discovering HK.

One thing I discovered very early on in my trip – the MTR system is super-efficient, even compared to Singapore. The train frequency is optimal, it’s so easy to find an MTR entrance (on Hong Kong Island at least) & the blinking lights above the MTR doors are really informative.

Having one more day to kill before the Acting Workshop began, I spent 8 Dec (Tue) wandering around the Diamond Hill area. My primary purpose was to visit the Chi Lin Nunnery.

The Chi Lin Nunnery seemed like a refuge from the hustle & bustle of the city. The chants in the background, the almost-fresh air, and beautiful surroundings calmed me down almost immediately.

Right next to the Chi Lin Nunnery is the Nan Lian Garden – sprawling man-made garden filled with greenery – a rare sight in the concrete jungle of Hong Kong.

I felt right at home in the Garden – it almost felt like clean & green Singapore! In fact, it reminded me of the Chinese Garden in Singapore, partly due to the pagoda structure.

While in the Garden, I also conducted my first Cantonese “conversation” with an elderly couple who asked me to take a photo of them. Miraculously, I understood them & they offered to take a photo of me too. So I got my first full-shot photo in Hong Kong!

As you can see from my dressing, it was a fairly warm day for winter in Hong Kong. It hadn’t entered the colder parts of winter yet. Behind the man-made waterfall in the background is a vegetarian restaurant.

See those two waiters standing at the left?

A “pengjing”plant in the Garden. Looks like a mini-tree!

After exploring the Diamond Hill nature area, I headed to a familiar touristy part of Hong Kong which I’m sure many people are familiar with …

Ladies’ Market – Didn’t buy anything there though.

On a friend’s recommendation, I headed for dessert at the famous “Hui Lao Shan”. Their mango desserts are supreme!

This was “Mango in Mango Juice with Extra Mango”. Yum.

One of my final destinations for the day was the Avenue of Stars, which I stumbled upon as I went to Tsim Sha Tsui to take the Star Ferry. Beautiful view from the bay. I’m starting to love the HK skyline.

And I love the Star Ferry too.

My final discovery for the day was this wonderful dining place near where I stay. It’s called “Congee Wonderland” & it’s got delicious congee. But above all, the Ice Lemon Tea (or  冻檸茶) is the best!

I think I’m in love with Hong Kong.