Hong Kong Marathon Part 1

Please bear with me as this trip deserves more than one blog post. L had been checking this blog everyday  and is always disappointed to find out I had been too lazy to update. (Here you go bebi!) So we originally booked a morning flight on May 2nd going to HK through Tiger Airways and return on May 6th. We did not mind having to go to Clark Airport since we have gotten a promo airfare (Roughly 6,800php RT for us both!). We had booked 2 months in advance and had everything set when I received an email stating that our flight had been moved from 10am arrival to 11pm! So after days of calling Tiger Airways customer service, I finally was able to talk to someone and had our flight changed from May 2 to May 1 (still arriving at night!). I was so frustrated because everything was set, this meant our supposed 1st day was already gone since we are to arrive there late. I had been working on our itinerary months in advance, I was that excited ask L! Haha! I have probably visited almost all forums and found Hong Kong for Dummies in Pinoy Exchange to be of most help. I insist all first timers who intend to do their own tour visit this site. Everything you need to know is there!

Excited! Our flight was 7:20pm but we were wide awake! Well, up until the plane took off atleast. We dozed off immediately after. Haha!

We arrived at around 9:00pm and purchased our octopus cards and discounted tickets at the CTS counter before riding a bus going to our hotel. We had some money changed into hkd here prior because Forex at the airport usually is too low! It was both L and I's first time at HK and was really looking forward to this trip as we have been planning to go here often for our business. We were so hungry and decided to take a walk around to find a place to eat after settling in.

We found this restaurant while roaming around, Dimsum Hotspot was packed that night that's why we chose to give it a try. We were not disappointed! Food was good. We had always thought it was nice to eat authentic chinese food made the way they should be! Haha! After eating, we decided to head back to the hotel and call it a night. We were exhausted!

The following day, thanks to my very strict itinerary (hahaha!) We woke up at around 8am to look for a good breakfast place. We should have known establishments open late since most were open up until Midnight! We ended up in... you guessed it! Mc Donalds because this was the only establishment open that early in the Morning. L and I vowed to try Mc Donalds in every Country we visit, they always have something in their menu that is completely their own.

L's choice - Sausage in chicken curly noodle soup with Milk Tea for breakfast ! Milk tea was everywhere. I on the other hand chose to stick with my favorite, sausage mcmuffin!

After breakfast, came back to the hotel to freshen up and off we went to Diamond hill to visit Nanlian Garden

One of the thing we miss most is HK's MTR. Signs were always bilingual which makes the life of tourists so much easier. Signs and directions were everywhere it is almost impossible to get lost. MTR will take you everywhere! Heck it will even take you to another island! Haha! This is something we wish Philippines would work on. President Noynoy, please make our MRTs as nice as HK's, pleaseee.

Upon exiting the subway, we were immediately greeted by a Mall, Plaza Hollywood. I couldn't help but deviate ever so slightly from my itinerary and take a look around first. Haha!

We arrived at HK a day after iPad 2's official release at local distributors, this is what greeted us at one of their most popular electronics store, Fortress. We actually had lined up too because we were  hoping to get one in 3G but to no avail.. We were told that Fortress only releases limited quantity per day. If you want to get your hands on one, better be there super early!

L with his favorite. Happy Lemon! We wonder why we only saw one branch. 

Finally after roaming around, went to Nanlian Garden. Entrance was free (yes, we are cheap like that. Haha!) I now know why they say it is best to come  early morning because it was hotttttt. We arrived around 11am and the sun was killing us!

Old and New. This might have been what old buildings look like. Against the modern skyscrapers behind, i love it!

We roamed around an hour or so and before we knew it we were already at Chi Lin Nunnery. Photos were not allowed but in there we saw the most beautiful, intricately made Buddhas. I tell you, they were beautiful!

After walking some more,  we went back to Mongkok and visited the Ladies Market and Electronics street. We didn't like it, would probably not go there again. The place was like divisoria, even the stuff sold were ones I see at 168! Other than that and the fact that there were a lot of people everywhere made us leave there earlier than planned. The place was chaotic. So we headed to harbour city to catch the Symphony of lights later that evening.

At the viewing deck, while waiting for the show. We got there early and yet a lot of people stood in front of us!so we had no choice but to stand up and stick ourselves in front of the crowd too. 

The beuatiful, beautiful view!

After the Symphony of Lights which in fairness to Bank of China ha, effortful participation, and to HSBC for the "tiny" specks of light on top the show was okay. Roamed around Harbour City and ate at Food Central (our favorite foodcourt, haha!) in Silvercord. Headed back to our hotel at around 11pm and called it a night. 

This was how our first and second day went, more posts to follow!