Empty Voices

We came to Hong Kong for some rest and relaxation, but after being here 7 days, we’re burnt out! It’s a fast-paced place and lifestyle, it’s essential that one keep up with that pace, even if you’re on vacation.

For the first few days, we stayed with a close friend of mine in Hang Hau. It’s a highly populated area, which has reclaimed land on the Kowloon side in order to build more highrise condos. My friends condo can be compared to the best Hong Kong hotels ! It’s really quite comfortable and after having travelled a month, we really appreciated having this luxurious place to stay. We watched movies on my friends 42″ flat screen T.V. and went swimming in her outdoor pool. We even took advantage of the gym offered free to all residence of this community. It really was like a hotel.

We notice just how everything was convenient here. The underground MTR station and the shopping malls have hundreds of shops and restaurants or cafes that are all connected by an indoor passageway that leads to the condo complex. Amazing community planning! Her condo complex is only 5 month old and she’s on the 53rd floor. We get in and out by using a security card, but this card also is used as a debit card for travelling on all the public transport systems. Plus, buying items from convenience stores like McDonalds and 7-11′s.

My friend made us feel very welcomed. I felt sorry for her because she works such long hours, she’s rarely here. She told us that most people of Hong Kong are used to working from 7am to 10pm most days! Working here is certainly tough. We were glad that we’re retired and now enjoy the fruits of our labor, but we are equally glad that the fruits of our labor didn’t last from 7am to 10pm. I wonder why the people of Hong Kong prefer to miss life?

One of the most important aspects of enjoying one’s vacation is also an element that is frequently overlooked until it is time to take part in the associated activity that of dining out in the country and or city which one is visiting. This is certainly true for Singapore and many people are introduced to a new favorite dish and food genre while visiting. There are many great restaurants, cafes and bistros found throughout Singapore that offer regional favorites as well as cuisine from around the world. A tourist will not be at a loss for dining options during their vacation and interestingly, some of the most popular food is not even found in a Singapore restaurant. Hawker food is a common and extremely popular method of preparation, ingredients and consumption for a quick meal on the Singaporean streets. These bowls usually have a noodle and seafood base and are specially public table tents are generally filled with satisfied customers. It is also common to eat a bowl hawker food while walking down the street.

And while it is easy and fun to catch a delicious meal on the go, that does not prevent people from enjoying their favorite restaurants or appreciating the luxury of full service in a comfortable atmosphere at the perfect table. And for the extremely active crowd, there are even many restaurants that stay open late and sometimes twenty four hours. This is great news for tourists who never wish to slow down and need a full meal after spending the night dancing. Ah Long Pancake is one of these all night venues and is known for its great filled pancakes. Cheese and egg are common staple ingredients though there are many others to choose from. The Mutton Soup shop in stall ten of the Adam Road food centre is extremely popular with the late night crowd. Eastern Rice Dumpling is a great healthy alternative and offers a variety of stuffed rice dumplings. Whatever your appetite craves and whenever you’re in need of or desiring great food there is a street vendor or restaurant in Singapore to serve you.