Let's go to Venice!

            Venice, Italy, the city of water, I don’t think I can ever forget about this place. The Venetian Hotels in Las Vegas, Nevada and in Macau SAR, China merely served it justice.   I personally prefer Venice over Rome because I found Venice more romantic and more relaxing. I respect the beauty of both cities but Venice had that magical power that captured me.

Enjoying coffee at Cafe Florian 

-A cup of 15€ coffee. I loved enjoying coffee at Café Florian, the oldest coffee house in Italy. Café Florian was established in 1720 at the St. Mark's Square (Piazza San Marco). While a small cup of cappuccino cost a steep price of 9 Euro (12 USD), I enjoyed every sip of it. I was also sitting at the outdoor seats and listening to a live orchestra performance. Café Florian adds a 6 Euro (8 USD) music fee to your coffee. So this cup of cappuccino cost 15 Euro (20 USD). I didn’t mind paying for this cup of coffee because the environment and service was worth every penny. I enjoyed this experience so much because as I get older, I have less time to sit down and simply enjoy life.

-Gondola Ride. Despite the fact that the water didn’t smell inviting on a hot summer day in August, nothing was more perfect than traveling through this city on a Gondola. I remember the difference of riding a Gondola in Vegas and in Venice. There’s really no comparison. You will see the vibrant colors on the house, a taxi on water, flowers hanging from the balcony, and the intricate designs on bridges.

a small shop near the St. Mark's Square

-Getting lost. You should try putting away the GPS and step into the neighborhoods in Venice. There’s magic and beauty everywhere. Take the time to explore the city and you will find amazing view. I love explore the ordinary alleyways and take pictures. I also enjoyed standing in front of the displace windows of Masquerade mask shops to look at masks.

-Venice is sinking. Similar to the Maldives in the Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea area, Venice is sinking. In the news article posted on NBC News website, the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California stated that Venice is sinking at a rate of up to two millimeters (0.08 inches) per year. Venice is also tilting at a rate of 1 or 2 millimeter eastward per year. It is likely that Venice might disappear in the near future if the Italian government doesn’t act on it fast.

            Venice is a place full of magic and romance. You can find interesting things everywhere you go as long as you give this city the respect it deserves. I wish I can grab my bags and go to Venice right now. Will you come with me?

Hong Kong [2]

Many of you might know that there is a Disneyland in Hong Kong. Comparing to the Disneyland in California, the Hong Kong Disneyland is very small. In fact, it is the smallest Disneyland in the world (only 68 acres). From personal experience, the attractions were very limited and there were no thrilling rides like the ones in California’s Adventure in the California Disneyland. I suggest that you skip seeing Mickey Mouse and join me for an eventful day. I’ve planned a day-to-night tour for you to experience Hong Kong’s beauty to its fullest. The tour is suitable for family and people of all ages but I will also include some tips for the night owls. We will be travelling using the MTR and feet so be sure to wear comfortable shoes and have enough of Hong Kong Dollars (HKD).  

For breakfast, we are eating at Lin Heung Tea House, one of the oldest dimsum restaurant in Hong Kong. Located in 160-164 Wellington Street, Central, it was established in 1926. Their specialties include Siu Mai (pork and shrimp dumplings) and Malay Cake (thousand layer cake). 

After some delicious breakfast, walk to Shang Wan Station and take the MTR to Central Station. Next Stop we are going to see Hong Kong from the Peak. Exit the J2 exit at

The View from the Peak

Central Station and walk down Garden Road towards Lower Albert Road. Along the way, you will see famous landmarks such as the Bank of China Tower, Citibank Tower, and St. John’s Cathedral. Then, you will arrive at the Peak Tram Terminus Station. For 80 HKD ( ~11 USD) roundtrip, you will take the 120 years old Peak Tram up to the highest 360° viewing platform in Hong Kong.

You all must be hungry now! Do you want to try Cha Chan Teng with me? Cha Chan Teng is sort of like your neighborhood restaurant that serves western influenced Cantonese style food. It serves things from French toast, club sandwiches, chicken wings, to instant ramen and noodle soup. Hop onto the Train to Tsuen Wan Station on the Tsuen Wan Line and get off at the Prince Edward Station. Exit the B2 exit and walk down to Bute Street. You will see the Kam Wah Café. Their signature dishes are pineapple bun with butter, chicken wings, milk tea, and egg tarts. 

Take the Tsuen Wan Line towards Central and get off at Mong Kok Station. You’ve arrived at one the busiest shopping district in the Hong Kong. Mong Kok is one of my favorite places to go for shopping.

Ladies' Market at night

There are so many malls around. You can find clothes, shoes, and accessories in all price ranges. One of the most famous street in Mong Kok is the Tung Choi Street aka Ladies’ Market. It stretches over 1km (~0.6 miles) with over 100 stalls. It is a great place for you to buy clothes, souvenir, and practice your bargaining skills. There are many great restaurants in Mong Kok and you can find almost any cuisine there. For me, I usually eat street food such as curry fish balls, egg puffs, drink tapioca milk tea in the evening and eat one of the restaurants at Langham Place (mall) right above the Mong Kok Station when I shop.

Lastly, you can sum up the day at the Victoria Harbor to see the amazing city lights and Avenue of Stars. Every night at 8pm, you will see the multimedia show called “A Symphony of Lights”. This show is named the “World’s Largest Permanent Light and Sound Show” by Guinness World Record. You can get there by getting off at the Tsim Sha Tsui East Station exit J.

2012 Beer Fest with my cousins

Finally, tips for the night owls! The club and bar district is located near the Central Station. It is called Lan Kwai Fong aka LKF. Remember that the MTR stop service at around 12 midnight and you will have to take taxi back to your hotel. Also the drinking age is 18. I’ve been to LKF during Beer Fest in July of 2012. It was so packed but I had so fun with my cousins and friends. It was an experience like no other. 

 I hope my guide was helpful. Enjoy your stay at Hong Kong!