.m., because we were planning to ride the tram around the city and do some last minute-shopping.  We knew that we would not be able to return to the hotel before our check-out time.  We left our luggage at the hotel considering that we have to return there for our bus pick-up going to the airport.

     We ate lunch at Kanamizu in TST, near the MTR exit.  I had their saba set meal, and I took a picture of the cute guy who was preparing the sushi at the conveyor.  Heehee.  After lunch, we headed to the Star Ferry terminal.

     We walked quite a distance to the Star Ferry from our hotel.  I like walking, and I rarely get tired from walking.  But see, the sun and the heat are not my friends; they can turn me from fab to wasted in a couple of minutes.  Well, when we finally reached the station, I was a mess.  Thank god for the huge ventilating fans at the waiting area!

     After a few minutes, the ferry arrived.  There weren't many people; after all, it was lunch time already.  The view, as always, was great. A little foggy, but still great.  We alighted at Central and set out the daunting task of finding the tram station.

     We found a tram station alright, somewhere in Central, but only after asking people where we could find it.  Again, please learn from my experience: research and preparation are really important.  Getting lost or walking too far a route will just waste your precious time.

     And so, we queued at the tram stop and we were able to ride a jam-packed tram.  You enter from the rear and you exit at the front.  For a fixed price of HKD 2.00, I stood on the second floor as there was no more room on the first deck.  The tram was so narrow. A couple of times, I almost lost my balance.  I was standing near the stairs so I was afraid that I might fall down.  It was an experience nonetheless.  I was able to get a seat two stops before alighting at Sogo, Causeway Bay. 

     Although it was a weekday, Sogo was teeming with people; shoppers everywhere!  It was such a busy place; so busy that we didn't stay for long.  Besides, it was almost time for our bus to pick us up.  This time, we returned to the hotel via the MTR.

     Back at the hotel, we scoured the nearby Sasa for treats and souvenirs for our family and co-workers.  By 5 o'clock, the bus going to the airport picked us up.  I was so happy because the driver had Totoro plushies and tissue holder on the bus.  Definitely a fan of My Neighbor Totoro, like me.  

     Finally, it was time to leave Hong Kong.  I was tired, but I was happy.

Hong Kong Adventure: Day 3 - City Tour from the Avenue of Stars to Aberdeen

     This is the day we'd waited for, a tour in Shenzhen, China!  Yipee!  But first things first. We had a morning city tour of Hong Kong and this was the second time I joined this tour.  It was a repeat of last year's tour, but one stop was new: picture-taking at the tail-end of the Avenue of Stars, or something.  As always, I was not paying attention to our tour guide when he spoke about the place.  Heehee.  Nonetheless, we had a very picturesque view of the harbor bathed in mid-morning light.  However, the dark, ominous clouds were foreboding; I thought it was going to rain but the temperature remained hot.

     We proceeded to Aberdeen pier, and we had the option to ride a boat going around the harbor to see sampans floating, but the fare was relatively high.  We just took pictures around and the colorful boat stations were striking.  I was thirsty and I saw a vending machine but dang it, it only accepts coins, which I didn't have at the time.

      Of course, we were shuffled to a jewelry factory.  The tour was non-compulsory, so the agency had to make some money, right?  Well, it'll not take long, around 30 minutes,  if no one from your group window shops or panic buys.

     Then, off we go to Hung Hom Station, gateway to Shenzhen, China!  The tour guide led us to the station, bought our one-way ticket to the Lowu border costing HKD 33.00 per person.  The guide made sure we were safely through the turnstiles before bidding us adieu.  And we hopped on to the train!

     Up next, Shenzhen, China adventures!

    
Credits:  I used the Painterly Effect 2 for the texture in "Postcard perfect memories."  Most webframes on this blog were from The Coffeeshop Blog.

Hong Kong Adventure: Day 2 - Shopping at Tsim Sha Tsui; Victoria Harbor, Star Ferry, and Mongkok

     For Day 2, we almost did nothing; when I mean nothing, it means that we basically shopped during the late morning till late afternoon, and only did the touristy stuff as the night drew near.  I didn't know how it happened that we went shopping.  Time flew by really fast.  Honestly, it was a day spent wasted, really.  I took a mental note and told myself to only go shopping after seeing the sites.  I don't mind walking great distances; but I do mind walking for hours seeing nothing but shopping malls.     

     From our hotel, we passed by a building with giant various sweets and desserts on a platform.  It can't be eaten, though, it's just a display but it looked so good...yummy!  It's beside Holiday Inn Hotel, near East Tsim Sha Tsui exit.

      After that, we went to the shops in Tsim Sha Tsui and spent considerable time in there.  Again, no more shopping next time.  I only had 3 days in Taiwan but I was able to see a lot of sites.  I had 4 days in Hong Kong and I couldn't remember what I actually did.  Probably because we did not do and see much.

     So, night was nearing and the Symphony of Lights was about to start, and I learned, again, another valuable lesson.  Never assume that someone who goes to Hong Kong frequently, at least 4 to 5 times a year, knows the tourist sites.  Yeah.  So, be ready to get lost if you go to a foreign country unprepared.  Never rely on someone; do your own homework.  It's my second time in Hong Kong but it was as if it was only my first time there.

     We rode the Star Ferry after getting our free one-hour wi-fi access card from the tourist information center near the terminal.  We were hoping to catch the Symphony of Lights and see the splendor of Victoria Harbor while on board the ferry.  When we reached Central, we just took the next ferry back to Tsim Sha Tsui just because we could.  The night was clear; the clouds huge, and the harbor was just amazing with all the lights.  It's a treat to see the show on water, but it's difficult to get a clear shot while moving.  But hey, the fare's more or less HKD 2.00, and the view's fantastic, so I should be more than thankful. 

     The free wi-fi card looks a lot similar to this:

     After our return trip, we went to see the Clock Tower, and climbed onto the viewing deck.  We walked to the bus stop to catch a bus going to Mongkok.  We went to the Ladies' Market and bought some souvenirs.  We had late dinner at Kanimizu along Nathan Road, and since they were already closing, food was 60% off (or was it 40%? I was too hungry to remember).  The food was great and cheap (because of the discount) and service was superb.  They serve free water, with lots of ice, and of course, unlimited tea.

    By the time we arrived back at the hotel, it was almost 11:30 p.m.  We were all tired walking but we needed to wake up early for our city tour the following morning.

Hong Kong Adventure: Day 1 - Airport, Central and Stanley Market

 

     Finally, we landed at the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), and just like the first time we were there, we walked quite a distance towards the train service going to the immigration counter.  I had with me my laptop so it made my long walk quite tedious.

     After passing through the immigration, we headed for our airport bus service at the arrival hall. We had to wait some 20 minutes or so before we had to depart, and the bus dropped off so many people in so many hotels within the Tsim Tsa Tsui area that when we finally reached ours, it was noon already.  

     Check-in was a breeze at our hotel in Kimberley Road.  After depositing our luggages at our room, we went out for lunch; the same place where we had lunch a year ago.  Then, we went to Central to see our overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) make a park out of Central.  It was an experience, really.  The OFWs were sitting contentedly on the pavements, stairs, and even on the road itself, playing cards or bingo, or just chilling out, chatting and eating. It was like a huge picnic, and everybody seemed to be happy like one, big family.

     We boarded a double-decker bus going to Stanley Market, and was amazed, yet again, at the driving skills of bus drivers plying the narrow, mountain-side route. Forgetting my hatred of heights, I bravely took a seat near the edge to take pictures.  It was not terrifying as I thought it would be: if you want to get a shot, you sometimes become unmindful of mundane fears.

     I think the bus ride lasted for about 40 or so minutes, and I had a blast looking at the sea, the repulse bay, the outlying islands and the gorgeous homes we passed along.  The last stop took us to Stanley Market and we shopped for souvenirs and gifts to bring back home.  It was already 5:00 p.m. when we got there and the vibe was laid-back; moreso when we reached the small plaza with a breathtaking view of the sea and the setting sun.  There's a boardwalk, some restaurants and a mall where locals, caucasians and other tourists mix.  There were families but the crowd was much younger, with children and teens milling around the area.

Spotted: OFWs in  Central

These two boys who were staring out the sea were so cute.

Could not resist taking their pictures.