Soon we will be arriving into Hong Kong international airport (again)...kindly fasten your seat belt, put your seat upright and tray table stow away . We thank you for flying with CX......
Clearing immigration was a breeze but waiting for luggage needed a lot of 'patience'! Took a while before I finally saw my luggage on the belt!
Stephen was already waiting for me at the arriving hall, wondering what happened. Took the airport express to Hong Kong station and then the free shuttle to City Garden Hotel before making our way to South China Hotel in Northpoint.
Left the hotel to go over to Tai Po to visit Stephen's Dad in the hospital. We took the MRT ride to Yau Tong and changed to Wong Tai Sin and then took a cab ride to the hotel. It was my 1st time meeting the parents and I had a good time chatting with his Dad.
We left the hospital and proceeded back to the hotel to have dinner with Derrick. Original wanted to have Chinese but settled for Japanese (Wada Japanese Restaurant) on the 2nd level of the hotel. The restaurant has a stagger charge for meals and on weekday after 9pm, it was at HK$148+
The dinner buffet was surprisingly good, better than expected. We had fair share of sashimi, sushi, etc,..... it was good and better still, Derrick treated us!
The night ended well......
15 Oct
Breakfast at the hotel.... at the Japanese restaurant (make into breakfast venue in the morning). The breakfast was rather pathetic....but as it was included in the room rate, cannot complain....hahahahaha!
After breakfast, we checked out and proceeded over to Tsimshatsui to check in to the other hotel - Bauhinia Hotel at Observatory Court (http://www.thebauhinia.com.hk/). Initially we had some problem locating the hotel but finally found it up the slope from Empire Kowloon Hotel and opposite of Standford Hillview. The hotel's lobby is on the 19th floor. As it was too early to check in, we left our stuff at the hotel and went off for movie at MongKok - The girl with the dragon tattoo, a foreign language movie. It was a challenge sitting through the movie! Hahahaha! There was a choice between 3D and non 3D but patrons either bring their own or buy disposable 3D glasses (HK$6). Back home, the glasses are handled out free!
After the movie, we went for dim sum lunch at 稻香(Mongkok). As usual, I would call that 'few' dishes......the food was good. While having lunch, Omori called. They had arrived and was on the airport express to Kowloon station.
Was to meet him at his hotel - Nathan Hotel around 4pm. Went over and finally met him and his wife....... after 7 years! It was great seeing both of them again! All these years, I have been constantly in touch with them but the last time we met was in Osaka in 2003! We went over to Starbucks , next to the hotel, for a
drink. So much to talk about!Then, we arranged to meet again for dinner at 7pm. Stephen and I went back to the hotel where we freshened up for the evening. When we got back, we were prepared to find a very small room, similar to Largos or smaller. To our Big Surprise, the room we had was VERY NICE! It had a view of the harbour, on the 22nd floor! Everything looked new and there was even free Internet!
Met with Omori & wife again at the lobby and proceed to the Star Ferry to see the daily laser show. Showed them the esplanade with the avenue of stars as well. The laser show was interesting with the whole esplanade packed with tourists!
Then, we slowly made our way to the restaurant, stopped at a few sights along the way. Dinner was at 稻香, our favourite steamboat venue. We ordered 烧鹅and烧腊 for them to try and followed with steamboat. The restaurant was extremely crowded! Stephen managed to get a table with his connection......great to have such friend around! hahahahaha!
We had a lot of fun chatting and eating and by the time we finished, we have added on a few more kg!
16 Oct
A last minute decision to go to Shenzhen for the day and we stopped over at my favourite American Embassy for breakfast before meeting with with the Omoris. We took the train ride from Jordan station over to MongKok ( Think)... and changed MRT to Kowloon Tong and then to the rail towards Lo Wu (Shenzhen).
It happen to be 重阳节 and many people were heading towards Shenzhen. After some time clearing immigration, we were finally in Shenzhen!
We went to the nearby shopping complex and Mrs Omori managed to get some real bargains on sandal, wig, doll and dress! Thanks to Stephen who bargained like a pro! Stephen also brought them to a stall that was selling jade and they managed to buy real jade at a steal! Mr Omori was very pleased with his buy!
Next in the program was lunch and we went over to Shangri La Hotel for the famous dim sum buffet. We had to wait a while as the restaurant was full. We ordered a spread of many dim sum dishes and it was a feast! There was lots to eat (great to have buffets) and by the time we finished (2 hours later), we were very sleepy!
Back to another building where we went for foot reflex/ massage. Originally we though it would cost RMB100 per person for the reflex/massage but it turned out it only cost RMB20 per hour. Both Japanese seemed to enjoy the massage, while occasionally you could hear Stephen 'groaning in pain'. For me, it was more like massage rather than reflex.
By the time we finished, it was almost evening and we decided to head back to Hong Kong. Stephen left half way to visit his father in the hospital while we proceeded to MongKok where we went for a walk at the Ladies' Street. They managed to do some shopping on their own as I had to leave them for my own appointment.
Met up with Wallace & Frankie at The Kumatei Japanese Restaurant over at Central. This is one of my favourite restaurants. As usual, we will order lots of food and eat till we could barely move! It was great catching up with both of them.
Caught up with Mr Omori again for a drink at MacDonald's before heading back to hotel to rest. Our friendship goes back to 1982/83 and all these years we have kept in touch! I have stayed with the family many times in Osaka and they have already become a part of my family.
Slept in this morning and only checked out after 11am. Went to look for my favourite Wanton noodle shop for lunch. Did not really enjoy the meal....soup was bland, wantons were bland and noodle was tasteless! utterly disappointment! Used to be very good!
Took a cab ride to Kowloon station and checked in the luggage before proceeding to Starbucks for a drink. Soon, had to go to the airport to catch the flight back to Singapore..........
The trip has been very good....Not only I managed to meet up with my Japanese friends, I also got to meet Stephen's parents. being able to be there for him also mean a lot for me.
-------------- Sawbear Travel -------------------
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