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