April

Stuck in a Foreign Country Part 2

I felt completely recovered and fine after leaving the “hospitel” in Bangkok, so I figured I had to be fine to fly home to Hong Kong after a handful of days.

For those who’ve had the luxury of never needing to know, there are many different types of Covid tests. There are rapid tests, which we can do at home. These are easy and show results in a few minutes. Rapid tests are less sensitive than other tests but will catch a positive Covid case and probably stay positive for about a week until symptoms and the virus clear. And then there are PCR tests. PCR tests are much more sensitive and will catch cases of Covid that rapid tests may miss. And then PCR tests will continue to catch Covid…for weeks and (occasionally) even months after Covid is no longer contagious or causing any harm.

You need a PCR test to get into Hong Kong. No exceptions. Needless to say, my PCR test was not negative just after a few days of being positive.

I had already experienced true panic when I first discovered I had Covid. The panic I felt after realizing I was still positive a week later was just as severe. It brought a big question mark to my future: will I be one of those cases that stays positive for months after Covid has had its effects? When will I go home? And (where my mind tends to go) how expensive will it be to wait this out?

I love travel. And I am happy with a go-with-the-flow adventure. However, a forced travel with no end date is not my cup of tea. Being alone made this even more complicated – I didn’t have friends or family next to me going through the same or to way the options with. It felt lonely and freeing at the same time.

Then, I had a friend call to tell me she was on her way to spend a weekend in Krabi, Thailand. My next adventure was there.

Quarantined in a Foreign Country Part 1

Moving to Hong Kong has brought all sorts of weird experiences. I didn’t know the weirdest experience of all would come outside of HK in a country nearby.

In March, I got the wonderful news that over two years, I would finally get to go home to California and see my family again. It felt surreal. I didn’t think it would actually happen with all the Covid rules still being enforced in HK – I thought there had to be a hold up or catch.

However, I did it! I made my way to California, saw lovely family and friends, and had a lively two weeks. After that, my parents and I made our way to Bangkok for a nice vacation, as I could not go straight back to HK anyway. For those who are unfamiliar, certain places like Hong Kong still have strict travel rules that really restrict your ability to simply fly to-and-from. Recently, it was not allowed to travel straight from the United States to Hong Kong (and the UK, South Africa, Canada, etc.). Therefore, people would do “wash-outs” in different countries after traveling to these countries. Thus, Bangkok!

We had a great time. Saw tons of beautiful temples, ate loads of delicious food, and enjoyed enough downtime, as well.

After about 10 days, my parents made their way back to California, and I prepared for a few more days before I finally got home to Hong Kong.

And then I got Covid.

I have no clue how I caught it. My days after my parents left (who fortunately did not get sick) were very low-key. I got my nails done, went to a yoga class, and got dinner at a few restaurants. All while being safe and keeping my mask on. But I still felt a fever, and I got the positive PCR test. I found out that instead of going home, I was going to the quarantine hospital hotel (“hospitel”, they call them) in a foreign country.

Luckily, the experience itself wasn’t that bad, but I still can’t believe it happened. Taking multiple trips to the hospital in a van and getting sent to a strange hotel I couldn’t leave was never on my bucket list. After getting two Covid tests, blood drawn, and a chest x-ray, I was sent to my new home in which I lasted three days.

While I was there, I worked a lot.

I ate interesting, but not bad, meals.

And I got to look at a pretty view.

After about two days, I was called to say that my test results came back in great shape and that I should take one more Covid test to make sure I was okay to leave. I did, and I was sent on my way. I felt good-humored about the whole experience and ready to move forward, AKA fly back home. I booked a flight to leave four days after I got out of the hospitel.

I did not get home until three weeks later.

Bamboo Yoga on the Beach

Wow, it’s been a long time since I posted. It’s funny how we start hobbies, and life easily makes us forget about them. I plan to spend a lot of time this upcoming week updating this blog with the fun things I’ve done in HK this past year and talk about how I ended up in a Covid quarantine hotel…in Bangkok. Where I don’t live or know anyone.

But first, the fun stuff.

In September, my housemate decided she wanted to have her birthday doing something you don’t do every day, or maybe even ever: Bamboo yoga! We went through the cutest little company that offers groups an aerial yoga workshop, takes them to a fairly secluded beach, and lets them practice their new aerial skills on bamboo poles as they take lots of pictures.

It was so much fun doing a little exploring in a new area and spending the day out in the sun. It sometimes feels like too much of a journey to go one of the nicer beaches from Hong Kong Island, but it’s almost always worth it.

The one part that felt a little silly is that there were strangers staring, and sometimes even taking pictures of us. Maybe it looked like we were there to put in a show.

To make things even better, we got to leave the beach on one of the many speed boats that transport people around multiple beaches and docks. (I am so glad I am not one to get seasick.) I was glad and impressed that my housemate came up with such a creative way to celebrate her special day. I am not sure if I’ll be using bamboo sticks anytime in the future, but I do love aerial yoga and hope to do it again soon.

Camping Made Easy

I have been camping on Hong Kong’s beaches a few times now, and besides the traffic and costs to get over there, I don’t think I’d ever get tired of it. There is something so magical about relying on the weather, sky, and surroundings without any of the usual comforts.

Before, I had gone camping on these beaches will companions who were pretty experienced and knowledgeable about what they were doing. So, I was hoping to go again with a member of these groups. However, the Hong Kong summer had been getting closer, and I had no camping plans before it became unbearably hot. So, I took my friend who’s never camped in Hong Kong before with me for an experience to stay on the beach. I was a little unsure of how it would go.

Luckily for us, camping on Sai Kung beaches could not be easier. We took a taxi over to the Sai Kung pier, where we were picked up by a boat company to tow us over to the spot. (Many people take these boats everyday for a simple day at the beach or water experience. They are usually about $300 round-trip.)

Once we got to the beach, we decided to quickly head over to the rental shop to rent our sleeping bag and tent. Once done, we quickly set up our tent (which was quickly covered in sand) and relaxed for the afternoon.

We got dinner at the local beach restaurant, picked up firewood from around our area, had plenty of wine, and made some s’mores with a fire that burned out super quickly. Once it was about 10, we were already tired and fell asleep shortly.

It was a really fun night, but my favorite part of this camping experience was waking up at about 7, when it was already getting a little too hot. I walked out to the water and got in to float and relax, with barely anyone else up and around. This was the most peaceful experience imaginable, staring at the sea and green mountains around, it being so quiet and bright. I wish I could wake up everyday like that.

This is something I maybe won’t experience much again after leaving Hong Kong, as I don’t know many places that make camping so unbelievably easy and have the beneficial weather of Hong Kong in spring/fall that is both not too hot and not too cold all day and night. Writing this post has been a good reminder that I want to do it many more times until then.

Disneyland HK

It’s been awhile since I’ve wrote in here, and I know I’m going to go back one day and wish I was more consistent with my posts. So, it’s time for some catch-up. It’s been so nice that things have opened back up in a more comfortable way in Hong Kong – while I can’t leave and explore, at least there’s more exploring to do here. One thing that was recently opened is Disneyland Hong Kong.

While nothing quite compares to California’s Disneyland, their Disneyland-themed MTR is so adorable. Stepping onto the park was also a pretty nice change from the day-to-day of buildings and crowds. Almost like a little holiday away.

Some of the highlights from the day were Space Mountain, delicious burgers, a fun Toy Story ride, and lots of beautiful decorations.

One last great perk of Hong Kong Disneyland is that there was a discount going on for Hong Kong residents – we get to go to Disneyland twice for the price of one! I’ll be back again in a week to do everything we didn’t do before (mostly the plays).

A Lovely Stay in Stanley

Life in Hong Kong has been as quiet as it can go for this city. We haven’t been allowed to travel or go to the gym, bars, amusement parks, restaurants… the list goes on. So, when Chinese New Year came around, everyone’s plans were pretty low-key and quiet.

Luckily, I had a friend who invited me for a staycation at the Stanley Oriental Hotel. Stanley is a nice distance away from the rest of the hubbub on Hong Kong Island, so I was pretty excited to say yes and have a night on the beachfront. And the location and view of the hotel does not disappoint at all.

The hotel is right next to the Stanley Market and above the main row of bars, restaurants, and shops. Such an amazing location for any walking around or beach time! Best of all was the jacuzzi at the top of the building, which we could reserve and watch the sun start go down. Definitely an ideal way to relax on the first day of the holiday.

Unfortunately, the many more photos I took have been lost because I later broke my phone. However, the staycation reminded me how nice it is to get away to the beach areas around Hong Kong. I hope to go again someday and have a nice, relaxing stay again.

Biking in the New Territories

Happy New Year! Although it may seem a little cheesy, I’ve always been big into the idea that the new year means new beginnings and adventures. And I’ve started this year strong with going on not one – but TWO – cycling rides for the first time in many, many years. I’ve recently learned Hong Kong has lots of cute paths for renting a bike and exploring around. Better yet, many of these paths are in the New Territories, which I’ve barely been to despite living here a year! So when I was invited to go on a couple of cycling trips around this unfamiliar area, I was thrilled to say yes.

You could see a statue of Guan Yin throughout the trail.

There are a couple of places to start and end this biking adventure. For my first trip, we started in Tai Wei, travelled all the way near the Tsz Shan Monastery, and then made our way back. This was nice as you could stare at the scenic water canal for the majority of the ride, which is the prettiest part.

For the second ride, we started in Sha Tin and made our way to the Tai Po Reservoir, a beautiful path in the middle of the water that is great for pictures and views. To get to this spot, you need to bike quite a bit farther and next to busy streets with some crowds. Luckily, when you get near the end, you have the option to drop your bike off and sit at a nice restaurant for a bite or explore the area.

Another great thing is that no matter where you start or end, there is bound to be an MTR station or bus stops nearby to start the journey home. As a confused expat who lives on Hong Kong Island, this is always helpful. But these adventures were a good reminder that I should be venturing off the island more than I have been lately. Even though I haven’t been able to travel out of Hong Kong for a year (!!!) now, there is still so much I haven’t seen yet.

A beautiful sunset on the bus ride back.

Lamma Island Adventure

One place in Hong Kong I’d love to spend a lot more time in is Lamma Island. It has a lot of style and buildings that remind me of authentic Hong Kong, and it also carries a lot of hipster, creative types. The best part of Lamma might be the beautiful beaches and surrounding ocean.

I recently had the experience of walking across the island to look for a free beach with some friends. (We ended up getting in on the wrong ferry, at the opposite side of the island.) Although the weather was HOT and I was not set up well for a hike, it was very fun to look around at all the greenery, shops, and people. And the beach on the other end was well worth the walk.

The ferry ride is nice and relaxing, as well, especially if you get a seat by the window!

Fishing for Squid

Last week I got to take part in the unusual experience of fishing for squid. Squid and squid ink are delicious, so I was really excited to learn that we would not only be fishing but also get the chance to eat the squid after.

The experience of fishing was actually a bit difficult when the time came. According to our boat’s fisherman, the sea near us was filled with squid just a couple of weeks ago. Then the recent typhoon hit, which made them all migrate elsewhere. Our boat only caught two squids total, and none were from me! (And I tried REALLY hard.)

I will say, fishing is a very weird process. I felt like I was doing something evil, watching a squid wriggle for its life and eventually take its last breath. Although I am a meat eater, I don’t think I could ever do any sort of hunting, and I’m always tempted to eat less meat and sometimes even forgo it completely. I think the process would be shocking to lots of people if they had to take care of catching and serving their own food.

Anyways. Although we weren’t the most successful fishermen, we did get to bring the squid back and take it to a chef to be cooked. We got to eat our catchings (which were tasty), along with chicken, pork, fish, fried noodles, bok choy, and more.

Overall, I would really like to do it again. And maybe actually catch a squid! The nice thing about Hong Kong is there are often unusual things like this to do behind every corner.

Victoria Peak

Victoria Peak is such a staple to residents and tourists of Hong Kong Island alike, so I’m really shocked I haven’t written a piece on it yet.

It’s popular with tourists because of the Peak Tram, the historical scenic route that quickly drives large groups to the top of the mountain (fun fact: it started running in 1888). Not only is this an easy ride up, but it also includes a beautiful view at the top with tons of restaurants and shopping.

Victoria Peak’s popular with the locals because of…probably the same reasons…but also, there’s a nicely challenging and lovely hike to the top! This hike can be done early morning or late at night and takes less than two hours. There are many nice views on the way up, and you may run into some boars or fairly large spiders.

I recently had the experience of reaching the very top of the mountain, even higher than Victoria Peak, which is known as High West. Once you get to the local Victoria Peak dining and shopping center, you can take about 20 minutes to continue walking up a set of stairs. This is difficult but worth it if you have the time and energy.

Oh, and this is especially hard when following mask regulations.

How do people do intense running and workouts in these?! Either way, hiking up here is a great opportunity on a clear day.