Issa's Diary: January 2011

Hong Kong Trip 2010: Day 4

On our fourth day, we had breakfast at Charlie Brown Cafe which is just across our hotel. It was very convenient for all of us because it was just a walking distance. The place is Charlie Brown themed. At the entrance, you will be greeted by a huge Charlie Brown statue standing near the stairs. The cafe is located on the second floor but there is a glass display of cakes and other pastries located at the entrance. Upon climbing up the stair, you will see a display of Charlie Brown characters and his friends as well. Then when you reach about 15 steps, you will then see the counter which is self-service. There were alot to choose from the menu. They have pancakes, croissants, sandwiches, and egg muffins to mention a few. They also serve lunch meals. I had the mini croissant with ham and cheese paired with orange juice. The food was okay. Well I cannot really judge it just like that because it was my first time to eat there. What made the place extra special is the ambiance. Everything looks cute. The tables, chairs, ceiling, dividers, doors, and other decorations. The place is perfect for some cup of coffee while reading a good book or newspaper. Definitely a place to relax. I suggest to those coming to Hong Kong to visit the cafe for that one of a kind experience.

Next on our itinerary was to go to the century old Peak Tram. According to history, it is the first mode of transportation of the HK locals. Today, the Peak Tram is used to carry tourists and other visitors to the upper portion of Hong Kong. From the Central district to the Victoia Peak via the mid-levels, tourists will have a great view of the harbour and HK skyscrapers. Upon reaching the Peak tram terminus, this is where you will purchase tickets. Other attractions located there is the Madame Tussauds wax museum and Sky terrace. You can opt to purchase combination tickets to save on money as well as going back via the Peak Tram again. We just chose to see the Madame Tussauds via Peak tram going and coming back. At the wax museum, you will have the opportunity to take pictures with your favorite stars and other famous people. For example Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, Lady Gaga, Adolf Hitler, and David Beckham. We did not go with the Sky Terrace view because it was very cold that time and foggy. You wont see clearly the beautiful view. We just had lunch at Burger King located inside the mall. When it was time for us to go down, the queue to the Peak Tram was long and what made it worst is that the line was located outside the mall. Imagine how cold it was and it was raining too. Good thing our trusty coats did their job well by protecting us.

After our peak Tram journey, we travelled by ferry going back and walked to Avenue of Stars to witness the Symphony of Lights every 8pm. The show wasn't that entertaining much. So after that we just walked going to 1881 Heritage, to Canton Road and shopped a little at H & M (you can check my HK haul post here ). We also went to Mongkok for last minute shopping before we leave for Macau the next day.

Charlie brown sign

Charlie Brown's head cake

ceiling

mini croissant with ham and cheese and orange juice

this way to Peak tram

going up

entrance to the Madame Tussauds wax museum

clock tower

Symphony of Lights

H&M shop

Hong Kong Trip 2010: Day 3

December 22-27, 2010

Woke up by the beautiful sunshine peeking through our room window with the curtains draping. It was a beautiful morning indeed. We had a rested sleep not to mention the comfort of our bed wrapped in soft white fabric bedsheets. After getting dressed, we had our Disney themed breakfast which we booked together with our hotel room and themepark tickets. The mood was very festive with all the food choices. From dimsum, breads, rice, sausages and hams, cereals, desserts, juices - I could barely choose where to start. But I was actually eyeing on the Mickey waffles! It was tasty too. I super enjoyed our breakfast. The price we paid was worth it. Right after breakfast, we went back to our rooms and check-out. Since we still would be going inside the themepark again, we just left our luggages in the lobby provided with claim tags. We got the 2-day stay in the park to save on money yet enjoying it double. We took advantage of the free bus shuttles going around the hotels and themepark. First we dropped by the other Disney hotel. The design is different from the other one. Upon entering the premises, you will notice Victorian style structure. Inside the hotel is also beautiful with the big chandelier and Christmas tree. They also have a beautiful garden where kids can play around.

We got to the themepark, we decided to go first to the rides and shows which we failed to visit the first time we went there. (First was in June 2008). The last time we were there, the train was in maintenance, so hurriedly queue up to experience the ride. The next was we watched the Lion show which was spectacular! We also waited for the parade which is Christmas themed. After that, we had lunch. We watched the Golden Mickeys the second time around and Philharmonic Orchestra which was kinda boring since it was still the same. Nothing has change. We just tried the other rides, this time with my sister - the Space Mountain. I think the second time was scarier! I can't explain why, probable since I already anticipated what to experience. Haha. Then we just stayed until 6pm in the park. We opted not to wait for the fireworks at 9pm since we watched already the night before.

table + other stuffs

Mickey waffle

different breads and pastries

outfit: purple floral dress - Forever21, black coat - Esprit, black tights- random find, black boots -Forever21, violet scarf - random find, brown satchel - Bangkok

breakfast lounge/restaurant

Disneyland Hotel

castle

balloons for sale

Minnie Mouse

ladies dancing during the parade

Let it snow float

The Golden Mickeys

Lion King show

Disneyland at night

Around 7pm, we got our luggages and rode a taxi back to Kowloon where we checked in to another hotel. This is where we will spend Christmas. First time away from home. We basically just walk along the streets and followed the people to where they're going. We actually walked going to Avenue of Stars but it was crowded already and the police won't allow anymore people to go there. So we were left to nowhere. But watching all the people come and go was fun. This is the first time I experienced such celebration. Little did I know that they don't usually gather around their houses for Christmas but rather with a group of friends to have fun. Everyone was dressed up in their most stylish coat and boots.

did a little shopping at Cotton On because of the massive sale

saw this cute dog in winter costume while walking along the streets of Peking road

Merry Christmas with our big bow headpieces!

Hong Kong Trip 2010: Day 1 & 2

December 22 - 27, 2010

My second time to visit HK. We left Manila past midnight already via Cebu Pacific flight to HongKong. The flight was delayed 2 hours for some reasons which was ruined our plan that night. We arrived HK around 4am already. Supposedly, we'd exchange a few US dollar to HK dollar in the airport to buy Octopus cards. Unfortunately, shops were closed by past midnight. We just decided to take the bus N21 to our hostel. We just slept for barely 2 hours in the hostel, which is not a bad thing because we just paid a small amount for our stay. In the early morning, we had our breakfast at Mcdonald's just located a few steps from our hostel then we travelled by taxi to Lantau Island where we will transfer to Disneyland Hollywood hotel. We opted to travel by taxi since we had big luggages to carry and there were 6 of us. So 2 taxis were enough. By the time we arrived, it was not yet checked in time so we just left our luggages at the lobby. Our plan for the day was to visit Ngong Ping village. We then bought Octopus cards at the Disney MTR station. From there, we rode the MTR from Disneyland to Sunny Bay and interchanged at the Tung Chung line. We entered the CityGate Outlet store just and had lunch at the Food Republic. At around 12noon, we rode the escalator going to the cable car station. The queue for the ride was so long, but good thing my mother booked our tickets online so minus the hassle of lining up. It was really a straight walk going up there while others barely moved on their feet. Hay! So the ride was about 25 minutes overlooking the beautiful place. We also enjoyed the sights in the Ngong Ping Village. The weather was fine too. It was cold about 15 degrees yet the sun was shining through which was perfect because I didn't sweat eventhough we walked and walked. They also had Christmas decorations with matching snow, well artificial only but it was still cute. We really had a great time taking pictures. We went back to Disneyland hotel through the same route. We rested for 2 hours and then went inside the themepark by night time. Was able to catch the Procession of toys and later ended the night watching the spectacular fireworks display.

cute Mickey Mouse handrail in the train

very cozy that I wanted to sleep already there

crystal cabin where the bottom part is glass so you can see what's under

outfit: black and white striped top - Dept. store find, red floral skirt - Bayo, Black trench coat - thrifted, black stockings -random find, black boots - Forever21, brown satchel - Bangkok find