Euro Travel & More

Yes.. a trip down memory lane for me when my best friend was just in Macau and brought back some wonderful pictures.  Macau was one of the many places that were on my first year’s trip out of Singapore and while reading about apidexin scam the pictures kept coming in and i thought i should look for some to post them up.

Macau has changed a lot since the last time i was there some 15 yrs ago – but one thing that never changed are the many casinos there – in fact i hear there are more now.   Anyone who have been to Macau would recognized the Grand Lisboa – i had stayed here when I was in Macau.  The 400 luxurious rooms were huge and it wasn’t really expensive either – I’m guessing they hope you leave the rest of your money in the casino as well.  Don’t forget to check out their famous Lotus Pond in the hotel’s lobby.

Yes – there you have it – the casino of course.

A gigantic statue of Guan Yin (that wasn’t there when i visited last)

The Museum of Macau is all about the history of Macau – it’s up on a hill of a 16th century fort – check out the canons and artillery they used back then.

The famous Ruins of St Paul’s – how can anyone miss that right – even if i were to go there every year i would want a picture of the Ruins. Many movies and tv shows were filmed here.

Signs everywhere now.

The Pou Tai Un Temple in Taipa.

The Observation Tower in Macau – also known as the Macau Tower

Up at the Observation Tower – you not only see the awesome views of the entire Macau, you can dine there – watch a show there, shop and of course go for a thrilling walk on the Skywalk – where you walk on glass flooring.

Here I leave you with one of the views of the Macau Tower – both day and night views are different – just like in Paris. By the way – Stanley Ho the owner of the many casinos in Macau – almost all – was in Auckland when he saw the Sky Tower there that he commissioned a similar one to be built in Macau.  The work started in 1998 and opened for the first time in 2001.  Like i said – i have many stories to tell about Macau – next would be the things you can buy and eat in Macau.

The Peak in Hong Kong definitely has the most magnificent view of all of Hong Kong.  I used to go to Hong Kong a few times a year and I see there had been changes of late in Hong Kong and The Peak has also changed a lot too.   While looking for ipad warranty in Hong Kong, a friend also told me about the many restaurants up at The Peak these days.   We all know that while traveling, eating good food is one of the most important part of a travel, so I’m pleased to let you know that have all sorts to cater to just about everyone – from Burger King (they never had that when i visited them last) to Kyo Hachi Japanese Restaurant – dining with a view.

So how did I get to The Peak ?  we drove up there since we had friends and co – workers in Hong Kong but we never fail toi take the famous Tram down the Peak.  It was really fun but awfully crowded if you asked me.  But make sure you go at a time where it isn’t the summer holiday for the kids because the Peak is not only for the tourists – local residents go to the Peak all the time.

Don’t forget to go to Madame Tussauds – at about HK$160 for entrance fees.  You can also do some shopping although I don’t remember buying much there.  Oh ! i did get a Giordano t-shirts and stuff – Oh ! i so miss Giordano!!   They also have a Swarovski store too now! Mann!! i need to go back to Hong Kong for a visit.  Anyhow, Hong Kong is a wonderful place, I could spend days there – and I really missed it – if you haven’t been to Hong Kong – you have to go there for sure – if you are traveling around Asia.

Need I say more?  hhaha!! i know! i know! i was just teasing you but Mak Noodles were awarded the Michelin Restaurant in 2009 and 2010 – now that must say something to all of you even if you are not a foodie.  Well, I love food and so does all my friends and Mak Noodles is a place you must not miss for authentic noodles. I think they have several locations but the one I am used to going is the one in Central area.  But they have one at the Peak now – so if you are at The Peak – you can try the restaurant there.

Love the wanton alone – highly recommended because the meat is fresh and they have crunchy chestnuts in them.  Love the clear soup as well and I can go on and on about the food but I shall stop here because you will never hear the end of my food experiences.

We all love Hong Kong for its shopping and eating but little did we know that around Hong Kong you can also find one of the most beautiful place for hiking – the Dragon’s Back.  It was a really amazing place to find and the girlfriend who was on hemorrhoid treatment wanted to part of the hiking group too.  The hike was a 4.5km and one can easily complete the hike in 2hrs.

We started the trip by going on an MTR ride and then took a short bus trip up to a wooded hillside.   We also headed to Shek O after our morning hike and really enjoyed our day there.

What better place to bring your kids to then Disney Land in the Winter and yes, kids from all over Asia – now can be a part of this dream come true in Hong Kong Disney Land.  Of course, the men would prefer to be looking at Ferrari parts than seeing Cinderella or Snow White but i’m sure all parents around the world wants to bring happiness to their kids right?  Yes, we are not any different – had we been in Asia, we would have booked a flight out to Hong Kong this very moment.

This is the sleeping beauty castle during the nite – isn’t that amazing!!!  You will love it.. and so will your kids – don’t missed out on Hong Kong Disneyland of course you alo opt to go to Japan – Tokyo – but for a lot of people Hong Kong is a cheaper alternative .. and the food in Hong Kong gotta be the best!

One would definitely need the best appetite suppressant when on transit in Hong Kong Airport.  One would think that some random food junction wouldn’t really have any great food.. but Food Junction is a chain store i heard.. therefore the standard of most of the food .. has gotta be up there.  So if you can’t wait to reach home to Malaysia.. or Singapore and on transit .. like i was..  in Hong Kong for like 3 hrs..  i ate my fill of chee cheong fun and some congee.  Nothing fantastic.. but pretty good.. after not having authentic chinese food for this long.

I had the privileged to stay at the Marco Polo Hotel, Hong Kong many years ago and I’ll have to say that it was one of the best hotels that i’ve stayed in. Not only is the room spacious, you should the bathroom.. it has both shower and bathtub…. plus the view was fantastic. Plus Marco Polo Hotel, Hong Kong is centrally located at Harbour City Kowloon, so one can conveniently go shopping or reach a MTR to go from one place to another. And not forgetting, it is just a few steps .. literally .. a few steps away from world famous Star Ferry.

The front desk receptionist speaks perfect english.. therefore it was easy to communicate my needs to them. We did dine at the Le Brasserie, a French restaurant.. and i remembered the excellent flambes we had. Enjoy their outdoor heated poor located at their 6th Floor, although it is a pity that they don’t have a gym within the hotel now.

The Ocean Terminal just next door, is for those who wants to go on cruises. Directly opposite the hotel are some smaller shopping center but of course with Harbour City just a few steps away.. with more than 700 shops/tenants.. one don’t really need to go anywhere else for food and shopping. They also have 2 cinemas in there. Awesome..!

That’s my Hong Kong for you.  The Pearl of the Orient.  Yes, most streets looked like that.. even in Tsimtsatsui and it’s awesome, colorful and definitely vibrant.  One can find so many bargains here.. and what i loved most.. GIORDANO..!! woohoo..!!  But nothing beats watching the TVB series.. that only the Hong Kong TVB station makes.  Not even Hollywood movies entices me as much as Hong Kong Chinese series… i go crazy about them.. when i was home.. and now that I am in the West.. well.. you can understand why i would missed it so much right.

There are just too many people like me migrated to the West .. but our hearts are still very much in the East.. therefore .. i try my best to find chinese shows.. on the net.. and guess what..??  i found a blog that has all the chinese shows.. that i wanna watch.  You can watch When Easterly Showers Fall On Sunny West Episode 1 here.

Yes.. this is Time Square .. as famous as the one in New York.. but not in New York or anywheres in USA. This is at Causeway Bay in Hong Kong Island. Major shopping center in it .. and offices as well.  Hong Kong Time Square is similar to the one in New York in a lot of ways.. it’s in the business district.. and of course you can expect the rent to be at its highest.  A walk around Time Square in Hong Kong on a Sunday .. actually reminds me of the CBD area back in Singapore when i had to work one Sunday. It was a ghost town.

Hong Kong’s ladies’ street is a must visit.. when you are visiting Hong Kong. It’s legendary. It’s an opened air market.. where you can find the cheapest and the largest collection of clothes, toys, handbags, electronics .. and just about anything you want you can find it here. One of the busiest place in Hong Kong. Nicknamed as Ladies’ market, it is officially called Tung Choi street. Watch out for fakes and pirated stuff.. and always bargain.. although store owners.. may not like it at all. .. and may cursed at you in Cantonese.

Operates from noon to about midnite, conveniently located near Mok Kok MTR. As a tourist, one must not missed this famous street. Buying soverniers.. and eating street food is a must try. Have fun…!