九龙旺角维景酒店 Metro park Hotel- Mongkok
浅水弯Repulse Bay
香港最高建筑(IFC2)
IFC2, the tallest building in HK.
长洲Cheung Chau Island
炸鲜蚝 Deep-fried oysters
抢包山比赛在这里进行。The marked area for the start of “scrambling for peace buns”.
三座高耸的包山与香火弥漫的神庙遥遥相对。See the height of the Bun Hills. It is even taller than the temple’s roof.
雪白的包子以朱砂印上“平安”两字，在用麻绳串在一起。
All “peace buns” were strung together with gunny strings.
演大戏，台前坐的都是上年纪的戏迷。Most of the onlookers at the front seats who watched the opera show were senior fans
新鲜出炉的平安包。Would you like to try some “peace buns” fresh out of the steamer?
镛记酒家以驰名烧鹅起家。
Yung Kee’s famous roasted goose.
蛋心软滑 Century eggs with soft centers, beautiful tasting.
驰名烧鹅。
The famous roasted goose.
冬瓜盅Soup in winter melon tureen.
与大姐一家人及朋友GRACE一起用餐。
Dinner with Grace, Richard’s eldest sister Ivy and her family.
缆车椅子以三十度倾斜向前。
The Peak Tram has seats that incline 30 degree to the front.
由太平山观赏灯火辉煌的香港夜景。
Illuminated view from Victoria Peak.
太平山观景楼及缆车站。
At the Peak Tower and tram station.
由酒店出发Leaving from hotel.
抵达迪斯尼乐园的停车场。
Arrived at the Disney’s carpark.
迪斯尼乐园入口处。
The main entrance.
米老鼠喷泉。
The Mickey’s fountain.
迪斯尼乐园门票检验处。
Tickets please.
乘坐老爷车省点脚力。
Rode in a vintage car.
睡公主城堡。
Sleeping Beauty’s Castle.
到小岛参观泰山的树屋。
Visited Tarzan’s treehouse home.
舞台剧“狮子王庆典”。
Stage play of “The Lion King”.
乘迷你邮轮到森林河流探险。
Took a mini cruise to the jungle.
简单午餐Simple lunch.
在卡通屋与米奇老鼠会面。
My daughter - Cynthia shaking hands with Mickey.
花车游行 Street parade with a carnival air.
另一场舞台剧“黄金迪斯尼”。
Stage play of “Golden Disney”.
烟花表演 Fireworks display.
5月1日，第一宗A型H1N1流感在香港湾仔维景酒店爆发，让我们虚惊一场。
Five ambulances were parked outside Metro Park Hotel - Wanchai where the tourist was tested positive for influenza A.
Meet our contributor Florence Tee at HK.
Quick Tour on Happening Hong Kong
By Catherine Chia
Our eldest son is twenty-two and daughter nineteen this year. As parents, we find it hard to believe they are now adults so the state of childlike obedience will be a thing of the past. All through their childhood and teenage years was a blurry scene as we were ever so busy. Our children may missed having us close at hand but we really did our best to provide them with a stable family environment despite our tight timetable.
Recently, my daughter brought up the subject of wanting to visit Disneyland Hong Kong. We thought if the family can travel together, this could be a well-balanced attitude towards family-bonding. Call this ‘compensation time’ for togetherness.
We decided to set a short break from work to visit Hong Kong. My son’s girl friend came along.
29-04-09 (Wednesday)Our flight by Cathay Pacific was delayed from three p.m to seven p.m. It was a tiring wait at KLIA.
After a long day, we finally arrived in Hong Kong around midnight and stayed at Metro Park Hotel, Mongkok. It was a close location to the city centre. As land is so scarce, the rooms though pleasant were very small. But being in a convenient area, the hotel proves its worth.
30-04-09 (Thursday)Spring is a beautiful time as the climate never gets really cold or hot. Temperature hovered around 16°C to 22°C.
After a nice breakfast at a café besides the hotel, the tour guide took us on a half day trip to beautiful Repulse Bay. This brought back memories when I came here some 20 years ago walking along the coast of the best known beaches.
Next, we visited the floating town of Aberdeen Fishing Village. Once, thousands and thousands of people lived on packed sampans here but most of them have been rehoused on land. We took a boat ride and it was a rewarding experience as we saw how people lived in a strange mixture of ancient traditional and modern ways.
It was close to lunchtime when we met up with Richard’s eldest sister Ivy and nephew (their family resides in Hong Kong) at Central Pier. They took us on a ferry ride to Cheung Chau Island to get a feel of rural Chinese life.
Cheung Chau IslandHong Kong is divided into four main areas namely Kowloon, Hong Kong Island, the New Territories and the Outer Islands. More than 200 islands dot the waters around the colony and Cheung Chau lies 10 km south-west of Hong Kong.
The ferry ride took 40 minutes to shuttle across the island to the normal arrival point. There’s more to enjoy on the island as it coincided with the annual Bun Festival also known as the “Festival of The Bun Hills”. The celebration starts from the eighth day of the fourth month of the Chinese lunar calendar. This include special religious observances at Pak Tai Temple. All over the normally quiet island was a fiesta atmosphere.
These white buns with red characters of “Ping Ann(Peace)” stamped on the surfaces belonged to a ritual custom. Three high towers were constructed and fastened with ropes. Buns were stacked on the structures making a giant bun hill. The whole place gave a carnival atmosphere, a sharp contrast to the temple where worshippers came only in a handful to pray. A stage was erected for staging opera shows, witnessed by senior fans only.
As this is a major religious event, all food sold on the island had to be vegetarian. But the menu at an eatery had deep-fried oysters, mussels and other seafoods. It seemed strange so we queried the boss. He gave us a quirk answer as islanders here regard seafoods without visible eyes as vegetarian food. How strange!
After lunch, I bought some “peace buns” fresh out of the steamers. Skins tasted rather dense but came laden with fillings of either lotus paste, red beans paste or milled groundnuts. All souvenir sold here have the “peace buns” as the main theme.
Accordingly on Sunday (3-05-09) or final day of the festival, there will be a mad scramble up the Bun Hills to grasp the most number of buns within a stipulated time. Of course, the
victorious winner who obtain the most consecrated buns at the very top will receive ample good luck according to folklore. So this will be the highlight and normally crowds will spill over.
Yung Kee RestaurantIt was already early evening when we reached Hong Kong Island after the Cheung Chau trip. On reaching the Central District by foot, I noticed many white-collar workers walking very briskly and looked energetic after a full day at the office. They are really a tough breed.
Our local friend, Grace had booked a table at Yung Kee Restaurant. This classy décor place was a street away from the famous trendy pub hub area of “Lan Kwai Fong”. Yung Kee belongs to an old-school establishment.
Started in 1942 by Kam Shui Fai, roasted goose dish has remained to be their signature point. The restaurant has resisted modernization of their menu and Cantonese food remained as the main trend. Many foodies and Hong Kong gourmets have put in a word of recommendation so patrons should make reservations ahead.
We tried the first dish of an appetizer – “Century Eggs With Pickled Ginger”. The eggs have very soft centers which melt on your tongue without any piquant flavour. Pickled ginger had a sharp taste, truly a tasty pairing.
“Roasted Goose” was a rich dish laid on a bed of braised peanuts. The skin was crispy but rather fatty yet the flesh was tender. It can taste heavy eating the goose flesh on its own but was a delight when eaten with fluffy fragrant white rice.
Apart from this dish, there were other wonderful options. We were served dishes like “Soup In Wintermelon Tureen”, “Steamed Stuffed Beancurds”, “Fermented Black Beans Chilli Fresh Cuttlefish”, “Small Plants Of Nai Pak”, “Spring Rolls”, “Sweet & Sour Pork”, “Bitter Gourd Braised Goose Webs In Claypot”.
Obviously, we found this treat well worth our anticipation.
Victoria PeakThe night excursion to Victoria Peak by the Peak Tram was a good idea. Seats on the tram were a little inclined to the front at 30 degree adjustment, making it a bit akward to view the great sights. All tall skyscrapers looked peculiar angled due to the seating position.
The Peak at 552 metres above sea level stands tallest on the island. Such an illuminated view silent of cars, traffic or human voices became tranqulizing. As the peak became wreathed in cold winds, temperature took a dip.
Upon descending the Peak, we took a ride on a high-speed MTR (Mass Transit Rail) to Kowloon. After a tiring day, we slept well as tomorrow will be another big day.
Disneyland Hong Kong1-5-09 (Friday)
Many locals kickstart their breakfast with noodles. This should be a must-try food but since we were on the run so we have no wish to look for the best stall. Apparently the soup base at this stall down the street was nothing to shout about. Each piece of wanton had two pieces of marinated prawns and chicken meat as filling. Not too bad but the wanton noodles gave out a strong alkaline taste. Very commercialized product, I was not impressed.
Disneyland Hong KongAt 10 a.m, the coach picked us from the hotel front. After 20 minutes ride, we reached the theme park in Lantau Island, the largest of all islands in Hong Kong. This must be one of the happiest places on earth - Hong Kong Disneyland, opened in 2005.
Weather was fine with a clear blue skin, littered with white fluffy clouds. The three big kids flashed big smiles and as they radiated such happiness, Richard and I felt our spirits uplifted.
It was a public holiday on that day (Labour Day) so you can imagine the crowd’s turnout. Admission fee for a one day ticket costed HK$350 each. But the total space area was much smaller than what we had in mind.
It was divided into four zones like the “American World” of small towns and big cities. There were the “Adventurous World”, “Dream World” and “Future World”. We entered the American theme first and rode in a vintage car to visit Sleeping Beauty’s Castle.
Later, we trooped into jungleland. We ride on a raft to a manmade island and visited Tarzan’s treehouse home. Next, we watched a gigantic stage play of “The Lion King”.
Before lunch, we took a mini cruise to the deep jungles for some adrenalin pumping thrillers. Everything looked so real, we were spellbound.
Took a break from the fantasy world for a midday meal and gathered for a handshaking time with Mickey Mouse. All the kids’ faces glowed and you can hear it in their voices too, they have truly enjoyed themselves.
But the heat in the afternoon around three p.m became rather oppressive. We walked the streets but there was never a dull moment as we watched parades complete with many cartoon characters, brass band shows, flower processions.
At eight p.m, there was the grand finale of fireworks display which was entertaining.
More news awaited us as we switched on the television in our hotel room. A tourist was infected with influenza A (H1N1) and all hotel staff and guests needed to be quarantine.
The name Metro Park Hotel was similar to the one we stayed in. Quickly I dialled to the broadcasting station to check. It was a relief as it was the sister hotel in Wanchai, ours was in Mongkok. I can imagine how the affected people would go all panicky.
We packed our bags as we will leave Hong Kong tomorrow. It may have been a short trip but we have enjoyed ourselves so much that we plan to come back again.
有惊无险游香港
文：谢宋美
大孩子今年廿二岁，小女儿今年十九岁，两个孩子都进入青年期。我们以前忙于工作，忽略了陪伴他们一起成长，经常为了没陪伴孩子度过他们最需要我们的童年而心感内疚。
有一天女儿说：「我没去过迪斯尼乐园。」牵动我们埋藏已久的不安，决定带两个孩子及儿子的女友到香港迪斯尼乐园，一圆他们的梦想，同时祢补我们对他们的缺憾。
4月29日（星期三）乘搭国泰航空由吉隆坡国际机场出发，原本下午三点起飞的班机延迟至晚上七点多才离开大马，抵达香港国际机场已经是半夜。入住九龙旺角维景酒店，地点适中，房间狭小但还算舒服，住在里面马上可以领略到香港的尺土寸金。
4月30日（星期四）四月尾香港气温介于十六至廿二度，很适于旅游。早上阳光明媚，在酒店旁的茶餐厅用过早餐后，导游带我们到港九作半日游。第一站浅水弯让我们钩起廿年前的回忆，随后到香港仔渔村游艇河，参观香港水上人家的生活。
中午，我们约了住在香港的大姐与外甥在天星码头见面，一起乘船到长洲。
长洲包山节香港除了港岛及与中国大陆接连的九龙之外，还有大大小小接近200个小岛，长洲是其中之一。长洲位于香港西南10公里，乘搭豪华渡轮费时约四十分钟。
每年农历四月初八，在玉虚宫/北帝庙举办的“太平清醮”（又称包山节）吸引成千上万的人潮，使这个原本平静而淳朴的渔村变得热闹非凡。
一粒粒雪白的包子以朱砂印上“平安”两字，在用麻绳串在一起后绑在以竹竿搭建而成的高塔，形成包山。三座高耸的包山与香火弥漫的神庙遥遥相对，中间一个临时戏棚在演大戏，台前坐的都是上年纪的戏迷。
这段期间，全岛餐馆只卖素食，然而菜单上有炸鲜蚝、青口等甲壳类海鲜。我们询问餐馆老板：「这些是海鲜，怎能算素？」他的回答很妙：「在长洲，凡是没有眼睛的都算素！」午饭后，我们买了一些新鲜出炉的平安包。这些包皮相当结实，馅料则有莲蓉、豆沙、花生。岛上商店纪念品的设计都是以平安包为主题。
节日高潮在于星期日的抢包山比赛，参赛者攀上肃立于球场中央的包山，看谁在限定时间内抢得最多包的成为胜利者，我们一睹盛况。
镛记烧鹅由长洲回到港岛已是傍晚，我们步行至中环，与行色匆匆下班的白领族察身而过，虽然忙了一天依然精神焕发，可以感受到他们的干劲。
当地朋友GRACE在镛记酒家定了桌，就在著名的“兰桂坊”隔一条街。镛记酒家于1942年由甘穗辉所创办，以驰名烧鹅起家。在食家眼中是代表香港传统粤菜数一数二的中餐馆。开胃菜“皮蛋酸姜”是该餐馆必备杀着，腌制时间准确，糖心皮蛋的蛋心软滑兼黏牙而不腥，与略带辣味的酸姜一起享用，非常回味。
烧鹅是这家餐馆的招牌菜，食客大多为此而来，我们对这道菜抱着很高的期望。以焖花生垫底，烧鹅皮肥肉嫩，入口油香四溢，单吃稍嫌肥腻，配上香米煮的白饭就恰到好处。这道声名远播的镛记烧鹅没让我们失望。
其他菜式有冬瓜盅、百花蒸酿豆腐、豉椒鲜鱿、斑腩小奶白菜、百花卷、咕噜香肉、凉瓜扣鹅掌煲。一面用餐一面叙旧，留下甜美回忆。
太平山夜景餐后，余兴未尽，我们乘缆车到太平山观赏香港夜景。车内椅子以三十度倾斜向前，车行时望向窗外，铁轨旁的高楼大厦变成斜楼，感觉很怪。
太平山高552米，是港岛最高的山。山上风大气温低，没有嘈杂的人声车声，遥望山脚下的夜景，灯火辉煌香港是那么令人陶醉。下山后乘搭快铁回到九龙，马上进入梦乡，为明天的行程养足精神。
香港迪斯尼乐园5月1日（星期五）一早到街边吃云吞面，这里每粒云吞以调了味的两尾中虾及鸡肉包裹，虾很弹牙，面的碱水味很重。志在填饱肚子以应付今天的行程，不那么计较口味。
迪斯尼乐园今天到迪斯尼乐园游玩。专车十点到酒店接我们，二十分钟抵达位于大屿山的目的地。蓝天白云天气很好，看到孩子脸上兴奋的表情，我们的情绪也被感染。今天是劳动节公共假期，游客不断涌入，将入口处济得水泄不通。
香港迪斯尼乐园一日门票港币＄350。范围比我们想象中来得小，共分为四个主题：美国小镇大街、探险世界、幻想世界及明日世界。
大门入口处即进入景区一“美国小镇大街”，我们乘搭老爷车直达睡公主城堡。我们进入城堡后陪三个大孩子到探险世界，乘木筏到一个小岛，参观泰山的树屋，再观赏一出大型舞台剧“狮子王庆典”。
午餐之前乘迷你邮轮到森林河流探险，沿途各种动物造型栩栩如生。餐后，到米奇的卡通屋与米奇老鼠会面，孩子开心得不得了。
下午三点半热气逼人，然而大家兴致勃勃围在大街两旁，因为全体卡通人物及花车将列队游行。
过后再到各景区游玩，晚上八点烟花表演后，大家尽兴而归。
回到酒店纽开电视，新闻中报道“由于其中一名游客患上HINI确例，维景酒店所有人将被隔离七天。”
马上打电话到柜台询问，原来是湾仔的维景酒店，而我们入住的是旺角的维景酒店，虚惊一场。
欢乐时光总是过得特别快，明天我们即将回到马来西亚，这旅程虽然很短，却让我们留下一段美好的回忆。香港，我们会旧地重游！
