We had a post birthday celebration for my darling housemate, Soo Hong last Wednesday. Girl turned twenty-two on the 24th of September. Since we were all on long holidays during that time, we couldn’t give her a bash. So Sing Cher, my other beloved housemate decided that we’d do it on Wednesday as it was a public holiday here in Manipal.

It was meant to be a surprise party. To cut it short, me and Sing Cher had planned to bake her a cake. That was a pudding cake with toppings of bananas and covered with a thin layer of jelly. I would say it was a simple and light cake, yet to our delights, it was way too delicious considering the satisfaction we had from a home-baked-cake. We even prepared some sushi for the occasion.

Anyways, it was my first attempt in making sushi. Hadn’t had much ingredients to sandwich in between the sushi. I had only eggs, cucumbers and carrots in mind. You know I’m not a fan of Jap foods. So I could barely remember the taste of an excellent sushi. By instinct, I concocted the ingredients with synthetic vinegar and some sugar. The end result was surely less tasty than it should be with rice vinegar. What to do? I’m still wandering within my toddler skills when it comes to cooking and baking.

Another uni semester has begun. Without noticing, I’m already in semester 5. On my way to completing the 50th percentage of being a medical officer. This sem is going to be challenging. I will be starting my clinical posting next week onwards and it’s going to mark my career practice in the hospital. Will be learning all the history takings for different departments. Clinical years are in fact more interesting, yet I returned home everyday feeling really burned out. Just too hectic for me cuz I have to travel pass the bumpy roads to Udupi(15 mins away from where I am now) every morning, lunch and evening.

All in all, these grumbles can never out shine the enthusiasm I have towards my future. I chose this path with no regrets. I promise.

Upon landing, we were sort of agitated by the weather itself. Freaking 33`C was intolerant to us. Yes, that’s the summer temptation in HK. The tour guide picked us up from the airport and brought us straight to the ample Metropark. So the rest of the day is solely ours! Hurriedly unpacked our luggages and proceeded outdoor for the first destination. We decided to walk all the way to the Ladies’ Market which is about 10 mins away from the hotel.

#1. The Ladies Market is a shopping street, almost like the Petaling Street of KL. This was when mom and I used our broken cantonese. Obviously, those aunties knew we were foreigners, so we hadn't purchased anything here.

We strolled along the famous streets like Fa Yuen and Tung Choi St. Exposing ourselves to the culture was a delight. Our growling tummies couldn’t resist the alluring aroma coming from all around the corners. We decided to chance upon some famous street foods(waffles, bovine’s organs, curry fish balls, squid balls).

#2. Squid balls

#3. Bovine's organs

Three long hours of window shopping, bargaining and munching, we rushed our way back to the hotel for a rest before Avenue of Stars(AoS) called in. The laser show at AoS starts at 8pm sharp daily. I was completely stunned under the grip of lasers. It was beeaauuutiiifulll!!!!

#4. Avenue of Stars. There were sculptures and hand prints of their famous artists along the river bank.

#5. Daddy reading the info boards. I thought the color of the boards suited his polo.

We spent the bright night strolling and capturing moments of the buzzy promenade of Tsim Tsa Tsui. At moments like this, I love chatting and joking fervently with my parents like there is no tomorrow.

#6. Clock tower

#7. New World Centre

We truly enjoyed the night. On the flipside, we were all tired and burned off energy. Took the shuttle bus back and rested undisturbed for the lovely night. <3

As we were given a half day free city tour, we were told to meet the tour guide at 7am the following morning. The bed was so comfy that I wished I could continue snuggling under the blanket, but HK drives me awake! I’m all ready for the day again! Stanley, our tour guide came to pick us up and brought us for a sumptuous breakfast. Favorite dim sum.

#8. Dimsum is almost a must try in HK. We paid HKD60 per person for this meal.

Breakfast was too snappy that I couldn’t exactly enjoy the pure fun of it. Hopped onto the bus and off to our first destination, the Bauhinian Square.

#9. Bauhinian Square.

#10. Us I heart

On a hot summer morning, we were driven to the beach at Causeway Bay. If I had my swim wear on, I wouldn’t mind diving into the blue water.

#11. Sun bathing at 34`C. It was burning, seriously.

#12. There's a Chinese temple next to where we were standing.

Tanning under the blazing sun wasn’t a favor for us actually. So we stumped back into the bus as quickly as we could after snapping some pictures. Next up was the Jumbo Kingdom.

#13. The Jumbo Kingdom is a where the you can see the vast difference between the rich and the poor. Where the rich parked their yatch, it was also a place where the poor lived on their small boats

#14. The restaurant. Jumbo Kingdom

We took a boat ride that cost HKD55 per person. That’s very much expensive for a 15 mins ride. A bittersweet sense was tugged at my heart. Bitter cuz I really thought we were cheated for a meaningless boat ride. On the other hand, sweet cuz I’m still loving HK.

Since we’d been the shore and river, Stanley nevertheless tried to make the half day city tour more pleasing by driving us up to The Peak. Oh we didn’t reach up the summit, just half way through the hills.

#15. That's HK island below me!! I'm looking sleepy though.

Last but not least, Stanley made an effort for us to shop. Yes, when we heard the word ‘shopping’, imagine how excited we were. Finally, after all the places, we’re going to SHOP!!! Mom and I were delighted! So off we went………………………………..

#16. Goldsmith with his gold

………………………..-_- was a jewelry factory. Purchasing jewels wasn’t our intention, obviously. We had all the fashion clothings in our minds. Greatly disappointed. Well, since we were already there, gotta get ourselves something. It was three magnetic bands we purchased. HKD200 each. And we had lunch.

The half day city tour ended just so and the day is ours again. We wandered around the HK island and into a couple of shops for the summer sales! Me and Mommy were just two crazy shopaholics. I’m just so thankful and proud to have a dad who hadn’t complained even a single bit that he’s not fond of us shopping and being bored. Well, I knew exactly that he was bored when mom and I shopped like nuts. Yet my ever gracious dad waited patiently for us outside the shops and even helped us carry our shopping bags. And even more gratification from him when he humbly gave us his comments when we donned on those clothes or to our amaze, he even informed us of more shops ahead. OMG!!! I’m just so blessed with a wonderful father that I don’t want any other but him alone! Love you lots, dad. I had to constantly check if he was bored, so I’d go chat with him.

#17. Jardine St. ahead where we shopped for knitwears.

By late evening, we were all dead beat. Hence we decided to get back to the hotel and call it a day!

Third day of HK was free and easy for us. Our day began pretty late. To start the challenging day ongoing smoothly, we headed for a plush breakfast. It was simple, yet ravish to me cuz the food was simply too delicious and beyond comprehension. Before the actual breakfast, we stumbled upon the street food again. More waffles and cuttlefish.

#18. Another greedy picture of me. We had fried noodles, curlers, century egg congee, soy bean and cheong fun.

Headed to Central right after via MTR. Explored that area with much ease.

#19. At the MTR station. I was introducing new techniques of photography to my parents. Mom was whimsical.

#20. The Police Station along Hollywood Rd.

#21. Pottinger St.

#22. Spotted this! The shoe famous after Forensic Heroes!!! I couldn't resist but buying 5 of them back! (this blue one was for Peng Loong, credit to him who helped me took this picture)

It was already 2 pm by the time we realized we were tired of shopping. Thereafter we drop by a char chan teng for another opulent meal! Dad was really bored and so he suggested some visiting places. We made up our minds on Lamma Island.

#23. Me and mommy at the pier of Sok Kwu Wan, Lamma Island.

#24. Old lady selling the famous 'shan shui tau fu fah'.

Lamma Island was more of a peaceful island where you see no cars around but bicycles. If you remember the show, ‘Taste of Love’, it was filmed there. Famous for its seafood and to my surprise, there are quite a handful of Caucasians living on the island.

We took a ferry and traveled back to HK Island. And finally, our last destination was Lan Kwai Fong.

#25. Outside a bar at LKF.

The Peak was actually in our minds. Dad was pining so much to hitch a ride on the cable car(since he had never been on one) but due to the fast pace we had from Lamma Island, all of us were jaded to even get to the station. Plaintively, The Peak was the only spot we didn’t get to visit. If only we had more days. This was the only regret to spend only 4 brief days in HK.

The fourth day, we traveled back. To our awe, we managed to drop by Disneyland! Ok, just Hollywood Hotel. More than being contented. I’m hearting HK so much that, yes, there will be a second trip!

#26. Hollywood Hotel, Disneyland HK.

#27. I wasn't that happy, cuz we're leaving. =(

Anyways, I’m looking forward to Hong Kong revisit. In time to come. Soon.