Hong Kong 2015

So for the third consecutive year since 2013, I found myself in Hong Kong again. I wss supposed to book a flight to Taiwan to attend a seminar but found budget inns too expensive still. So in the end I chose HK since I can stay at relatives' house. I'd also like to see my cousins again, to somehow make up for lost time. I'm afraid they might grow up too fast.

I arrived in HK at around 6PM. Bus from the airport to an aunt's house was pretty convenient. In my trip last year I already learned the art of commuting by bus since it's cheaper though not too easy for a non-local. But I took down notes on what bus to take to go to my relatives' houses last year so I'm still confident I wouldn't get lost.

My first night was spent in front of my cousin's computer since I had yet to finish my powerpoint presentation and the script that would go with it for my reader who requested to have the files sent early so she could review them.  my cousins must have laughed hard deep within seeing me nodding off sleepily while still typing away. Sigh. I still am glad to have finished the other paper last Sunday.

The following day, I went to Tin Shui Wai in New Territories with my aunt to see the Wetland Park. It's too far from Kowloon so the trip ate up a big portion of my Octopus card load. Still itbwas nice having the chance to walk around. I like Singapore's Palau Ubin more though. For late lunch, my aunt treated me to Café de Coral, the number one fastfood chain in HK. I love the fact that it served veggies, too.

The 27th and the 28th were spent in the seminar. I did get to walk around Central and Wan Chai and even saw the exhibits at the Geological Museum inside Hong Kong University. HKU now has an MTR station unlike the last time when I had to walk far just to see it. It's one of my dream universities...

Also, going around Central and Wan Chai, I found Philippine-related markers. Two were related to Rizal because Rizal lived for a time there and was even acquainted with Sun Yat Sen.

On Saturday, I had my first biking experience. It was really awesome! Thing is, I rode a bike with trainer wheels since I don't trust myself when it comes to extreme sports. It's a good thing I did otherwise I wouldn't be able to enjoy the beautiful sceneries we passed by. Did I say that it rained that morning so I got to also visit the Hong Kong Heritage Museum? But we only saw the temporary exhibit on Bruce Lee's life.

On Sunday I went to the wet market with another aunt. I love going to markets to see fruits and vegetables and fish. Everything looks perfect in HK and my aunts would joke that they inject chemicals into the fruits to make them look juicy and fresh. LOL

Then it was time to go. That afternoon, I would have loved to stay one more day and attend a concert. But I guess, that will have to be for next year. I really hope my sisters can go with me to HK so ny aunts can get busy wth them while I take off on my own. I love spending time with myself especially when abroad. I do appreciate and enjoy their company though. They teach me the real meaning of family, something I do not experience with my relatives on my mom's side.

Mexico Misadventures Part 1

So the past few days saw me living on the road since Monday night when I took the night bus from Mexico DF TAPO to Villahermosa in the South. It was a 12-hour bus ride by ADO bus and I was tired from spending time climbing pyramids in Teotihuacan.

From thereon, I have had many misadventures. I had a hard time in Villahermosa because people were not so good at giving directions. I did find my way to La Venta, backpack with me and all. It weighed around 10kg but anyway all I thought of was that I survived Pulag twice and I could certainly survive backpacking for a few days in Mexico.

this friendly fellow has grown accustomed to human presence!

La Venta is a lovely place where one can see the famous Olmec sculptures, in particular the giant heads. There is an aviary and a small zoo, plus you get to see squirrel-like animals with long snouts and they seem to have grown accustomed to humans.

Just one of the many Olmec sculptures

After La Venta, I visited the Museum of Natural History which is just beside the park. It's actually for kids but I enjoyed the place. I hope we have something like that in the Philippines to get more kids to like the natural sciences.

the view from outside La Venta

This is my favorite in the Museum of Natural History

Taking the combi, a local public transport vehicle, I ended up in the historic town, the equivalent of Vigan. Here I visited the Casa de Azulejos which is an eclectic style mansion. The museum shows the history of Tabasco.

neoclassical Palacio de Gobierno in Plaza de Armas, Villahermosa

I traveled at night again to save time and accommodation. My target was to arrive in Escarcega on the morrow but bad luck seemed to be with me. When I bought a ticket to Constitucion, I never thought there were two towns of that name, one in Tabasco, one in Campeche. My target was Campeche, but at 10:30 PM I was dropped off at Constitucion, Tabasco, much to my horror upon my discovery. There were consecutive lightning flashes and anytime it might rain so I decided to walk despite the darkness. A car passed by but it probably did not see me waving.

So the hiker in me won and I walked all the way to town. Good thing I had flashlight with me. I was nervous of course because I had been hearing stories about crimes in Mexico but I had no choice. I felt it was more dangerous to stay near the highway. Plus I badly needed a bath to freshen up myself.

Imagine how I almost panicked when I realized I was still in Tabasco! This must be the result of my love affair with hot sauce!

The small town had many dogs which began their consecutive barking when I finally arrived. For a while I was looking around for a house that could accommodate me but people seemed to have slept already. Fortunately I saw a young man about to go home and I asked if I could temporarily stay in his house, explaining my situation to him. He woke up the entire family and they adopted me for a night. And I got my bath, too. It was my first time to sleep in a hammock, which is a BIG bonus.

The following day they offered me coffee and crackers for breakfast. The young man even walked with me to the highway. A car passed by and we got on. Jose made sure I hopped on the right bus going to Candelaria.

Then transfer to El Sur bus going to Escarcega. The conductor of that bus seemed to have taken a liking for me and seemed bent on seducing me. I told him I have a boyfriend back home but he still persisted though a bit politely, acknowledging my "commitnent". I was glad when we finally reached Escarcega. From there I took the combi to Constitucion where a friend was waiting (and who was very much worried for me when I told her about the misadventures the night before).

I cooked lunch for them! :)

But anyway, I arrived safely and cooked late lunch for her and for her friend. There were cucumbers, carrots, onions, and garlic so I cooked them all up together with salsa picante. Good thing it's exactly what I usually cook for my packed lunch. There were only two of them in the cabin, which was good because I can only socialize with very few people.

enjoying the sunset after an afternoon's work cleaning bone artifacts

Anyway, the reason why I would risk everything to get there was because my friend is an archaeologist who volunteered to excavate in a site there. She was telling me we'd visit archaeological sites together and we did. But that is another story of misadventures... We did get to Calakmul to see the pyramids.

To be continued...

2014 Hong Kong Trip

Warning: This is a very lengthy post … Links to important places will be up soon.

Last year was the first time I was lucky to get a piso fare promo from Cebu Pacific. A highschool friend and I planned to go to Hong Kong and shop during the summer season since discounts are big in summer, she says. She has been to HK countless times, having relatives living there. I, too, have relatives who are HK residents but I’m not close to my relatives in general and besides, I’m quite afraid that visits to relatives will eat up my time which is intended for exploring HK really well this time. The last time I was in HK was just a year ago and the four day trip was just enough for me to learn about the subway system but sadly I grew restless from that trip because I discovered that HK has a lot to offer in terms of nature trips!

This year, my 7D7N trip has been a mix of ups and downs. I don’t think I got the most of this trip because of my relatives who kept on insisting in tagging along with me. Not that I’m complaining, I find it rather sweet of them to want to spend time with me but a solitary wanderer like me needs ample “me- time” most especially when exploring a new place. However theirs is a culture of late risers so my trips with them start at around 11 am onwards. Being an early riser when travelling, that was something that really tried my patience.

As before, the first thing I did upon arrival at the Hong Kong International Airport was to buy an Octopus card. I took few brochures since I brought with me the old maps I got last year which I have studied well prior to my visit this time. Then I waited for Third Aunt who was to pick me up from the airport. It was drizzling on the way to her flat and it was already late at night. So basically my first night is just to ensure I get enough sleep for a week’s activities.

The second day was spent at another aunt’s house. I was instructed on what bus to take and alight at which stop. Problem was, Fourth Aunt left the Philippines when I think I was yet to be born so I really did not know her until that day. It didn’t help that my other aunt told me she looks like a famous Filipino singer and actress so I guess I was expecting that. Who would have thought that the semblance was years ago! Fail!

So I stayed at her house for hours listening to her stories and getting to know her children--- my cousins. In the afternoon, after some three hours of napping, my aunt and one of my cousins (the youngest and is very pretty) took me to Kowloon Walled CityPark. It’s a very big park with the fragrant smell of juniper trees which reminds me of Baguio. I wish we had very big parks in Metro Manila, too. (But the government officials are corrupted to the core and they seem to want to sell the whole PH to private entities. I so hate them but that’s another story.)

I helped Fourth Aunt prepare dinner since I saw that her children cannot be relied upon to do house chores, being too busy with computers and smartphones. She was a terrific cook! She cooked 6 different dishes in just a little over an hour! Simply amazing! And as I blog tonight I cannot help but remember her grilled chicken. It was just the best chicken I have ever tasted! The tender meat, the marinade… it rivals that of RoyalBellagio Hotel's The Filling Station!

The third day was my only me time. I accompanied Third Aunt to her office in Central and then took off from there to walk. There never was a happy walker that time as I. I marvelled at the tall buildings bearing names of famous brands. I took lots of photos of the beautiful modern architecture alongside colonial-styled ones. The streets are clean, unlike in Metro Manila where people throw their garbage just about anywhere and get away with it when supposedly they should be fined.

I was able to visit the HongKong Museum of Medical Sciences, HongKong University Museum and Art Gallery, and the Hong Kong Maritime Museum. One whole day of walking that much was tiring but I got a treat from Third Aunt when we ate at a vegetarian restaurant at North Point. But because I had late lunch I wasn't able to eat a lot that time. We then visited an uncle and his wife who live in separate houses.

Back in my younger years, I remember my uncle who was a big man who often smelled of cigarettes, being a chain smoker. I didn't like him then because I hate cigarettes and he was always smoking the whole time he was at our house talking with my dad for hours on end. That time, he visited PH to attend my godfather’s wedding.

This year I was glad to learn he no longer smokes and suddenly he didn't seem so big to me anymore. He asked me to write down my name and I did, using the traditional writing system since I never liked the simplified version. (Sorry for being elitist, I guess when you’re serious about languages you tend to have a high disregard and intolerance for distortions and vulgar evolutions.) Anyway, he was surprised to find that my handwriting was quite good and told me that I am a courageous and daring individual for still preferring to write the old fashioned way. While his perception of me is quite the same as that of my close circle of friends who see me as a warrior, I do not think that I am worthy to be called courageous. Daring yes, but courage is something far nobler and is one of the values I always pursue but I guess the times are few when I can truly say I have had courage.

At my uncle’s wife house I was served with too many cups of tea and it was already late. My aunt was very warm and welcoming and I wondered why she lived away from my uncle. Anyway, she was surprised to find that I speak Fookien. (Is Chinese education in PH that bad that the Chinese are always surprised to find huaqiao who can speak fluent Chinese???) I also met a niece, the daughter of my cousin who was then in China so I never got to meet him.

The fourth day, Third Aunt and I woke up early and fetched my niece. We went hiking in Shek O County. I had been fantasizing about hiking in Dragon’s Back and I was happy when my aunt agreed to go with me. Unfortunately it wasn't the type of hiking that she prefers, being used to “hiking” (her term) cemented grounds. So I really didn't get to enjoy much because she was complaining about how dangerous it is to hike in such a place etc. when in fact, it’s a fairly easy hike. Felt like a walk in the park. Earlier I told her I love long hikes and that I am accustomed to doing mountain treks and she said she also hikes from time to time. Who would have thought her definition of hiking is actually “walking on paved grounds”! I guess it was also my fault for not clarifying or probing on what kind of “mountains” she had hiked to in the past.

We had to stop midway and go back to the city at noon for lunch. We were to meet Second Cousin’s wife and her kids there and then go to Golden Beach in New Territories afterwards. I was of course very sad since I love the mountains more than the beach. Besides, summer at the beach doesn't appeal to me. The very hot weather makes it hard for me to enjoy. And, beaches in PH are far more beautiful than in HK!!!

We had a wonderful dinner at my uncle’s house. It was a feast and I greatly enjoyed the yellow chicken (ginger chicken) and the fish (fried fish fillet and fish in low sodium say sauce--- simple but I love fish of any kind so just imagine how happy this kid was), the vegetables (squash and leafy veggies which I LOVE)… Oh what a spread they prepared! I was relieved to find that the only pork dish is Chinese style pork chop which is somewhat like asado.

The fifth day was spent with Fourth Aunt again. It was Kowloon walled city park part 2. Fourth Aunt prepared ramen noodles with dumplings for lunch. Awesome! I just love noodles! Then we went to Wong Tai Sin Temple. I wanted to weep with joy. The temple is just so grand and I wanted to explore its every corner but unfortunately there were too many people and I’m afraid my aunt and cousin might be bored with it already. Mental note to go back there on my next HK trip.

At night I was taken to my cousin’s house. This cousin of mine was my playmate when we were small. She was very naughty back then and she would always throw tantrums. My nanny recounts that my brothers would always bully her for being such and I was always the one to defend her from them. I also remember being put in charge of bathing her whenever she comes to visit our house without her nanny. Then one day she went to HK to join her family and it was only last year I think when we got in touch again through Facebook. It was she whom I informed of my intent to visit HK.

Third Aunt also took me to Big Aunt’s place. It was only when we were grown ups when we knew we had another aunt and that she was the eldest so Third Aunt is supposed to be Fourth Aunt and Fourth Aunt Fifth Aunt. But because we have grown accustomed, we never really practice the new calling system. Anyway, Big Aunt is a fragile woman and I like the feel of her very homey home where she lives with her son and grandchildren. I would have loved to spend more time with them but I guess there really isn’t much to talk about. I also found my nieces (her grandkids) lively and cute. I wish they could come over to PH when they’re a bit older and  I’ll show them around, probably to the beaches.

The sixth day was spent in Tsim Sha Tsui. Oh the memories of last year’s visit! TST will always be memorable because there are just so many beautiful attractions there especially near the pier. I was to meet up with my other uncle and his wife so I left Third Aunt’s house early and went to Hong Kong Science Museum. Then I joined my uncle and aunt for lunch where they treated me to a Japanese restaurant in Silvercourt. I AM JUST SOOOOO HAPPY!!!

A bit of shopping and it’s a good thing they brought me there since left alone, I wouldn't have bought anything during this trip. Shopping is not my forte, unless it’s shopping for food hehe. And because of them I knew that I got good value for my money having bought branded clothes at huge discounts. Awesome!

We parted ways shortly after and I was instructed how to go to their house for dinner and where I would stay for the night. They left me to wander in TST alone much to my brimming happiness!!! And so off to the Hong Kong Cultural Center I went with a plan to watch a concert but I promised to be at my uncle’s place before 7pm for dinner and it would be rude to be late and to make them worry. So instead I went to Hong Kong Art Museum which I never got to explore last year because it was closed during the Chinese New Year.

I did find my way to their house and spent the night there. My cousin to whom I was close to in my childhood days was already working and she came in when I was already asleep so we didn't get to talk.

The seventh day, my two cousins who are both girls, went out with me. We went to Lai Chi Kok Park first, also a very beautiful park. HK people are really lucky to have such well maintained parks within the neighborhood, unlike here in PH where you will have to travel far to have a breath of fresh air. Then off to the Hong Kong Space Museum where we watched a short movie about astronomy and space scientists. Next time I’ll be watching other films.

Next we went around Mongkok and Temple Street to shop. I bought only a few things being an inexperienced shopper and a miserly one at that. My cousins took me to a Chinese restaurant where we had yamcha (literally means “to drink tea” but it has come to mean having dimsum and tea). Fourth Aunt’s daughters also joined us. Because there is a Chinese resto of the same name in Manila, I thought at first that I am finally gonna experience the main branch LOL!

That night, I slept with Fourth Aunt’s eldest daughter and we chatted a bit before drifting off to sleep. She says she wants to visit the beaches in PH someday. I told her if ever she comes to visit, she should let me know so I can accompany her and show her around. Of course that means more reasons to travel! And I’m more than eager to spend time with my cousins who showed me what hospitality is and taught me what family and kinship mean.

The following day, Fourth Aunt woke me up very early in the morning. We went to meet with her friend and together we headed to Paktamchung where I got to see the reservoir. Also, it was my second hike and I was glad to take in HK’s natural beauty. It was tiring yet fun. What a day it was! Good thing the wind was refreshingly cool despite the summer heat.

In the afternoon, Fourth Aunt accompanied me to Big Uncle’s house to pick up some foodstuff I was to deliver back home. In the evening, Third Aunt and I had dinner at Fairlane Restaurant where I treated her for the first time in my life. We then went to my dear cousins’ house to deliver mooncakes I bought for them.

The next morning, I stopped by Fourth Aunt’s house for a surprise visit and to give her some mooncakes as my token of gratitude for the warm hospitality they extended to me. Boy was she surprised to see me! I already knew how to commute by bus! Yay!!!

For lunch, I went out with Big Uncle’s granddaughter (that makes her my niece) who treated me to a Japanese restaurant near Third Aunt’s place. She, together with Fourth Aunt, helped me with my bags as I boarded the bus to the airport. I got four huge bags with me and looking back I still couldn’t believe how I was able to survive with all that baggage, being used to just a backpack and a small bag when travelling.

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Note: At the time of writing, internet at home was down so I composed this on Word. This line is already in the fifth page. LOL

Guide for a Day 07142013

Last month, a group of around 30 Chinese students came to visit the Philippines and my sisters and I participated in touring them around. One of the stop was Luneta Park which now has undergone a major renovation. In my youth my parents used to bring us there on Sundays. When I was a bit older, I remember not liking the place much because the place stinks due to garbage being thrown indiscriminately, not to mention the place gaining a reputation as a hotspot for snatchers.

group picture taken by me

At the entrance to the Chinese Garden

fountain with lights

This reminds of the the linked coaches in The Bund, Shanghai

It amazed me how different Luneta Park is from what it used to be. My new-found Chinese friends commented at how beautiful Luneta Park is. I was just fighting the urge to tell them that Shanghai's Century Park is even more beautiful. We need to be proud of Philippine tourist spots, too. And given how impressed I was at the improvement, I just nodded my head in agreement.

The Cultural Center of the Philippines: one of my favorite places  in Metro Manila

After touring Luneta Park, we headed to SM MOA for a game of bowling and lunch at Mang Inasal afterwards. Just the day before I also had lunch at Mang Inasal somewhere in Laguna. On both days I consumed two and a half cups of rice. (I'm a growing kid!)

After lunch, we did a little shopping. My "babies" and I mostly window-shopped since they seem to be quite miserly, too, like me. I do hope they enjoyed being with me even though I was such a lousy mall guide. I made a mental note back then to at least somehow familiarize myself with fashion brands.

Then off to Eton Centris in Quezon City for a game of laser tag. I was so tired and sleepy by then that I passed on the chance to play the game. After that, my sisters and I had our spontaneous date there.

Century Park, Shanghai (世紀公園) 04052013

Park entrance: 10 CNY

We took the first train trip from the airport and decided to go some place before we check in at our hotel in Pudong area. We initially planned to go to Oriental Pearl TV Tower but noting the proximity of Century Park   to the subway, I suggested that we go there instead. 

It was drizzling when we stepped out of the subway and the morning chill attacked our frail bodies which were still accustomed to the summer heat at home. And we had our bags with us, thus slowing us down. 

Upper left: explains the colors, fragrance, and form of plum flowers as well as how they are represented in art and the best time to view them. Upper right: bonsai plants

Century Park is said to be the largest park in Shanghai and I have cause to believe that. We roamed the park in less than an hour but never got to see the whole place because of the rain. One of my friends, J, was so cold she just stayed at the front office desk, while V and I explored the area. There was many things one can  do here, provided the weather is good. I see the potential of this park as a nice place for long romantic walks. One can also do boating. Since it was raining, the park looked gloomy and it seems like V and I were the only visitors.

Zoo and Botanical Gardens, History Museum, Hung Kings Temple 03012013

Entrance fee: 8,000 VND
What to do: roam around and observe animals, take pictures, rest under the shades, savor the presence of trees
Nearby places: History Museum, Temple of the Hung Kings

The Hung Kings Temple was erected by the French in 1926 as a memorial to those who fall in defense of France during the First World War (1914-1918). In 1954, the South Vietnam Government reconstituted it as a place to worship the Hung Kings, Confucius, General Tran Hung Dao, and Le Van Duyet. The temple was renamed as Temple of the Hung Kings in 1975.
(Information taken from plaque outside the temple)

Hung Kings Temple

side view of Hung Kings Temple

The History Museum was established on August 23, 1979. It not only exhibits artifacts reflecting the national history, but also artifacts from other Asian countries including 10th-19th century wares from China, Cambodia, Japan, Thailand, and France. Interesting exhibits include the Xom Cai Mummy, Buddhist statues, stone carvings from Cambodia from the 9th to 13th century, blades from the late 18th century, and Tay So Dynasty coins. 

Entrance fee: 15,000 VND, pay extra 32,000 VND to be able to take photos inside
Note: I declined paying extra. Did take down notes, though. :)

The Xom Cai mummy got its name from the place in District 5 of Ho Chih MInh City. It is actually the remains of Mrs. Tran Thi Hieu who died in 1869. According to studies, the body is soaked in red solution. The aristocratic woman was 60 years old, and stood 1.52 meters high.

Seeing the stone carvings taken from Cambodia, one cannot help but wish to see Angkor Wat immediately. The intricately designed carvings are proof of the ancient Cambodians' exceptional skills. 

Buddhist-related statues are many. One notices some headless statues in the exhibition hall. Inscribed stelae with carvings narrating consecrations of a holy footprint of the God Vishnu by Prince Gunavarman, drainage works, and donations to the God Siva, can also be viewed.

Another interesting find is the wooden pile unearthed by Louis Malleret in Oc Eo. The wooden pile was part of an ancient architecture that has long ago disappeared and is considered rare.

History Museum with giant porcelain jar encased in glass outside

As I viewed the exhibits, a group of tourists arrived with a French-speaking Vietnamese guide. I took it as an opportunity to practice my French and listened to her. She was then explaining the symbolisms of a statue of Amitabha. The hands represent compassion, the lotus flower purity, the long ears longevity, the head intelligence of the Buddha, which also represents enlightenment.

When the tour guide noticed me along with the group, she jested that I should pay. I said, "Je ne comprends pas" and ran off, much to the delight of the French touring group who laughed at my joke.

As we were nearing the exit, I happened to find a statue of 關羽 (Kim Loai in Vietnamese) holding the Spring Autumn Annals.  關羽 is sworn brother to 劉備 in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms. With his signature long beard and his choice of weapon, the crescent blade, it is not hard to recognize the Chinese general who is also worshiped as a deity, according to my father. And the statue could very well be the proof of this.

Photos taken inside the Zoo and Botanical Gardens:

Read about my 2013 Ho Chih Minh adventure HERE

Tsim Sha Tsui 0214/162013

We arrived at Hong Kong on Valentine's Day. After lunch, while my relatives recharge themselves at the hotel, I roamed the streets of Tsim Sha Tsui armed with just a map. And a terrible explorer I was. I planned to go to the History and Science museums but ended up in the opposite direction--- to Victoria Harbour! Still I was happy to get lost because the Avenue of the Stars is part of my to-see list.

We had lunch in Macau Restaurant where food is good but people are rude.

Space Museum was unfortunately closed following the Chinese New Year. SAD!

Andy Warhol and his famous Marilyn Monroe art at the Hong Kong Museum of Art

View from above. There were many tourists...

sign says "Pop Art is for everyone"

outside the museum café. very typical of Westerners to read newspapers in this place.

At the Avenue of the Stars

Bruce Lee´s signature pose at the Avenue of the Stars

I smelled this treat from afar and traced it to a small kiosk selling jerky squid for HKL 30.  YUMMY! Except I felt like I was chewing forever.

Health Education, Exhibition, and Resource Center, near Kowloon Park

Van Lau´s "Ribbon", a sculpture crafted to commemorate the  fight against AIDS and HIV , as explained by  the text caption accompanying it.

I saw this in one of the scenes of "My Date with a Vampire"!!! :)

I saw and befriended this man who was feeding birds in Kowloon Park. I spoke in Mandarin, he answered in Cantonese. I realized I could understand him a little.

On February 16, I continued exploring Tsim Sha Tsui. This is after I went to Shau Kei Wan. This time, I got off at Jordan Station and walked. I almost lost my map when it slipped out of my coat pocket unnoticed and for a moment, I panicked though at that time I was just along Nathan Road. The thought of not being able to go to the places I wanted to go to scared me. At that time, I was already in the Antiquities and Monuments Office and I didn't want to leave without going to St. Andrews Church, and the Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre. Luckily, when I retraced my path, I found it lying on the road.

I had lunch here at 好好Restaurant, which claims to be the best Shanghai  restaurant. I ordered Beijing dumpling noodles and it was good.

St. Andrew's Church

A construction was in progress when I visited.

Hong Kong Museum of History

Hong Kong Science Museum

Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre which houses the History and Science Museums

Walking around a lot on our last day in Hong Kong, I decided to take the cab to the hotel after I saw the museums. I didn't go inside though, since it was already late in the afternoon and I promised my mom I would be back to the hotel early for our dinner.

The taxi driver was very friendly. We conversed in Mandarin. He even wished me a Happy Chinese New Year when I got off the cab.

Found out that I was too early so I took a two-hour nap. We would be waking up early tomorrow morning for the airport and I needed all the rest that I could get.