I’ve just confirmed it: December is the best time to visit Hong Kong!

And here are some reasons why I came to love the place more with our recent trip.

As in our beloved Philippines, in Hong Kong, everywhere I look”ed, it was Christmas! Lights and decorations were everywhere. I don’t know it it’s just psychological, but Hong Kong seems more festive during December!

I loved, loved the weather: COLD!!!! I wasn’t able to get a clear shot of the Hong Kong skyline because of the fog. But I so loved the cold weather that we seldom get here in the Philippines. Imagine, 12 noon, we were wearing our jackets! It was actually like Europe [konti na lang], yun nga lang may hangin! Kaya super lamig!

Shopping was a joyous task. More goods, more discounts! Yay! The night market was more alive in the sense that there were more activities [like a mini-concert and a dragon dance] and eating out was also more fun!!!

Everybody is in a “Christmasy” mood, including Mickey and Minnie Mouse [shown here with Santa Claus!] and the rest of the Disney gang!

Sleeping Beauty’s castle, as well as the whole of Disneyland, is at its most beautiful during the Christmas season! And, kahit fake, there was snow in Disneyland. [Oh real snow, when will I experience you?]

So tell me, how can I not love Hong Kong more?

As Wendy said as we left: “Bye-bye Hong Kong! See you next year!”

They say one thing to overcome when travelling to a country like Hong Kong is the language barrier. It’s hard to decipher all those Chinese characters, especially when you have no background. If the Chinese had left the signages in their own language, how do you think we would be able to go around Hong Kong!?!

Imagine if everything were in Chinese…all the street and stores signs…

Can you please tell me where the hell the pharmacy is?!?

At least some take the initiative to translate.

But then, others are very gracious and put up their signs in English. They want to make it easier for people, especially tourists, who can understand only English and NO Chinese. But do they really make it easier?

Come again?

The lift has a lobby? And in any case, I don’t think I want to avoid the crowed [I think that's what you call a person bitten by a crow...crowed]!

Haaay…suko ako dito!

OK na sana…but I think you mean “Thank you for your cooperation.”

Mukhang mahilig sila sa word na compensation ano?

Eto pahabol…airport na lang di pa nagpatawad. I think we all know what the sign is trying to say…the words are just twisted.

It’s hard to learn the Chinese language. But it’s harder to decipher what they are trying to say when they tranlsate it into English. But you’ve got to applaud them and appreciate their attempt [after all, being good in English is something one learns, and not everybody is good in it. Even we sometimes make mistakes]! Anyway, I’d go back anytime and try to understand their language!

有一了不起的天 [Have a great day]!

[Was it obvious that I was always on the lookout for these signs while on vacation? he! he! I had fun though. ]

This entry was originally posted at kumarenggrace.i.ph.

There were two things I LOVED about Hong Kong: shopping and Disneyland. The shopping part is self-explanatory and expected. But the Disneyland part? I was surprised at how much I loved the place (especially that I don’t really enjoy Enchanted Kingdom).

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