For some reason, I am feeling extremely tired/beaten here in Hong Kong, and that is not a good thing at all. I couldn't revert to my nocturnal mood, and tiredness that has been taking its toll on me is depriving me of some much required time for enjoyment. It must have been the packed schedule, together with the good weather that has been causing all these.
Anyhow, this is my first trip since a very long time ago, and on top of it, it was my first time on a flight alone. Apart from much excitement and nervousness, all that I remember now is that I was very fearful then0 the fear of embarrassment and mistakes. But now that I'm in Hong Kong already, frankly, I really like that experience- novelty, and much of achievement- a feat of a lifetime.
Day 1 (1st November)
It was the day of my flight. The day prior to that has been devoted to much unease- worries about not bringing this or that. My mom and I even went to Guardian to get me a lip balm, during which my mom taught me some cantonese dialogue which I find very interesting and hilarious even until now. That day was approached with a lot of anticipation. On the day of flight, my brother got up early to fetch me to the Airport. I did not want to trouble him initially. For that, I've even flared up against my mom for going beyond her boundaries- why did she ask gor to send me?! But that's how most parents, being incapable of show their love for their kids, express their concern huh? Thank you mom, and sorry about that. Sometimes, I really do hope my mom is like those others who are not only IT-savvy, but also keen to find out about their children through their blogs. Some kids locked up their blogs to protect their privacy, but mine's opened up for all to read, except that I lack the audience whom this blog has been intended for.
Well, like I said, the first time boarding a flight on my own was filled with much excitement- I went to the Airport early in the morning and read my book for almost 1 hour in the transit area. During little checkpoints, there were of course some interesting happenings such as me failing to notice the biometric scan at the gate area. But God was with me, and each time, He was bound to deliver help to be on my way. For that, thank Him for my safe flight, really thankful. On the flight, I was seated right at the back, with this other caucasian lady, who didn't look that friendly at all, so I fiddled around with my books and the in-flight entertainment system- I watched Half-blood Prince, but didn't manage to finish it due to the numerous pauses to make way for the announcements. But really, I think I'm enjoying flying more and more as I grow older. Air Steward, anybody?
According to Joel, Hong Kong Airport is the second best airport just behind Singapore's. Having been used to the "best", I didn't like the setting of the airport at first glance, but was deeply impressed by their service- in terms of both attitudes and their smiles. Singapore's way inferior in this aspect I feel! So I got lost in the area, and went one round around the area looking for the bus terminal and ended up at the same spot where I left from, and so I realised my mobile service did not activate auto-roaming, and so I couldn't communicate with the people effectively.
But all these aside, thanks my wits to use the public phone, and thanks to the friendly Hong Kongers, I was led to the bus stop by some passionate cleaners and information provider, thank you so much.
I really like the bus service in Hong Kong. Their announcements which repeat three times in three different languages, were really something Singapore should adopt. My first time experiencing extensive cantonese conversation; my first time experiencing 17 degree celsius under the bright sun, all those are just some of the factors which caught me off guarded. I like them a lot a lot.
By the time I arrived safely at their place, it's free and easy until 3 where all of us set off to the harbour area! Not bad at all! The sea breeze was really breathtaking! Enjoyment! And they dedicate much of the entire walkway to collect palm prints of famous people like Andy Lau and Jacky Chan! HAHA! Cool stuff huh^^The museum, and we were just in time to miss the opening ceremony of the Easy Asian Olympic Game opening ceremony which is on the 5th December! We saw some TVB caravans and many rehearsing groups though! Softee of Hong Kong was delicious too, especially when you have it in such a cool environment! Oh! Me and my nephew even made commentary for this advertisement that was playing on this huge plasma television at the top of some really unfitting old buildings! Stupid things once in a while are still fun!
Night was spent at the temple street. It's a little like the over price night market of Singapore, and according to them, those were considered few people. So I'm just grateful for that as well. Dinner was settled at some street stalls which give prices that are quite intimidating for foreigners like me! One plate of fried rice cost 45 HK dollars- how's that?! Perhaps I really did need quite a bit of time to get myself adjusted to the conversion rate.
That day was marked an end with the writing of my first Christmas card for a friend. Cool stuff! I wrote really long, and I hope that continues! 18th Christmas is a milestone for me too! ^^
~I love Hong Kong~