Hong Kong - wandering with my eldest

I was on vacation last March. I thought it was another great and relaxing vacation

One week before my flight back to work, the so-called "Arab Spring" started at my work place, Yemen. Protests and rallies were held in many places. Our Philippine government imposed alert level 2 for travel to this country where over a thousand Filipinos were working. During that time, alert level 2 means restricted travel. Several of my colleagues and I were trapped in Manila. Some of them were offloaded from their flights. It was nightmare for a family man who has 2 college and 1 high school kids in private while paying his car and housing loans. Our house was damaged by Ondoy flood couple of years back and I have no choice but to spend our savings to transform our bungalow type to 3 storey house for I need to make sure that my family would be safe in case another Ondoy-like flood happens. It came to my mind that something much worse than Ondoy would happen if I'll lose my job.

Hence, I have to find a way on how to go back to my work place. To make my story short, I have decided to go to Hong Kong with my son as tourists with logistical support from my company.

My son and I did plenty of preparations. He has traveled to Bangkok before with some of his classmates so his passport will surely escape the scrutiny of our immigration officers; however, in regards to my work visa, it could be a different thing.

At the airport, all necessary documents were at-hand. I have prepared answers in anticipation to the questions that the immigration officers might ask. We went to airport fully prepared and hoping for the best. I must go back to my job at all cost.

At the immigration counter, the officer simply asked, "Sir, is he your son?" I replied yes. In  my mind, less talk less mistake.

So, we were on our way to Hong Kong!

We booked ourselves at Panda Hotel.   

We took our daily breakfast at McDonalds near our hotel. 

    

We usually take our lunch at Panda Hotel Restaurant. Hong Kong is quite expensive compared with Singapore. Note the price. Nevertheless, it was quite an experience to have authentic Szechuan cuisine for few days.

Our lunch always comes with complimentary green tea. However, I have observed that the locals were using the tea also to sanitize their utensils by immersing them on the steaming hot tea. We did the same.

When in Hong Kong, it is a shame if you won't drop by at Disneyland, unless you've been there before.

One of my childhood dreams



Mickey Mouse designed train will bring you to Disneyland Resorts from MTR station.

Shots inside Disneyland

Entrance of Disneyland Resort

Got Ya! Buzz!

 

MY ELDEST

The Parade of Stars

After few hours of strolling and several rides, we decided to have some Mickey Mouse as snacks. They were just waffle with fancy design and quite expensive

My son and I also explored Mongkok Street and down town Kowloon

    

Hong Kong MTR system is similar to Singapore, it is a combination of subway and overhead stations. In Hong Kong, they call the tap card as Octopus while in Singapore it is EZ Link. Both train systems are issuing single trip ticket.

 

HALF-DAY CITY TOUR PACKAGE

AVENUE OF STARS

 with Jackie Chan and Jet Li

 

with Bruce Lee

Sampan Trip - we paid 50 HKD each 

World's Biggest Floating Restaurant

VISIT TO JEWELLERY SHOP

Due to good sales pitch of our kabayan working at this shop, I bought Chinese horoscope golden pendants for my wife and 3 kids. Each one costs 49 USD with free stainless steel chain. I don't know if I was ripped off or not, what is important is to have souvenirs from this trip. I love collecting souvenirs from each place I visit.







Our 3D2N tour was quickly over. My son needs to fly back home after missing his class while I have to go back to my job. On our way to airport we had some shots.

Typical Hong Kong city cemetery. Note the crosses.

Some shots outside our hotel after hotel check-out. We were waiting for the hotel bus to bring us back to airport.

Though we lack preparation for this trip, it was nevertheless, a great experience for both us. I was able to come back to my job and decided to wander in other countries during my vacation until Philippine government lift the travel ban to my place of work. Until then, I would be facing another chapter in my life totally different from what I expect and plan. I just hope and pray that the travel ban will be lifted soon.







P.S. The photo above was taken by tour photographer. In addition to that photo, he gave me a personalized ceramic plate (?) with our picture. Cost me 120 HKD. Yes, it was a rip off but something to treasure.





OTHER HONG KONG ATTRACTIONS:


Street Carollers at Causeway Bay
Roaming Around Causeway Bay
Roaming Around Mongkok
I am in Hong Kong for my lunch and dinner

Singapore - Sri Mariamman Temple at Chinatown

Many tourists are flocking to Sri Mariamman Temple not only due to its proximity to downtown Chinatown but it is also considered as one of the major tourists attractions in Singapore. It is located at the corner of Pagoda Street and South Bridge Road. Moreover, it is the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore.

Outside, the temple looks awesome due to bright and colorful design of its tower. This is the first Hindu temple I have entered.

Even the huge pair of wooden doors are studded with golden bells which the devotees are supposed to ring as they enter.

The temple is open for tourists but foot wears are not allowed inside. You also need to purchase ticket in case you will use camera or video cam inside the temple.

The entrance hall.

The main hall.

When I arrived at the temple, it was almost 6 pm and these musicians (?) were playing loud music and ringing an outdoor bell in unison while the Hindu holy men were opening one-by-one the curtains covering the different shrines outside the main temple or prayer area. I have no idea regarding this Hindu ritual or ceremony. Near the outdoor bell is a flag pole; they raise the flag during important occasion or celebration.

Another Hindu ritual (?) was also being performed at that time. Food was being distributed or shared to the devotees.

 

Due to complexity of designs of the ceilings, I believe there are some meanings behind them. Really, I can not find appropriate words to describe the artistic and colorful design of this temple. It is simply fascinating.

There are several Hindu shrines outside the main prayer hall/area. When I arrived, I have noticed that these shrines were closed or covered by curtains and one-by-one Hindu holy men were clearing/opening those curtains while loud music were being played and ringing of outdoor bell by those musicians above. I have no faintest idea about this ritual thus if I have time, I would ask my Hindu colleague why their shrines are sometimes covered.

outside shots

Yearly fire walking festival is being held here one week before Diwali or" Festival of Lights". Even in middle-east, Diwali is being celebrated due to large Indian (Kerala) population. In my previous company in Abu Dhabi, they served our food on banana leaf during Diwali festival.

I really appreciate the openness of Singapore's different temples and their devotees by allowing tourists to observe their rituals and ceremonies.