(One of our very first views of the city.)
It has been over 10 years since I last visited the city and so much has changed - for the better!
(At the Avenue of Stars, Tsim Sha Tsui Harbour)
This time, the people were definitely more gracious, friendlier and welcoming - from the service staff to the locals I met randomly on the streets, everyone tried their best to assist in any way they could. All you need do is ask.
(Exploring Wanchai on foot.)
And the city has gone through some sprucing up over the years and is very much cleaner now. The people are also more particular about hygiene. So it's a pleasure walking down the dirt-free streets which remind me very much of Japan.
(Meet Beibei!)
Getting around was very easy and super cheap. We rode the old trams for a leisurely trundle across parts of the city, took the train to rub shoulders with the locals, hopped into cabs when we were lost or pressed for time and boarded the ferry for an alternative view. So fun! Inexpensive too. (Also this time around, we did not fly budget. Instead we went on an SQ flight. Full service rocks.) So yes, no transport woes this time.
(On the tram).
Shopping in Hong Kong was simply fabulous. This is the best place to work your credit card, especially if it has been comfortably ensconced in your wallet for far too long. (Plus, after checking my credit card bill, I discovered that the bank exchange rates were comparatively better. Should have charged more to the card instead of paying cash. Gahh! How bittersweet.)
(Somewhere in the middle of Tsim Sha Tsui, I think.)
There were brands aplenty, from budget stores like Uniqlo (from Japan!!), Bossini, G2000 and Giordano (selling a wider range of stuff compared to ours here) to mid-range brands like Juicy Couture, Kate Spade, Zara, Mango, H&M and finally, high end labels like LV and Armani housed in huge emporiums.
(The spectacular view from The Peak.)
But because I am saving up to pay for my family's trip to France and Switzerland this winter, I had to exercise a whole lot of restraint. Had to stick to my vow not to shop like a mad person on seeing that the whole of Hong Kong was participating in summer sales.
(I love the daily rush on city streets)
All I got were 2 floral day dresses, a Henley tee from Uniqlo and 3 pairs of water proof winter boots (for stomping around in the snow), one each for my mom, sister and I.
(Near Times Square).
And oh man, there were so many areas to shop at! Central, Soho, Kowloon and yes, my favourite of favourites: Times Square! Oh I love the chaos and rush of cities and for me, Times Square was the heart of all the action.
(At The Peak)
I highly recommend staying at a hotel in the general area of Causeway Bay. You will not get bored. There's always something to see, do, eat or someplace to rush off to.
(Causeway Bay)
And one can never tire of people-watching! The locals really dress up well and you will be inspired by their sense of style.
(It was a sunny day at The Peak and Hong Kong stretched out before me as far as the eye could see.)
I stayed at Express by Holiday Inn and for only S$200 a night, I had a comfortable room with a big, soft white bed, sparkling bathroom, the usual frills and amenities and an exciting view of the area around Times Square.
(Gorgeous view from The Peak)
The hotel's service was also excellent. The concierge helped to track down halal restaurants and wrote out the addresses in Chinese. There was free internet access in all the hotel rooms. Plus, the daily breakfast was yummy.
(Pineapple and butter. How cute this bun!)
Speaking of food, it is safe to say that I chomped my way through the city.
(Tasty Mongolian minced mutton buns.)
Found a Mongolian hot pot and dim sum restaurant by sheer chance at Kimberley Street in Kowloon. This meal in particular was unforgettable.
(Delicate slices of Mongolian marble beef.)
I went crazy over the menu which was replete with lamb and beef dishes and ordered a little bit of everything to try.
(Our platter of marble beef and lamb.)
The menu had over 100 items! Under the watchful eye of the wait staff, I spent several agonizing minutes poring down the list of dishes to pick out items to try.
(Fresh mussels and scallops.)
The highlight of the meal was the extremely spicy (of the smoke-coming-out-from-your-ears kind) Mongolian hot pot. The broth was swimming in dried chili flakes, lemon grass stalks and garlic! Very delicious.
(Spicy Mongolian broth.)
The soup was really stellar and best enjoyed with the restaurant's specialty: fresh handmade noodles. Yummers. Some people were looking at us thinking we were crazy to be eating spicy hot pot on a sunny day. Haha. So heaty!
To cool down, we had lots of desserts and I mean it, LOTS! Hong Kong is well known for its inventive sweet treats.
(Mango madness: mango pudding, mango ice-cream, fresh mango slices, bird's nest and coconut sorbet. I think Habz will like this. A lot.)
We had desserts after every meal, sometimes twice and sometimes, they were the meal!
(Durian pancake from Honeymooon Desserts)
And surprise surprise! The durian desserts were absolutely delicious. A popular favourite is the durian pancake: light durian mousse and rich durian pulp in a thin sweet crepe. One serving is never enough!
(Durian pancake from Lucky Desserts)
There were so many dessert cafes to choose from and each boasted unique creations. Some were such a hit with the locals, we had to take a number and wait in line for at least 15 minutes before being served, even at 12 midnight! (The best part is the restaurants and stores close pretty late. You can get a snack even as late as 2 am.)
(Baked durian puff from Lucky Desserts)
On top of all that, we found three Krispy Kremes stores! One at Lee Gardens, one at the basement of Times Square and one on Elgin Street in Soho.
(Elgin Street)
Oh heaven.
(A box of six)
I tried a couple of new flavours this time, including mango, apple pie and cappuccino. The cheesecake came highly recommended by Ilyana and boy was she right! It's yummy.
(A cool lemonade on a sticky mid morning)
My only gripe is that the donuts were not kept warm. So if you are a true donut lover, always insist on having a hot, fresh donut. The staff will make you a new batch if you ask nicely. Believe me, it's worth the wait!
(2 glazzies)
I love my glazed Krispy Kremes! More pictures later in this same post!
