Kid in Me at Disney

September 7, my last day in HongKong -- I geared myself up for Disneyland. Even before I left for HK, I said to myself that I will make it a point that I will see Disneyland or Ocean Park. Hence, I decided with or without my friend I will still go there -- I am happy I did.

When my friend asked if I am goin to Disneyland I never had a second thought to say Yes -- even if that was meant I will be going alone.

Late morning of that day, I excitedly waited for the shuttle bus to arrive -- I was holding the map tightly on my hand -- which was that time was my best friend in the unknown country. At the train station, I went right away to the information counter -- as expected got hard time understanding them -- well -- at the end I find my way to disney

The disney train was amazing -- the kid in me was awaken -- I enjoyed the moment I had there -- the fantasyland -- where i wished for my Prince -- the adventureland and tomorrowland -- I would stay longer for the night if I ain't in a hurry -- but I had a great day there -- it's good to be a kid sometimes -- play and good laugh :-)

The Train

Entrance to Disney

The Disney Street

At the Fantasyland

The Adventureland

The Tomorrowland

Days in HongKong

HongKong - officially The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region [pronunciation], is one of the two special administrative regions of the People's Republic of China (PRC), the other being Macau.

Hong Kong was a crown colony of the United Kingdom from 1842 until the transfer of its sovereignty to the People's Republic of China in 1997.
Geography

Hong Kong consists primarily of Hong Kong Island, Lantau Island, Kowloon Peninsula and the New Territories as well as some 260 other islands.

The name "Hong Kong", which literally translates to mean "fragrant harbour", is derived from the area around present-day Aberdeen on Hong Kong Island. This is an area where fragrant wood products and fragrant incense were once traded. The narrow body of water which separates Hong Kong Island from the Kowloon Peninsula is known as Victoria Harbour and is one of the deepest natural maritime ports in the world.

Climate

Its climate is subtropical and, for nearly half the year, tends toward temperate. The region is cloudy in January and February, meeting with the occasional cold fronts. In March and April, it is pleasant, with occasional high humidity. From May to August, the region is hot and humid, occasionally confronted with showers and thunderstorms. During November and December, there are pleasant breezes, with plenty of sunshine and comfortable temperatures.

Economy

It maintains a highly capitalist economy built on a policy of free market, low taxation and government non-intervention. It is an important centre for international finance and trade, with the greatest concentration of corporate headquarters in the Asia-Pacific region. In terms of gross domestic product per capita and gross metropolitan product, Hong Kong is the wealthiest urban centre in the People's Republic of China. The GDP (PPP) per capita of Hong Kong even exceeded the four big economies in Western Europe (UK, France, Germany, Italy) and Japan in Asia.

Culture

Hong Kong is frequently described as a place where East meets West, a meeting reflected in its economic infrastructure, education and street culture. On one street corner, there may be traditional Chinese shops selling Chinese herbal medicine, Buddhist paraphernalia or bowls of synthetic shark fin soup. But around the next, one may find theatres showing the latest Hollywood blockbuster, an English-style pub, a Catholic Church or a McDonald's.

Architecture

It is a centre for modern architecture, especially in and around Central. Dense commercial skyscrapers between Central and Causeway Bay lining the coast of Victoria Harbour is one of Hong Kong's most famous tourist attractions and ranked the best skyline in the world. Four of the top 15 tallest skyscrapers in the world are in Hong Kong.

One of the largest construction projects in Hong Kon g and the world was the new Hong Kong International Airport on Chek Lap Kok near Lantau, a huge land reclamation project linked to the centre of Hong Kong by the Lantau Link, which features three new major bridges: Tsing Ma, the world' s sixth largest suspension bridge; Kap Shui Mun, the world's longest cable-stayed bridge carrying both road and railway traffic; and Ting Kau, the world's first major four-span cable-stayed bridge.

Regularly notable about Hong Kong's skyline and streetscape is the omnipresence of public housing estates, which began as a squatter resettlement program in the 1950s, and now houses close to 50% of the population. These estates have evolved from seven-storey walk-up apartments with public toilets and minimal amenities, allocated on a basis of 24 square feet (2 m²) per adult, half of that for a child, to high-quality high-rises. The public rental program has been supplemented with a government-subsidised Home Ownership Scheme.

Transportation

HongKong has a highly developed and sophisticated transport network, encompassing both public and private transport. The Octopus card stored value smart card payment system can be used to pay for fares on almost all railways, buses and ferries in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong has several different modes of public rail transport. The two metro systems for the city are the MTR (Mass Transit Railway) and KCR which acts as a link between Hong Kong and mainland China (KCR also operates a light rail system in northwest New Territories). These are operated by the MTR Corporation Limited and the Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation respectively. The tramway system covers the northern parts of Hong Kong Island and is the only tram system in the world run exclusively by double deckers.

There are also ferry services. The oldest service, the legendary Star Ferry, operates four lines between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island and has provided cost-effective transport for over a century. Popular with tourists desiring a panoramic view of Hong Kong's skyline and harbour, many Hong Kong residents consider the Star Ferry as one of the city's most treasured cultural icons. Additionally, 78 "kai-to" ferries are licensed to serve remote coastal settlements.

International Airport now serves as a transport hub for Southeast Asia. Additionally, both Hong Kong International Airport and Cathay Pacific Airways have been voted best in the world, in the airport and airline criteria respectively, by Skytrax from 2001 to 2005, and again in 2007.

While the traffic in mainland China drives on the right, Hong Kong still maintains its own road rules, with traffic continuing to drive on the left. There are about 517,000 registered vehicles in Hong Kong, 64% of which are privately owned passenger cars. As a metropolis for luxury in Asia, Hong Kong is world famous for having the most Rolls-Royce cars per capita in the world. Note that the Hong Kong highway code uses the same road sign system as Great Britain whereas the Chinese system is different.

International Rankings

Year Contest Host Organizations Ranking

2006 World Competitiveness IMD International 2/61 economies

Yearbook 2006

Corruption Perception Transparency Int'l 15/163 countries

Index

Access Index FedEx: The Power 1/ 75 countries
of Access

Potential Competitiveness Japan Center for 1/ 50 countries

Economic Research

2007 World's Best Airport Skytrax 1/ 155 countries

World's Most Expensive ECA Int'l 1/92 countries
City for Rental Accomodation

Index of Economic Freedom Heritage Foundation 1/ 157 countries

World's Competitives IMD International 3/ 55 economies

E-readiness Economist Intelligence 4/ 69 countries
Unit

Leading Centers for MasterCard Study 5/ 63 countries
Commerce

World's Most Expensive Mercer Human Resource 5/ 143 cities
Cost of Living Consulting

Travel and Tourism World Economic Forum 6/ 124 countries
Competitiveness Index

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I could say my days in HongKong was an awesome experience. It was a country to see --- busy city life with lots of lots of lights at night.

This is the first time that I stepped in the soil of HongKong. I praised God for that this opportunity that He brought me in this country -- be out of the country for the second time. Like the first trip I'd got this was also a blessing -- God used people to allow me to travel to this country where East meets West.

I arrived in the airport -- amazed and overwhelmed. Still on the plane my eyes was welcomed by the skycrappers in the city where trees are still everywhere. The airport was so huge and very modern. Somehow my loneliness of missing my SO was lessened :-)

I was picked up by my friend (was the reason I was there) and it was great seei ng him after two months (I guess). Hmmm... he let me wait for an hour =( but truth it was okay, I enjoyed the people around and what was on my surrounding. Somehow, I wish my country has this kind of airport and modern transportation.

I arrived at 11am.. then in the afternoon after a few hours of rest, I and my friend went to Central. He showed what the city looks like and we just enjoyed window shopping (or just me). We bumped into so many Filipinas and they are nice enough to help us with the direction

Second day after lunch, we went to macau. In the morning, I went to church in Kowloon where I saw and witnessed God's faithfulness.

The rest of the days I was there -- I just did stroll around -- sight seeing and enjoying the culture that the country has. I travelled alone since my friend had to work. Somehow, it felt good to go around on your own but there were times I wished I had someone with me to laugh and take picture with. Oh, I bumped into an American-Chinese doctor who was nice enough to show me around. He was a tourist too and attending a convention. Sadly, I wasn't able to meet him again because of the conflicting schedule (all because of the cancelling schedule of my friend... grrrr.... ;-)) but it was okay ;-)

I'm thankful to my friend for that experience though sometimes I wish he gave himself an off to accompany me even a day -- or half -- or that we never disagreed on many accounts and he didnt cancel on things that he made me look forward to -- but despite of that -- I could say I really had fun and that experience was something I will always cherish and always be thankful to my friend for that experience.

The HongKong Bay

The Bay Bridge

View at the Back of Bay Bridge where I stay

Cultural Center

At the Avenue of Stars

Chi Lin Nunnerry

Nan Lian Garden

Day in Macau

MACAU - oldest European Colony in China

Etymology

The name "Macau" (Portuguese pronunciation IPA: [mɐ.'kaw]) is thought to be derived from the Templo de A-Má (Temple of A-Ma or Ma Kok Temple) (媽閣廟, Cantonese Jyutping: Maa1 Gok3 Miu6, local pronunciation: Maa5 Gok3 Miu6 or Maa5 Gok3 Miu5), a still-existing landmark built in 1448 dedicated to the goddess Matsu - the goddess of seafarers and fishermen. In keeping with saga, a fisherboat sailing across the sea one day found itself in an unexpected rainstorm. Everyone on board had given up hope of surviving this natural disaster. An attractive young lady, who had boarded the boat at the eleventh hour, stood up and ordered the tempest to calm down. The gale ceased and the sea became calm. The fisherboat, without further event, arrived safely at the port of Hoi Keang. The young lady walked ashore to the top of the Barra Hill where, in a glowing aura of light and fragrance; she ascended to heaven immediately. On the specific locale where she set foot on, a temple was built. Several hundred years later, when Portuguese sailors landed and asked the name of the place, the natives replied A-Ma-Gao (i.e. Bay of A-Ma). The peninsula was therefore renamed and Amagao was abbreviated to Macau in modern usage.

Languages - Chinese, Potuguesse

Climate - humid subtropical

Government and Politics - enjoys high degree of autonomy; exercises legislative, executive and judicial powers

Economy - based largely on tourism -- much of it geared toward gambling

GDP (PPP) 2006 estimate
Total US$ 14.3 billion (139th)
Per capita US$ 28,436 (2006)

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A Trip to Macau -- H mmm... thanks to Auntie Ilona and Uncle Bernd for that...and of course to their Son -- my friend Chris. It was his idea (from his generous heart) to bring me there. I guess if it was not for them I couldnt go to the said country yet. It's one of proof of God's faithfulness and he is using them to bless me ;-)

Well, our trip started on the afternoon of Sunday so I went first to the church for worship service. On my way to the train station where I and Chris will be meeting, my make-up kit fell on the bus.. spreading all my stuff and causing my vitamin E stick to fall out from the bus. Oh gosh, what a day! I felt like crying... it was an expensive gift and hadn't used it yet. Similarly, I was running late and I knew my friend will hate it when I didn't arrive on our agreed time. I arrived in our meeting place 15minutes late. My friend wasn't there. I had no way to contact him coz I forgot to get his number. Worst there were two Exit As in the station and we had not talk whether I will be meeting him inside or outside the station. So I was running back and forth ... I then asked favor to some filipinas that in case my friend arrived and I was not around to tell my friend that I was just looking for him . My mind was in panic.. I was afraid he left me. Good thing he didnt, he was the one who was late :-) Ahmmm... he arrived with a grim face --looking very stress. He overslept and since he will be late -- he took a taxi instead and it cost him a fortune. I guessed this travel will not be a good idea for him anymore. If he was stress expect a not so good companion... so I expected a scowling friend for this whole trip.... scratchhhhhh!!!!! =)

Well, our first stop was Grand Lisboa casino. Wow, a proud golden building - shaped like a lotus flower -- world for the gamblers (what inside scared me). The Basement was crowded with people playing in the luck of machine. After an hour my friend became one of those crowd. Shhhh.. I did play too. However, chris got hands for risk -- he won several bucks. When it was my turn to try my hand on the luck -- i blowed it. Lost the game -- making my friends eyes big with irritation. It was his money...hehehe

After playing we decided to go around and walk in the downtown of Macau. While I was enjoying the tour in the city... my friend was on a sour mood. I just ignored his mood, it was my first time to step on the soil of Macau so told myself that I will make most of my time in the said country ;-) Well, it was my friend's second time -- and he was the one who brought me here so -- enjoy the day and his generosity. The downtown was crowded with people. It was too hot and humid so when I saw this tempting fruit shake, I convinced Chris that we grabbed that one. He took the fresh orange shake and I got the healthy healing shake (kiwi shake topped with strawberry, dragonfruit, watermelon, apple, pineapple and melon). Wow, it was the best shake I ever had...yummy ... truly healing shake to one's thirst from the heat of the sun.

Along the way, there were so many treats from Macau. So many stuff that one can buy at a cheaper price. Hmmmm... I enjoyed their tasty bacon. Love it. (Shhh... I didnt buy one I was on a tight budget(wink...wink)). Beside, me and the Cantonese saleslady didn't understand when I asked for expiration date of the goods =( We kept on walking until we reached the ruins of St. Paul Church. It is one of the famous landmark there and Christoph wants to make sure that I will see the place. The church was built during 1582 to 1602 by the Jesuits and it used to be the largest church in Asia during that time. The church was destroyed by fire during typhoon in 1835. Th ruins now consist of the southern stone facade and it sits on a small hill with 66 steps leading to it. Up from above... you can enjoy the view of the downtown and the Igreja de Santo Agostinho. I enjoyed looking on the busy downtown and at the same time feeling the breeze of the hot wind. Somehow, it was relaxing.

Afterwards, we took the taxi and went down in the promenade near the the babylon casino. We walked around and decided to get inside the Vulcania to play computer games. Chris went for car racing and I played the street fighting games. Btw, I won....hehehe... my friend, Christoph wondered when I did start to have the interest in streetfighting games ;-)

We had bread with porkchop for dinner at the pier and we killed our time like the old times -- having chitchat and bullying each other... with strong punch on the shoulder. Ouch!!! I retaliated if his punch was too much too handle. The turbo jet left macau at 10pm and we arrived in the apartment at 1:00am...

Too tired.... the warmth of the bed was too comforting. I fell in a deep slumber afterwards still thanking my friend and his family for that opportunity ;-)

Christoph at our first stop in Macau -- Grand Lisboa Casino

Me at the busy downtown of Macau




Ruins of St. Paul Church



Igreja de Santo Agostinho