Finally, we landed at the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), and just like the first time we were there, we walked quite a distance towards the train service going to the immigration counter. I had with me my laptop so it made my long walk quite tedious.
After passing through the immigration, we headed for our airport bus service at the arrival hall. We had to wait some 20 minutes or so before we had to depart, and the bus dropped off so many people in so many hotels within the Tsim Tsa Tsui area that when we finally reached ours, it was noon already.
Check-in was a breeze at our hotel in Kimberley Road. After depositing our luggages at our room, we went out for lunch; the same place where we had lunch a year ago. Then, we went to Central to see our overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) make a park out of Central. It was an experience, really. The OFWs were sitting contentedly on the pavements, stairs, and even on the road itself, playing cards or bingo, or just chilling out, chatting and eating. It was like a huge picnic, and everybody seemed to be happy like one, big family.
We boarded a double-decker bus going to Stanley Market, and was amazed, yet again, at the driving skills of bus drivers plying the narrow, mountain-side route. Forgetting my hatred of heights, I bravely took a seat near the edge to take pictures. It was not terrifying as I thought it would be: if you want to get a shot, you sometimes become unmindful of mundane fears.
I think the bus ride lasted for about 40 or so minutes, and I had a blast looking at the sea, the repulse bay, the outlying islands and the gorgeous homes we passed along. The last stop took us to Stanley Market and we shopped for souvenirs and gifts to bring back home. It was already 5:00 p.m. when we got there and the vibe was laid-back; moreso when we reached the small plaza with a breathtaking view of the sea and the setting sun. There's a boardwalk, some restaurants and a mall where locals, caucasians and other tourists mix. There were families but the crowd was much younger, with children and teens milling around the area.
Spotted: OFWs in Central
These two boys who were staring out the sea were so cute.
Could not resist taking their pictures.
