My Many Firsts: Hong Kong and Macau Revisited

A lot of Filipinos have been going back and forth to Hong Kong and Macau. These two countries are the quick out of the country get away from Manila. It would only take 2 hour airflight which is almost the same travel time if you go to Mindanao or even Batanes. For some they travel to these countries because of pleasure, others for business. I know most of you have been to these countries already maybe a couple of times. Save your feedback for me. I cannot wait to read those. If you haven't travelled to other country yet, a lot of people would recommend to travel to Hong Kong first. (This does not apply to all of course.)

 It was my third time in Hong Kong and Macau. When I first visited Hong Kong back in 2010, I must say it did not impress me. I would always say that time that "Para lang s'yang pinalaking Greenhills or Divisoria".  I also experienced an exhausted visit to Macau because we explored the city for just few hours. Although I enjoyed my first HK Disneyland and the Cable Car ride going to Ngong Pin and of course, the memories with my friends from my previous company were truly remarkable. It was my first time and I never thought that I will be coming back 3 years after.  

So in 2013, I saw myself packing my things with Vidal, my travel buddy then. I was the one entitled to create the itinerary because it was me who had been to Hong Kong and Macau first. It was that time that I was honing my itinerary planning skill. Vidal just wanted to explore Hong Kong and Macau in a chill lang tayo travel. No amusement parks was his another concern. Through that travel I discovered some not touristy places in Hong Kong like Cheung Chau and Stanley Market. These are the places that you should visit if you want out of the city places in Hong Kong. I also enjoyed our overnight stay to one of the ancient houses in Macau which is located in their Red Light District. How cool was that? And because we stayed in Macau near Senado Square we both experienced exploring the area at 4 am when everybody's asleep and only one Filipino was talking out loud in Tagalog shouting: Gising Naaaaaa!!! Hahahaha!!! I appreciate these countries more.

 So here's a fast track to this year. I was asked by my friend, Arvie, my combat coach, if I can accompany her to these two lovely countries. It was her first time to travel outside the Philippines. So I said yes. Because I know that The Peak, Disneyland, Ocean Park and Ngong Ping are all overstatement to a lot of you. In the next few days I will be posting few places I discovered in Hong Kong.

I have few memories during my few days that I stayed here. There are some keypoints that I would like to cherish and it was indeed true that even if you've visited a country a couple of times, every travel will be different. It was my first time to ride a tram and I was so happy. My first time to ride Star Ferry that night and the view was just breathtaking. You know, I just realize that I have been discovering Hong Kong more but the best is really is the street. It was also a blessing that Mitch, one of my closest friends, was also there during that time and no we did not plan it. It just so happen that I informed her one time that I was going to HK and she told me she's going to on the same dates. So we planned. I also met up with Ate Cita who works in Hong Kong she was our companion in Ngong Pin and this one restaurant that I will be featuring and also at The Peak. And also, Hazel, my postcrossing friend, whom I just met personally that time and we had this conversation that was truly a good memory. It was also my first time to 10000 Buddhas.

Parisian Macau is now open. 

Disney 2nd

Macau has always been a country that so distinct to me. It did not change except for the casinos that's all becoming huge and amazing ( Watch out for the casino that has Cable Car, think it's impossible? Think again.) but the most part for me will always be the Old City of Macau. I just love to stay there without knowing the value of time.

(Top LR: Hazel and Moi / Bottom LR: Arvie and Mitch)

There's more to Hong Kong and Macau to discover even if you keeps coming back it's just nothing to be compared to these two countries. Sooner  or later you will see me here again and will continue to discover more.