DAY ONE
I woke up early, stuffed a few last minute things in my backpack, and headed to Pudong Airport. I had a 2.5 hour flight on Spring Airlines, and Hong Kong was the destination! Several friends had traveled to Hong Kong, and I heard many great things about it, and I would be spending a day at Disneyland, so I was very excited! The plane hit the tarmac about noon. After successfully making it through customs, I exchanged some RMB to HKD, then immediately purchased a temporary, pre-paid SIMcard. It costs about HK$80 (~US$10), provides 1GB of DATA and unlimited local call and text. Being a single girl, travelling alone, I was not about to be phoneless.After purchasing my SIMcard, I went next door and purchased an Octopus Card (HK$50 deposit, HK$100 on card). This handy little card works with lots of the public transit options, and from what I gather, can work as a pre-paid debit card at many places. It's a handy gadget to have if you plan on visiting or living in Hong Kong. If you remember to return it at the end of your trip, you can get your deposit and the remaining card value returned to you. I did not remember...
When purchasing a ticket, their are two options of tram car. The standard, or for a little extra money you can get a car with a glass floor.
...I went with the standard...
The view before the world dissolved into a sea of endless fog.
There's lots of family friendly entertainment to do in Ngong Ping. Take a look at the website for more information on transportation, events, activities, sites and fares.
The Village of Ngong Ping has most amenities you may need while visiting. Food, drinks, souvenirs, entertainment, and even a Starbucks.
A short and leisurely stroll through the village and I find myself at the foot of the Big Buddha steps. 268 steps later, I stand in front of the 34 meter, bronze Buddha; shrouded in the seemingly ever-present fog. Clearly, today was probably not the greatest day for this. Sadly, time was not on my side so this would have to do. We can't have it all, I suppose...
The fog brought a rather Tomb Raider-esque quality to the place, I half expected Lara Croft to come running down the road, bow drawn, hunting down some malevolent treasure hunter. Instead, I just sweat through the tropical weather and chugged any cold beverage I could get my hands on. After I'd had my fill, I headed back to the tram for the return trip down.
Using my octopus card, I boarded the metro and headed into the city. I would take the metro to Tsuen Wan West. From there, I boarded the Royal View Hotel shuttle bus. After a quick check-in, I went up 17 flights to my room. I am pleased to say, my hotel room was lovely! I had a view of the sea and the bridges, and my room was spacious, comfortable, and well equipped.
The hotel also sported an indoor swimming pool, spa, bar, restaurant, cafe, convenience store, and sandy beaches just outside the door. After a shower to wash off the layers of sweat (glamorous, I know), and a quick power nap, I headed to Tsim Sha Tsui to find some dinner. As is the usual with me, I somehow managed to end up in an Irish pub, Delaney's Irish Pub to be more precise. This time, I found good conversation with some fellas at the bar, who will forever be remembered as South Africa, England, and Canada. It was quite the little English club we had formed. We joked and discussed the state of the world, and what brought us all to Hong Kong, and the trials and tribulations of expat life. Finding myself wanting to fall asleep at the bar, I bid them adieu and headed back to the metro and the shuttle bus.
DAY TWO
Up early and out the door! IT'S DISNEY DAY!! The early shuttle to the metro, the metro to the special Disney line, and I'm 2nd in line at the park gates! For the first time I am able to watch the cute little key ceremony they do each morning with a lucky little guest to open the park. Not a good enough view for a picture, but a view in the least...
Before the crowds really pack in, I decide to stop and capitalize on the photo ops with Pluto and the Mr. & Mrs.
At one point the Mrs. thought I was hitting on her man. I assured her there was nothing going on between us, and that he loved her unconditionally. He was very happy I said so.
Due to my single rider status I rode many rides several times. In fact, I rode Grizzly Falls every time I walked by it, as I only had to wait 1 minute to get on. Only once did I feel compelled to use a fastpass and it was for Hyperspace Mountain... which I also rode several times. In short, being a single rider can be a big, fat WIN! You also get to stop, rest, and eat when and where you want. Which is a nice perk too.
I was able to plan accordingly and watch all of the shows provided in the park including the Lion King Acrobat (more like Dance) Show, Mickey's Philarmagic, and Mickey and Wondrous Book. The Wondrous Book show was by far superior to the others and worth seeing. I was a little disappointed with the Lion King show, but I've also seen the Broadway show in two different languages. So.... maybe I'm biased? Philarmagic was... so-so. It provides a nice, entertaining break from the heat. It is in 3D and multi-sensory. The senses of touch and smell are incorporated, which is a direction more and more live shows seem to be going lately anyways.
Similarly to the Anaheim park, Hong Kong Disney has Hyperspace Mountain. The Star Wars version of Space Mountain. I think it really does give a much needed kick to the old ride, and it's perfect for your inner (or outer) Star Wars geek.
Following the Paint the Night Parade was the Disney in the Stars Fireworks show. The fireworks show is probably my favorite part of any Disney park adventure. It's the perfect way to end a magical day and to enjoy the beauty of childhood, imagination, and creative storytelling. Not to mention some impressive projections, pyrotechnics and water works.
Following the fireworks, I made it my prerogative to beat as many people back to the metro as possible. I was ready to go back to the hotel, shower, and collapse into bed. While it was a very fun day, it was also a very hot and long day.
And so concluded my visit to Disney Park #5.
DAY THREE
After the long day yesterday, I decided to wake up at my own pace. I called my folks back home, and leisurely got ready to check out of the hotel. Which didn't take too long considering I only had a backpack.
Later that morning, I was on the Metro and heading toward Hong Kong Island. I enjoyed a walkabout downtown (definitely NOT because I was lost). After I got my bearings and turned myself in the right direction I stumbled upon St. John's Cathedral. Which was quite the site being surrounded by all these chrome, shiny, modern buildings.
I later arrived at the tram to Victoria Peak (aka The Peak). If you use your Octopus card here, you get a nice little discount on tickets. You can also refill your card here (or rather at the top, where the line is shorter).
The Peak offers lots of shopping, and dining, views of the city below (sometimes cloudy), and even a Madame Tussaud's! I strolled the shops, and gazed down on the buildings below for a while. I did a small amount of shopping, as room in the backpack was limited. I was able to FINALLY find a Christmas ornament for my Mother. Whew!
With some time to kill before I need to head back to the airport, I make the cross from Hong Kong Island to Kowloon Island and the Tsim Sha Tsui area. A friend had told me about Hong Kong's version of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, so I decide to check it out.
Garden of Stars is a raised park and promenade, and is quite picturesque with Hong Kong Island and blue sky in the background.
Bruce Lee's statue. Cause he's kinda famous, ya know.
Rather than putting their handprints on the ground, where they will be trod all over, they're artistically displayed. I would guess it lights up after dark....
Power to the women in film and the performing arts!! Represent!
I head back to the airport via the express metro line for a 17:20 flight back to Shanghai. Exchange unused HKD for RMB.
And thus concludes my quick trip to Hong Kong.
