Birthday in HK ☂ The Journey & The Stay

This trip wasn't initially planned to be my birthday trip, but somehow, thanks to CIMB online banking's inefficiency, Air Asia's ridiculous fight for cheap airfares and my awesome blurness, I somehow brilliantly booked a vacation across my birthday weekend.

Traveling with me was a secretive friend *LOL*, someone very dear to my heart but due to many complications, I won't be revealing her identity. Anyway, it was really great to spend spend my 28th birthday with her (thank you, you know who you are ^^).

* for those who know whom I went HK with, please... help me keep the secret, thanks zillions :)

I was on half day leave only on our departure day, because our flight was quite late in the afternoon. We arrived relatively early at the airport but waiting wasn't bad when you have your dearest friend with you.

The flight was on time, and the sky was super cloudy. Yes, the whole trip was a little wet and windy, that explained why I have this --> ☂ on the post title. But nothing dampen the mood of the birthday girl *muahaha*

We bought the Airport Express Travel Pass that allowed us two way rides on the Airport Express and 72 hours train services. Perfect for our weekend stay in HK :)

I like HongKong's public transportation. Very efficient, clean, punctual, convenient, tourist-friendly and affordable. Everything is clearly labeled and signboards are accurate and obvious. Makes it easy for everyone.

I've been to HongKong twice before this trip, the first was in 2005 which left a very bad impression to me because of the arrogant attitudes of the locals. However, I noticed a very big improvement in their service today! A pleasant surprise, I actually find the Hongkees much more friendlier during this trip.

We booked our accommodation together with the flight and chose the Silka Far East Hotel (远东丝丽酒店) in Tsuen Wan (荃湾). It was located within walking distance (via covered pedestrian bridge) from the Tsuen Wan MTR station, which is the last stop on the Tsuen Wan Line.

Personally I like to stay in Tsuen Wan despite it being slightly away from all actions in the city. The place itself is a small commercial area, with lots of food and shops around, but less hectic compared to the heart of the town like Mongkok (旺角). But that's just me, hehehe.

We managed to find our hotel without much trouble. In fact, it was quite a big building (to our surprise) visible from quite far. Not too difficult to locate and it looks grander than we expected :)

Well, at least the entrance...

... and perhaps the lobby with its crystal dragon hanging from the ceiling. Check-in was easy and the service was ok. We asked for directions and they were pretty helpful.

Oh, and I have to compliment them for the prompt reply to my booking inquiries via email and phone calls (to double check my payment and reservation). Thumbs up!

Well, if you want me to complain, probably the only thing I can say is the (lack of) room space but this is totally understandable, given the limited land in HongKong. But the room was clean and well-equipped.

Somehow we were thankful that both of us weren't really big size. See, the walkway... it's made for one person to barely squeeze through, I think the ang mohs might have problem sharing the room.

And we had to leave our luggage half-blocking the entrance because there's no where else we could dump them.

But they did plan the renovation well, making use of each and every inch of spaces possible. And whatever you need, you have it.

The bathroom is quite ok to me, at least much better than the one of First World Hotel Genting where I could hardly turn without knocking on the wall, or something, and have no place to hang my clothes without wetting them.

This is a very normal size bathroom and I am grateful for that.

This is basically our "nest" for the 4 days in HongKong and we both think the accommodation wasn't too shabby. And since we didn't spend much time in the room, other than sleeping at night, space wasn't too much of a concern.

Shall continue in the next post.