CNY

Chinese New Year was celebrated in HK on the 19th of February. Prior to that I was a bit confused which Chinese zodiac animal was being ushered in. Some say it is the year of the goat, others say the year of the sheep or ram.  

My sister asked a colleague of hers at work and according to her Chinese co-worker, the word that they use in their language is the same for both animals. So it could either mean it is a goat or a sheep based on how they pronounce the word.

So that still didn't answer my question but based on the displays at the malls, it seemed they couldn't distinguish it either. You judge for yourself based on these pictures I took. :D

This is definitely not a goat nor a sheep.

Some giant cat whose relevant is 

completely lost to me.

Amihan

I got back Monday, Feb. 23, 2014 after two weeks of lovely cool climate, loads of eating out + 3 days of being totally sick with intestinal flu (horrible because all 3 days, I vomited every time I ate something!). 

Then Chinese New Year, the Year of the Goat came and all the stores, dining places were closed for 4 days (from Thursday to Sunday!). Apparently, I wasn't aware that the whole of HK closes down for CNY. Neither did my sister since this was the first time she spent CNY in HK.

But I was still happy because I spent it with my sister and we just stayed home and watched movies while eating microwave popcorn. Thankfully by then, my tummy was cooperating so I could take in some solid food without throwing up. An upgrade from surviving on crackers and Pocari all day.

As usual as I type this post, I'm sweating profusely.  Blah! Even though according to the local weather bureau, RP is still being visited by Amihan, strong winds from China which envelops our beloved nation with cool winds. But it seems it would all change by next week when the 'tag-init' season sets in. Phew!

I can't really complain because there is really no place like home! =)

Blogging break

This blog will be on a hiatus as I'm currently in Hong Kong again for 2 weeks to enjoy the coming Chinese New Year holidays with my sister dearest. Plus to enjoy the lovely cold weather!

HK Observation Wheel

It was the first day of the year 2015 so we wanted to try something new. The Hong Kong Observation Wheel is a 60 meter tall harborfront Ferris Wheel. It was formally opened last September 2014 in Central on Hong Kong Island. 

It is a total of 3 rides which last roughly about 20 minutes. As expected, there was a long queue of people waiting for their turn to ride one of the 42 gondolas. But the view is fantastic up there so the wait is truly worth it. 

Ocean Park (Part Three)

It was getting late and fortunately, we found another way to get back down - the Ocean Express. It is a very short train ride and there is hardly any queue (unlike the cable car ride).

It was getting really chilly by then but we weren't done yet. We found this huge building which said "The Grand Aquarium" so we entered and it was great because I love aquariums!

Just before closing time, an exciting dancing fountain show called "Symbio" is staged at the lagoon. The story is about the Fire Dragon and the Water Dragon who are fighting for supremacy. Set amid a very loud music, powerful fireworks effects and a narrative that teaches us to respect and protect the environment and our planet for future generations.

I have to add that when Ocean Park closed and the bus terminal was teeming with people, the ever efficient staff (or perhaps they were employees of the bus company) had a very good system in place for crowd control.  Many lines were set up in front of the double deck buses. The staff was also able to effectively count the number of passengers allowed per bus so everyone was assured of a seat.  No pushing, no long waits and a comfortable bus ride back to town - surely added to the pleasant Ocean Park experience.  

Ocean Park (Part Two)

So after you take a very scenic cable car ride, you reach the section of the park where there are countless rides. But we are not the adventurous types so we didn't even attempt to try these scary rides captured in these photos.

Instead we ogled at the colorful fishes

were amused by the seals

the sea lions

We were mesmerized by this magnificent Pacific Walrus 

who was swimming a backstroke

Next was the South Pole Encounter with the penguins

Inside the den of the Arctic fox was a shivering thought

that however 'cute' they appear, 

they are carnivores!

Look! A smiling stingray!

Oh what sharp teeth you have, you fierce shark you!

Lastly, no matter how tired you are walking the entire day,

there is nothing quite calming nor refreshing than
seeing a jelly fish up close and personal.

To be continued ...