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Published: December 4th 2008
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China Trip Journal - 12
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
8:00 PM
Travelling by air, cab, and ferry. T and I left for Shenzhen, then to Hong Kong for his Hong Kong meeting. We almost didn't make it to our Hong Kong flight in time due to air ticket issues. But all was resolved at the time we planned to fly out. We arrived in Shenzhen airport and took a cab ride to the ferry to go to Hong Kong. The ferry trip is about one hour. There's not a lot of people on the boat, so crowding and being pushed around by other passengers are not an issue at the time.
So, I wanted to find out how much of a difference there is in Hong Kong compare to Chengdu. We arrive at Hong Kong pier and there we called out a cab to get to our hotel. Interestingly enough, the driver speaks English as if it was not a problem at all. There! I finally felt a little relief. I was worried to be left at the hotel for three days and one night on my own, while T is out on his business meetings. But, fortunately for me; some part of my courage came creeping back.
The Park Lane Hotel Reception...We arrived at the hotel, and the reception was great! The guy who helped us checked in spoke English very well, and he politely asked if we are going to be on a separate room? Which is fine for him to ask. So, we did told him that we will be staying on the same room, and finally realizing that we are a married couple. T left to run out with his co-worker to get ready for his meeting, and I continued on to ask my own questions regarding group tours.
He was very nice and took the time to help me and pointed out in the map where we are and where I can maybe roam around on my own. He answered all of my questions with patience, and personally took me to the counter to talk to a "Sight-seeing" personnel. I forgot the name of this gentlemen who helped me to make my stay as pleasant as possible.
The hotel. The hotel is located near some shops. I didn't wonder around too much out on the street on my own. I may feel comfortable in the location, but my courage hasn't recovered well yet!
The room. The room cost 1600HK$ (~230U.S. $ per night.) The room was good. Nothing spectacular. It is simply a room to definitely stay in for a night or two. Unfortunately, since I have so much time on my hand and so I notice a lot of unimportant things. I mean majorly unimportant, like conditioner for your hair. So bring your own. When it comes to having your room cleaned, it is fairly decent; meaning it's up to standards.
The location. It was in Cause way bay area, and stores and restaurants are definitely accessible with in walking distance. Victoria park is just across the street of the Park lane Hotel. It was a fairly busy and taxi's and other public transportations are very accessible.
"Sight-seeing" personnel. Her name was Amanda, in English. I didn't even tried to get her Chinese name… So there I was very excited with this new adventure I'm just about to embark on. She showed me all of what they offer in a tour and explained to me that there are other tour combinations, that if I wanted to personally design one for my self. But, since I just want to make my life as easy as possible, and have some type of good time on this trip I picked a couple of group tours, and went to my room after things were settled.
Food. It was slightly later in the evening and so I decided to just get room service. I didn't realized that in Hong Kong, it's mainly Cantonese food. Great! So it's another time for food adventure…Unfortunately I forgot what kind of dish I ordered and didn't write it down. But, the meal was delicious! It was with a mixed vegetables, crispy noodles, and with some sauce. I also ordered a bowl of rice. It was great to eat something that I don’t have to stare at and shake my head with regret of ordering food. I ate and enjoyed my meal. I relaxed and it felt great. Little to no frustration at all.
The next meal. Since I haven't had a good hamburger for a few weeks now, and I've had a satisfying Cantonese dinner the night before; I'll take a chance to order a Hamburger with lettuce, tomato, and bacon with a side order of French fries. My food came and I was a happy camper! It's a real hamburger! I ate and retired for the night. The restaurant is Café One. It is also in the hotel and anyone can dine in or have it delivered to your room.
Tipping. Since we've been in Chengdu that whole time, giving a tip was not suppose to be a custom. It was even written out on the Intercontinental booklet you'll find in your hotel room. So, I wasn't sure! There is a 10% added charge when you order from your room, which is doable. It was a satisfying meal from Café One and an extra 10% room service charge is nothing. Although, both the servers who delivered my meals seems to be vaguely waiting for something. Which I sort of ignored just to see if there will be some type of reaction. Yep! You have to tip! Just to be fair with good service.
Cab, bus drivers, flow of traffic, and crossing the streets. It was quite a contrasts compare to Chengdu downtown. Hong Kong driver's seemed a little more organize and follows the traffic a lot better. The way they maneuver from tiny roads, weather it's a bus or a cab was pretty cool. For sure, It definitely takes some skills to do that type of driving in that city. Crossing the streets are not as bad as in Chengdu. You can cross the street without being scared of a bus or any vehicle running you over and running off.
So, we'll see what's in store for me tomorrow.
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