26 May - Day 1 HK - Getting there

Ok, you have seen my handsome pic with Jackie Chan, so now i would fill in the details of our HK trip in my subsequent postings.

For the second time, I made all bookings online without gog to any agent. The return flight tix were bought from SQ (promotion rate of $407 per adult, less tax/fuel). The fantastic inflight entertainment was sth whcih SQ never failed to impress me. Though I dun usually play games on flight, it was sth which I found so useful - the Dora games and programmes helped to draw the daughter's attention and kept her occupied throughtout. Of course, there was also the Dora gift set, and a small toy as well (see what Missus was holding) - tha daughter was defintely much happier compared to the previous Tiger Airways flight to Macau.

while the accommodation at Holiday Inn Golden Mile were reserved with the their website (www.ichotelsgroup.com/). I am a member of their Priority Club - sth like frequent flyer. This time round, we decided to splurge a bit (from the May bonus payoff - thanks to the gahmen for upping the pay for admin svc officers) and stayed at its Executive Floor, which costed HKD360 more per room night which we got complimentary b/f, evening cocktail, use of Executive Lounge, DVD rental and late check-out. It was well worth it, and we were pleased that my parents and the daughter enjoyed the stay.

Anyway, our flight SQ862 departed for HK on 11am, and we arrived shortly before 3pm. After some snacks and noodles at Ajisen (www.ajisen.com.hk), we boarded the MTR Airport Express Line (AEL) train at the arrival hall for Kowloon (www.mtr.com.hk/eng/train/ae_intro.htm). Compared to the usual practice of taking minibuses arranged by travel agents, it was a refreshing change - quick and comfortable. Upon arrival, there was a complimentary shuttle svc which brought up to the hotel.

After a wash-up for the daughter, we roamed around TST and eventually reached Harbour City (www.harbourcity.com.hk) where we had dinner at 鴻星海鮮酒家 (www.superstarrest.com.hk/) - this was the beginning of our culinary journey, where practically we had cantonese cuisines for lunch and dinner - much to the delight of my parents. Of course, credit has to be given to my father for fighting with me to foot the bills 8P, but really the food was excellent, except for the dinner at the hotel restaurant on Day 2.We din have much time to visit all levels of Harbour City which claimed to be the biggest shopping centre at HK. But we did make a pit stop at the Sanrio, and you cun help but be impressed with the number of items they have - much more than the offerings at the miserable shop in United Sq. Missus spent quite a fair bit - all items for the daughter. This was the beginning of her shopping spree.

We went back rather early as the daughter din get much sleep during the flight. Day 2 was the trip to the Peak. Stay tune for more pics.