3 continents in 3 week - F adventure

[love_the_life]

The Christmas decorations were just up when we were there in mid November and I think every person in HKG wanted to take a photo of them. We could see the Heritage 1881 ones from our hotel window.

 

[mmchow]

Always enjoy our pilgrimages to Stanley, usually on a N0.6A from Central - will have to try the Causeway Bay option next time, although I guess it probably also goes through the tunnel. A good lunch along the beach front, and a wander through the markets makes for a very pleasant outing. The market seems a bit more up-market these days though.

I really enjoy the double decker bus trip to Stanley too. And the markets.

Can't recall if the mini bus went through the tunnel but only difference is double decker and a small ini bus. Indeed true on the up-market stalls. Lots of tourist when I was there.

 

[mmchow]

The Christmas decorations were just up when we were there in mid November and I think every person in HKG wanted to take a photo of them. We could see the Heritage 1881 ones from our hotel window.

It was packed, day in and out with tourist taking photos.

 

[mmchow]

Ladies Market in Mong Kok is a must visit place.
The salesman trying his very best selling pot scrubber. Good charisma and the crowds love him

What I like about this place is the things you can buy here
Samurai sword umbrella

Translated signage - priceless

Scrap or to some, treasure

Managed to grab myself an egg waffle - all time favourite of mine

 

[amaroo]

Dinner was at Mak's Noodle. Ordered wonton noodle soup and it came with 4 wontons (hidden beneath the noodle)
View attachment 86177

Thought I recognised those noodles. We were taken there on a food tour - very nice!

http://www.australianfrequentflyer....ictorial-celebration-63232-2.html#post1124995

 

[mmchow]

Thought I recognised those noodles. We were taken there on a food tour - very nice!

http://www.australianfrequentflyer....ictorial-celebration-63232-2.html#post1124995

Indeed. Love it 6 years ago and they've kept the quality till today. The Masterchef at work

 

[mmchow]

Headed back to the hotel for a quick change and checked out the Platinum lounge - forgotten to take pictures. Food spread was decent; two hot selections and a few cold items i.e. sandwiches, fruits and dips. Drinks on offer includes spirits, wines and beer.
After a few nibbles and drinks, we went to Ozone Bar in Ritz Carlton. First, you'll have to take a lift from the lobby to level 103 and then a dedicated lift to level 118 - they never make it easy do they. Drinks here are not cheap - theatrical hence the hefty price tag

Love the decor

The view from the bar is really good

We stayed on for the symphony of lights but couldn't see much at all.

 

[mmchow]

Next morning, we took the 8:30am Turbojet to Macau. The ferry seating is allocated as you check in. The seat was comfortable with ample legroom for the 1hr++ ride. We bought a Macau sim card in the ferry terminal (some HK sim card do not work in Macau) to navigate ourselves around. Later found out that 3 covers both HK and Macau.

We arrived into Macau (Outer Harbour) terminal and instead of taking one of the shuttle buses to the casino/ hotels, we opted to travel by foot. First stop, Ruins of St Paul (2.8km away). We stopped by Dr Sun-Yet Sun Memorial House (coincidence as it was along the way)

The main foyer

One of the sitting area

Some back street along near the cemetery (Cappella de S. Miguel Arcanjo)

And we arrived at the destination and it was crowded as expected

 

[mmchow]

Another shot from the bottom of the stairs

Colourful shop lots with the background of St Paul

We had a pork bun from Tai Lei Loi Kei (one of the famous pork chop bun in Macau) for morning tea. A little oily but tasty - tender pork chop one a crispy bun.

When in the area, Koi Kei Bakery is a must visit to sample the savoury and sweet treats.
Handmade almond biscuit

As we were walking down the street (no more than 50m), we saw 4 Koi Kei bakery shops within close proximity (business must be great).

 

[mmchow]

Monte fort for the view of the surrounding area (old Macau)

and the view of Grand Lisboa Casino

Senado square is only 600m away from St Paul.

A historic building built in 1569 - the Holy House of Mercy

I knew there is a good wonton noodle restaurant (Wong Chi Kei) around and seeing that much queue, this must be the place.

wonton noodle with Shrimp Roe - the noodle was good and had a very strong shrimp flavour
deep fried shrimp dumpling - the dumpling skin was so soft and the filling is juicy and delicious

 

[mmchow]

Next stop was Rua Do Cunha, located in Taipa. We caught bus #11 from Senado Square to Taipa.
Another food heaven

An alleyway along the main road

Galaxy Macau from the pedestrian walkway to Venetian

They are building the light rapid transit, connecting the main casinos to one another and to the ferry terminals and airport.
Inside the Venetian - The Grand Canal in Sands Shoppes. Lots of tourist

 

[mmchow]

Christmas decoration in the middle of the casino hall

So much gold in the lobby of the hotel

View outside of the Venetian

Crown, Hard Rock and T Galleria by DFS

Enough of walking, we headed to St Regis Astor Bar for a drink (about time). Ordered the St Regis Mary - a DIY Maria Do Leste where you add the spices and vodka to your taste.

Found this to be very interesting. The Mary comes with a portugese egg tart and a skewer of salami. Nibbles was also served with the drinks.

 

[mmchow]

We finished off our trip in Macau with a show - The House of Dancing Water in City of Dreams. The water show was spectacular, with over 80 gymnasts, circus artists, dancers, divers, actors and motorcyclists featured in the show. Highly recommended.





We took the free shuttle from City of Dreams to Taipa ferry terminal. We bought the 11pm ticket but since we were there early, we caught the earlier ferry service back to Hong Kong.

 

[mmchow]

The breakfast at the hotel was good - a wide variety of selections.
Lots of tables around

Fresh fruit corner

Salad

Variety of breads

Buffet selections of the usual

 

[mmchow]

Noodles cooked to order

Fried selection of spring rolls, fried turnip cake and pan fried dumplings

Congee with all the toppings

Egg station

Waffles/ French toast and condiments

Couldn't fault the service and the food selections. As a Platinum member, breakfast is included which was a bonus.

 

[mmchow]

After breakfast, we wanted to check out a fishing village in Hong Kong so we decided to check out Tai O, a community of fisher fold who built their houses on stilts. We took a train to Tung Chung station and from there, bus 11 to Tai O. The journey took approximately 50 minutes.

Fishery is the main source of income for this community - lot of fresh and dried seafood on sale along Tai O market


Dried seafood

A real deal

 

[mmchow]

Saw some starfish too

Can you guess what are these?

We continue our journey into the recreation ground, and came across a stall selling mochi.
This uncle still going strong, making mochi for us

A store selling drinks, run by an elderly couple

I'm sure drinking on the street of Tai O is not illegal

 

[mmchow]

This is what we came here for


There are a lot of boat tours running in Tai O ($20/ person for 30min ride), cruising into the village


and then an opportunity to spot the pink dolphins in the open ocean. Unfortunately, no dolphins were spotted.
On the way out of Tai O, came across this stall selling husband for $25

 

[mmchow]

We then took bus 11 back to Tung Chung and +1 took the train back to Central while I wander around Citigate Outlet.
Met +1 back at the hotel and we went to Lan Kwai Fong for a drink.

We were there for happy hour (their happy hour is unusually long; 3-8pm. Mind you, Macau's happy hour was from 11:30am to 7pm in one of the bar we walk crossed). We found ourselves a table, ordered a beer and just sat there

After drinks, we went to Avenue of Stars for the Symphony of Light show.

Feeling peckish, we went to Temple Street for a wander

and grab some street food before we call it the night.

 

[mmchow]

Last morning in HK, we took the star ferry over to Sheung Wan for breakfast.

Self service - find your own table (sharing)

wash your own cup/ chop stick

and walk to the cart to pick up food


Food was good and +1 enjoyed the experience