01.05.09 - 05.05.09
My parents have always wish to bring their 3 gems (my siblings and I, that is) overseas together. So when we finally managed to get everyone committed to the dat
es and we had the itinerary confirmed and rooms booked, I was really excited.
Langham Place Hotel
Convenient to MTR, and is linked to a 7 level shopping mall
I am so proud of myself that I managed to bring them to the places they've heard about it - like Wong Tai Sin temple and the Lantau Island.
Our first day in Hong Kong was dampened by the confirmed case of a H1N1 case. But it was a comfort that the case was found at Hong Kong island, and not at Kowloon, where we stayed.
Sharing 2 of the destinations we went!
Wong Tai Sin Temple
This temple is often highlighted in a typical Hong Kong serial. It seems to be highly spiritual and has helped many to fulfill their wishes.
There are several peddlers outside the temple selling joss sticks and incense papers for HKD10. It is not expensive, but when you arrive at the entrance, you'd be stopped by the security guards from bringing the stuff in. Apparently, they do not allow the incense papers to be burnt. You can only bring the joss sticks in as a form of offering. The security guards claimed that the papers would be collectively burnt - a thing I doubt very much, because in that big bin, there was also empty plastic bottles thrown by visitors. I suspect that those incense paper left there
would be recycled for sale to more unsuspected visitors.
Lantau Island
This island is twice the size of Hong Kong. Most famously known for its giant buddha statue. There are also several other activities on the island, which we missed. Prior to reaching Lantau Island via the cable car, there is a huge outlet mall selling several well known international brands.
Going Lantau: Last station along the Disney Line
Citygate Outlet Mall: You can find Burberry, DVF here!
Best Trick: I said I was at Food Republic and Mr Goh thought I'm back home at Wisma!
One can take a bus to Lantau Island, which takes 50 minutes up the uneven roads, or the cable car, which takes only 30 minutes with scenic views in comfort.
One point to note though, the crystal cable, which costs SGD10 more per person, is nothing
really fantastic except for the transparent flooring which gets a little boring over time. Waiting time for a crystal cable is also longer than a standard one. My advise: not necessary to waste that money.
The next time I'm there again, I might consider staying 1 night at Lantau and visit the Tai O Village.
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It was also a great chance for me to know my parents even better, and love them even more, when they tolerated my nonsense throughout the trip. This is something I've never really felt (and taken for granted) while I was not married out. Sometimes, feelings are just so ... beyond words.
Secondly, it's an eye-opener to really see the culture (and fashion sense) of majority of the HongKongers. Not that I didn't experience it previously, but some how this time, the experience was stronger. Their fashion sense seems only better during winter seasons (maybe credits go their jackets and trenchcoats) and come spring or summer, I think it's worse than our fellow Singapore fashion. They dress better only on weekdays, with the help of their boring suits (men and women alike) and a designer bag. But come weekends, everything just gets so mixed up!
Besides the fashion, the entire society is - I may put it bluntly - selfish. We witnessed 2 occassions to prove this. Once was when a man was juggling between pushing a pram with his baby and a box while trying to open the glass door at Harbour City to finally deciding to first move the box down the stairs leaving the baby alone. The man was so scared that the box left at the bottom of the stairs would be stolen that when he carried the pram with the baby, he was practically sprinting down risking a fall (he told us his fear when we stood around the pram looking after baby). And another time was when a man dropped his shopping at the foot of the escalator and no one stopped to help. And when they brushed against you or knock you, there is no slightest apology or apologetic look. And this particular bahaviour reminded me of my experience when I was in Shanghai. They are just so Chinese!
Service in Hong Kong, however, has improved. While the government has rekindled the responsibility of our Courtesy Campaign and our cute mascot, I think we still have a long way ahead to improve our service level if we want Singapore to a shopping destination.
Coming back to shopping, the experience is definitely not as great as in Europe, but the variety is definitely better than Singapore. However for the same item, the price differential between 2 countries are minimal.
Unlike all my previous Hong Kong trips where my shopping trophies were my only satisfaction, it was the smiles and being with my family that truly made me satisfied this time. I can't wait for the second trip again!
2 comments:
glad you have a great time with your family.
The last time I went to hongkong is more than 10 years ago, I hardly remember a thing. But when you mention about rudeness (or probably self-centerness) it does makes me shudder remembering even a shop keeper does not show any friendliness, she just want to get her job done a-s-a-p.
Ya, they basically do not like to waste time. So ordering from their Tea Cafe (Cha Chan Teng) is also stressful. I learned to be 100% sure about what I want to order first before signaling them over. They will not suggest orders. They just TAKE THEM!
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