Ok, shall I share my Emirates Cabin Crew interview experience here?

It all started when I was at the Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport this April and saw a group of gorgeous Emirates cabin crew ladies walked past me. Then when I was back to Hong Kong, I searched online and found that they had an open day on 11th May in HK.

This was an open day organised by a HR agency from Singapore, which is responsible for all the recruiting activities in Asia Pacific, and there was no recruiting officer from Emirates that day. The only session was a group interviwe which preliminary screened of all the candidates.

On the open day, since I didn’t know what to expect, I decided to go for business attire. I even tied up my hair into a bun to make myself look more like a cabin crew. After registering at the door, we were asked to do the arm reach test. Emirates has a relatively high standard on the arm reach height of 212 cm. After that, the While we were waiting for the group interview, I heard from other candidates that Emirates prefer girls with heavier make-up. Haha so I immediately took out my red lipstick and put it on!

There were total 15 candiates in each group. We were given a topic and we must dicuss and reach a conclusion after 5 -10 mins. The topic of my group was “If you can reborn, what specific fruit do you want to become?”. While we were discussing, a representative of the HR agency walked around and observed. After that, we were asked to leave the room and wait for the result outside.

Turned out only 4 candidates including me survived and got into the next round. We were asked to fill in a form and sit for a briefing session. There were 69 candidates moving on to next round. The briefing session was about how to create an account on Emirates Career Online Portal and what to prepare for the Assessment Date on 25th May, which was 2 weeks later. For instance, appearance is crucial for cabin crew, so during the 2 weeks of preparation, we have to pay attention to our skin condition, hair style, teeth maintenance, etc. One thing to point out is that, we were asked to wear business suit on the Assessment Date with skin colored tights but not black colored.

Some reminders for OPEN DAY:

• Make friends with other candidates. You guys are not competitors. If all of you can meet Emirates’ standard, they can take you all.
• Don’t wear too casual even though this is just an open day. Personally, I would say business attire will never go wrong. Be professional; Put on decent amount of make up and tie up all your hair in ponytail or in a bun.
• During the assessment, ALWAYS smile and sit straight.
• NEVER be the one who talks the most, even though it doesn’t mean you are aggressive.
• Bring water with you. The waiting period and briefing session is unexpectedly long and water can keep you hydrated and stay focus.
• At this stage, I feel that they only care about your appearance, personality and oral english. You dont need to prepare any self-introduction nor do any research on Emirates. All you need to do is sleep well the night before and be confident and friendly.

They are living overseas and the surgery will take place in Hong Kong. In the last few weeks they have experienced many different and scary challenges, including a temporary move due to Ashleigh collapsing at almost 35 weeks due to a racing heart of 220 bpm. Ashleigh has a heart condition called SVT (Supra Ventricular Tachycardia) which typically is relatively benign during pregnancy. After a several-days hospital stay along with regularly increased dosages of a beta blocker, her heart rate has stayed elevated around 115-120 at rest. Her OB and cardiologist are both hoping it will decrease and level off to below 100 before surgery.

On Thursday, June 20th, 3:00 a.m. U.S. Eastern time, she will deliver Emma via c-section.

So a few specific requests:

* The beta blocker will work and bring her heart rate down and stabilize it.
* Emma will continue to tolerate the medicine in utero well and it will have no adverse effects on her health.
* Ashleigh will not go into labor before the scheduled c-section. The doctors feel this could be too strenuous on her.
* Prayers for Ashleigh’s mother, Susan, who is in transit right now heading to help out the sweet family in Hong Kong. She arrives late their Wednesday night, our Wednesday morning.
* Strength, health, energy and peace for our son Philip, Ashleigh’s husband and Bella and Emma’s father.
* All the Irwin family’s friends and family (yes, I do include MYSELF in that group), who love them so dearly, that we will have peace and comfort through this time, and we will have the words and actions to know how to support and encourage them from such a far distance.
* Prayers for all involved in the surgery and the care and health of Ashleigh and Emma before, during and after.
* If the delivery of Emma does not eradicate and relieve Ashleigh’s heart issue, the medical professionals in Hong Kong will be able to swiftly and accurately diagnose and effectively treat her problem.

I know that I have laid many requests before you to take to the throne of our Great God, but I do so because I believe His Word.

Philippians 4:6-8
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Ephesians 6:18
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

Thank you in advance for your faithful prayers. And I pray now for all of you shift workers, restless sleepers and Mommas and Daddies up in the night that you will be burdened to pray specifically during her surgery time.

I would love to pray for you and welcome your private requests through my contact email or please feel free to post directly on this blog post so others can pray for you as well.

Ashleigh carrying sweet Emma at 37 1/2 weeks

Emma crying in utero when they were stimulating her with the ultrasound machine

Emma’s big sister Bella hitching a ride from a new friend

The Irwin family

Today after work, I decided to find some of those Hong Kong yarn stores on my to do list. I didn’t find them. But I did find street market vendors on Fa Yuen St. selling yarn and needles for uber cheap. I’m talking 12 100g balls and a pair of needles for about US$8.

Should I even bother trying to find these nicer places? I’ll just be tempted to spend my non-existent salary. Yeah, I’m working an awesome, yet unpaid internship in one of the most expensive cities in the world. But the yarn porn. I think I answered my own question.

I’ll be writing a real post on my yarn findings soon. I’ve got quite a queue back at my study abroad blog.

So the “Juice Cleanse” is meant to be a detox method used to cleanse your internal organs and reboot your digestive system. Benefits you will supposedly see are an increased energy levels, better skin and an accelerated metabolism. I’ve noticed its definitely a bit of a trend in Hong Kong with a few new juice cleanse cafes and suppliers opening up here and there.

And with an over indulgent month of food I think a little kickstart / shock to my body should do me good… So I am going to try the 1 day Bejuiced cleanse tomorrow and post my review. But the thought of just having liquids for any longer a day plus absolutely NO CAFFEINE intake is making me a little queazy already… I’m going for the Level 1 Cleanse which is designed for beginners and meant to boost energy levels.

Wish me luck!

x

But they never did, and it got hotter and hotter! Morning swim and a lunch time trip to the beach..I don’t think I was expecting this from my visit to Hong Kong!

So nice!!

We tried to pack as much as super-humanly possible into our trip but after 4 nights we left feeling as if we had only just scratched the surface. Hong Kong is immense with a massive food scene to match! The markets were electric and full of people all night long.  We hit the ground running: checked into our hotel, showered and changed ready for action.I’m going to bullet point from here as an over descriptive review and insight in to what can happen in Hong Kong will have to be saved for my book: The real …. Kitchen Confidential!

DAY 1:  CHECK-IN – HONG KONG – 4PM SUNDAY

Wan Chai

Bars for every taste, clubs bursting at the seams before the sun even set in the harbour. Apparently Sunday is most people’s day off and everyone has their own way to enjoy it!

Lan Kwai Fong

Another popular bar area which doesn’t get going until much later but does have a Hard Rock Café which, in fairness, always delivers what it says on the can:  live music, good cocktails and fat American diner food. We went for the healthy nachos and drowned them in mojitos but that’s us!  The night was upon us and a must visit when in this area is the Tasmanian Ballroom:  Hendricks by the bottle, funky crowd playing pool and table tennis, good DJ and cucumber in three ways.

Wan Chai

Revisited: much messier than when we left it!  Street-side yakatori, sake shots and a taxi home.

DAY 2:  CHECK-OUT – 12 NOON MONDAY

Wan Chai

Fuzzy-headed, dehydrated and needing sustenance:

Me:  “Good morning, can you tell me somewhere close by we can get some dim sum?”

Bellboy:  “Yes sir, two blocks down turn left, one block down you will see a sign for Lei Garden.”

Me:  “Thanks! That sounds awfully easy.”

Actually it was that easywe stumbled up the escalator and into a ball room size dining room where we were to be served one Michelin star dim sum and refreshing jasmine tea. The menu resembled a bingo card and after announcing I had a full house we were served perfect mouthfuls of pure flavours wrapped in the most delicate of skins and fluffiest of doughs: Har Gau, BBQ pork buns, Xieu long bao, Siew mai were all incredible. Crispy roast pork and goose were also a hit, perfect fatty goodness to eat away at the night’s drinking and prepare us for the day ahead.

Ferry to Macau

Easier than you would think, buy your ticket, wait a while, get on.Just like taking the train. A 45-minutepower nap later and we dock.  Taxi, check-in, shower, roulette.

Macau! Wow! Vegas of the Orient and cashing in on the Asian gambling addiction:  it smells of money; it feels dirty; people look sad and emotionless.  Macau itself is steeped in heritage left mainly from the Portuguese with their architecture and duel language signage remaining a symbol of their heritage. First on the list: egg tart (Pastel de Nata) I know these well and have double fisted my fair share of the best in Portugal and these I am glad to say are up there with the best! Bifana is a kind of pork sandwich which keeps the Portuguese nation going between and even after meals as a dessert. In Macau it gets a little Chinese bump of five spice, soy and ginger and is normally served with the bone on which, late at night, unsuspectingly acts as an instrument of torture as it gouges into the roof of your mouth causing immense pain for several minutes. Bones aside it is still a pork sandwich of which its cousin Bifana can be proud.

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DAY 3:   BIG DAY – EARLY RISE – FERRY – HK – HOFEX

The biggest hospitality show in Asia-Pacific: it is big, but for me, Earls Court or the Excel Centre in London were a more impressive site – maybe it’s my age! As a young cook, shaking in my pants at the salon it seemed so much bigger? Everyone knows the world is small now and to meet up with an old colleague from seven years ago and share a few lunchtime beers was very nice.

Back to Macau via a certain institution which sells sausage and egg muffins all day. When will the rest of the world catch up?

Pont 13, MGM, Venetian and Wynn all got a little visit. The Crystal Bar in Wynn was the highlight for me and the only casino where people actually looked as if they were having fun. Night clubs:  a choice of two. One is a supper club, make sure you have a had a good day on the tables before visiting and the other is like something from Dusk Till Dawn meets Coyote Ugly in the nicest way possible.

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DAY 4:  BRUNCH – CHILLAX – REHYDRATE – AFTERNOON TEA – FERRY – DINNER

Amber, the landmark Mandarin Oriental: two Michelin stars and ranked number 36 on the San Pellegrino world list. As I said, I’m not a critic and this is not a review but I can say it was a fabulous experience which will stay in my mind for a very long time. When you go to a restaurant of this standing you know it’s going to hit your pocket but at the same time you have to try as much as you can and order as if it’s your last supper!  Stand out dishes for me were :Canapés of truffled crab in a crisp potato cylinder and a crunchypita bread filled with eggplant and served on a bed of warmed cumin seeds which gave a gentle aroma whilst eating. First amuse: foie gras lollipops dipped in raspberry gel and garnished with tiny circles of beetroot and crisp gingerbread. Second amuse: pea puree, morels, white asparagus cappuccino, a match made in heaven! Outstanding!

Bread service to die for: two butters or an olive oil from Provence which didn’t even taste like olives: amazing like freshly cut rape seed! Small baguettes, focaccia and olive rolls to name a few.

Food:  We ordered well:  two starters each, a main course and a dessert. Tasmanian salmon, Iberico pork, foie gras raviolis, longoustines, Greffeuille Lamb, Tagoshima Wagyu, Nyangbo 68% chocolate, organic lemons.

Beverage: Champagne to start, Burgundy to continue, Cognac to digest and an espresso from a weasel’s poo to finish.

Photographs from an iPhone are normally great but I just didn’t feel comfortable taking pictures as if I was stealing the Mona Lisa. The ones that are here are the best of the bunch. An impressive meal from a great chef and an exceptional service demonstration which I have not seen in many years: my hat is off to these guys, Bravo!

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Overall an amazing few days topped off with the best meal I have eaten in a decade. Would I go back? Hell Yeah!! Soon? Probably not but it’s in my five year plan!

Champagne & Roses on arrival when you stay at the Langham Hong Kong

The attention is in the detail at the Langham Hong Kong. This world-class group of hotels ensure that each guest has a memorable and perfect stay and having stayed at Langham Hotels worldwide I had not before experienced the kind of welcome I was to have at the Langham Hong Kong. After a long flight I was presented with a beautiful pink rose as we were ushered into the Langham Club lounge where we were welcomed with champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries, it definitely took the edge off after a 12-hour flight and was defintiely more luxurious than a damp warm flannel! The Langham Club is perfect for a pre-dinner drink and there is a also a library and international newspapers for guests. It is a stylish spot and I half-expected to see James Bond in there, sadly there was no 007 and the atmosphere is less drama and more quiet hundrum of polite conversation, but the location is perfect for exploring this awe-inspiring city. Located on Kowloon Island you are close to the harbour and have a huge selection of bars and restaurants within walking-distance, as well as shops (check out local pharmacies for cheap but efficient products and Sam’s for tailored clothing). After this kind of welcome you can be sure that the graciousness and hospitality continues wherever you go in this busy Asian city where the people will make you feel at home, but with just enough energy that you know that you are in a city like no other.

http://hongkong.langhamhotels.com

The NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden has warned that the “truth” about the extent of surveillance carried out by US authorities would emerge, even if he is jailed or murdered.

In a live Q&A with Guardian readers from a secret location in Hong Kong, Snowden did not directly answer a question about whether he had more unpublished material. But he said: “All I can say right now is the US government is not going to be able to cover this up by jailing or murdering me. Truth is coming, and it cannot be stopped.”

Snowden, who is in hiding at a safe house, spent nearly two hours taking questions on the Guardian website. His answered questions ranging from why he chose Hong Kong to his specific concerns about the Obama administration. He also clarified questions about his salary at Booz Allen Hamilton and the the range of access he had as analyst.

Read more

Barack Obama addressed what he described as the public “ruckus” over the leaked National Security Agency surveillance documents on Monday, indicating that the US authorities would pursue extradition from Hong Kong of the whistleblower Edward Snowden.

In his first public comments in 10 days about the NSA disclosures, Obama also said he had set an oversight board made up of independent citizens and the ordered the declassification of documents relating to surveillance to allow the public to see the broader context.

The president, who is attending the G8 summit in Northern Ireland, was speaking on PBS’s Charlie Rose programme. Asked about Snowden, who remains free in Hong Kong and who took part in an online Guardian Q&A on Monday, the president said: “The case has been referred to the DOJ for criminal investigation … and possible extradition. I will leave it up to them to answer those questions.”

Read more

Taken by: iPhone 5

Processed by:Afterlight, Tegakicam (iPhone Photography app)

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Hong Kong has always been a unique experience for me.  It is an unrelenting reminder of the clash of cultures in my upbringing and the root of my love-hate relationship with this very cultural dichotomy.

Being ethnically Chinese (to be distinguished as Shanghainese, rather than Hong Kong-ese) I am naturally drawn to the delicious array of cuisines present on every corner.  I love that an excellent bowl of soup noodles will cost me a mere $30 HKD which calculates to more or less 3 Euros.  I love that I can have a freshly baked barbecue pork pastry and an amazing finely stone-ground Chinese sesame dessert in a single location.  The thing I love the most is that I can have Japanese for breakfast, Sichuanese for lunch and French for dinner, and all within a 100m radius.  Let us not forget the proximity of the Chinese border and the call of the Shenzhen dimsum afternoon paired with $50 HKD massage afterwards.  Yes, Hong Kong people have a great life.

There are those that dislike it.  I am definitely the mayor of Hong Kong Hater Town every now and then.  I find the hustle and bustle too overwhelming at times, and the gaps in culture more stifling than most because I am, unlike other foreigners, expected to know better because I look Chinese.  I understand every grunt and slight uttered in my direction, and to add to this exasperation, I hear the reciprocal slights that my foreign friends feel entitled to unleash on them.  I feel simultaneously indignant on behalf of my fellow Chinese, and yet unwillingly in agreement with my friends.  But this is Hong Kong.  It is a city of contradictions, of oil and water, and one that will never sizzle out.

Oops! It is not easy to sketch moving objects

Bates CHI&Partners forms JV, wins HSBC business

Hong Kong, 18 June 2013: Following the successful outcome of the recent global HSBC review, Bates CHI & Partners and JWT have announced the formation of a new joint venture to house the HSBC Retail Banking & Wealth Management business in Asia.

Conrad Chiu, Bates CHI & Partners’ CEO Greater China, will move from his current role and assume the role of CEO in the new joint venture from 1 July 2013.

Replacing Chiu as Managing Director of Bates CHI & Partners Hong Kong will be Tak Chi Lee who is currently Client Service Director at Ogilvy HK.

“Tak will lead the implementation of a new plan which will include a new office space, some new clients and a new management line up in Hong Kong.” Says David Mayo, CEO Bates CHI & Partners: “I thank Conrad for what he has done in leading Bates CHI to where it is today and I cannot imagine a more worthy successor than Tak who from my direct experience is an A class operator.”

Tak has most recently been Director of Client Services at Ogilvy HK, working across both the regional and Hong Kong operations.  He is the latest of a number of high-profile Ogilvy personnel to step across to help re-launch the Bates network, under the leadership of David Mayo.

“These are exciting times for the new Bates CHI & Partners in the region. There is a lot of momentum behind and interest in what we are doing. I am excited to be joining Asia’s newest network start up,” says Tak Chi Lee. “We speak about Big Ideas for Ambitious brands and we already have some amazing new business wins to show for it in the region (more details on that to be announced soon).  I’m excited to help lead the new, re-launched operation in Hong Kong.”

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Four Seasons Hotel Shenzhen

The 8th Four Seasons property in China will welcome business travellers to this important commercial hub, as well as leisure guests taking in Shenzhen’s many sites and diversions.

Where to go next in China? Dynamic and diverse Shenzhen, soon to be home to the 8th Four Seasons in China. Four Seasons Hotel Shenzhen is now confirming room reservations and event bookings and conference groups for arrival as of September 1, 2013.
Shenzhen is an important centre of technology, finance and manufacturing. One look at its evolving skyline – punctuated by the new 26-story Four Seasons Hotel Shenzhen – and it’s no wonder that the city was appointed a UNESCO City of Design in 2008 and is home to a large number of artists and industrial designers. Amid the energetic buzz of this metropolis, leisure travellers will discover nature reserves and city parks, world class golf, museums and historic sites, vibrant nightlife and epic shopping, as well as the city’s famous theme parks.
“It is auspicious that Four Seasons Hotel Shenzhen is set to welcome guests in the 8th month of the Chinese calendar, at the time of the Mid Autumn Festival when we come together in a celebration of the harvest and the fruition of our hard work,” says General Manager Arthur W.C. Ho. “It has been a very busy and exciting time as we build this new hotel and plan for our grand opening, when we may welcome friends, colleagues and guests from around the world to Four Seasons Hotel Shenzhen.”
To celebrate its grand opening, Four Seasons Hotel Shenzhen is offering two introductory packages: Experience More includes a Hotel credit with minimum two night stay, and Advance Reserve offers hold additional value for travellers. A Group Value Offer is also available for event planners.

Ideal Location in the Heart of Shenzhen, with Easy Access to Hong Kong and Other Major Cities

Situated in the new downtown business district of Futian, the Hotel’s prime location offers convenience and accessibility. The city’s Convention and Exhibition Centre is located across the street, and the Hotel is surrounded by major office buildings, three shopping malls and a nearby metro station. Close by are architectural attractions such as the Civic Center, which houses the Municipal Hall and Shenzhen Museum, and adjacent are the Library and Concert Hall.

Situated just 10 minutes away are two Hong Kong immigration borders – Huanggang and Futian, for those catching international flights through Hong Kong’s airport, which is an hour’s trip by car – while Shenzhen’s Bao’an Airport is only a 30 minute drive away. The cities of Guangzhou and Macau are also easily accessed from Shenzhen by land or ferry, allowing guests the “best of three worlds.”

The Look of Four Seasons Hotel Shenzhen: A Contemporary Green Oasis

With its sleek and striking geometrical façade, Four Seasons Hotel Shenzhen complements the city’s modern landscape. Designed by internationally renowned Hirsch Bedner & Associates (HBA), the Hotel features a unique rooftop multilevel terrace with landscaped greenery and water courtyards – a welcome sight for guests arriving at the Hotel’s 6th floor Lobby. Set amid the elements of nature outside with elegant beige and taupe marble interiors, an art collection is bathed in natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows.

All 266 spacious guest rooms – including 33 suites – provide stylish comfort for both relaxation and high productivity. Extra-large work desks with task lamps and ergonomic executive chairs; multiple international electrical outlets, phone chargers and hi-speed internet access; flat screen TVs equipped with media player, and thick plush carpeting are just some of the thoughtful features. Some rooms even boast a deep soaking tub-with-a-view for the ultimate pampering experience.

Designed in cream and beige with touches of plum, sage and soft gold, rooms offer a relaxing ambiance for guests. Elegant white marble top over rich dark timber bedside tables and TV consoles provide interior accents. The focal point of each room is a striking headboard wall with a contemporary interpretation of Chinese brushwork entitled Auspicious Clouds, to denote good fortune, a design element that runs throughout the Hotel.

Where China’s Culinary History Comes Together

With its position at the crossroads of the country’s most important trading ports, Shenzhen’s culinary tradition encompasses the eight regional cuisines of China. At the Hotel’s signature Zhuo Yue Xuan, Cantonese takes centre stage, with regional specialties enhancing the menu. In addition to its modern, high style main space, the restaurant will offer ten private dining rooms.

For international all-day dining, FOO will be the choice for power breakfasts and business lunches, or a trendy night out. Designed by Japanese SPIN, the restaurant will include seating options designed for couples and crowds, with an outdoor deck and waterfall.

Yi Bar & Lounge is really several destinations in one – the perfect place for an afternoon tea break from a day of shopping or sightseeing, or to meet colleagues for after-work cocktails, it’s also an indoor-outdoor haven for those meeting friends for a relaxing lunch or evening of socializing.

Let’s Meet at Four Seasons

Shenzhen is a hub of business travel, with many annual trade fairs on the calendar, not to mention its convenient access to Hong Kong and Guangzhou.

At Four Seasons Hotel Shenzhen, 1,800 square metres (19,000 square feet) of event space includes Four Seasons Ballroom, which seats up to 360 persons – ideal for business meetings as well as weddings and the city’s major social functions. Five additional meeting spaces will be available to fit any event from 20 to 200 persons. All function spaces are designed pillarless, with floor-to-ceiling windows to provide natural lighting and city views. A special feature at Four Seasons will be Terraces, a unique outdoor venue for a truly memorable reception or wedding.

For the individual business traveller, in addition to carefully appointed guest rooms, a 24-hour business centre and the adjacent Executive Club Lounge will offer dedicated check in-check out, daily breakfast and light snacks, and cocktails.

Shenzhen: A Destination for Fun and Adventure

While Shenzhen offers a world of entertaining diversions for local and international guests, there is plenty to attract both leisure and business travellers within Four Seasons Hotel Shenzhen. Two swimming pools – one indoor, one outdoor – are complemented by a 24-hour fitness centre and yoga and exercise studio. The intimate Spa at Four Seasons will feature seven treatment rooms offering both traditional and cutting-edge therapies and pampering experiences.

Mermaids originated off the coasts of Atlantis, they came to be as the result of interactions between human beings and water dwelling extraterrestrials who sought to share their supernatural abilities with the inhabitants of this planet. When Atlantis sank, the changes in the chemical composition of what is now the Atlantic ocean killed the sea-dwelling extraterrestrials known as mersons. The event happened so rapidly that humans were unable to save themselves from drowning. Merpeople however, were able to survive and over time they traveled across the Atlantic into the Pacific and Indian oceans and were able to share their oral history with seamen and inhabitants of coastal communities. They were also able to share knowledge of their supernatural abilities and occasionally interbred with humans leading to psychic and often redheaded children who could perform telekinesis and talk to dolphins.

Corrupt, power-seeking individuals, leaders, and authority figures began to hunt and imprison merpeople so that their abilities would not threaten human power structures and so merpowers could be used for their bidding. Mer hair possesses a unique energetic make up that summons and feeds the ruthless and insatiably hungry hair-god, Pelor. Pelor’s appetite is so enormous that he will do anything for those who sate it. Consequently, monarchs, aristocrats, and today’s banking elite have all been part of the secret operation to feed Pelor vast quantities of mermaid hair so he will ensure that they possess almost all of the world’s wealth. The body of merpeople represents a fusion of the elements earth and wind and as a genetic hybrid that goes against the natural order; merbodies are laced with energy that is delicious to Satan. Just in case Pelor finds a better source of food, merbodies are sacrificed to Satan to ensure that the economy remains fixed in one direction.

                These sacrifice ceremonies occur every time fire meets water, whenever an aquatic volcano erupts. The ritual is almost too horrific to describe but if the mermaids must suffer through it then you reader can absorb it in full detail. After years growing up confined to underwater pens where their hair is grown so long it wraps around and binds them; the mermaids are underfed and denied the opportunity to swim free. They are also denied the developmentally critical opportunity to nourish their human side through mental or emotional interaction with other mers.

                Weak and developmentally stunted, five mermaids are plucked from their pen by farm overseers. While pulling out the mermaids, it is not uncommon to find several mermaids whose unkempt hair has strangled them to death. Some mermaids explode in captivity, their untrained psychic abilities lead to spontaneous aquatic combustion.

                The five unfortunate mermaids are brought up to land for the first time in their miserable lives. During this time they are terrified, usually infected with fungal plankton, and confused. They never learn to communicate verbally so they have a strongly developed system for telepathic communication.  They are dragged into a room by a new initiate of the secret banking order who rips off their seashells leaving them screaming, humiliated, and in pain. They are also nervously overwhelmed as they can sense what is happening to each other.

                Next the chair of the 2^nd order of initiates creates a pentagram to summon Pelor. The entire order chants the dark words, ‘sumus Pelor commus pelus’ 25 times. Then the vicious, hairy god appears and begins devouring the mermaid’s hair, even their armpit hair. His sharp dagger-like teeth often take pieces of their scalp and underarm flesh.

                After this occurs the mermaids are humiliated and greatly weakened because so much power is stored in their hair. Without the hair as their antennae, the mermaids can no longer communicate with each other telepathically. They become overwhelmed with fear. The chair of the 1^st tier of initiates  slices off their tails and summons Satan himself. Satan eats the human half of their bodies while the initiates are commanded to scoop out the insides of the tails, and wear them while chanting. One unlucky order member must eat the entrails and then be fed to Satan in order to maintain the power structure.

                The seashells are hung up on an altar and Satan, content with his feeding, returns to the underworld and ensures that 1% of the world receives most of the world’s wealth. All except one initiate return to their lives as CEOs, hedgefunds, traders, and investment bankers while five mermaids have been devoured by Satan and Pelor, approx 5,000 mermaids in captivity are suffering only to await an equally macabre death, and most of the world’s population awaits a future of poverty, servitude, and exploitation.

                The picture sounds hopeless but there is something you can do. Acknowledge that mermaids are real! When you believe in mermaids you can make a psychic connection with them even if you don’t feel it. If just %10 of the planet psychically connected with mermaids, that energy exchange alone would be enough to reroute the signals that come from their hair antennas so that they could break free in their tanks, and collectively channel their energy together. Because they have so much supernatural power from their extraterrestrial ancestors, the collective power of these imprisoned mers would be enough to hypnotize the farm overseers into letting them go. This would enable them to break out of the farms for good and prevent the ceremonies that feed evil and greed.

You must spread the word, you must spread the knowledge, you must save the mermaids!!!

For the planet, for society, for yourself, and for the sea, Save the Mermaids!

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• Avenue of Stars
• Ladies Market
• Temple Street Night Market
• The Peak
• Ngong Ping
• Nan Lian Garden
• Sky 100
• Ocean Park Hong Kong
• Hong Kong Disneyland

Avenue of Stars & The Clock Tower

 
This 400-meter stretch of promenade is based on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame. Most of the artist featured in this avenue is some of Hong Kong’s finest stars, many of whom are deceased. However,some that you may be more familiar with are Micehlle Yeoh, Jackie Chan, Bruce Lee, Jet Li and
Chow Yun-Fat. While walking along this waterside promanade, you can see from the opposite the one of the best and most pictured harbour in the world, Victoria Harbour. It is best to see the harbour at night and watch the light show at 8:15pm.

Opening Hours: All day
Ticket: Free of Charge
Address: Tsim Sha Tsui

How to get there:
a. Take a ferry from Wan Chai Ferry Terminal or Central Ferry Terminal.
b. Take the MTR, get off at East Tsim Sha Tsui Station and exit at Exit J.
c. Takes buses that are stationed at Star Ferry Bus Terminal. 1, 1A, 2, 5, 5A, 5C, 6, 6A, 7, 8 and 9. Routes A21, 8A, 13X, 26, 28, 35A, 41A, 81C, 87D, 98D, 110, 203, 208, 215X, 219X and 224X all stop on Salisbury Road, outside New World Centre, about 5 minute walk from the avenue.

Ladies Market

 
Ladies Market is one of the places where you could buy pasalubongs. From keychains to I love HK shirts, this market surely has it. The price range for the shirts are sold for HKD100 for 4, and sometimes HKD100 for 6.

Opening Hours: 12nn to 11pm (except first day of Chinese New Year – Closed)
Ticket: Free of Charge
Address: Tung Choi Street, Mongkok

How to get there:
a. Take the MTR to either Prince Edward Station and take Exit B2 OR get off at Mong Kok Station and take any of Exits B2, D2 or D3. Prince Edward MTR Station and Mong Kok MTR Stations are at the northern and southern ends respectively of the market.

Temple Street Night Market

 
Temple Street Night Market in Yau Ma Tei is HK’s largest Night Market. The temple street market is also a place for pasalubongs but is sometimes more expensive than Ladies Market. It is also known as Mens Market as most of its items cater to men. It offers a huge selection of conterfeit products such as Clothes, bags, wallets, DVDs, footwear, electrical good and souvenirs. Make sure you bargain when visiting Temple Street.

Credit to: http://www.noholidaynolife.com

Opening Hours: 2pm to 1130pm (except first day of Chinese New Year – Closed)
Ticket: Free of Charge
Address: Temple Street, Yau Ma Tei

How to get there:
1. Take the MRT and get off at either Yau Ma Tei or Jordan Station. If Yau Ma Tei Station, take Exit C and turn left along Mang Ming Lane. If Jordan Station, take Exit A and turn right.

The Peak Tower

 
The peak is the higest point where you could view the spectacular skyline of Hong Kong. It is listed in the “must visit” for first timers or even locals in Hong Kong. However, when visiting the peak try to go there when the sky is clear otherwise you will not enjoy the panoramic view of Hong Kong.

Opening Hours: 10 am to 11 pm (Mon – Fri)
8 am to 11 pm (Sat, Sun & Public Holidays)
Ticket: Free of Charge

How to get there:
From Central,
a. Take 15C heading to Lower Peak Tram Terminus from Central Ferry Pier (near IFC) in front of Central Pier No. 8. If you are already around Central, head to City Hall on Connaught Road Central. 15C Bus operates daily from 10am to 1140pm. Bus fare is $4.2.
a1. 15C will take you to The Lower Peak Tram Terminus on Garden Road. From there, you can ride The Peak Tram.

From Admiralty,
b. From Admiralty MTR station, take Exit C1 and cross the bridge over Queensway to Pacific Place. Take the escalators on the right which runs until the top. You will reach Hong Kong Park and the signs leading to The Lower Peak Tram Terminus is now available. From there, you can ride The Peak Tram.

Note: The peak tram operates from 7am to 12mn (Mon – Sun & Public Holidays).

Some attractions in The Peak Tower

Sky Terrace 428
Opening Hours:10am to 11pm (Mon – Fri)
8am to 11pm (Sat, Sun & Public Holidays)
Ticket: HKD 40 without Peak Tram Tickets
75HKD with Peak Tram Tickets

Madame Tussauds
Opening Hours: 10am to 10pm
Ticket: HKD 190
Note: You can buy your tickets online and save up to 20%! Visit
http://www.madametussauds.com/HongKong/en/BuyTickets/Default.aspx

For more info on other attractions: http://www.thepeak.com.hk/en/2_2.asp

Ngong Ping

Some Attractions in Ngong Ping

Tian Tan Big Buddha
Opening Hours: 10am to 530pm (Mon – Sun including Public Holidays)
Ticket: Free of Charge

Po Lin Monastery
Opening Hours: 8am to 6pm (Mon – Sun including Public Holidays)
Ticket: Free of Charge

Ngong Ping Village
Ngong Ping Village is where the Ngong Ping Cable Car Terminus is located. The Ngong Ping Cable Car is the link between Tung Chung(near HK International Airport) and Lantau Island.

Ngong Ping Cable Car
Opening Hours: 10am to 6pm (Mon – Fri)
9am to 630pm (Sat & Sun including Public Holidays)
Tickets: HKD 135 (Adult) HKD 68 (Child) for Standard Cabin.
Note: Other Fees, visit http://www.np360.com.hk/en/cable-car/#standard

Hong Kong International Airport to Tung Chung
How to get there:
a. From HKIA, take the shuttle bus S1 from outside the Terminal 1 Arrival Hall. The bus operates at about 5 minute frequency and the journey to the cable car terminus takes about 10 minutes.

Anywhere of Hong Kong to Tung Chung
How to get there:
a. Head to the nearest MTR and look for Tung Chung Station. Once in Tung Chung, you have the option to take the Cable car to Ngong Ping or take the cheaper route via the Bus.

Tung Chung to Ngong Ping via The Cable Car
How to get there:
a. If you are somewhere far from Tung Chung, take the MTR and get off at Tung Chung Station. Exit at Exit B walk to the Tung Chung Cable Car Terminus. (Approx. 3 mins.)

Tung Chung to Ngong Ping via Bus
How to get there:
a. Take the MTR and head to Tung Chung Station. The bus is an alternative to the cable car. Take Exit B and walk to the Bus Terminus. Look for bus No. 23 heading to Ngong Ping. (Approx. 50 mins.)

NOTE: Cable Car will not be operating on these days.
#Scheduled Servicing Days (2013)
30 to 31 January
13 to 20 March
26 to 27 June

For more info, visit http://www.plm.org.hk/eng/visitors.php

Nan Lian Garden

 
Nan Lian Garden is a quiet place if you’re tired from Hong Kong fast paced life. Even if it is located in the urban areas of Kowloon, the garden provides a scene with tranquil and serene vibes. The good thing about visiting Nan Lian Garden is forgetting that you are in the city and just relaxing and feeling the beauty of the place. There are no bus horns, just bird chipping and wind blowing. It is best to visit during the morning to have a wonderful start to your day!

Opening Hours: 7am to 9pm (Mon – Sun including Public Holidays)
Ticket: Free of Charge

How to get there:
a. By MTR, get off at Diamond Hill Station. Take Exit C2 and walk under the flyover along Fung Tak Road. There are also instructions from the station exit.
b. By Bus 3B,10,11C,74X,91,92,11,74X,75X,82X,82P, 84M,85C,85M,91,91M,92,286M – depending on your location. These buses are operating along Nan Lian Garden. Get off at Diamond Hill Public Transport Interchange or Fung Tak Road.

Some attractions in Nan Lian Garden

Chinese Architecture Gallery and Rockery
Opening Hours: 10am to 6pm (Mon – Sun including Public Holidays)
Xiang Hai Xuan
Opening Hours: 10am to 5pm (Mon – Sun including Public Holidays)
Song Cha Xie Teahouse
Opening Hours: 12nn to 730pm (Mon – Sun including Public Holidays)
Souvenir Shop
Opening Hours: 10am to 630pm (Mon – Sun including Public Holidays)
Snack Shop
Opening Hours: 930am to 530pm (Mon – Sun including Public Holidays)

For more info, visit http://www.lcsd.gov.hk/parks/nlg/en/faqs.php

Sky 100

 
Sky100 is located on the 100th floor of the Highest building in Hong Kong, the International Commerce Centre (ICC). It is considered as the 4th highest observation deck with a height of 393m above sea level. What’s cool about this place? THE ELEVATOR! From the second floor, you will taken to the 100th floor via The Flying Lift which takes only about 60 seconds. Now that’s something we all would want to try.
Address: 100th floor of the Tallest Building in HK, The ICC.
Opening Hours: 10am to 730pm^ (Mon – Sun including Public Holidays)
^Last admission time. But Sky100 closes at 830pm.
Tickets: HKD168 (Adult) HKD118 (Child) HKD118 (Senior)
HKD409 Family Combo (2 adults and one child)
HKD500 VIP Fast Pass/per person
How to get there:
a. By MTR, ICC is located at Kowloon Station. Take the MTR and alight at Kowloon Station. Get off at Exit Elements. Look for the Metal Section of the mall and you will see the Sky100 entrance on the first floor.
b. By bus, if you are around Tsim Sha Tsui, head to the Star Ferry Pier Bus Terminal and look for Bus No. 8. Get off at Kowloon MTR Station bus terminal.

Note: SKY100 is closed to the public on
14 August 2013
24 September 2013
11 November 2013
12 November 2013

Ocean Park

 
Ocean Park Hong Kong is a hybrid of Manila’s Ocean Park and Enchanted Kingdom. It is ranked as the twelfth most visited theme park in the world and also plays an important part in the marine animal conservation, research and education centre. The whole park was It has aquariums and tunnels where you could view different kinds of animals that live in the water. Not only that, Ocean Park also has a butterfly garden, themed zone suchs as The Rainforest and many more attractions within the venue itself.
For teenagers, Ocean Park is a place to test your fear! With the latest addition to the park, Thrill Mountain, you can challenge yourself with rides involving spins, upside downs and sudden drops.
For family visiting ocean park, it is best to try the cable car that transfers you from one mountain to another mountain. However, during 6pm onwards, the line gets crowded.

Opening Hours: 10am to 8pm^ (Mon – Sat)
930am to 8pm^ (Sun & Public Holidays)
^Closing time varies – check Ocean Park website’s calendar for up to date information http://www.oceanpark.com.hk/html/en/plan-your-visit/calendar/
Ticket: HKD280 (Adult) HKD140 (Child)

How to get there:
a. By MTR, get off at Admiralty Station and take Exit B. Head to the Admiralty (West) Bus Terminal and look for Bus No. 629. The bus operates daily from 9am to 4pm. (Approx. 20 minutes travel time)
b. If you are around Central, head to Central Ferry Pier(near IFC) and look for Bus No. 629. The bus operates daily from 945am to 345pm. (Approx. 25 minutes travel time)

For more info, visit www.oceanpark.com.hk/

Hong Kong Disneyland

 
Hong Kong Disney land is located in a coastal area on Lantau Island. Though it may be considered as the smallest Disney park, it is still a “must visit” for first timers in Hong Kong. Whether or not you’re a Disney fan, the place will give you a magical feeling that will remind you of your childhood. Most of the attractions here caters to children, (of course this is Disney!) but there are also rides for the bigger ones. And just this year 2013, HK Disneyland opened a new attraction, Mystic Manor. I haven’t been here again but why don’t you check it out for me?

Opening Hours: 9am to 7pm^
^Closing time varies from 7pm, 8pm and 9pm depending on the park’s events – check Hong Kong Disneyland’s calendar for up to date information HERE http://park.hongkongdisneyland.com/hkdl/en_US/home/home?name=HOMEPage
Ticket: HKD 450(Adult) HKD 320(Child) HKD 100(Senior)

How to get there:
a. The fastest way to get to Disneyland is via the MTR. Head to Tung Chung Station, and from there, get on the train going straight to Disneyland.

For more info, visit http://park.hongkongdisneyland.com/hkdl/en_US/home/home?name=HomePage

Questions:

1. Are there discounted tickets?
A: Yes there are. If you are traveling with a group of more than 5, you could save starting from HKD250. Head to Worldwide House in Central. On the third floor, look for Sally’s Filipino Travel Services. Discounts are up to HKD50 per ticket. You can also purchase Macau Ferry tickets and other tickets here.

Make sure you check the online site of these attractions first because sometimes they offer discounts up to 20% when you book in advance or buy online.

2. Where can I see the complete bus schedules and routes?
A:
http://www.kmb.hk/en/services/csr_servicecharter.html
http://www.nwstbus.com.hk/routes/index.aspx?intLangID=1

3. Do you have an MTR Map of Hong Kong?
A:
Map: http://www.mtr.com.hk/eng/getting_around/system_map.html
Fares: http://www.mtr.com.hk/eng/fares_tickets/train_service_index.html

Photo Credits:

Argellie Perdigon & Ynah Inojosa (c)

© mlok

© mlok

© mlok

© mlok

These were from the last time I wandered around the alleys in Sheung Wan (Hong Kong Island). I used to live there with my friends before I moved into the residential hall.

It’s in a walkable distance from Central but is a totally different from it. No tourist will come to this area except for the food. Pace in Sheung Wan is much slower. Please take the tram that connects these two areas. You will feel like you have suddenly entered the old, layback Hong Kong but the busy city centre which everyone shouts at each other for a piece of paper.

It’s like time has stopped here. Things remain the same years after years. It’s old, but it’s ever filled with colours. It always gives me the anticipation of what’s coming ahead in the next corner. It’s a city with natural filters.

Such a pity many of the photos I took were lost, there are the only ones I can retrieve.

Enjoy the liveliness (and bitterness?) Sheung Wan shows!