Hong Kong

Many are no stranger to visiting Hong Kong. A small city/country which was formerly a British colony, now part of the People's Republic of China. Hong Kong is always the place that one must visit at least once in their lifetime. Been here over 35 years ago and now returned to see more of the city today.

Wasn't the greatest of trips but certainly a lovely place for the shopping and great deals! Shopping paradise, both branded and not.

Here is my pictorial view of some parts of Hong Kong.

1. Food is one of the highlights of visiting Hong Kong. Cha chan teng is a popular kind of restaurant for this and you can find in any corner around Hong Kong. Also, Wan Tan Mee is suppose to be popular Hong Kong dish but I found most outlets recommended by others to so-so.. the noodles filled with alkaline taste and not exactly the greatest, except for the huge prawn wan tan.

2. This is a unique curve escalator in one of the shopping mall. The name of the shopping mall escapes me now (do you know? Comment below!). Unique isn't it?

3. For those that seek for durian (especially Musang King) outside of Malaysia or Thailand (why would you even want to do that?!!!), you will be disappointed to find that the prices in Hong Kong is extremely expensive! So save it for another day.

4. When in Rome, do as the R...... You have to experience the Hong Kong Beer :)

5. This is an interesting Indonesian restaurant in Causeway Bay cause it has an interesting name... Say it with me... FOOK KIU! at 15 Ngan Mok Street, Tin Hau.

6. And the famous Hong Kong Disneyland. Been around for a long time. Very crowded and mainly populated with tourists from mainland China - you know what I mean.  Patience is a definitely a virtue here. Fantastic day out. (I like Tokyo Disneyland better!)

8. From Victoria Harbour, with the view of Hong Kong Island. Stay for the famous night music and building lights show, known as A Symphony of Lights. It was awarded the Guinness Book of Records for the world largest permanent light and sound show! Not to be missed and spectacular.

9. Occasionally, you may get to see peaceful street protests. Part of the Hong Kong life. This was some pro-democracy protest along the streets of Causeway Bay.

Unfortunately, there are no pictures of shopping. Why would I be taking pictures when my hands are busy buying stuff?! Lol... You know the drill, branded stores (Christian Louboutin, Louis Vuitton etc) and the street stalls. It's everywhere in Hong Kong and very popular! Enjoy the bargains (note, mid year and year end sales).

Tokyo

Anyone that has been to Tokyo, Japan would agree to the beauty of Tokyo.

Here is is my pictorial story. They say pictures speaks a thousand words. Let the pictures speak to you.

1. Ikspiari Shopping Mall in Urayasu. A nice shopping mall next to the Tokyo Disneyland with lots of Disneyland inspired theme and fun. Must visit to complete the Disneyland experience.

2. Baked Cheese Tarts is the original cheese tarts that create the rave in the country and the region. Still arguable the best around. Note: Don't buy one to try. You'll regret you didn't at least get a box of this!

3. Personally, I liked the Tokyo Disneysea better. A lot more mature content (sort of) and definitely more romantic. The kids absolutely love it too. Which kid doesn't like water? :) 

4. The fireworks at Disneyland and Disneysea is a daily affair. What a show!

5. This toilet paper ensemble is brought to you by one of the world best Ramen noodles shop called Ichiran Ramen. This is in Shibuya. Never run out of  toilet paper again. 

6. Tokyo has many shrines and one of the oldest and most famous one is the Sensō-ji (Buddhist) Temple located in Asakusa neighborhood. Lots of souvenir to buy along the path leading to the temple. You can even rent Japanese traditional clothings for the authentic factor.

7. The Tokyo Skytree located at Oshiage offers 2080 feet tall tower with restaurant and observation deck at the top. It is the 2nd tallest freestanding structure in the world. The sight of the Tokyo Skytree is amazing. Wait till you get to the top. Don't waste time lining up. Go straight to the fast track counter and get to the top immediately. Go sometime around an hour or so before sunset.

8. The 360 view of Tokyo city is amazing. You get to see far. The interesting part is to see how elaborate the Tokyo city is.

9. The sunset very is what everyone come here for. You definitely want to capture this very moment as the sun sets and the city slowly goes dark by section.

 10. The Tokyo Tower is a communication tower. The observation deck is amazing and standing 1092 feet above the ground in Minato. The tower lights up very brightly in the night and can be seen from many spots around the city.

11. One must do at Tsukiji Market is the sushi restaurants. There are a couple of popular ones here. Worth lining up for. The sushi doesn't get any fresher than this. Not forgetting all the street side food too. Come with your stomach empty.

 12. Tokyo is famous for their coffee and one of the best I've ever tried is The Roastery by Nozy Coffee. It is along the Cat Street between Shibuya and Harajuku stations. One cup is not enough. Don't forget to try their desserts too.

13. After some coffee, how about crossing the famous Shibuya Crossing. Great view with another cup of coffee (no where near Roastery's but this will do) from Starbucks there.

14. And while you are in Shibuya, swing by Han No Daidokoro (焼肉バル 韓の台所) at Dogenzaka for some delicious BBQ kobe beef (yakiniku). Try everything. The more marble the beef the better.

15.And then, at the right season, Sakura trees is what you will see all around town.

Hope you enjoy some of the many photos of Tokyo! Certainly a place to visit. Not once, not twice but periodically in your travel plans!