China – Hong Kong

Hong Kong, China Day 66 (April 6)

South East Asia Map

We spend the entire day running between the internet café and the travel agent handling our China Visas. We are shocked to find that China visas cost $250, which is a lot more than the $110 they charge from the consulates in the US. We go back and forth about ditching China, and going back to Thailand. We decide to go because Tibet just opened to foreigners, and Vana’s Uncle sourced a very reasonable tour.

Later, we find that Vana is denied by the PRC Visa office. They want to confiscate her old China passport, which we no longer have. This is the last straw, so we buy one way tickets to Manila, in the Philippines, for April 8th.

Hong Kong, China Day 67 (April 7)

We spend today sightseeing in Hong Kong. We take the subway to Hong Kong central, and then take the peak tram for city views. Afterwards, we ride the mid-level elevators around SoHo, before taking the Star Ferry back to Kowloon. The loop involves significant walking, and tires us out good. Again, we are amazed by riding subway, tram, elevators, and ferry in just a few hours.

It’s impossible to get lost in HK. Street signs are everywhere in both English and Chinese

We said HELLO to Jackie Chen

then quickly jumped on the tram to the hill top

City view

Star Ferry back to Kowloon

SOHO

famous market where Jackie Chen did a food tour on Food channel

our hotel district

Cantonese are good at making roasted tasty duck, chicken, goose, pig, you name it. Even KR loves it!

Can’t leave HK with an authentic Dim Sum! Yes, Dim Sum is a famous Cantonese cuisine, not Chinese. A lot of my western friends are confused about Cantonese and Chinese cuisine. I always say, if there is seafood involved, then it’s most likely Cantonese. If there is Kong Bao chicken or Orange chicken on the menu, then it’s an American restaurant.

CLICK HERE to see more Hong Kong pictures.

Hong Kong to Philippines, China Day 68 (April 8)

It turns out that buying one way tickets to Philippines was a bad idea. Their immigration requires proof of your flight out, so we miss our flight while figuring out what to do. Fortunately, the Hong Kong airport has free WIFI internet, and we book flights to Japan.

It takes a lot of time, because finding cost effective flights is complicated without Orbitz. The proof is a lame exercise, because immigration doesn’t check when we land anyways.

We arrive without trouble, pick a hotel from the airport booking service, and stay at Hostel 1632 in the downtown area of Malate in Manila. It’s a business style hotel with function, but no personality. I can touch opposite walls with my hands in the narrow room.