How much did I spend on shopping and eating? Close to RM2k I reckon. My personal goodies cost like RM1k already. My cousin's low rise HK4m condo was atop a mountain with very steep and narrow roads along the way. Takes about 1/2 hr from the airport. To my surprise, it was no bigger than my own condo which is no more than 1,000 sq ft. It seems that average income earners stay in far smaller confines like 300 sq ft. Jeez.
People there are quite hostile until they find out your a tourist. First experience was when airport taxi driver didn't even look at us and motioned us to place our bags in the back OURSELVES! When shopping, be prepared to fork out the cash if you ask lotsa questions coz the moment you decline and walk away after they have entertained your time-wasting questions, they're gonna berate you Canto-pop style.
Food was decent despite the heavy price tag at restaurants. Buying water outside is also quite expensive at around RM10/bottle. Best practice would be to carry along warm water from home and eat at hawker stalls. Their "yum cha" was just alright with slightly bigger prawns, and I must say Ipoh's Fu-san can be comparable. The highlights were definitely the goose meat, egg tarts and tea ice. Full of flavour!
Disneyland was a first for me. I think its better than Australia's Movie World and such. My parents were not very keen but were there just for the sights and sounds. They did thoroughly enjoy the 3D Mickey Mouse movie which was the best ever I've seen! Didn't manage to take many photos there coz the damn battery died early on.
Shopping at Mongkok was the bomb! We spent most of our time there and with their MTR system, it was a breeze to travel back home from just about anywhere. Just like in the movies, Mongkok was seriously overcrowded and decorated with limitless number of signboards that it almost seems different everytime you step out of a shop. Seriously, its so easy to get lost there, that the only way to trace back is to remember one of the many huge posters all over the place. Its really a sight to behold and only in HK you'll get to see this setup.
HK Central is their CBD with major branded shopping malls, restaurants and commercial buildings. Nothing much here except for this local market place located along a downhill alley way where we bumped into a very friendly local who guided us to their famous bakery serving egg tart, chicken & grandma biscuits,etc fresh from the oven. Good stuff.
Overall, it was a good trip and definitely an eye opener. I may have caught the travelling bug after this but it'll have to wait till end of this year. Next stop - JAAPAN!
posted by Woodhead @ 11:18 AM
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