Hong Kong Chronicles: Giving It Another Shot

I was sharing few travel sentiments to some friends while on our way home. Since I’m not a first-time overseas traveler, a list of expectations already had diffused at the back of my mind prior to stepping at Hong Kong soil.

Wanting to witness something extraordinary, something that is at least inexistent in Manila, I ended up utterly overwhelmed by these bizarre must-sees:

• Winter-cold weather in March
• Elite and gigantic airport
• Eleven (11) railway lines all over the city
• Honesty box where bus fares are dropped off upon boarding
• Prestigious character parades and firework display at Disneyland
• Spacious site at the Ocean Park, plus all its deadly rides

In the same way, there were downbeat experiences I regretted in coming to the place:

• Lousy hostel and its surrounding area
• Unhygienic food service at the sidewalk eateries
• Unaccommodating locals when asked about road directions
• Short-tempered merchants wanting us to buy every item we’re inquiring about
• Disrespectful immigration officer
• Smokers in all corners of the city

Falling short of the standards I set early on, I am giving Hong Kong another chance to prove its worth as a place really worth visiting. I am going back there, hopefully within the year. I have yet to rub elbows with the Pandas and watch completely the aqua shows at the Ocean Park. So long as I come home satisfied of the non-monetary returns, every single dollar-worth experience, I must say, shall be worth the price.

Posted in: Hong Kong,itchy feet,key to sanity,personal perspectives