Today was our last day in Hong Kong.
I sadly heard my alarm go off, and silently wished that when I got up this morning it wouldn’t be time to go to the airport in a few hours.
Granted I was happy that I’d see my family, and friends that I loved back in Toronto, but I just wasn’t ready to say goodbye to this place or its people just yet.
Ah well. I fixed my bed for the last time, and took a shower. Folded the stuff I slept in, and tossed it in my bag along with the rest of the stuff I packed last night.
We were ready. Ready to head back to the land of Snow, and below zero temperatures. Our regular tax filled shopping and a life style that many people refer to as working to live, and living to work.
Even though I am a strong believer in choices, and you make life what you want it to be. Certain things like weather…if it’s warm out. Biologically and psychologically. You feel more energized, the vitamin D supply to your body and skin is increased. You don’t open up the curtains and see it gloomy and feel lazy and just wanting to crawl in bed. Ah well. It is what it is.
I wanted to pick up a pair of shoes I had seen earlier on during the early days of our trip, but never got around to doing so. Now that my bag was packed, I knew I could afford to pack it somewhere.
We were hungry too, so we went to grab some food.
We called a taxi company to give us a special rate to go to the airport, and in the meantime, went downstairs to where the shuttle bus takes us to the subway station.
There was something wrong though. I couldn’t find my “octopus card.” It’s the equivalent of a metro pass as well as a loaded card which you can use to purchase food in some restaurants and purchases in 90% of local convenient stores.
I was not happy. I needed to find it. FAST. I’m sure I brought it with me last night, and checked everything I wore, but there was no sign of it. We already missed our shuttle bus, and I had less than 15mins to catch a mini bus from across the street as an alternative if I was to grab the shoes I wanted and make it back here on time for the taxi.
Double checking, nothing. Bedroom, NADA. I checked what I wore to sleep…BINGO!
We rushed to the stop and took the mini bus to “running shoe street.” Went into a few stores that had it for a lot more than what i had seen it for, so, a quick scan here and there…and voila! I found the perfect store. I asked them for the size, tried it on. Fit like a glove.
It also had 2 gifts that comes with it, as well as a sale price. DOUBLE BINGO!
We got out of the store, and got some food.
My Cantonese has been improving drastically, and while Tony was in China, all I spoke to locals was Cantonese. Broken, but that’s how you get better right? So we went up to the cashier and I ordered in FLUENT Cantonese. I replied to her questions, and Tony was very impressed. He even regretted not blogging it.
I’m fairly fluent when it comes to ordering or bargaining now I suppose. Haha.
I promised him and myself that next time I come to Hong Kong, my Cantonese would be at a minimum of 30%.
We chowed down our food, and we had time to spare, walked around for the last time in the Mong Kok area, and took the shuttle bus back home.
Tony’s niece had a few friends over, so I gave them the gifts I got, and switched my shoes. Put the skinnier ones in the bag, and put the new ones on. Even though I feared that wearing those and landing in Toronto where it was supposed to snow, wouldn’t be the best idea for the first wear.Ah well.
Taxi ride was smooth, we checked our stuff in. Sat down and watched planes fly, land, taxi and refuel.
Tricked around in the airport, a few photos and videos, and we boarded the plane.
A very uncomfortable 14 hours later, we were descending ahead of schedule. We had a buddy come pick us up, and ended up going to get Greek food from our favourite joint.
Satisfied tummy’s, I felt the fatigue, as the jet lag started kicking in. Tony was alright for a bit longer than I, because he slept for 3hours or so on the plane.
Shortly I came to realize that we just time travelled. Yup, we left Hong Kong on Thursday, flew for almost 15hours, landed in Toronto, and Thursday had just begun. We just travelled back in time. hahaha.
So my new agenda will have: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Thursday, Friday? Awesome! If only I knew, I woulda left on Friday then right?! haha.
Ah…The adventures we had. Lots of laughs, lots of fun. Lots of footage, but most importantly, a great experience for myself, since Tony’s been there before.
Like I said earlier, it’s one of those places i’ve always wanted to visit since i was a child. Now that i did. I don’t think i want to part it. It’s almost like something which I always wanted and i got it, but had to say goodbye.
I’ll be back. I’ll be back soon.
Stay safe everyone. Thanks for sharing our adventures, and stay tuned for the video blogs.
Love you all.
