Hong Kong’s delights
By: Daniel Otero
I’ve always been one these nervous types; especially before a flight. A personal insecurity of mine throughout my life and in fear I’ll be late.
I must arrive at the airport three hours ahead to my frustration and then, wait!
On my last trip to Hong Kong, as I checked out of the hotel, I did intend to take my time. If it was only for this particular moment and trip.
Sat down first, and in an hour’s tranquility had a coffee and wrote two articles.
After, I thought, let me skip to the temple and be thankful. Therefore, I walked from Fortress Hill to Tin Hau in happy excitement. There was the old 18th Century Temple calling out to me! I went in for a couple of minutes to meditate and pray.
Whether you believe in God, Buddha or not; it doesn’t matter, there’s always peace inside a temple. Even in the middle of busy and bustling Hong Kong. There’s a moment to quiet the spirit.
Inside Tin Hau Temple (roughly translated, it means the Queen) there was this sense of calm for the soul. A moment to relax from the world’s worries. This was my moment, my zen!
I mean, Tin Hau isn’t the most beautiful Temple. It’s a little grungy as a matter of fact, but for years it holds a special meaning to me. Just pure tranquility!
Once I was done, I took off and decided for a quick tour. Therefore, it was to my old and beloved trolleys in direction towards Kennedy Town; which took me from King’s Road to Causeway Bay and later, Hennessy. And it was at that moment I saw something magical occur. I saw a “Nebraska” restaurant and knew with enamored delight, as my brain told me, “I got to have it!”
Paid my 2.30 HKD and got off the trolley.
Walked to the restaurant. It was gorgeous inside and out! As I sat for a quickie-late lunch.
I ordered the pork-fillet cutlet with tartar sauce.
However, before I got a welcoming surprise! A nice cream of corn soup with a piece of garlic bread. It was really creamy, not watery at all and it went down nicely!
Smooth on the palate, I was then waiting for the main course. Then it came magnificently dressed with potatoes and a fascinating choice of lettuce.
I ate with delight and as I was about to leave, when I was suddenly stopped! Out the blue came an elegant-dark brew. It was the tea to decorate and end the two-course meal.
In the end, it all came out to 138 HKD (prices are subject to change). It was a taste for my senses!
As I sat for another several minutes, then came a downpour, but either way I had to leave. However, it wasn’t that intense. So I walked from neighboring Wan Chai to Central Station, and then took my link to the airport (Originally the card was 180 HKD, the prices for the round-trip link to Central and the airport went up to 205 HKD, and the ticket will last 30 days).
Lesson learned, never pass up on an opportunity to relax the soul, whether it’s physical or spiritual and enjoy an excellent meal.
Life’s too short to pass on these opportunities.
Sometimes chances are fleeting and will never repeat again.
For Hong Kong, it was another welcoming visit–with new experiences and it never ceases to amaze me!
Come and enjoy the best life-long memories of travel when it comes to Hong Kong and its delights. Enjoy!
If you go and advice for the wise:
Hong Kong compared to mainland China is easy to get around. It has the old English system to travel around Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. The MTR or the old-metro system was built in the 1980s and it has that easy feel as the Underground back in London, U.K.
Before coming to Hong Kong, exchange your money at your local bank into Hong Kong Dollars. You’ll usually get better exchange rates there.
In my opinion and opinions can defer, Hong Kong can be done in four days. However, if you’re planning a week holiday from the west to the eastern side of the world, it ought to be a trip of a lifetime. Therefore, plan your first-four days around Hong Kong and the other days, take a ferry to Macao. Well worth the experience!
