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.

陸家嘴 (Lujiazui), Shanghai 04062013

Our last stop on our second day was the new financial district in Shanghai, Lujiazui, which is located on the eastern side of the 黃浦江 (Huangpu River). As such it is just across the famous The Bund which is located in the river's western side. The district boasts of the world's second tallest building, the Shanghai Tower the construction of which is nearing completion.

We got there at dusk and so we savored the sights in the busy district. Since we were all tired we just went up the wide overpass next to the subway exit and took photos. We were not interested in walking in the area anyway.

Now, isn't this a pretty and refreshing sight?

dragons in a road island: I'm thinking of having a sarimanok along Ayala Avenue and/ or EDSA...

colorful garden at the rotuna: I wish we have many of these in Manila

Oriental Pearl TV Tower: Luijiazui's most famous landmark

We didn't wait for the night to fall and left some thirty minutes after arrival. I cannot stress enough our need to sleep and rest after a whole day of walking!

Read more about my 2013 Shanghai Adventure

豫園 (Yuyuan), Shanghai 04062013

Yuyuan (Garden of Contentment) is another one of those listed as Shanghai's tourist spot. The classical garden dates back to the Ming Dynasty. Since then, it has undergone countless restoration and renovation and now houses different restaurants and shops.

Entering Yuyuan

A line of crafts shop. Skilled craftsmen take to work upon order.  It makes one jealous to see them having those skills. Most products are related to carving and painting.

well-maintained garden lake

Who wouldn't love to live here? Sigh.

Also inside Yuyuan is the famed Kobayashi Cookie House where my friends and I bought some for our families back home. It's such a pity that I scrimped on food sold in stalls there. Next time, I'll be sure to spend the whole day eating at Yuyuan. Hope by then I'm not travelling on a meager budget!

Read more about my 2013 Shanghai Adventure

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