May 2012. I was one of the chosen Philippine delegates for the
Initiative For Peace conducted by the Li Po Chun United World College (LPC-UWC) of Hong Kong students. It is an annual program of the students which aimed to bring youth from Philippines to understand conflict and learn conflict management. Eighty percent of my plane fare (Davao-Cebu-HK and vice versa) was catered by the organizers. Our accommodation was free. We chose Mactan International Airport over NAIA as it was cheaper that time. We arrived late at night at LPC-UWC and started meeting our fellow Filipino delegates.
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| Arrival area at the Hong Kong International Airport. |
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| Initiative For Peace 2012 delegates. |
After the program proper, the organizers toured us around Hong Kong for free especially at the Victoria Harbour where we witnessed the symphony of lights, a 15 minute show of spectacular light from the buildings synchronized to music. It is staged every 8:00 PM and everyone is free to watch.
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| Strolling at downtown. |
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| The other part of the island - waiting to witness the symphony of lights. |
We had also tried shopping at their street market at Temple Street which had lots of items such as gadgets, clothes, bags, etc. Souvenirs such as key chains and nail cutters with HK tourist spots images were sold at HK $600. At the other side of the market is a one long isle called as Ladies' Market. From its name, different ladies's items can be bought there. HK people speak louder or with a high-rising tone and as a Filipino, at first I thought they were angry (that was normal for them actually).
We were torn between Disneyland and Ocean Park yet one of my friends recommended that if you want adventure , choose Ocean Park. From Tsim Sha Tsui, we rode a bus going directly to
Ocean Park. Always ready an exact fare everytime you ride a bus as you will just drop your payment through an automated fare collecting machine and it don't give any change. Unless you get an Octopus Card, their debit card for bus and train transportation (swipey-swipe!). It is available in train stations and you can refund the remaining unused amount in the card so you don't need to worry if you can't consumed it all.
We paid HK $320 for the Ocean Park entrance fee. It was inclusive of different rides and amenities except for certain rides/amenities. There are rides for children and of course for those who love extreme ones like me. I forgot my camera in our room so I used an Ipod Touch in taking pictures (hence resolution was not that good). We saw different Asian animals at The Waterfront especially pandas (they were so fluffy!). We witnessed a seal and dolphin show wherein seals and dolphins did different acts/tricks.
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| The entrance gate. |
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| The dolphin and seal show. |
My favorite rides were the Hair Raiser roller coaster and The Abyss!
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| Hair raiser roller coaster. |
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| The Rapids |
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| The Abyss |
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| An exhibition of Old Hong Kong. |
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| The cable car. |
We spent one whole day in the park. It was so huge and wide. Though we got tired yet I enjoyed every moment there. We met the family friend of our fellow delegate who invited us for a lunch the next day at Paramount Banquet Hall and let us taste different HK cuisines.
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| Fried flat noodle. |
She invited us at their apartment located nearby the border of HK. Their room was in 30th floor and I was amazed upon seeing the overview of HK and a part of mainland China.
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| The view from the 30th floor. |
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| The other side of those hills is the mainland China. |
The HK trip was a fun-filled adventure that I want to happen again. And btw, never miss to go to Victoria Harbour and Ocean Park when you visit HK! :)
Xoxo,
Yahng
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