5 D 5 N in HongKong

The Hong Kong Experience

Hello all. We are back in hazy KL. I shall update our Hong Kong experience in this entry whilst sipping my hot green tea and nursing my sore throat, stuffy nose and pounding head.

Yes, I have a bug and his name is FLU. let's just blame it on the incessant rain and the cold winds in Hong Kong. ;p

We stayed all 5 nights in The Kowloon Hotel, a hotel I had stayed in before (btw, this was my 4th trip to HK). It was a comfortable stay (thank god they have refurbished and renovated!!) and not an unpleasant experience although the room was very, very, very small. let's put it this way - with the double bed in the bedroom, there wasn't even enough space to open our modest suitcase all the way! But my memory of my previous stay to The Kowloon hotel was etched firmly by the faint blood stains splattered on the toilet door. So I was pretty thankful that nothing like that was seen on this particular trip.

FOOD






We frequented this Macau restaurant thru' out our stay in HK as it was but a stone's throw away and served up authentic and delicious fare. After the 5th day, I had already tried roasted pigeon (forgive me bird lovers!), portugese egg tarts, pork and oyster congee, chicken congee, macaroni with pork chop and luncheon meat and ham, and their famous yuen yang (coffee and tea mix). Very affordable and very tasty!


Possibly every restaurant that we tried (including the tea cafes) whipped by dishes that did not disappoint. Wantan noodles, beef balls, goose, soup, beef steak etc warmed our bellies and tightened our waistlines.





We tried Yum Cha in afew different restaurants as well and in one, with his fluent cantonese, my husband befriended a loving and sweet couple, possibly in their 60s who were sharing our table. I could barely understand a word they were saying but my eyes twinkled when the lady said I was 'leng'. Ahhhh Praise is an international language. hahaha. ;)


We hunted high and low for smelly fermented beancurd stalls in the streets stalls. There were a few in Mongkok and we savoured the chou4 dou4 fu4 in the , dipping it into the bean sauce and chilli. Hahaha. the things people eat!

It was my 1st time at Victoria Peak and the night view was breath-taking. Of course, the experience would have been more appreciated if there were fewer PRCs pushing and shoving and if the haze that had smogged the buildings was removed by divine intervention.

Desserts were a must and I would strongly recommend a visit or more to Hui Liu Shan. Do try the hashima and birds nests! Alan appreciated his ripe mangoes that came in many different forms (in fried balls, icecream, frozen and shaved etc). My favourite -hashima served on papaya was a delicious and healthy treat!


SHOPPING:


Shopping in HK was a less pleasant experience.

On the 3rd day, I went out early in the morn to Causeway Bay and returned home in the early evening, exhausted and empty-handed. hahaha When Alan was indisposed (his was a working trip, rem?), I took the convenient and clean MTR to MongKok station and had a spent some HKD at my favourite Argyle Centre and Ladies' street.

My suitcase, in the end, only contained 1 top and 1 pair of pants but many cutesy stuff (for The Ginna and my tuition kids etc) We hit Victory Avenue (mongkok) over the weekend for jay jay and Ash as well and came home with a huge strawberry bed, a carrier bag, 4 sets of clothes and shoes for our sons. Shopping for doggies was definitely much more satisfying!

Alan bought a intricately carved chess set at a steal and I also bought a small MJ set (complete with suede table) from the markets! Hahahhaa. Any takers??? Now there will be MORE ENTERTAINMENT when friends come to visit! (0_0)v Pong 4 ahhhhhhh! We also purchased a beautifully drawn buddha to be framed and displayed in our home.


SCENERY

We debated and debated and decided to drop LanTau from our itinery as I had already been there before and Alan's schedule was pretty tight. So the only places boasting of nice sights were The Peak and also Star Avenue. The latter was visited on the last morning of our trip (just before we checked out). And of course, the weather wasn't the most sunny and condusive for photography. Nevertheless, the D300 was whipped out and shots were taken of the harbour to capture the moment.


We also visited the famous Wong tai Sin temple and asked for blessings, jostling with the millions of Chinese on their knees and begging for favours. The smoke generated would put Sumatra's forest fires to shame and soon my eyes started to water. The Ocean Park was a good experience. No long queues like Disneyland and quite a few fun rides. I went up on the Abyss which raises you to the skies and then you plummet to what feels like your definite death. Ahhhhh that did make my heart pump a little but surprisingly I did not screech out in fear.




All in all, the HK trip was quite fun sans the shopping. I probably will not return in the near future though. Too much city-dwelling for me already - What with S'pore / KL.


Alan after a long day out with clients in HK.



hahahhaa. I have ceased to survive and now am LIVING!

spoiler - next on the cards will be diving lessons and also a visit to taiwan :D

The End

Sunday at Sunway and my Cheap Labour in KL

17 February 2008 (Sunday)

We woke up late and had a luxurious breakfast, intending to skip lunch.

We left for Sunway Pyramid at around 4+pm. Alan needed some winter wear for our Hong Kong trip and thus we headed for Raoul which was having 50% off on certain selections! Beat that, Gary! hahaha!!! *clap clap clap* He bought 2 business shirts and 2 sweaters there for a steal!

Then, starving, we headed for a Vietnamese restaurant to settle dinner. I had beef congee and Alan had his usual beef phoa. We also shared a starter platter which was meant for 3-4pax! hahaha.Nevermind, we have been on the uRobic! *grins*

I quelled the urge too shop by visiting the arcade. we indulged 10RM in teenaged games and I realised my driving skills left much to be desired. heh. We decided to head home early to keep Jay Jay company.

When we arrived home, we surveyed the carnage in horror. The whole carpet was littered with torn toilet roll - we leave the dog out nowadays and hope and pray he doesn't do too much damage. It was as though it had snowed the whole evening we were out. After getting on our hands and feet and picking up the debris, we threw Jay Jay back into his cage to seek atonement for his sins.

We proceeded to watch a sexy and romantic movie starring jessica alba and dane cook about a man who was hexed and that all the women he had been with would find their dream partner and get married to the next guy they dated. This movie's not showing and will not be showing in Malaysia and I think S'pore too. Intrigued? *grins*


18 February 2008 (Monday)

I've got the job! Tuition downstairs with the Indian family. But probably only the daughter as the mum thinks my fees are too expensive. haahaha. Guess what, folks? No S'pore teacher would ever wanna teach tuition for a living here. I could make SGD60/hr in S'pore and now it's RM50/hr! Yikes! Oh well...just to pass time, I guess. *yawns*

Anyway, Louisa, who works at management office just came with the gardener to collect my pots of flowers to be watered daily whilst we are away in HK. and SHE also indicated interest in getting tutored for English under me. I think it's fate that I took English as a degree in NUS. At least I won't starve in Malaysia. hahaha.

Oh well, I gtg pack for our long trip to HK. We will leave tomorrow evening 550pm flight and be back Sunday afternoon. I've never been to HK for such a long period before. And Alan will be unavailable on some occasions so I shall have to venture alone into the wonderful world of bags, shoes and assessories myself!

carpe diem!!! Will update my blog when I get back ~~

p/s: it's 1130pm and I am updating my blog before i hit the bed. Had tuition with Anviksha today and she's quite lovely to teach. her mum also told me that her friend who lives on the same level as I do in Sri Tiara is also interested in having English classes. For spoken English. Ahhhh.. more potential clients. I like!

Went winter wear shopping at Mid Valley immediately after tuition just now and spent 4 times what I earned in an hour today. ahhaha. O well. Bought a turtle-neck, a sweater and also a long woollen trench coat thingie. Very chic!

Alan met me for dinner at Burger King and we were also amazed at the strength of the SGD agst the HKD. :)~~

We then sent Jay Jay to dog-sitter Robin's house again. For the 4th time already!!! Sad

A Lazy Saturday

It was a lazy Saturday. We woke up late at approximately 11am and then proceeded to lounge around the house somemore. I cooked us a mean meal of sphagetti and then it was DVD time. We finished watching War of the Worlds, which we started the previous day when all the guests were in the house. And when that was over, it was the chinese movie "Jiang4 Tou2". There was alot of gore and blood. xp

I went down to the potential tuition client's unit to chit chat with her and her son and daughter. I was amazed at how little tuition teachers make it Malaysia. How to survive like that??

Dinner was at Old Jalan Klang Lama (road) where we had dined previously with Nicky, Robin and his friend from the radio station. We had Bakut Teh, Intestines (I was reminded of the movie) and also a steamed fish otak. yum.

Then we wasted an hour or so on Mr Bean on Holiday. bleah.

Papaya Birds Nest!??!!?

Alexis is going to kill me and stop reading my blog at the same time.

I'm going to Hong Kong to shop at the end of the month. HEHEHEHE.

15 February 2008 (Friday)

Today we are going to have guests over. Alan's staff. I have just finished baking some cookies. hahaha Although they ain't burnt, they are in odd shapes and sizes. hahaha. I shall just sitck to clay figurines then! :P


We will loh hei at Robon Height's restaurant later on. Table of 10! 730pm. Before that shall we money-making schemes in the form of table games. hahaa Euphemism never hurts! ;)

Hong Kong is around 12-17 degrees nowadays. And we've left ALL our winter clothing in S'pore. hahaha. shucks. Alan has been invited to a business gathering there and I am SURELY going to tag along. hahaha. I shall start-up my business on this trip. Going to purchase some stuff to sell. *excited* Shall call on Anna too! hahaha.

Ginna, you want stickers? hahahaha. I used up my supply doing your Daddy's scrapbk pressie. Shall replenish in HK! Yipeeee!me thinking of the Xu Liu Shan papaya birds nest already! *smack lips*

ok ok enough before I get stoned to death. :X I shall cease to gush!

Happy Valentine's Day Folks!

14 February 2008 (thursday)

I rushed and rushed hubbie's Vday present in 2 days (suffered backache/neck ache/ headache in the process) and emerged victorious with a Scrapbook of Love documenting precious moments of our lives as a couple, before and after marriage. Husband least expected something in return for his many gifts( he knows the poor housewife ain't working) and was touched to bits! A lone tear slid down his cheeks during dinner... :D heh I love to make men cry!

Anyway, before that, I took a cabbie down to Alan's office to meet him for dinner. I was fretting in the cab as the Malay taxi-driver kept looking back. I KNEW I shouldn't have worn a short dress ;p Anyway, I also couldn't see the meter from where I was seated and worried again that I would be kertoked/ kidnapped/ robbed etc etc... I have my reasons, guys. Not getting paranoid for nothing. ahhaha. But that's a different story.

Alan and Nicky were waiting for me downstairs when I arrived safely at their office. My bouncers! I was then presented a bouquet of 12 HUGE and lovely reds. I like surprises! hahaha. Since the hubbie had already bought me a coveted u-robic and golf shoes from adidas and golf attire from ashworth, I was extremely surprised at the continual generosity. Am not complaining, mind you!

We zipped off to Starhill Gallery, near Rohas Perkasa (office). We were booked for a buffet dinner from 5-7pm at this restaurant called Jagora. Fusion cuisine was served and we were amazed at the wide spread. good recommendation, Robin! I had 4 different steaming hot soups, sashimi, cod fish, tiger prawns etc etc.. and baskin robins / hagen daas / gelato was served for dessert. haahhaa. Of course the dieting plans were disregarded tonite. :p

Deciding it was too early to return home, we favoured watching CJ7 after dinner. We left for Mid Valley SC and queued and queued (more than half an hour) for the 9pm tickets for two. MY fault, I confess. I had though Malaysians knew better than to celebrate Vdae in the cinemas. Oh well....Thankfully, the show was not a let-down like Meet the Spartans. It was both funny and touching, a rare combination for Stephen Chow. Although the comic relief was not as side-splitting as Stephen Chow's previous flicks, the little green alien-doggie thing was cute to the MAX! The alien bears a great resemblance to Jay Jay, I must say.hahahahha. No spoilers here (I am a responsible and considerate blogger hahaa), please go watch!

Home Sweet Home. An interesting reflection of celebrating Vdae in Malaysia for the first time in my life - VERY FEW ladies were carrying / showing off bouquets of flowers in public. Weird. There were perhaps less than 10 bouquets that I could count throughout the night out. Ha in S'pore every Sarah, Mary, Ah Lian would be seeing comparing each other's plucked gardens to see who has a more bountiful supply, equating it to their other half's undying love for them. I doubt I would EVER wanna be a florist in Malaysia when I grow up. hahhaa.

p/s: Something special happened today. An Indian resident in Sri Tiara called me up and responded to my advertisement as a tuition teacher. ahhahaha. I will be meeting her up to discuss further. She has a son and a daughter. :D A job at last!!!!

My Clay Creations

Hey guys... Have a look at my own creations and drop me a line to tell me what you think, alright? :D The giraffee is made by the Talented Mr Husband. :)

How CNY was spent-part II

8th February 2008 (Friday)

I must admit that this CNY was spent unlike any other - i.e. there was relatively little pigging out and the waist band of my newly purchased Top Shop jeans didn't expand extensively. How amazing. Even more incredulous was my discovery that my jeans were actually LOOSE! ha How wonderful is that??!!? (I can see all the women readers nodding frantically away!)

Dinner today was a healthy steamboat, swimming with all natural goodness of abalone, sea cucumber, the balls of all the sea creatures etc etc. A vege-maniac, I was as drawn to the lettuce as Alan was enticed by the fish's crown jewels.

Before dinner, however, we met Uncle Hock at daddy's. He was a Qi-Gong Master who apparently had the power to cure many different ailments. He was transferring some qi to daddy as we entered the flat. And he slapped my semi-swollen ankle (the one I sprained in Japan) afew times painfully as well, to help the swell subside. Alan was subjected next to his treatments and he cured him of his clammy, cold palms! Uncle Hock also told all present in the room that I was the one with the Fu Qi (luck) and quickly I was given the label Cai Shen! Hahaha.

Anyway, it was 11pm when Alan and I reached ONS to meet my long-lost colleagues. Many people turned up - Wee and Dave, Sebas, Leo and Wan Hui, Phyllis, Eileen and bro, Wendy and even Ivy! hahhaha. Unfortunately, the music left much to be desired (even after 2 complaints by us to the waitress). It was only 5mins after we left at ard 1+am that kai the bouncer msged me and reported that the music had improved and many people were on the dance floor gyrating their CNY calories away. By then, we had already left the car park after saying HI HI to halifi and his friend :D

9th February 2008 (Saturday)

We couldn't sleep in much today as there were appointments and obligations to fulfill. I was to meet Siew huang and Jim, Boon Keng and Shermeen, Stephen and Gary for brunch at Bosses, Vivo City. Alan sent me there early as he had to fill one leg at the MJ table.

I went to Star Hub to change my internet plan from unlimited to the flexisurf one and then went shopping at Daiso. Dimsum lunch beckoned and we all chatted and gossiped and caught up with one another. Imagine that this group of us are based in 3 different countries! haahha

After the brunche, Gary and I proceeded to meet another Gary at Bakerz Inn at 2pm. They chatted whilst I pretended not to fall asleep in my chair. Then I collected 2 birthday cakes for my father-in-law's birthday celebration that evening and Sharon my sis-in-law came to fetch me from the bus stop. After a trecherous journey involving some cursing and swearing, we arrived at Jalan Bukit Merah.

Alan quickly relinquished his place at the MJ table, having lost all of one hundred dollars to his grandmother, dad and aunt. I concentrated hard to help him recoup his losses and I must admit, luck was on my side. At the end of the day, I had won $55 and helped my dear husband win back some pride. ahahah.

Dinner was a delicious buffet spread at the corridor. ginseng chicken, pork ribs, scallops, cold dish etc etc. And then there was the Strawberry Cheesecake and the Oreo Cheesecake from Bakerz Inn. My daddy-in-law was a happy man as he turned 61 with so many loved ones around him.

The big event of the day arrived at the end of the day when we all gathered at the long table to invest in a money making venture. Ban Luck. Each of us took turns to 'cherng' at the table, including my 18-year-old sister, who felt the pinch.

It was almost 1am when we reached home that evening.

10th February 2008 (Sunday)

We woke up at around 10am and quickly showered and left the house for Marina Square. Alan wanted to buy some accessories for his D300. At around 1230pm, we met Edwyna, Pearlyn and Pei Ting at Changing Appetites.

I was presented with a lovely jigsaw puzzle from XGG for my belated birthday present - a pic of 2 of us outside the ballroom during Grad Nite '07. :~)

We entertained ourselves with Qian Bian Wen Da Ti whilst pigging out. The girls had desserts whilst Alan and I were starving and ordered the mouth-watering pork ribs to fill our bellies. We laughed and chatted and joked and smiled and soon it was time to say goodbye. With promises to write and send the photographs over, Alan and I went to the cinema to catch Ah Long Pte ltd.

Firstly, even after the $1 discount per ticket, both tickets still cost a hefty $17. ;p And later, sad to say, I fell asleep thrice in the theatre. I don't know if you'd agree with me, but Fann Wong can hardly pass off as a Da Jie with her porcelin skin and her silky hair. Ahhhh Mark Lee, on the other hand, was even gay-er than my gay friend and his Malaysian accent was hilarious. But even so, he couldn't save the plotless show. I give it 1 popcorn/star/ moon.

After the movie, we flew into Golf House to purchase my shoes. Ahhhhhh Thank Heavens I didn't buy them in Malaysia. The Adidas (blue-based with white stripes) pair I bought was sold much cheaper here BEFORE a 20% off. They cost (Alan) slightly less than SGD$100. We also bought gloves and a visor...

LATE was what we were went to got into the car and zoomed down to Chat Masala to have a hearty meal. SGD$177 bought us pilaf rice, raita, mussels, chicken, mutton, chutney, nan etc etc.
And it served 9. Then it was back home to rest and chat.

When the guests left, Alan and I brought Ash to the linear park nearby for a walk.

11th February 2008 (Monday)

I met my longest-time friend (since Sec 1) Daryl for breakfast at Coffee Club -the one outside California fitness in Orchard. We met at 10am and had a good chat. Ladies, this hunkie dory is a good good catch!! He is the only refuting evidence to the saying 'All the Good Ones are Taken". ahhahahaa Till today I still can't tell you why he's unattached. However, he is based currently in gloomy London, doing coporate law.

Then we strode to Royal Scotts, Carousel where a buffet spread beckoned, a treat to the English Department 2007, for winning the Best Contribution Award (hurrah!) 2007. I caught up with Azzie, Kal and the rest amist the dimsum, meats and sweets. The Boss even ordered Andrew and I a birthday cake for a post-birthday celebration! how sweet!!! Thanks guys!

Then I went with Wees to Wisma to buy Malini a bye-bye gift. I couldn't stay for long for MORE pampering was on the list. After choosing a chunky ring very suitable for Hema, I trotted to Body Wellness to claim my birthday treat - a 75mins extravaganza. A body scrub, oatmeal mask and a half an hour back rub with luxurious cream. Ahhhhhh.. When I awoke at 415pm, I felt like the heavens had descended upon me and that floating feeling was amazing.

I met Zesa outside Heeren and she passed her surrogate mum the 2 boxes of kuay lapis (prune and cheese) she had brought back from the flooded jakarta. YUMMY!! We treated our 2 daughters, one more stoned than the other , to Swensen's. and then we walked around Paragon and Lucky Plaza in search of my laptop bag and Alan's D300 accessories.

We next headed for City Hall and did a quick dinner of Beef Noodles Special at the food court upstairs. The standard has dipped somewhat though, and we left not totally satisfied. Then, it was Home Sweet Home, our last night in Singapore (for a long time), to pack for the trip back home.

12th February 2008 (Tuesday)

We flew in a squeezy MAS back to KL and the cab journey back to Sri Tiara was admittedly much shorter in comparison to that to Lanson. After doing a quick unpacking and shoving things into the ample cupboards, we went to Robin's to fetch Jay Jay back.

Jay Jay's skin problem had deteriorated and we immediately brought him to Dr Christopher James at Ikano Power Centre Animal Clinic again. Again, a medicated wash was suggested but this time we shaved him bald first - yes, now Jay Jay looks like a scrawny little white lamb / chihuahua, instead of a maltese. ;p

Our lunch cum dinner was settled at Sushi King where we devoured plates and plates of sushi. Then we brought Jay Jay home after his traumatising time out.

We watched the dvd Signs (mel gibson) at home until it was time for 'trading'. Alan and I went to Mid Valley to meet a 'forumer who was to purchase his D80 and accessories. hahaha Men and their toys!

Anyway, after the successful trade, I had a Hot Vanilla and Alan had a cafe Latte at Coffee Bean and we both shared a Blueberry Muffin.

What a long, eventful and tiring day!!!