Oh, It's Love…

April 27

I met up with Katie today for some shopping on the other side of HK. First up, Langham Place at Mong Kok! Crazy high ceiling on the lobby level.

Walking around Langham Place was a challenge and a half. So many levels! So many escalators! So many steps! We were so tired just from walking through this building. After some high-class window shopping, we went somewhere cheaper – 新之城. As we walked around, we noticed a lot of the younger girls were eating these noodles from these tiny little baggies. Turns out they were from the main floor! These stands that were just making customized snacks. And they were only $10HKD.

For some even cheaper shopping, Katie and I headed over to Ladies’ Market. There really wasn’t a whole lot of shopping since it was quite touristy there. We really didn’t need any more of those I <3 Hong Kong tshirts. But it's always nice to walk through these streets.

Dinner was at Hokkaido Katsu Sushi, just a random place that we picked. We met up with G+Chi (from Teacher’s) and Charlie+Jackie+Grace. Maybe it was because we went late, the fish really wasn’t that fresh.

G+Chi had to head back earlier to pack since they were going home first thing the next day. Charlie+Jackie+Grace(?)+Katie+me just hung out around Mong Kok. haha so jokes. I forgot how much fun Charlie is and just how random Jackie is. He’s the mini 方大同~！

April 26
I woke up insanely early this morning at another ungodly hour (6:30am) for an incredibly important event – getting my china permit.

My aunt and I got to the permit office at 7:30am. I opted for a quick old-school bottle of milk. Just like the ones I drank in elementary school!

Anyways, my grandma came with us to wait for the permit line later that morning. “Due to unforeseen circumstances”, I wasn’t able to get the permit (because I needed the HK passport, which I don’t have. So we just headed over to the Immigration Center at WanChai. They have these computerized processing machines. So cute!

I dim summed with my granny and aunt for lunch. Typical Chinese style, can never get enough of that. haha

Finally, I had some free time in the afternoon! Causeway Bay, here I come!

Shopped for hours. I found myself in Uniqlo. I picked up a UV cut sweater, some tops and a pretty skirt (which I will not wear in Asia). Got home just in time for dinner. =]

Post-dinner, I went out with Alex and his younger sister to Lan Kwai Fong. It’s the bar street. But because it was raining, the street was quite empty.

We settled at this bar with very comfy couches and just chatted away. Ended the night at McD’s for some Taro Pie. Delish!

Off to Hong Kong, land of everything glamorous!

Early in the morning, I was super psyched about this trip. Even at an ungodly 6:30am on a saturday, I was getting butterflies in my stomach. Good thing for spending that extra time to pack the night before, I was more than ready for the trip.
Prior to boarding the plane, I already checked in (Air Canada reminded me 24 hours beforehand) and promptly received my electronic pass. However, as I checked my luggages at the counter, they gave me a paper boarding pass anyways. I don’t think I saw anyone who used their mobile devices to board the plane. Why spend their advertising budget when their workers don’t believe in the technology?

Either way, the plane ride was long. Almost 16 hours. In one spot. I’ve watched quite a few movies (Couples Retreat, The Fantastic Mr. Fox, Avatar, the Young Victoria) and read a bit of The Tipping Point.

The food was decent, though it did get progressively worse as the flight went on. But I always got the meals first, since I had the ‘special’ meals.

I landed in HK around 1:45. Waiting for the luggages took such a long time! I missed my suitcases several times and I even accidently picked up someone else’s suitcase!

My uncle, aunt and popo came to pick me up and we had our first meal at a cha chang tang! Red bean ice and peanut butter toast! Delish!

Dinner was with more uncles and aunts and popo! It was so much food! I didn’t take pictures this time… but man, so much seafood!

Judging by the good eats on the first day, it can only get better!

Restaurant #1: 樂天茶餐廳
Restaurant #2: didn’t get the name.