It’s funny how I went to Hong Kong because I had so badly wanted to check out this certain store, only to find it closed on the Sunday I was there. So I ended up strolling through the malls, something which am already tired of doing in Manila.
It was an eye-opener seeing Hong Kong’s precious Filipino domestic helpers camping out in different areas of the city. They laid out their mats on the ground talking, laughing and eating from their prepared lunch boxes. I wished I had stopped to talk to them but I had a ferry to catch and a mission to see as much as I can in a few hours. These cheery ladies were game enough to pose for the camera. They are candidates for Ms. Barkadahan 2007, an OFW beauty pageant – something which Malu Fernandez will not be judging. 
My HK friend Ameia led me to my first taste of Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream. It was yummy!!! Munching on Ben & Jerry’s Chunky Monkey Ice Cream (HKD$27 for a scoop) was the best part of my HK trip. I wonder when they’ll open in Manila?!!
The second best part of the trip was staying in Lan Kwai Fong Hotel, a quaint place with rooms that have very nice touches of Orientalia. It’s right smack in HK’s trendy resto/entertainment district.
Lan Kwai Fong was brimming with gweilos (foreigners) on that Saturday night and the scene in most bars was elbow-to-elbow. The crowd spilled out to the streets and did I see lots of pretty Chinese ladies all dolled up for the great weekend.
Thirsty from the Ben & Jerry’s, we went out to buy water at the local 7-11 and even that was super-crowded. Phewwww!
Lan Kwai Fong is located in or near the mid-levels area and you can tire yourself walking the steep narrow streets. The area though is home to a number of interesting antique shops, art galleries, boutiques and restaurants serving international cuisine, from Argentinian to Nepalese. To explore the area, carrying a map is always advisable or pray yourself lucky that the Chinese you are asking directions to understands your English.
One of the popular places to eat dimsum in Hong Kong is Maxim’s Palace at City Hall. Prices are reasonable and the dimsum is rolled out in trolleys. However, it is crowded and the lines are long on most days.
Before I knew it, it was time to ride the TurboJet ferry to Macau. Fare: HKD$ 142 (approximately $20)
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