HONG KONG DISNEYLAND - PART 1

Come along and sing a song

And join the jamboree

M - I - C - K -E - Y - M - O - U - S -E

HONG KONG 2ND DAY, 30th SEPTEMBER 2012 ~ And the excitement began even before stepping foot into the magical world of Disney. At the train station, we waited eagerly for the arrival of the special train that would take us to the place where magic happened. And childhood memories came rushing back when I used to be glued to the television screen and Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and their friends would be entertaining children all over the world. Life was much much simpler back then.

the train arriving

I could see the joy and excitement on people's faces to ride on this very train. The windows had the shape of Mickey Mouse and so did the hand rails. On that day, I suddenly got very excited to get myself photographed with a handrail, of all the things in the world. Everybody was very busy clicking their cameras away in the train but nobody really cared.

the decorations in the train

Hong Kong Disneyland train station

We arrived at the theme park quite early I supposed (we left the hotel at 9 a.m.) as there were not that many people yet. Initially, we planned to go on Saturday but we changed our mind to come one day earlier. According to the reviews on the internet, visitors were advised not to come on weekends. There would be people from mainland China coming there at that time. And we were fortunate as it was not raining in the morning or else walking around the park would not be that enjoyable.

Could you spot Mickey on top of the fountain?

The tickets had been bought online much earlier. Upon arriving at the entrance, I asked the staff on duty whether I should queue up to get the tickets and he directed us to the "Magic Machine". What I had to do was to insert my credit card in the machine, and TADAAA... out came the tickets.

the Magic Machines

If you are wondering how much did it cost to get into Disneyland in Hong Kong, I paid HK$399 for an adult ticket which would be a standard rate for an international amusement park.

a must-take-photo spot

Here you leave today,

and enter the world of yesterday, tomorrow and fantasy.

At the main entrance, we saw a group of schoolchildren from Bukit Timah Primary School, Singapore, getting ready for their performance. Just imagine how far they had traveled and to be able to play in Disneyland would definitely be an unforgettable moment in life.

Christmas spirit in the air

Mickey Mouse waffles

 

 

This entry is just the introduction. Do visit the blog again for more stories and pictures from Hong Kong Disneyland.

ATTENDING TWO EX-STUDENTS' WEDDINGS

W E D D I N G    # 1 : 

NURUL A'IN & AZRUL IZWAN

Sunday, 9th December ~ The first wedding of the way was between two schoolmates, Nurul A'in and Azrul Izwan. Up until now, we have quite a number of ex-students who got married of their own alumni. Nurul A'in was from SPM batch 2006, while bridegroom was her one year senior. And A'in really made sure I received her invitation card with messages via a friend and on Facebook.

W E D D I N G    # 2 :

KHAIRUL IZZUAN

The second wedding was of Khairul Izzuan's who was from SPM batch 2004. However, he was not choosing someone from the same school. I was there quite late, at almost 4:00 p.m. and to my delight, there were not many people anymore. This made it easier for me to get myself photographed with the bride and bridegroom.

the bridegroom's brother, also my student

This photos were taken when Khairul Izwan and his two other friends, Zabidi and Firdaus, came over to hand over his invitation card to me a few days before and then we went out for dinner/supper. And some people had the determination, instead of just posting on Facebook. 

Thanks for inviting and thanks for the kind thoughts.

WANDERING LIKE A VAGABOND, SLEEPING LIKE A KING

vagabond ~ moving from place to place without a fixed home.

We intentionally chose Harbour Plaza Resort City for our accommodation throughout the five days stay in Hong Kong. It is situated at the north side of HK and quite far from the city centre. We wanted a more comfortable room so we didn't really mind the traveling. Besides, we wanted to experience the life of the Hongkongese. It was far alright and we traveled for only five days but there are other people who commute on the train to and from work everyday.

For our five days stay, we had to pay  about USD444. Even though it might sound VERY expensive for a budget traveler like us, we would still have to pay the same amount of money if we booked a room in the city centre BUT the room would be much much smaller and the reviews written by others were not that encouraging. We need to pamper ourselves once in a while, right?

After checking in, the front desk staff told us that we had been upgraded to deluxe room for free and we wondered how the room would be like. And, once we entered the room which was located on the 25th floor, we knew we had made the right decision. We were happy enough to get to stay in a room which I would consider a luxury.

the view from the window

the night view

I really liked the night view from the window. The lights outside were bright enough and it was as if I was watching a big screen TV show that would put me off to sleep.

the lobby area

Christmas spirit in the air

ready to leave

goodbye room 2519

All in all, it was a pleasant stay. There was nothing to complain. And I have written a good review in Agoda for the hotel.