I used to go to HongKong every year since 2006 up until 2010 (thank you, budget airlines). Tickets are quite cheap, and you just have to do a little bit of research to find a good, inexpensive hotel. To me, HongKong is more vibrant than Singapore. Maybe because, it’s larger, or that there are more people, I’m not really sure. There is definitely a lot more to see and do.
It’s also a memorable place for me. Here’s why:
It’s where I experienced going to Disneyland for the first time. I almost cried when the Disney characters paraded down Main Street.
It’s also the destination for my immediate family’s first out-of-country trip together (minus Mom and Ate)
My college friends and I met up here
It’s also where JP and I went for our first out-of-Singapore trip as a couple.
I’ve really grown fond of the place. I especially like that it gets cold enough for people to wear winter clothes. Haha. And there’s really just a good mix of old and new. I know Singapore has that too, but you have to look very hard to find those glimpses of old Singapore amidst all this modernity.
I haven’t been to HongKong since the hostage crisis happened. I read in the news that there was a lot of anti-Filipino sentiments in HongKong during that time. Maybe until today. This is why I’ve kept away for a couple of years. Recently I asked JP if we can visit again, maybe next year, and he said yes. So I’m excited. But just as I’m about to research for our trip (even if it’s still a lot of months away), news came out that HongKong is thinking of revoking visa-free entry to Filipinos unless the Philippines apologizes for the incident.
I understand both countries’ stand on the issue, and they may have valid points. I hope it gets resolved diplomatically, and soon. In the meantime, I’ll continue with my research.
Have you been to HongKong? What’s your favorite memory?
