Hong Kong Trip- Day 5 (Finale)

Finally I'm back to "blogsphere" after quite a long time being absent. Due to hectic preparations for the Christmas Musical which ended perfectly splendid indeed. After that a series of not so good events that followed by, which probably can be made to be a post itself. Falling sick, had hives or known as allergy after the musical for 2 days. Then fever for almost a week. So this time Christmas was just semi-ok... Can't really enjoy the joyous food I was awaiting for. Anyway, just an event to remember. Lolz....

And now back to where I stopped. Final post about my Hong Kong trip.

Day 5 (7th Dec)- Out from HK and to S'pore.

And so after the rest much needed, woke up slightly afresh, did what needed to be done, packed up. Stuffed what need to be stuffed into the luggage bag which was heavy when everything was packed in. Then brought them to the hotel lobby. Checked out from the hotel, stopped a cab and off we go to the airport. About 45 mins we arrived at the airport, check in our luggage and after that walked around the airport. It's new terminal which was built to host the larger amount of people coming in 2008 for the Olympic games. I forgot to state that HK construction, they still uses bamboo as support beams. Not like what we see back here in KL using those metal beams to climb or support the construction work. Not bad idea it is. After walking, that time I think was having stomach upset... Again... Not fun... But manage to handle the ordeal till we enter the plane. Watched movie in the plane, food was good as usual. Surprise dessert that I didn't expect to have which is a cup of Haagen Daz ice cream. Chocolate flavour. Cool.... Didn't know they'd serve that. Guess next time if I were to take long haul flights I'd take S'pore airlines. Though much of the fee will be charged for the food of course.

After almost 3 hours up in the air, finally we're cue to prepare for landing. Good. Land at last, but I busied myself watch 'Transformers' an all time favourite. Though I did watch a movie earlier, meaning I did not manage to finish watching 'Transformers'. Too bad. Arrived at Changi Airport. Which is in the evening. I wondered why my dad wants to walk around the airport and not to go to the immigration counter to get our passports stamped and go claim our baggage. Anyway just tagged along and followed to some shops etc. Then off to the immigration counter. And then to the taxi waiting area where there was quite a line to wait till we can get our taxi. Then off to a church member's rented apartment where he's staying at. He moved to S'pore due to his new found job.

After putting down our luggage, sat awhile then off we go to Orchard Road and so on. More walking to do. Walked to the train station which was about 15 mins walk from the apartment. After that at the train, switched trains then we arrived to Orchard Road. We had dinner first. Had Teppanyaki, which is a little bit different in terms of the way they cook and serve. I think now KL has an outlet which is located in Pavillion, KL. After dinner, we adjourned on walking on the streets, seeing the night lights there. Then off to various other places to visit. Yes, travelled by train. After much walking, ad sight-seeing. Finally, yes finally headed back to the apartment. Bathed and had a good night sleep. Next morning woke up, took the taxi to a hotel where we hopped on to the bus express and back to Malaysia. So what can I say about the trip? Well... Two words. Fun & exhausting.

Be right Back.

Updates of the Hong Kong Trip and other events will be delayed. Due to the busy schedule that I'm having throughout this week till end of this year. No worries, I'll still update it when I'm back to the normal routine. Which is going to be bit more free-er...

Apologies for those who had quite a long wait for my updates. Cheers.

Hong Kong Trip- Day 4

Day 4 (6th Dec)- Ocean Park and other places.

Same old, old routine. Morning call and son on. You get the picture. Super sleepy already as I slept at 1.30am due to the slow hanging laptop when I want to transfer those pictures as I ran out of space for the memory card. Took too many photos. This time we walked ourselves to the train station since King Yu had classes so he can't join us. So we took the train to the bus waiting place to go to Ocean Park. Another theme park where you can have fun there. This theme park appeals more for the youths because there are more thrilling rides as compared to Disneyland. Which was referred to as a place for old folks and kids. And so we hopped on the double deck bus and headed to Ocean Park. Last time I remember or rather see from the pictures taken, I was at Ocean Park 18 years ago. When I was just 2 years old. After about 20 mins plus journey, we arrived to Ocean Park. Went in, had some rides along the way up. The escalator which is labelled as the longest escalator in Asia or something like that. Nonetheless it looks the same as the pictures I saw from the photo album at home. Except that the hills are bald as extension is being made.

As far as I see, only minor changes are made at Ocean Park, some new attractions are installed. But anyway it was a long time ago since I was there, so in return I don't think I can remember anything about the last trip here so better off for me to enjoy myself. I was careful not to have any rides that would cause my head to spin. Sat a 3 looped roller coaster, interesting but can be pretty nauseating if those who can't stand over thrilling rides. In total I sat about 4 rides and went to few attractions like the panda place, where we can see panda bear alive, but then I can't imagine those panda lives on such a cold climate as the air condition is blasted up to a very cold temperature. Then went to see jellyfish, first time seeing them in tanks since I only see them on tv so don't have a clear picture of how they are like.

Took the cable car down to the foothill where there are some attractions there where the panda was, had lunch there as well, watched birds and the other, sea lions stage shows. Not bad the show was. Rushed to take the cable up again to the ocean theater, there was a long line to que up for the cable car. Guess everyone's going to catch the show. Reached there and it was fully packed. Ended up tip toe-ing and see, at least I borrowed my friend's camera. Managed to take some nice shots of dolphins doing tricks and so on. After that headed out of Ocean Park. Basically Ocean Park is not as big as Disneyland. Upgrading & refurbishment need to be done in my opinion. So we asked for direction on how to go to our next destination which was Stanley Market. Took a mini bus there and the journey was semi-horrendous as it's swerving left and right. Like some race in some movie like Initial-D. Make me wanna vomit only. Reached the destination and more walking. No wonder I rarely see any fat people there. Since everyone in HK walks. Went to see any souvenirs to buy. This time i did bought some things back for my colleagues.

After finished walking, we headed to the bus station nearby and took a double decker bus to some place to meet up with my dad's friend for dinner. This time the journey was not that bad except it was super packed with people. We had a nice meal at an old restaurant. Not that bad actually. Had roast goose. Goose and duck are two different animals but then the goose is just plain many fats and oily. It just tasted like duck meat. I just loved the prawns. Which was big in size and nice in flavour. So making me drooling now. Yum~~ After the meal, went to meet up with King Yu who was waiting for us at a train station, then we took the train to The Peak. Where it is a peak where we can see part of HK, the skyscrapers and buildings around it. Took the tram up. It was like the Penang Hill sort of tram but it's faster and the road was steep. Very steep. Reached the peak and in to Madame Tussauds we went too see the wax figures. Met some local HK starts and also international stars. Some look like them in real life, while some don't quite look like them.


After Madame Tussauds went scouting around for things to buy and where I found the gifts at a cheaper price that I can find compared with other prices I've seen before. And I bought some of it. Took the bus down the hill and took the star ferry to the other side of the island where our hotel is. Tired out already, and the goal of going to see Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts is not fulfilled but never mind, guess I'll opt to search details online then. Reached the hotel and bid King Yu farewell as it was our last night ini Hong Kong and will be departing HK the next day. King Yu to me seems sad of our departure as he enjoyed us visting HK and the opportunity to be with us but too bad next day he have classes on and would not be able to make it to the airport to send us off. And to the bathroom for a bath and to the bed I go. 4th day complete, time for depature soon. Oh yeah, before I forget, when we reached HK we discussed that we are to stay at night in S'pore but majority disagreed but then due to me being lazy to argue to go home after the HK trip, well we planned to stay over at HK in a Church member's apartment. Not that happy I was but just yield to the plan Sigh...

Hong Kong Trip- Day 3

Day 3 (5th Dec)- Walking Day.

And so the same routine of being waken up by the morning call from my dad. Did what needed to be done, had cup noodles for breakfast then we checked out of the hotel. And took the cab to our other hotel which is in the city. That enable us to move around the city easily. Reached the hotel about 11am, expecting a long time friend to be there which is King Yu. My parents checked in, put the luggage into the room while I waited for King Yu at the lobby. Parents came down and after a short wait King Yu arrived. Apparently he got lost which was why he was late. And so we sat down a planned out our journey of where to go, where are the places we are to cover, what sort of transport are we going to take and so on.

Planned to go have lunch we King Yu's mom in the afternoon. In the mean time we set off to visit some museums. Supposedly wanted to go to the science museum but then it only opens in the afternoon. Which left the history museum to go to. Oh yea, every Wednesday, all museums entry are free. Which is a good thing. I wished Malaysia museums would be that way, that will definitely encourage people to go to the museum. So in the history museum we saw how people back in the olden days how the money came about. From stones to some gold thingy which evolved to notes etc. After that went to another section which is about the culture of Hong Kong people. After that we left and headed to the train station to our next destination.

Our next destination was Mong Kok. Headed to "Ladies Street". Guess it's called that way due to the fact there are super many stalls, selling clothes, accessories etc. Is like Petaling Street back in M'sia. That time we went there everything was still setting up. But anyway, went to look at the stalls, for me I just walk, just noticing what stalls there were. While it took my parents and sis quite some time to finish walking as they got attracted to some clothes or something. After that went to Show street where 90% of the stalls along the street sells shoes. Didn't buy anything from there. After walking the street went back to Ladies Street since by then the stalls are mostly open. And so they walked to buy some things. While I opt to stand somewhere to wait for them but then went to electrical shop to look at electronic stuffs. with King Yu. Was already tired of all the walking the past 2 days but no choice. No other way to move on than to walk.

And so we go... By foot... Saw a few gadgets, can see but can't buy since no money. After some time at the electrical shop, went back tot he street where my parents and sis are. Went there and still they have not finish walking and buying. Already we're running late for the appointment with King Yu's mom. So they hurriedly bought the stuffs and off we go to the train station to meet up with King Yu's mom. Met her at the restaurant, had various kinds of food... Had "dim sum" which tasted good and I don't think those that I ate can be found in M'sia. Spent quite some time eating there. At least I can rest there, no need any walking. Just munching down the food. Ate quite a lot though. Haha..... After eating, not so good thing. More walking to go... Went to the Arena of Stars where we can see various HK celebrities' names and for some, their handprints on the walk path, it was located near the Star Ferry terminal. Walked in the windy breeze, it was fairly cold as the winds kept blowing at you and you just want to go indoors. That's all. After that they went to a mall, bought bag, shoes and was in time to watch lighting display from the island we're at, we just look across to Hong Kong Island and can see skyscrappers like Bank of China and so on. One think I MUST admit is that HK's techinical advancement is real advance. Because as the display started, spotlights from the top of the skyscrapper was glowing with the music, and there was laser lights as well. Not only is on the other side of the island but the island we are at, behind us which is the cultural museum, lights glowed a long too. Totally cool... As it's a big scale thing where almost every building along the coast ahev lights on. And i wonder till now where is the control centre for these lights as definately they ned to have one if not how do they control the lights?


Sat the Star Ferry to Hong Kong island, lingered around for a little while and took the ferry back. The ferry is about 50 over years old. And they are still being maintained that properly. Headed to another destination. Literally, it has been a whole day of walking. Walking at Disneyland, now various places. Man... My legs are already not that strong to keep moving. We went to visit some popular streets known for it's various shops.

And so we walked Kimberly Street and some other streets which I forgot the name of it. Then went to Temple Street. Not a place where there's a lot of temples but just another Petaling Street look alike. Walked but didn't buy anything since there wasn't anything captivating to buy. Oh yeah, my mom & sis took a pic with a policeman. By the way, I think I haven't mention that Hong Kong people who are in their mid age and above can be quite snobbish. For instance, when my dad wanted to ask what's the price of the shirt the stall keeper replied back "Don't you see I am busy chatting with my friend here, don't you have any manners" and he keeps making "noise" by then we had already walked off. Went to a random shop to have dinner. Had congee, which is porridge, quite watery it is and it doesn't taste good. Ordered vegetables which was pretty big of the size of the vege and one fried oyster. Which was also quite big in amount. Somehow manage to finish it, that time my stomach still wasn't that well. When the bill came, the waiter said, 320 HK dollars. For awhile we were like- What?! in disbelief of the amount. Then the waiter calculated and so on. That time we knew we where taken for a ride since we are tourists and they charge us tourist price. RM 120 for just 4 bowls of fish porridge where there's more water in it rather than porridge, back home here we can have a feast on that. Can't do much about it, just paid the amount and went off.

After that on the way back, dropped by yet again to Ladies Street. Apparently wanted to buy some T-shirts there where the price is much cheaper. Which they bought afterall. After buying, took the train and headed back to the hotel. Thinking it was a relief to have finally have a rest and again they detoured to have supper. Ok, not that bad after all... After supper then only we get to go back to the hotel. King Yu lead us back to the hotel and after that went back to his home. And that wad Day 3. How about day 4? Well, almost towards the end of the trip, what more could happen?

Hong Kong Trip- Day 2

Guess I rephrase my statement on previous post which states "shopping is not my cup of tea" since I'll be endangered of not being able to go overseas. So it'll be re-phrased to- I prefer going to some museums, visiting the mall, perhaps watching movie. Right... At least this won't quite get me into trouble. And now back on the 2nd day in HK...

Day 2 (4th Dec)- Hong Kong Disneyland.

It was about 8am something when the room phone rings..... It was my dad, making his morning call to wake us up. My sis went to brush her teeth etc while I still semi-slept on, then my turn to clean myself up then went downstairs to the lobby, went outside to the cold morning, oh yeah I forgot to say that the hotel we stayed in is at Tsing Yi, and it's near the harbour where heaps and heaps of crates can be seen, and those big large crate ships on the bayside. Not leaving those huge cranes to transport those crates. It's like 24 hours the harbour is working non-stop. Anyway went to scout around for breakfast which ended up going to 7-eleven at a shopping plaza nearby the hotel to buy bread. Didn't know there was "Twisties" there but it's called another name. After that went back to the hotel lobby to wait for the bus ride to Disneyland Hong Kong. And I can say I'm one of the many blessed ones who can go Disneyland twice. One in the U.S. the other in HK. Wonderful.....

Arrived at Disneyland at about 10.30am or so. The weather was cold, at least not the freezing type of cold which is a good thing cause if it's freezing cold I would be trying to go indoors rather than outdoors. And so went to the gates, went in, took photos of Mickey's face which was made out of different flowers then proceeded on to the inside. Inside, as comparing to the previous Disneyland I went to, it looks much the same. I'd say very the same. I think they used the same painters, contractors to build the place. Found few Disney characters and people lining up to take photos with them. Well, I did not go to take photos with them but took photos of them. As not so keen to take photos with those characters. No sight of Donald Duck though. A band of musicians paraded through, playing Christmas carols since it's near to the Christmas season. They played wonderfully. I think they're not local, and they may be Filipinos as they don't look Chinese to me. First ride of the day is uhm... Wait, let me think.... Erm.... It's Jungle River Cruise. Yeah... That ride. It was a ride where it takes you pass the jungle to various sort of things etc. Lastly the finale before reaching the jetty, awesome pyro-techniques display of fire billowing from artificial caves, out from the river, with smoke. Cool indeed....

After that went to watch a live performance which is the "Festival of Lion King" which is about the summary of the Lion King, Simba's life. More like a 30 min summary of the cartoon. This time, through live performance. Stepped into the theater which can seat about 200 people or so. Not knowing how the show will be like, awaited with anticipation. Show started, various characters came out, very good lightings, the stare evolved and to a technical perception. From an innocent looking flat surface (for those who haven't watch it before) it became a stage itself, mechanically rising up. Middle of it there's a hole but it's covered. To certain part of the scene, there will be one actor coming up from it. Which means there's an underground room or something. Then nice, short acrobatic stunt and it's live singing as well... An effort well put out as everyone in the cast sang wonderfully and danced with high spirits... I mean with the energy. I'm awed... And expected to see more of other stage shows later.

Had various rides, went Space Mountain and other rides. Space Mountain is a roller coaster ride which sends you to a space like atmosphere at with sudden bends and dives, it's an exhilarating ride. After that ride I felt a little bit nausea but went for a 2nd time cause have to accompany my sis. I wonder why I'm easily down to being nausea with those extreme rides lately which did not occur often. Went for other stage shows which was equally exciting as the previous one. One show as it may be called as is an interactive session with Stich. Not the guy in the suit Stich but the cartoon Stich. Still a mystery, Stich communicated with the audience. Live on the screen, no delayed telecast or anything, Stich just interacted with the audience and ask some of the audience where are they from, had still picture of them. One of it that states that one of the audience was an escape "prisoner". Not bad technology. Applause to the wonderful creativity of it.

Not leaving the hype of it all which is the fireworks display. It's beyond description. No words can describe it. It's beyond wonderful and splendid. What else can I say? The fireworks just "danced" along the music. Which plays the various Disney theme song from the various Disney animation movies such as the song like "A whole new world, Be our guest" and so on. Video clips about it can be watched at my picture, video album: http://joeltheyap.multiply.com/

After that took the train to a station not far away from Disneyland entrance, to a train station whereby met someone for dinner. Ate noodles, and for no reason my stomach wasn't that well and that's the starting point of it throughout the stay in HK my stomach just feels weird. After that took the cab back to the hotel which is about 11pm plus and off to bath and sleep. And that was the 2nd day. Interesting eh? Wait till I finish the post about the 3rd day.

Hong Kong Trip- Day 1

Phew... I'm sure I'm glad to be back to KL. Cause it was certainly quite a tiring trip to both Hong Kong and S'pore. Loads, and loads of walking. Believe it or not, I dare say I walk for about 12 hours, in just a day to places, taking mainly train or bus. Shopping isn't my cup of tea, so I just got to follow along and just look around. To make things easy, guess I'll just type out day by day of the happenings & places that I went to. And not leaving pictures... Which can give you all a better idea of what I'm talking. ^^

Day 1 (3rd Dec): From KL to S'pore; S'pore to HK.

Departed my house at about 1.30pm and head to KLIA by car. Sis Charissa fetched us there. On the way for my first time, saw an accident and the motorcyclist was covered with a black plastic bag= died. Anyway, headed to the airport, reached, check in the luggage, walk around KLIA to kill time since there's still time left before boarding and approx 5.30pm or so boarded flight SQ 0113, heading to S'pore. After 45 mins, arrived S'pore to transit to flight SQ 870 to Hong Kong which is at 7pm. Boarded the airplane and it took about 3 hours 15 mins to reach HK airport. Although it seemed like a long journey but then sitting S'pore airlines is a good thing as there's games to play, like Nintendo style games, movies and not leaving the yummy, goody-licious food they serve.

Super good. I chose the international selection and I had smoked salmon with potato salad, panfried chicken in some nice sauce, cornetto ice cream. Simply a good, nice menu to choose from. Gosh, I do hope I can sit on S'pore airlines more often if I'm travelling abroad. Haha. So reached HK about night time, 10pm plus, got a cab to the hotel. Oh, about the taxi fare in HK, it starts off with 15 HK dollars and tops up 1.40 dollars every 45 secs or so and by the time we reached the hotel, total amount of the fare was 184.46 dollars. That amounts to about RM92. Geez... That's expensive. Checked into the hotel, and the most surprising thing is that the room was super small. If a big dude where to stay in that hotel, I guess he would have some big moving around the room issues. Had a bath then went to bed. So that's the first day. Pictures below shows the plane I was on, the journey to S'pore & to HK, the food I ate and the beautiful scenary on mid-air while to HK. And the tiny room I shared with my sis at the hotel in HK.

More updates coming your way in the next few days. Stay tuned folks.

Back, Home.

Yeapz..... I'm finally back from Hong Kong & also S'pore. Though I did say I'm going to HK but then there was a slight diversion. Which ended up going to S'pore and then took a bus back to KL. Guess it was my first time sitting a bus express back to KL from S'pore. Overall the trip was so-so. Heaps of walking to do, taking public transport mainly besides the cab.

Which means that you all just stay tuned and wait for my post about my trip to Hong Kong... And also S'pore. For sure it would be a long post I'd say.

Jingle Dingle Bingle.

Oh yeah... It's the time of the season again. Yeapz, you got it right. Christmas is here again. And that marks the ending of the year and welcome to the coming new year. I can see shops, shopping complexes setting up their Christmas tree around end of November. And so far I still haven't set up my Christmas tree as yet. Heh. But anyway, seems that everyone are In the mood for Christmas and enjoy that time when everyone can be with their friends and family, either exchanging gifts or having a good meal together, well... Too bad Malaysia don't have winter, or it would be a splendid one indeed.

Not leaving the marvellous food that are going to be eaten. Mouth watering indeed. Can't wait to have turkey (if there is) or any other yummy, delicious food. Haha. Guess the shopping buzz is going to start anytime soon. And for sure all the malls would be stuffed packed with people. If there's sale, I think I'd rather be at home rather than to spend hour finding a parking, an hour lining for the cashier when buying things.

What else? For sure there would be Christmas activities like caroling, gift exchange etc. Busy year end for me since my Church for the first time is going to have a musical. A big scale one. As compared to overseas like the U.S. When I was there I dare to admit it was kinda bored there. All the people there is like *poof* not raptured but are at home spending time with their families. Not much activities going on. No huge crowds in malls. Everyone is just relaxing in the living room enjoying the presence of each other. As compared back here in KL, is way different thing altogether. There's a lot of "action" here as compared to overseas. Lolz...

So I'm going off for a 5-day vacation to Hong Kong with my family starting from 3rd Dec till the 7th Dec. It was about 17 years ago since I last went there. Hmm.... Guess there's much to see in such few days. Oh well, at least I can go, won't grunt on that. So just watch out for updates about the Hong Kong Trip. That all for now..... Cheers people.

JoeltheYap note: I personally invite you (yes, yes anyone's who's reading this) to come for the Christmas Musical entitled "Christmas is Forever". It's going to be held on the 23rd of Dec 2007, at PGRM- 5pm. Hope you would be there!! ^^

Cheverolet Captiva Car Launch.

Finally what I have been busy for the past week have finally come to an end. Which is today: 27th November 2007. After calling a hundred plus people in a single say or so to ask whether they're coming for this event or not is not a fun job to do. Because as common as Malaysians can be with the "Malaysia Boleh" spirit, they can take a super long time to reply you whether they can attend the event or not. Which is not a good thing at all. As repeated calls to that same company or person, if that company's receptionist doesn't get fed up, I think I do get fed up calling them than they get fed up receiving my calls. Anyway, the event I was at is the new Chevrolet Captiva Car Launch. A SUV, 7 seater car. And I got to wear coat for this event, and that is my first time to wear a coat aka jacket.

So there was the morning part where the car launch was attended by the members of the media. And I get to see for myself a real car launch with my very own eyes and to feel the feeling, the atmosphere of the loud music and excitement of the new SUV car launch. With those fascinating lighting, video presentations. As below you can see those pictures I took.

And so there was also the night session where special guests where invited. International buffet was served. So I got to have nice sushi & sashimi, raw oyster. Though I thought it was like finger food as there wasn't any big plates to be seen except the small plates, I just had a few round of savouring the food. The programme was the same as the morning's one. People giving speech, those lighting technique on the launch of the car etc. It was great indeed. Both the car & food. Saw local celebs like Reshmonu & Hannah Tan, though morning had brunch, the night one can be said is a little bit more wilder than the morning. As all lights are so dim that I can't even see what food am I taking.

I have to say since I started my internship in the current company I'm in, I think my lifespan has cut short a few years cause I've been exposed to more smokers than my entire lifetime. Ratio can be 1:3 are smokers. When I was at today's event, mostly I see people puffing away. Gosh. I think the tax on tobacco has no effect at all. Well, guess at least for the next days I won't be that busy calling people up. And won't need to stay back in office till late at night. So yesterday I broke my record which is leaving office at 11.40pm. Phew......