Revisiting HK and Macau Part 2

We were bound for Macau on the second day (included in the IT is the Senate Square and The Venetian). I superlooovvve the free taste of biscuits, candies and jerky at Pasteleria Koi Kei that we even bought some, munching it while walking near Ruins of St.Paul. Who can resist these???

On background is Ruins of St.Paul (Ruínas de São Paulo). This is one of Macau’s most famous landmarks. It was named as such because what was left was the facade of the Cathedral when it was destroyed by a fire during a typhoon in 1835. The ruins now consist of the southern stone facade which are intricately carved and seated on a small hill, with 66 stone steps leading up to it.

THE VENETIAN - this is a 40 storey hotel and casino in Macau. The casino still looks the same the first time I visited here back in 2007 where gambling and gaming are the major attractions. When you get the chance to drop by, don’t forget to visit Lord Stow’s bakery and grab the best Portuguese Egg Tart in town!

NgongPing Village, Po Lin Monastery and Giant Buddha had their slots on the third day after which, stall hopping at CityGate Outlet before heading back to the Guest House.

If you are fond of eating meat, well, here’s a challenge for you. At Po Lin Monastery, merely bringing more so eating meat is strictly prohibited. I haven’t had any problem having my lunch here. I so love the veggies they served because of their freshness. I could tell that they use very minimal herbs in their dishes that you get only the real and fresh vegetables which they grow from their own garden (from what I heard).

Last day was a bit tiring because I need to wake up early since flight going back to Philippines is at 945AM. I took a peek at my favorite bakery near TST MTR station hoping that I would be able to bring home few boxes of their delish blueberry muffins but it was still close. Adding on to already a melancholic morning is staring at the H & M store along Canton Road where they announced while I was there the night before that the store is closing just when I was bringing 2 coats to fit and currently spying on a pair of boots. I will definitely go back to HK for these!!! LOL! Here are some tips that you would like to consider if you have plans of going to HK and Macau:

1. If you are going with your friends, family or it’s an “ALL adult” trip, you can just check-in at decent and practical guest houses if all you need is a place to sleep, bath and leave/secure your things. There are 3 guest houses which I would highly recommend but MAKE SURE that you book your reservation at least 2 or 3 months to make sure that you get a room. Wonderful Inn, Golden Crown Guest House and Yiu Fai Guesthouse which are all located at Flat E, 5 and 6/FL., Golden Crown Court, 66-70 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong. Tel: (852)27225349 and TEL:(852) 2369 1782

2.If nobody will pick you up at the airport, it is better to get an AIRPORT EXPRESS TRAVEL PASS Octopus Card at the HK Airport. There are 2 denominations, one is for Single Trip (HK220) from the Airport to any Station / Destination and the other provides 2 trips/ round trip (HK300). Both have 3 (THREE) days unlimited travel on all MTR lines but not to the border stations Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau. Both includes HK50 deposit and valid for a period of 180 days from date of purchase. Make sure to open the small “leaflet” that goes with the card because it include stub-like cards which gives you discounts on Disneyland, The Peak, Madame Tussaud’s Museum, Ngong Ping Village and Ocean Park Adventure. You can check this site for additional information regarding Octopus Card:

3.I would go for the Branded Shops at Tsim Tsa Tsui area rather than those in City Gate Outlet because there are more stores that you can choose from in TST.

4. Probably it’s not everyday that you get to eat street foods, try looking for hawkers or costermonger at the junction of Cameron and Carnarvon Road, at the heart of Tsim Tsa Tsui and you’ll know the real definition of “Street Food.”

5. If you are spending more than 3 days in HK, and you still have the budget, might as well go to Macau! Don’t forget to bring your passports with you. It is approximately 120 minute Ferry-ride from China Ferry Terminal which is located at at China Hong Kong City, 33 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon. You have several choices for Ferries – First Macau Ferry, Cotai Jet and TurboJet Ferry. Just make sure to check their time of departure and of course, their fees since they vary :0)

6. While in Macau, you may want to visit The Venetian and Wynn Hotel. Don't forget to buy Lord Stow's delish egg tart. Drop by also at Senate Square to have a free taste of cookies, candy and jerky at Pasteleria Koi Kei and take pictures of the historical Ruins of St.Paul. 7. If your feet easily gets sores because of prolong walking, I would HIGHLY suggest that you bring along with you a very comfy pair of slippers. I would recommend the slippers from Giordano which I personally wore and they felt good on my feet even after walking for NTH HOURS! :-) -- MnM --