4 Jan - Let It Stop

Today we were both a little more retarded to respond to the alarm that went off cruelly at 7am. Tired. WE have been sleeping at 2am and woke by 7 everyday. Let that alarm stop!!!!! *yawn* But I know A was worse.. she was here to work and me, just chilling out. *hugs*

They decided to give the hotel breakfast a miss today and have some local food instead. We went to 轻松一下. I meant, the cafe's name was 轻松一下!!! The same place we went for dessert late last night.

(pictures soon)

We were there at 8am and were swiftly done by 8.35 as they were all rushing off to the office at Kowloon Bay. Me? ... brilliant idea! I didn't want to waste my hotel breakfast coupon.. so, I went to the cafe to have coffee! It was packed! I was not given a table but was politely asked to be seated at the bar instead. I was cool with the idea but of course a table would be very ideal. Sitting at the bar made me feel like... some freak on exhibition. I didn't eat and was only reading... so some people were just looking over at me. A Caucasian joined me at the bar as he was also alone.

To prevent the same episode at MacDonald's yesterday, I decided not to even look up at who was beside me and just concentrate on my book! Thank goodness I did just that. Many times I saw him peering at what I was reading... *rude* Each time he leaned closer I would pretend to flip my pages really forcefully... hoping he'd get the idea to 'leave me alone...'. Beside the bar, 2 young chaps were also looking over. They must be staring at the Caucasian guy for 'harassing' me.

I decided to go out there and make a left turn at the road instead of my usual and familiar right. I wanted to be surprised. So I did. It was good to know the roads I tread on were new to me. I found new malls and road names and made a huge circle back to Miramar Shopping Centre at Kimberly Road. I was glad I took a different route. Perhaps that's call, taking a dive at unfamiliar territory; get out of your comfort zone.. you'd never know what you're going to find.

I smiled.

I had to hurry back by 1pm because that was when A came back from work. Poor girl. we had to check out by 2pm.

A took me to 花园街 at 旺角. It was a outdoor market! I didn't know they were opened for business so early.. I had thought markets like these only opened at nights.


The things here were really cheap. They were selling stationery, bedding's, household items, toys, apparels, fruits .. ok, basically everything!

A had specific things she was looking for and me, I was there to browse. So when I know I'd still have some Hong Kong currency to spend.. I ended buying HKD 50 worth of pens and HKD40 worth of necklaces.... that's 6 pens and 4 necklaces... at a total of SGD 15 and nothing else. *proud of myself*

We stopped at 香港仔鱼蛋粉 for lunch near the market. I remembered eating here once when I came here for conference alittle over a year ago and their Fried Fish Skin was like the best!

My pork knuckle noodles soup and her fishballs noodles soup~

The Fried Fish Skin!

Oh and I am so in love with Pomelo Tea!! Can I get those in Singapore??? I have been having so much of this here over the last couple of days. *lol*

We took a taxi back to the hotel at 4pm and freshen up using their powder room as the regular and designated taxi uncle was supposed to pick us at 5pm.

He was right on time and swept us to the airport and we were there by 5.50pm. A and me were taking different flight so we went our separate ways! *boohoo...*

I wanted a quiet place to unwind and I remembered this bar I went to chill out the last time too.

My Coffee.. my salad... this was my dinner!

Though the holiday was short, I really did enjoy myself. Not that I had chores to do or things to buy or places to go; I had the space I needed. I could smile everyday here though I'm almost alone and the air is chilly and grey. A renewed sense of tranquility and uninterrupted peace of mind.

I could really stay on for another week, doing and feeling almost nothing. *if only*

* * * * * * * * * * *

When communicated earlier in the day, the husband said he would not meet me at the airport when I arrived as it'd be past midnight and he has to wake up for work at 5am.. but I knew he would come. I just knew... :)

I turned on my mobile phone when the plane touched down at 12mn, the incoming message tone greeted me impatiently, "...waiting at the departure hall."

3 Jan - Drizzle Dazzle!

The alarm went off from A's phone at 7am. I was also awakened. It was a good sleep and I slept really well though only 5 hours.

We took turns to get ready and was down at the hotel cafe for breakfast at 8.10am.

I only made only one attack as I was not that hungry and also did not want to eat too much. I know people tend to overeat in cold places.... I am not going to go there!!! *lol* My breakfast was simple but satisfying.. :)

At 8.45am, A and the rest left for work. I was back in the room thinking of where to go.. but I did not want to plan.. so I took it slow. I was blogging and surfing the net and felt really easy and slow. It was all good. I remembered I only left at 12pm and only because I suddenly felt like reading the book!!

The next few photos were taken to show the hubby how cold it was and what my 4 layers were.... you could skip if they bore you and if you are not the hubby!!! ... *rofl*

It was not easy taking picture of myself.... boo!

And I have this in my bag.. to keep the neck warm if it gets colder....

So.. I was all ready, wrapped up, warm and fuzzy.... earphones to my ears and off I went!!!!

When I pushed the hotel glass door open... WHOA!....... a 'force' pushed me a step backwards... the temperature knocked me off instantly! Today is excruciatingly cold! The skies were grey and the air; misty and depressing. I LOVE IT!!!!!

I took slow walk around... 'Go where the heart leads you....' I had no agenda, no plans and no destination. I just walked. I went round and round to enjoy the cool air and the frozen hands rubbing each other or warmly tucked into the fleeced-pockets. The colder it got, my smile went wider! Am I mad or something? I wonder.

I walked to Harborcity but I did not go inside the mall... it was crowded. I hated it. See how much people there are on the streets here... and there were actually queues of people waiting to enter brands like Gucci, Prada and all...

I have to walk away from this madness.

I wanted to read my book and decided to find a MacDonald's for they have free wi-fi too. I walked into several but were to packed. I then went back to the MacDonald's I went yesterday at Hart Road and yeay! It was quiet and almost empty! I must have sat there for a little over 2 hours - just watching people go by. Some were very brave, they wore short dresses with one cardi and some, jeans and a blouse.. how did they do it?? Then there would be others who were layered thickly and comfortably. I was with my coffee and my book. I enjoyed my little peaceful moments immensely and Wi-Fi; well connected.

It began to drizzle. The sky turned into a darker blue and the rain caused pretty dazzles on the roads... I could feel the cold piercing right in each time someone walked through the door. It was a beautiful sight. All grey and gloomy outdoor while but I was feeling all warm and at peace that I actually hoped time could just stand still.. perhaps for a couple more days.

When I was about to finish the chapter I was on, a man came in. He looked like he's in his early thirties, all boyish with a fashionable hair, good and smooth skin and a pair of charming eyes. He was alittle bulky and looked like we could match up in height. Well ya, I noticed because he looked alittle like a cross of Raymond Lam (林峰） + Eason Chen （陈奕迅). Ha! I didn't think much and read on.

When I was done and looked up, he was looking over, he quickly nodded his head as if to say 'hello' and smiled at me. For a brief moment, our eyes met. He was alone and looked like he was travelling too. I returned a smile. It felt strange. When I stood up and turned away to leave, I was smiling to myself. *what just happened? lol*

Then I started to think as I was walking back to the hotel; just yesterday, I was fantasizing about meeting someone and spending time together in Hong Kong and I clearly remembered those imaginative descriptions I gave - 'Tall, mature with slight, charming crinkles at the eyes and lips when he smiles, some greys, refreshing light scent as if he has just stepped-out-of-the-bathroom, smart skinny-framed spectacles....'

And this man I saw today... 180 degrees opposite! Scary isn't it?? I am guessing this is how things work in real life. I laughed my way back. Silly.

I can't help but think... our husbands or boyfriends... don't they always look at other ladies on the road? Come one, admit it they do! And all the time. Mine does and he gets caught every single time. Now I know how good they made the girls feel each time they look at them.. just like how good I felt when someone looked at me!

I was back in the hotel and lightened my bag and decided to walk to the pier for some wind. I remembered how good it felt yesterday and I should go there again, mentally prepared today will be more chilly... and I was also walking at a snail's pace.

Along the way.. I snapped a few pictures... just for the mood of it. This was taken along Salisbury Road, right outside the Peninsular.

can you feel the cold?

The wind was blowing needles into my face at Avenue of the Stars... but believe you me, it felt really good. I had wanted to take pictures with my handphone but... sigh. I am so going to get an iPhone!
I stood there for about half an hour just let the wind blow my mind out! :)

It was 6.45 when I left and I went back to the hotel to wait for the rest to finish work. A knocked on the door at 8pm. We freshen up and left for dinner!

We went to a restaurant named 616 Shabu Shabu.. it was a japanese steamboat restaurant. Whereabout? I have forgotten to ask! *ashamed*

We had sashimi, shoba, shabu shabu, tempura and much more! I did not take the pictures of the steamboat when I remembered, there was nothing left! Lol...

Some of them were very concerned and asked if I shopped and bought anything or went anywhere special. I would reply 'No' and I did not come here to shop. I didn't think all of them understand that. I am just happy here, not thinking about anything and just do whatever I want and go wherever... nothing to think, to do, nothing to worry of or to be sad with.

After dinner, we adjourned to a dessert cafe a 2 blocks from our hotel... for a quick sugar rush. Old fashioned hot desserts! *yummy*


We were back in the comfort of our room at 11.30pm and A has work to do and me... posting this! :)

I have been happy here. I could smile, stroll, get lost and found. I feel lighter and not so tensed. K said I should take a longer break and leave and go somewhere else; she seems to understand why I am here.

She said, "Sometimes, we just need a break."

Yes I do.

Good night y'all!

End of Day 2

2 Jan - Cold Cold Hong Kong

Yesterday I took the earliest flight out from Singapore to Hong Kong - my flight was to depart Singapore Changi Airport at 6.40am.. ambitious huh?

A dear friend came send me to the airport, in a taxi, at 4am. We spent some time chilling out at Dome at Terminal One. Here's more details if you'd like to know what we were talking about.. *lol* CLICK HERE

We said our goodbyes, with a bear hug at 6am. Its been a long time I think I've hugged a friend. I am never the touchy-feely friend..... Well, the girl deserved it! And she needs to sleep!!! But thank you for the company... it was a good morning to start my trip, really. I was all smiles. And I have not stopped smiling since 1 Jan. I wonder why... I am still trying to figure out if I am happy and excited about the new year or that I was excited about the trip.

I stepped into the departure lounge at 6am and walked slowly towards my departure gate.. some distance away. I was feeling great. Everything stopped and stood still and all I could think about was the flight and the weather at my destination. I sat beside 2 boys on flight.. *aaarrrgggh* (refrain) am so not going to talk about it! Save my breath for greater stuff. Thank goodness I took the aisle seat. Across the aisle.. worse... OMG why am I so critical and full of complaints. Snap out, Girl!

We touched down, right on time. When the cabin door opened........ and as I moved near the exit... I couldn't hide the smile... the wind was rushing towards me stinging my face and ears. YES, it was chilly! My first experience of cold weather.. ok ok, I know I exaggerated! Please understand, I've never been to a cold country or anywhere colder than.. Genting Highlands! *ashamed* It was 14 degrees when I touched down yesterday.

While I took the shuttle bus from the plane into the terminal... I saw a few men, and ladies too, travelling alone. Some looking a little lost, like me, and some, unhurried and cool, like how I'd like to be.

Then, I fantasized about meeting a man, let's say; Tall, mature with slight, charming crinkles at the eyes and lips when he smiles, some greys, refreshing light scent as if he has just stepped-out-of-the-bathroom, smart skinny-framed spectacles, who was also on a breakaway trip and we chatted and spent the next few days chilling out together in Hong Kong and promising each other that we do not exchange specifics or that our acquaintances ends when the trip ends and we'd never hear or see each other again.. we are so alike and totally understands each other's point of view about the other species and we contribute and enlighten both in all ways. (no kinky thoughts please!) ~~~~~ of course all these were merely my imagination but believe it - it was nice to fantasize now that you are alone and have so much time to spare.. rather than think about work and deadlines and all! Perhaps I have watched to many movies!!! But am not ashamed. Oh gosh... what if, just what if... this man really exist somewhere down the road on my future trips??? *damn - be careful what you wish for!*

I strolled into the immigration area and waited for my turn then to claim my bag! Feeling all independent and renewed. Head up high, I bought myself a one-way ticket for the train ride into the city for HKD 90 (SGD 15).

Here's the shots. I was also too lazy to pull out my DSLR so.. I used my little CoolPix instead.

Unluckily I took a seat that is going against the direction of the train. For once, I did not freak out and rode it out instead. Yeehah!!! Come one let's fight it out!

Did I faint? Nope. Did I puke? Nope. Did I survive? H*ll yeah!
The start of good things to come!

A snap of my new sandals.. very expensive. *Thank to E.... all your fault!*

Ahah! That's me, half-awakened face, in the train with only... 3 layers... a long-sleeved cotton T, a lightweight wool cardi and a outer coat without down or feathers + a snuggly shawl.

The train ride took about 30 minutes and I reached Kowloon. I lugged my bags and hop into a taxi to the hotel situated ideally at Kimberbly Road - The Luxe Manor! Loving it again! I didn't take pictures of the hotel this time as I had taken them before.. see my old post on The Luxe Manor HERE. or their website HERE.

I dropped my bags off at the concierge as I could not check in without my friend. I head on out at 1pm. I was not hungry, nor was I tired. I was excited for the weather made me feel good. I walked around only in my thin cardi.. I wanted too see how long I could 'survive'.. lol, 20 minutes and I started freezing and trembling.

This was how cold it was.. see what others has on them?

I had no plans to go anywhere. I didn't want to plan. Go where the road leads and where the heart takes you!
I wanted to take a slow walk to Horborcity and the Avenue of The Stars. I grabbed them map I snatched off the airport and embarked on my journey. Circling round and round.. I couldn't seem to break out of the area. strange the buildings and architectures are all of similar design and all around Cameron, Carnavon, Humphrey and Granville Roads. Ok, I was officially lost! I came across a MacDonald's which I thought, was on Prat or Hart Road and took a break - I wanted to write.

Wi-fi!!! Keeping the Hubby in the loop of how I was doing... ebuddy!

My faithful iTouch, journal, map...

I had to order something... barely touched them, only finished the coffee in a gulp.. I needed it.

I guess I must have sat there for a good 2 hours. Time stood really still as I was writing away. I had to get up and move after that so not to waste my trip. This time I made it.
.
I went to the Avenue of the Stars. Knowing it'd be cold BUT I had really wanted to chill myself silly sitting outdoor.

I took some pictures. It wasn't much fun as the place was swarmed with people... where did they come from??? Some internationals get-together?

I found a good spot near the clock tower. I turned on my MP3 and just sat there... I was not thinking of anything... I was just.. enjoying my peace and breeze. Oh but it was cool.. the entire outdoor area had free Wi-Fi and it was called - Free GOV Wi-Fi. Free government wi-fi???

...where i sat...

and my view for an hour...

THen i saw a happy van...

It attracted lots of young, old and the young-at-hearts! *smiles*

I made my way slowly into Haborcity (finally), Ocean Centre and The Gateway. I felt claustrophobic in there though the malls are extremely huge.. just too many people. I wriggled my way through the malls and was out and breathing along Canton Road. *phew*

It's 5 and I am making my way back to Kimberly Road. I stopped by at the 茶餐厅 2 blocks from the hotel.

That was when K called me up and said she was coming to meet me and she arrived at 5.45pm. It was a good catch up. She is always like a mentor to me. Through her, I learn working tips, I'd get life advices and I respect that. We head out somewhere for dinner.. honestly she led me so fast I couldn't really make out where we were walking to. *lol*

I had the opportunity to share with her, my mum's illness because she would understand and advice with relevance. She's been there and I'd really need her advices. I was also able to let out on some family problems. Hearing from someone who has been through so much, it's always few good lessons learnt. A good dinner.

After that we adjourned for desserts.. the temperature outdoor is just pricking my skin! I had 4 layers on!!! But I was enjoying the snuggle!


You didn't think 2 of us can gobble these ya? There were 4 of us! :)

We made our way back to the hotel slightly past 10. Sleepy. There was just one more place to visit! We walked K back to her hotel at Tak Shing Street.. OMG that was one MTR station away.

A shot before we go.. Mentor And I

We were back at ours again close to 11.45pm.

I even put on my happy PJ!!! I bought it 2 yrs ago but have not worn it.. the pants I am talking about! I had 2 layers of T shirts!

It was cold in the room because A likes to sleep in 15 degrees.. she exclaimed for me, she'd make it 20degrees.. OMG. T'was cold!

Me in my happy PJ.. goodnight y'all!

End of Day 1 - Hong Kong