Swimming with Giant Whales in Oslob, Cebu, Philippines

WHERE  IN THE WORLD SHOULD YOU BE NEXT SUMMER? 

And why should you start booking now?

Whale shark watching in Tan-awan, Oslob, Cebu has become one of world's best nature encounters. It's true of its name since Tan-awan  roots from the word "Tan-aw" meaning to watch or to look. 

Locate Oslob 

Whale Watching

in google maps

At the present, there are resorts and touring websites you can avail services from to make sure you get the best excursion. Wee hours is the operative word of some sorts for this adventure so you'd likely not want to just go eyeball-ing these acquiescent sea giants on your first date. You'd also want to take the privilege to go swimming with them. Though the local government implements rules to protect and conserve them and there are few etiquette which you have to practice once there. 

Tukis or Butanding, as the natives call it, are more visible in the shores when the temperature is up and the water is clear. You better book your flights before tourists flock during Philippine summer on the second quarter of next year (April- June). 

Take a look at Matt-Tinik and Matt-Takaw Adventures to get a picture of how you'd likely want to arrange your itinerary. 

Gentle giants has probably been banned in cyber space for reason of overuse but you can swear by the remote chances of you becoming the human version of Marlin and Dory. As the phrase suggest, they are, gentle giants. 

Don't miss the next place we like to feature for you in our Bucketlist series : LIKE and FOLLOW The Writing Gypsy on Facebook , Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.

                  Photo Credits:                  

1st Photo- www.philbooking.com

2nd Photo- www. enchantingphilippines.wordpress.com

                                                                                   

5 Quiet Hotels to Stay in Paris

Traveling is partly stressful. You're bound by the rules of a jam- packed itinerary, on top of no time to fully fray the jet lag. It's no doubt that you heart will itch for a silent sanctuary to recoup for lost energies. 

There's also a recent study by J.D. Power that says most of the 53, 000 travelers surveyed encounter problems with ranked noise at hotels-- either brought by street drillers or door- slamming guests. 

The thing is, you can be as intentional with your choice on the best place to exercise your rights to silence. It will depend on which you prefer to experience most-- a quiet place that overlooks a hundred acre woods or a quiet place at the atrium of the city? Whichever the case, expect that you cannot always find a place with all the A- list criteria combined. 

For the meantime, below are hotels I suggest you to check in to give your sleep and rest impediments a fair remedy, or so I say:

1. Hotel du Jeu de Paume

                                                  This photo of Hotel du Jeu de Paume is courtesy of TripAdvisor

This hotel is earning good reviews for being clean, well- decorated, and intimate. It is suggestive of a Parisian atmosphere. In fact you can reach Notre Dame, shopping spots, wonderful restaurants, and most of the Metro stations by dint of easy walking. But you can still sleep without having your ears blanketed with pillows. It has access to wifi connection and staffs replenish the toiletries everyday.

Location: 54 Rue St. Louis en Ile, 75004 Paris (Hotel de Ville)

2. Jays Paris

This photo of Jays Paris is courtesy of TripAdvisor

This is considered an enormously quiet hotel in the 16th arroundisement. You can never go wrong with the rooms, only that it has no elevator so care to pick one in the lower floors. Concierge arranges airport transfers besides the fact that they will specially welcome you upon arrival. 

You can speak to the staffs in English, or practice your French without getting snickered for your novice- ness (if that's even a word). Also meet your fascinating neighbors, Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysees, and Eiffel Tower. Aaahh, how about a 5- star experience like that? 

Location: 6 Rue Copernic, 16th Arroundisment, 75016 Paris

3. Secret de Paris

This photo of Secret de Paris is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Would you even think twice at the thought of its name? If that looking-at-the-Eiffel-from-a-terrace scenario in your mind is hardly possible to realize, this is the right place to go. Because the rooms are designed after the most frequented tourist spots in Paris being the Louvre, Musee d'Orsay, and of course Eiffel Tower. It is perfectly quiet and romantic, best for those who dared tie the knot. 

Location: 2 Rue de Parme, 75009 Paris

4. Hotel Fouquet's Barriere

This photo of Hotel Fouquet's Barriere is courtesy of TripAdvisor

This is a clean and tidy hotel located at the corner of Champs Elysees. Probably one with excellent sound proofing despite being close to swanky tourist areas. But not the best-est one for comfort. However spas and pool areas are well - appointed and it offers a courtyard for you to dote on peacefulness. 

It also has a touch of discretion as you won't have to always pass through the reception area where customers crowd. 

Location: 46 Avenue George V, 08 Arroundisement, 75008 Paris (Champ Elysees)

5. Hotel Luxembourg Parc

This photo of Hotel Luxembourg Parc is courtesy of TripAdvisor
This hotel is also walking distance from St. Germain and Notre Dame. It has a quiet and inviting atmosphere as it is more of a private residence than a hotel. It has rooms that offer views of the peaceful garden-- a view that might be a good option to rest your eyes after seeing so much of the cosmopolitan Paris.

It is 10- 15 minutes away from shopping spots and museums, but the rooms are astoundingly guzzled with a French aura.

Location: 42 Rue de Vaugirard, 6th Arroundisement, 75006 Paris


I hope this post helped. Here is where you can also find quiet places to dine in Paris, just in case. Stay tuned on my next post for The Quiet City [Paris] Travel Series!

5 Quiet Places to Dine in Paris

About 27 million tourists visit Paris every year, and more than a half of them being travelers from places outside of France. With a rate like that, it's highly possible to spot cafe's and restaurants overflowing with guts to feed. This may not only be an inconvenience for travelers who are natural at finding quietude but for travelers who face problems with finding available seats to occupy. Because truth be told, it's literally hard to compete for tables with the other 27 million. 

Below are 5 food corners, tucked away from disruption, that you can dine in Pair-ee:

1. St. Germain Courtyard

It's a garden veiling at the back of Hotel de l'Abbaye. It has a restful atmosphere surrounded by green ornaments and wooden tables in front of a gazebo- type structure. It serves drinks and menus in prime service. Best to come for a light meal in the afternoon. 

Location: Hotel de l'Abbaye 10 Rue Casette 75006 at the heart of St. Germain

2. L'Etage de Pastavino

This place is pretty decent for a peaceful dinner. The strangest part is that it's a secluded restaurant in a deli- sandwich shop in Paris. Its name is written in a blackboard beside a winding staircase in a dark corner close by-- something that makes it more worth discovering than frightening. 

Menus are written entirely in Italian but waiters translate them to you detail by detail. It serves honestly palatable meat and cheese fresh from the deli downstairs. It plays soft jazz music in the background which I think brings justice to feeling cozy and quiet in a busy city. 

Location: 18 Rue de Buci 75006 Metro Mabillon Odeon & St. Germain des Pres

Open Hours: 8:15 - 11:30 PM, Closed on Sundays

3. Cafe' Craft

French coffee perhaps comes only second to Italian. But having to find a good one betwixt-and-between the crowded Paris is like being able to tell how good the moon looks like in the other side of the globe. 

Craft serves the rather best and addictive cappuccino  and other healthy nibbles like quinoa salad. They set the mood in tune of a contemporary jazz music in perfect volume-- enough to give you sanity to get your creative raps going. Most people come here to either snuff out an excellent coffee in their bloodstream together with their friends, or resort in a conducive place to finish a project or work and still be in touch with the internet world through the wifi connection. Not to mention the free coffee refills. 

Baristas can also speak in English-- which is hard to find around the city. 

Location: 24 Rue Des Vinaigriers 75010 Paris, Near: Canal St. Martin/ Gare de l'Est, 10 eme

Open Hours: Mon- Sat: 9:00AM- 7:00PM, Sun: 10:00AM- 7:00PM

4. La Rose de France

This is a little less low- key restaurant set in a humble location. It serves amazingly delicious French bites and wine in a bit higher price than regular. It has a friendly and moderately fast service. The restaurant is fairly small, it's worth to set reservations ahead of time. 

It's getting considerable good reviews, too, on its escargot. It's largely an upscale version of wine and dine in an intimate setting. Facing fears of meeting Paris at full volume? You would probably just make face in the back of your head. Tee hee!

Location: 24 Place Dauphine 75001 Paris, Near: Ile de la Cite/ Ile St. Louis, 1er

Open Hours: Mon- Sun: 10:00AM- 11:00PM

5. Bistrot de l'oulette 

This place is owned by a Tunisian restaurateur who is good with English that you will hardly worry about speaking in broken French language. It serves highly recommended traditional French meals in a romantic setting. Their cassoulet is perhaps their best-selling food on the menu-- tantamount to saying it's a must-try. It's not an overly fancy restaurant, as most restaurants in Paris are. 

Location: 38 Rue Tournelles 75004 Paris, Near: Bastille and Marais, 4eme

It's surprising how  jam- packed Paris can offer places to celebrate food in silent divinity, in the same way that they also have places to give your senses a break from people and simply enjoy a book. 

See you on my next post for The Quiet City [Paris] Travel Series!

Photo Credits:

hotelabbayeparis (dot) com

messynessychic (dot) com

wejetset (dot) com

flickr (dot) com

tripadvisor (dot) com

lefooding (dot) com

Finding Freedom and Sailing Off Palawan

For as long as I remember, adjectives were never found to be wanting when it came to describing Asian beach meccas. I had read countless "guides" where people just could not help but recommend every square inch of sand they have found. When I started taking interest in Palawan, the result was no different. "Miles of un-spoilt sands" was heard countless times among other tall phrases. 

photo by Benson Kua

How does one go for an authentic trip in such a place? What about those untold stories from real travelers? In search of the perfect Palawan experience, comes this little story of sailing off the land.

It's easy to aimlessly float away over the lucid corals while you snorkel off the shores of Palawan until you open your eyes and realize that you drifted too far off. Your stark blue and white, close to 100 foot long, Bangka boat that is your home for the next few days is a good way out.

Just as easily you lost bearing, the completely serene waters let you change direction. Take a deep breath and pump your way back to towards where the rest of your companions are peeping into corals bigger than your home furniture (which usually means they are not the lethal variety).

photo by Agustin Rafael Reyes

Being in the middle of nowhere, in a postcard perfect azure that stretches out to the horizon never felt this good. The rule in Palawan is pretty simple: eat, snorkel, laze around. Repeat.

Visiting El Nido- There's more to Philippines than Boracay

For the most people who visits Philippines, they head straight to Boracay. In my personal opinion, while Boracay is all nice, it comes across more as a jazzed up departmental store stocked full of water sports shops and packages. 

Instead, find yourself a van to hitch on and take on and take a ride to El Nido, a charmingly tiny but intensely dense local dive shops skirting the Bacuit Bay in Palawan. This place will give you more than what Boracay can ever hope for. Have patience, though. You'll probably need to dig through; walk and poke your nose for considerable hours to find your own hidden gem. 

photo by Ross Pollack

There's this bangka launching pad where boats set sail to the area's most spectacular islands. El Nido is a particular favorite among backpackers and has this uncanny ability to seem like it just popped out onto the map. You still won't find ATMs and power shuts down come dawn only to return in the afternoon. However, digging for gems does not end here. Most operators will still offer more or less the same itinerary-- some combination of water and crowd. Where did all those personal and authentic stories go? As an alternative, there's this pretty collection of actual trips taken by real travelers to the Philippines, over at mygola that's pretty amazing. Did I mention the smart planner to do all the itinerary building for you in minutes?

I found Tao Philippines to offer something that we all seek -a complete break, even from our digital avatars, -no phone, emails, timeline, and newsfeeds. I can now thank Eddie Brock for being that great bloke who decided people needed break from facebook and dived into the sailing business. He now owns six bangkas  which stow away freedom- seeking travel junkies. What I love the most about these trips is what Eddie says himself, "there in no plan"!

There is usually just one destination on the map, the far off dot of Coron. Between that and your sailing point, all that decides the course and speed are the winds and the currents. If you ever wanted seclusion, this is the place. What adds to the Bohemian air are the flip flops, guitars, and open- air decks. Not to mention the authentic Filipino food onboard. Ever tried tuna adobo and coconut crab curry?

Travel often opens up so many different chapters of humanity. Out here, this hardly known sailing crew in El Nido does much more than just business. The course is managed glancing up the stars by night and the tiny islands that you touch along the way, you just don't touch them physically as a tourist. Portion of the trip's earnings go into making schools and paying for a good education.

Palawan by enggul

When you stop by any of the many dots which make up the archipelago, take a stroll barefoot on the beach which are almost always deserted if you don't count the ghost watching you with watery round eyes. You'll find freedom which is well nigh lost.

WHEN YOU GO:

Give mygola.com a visit to get beyond the tourist traps. The trips featured there are taken by real travelers. Let the planner take care of things like cost, distances, business hours, and the number of days you will have in hand. Tao Philippines runs regular sailing trips off Palawan. 

A Guest Post from (About the Author):

Bodhisattwa Debnath is a travel blogger and editor at mygola.com- the world's largest hand-curated collection of authentic trips by real people which lets you create your own custom travel plans in minutes. You can chat up with him on twitter (@detalking and @mygola).

Traveling Hong Kong the Eat, Pray, Love Way

How else do you do a Hong Kong travel? To for a fact be mentioned that American writer Elizabeth Gilbert authored a bestselling "chick-lit" in 2006. It sold a million copies, translated into 40 languages, and turned into a big hit travel-romance movie. Apparently, it is a travel bible to many country drifters.

It's gratifying how we all can take a trip to places as fascinating as those in the book without having to spend largely for tickets and hotels for a taste of Muhgal architecture and feel- good mantras, or for a dominion inhabited by Roman-numeral boys. :)

Hong Kong is a pretty good choice. While an eat, pray, love kind of adventure can be done in many other countries, a Hong Kong travel can be far less expensive and doable compared to those in the west side of the globe.

Options are abundant. But if there's a way to do it remarkably, it can be specified into 3 unforgettable should-do's:

Eat

Dai pai dong is a Hong Kong style open- air food stall. It's a term usually used to refer roadside food stalls with foldable tables and chairs and no air conditioning. Although it literally means as "restaurants with big license" denoting the size of license bigger than the other licensed street vendors. 

Dai pai dong food stall

Legally, the term can only refer to the 28 stalls with "big licenses" -- those in Causeway Bay Central, Sham Shui Po, Wan Chai, Tai Hang, and Tai O. Although food stalls of the same kind are scattered widely around the country.

It characteristically has an untidy atmosphere. But to experience a pure Hong Kong dining together with pure Hong Kong locals is a sure bet. It's not everyday that you get to eat those dai pai dong congees and yuanyuang the way Gilbert has given up a love-handle-free potbelly for a daily sellout with gelatos and linguine pastas in 4 long months in Italy.

Yuanyuang drink

Most dai pai dongs offer authentic Cantonese food. English is hardly spoken so a little more of hand pointing will serve as your tongue.

Pray

For an experience of a Chinese solitude, try the ancient and fluid movements of tai chi in a peaceful side of the city, say, in a park or at the waterfront facing the Victoria Harbour. 

Tai Chi in Hong Kong Clock Tower

Tai chi movements are said to balance the body's internal yin and yang, for the mind, soul, and body. There are tourists and locals who do this outdoors under the morning light. Even Andrew Zimmern did it, too in a Bizarre Foods Episode! 

Love

Love is a widespread phenomenon and odds are that Hong Kong established activities that can foster this. 

Less expensive than a Harbour Cruise is a late-afternoon Duk Ling ride for only HKD100. It is a Chinese sailing junk that sails the harbour, holding out a 360-degree view of the captivating skyline. It sails regularly three times a week for about 2.5 to 4 hours. 

Duk Ling Cruise, Victoria Harbour

Duk Ling is to Hong Kong as much as Taj Mahal is to India. And the most romantic thing, if at all,  is riding in one of the red- sail sampans, the ones that look like an iconic bat wings in red colors flashing against the scenery of the modern skyline. 

Plan it or wing it, the important thing is to make the most of the experience. Because it's one thing to "know" how to do these things, but it's another thing to "live them up".

We may not always be able to visit every part of the country in a travel, but sometimes less is more, especially when you know how to do just that. It's the reason why I always want to travel the eat pray love way-- minus the divorce and the erratic affairs. Teehee!

Now let's cross over to the sides of Hong Kong. Attraversiamo!

References:

wikipedia (dot) org

discoverhongkong (dot) com

Photo Credits:

google (dot) com (slash) images- 1st photo

commons (dot) wikimedia (dot) org- 1st photo 

scoopweb (dot) com- 2nd photo

theredheadriter (dot) com- 3rd photo

businesstravellerasia (dot) com- 4th & 5th photos

3 Things Guidebooks Don't Tell Budget Travelers About Hong Kong

Life in Hong Kong starts at 10 AM. That's when the streets get busy, and people start loading up sidewalks and escalators.

busy Hong Kong street

They live fast paced. That is, you have to always keep right in roadways and escalators. And keep up with few minutes of standing in these public places on end.  Or you'll get impinged. But that's Hong Kong.

Travelers hoard to where it's public and familiar, and to where it's economical. And most of these travelers want to get the cheapest deal, often. Even I, too, dream of returning home from Hong Kong full of markdowns every time especially on bargain clothes and keepsakes. 

You're paying too much for their budget finds

But how cheap can we go? Chinese are skillful salespeople and even the best hagglers don't always get the lowest price. Because here's a fact: you can find exact items being sold in Hong Kong's budget markets in your own hometown at probably the same, or even cheaper price. 

The only difference about the price of these jades, ceramics, jewelries, and keepsakes sold in Hong Kong and in your hometown is the currency. Do a little math and the amount is hardly disproportional. Trust me.

Shop in Hong Kong without expecting too much that you're getting the rarest and best-est items. And while you can still negotiate the cost as much as you can, remember that the difference isn't much.

Every penny counts

Newspapers in Hong Kong are free, but not the plastic bags in most groceries and convenient stores. It's either you hug your purchased items in your arms or buy something to contain them in. In case you're not the type who minds spending coins.

Hong Kong public vehicles on the other hand don't give loose change on fares. You might want to care for your petty cash, anyway, so you can give an exact amount and avoid spending the needless extra.

The cheapest airport transfers are not from the Chinese

Just when you think the middle eastern folks are simply hoaxing at your "very tourist orientation" about Hong Kong, it's the airport shuttles and taxis which you should try to avoid.

The Pakistanis, Indians, and Arabs offer relatively inexpensive airport transfer service. They are usually stationed outside the buildings of hostels (e.g. Chung King & Mirador Mansions).

Consider paying about HK$112 airport transfer by these middles eastern folks (for a group of 4, that's roughly HK$28 each) compared to the HK$90 single journey from Kowloon to airport, or the HK$100 single journey from Hong Kong Island to airport.

These middle eastern folks make sure you're well-accommodated. Besides, it feels as if you own the car. You know, comfort and privacy.

The next time you're in Hong Kong you know that opportunities to spend wisely are abundant. That is if you know where and how to spend your cash. 

Photo Credits:
sassyhongkong (dot) com- 2nd photo
spafinder (dot) com- 3rd photo
quintavaledmaria (dot) wordpress (dot) com- 4th photo

The Traveler Wears Prada

No, this is not a Lauren Weisberger novel. Or a sequel to the top rated movie about poor Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway) facing a catch-22 of whether to drop her job or not for working with a death glare.

The Peak, Hong Kong

If you have read me lately, you'll notice that I have posted articles from my recent travel in Hong Kong. And this is yet another one.

My own share of quandary comes from how to pull together a season-appropriate travel outfit without looking dowdy. 

I toyed with geometric printed sleeves from Prada. The idea was to wear an ensemble that will go well with the modern theme panorama and sights of Victoria Peak, Hong Kong. 

I: at Tun Chung Line Station l Prada Model: on the Runway

The multi-chromatic design is inspired from Miuccia Prada's Autumn/ Winter 2012 Collection that focuses on geometric patterns and electric prints. 

I particularly picked the one in neon orange and hued down mix of violet color because of its non boring but not overstated combination. 

I tweaked the look by pairing the sleeves with a studded shorts atop black leggings instead of the straight geometric printed Prada sleeves and pants. And finished it with a neutral cream trench coat to combat the winter breeze of Hong Kong and to tune the modern aura down a bit. 

Quaffing a cup of Hot Shots

I opted to skip out on belts to keep it from looking very '70s. Pulling the Prada arm sleeves over the cream trench coat was a good means of making all the outfit mix well together.

I also donned spike earrings and arm candies to avoid making the impression of looking like Miranda Priestly's age to my 22-year-old physicality. Because honestly, the sleeves has a little senescence attached to it.

Victoria Peak

It would have also looked better with a platform shoes but I preferred comfort over statement. My feet still had long walks to take around Hong Kong. 

I for sure am a traveler who wears Prada with this stint. But it's also not like I can afford  an authentic one everyday of the year.

On my photos:

Geometric Printed Sleeves [] Prada

Studded Shorts [] from Bangkok

Trench Coat [] Thrift Shop

Spike Accessories [] Lemon Drops

Postscript: I look forward to coming up with better photos next time.

Photo Credits:

fashionbombdaily (dot) com- 2nd photo, right side

Reference: 

nytimes (dot) com

How Much You My Hong Kong Key Chain?

I'm flying back to Philippines the next day. I lumbered out of the train towards Ladies Market in Mong Kok. A mob scene of Chinese retailers and Chinese-looking buyers met me amidst budget price items that overcrowd within talking distance. 

I cracked glances at the Chinese cushions and table runners while my toes cracked intense discomfort from all the walks since day 1. 

A Chinese retailer grabbed my hand as if to skip out of a fast lane.

"Here, vely cheap bags. Only wong hundred dollahs. You buy?" She reached out fake Yves and Burberry on my left hand while she held my right. 

I wobbled a step backward. She offered me lesser and lesser price as I moved farther. But I wanted to look around. To go after items worth buying as keepsakes.

I went from stalls to stalls. By the time I went back to her she held out a plait of novelty key chains, the kind that comes minted in custom-made metals of the Big Buddha, cable car, tram, Bruce Lee, and the famous Hong Kong Harbour. 

I paused for a while. And thought of how our Hong Kong trip went equally tiring and surprising at the same time. I saw the well-lit buildings of the Hong Kong metro, standing half their original size as we looked at them from the Peak. I remember taking the elevators together with the Pakistanis and Indians at the Mansion. The time we got lost in Sheung Wan. And the amazement we felt as fireworks drape the pitch black sky with colors in Lantau.

Everything immortalized in those keepsakes. And these pleasant remembrances from our travels are worth keeping. I feel that personal attachment between a traveler and a destination-- a distinctive kind of experience which can only come alive again in those tiny metal pieces.

The Chinese retailer stared at me the second time like she seriously waited for hours for my response. She gestured at the plaits of keepsakes in her stall and asked, "How much you my Hong Kong key chain?"

I answered her, I'll get all six. 

Photo Credits:

blog (dot) chinatravel (dot) net-1st photo

randomtravelsandrefelctions (dot) com

Traveling Hong Kong: The Food

Honest to goodness, Hong Kong food is largely bland. And I hate it, most times. 

I come from a tropical country whose history is influenced by Westerners rapt with seasoning and condiments.  So, my food choices. 

Hong Kong food normally tastes like stew, a simple mixture of a solid food ingredient cooked in liquid. The aroma? An indistinctive steam of water. No onions, salt, and pepper creating a palatable combination. 

But with less sodium their food, too, is apparently healthier.

Despite the rather insipid eats they also have food which tastes internationally competitive.

Must Eat

Street Food

The Korean Grilled Squid is an appetizing try. My three travel companions and I took the ones in Ocean Park.

What convinced us to buy? The ambrosial smell of a squid meat marinated in soy sauce and what-magic-ingredient included. It's very inviting.

The squid looks cut flatly in half after grilling. The brown-purplish color will tell you it's ready to eat.

It tastes like tender piece of chicken. Its semi-soft meat stretches like shreds of mozzarella cheese in every bite.

The name isn't very suggestive of Hong Kong, but it's sold all over Ocean Park, Disneyland, and Hong Kong Food Districts for roughly HK$30 each.

:: Traveler's Note: Korean Grilled Squid is a popular snack for people of all ages in Korea. It's portable and cheap protein, and can be eaten like popcorn, enjoyed as an anju paired with drinks. [Source: Koreanfood (dot) about (dot) com (slash) fishandseafoodrecipes] ::

Budget Eats

If you're traveling on a slightly narrow budget but still want to eat good food at a reasonable price, try the ready-to-eat meals in Hong Kong. They cost around HK$9 to HK$15 in most convenient stores.

eat-everywhere meal

They come in pork, chicken, and seafood. You can also choose from those served with rice and those served solely as edible veges.

There's no other food like home-cooked meals but these meal packages taste almost equally the same. I tried those with rice drenched in tomato sauce, topped with chunks of chicken and enormous slices of onions, garlic, and carrots. It's like tripe soup except that it is white meat that fudges as I chew. Some flavors have a sweet-sour blend while others taste a bit tangy.

Most Hong Kong locals prefer these meals for its convenience. So why not a traveler?

The meals are in laminated or zipper pouch food packaging and are readily cooked for 5 to 10 minutes using the microwave at the convenient stores.

Microwavable meals from Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong

Utensils are provided, too.

Dining

If you'd like to go for a casual but more decent type of dining in an upscale setting, try to have a buffet dinner at Cafe TOO in Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong.

Cafe TOO Japanese Kitchen, Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong

Cafe TOO offers ten cooking theatres that feature different cooking styles. Unlike other restaurants in Shangri-La, Cafe TOO is a casual buffet type of dining. A co-op for international cuisines-- French, Japanese, Thai, and others. Options are abundant and the choice is yours.

Asian Cuisine

They cook for tongues hungry of sumptuous food.

Chefs serving European Cuisine

Our table was near the dessert kitchen. We had a seemingly absolute affair with ice cream in macadamia and strawberry flavors, ganache cake, and Japanese manju.

Cafe TOO sweets corner

We also went for French Wagyu steaks that extensively tasted like flesh swamped in sesame oil, and Japanese Sushi that tasted like a fresh gang of seafood meat and vegetables wrapped in moist rice.

Japanese Sushi

This chocolate cake had me almost drooling.

heavenly cake!

The faint breeze of Thai curries and Indian sauce served with Naan bread fill the air at one side of the restaurant. And what I hear are part chefs cooking, diners talking, spoons thumping on glass wares, and part good sense of burpiliciousness in my stomach that makes me want more.

I also tried Oshikuro, a traditional Japanese dessert made of red bean soup, rice cake, and chestnut. I, so far, have never tasted a dessert as inebriating as that in my life. But that's just in Cafe TOO.

Oshikuro's delicious look and not-so delicious aftertaste was in a way fun for an experience.

Japanese Oshikuro Dessert

Most of the food are all in all, fit for a king.

Bizarre 

If you also want to try something strange and off-menu, Hong Kong has snake soup in Ser Wong Fun, stinky tofu, turtle jelly, 1000- year old eggs, and bugs on sticks. Their taste is by their name implied.

Click here for more bizarre food guide.

:: Traveler's Note: Did you know that there is only one Jollibee Branch in Hong Kong that offers all-pinoy recipe? It's in G/B Eurotrade Center, 13-14 Connaught Road, Central, Hong Kong ::

Island Shangri-La Hotel lobby

Whether an international dish or an authentic Cantonese cuisine, the general rule in choosing food to eat on your travels is stated in Andrew Zimmern's law,

"If it looks good, eat it."





Photo Credits:
cherryeveryday (dot) com-2nd photo
groupon (dot) com (dot) au-9th photo
japan (hyphen) talk (dot) com-11th photo

References:
philippinecountry (dot) com
shangri (hyphen) la (dot) com (slash) hongkong
japan101 (dot) com

Traveling Hong Kong: The Place

You will never get lost in Hong Kong. Or if you will, you can easily find your way back.

If you are enrapt in following instructions, there are maps and directories in every public transport vehicle and station which you can refer to. All of these directions,written and spoken, are translated into English. So the fear of getting sidetracked is rather far out.

Talk about the advantage of traveling in a once-upon-a-time western colony?

Getting Around

What other things, do you think expert travelers don't tell you, about Hong Kong being a frequented destination?

Most tourist spots are come-at-able by dint of transportation vehicles, running round-the-clock.

But if you wish to tour around the huddled city by convenience, go for the MTR (Mass Transit Railway), the rapid transit railway in Hong Kong.

MTR comes in different ticket types:

Single Journey Ticket
Same Day Return Ticket
Round Trip Ticket
Octopus Card
Airport Express Travel Pass

Airport Ticket Counter opens at 7AM

There are always, however, unwarranted exigencies in every travel. If you're lucky enough, you ride in a wrong vehicle to your destination. And sadly, there's no way you can take your fare back.

Such jeopardy is true, especially for first time travelers.

So I suggest the use of the Airport Express Travel Pass over the other tickets. One ticket is good for 1 or 2 single journey(s) from the airport to your place of stay, and a 3-day unlimited ride in most MTR system lines and interchange stations. Isn't it a good remedy?

Airport Express Travel Pass

There is also a HK$50 refundable deposit after the passes expire. You can read more about that here.

My recent travel in Hong Kong together with three other travel junkies was not all-comfort. We  toured the place byways-- a perpetual kind of touring on foot.

We walked on streets and subways, hoarded by fellow travelers and locals, like we chastised our phalanges to death.

Across Tsim Sha Tsui MTR Station

Walks there are undoubtedly inescapable adventure. The trick is to wear flat shoes and boots.

Seriously, spare your Manolos for other occasions.

:: Traveler's Note: Sometimes, the Airport Express Travel Pass doesn't get recognized by the electronic machines. You can go to the customer's service so they can help you promptly and your passes will work as new. Not a time to panic. ::

Must See

One week is not enough if you wish to discover Hong Kong without having to jump off from one tourist spot to another. It's still better to indulge in travel without the need to elope to catch the time.

Lantau Island

The Hong Kong International Airport, colloquially known as Chek Lap Kok Airport, caters to several international flights. It is also a good place for shopping, dining, and entertainment.

You can find a potpourri of brands, from clothes to cosmetics, food, and souvenirs. Aji Ichiban, for example, is one of the largest snack food franchises founded in Hong Kong. It sells goods like assorted chocolates, spicy dried fish, gums, and may-I-recommend puddings.

Aji Ichiban, Hong Kong International Airport

There are also shops for chic clothes and bags, the likes of Louis Vuitton and Prada. But there are still more of that in the city so it's better to save your time in the airport for any last-minute shopping on your flight back to your native land.

Central, Hong Kong

If you also wish to see the Lantau Island in a bird's-eye view, visit the Lantau Peak. Glutton your eyes with a mountaintop view of an Island surrounded by seawater, in the same way that you'll get satiated with more sky view of the Hong Kong metropolis in Victoria Peak in Central, Hong Kong.

Tell me you don't want to miss seeing the world's largest Buddha. Whether you're a Buddhist or simply a sucker for anything superlative, the Tian Tan Buddha or the Big Buddha is definitely a must-see. It's a 202-ton Buddha made in bronze.

Tian Tan Buddha, Lantau Island, Hong Kong

:: Traveler's Note: Tian Tan Buddha is one of the five large Buddha statues in China. Its name is taken after its base being a model of the Altar of Heaven or Earthly Mount of Tian Tan, the Temple of Heaven in Beijing. The structure was finished on December 29, 1993, the day of enlightenment of Gautama Buddha, founder of the Buddhist religion. [Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tian_Tan_Buddha] ::

Another place to see in the Lantau Island is of course, the Hong Kong Disneyland. It's a place worth spending for more than a day. You'll barely get disappointed here than you will in Ocean Park.

Cinderella Castle, Disneyland

Disneyland Hong Kong

Every part in Disneyland is worth all the pictures and the admission fee, as opposed to the slightly underrated interior and structure of the Grand Aquarium in Ocean Park. That said, try to visit Ocean Park first before Disneyland. Save the best for last.

Winnie the Pooh & Friends (Flights of Fantasy Parade)

Kowloon

We stayed in Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon for the entire trip. A realization is that, a Hong Kong- hospitality isn't so hospitable all the time. Or it's only because we had the misfortune of booking in a hostel with an arrogant receptionist.

Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon

And here's a clincher-experience: we were asked to pay twice as much the amount we paid in our booking online.

:: Traveler's Note: The cheaper the price on the internet, the more doubtful it gets. Be sure to bring more than enough cash otherwise, pre-arrange your bookings in reliable booking sites. Agoda is one. And no, I do not get a commission for recommending them here. Another tip is that, if you're a budget traveler, choose Mirador Mansion hostels over the ones in Chung King Mansions. Do not do the same mistakes we did. ::

The bright side of things is that, some of the must-sees in Hong Kong are found in Kowloon. There is the Ladies Market, Jade Market, and Temple Street Night Market for budget price clothes, presents, and travel keepsakes.

Ladies Market, Mong Kok, Hong Kong

Man selling gems. (Temple Street Night Market, Kowloon, Hong Kong)

You can also spot flagship stores of Ferragamo, Ralph Lauren, Chanel, and what-labels-you-know along street sides. Either you drool, or you find high end-ish imitations in iSquare mall or at the bargain stores settled around street corners. It's how you wear it that counts, right?

Our voguish poses down fashion street sides of Hong Kong

Hong Kong is obviously east and west by influence. The western side you don't want to miss is the 1881 Heritage. The building has a Victorian colonial and neo-classical architecture designs.

1881 Heritage, Salisbury, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong

If you'll stand at the corner of the long Nathan Road facing Salisbury Road, a modern egg-shaped structure of the Hong Kong Space Museum will meet you across. You will see more artifacts with historical interests there.

Hong Kong Space Museum

Not far off the Space Museum is the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. It's a modern geometrical structure facing the waterfront of Victoria Harbour in Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon. It is where operas, musical productions, and well, cultural activities are done.

Hong Kong Cultural Centre at different angles

By day, a lightly misty well-condensed view of the skyscraping buildings stand atop the calm  sea of Victoria Harbour. Cold breeze wafts across layer of clothes. Palavers by tourists and locals , offering a photo shoot by the harbour, resonate within shouting distance.

Victoria Harbour, Tsim Sha Tsui Waterfront

Harbour Cruise

By night, Symphony of Lights illuminate the buildings in harmony. Searchlights and laser beams perform together with music and narration. It displays five main themes: Awakening, Energy, Heritage, Partnership, and Celebration.

Symphony of Lights (You can also catch this view while dining at the Inter-Continental Hong Kong)

The show is at 8PM, every night.

The Avenue of Stars stands close by the Cultural Centre. Hong Kong is dubbed, again, as the "Hollywood of the East" because of this. Handprints of celebrities are carved on the parkway. Including a life-size statue of Kung Fu action star Bruce Lee.

Avenue of Stars

Jackie Chan hand prints

Chow Yun Fat of the famous classic movie Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon

Bruce Lee hand prints

Hong Kong Island

Also try to trip up Victoria Peak. The only way to get there though is by riding a tram. It is the highest peak of Hong Kong, which means that it will take you minutes of travel up the ground.

Victoria Peak

The road is winding. If you wanna get rid of the queasiness, be sure to tow mint candies and motion sickness bag on your pocket. Quipped that it's better to look seasick than throw up like a mad volcano. Gross!

Down south of Hong Kong Island is the Hong Kong Ocean Park. It's not bad to play kid once in a while.

Thrill Mountain, Ocean Park

Get a map to guide you.You cannot afford to try everything in one day. Only make sure to at least see every part of the park, and try those that you cannot experience elsewhere-- daring rides for instance.

Sky Fair Celebration, Ocean Park

See the Bank of China, too. Preferably at night, or you will not know why it's a place to see.

And if you still have more time, also visit one of Hong Kong's Temples -- to discover its eastern influence, and maybe, find solitude.

Wong Tai Sin Temple

Must Do

Hong Kong is not a hard place to learn living in. Except that its hostile hospitality can meet you at one time or another. But that's a circumstance to overcome by bits of familiarity here and there.

Try to walk down the streets of Hong Kong and see the usual day in their lives without playing like the picture-snapping tourist.

Buy a local food from the convenient store nearby. That doesn't include delicacies and a guide-book-told-me to eat this kind of food.

Hong Kong Local food

Pass through narrow alleys. It's like seeing Hong Kong from the other side-- filled with shallow baskets stacked on every side and words or people painted on building walls like mural.

Do something personal to your travel. It can be riding on a double-decker bus or dining at a restaurant. The important thing is that it must be something which you really want to do.

For my part, that's going Holly Golightly at the windows at Tiffany's. Except that I am blissful and I eat a Hong Kong dumpling than a danish.

Tiffany & Co, Hong Kong

Must Bring

A good kind of sensibility and an appetite to discover Hong Kong beyond a tourist's eye.








References:
wikipedia (dot) org
discoverhongkong (dot) com

Photo Credits:
wholefooddiary (dot) com- 6th photo
commons (dot) wikimedia (dot) org- 8th photo
stdyinpnu (dot) blogspot (dot) com- 13th photo
kookstraveldiary (dot) blogspot (dot) com- 15th photo
regalhotel (dot) com-16th photopalmbookdeviantart (dot) com-20th photo
fineartamerica (dot) com-25th photo
hqwalls (dot) org- 29th photo