My first solo trip.

Not exactly.

Though I yearned for it, but I know I wouldn't be enjoying myself alone somewhere, out there. I would have preferred to take meimei with me, as girl is so much more a better companion, but ideally, I would like to bring one child at a time for a trip somewhere.

For our very first venture, didi came along with me, as meimei had to stay on here for a team competition. I got 2 tickets to visit my friend in HK, and eventually persuaded another of my good friend to go with us. So, not exactly a 1:1 trip either.

The flights seemed to be the only time both of us spent time together. I refused to do any other things beside talking to him and even though I was tired and wanted to steal some shuteye, I entertained his every questions and when it wasn't forthcoming, I tried to engage him in some other topics or some little games. It was a very enlightening time for me indeed. But on the flight back home, I was way too exhausted and just wanted to sleep, so it was entirely the opposite.

The trip was just too short, only 3 full days we had and we spent them in Sai Kung pier, Wetlands Park and Disneyland, in that order.

The boys all had fun, but HL's son, Ian was not feeling so well but still a very well behaved child, we would say in that circumstances. However, his age is way too small compared to the other 3 (didi, William and Vincent), hence it was quite a gap there. I would have loved to see didi being more compassionate and tolerant to younger kids, but unfortunately, he's really not. Sigh! Is there a way to teach that value to someone who's not? Sometimes I just wish I have a magic wand.

This had also been a great time spending it with my good buddies, Hui Ling and Mun Yee. We were just reminiscing the 3 of us spending a good 1 year together as roommates. Ahh, if Jen Mei had been with us, it was totally a reunion of us 4. We missed her!

Spending a weekend at HK.

I requested to drop by at HK to visit my good buddy, Mun Yee *hi* and my obliged hub granted my wish. That's also because he checked all the airlines and find out the fees were all almost the same.

But as our elope plans was made rather last minute, many hotels in HK were fully booked. If there were any vacancies, the rate was bloody sky high. Lucky MY let us use her place for us to bunk in. That's what good friends are for - to be made use of. *grin*

The flight was so unusually peaceful for me - no whines, no mommy mommy, no fights, no toilet runs. I was practically enjoying myself walking at KLIA, eating at the lounge, making my way leisurely to the gate, sauntering to the nice plane, browsing its catalogue, watching movie... oh, talking about movies. I chose "Charlie St Cloud" while hub watched "Going the distance". Here me, sad all over while hub was laughing his head off silly. Wrong choice! Must remember next time choose a happy happy movie to watch. Dang!

My tummy was giving me some problems halfway through though and my head seemed to be spinning slightly. I had no appetite to down the food served on board, and quickly swallowed 2 pills of panadol. By the time we arrived, I was feeling much better.

Weather was just perfect! I love it the moment I stepped out into HK air. We could easily locate the bus my friend told me to take and in no time, we were on the way to her place. She was there waiting for us with her hub. It felt so nice to see her again.

We went to have some food and my appetite was back again. Yum yum! The beginning was just about to be so good. I was sure I would easily gain some weight these weeks but I wanted to eat as well! Don't care! Eat first, diet later. The food was really good.

We knocked out at about 1am that day. And awakened by about 8am.

MY took us to have dimsum for breakfast, another nice episode of delicious food. I was just enjoying myself eating and eating. And of course, chatting with her. After dimsum, we walked around the mall, sourcing for some CNY food for my mil, and then back to her home.

In the afternoon, we headed to Sai Kung, after another hearty teatime at one of the eateries around. Sai Kung has many little islets nearby and we took a ferry ride to one of them.
On the way, I felt my tummy acting up again and I was getting worried something wrong is broiling. When I reached there, I went to the toilets straight away and tried to push some poo out. But the cool weather was chilling my ass and I just couldn't do it! It was so frustrating. What got out was just some gas. But it was enough to pacify my tummy for the moment, and I thought, what the heck, que sera sera.

We walked around in a leisure pace, checking the beach out, taking pictures, just chilling away. And caught the last boat at 5pm to take us back to the pier.

Polo bun, anyone?

You can tell I was holding some "tension" in that time.

At the pier, sights of the fish market enthralled me! It was so colorful, lively, different, and noisy! I was drinking in the sights and just enjoyed myself snapping lots of photos. It is a very interesting setting for photographers and visitors indeed. I just love that place! I had to thank my friend for bringing us there. It was just the kind of uniqueness of locals and cultures I like to see.
As the sun was setting in, we walked to the Seafood Food Street and looked at each eateries there. It was very competitive, as we walked along, everyone of them was cajoling us to step in and sit down at their tables. By the time we were at the near end, we thought it would be very late, but surprised to find the time, was only about 6+. Winter seasons, night comes real early. Don't I know that already? But just can't help forgetting about that fact.

We had a very hearty delicious dinner package of abalone, scallop, crab, lailiew prawns, lobsters and a fish which was a treat by MY's younger son. He's such a sweet guy, generously agreed to spend 100 bucks from his savings to belanja us. *smile* and.. *BURP* Dinner was AWESOME!

We came back home to retire for the night, taking turns to take our shower and sorting out our luggage to prepare for early departure to the airport again.

But that night, my tummy was piercing me with a sharp pain and I knew I had to really pass some poo. I remembered it had been a few days since the last time and the tummy can't take it anymore. I spent hours inside the loo while others were asleep, until about 2 am, I think. It was really bad. My tummy was still very in pain even though I feel that there was nothing I could push out anymore. I hugged my knees and forced myself to sleep after that. Eventually I did, I think I was too exhausted already.

Had to wake up by 6.30 to get ready for the airport and I was feeling much better. On the way in the bus, the pain seemed to return on and off, bit by bit. I could still hold it in and later, felt recovered completely after having some McD for breakfast. *whew* What a scary episode for me!

And it was another destination to look forward to!

Part of the crowd in Ocean Park

This would be mostly a post of pictures. On our last day of our HK trip, we went to Ocean Park, with my pal, MY, who has beaten to me in blogging about it here.

We tried to be early, in anticipation of a huge crowd, to get to the rides before the queue starts picking up, but it was of no use. Everywhere we went, the waiting times were easily between 45 to 1 hour long. Sigh.. OP has become too popular for an easy leisure theme park enjoyment.

Dora the explorer, with map and backpack!

The first ride for korkor. I lost the guts to ride with him.

The 2nd ride for him while meimei and didi were getting bored
"When are we going to have some fun?"

"Whoosh!! Down we go!"

When we met up, the boys clicked together like magnets, and it was a lot more merrier together. Off we went to Pacific Pier to watch sea lions and seals, which by now I still haven't been able to differentiate yet. Don't both look the same?

Eww.. I thought it looked like a big giant leech!

The Q to this attraction was damn long when I was here the first time, and it's still the same this time. Almost an hour's queue, I think.

A very good view when at the top.

This set of Jaws teeth gained much interest among the visitors there. We had to q up to be "eaten" by the shark. But meimei was pouting because I didn't let her to disrupt others while they took their picture, while the both boys were, as always, not cooperative. Sigh!

While korkor was having all the fun going for all the rides, both of these younger ones have to be satisfied with walking around aimlessly with me.

Can't even get the biggest prize for us, what la!

When he was finally allowed into this ride, he ran in, took off his glasses, took off his shoes, put them aside and ran to find a vacant seat. He was the only one to take off the shoes, btw, and I giggled to see him doing that. I was telling MY lucky he didn't start taking off his clothes and pants as well..

Rushing off to be in time for the dolphin show, and that was the crowd by then. It was like a current in a river, you can't stop when you are walking among the crowd there, else you would be trampled all over. Didn't look so good, huh?

We found some seats, though not with the best view. I haven't watched the dolphins performance before, as the last time I been there, it was closed for renovation. I admit this is one of the 2 attractions I was looking forward to in OP. The other being the cable car ride.

The show was so-so, everyone just got excited with exclamations of "Oohs.." when the dolphins jump out from the water, and that was about the only thing which was interesting in the whole show.

It was really too sad for me that the Q for the cable car was miles long, that we had to forget about it and take the other option, via bus ride. My heart weeped as I was just longing so much to see the magnificient view from the cable car again. Damn those people!


We reached the other side in no time and feeling hungry, bought some hot dogs to eat. It was about to get dark too, and we saw some performances, had a go at the children's park, and lastly the koala bear sanctuary.

Meimei's first thrill ride.

We finally step out from OP when it was about to close, and off for dinner back at Mongkok. As it's the last day of our HK tour, banker wouldn't "die heart" to get his hands on his pair of sports shoes, and walked around to buy those shoes. One pair for him, one pair for me. Though I'm not quite sure how many times I use those shoes actually. We reached back at the hotel abt 11pm that night, and we had yet to pack our bags. That was because we had to go off early in the morning the next day for our return flight.

So, overall, it was a pleasant trip, although too exhaustive from the endless walking and entertaining the children's fuss.

Shopping and the Peak.

After the strenuous walking for the past 2 days, we decided to take it easy for our 3rd day in HK, doing things where we feel like it, going places where we feel like it. Hence, no more alarm were set, just wake up when our "battery" is recharged fully by itself.

We had dimsum just across the hotel, and lucky banker observed that the price would be almost 50% charged more after 11.30pm. Thus, we quickly gobbled down the food, which was quite good, I would say, but don't trust my food review much, as I am not a very fussy eater.

We set off to a shopping spree by about noon time and browsed round Mong Kok for shoes and things that catch our eyes. Banker was harping to get a good bargain on a pair of sports shoes, while anything glittering would make my eyes glitter. But sigh.. too bad, no such luck. Banker turned a blind eye to my hints, in fact both eyes.

Models for G i o r. They sat there for so long until someone came and took their picture.
What the heck!

Meanwhile, since I need to keep an eye on those 5 kids, I browsed around the streets and have fun with my camera.

Such pinch-able cheeks look cute only at this age, agree?

I like the reflection on the mirror, don't you?

We then proceeded from the MTR to another for boarding the bus to go to the Peak. On the way, we saw this exhibition hall for HKSE. Naturally, that got these 2 men's enthusiasm, but they were already closed at that hour. We just took picture outside.

Found the bus station and Q-ed up. These 2 youngest just never stop having fun even at the bus stop. With the poles, it's gymnasium time!

The bus arrived pretty soon, and we soon were on the narrow and steep road up to the Peak. Quite a good experience, I would say. And we reached the place shortly.

The Peak has many special memorable times for me actually. Now, I would rewind the time back a bit and story you why. Don't yawn so much hoh?

Once upon a time, in about 199x, before marriage, but engaged (I think!), banker and I came to HK for a holiday. And surely we came up here to admire the much-famous HK night scenery from the top. At that time, as we walked hand in hand, with nothing to do (as what paktor usually is), we saw a machine which can tell how our our offspring look like just by taking our pictures. So, we fed 4 coins into the machine, sat there individually and had our picture taken like a prisoner taking our number, and lo and behold, came the picture of a handsome little boy with a cap.

And looking at that picture, we decided to tie the knot and produce our offspring! hihi.. You believe in my story not?
Later, after n years, wedding over, and I got preggie soon after too. Banker got an offer to work in Taiwan, and boy! we missed each other so much, there wasn't a day we didn't chat on the phone (that's because he curi-curi use the office phone!)

We reunited for the time being for cny, about 2 months or so he went to work. After it came and gone, about 2 months later, his working permit wasn't ready, and he needed to have a visa run, closest is to HK, while me, flew over to meet him up for a weekend. Aww.. how romantic that rendezvous was.

I was very happy to see him on that Friday night when he arrived later after work, and we spent 2 days together. Oh, how we missed each other that time. And I liked how he would touch my big tummy to feel the movement of the baby, like he missed seeing his growth too.

We just hang around in HK aimlessly, going to Stanley Park and the Peak (again!). I remember there was a time we rode on the bus, and my hand in his. He said when the baby is here, we wouldn't be holding hands anymore, instead would be the hand of the kid. To which I replied, cannot like that.. let him sit over there la..

(Haiyah.. now also not holding hands anymore, have 3 little hands, how la?)

ok ok, not to worry, no more boring story.

I'm not even sure if the kids realize how lucky they are to be able to see the HK night view at this age. Go to Genting and see KL nightview, maybe they would be equally feeling the same thing.

And didi was terrified of standing where meimei is sitting on, terrified of falling and swallowed by HK's high rise buildings. We tried to take a family picture with that view as background, but it didn't turn up nice at all. What a pity. Sigh..



And we came back down by cable car and walked to Central MTR, back to Mong Kok and had ramen for dinner, which was very delicious. Walked back to the hotel again, which was not very nearby, mind you, and I am truly amazed that the kids managed to do that. Another late night for all of us.

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, finally!

Finally Disneyland!

OK, I must admit, I wished to go to Disneyland for a looooonnnng time now. Not really HK's or Japan's, but the original one at US. Heard that Florida's Disneyland is the best, but let's settle for the nearest affordable one at this moment of time. No choice lor, if buy 5 tix to Florida, need to save more duit first for all to go.

I was so excited that the night before, I wasn't sleeping well. Disneyland wor.. finally my dream coming true. Well, though to some, it may be "cheh! Disneyland only mah.. what's the big deal?", to me, it's a different sentiment as I am a M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E fansee since young.

We thought it would be better to go during the weekday to avoid the crowd. And to start our fantasyland journey and also to get our money's worth, we wanted to be among the first to enter when they open the doors right until the night time after fireworks is over.

Hence, we set the alarm at 7am and to meet up with our friend (who went along from KL too, with his family) at 7.30am for breakfast. We were late (as usual) and hurriedly filled our tummies, just in time to hop onto the hotel's shuttle service to the nearest MTR station.

Disneyland is approachable by MTR, but we need to change trains twice. The last leg of the journey's train is everything Disney. Surely a good start to a happy mood.

And we arrived in no time.

Outside the station. Start to walk to Disney's entrance.

Ahhh.. see it finally.. I feel the excitement building. (What's so exciting anyway)

To set the record straight, we actually have 5 children, not 3, as always been misunderstood. Holy cow! No, please! I'll not be able to handle the stress. Banker definitely would pengsan.

He tagged along at the back of the group with me. So, ended up taking his pictures very often.

The kids don't looked too excited, do they? What's wrong? Harlo!! We are at Disneyland la wei.. must show some eagerness la..

Ah.. we see the entrance finally.

At the ticketing counter. Both guys seen heavily negotiating with the cashier, while the 2 ladies stroll around, browsed around, taking pictures around.. It's nice to be in our shoes, isn't it?

And we thought the doors were already opened! Hell, no! It was the queue to wait for the opening time at 10, and it was only 9.30am. We were misinformed that it opens at 9. Apparently only the ticketing opens at 9. While Q-ing up, we wondered if the tumblers of water, packs of buns were allowed in. It says no outside food is allowed apparently.

Banker went to inquire and came back telling us "Deng-tit-lei, only water in can or bottle is not allowed, food for the children is allowed too". *whew*. Nevertheless, my heart was still thumping as we got near to the "immigration", worried that all the buns we tucked inside the backpacks will be confiscated. Really can only sigh with relief when we were allowed through.

I like what it says up there as we enter the "tunnel" to the inside of Disneyland.

On the Main Street, saw the antique bus.

And we q-ed up to take pictures with Mickey and Minnie. Darn! The Q was so long, it took almost an hour to reach them. And when we did, darn! those 2 younger ones were terrified of them! We had to drag them in to take this picture. I love how "hiao" Minnie Mouse poses, I was trying to follow suit, but heck, meimei didn't want to get down on her feet. Aiseh, man! Didn't we prepare them well enough before coming, with all those Disney channels?? All the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse half hour slots all wasted. Made a mental note to cancel the subscription when we go back to KL.
And off we go to Tomorrow Land first, passing by the Main Street. (Unker.. get out of our way, we are trying to take picture here la..)

This part is where all the fun rides are. When we were Q-ing up at the entrance, we had browsed through the map and guide and knew exactly where and what we should heading to. First, the ride, which was nothing spectacular. Then another where meimei didn't fulfill the minimum height requirement and I stayed back to take care of her. Didi came out from that ride terrified.

And we headed to Journey to the Future, and Q for another hour again. Sigh!

But it was totally a disappointment. Nothing exciting also! Cheh!

After which, we went in to Stitch Encounter, where it was an interactive session with Stitch. It was funny and enlightening as Stitch on the big screen interacts with the audience, with his humor and wits. Quite a nice experience, I must say. Comparatively, I think it definitely is more entertaining than the first 2 rides we had.

We went to FantasyLand and had our lunch of buns, ta-pao from the hotel. Clever, right? We knew the food there would be expensive. Oh, I really do love Disneyland as it provides free drinking water and washrooms are abundant everywhere. No need to Q-up. I think it's very thoughtful of them to have washrooms all over the place as undoubtedly Disneyland would be the place for children and children just want to pee almost every 10 mins or so.

We heard the music somewhere and rushed over to watch High School Musical, showing twice each day only.
And I sportingly went on "stage" to dance with them. This is called the boobs-grabbing dance steps which explains clearly why I was so sporting enough.

After it was over, we headed to AdventureLand for the next show "Festival of the Lion King".

At first, it was rather boring, but come to this part, everyone went "ooh..."& aah...", Have a look at the video yourself. I was impressed, totally.

In one of those souvenir stores. Just wear it and take picture only, hoh? Now put that back nicely on the shelf, we have the picture taken as souvenir liao. :D

Next up we went up the "rakit" to explore Tarzan's treehouse on the island. Everything was so neat and pretty, it didn't fail to impress me with all the little minor details.

View from the treehouse. The pier we saw there is the boat's pier for a "4d/3n" boat tour around Tarzan's treehouse.


And we scurried off to watch the Disney on Parade. It was so so crowded, we didn't manage to be there early to get a good spot and a good view. Have to settle for anything. The parade was really lively and the colors were so beautiful. Everything was just perfect to me. I was totally awed.

There, on the "4d/3n" boat trip. Haha.. it was just a joke from the funny "striper". Initially, we took the "English tour" but the boatman seemed to come from Bangcock, really couldn't decipher a word he said. They should have hired someone trained by the femes Goolyahbu from Bangcock la. So, we went on another round, on the "cantonese tour". That fler was really funny, I was really entertained.

After that boat trip, we leisurely walked around, and reached the FantasyLand again.

Korkor holding up the map to show the areas we covered so far.


We then took the train ride around. It was so boring, trust me, it's not worth the time, so skip that when you are there next time.

Just looking at trees most of the time, as you can see.

Getting almost dark by now, we went on the Jumbo Ride, something similar to what we have in Genting la, so don't bother. Only good enough for the kids, then again, if you can have that in Genting, why bother, right? We headed to Winnie the Pooh's hunny pot ride, and I tell ya, the scenes in there were soooo pretty, if I have the time, I would definitely want to have another round of it again.

After which, we went for the 3D experience. I would have guessed it's something like the one we had in Genting, but how wrong I was. Definitely incomparable. It was such an amazing experience, the colors, the liveliness, the really-three-dimensional scenes, I enjoyed myself so much that again, if I have the time, I would like for another dose of it. But we were rushing to be in time for the fireworks display though.

All the people crowding around in front of the Sleeping Beauty castle. It was magical, and the fireworks display was really stunning. Actually to be honest, the fireworks wasn't so stunning, but packaged with Disney songs, behind the castle backdrop, it created a magical time. So little but so much of a difference. All eyes were on nowhere else.


And we were so darn tired, walking in the hot sun for the whole day. Nevertheless, I summarized and thought most time were wasted on non-worthy rides and Q's and missed out on several attractions. What a pity actually. That's the result of poor planning, I suppose. Don't ever make the same mistake we did. Anyhow, I went back to the hotel, exhausted but greatly satisfied with the Disney experience. Should go to the one in US one day, never mind if I am old or limping by then.