Planning For Oz!

One of the things that consumes my time these days is because my family, including my in laws are going to Sydney and Gold Coast for the Holy Week. I've been given the task to plan, book and search for hotels, tickets, visa, tours etc etc..

I've been a frequent visitor to Tripadvisor website. I love it! I actually make decisions which hotel to book based on reviews from "real" consumers.I also check the photos taken by "amateur" photographers or travelers so I won't have "high" expectations, you know what i mean? professional pictures are deceiving! Each picture is flawless and all rooms are pristine and new, I'm not sure if it's photo-shop but it look so unreal.

It's been a decade since the last time I went to Australia, so I'm kinda excited to be a tourist again and do all the touristy thing. I'm bringing my kids which makes it more exciting and fun. It will also be their first long haul trip, my testing ground before I decide to bring them to USA soon!

See you soon, Oz!

 

 

 

 

Summer Getaway!

DH, Myself with cousins in law HG & MG are taking a break and we're heading to a cold place!! Yoooohoooo!! I can get to wear my coats, jackets, wools, trench & boots!!

For 17 days, we're going to these fabulous places..

DH & I are still debating if we are bringing our laptop or not..?! I guess we might!!

Hong Kong: Noah's Ark

DH and I brought our kids to Hong Kong over the holidays, we went to the usual places where family goes, Ocean Park, Victoria Peak, etc.

The newest place to visit was Noah's Ark. Check out the link. It's an awesome place for kids.
One of the main attraction was the Ark Expo. I really like how they make..

• Extraordinary Multi-Media Presentation of the Noah's Ark and Evaluate its Significance to the World Today and in Future
• Imagine the Journey of Noah in a 180 ° Great Flood Theatre
• Marvel at the Fine Collection of Ark Models from Far Corners of the World that describe The Great Flood in History
• Examine the largest Meteorite Exhibit in Hong Kong
• Learn about the Microscopic Animal Kingdom
• Relax in the 4D Theatre which shows the Amazing Power of Nature and the Challenges our Planet is facing

The Treasure House, there are 15 discovery galleries in Treasure House. Elements of life education, multiple intelligences, critical thinking and liberal studies are all integrated in our fun-filled exhibitions and programs especially designed for children aged 3-15.

And of course, the Ark Garden, features life-sized handcrafted animals! 

 

 

 

 

 

Entrance fee was HK$100/adult. HK$85/child

The downside was it is not easily accessible by public transport. The fastest way to get there is by ferry, which you can take at Central Pier. Go to terminal 2, ferry to Park Island. When we get to the ferry terminal, there are no ferry tickets for sale! Be sure to load your Octopus Card, our card were charged HK$10/pax for one way fare to the Park. Be prepared also to WALK! Bring stroller for young kids. The walk from the ferry terminal to Noah's Ark is about 1-1.5km.

But it's all worth the visit.

Hong Kong Express!

Originally we are booked to fly on Dec.28 via PAL, however I had to change to leave on Dec.27 due to a business meeting. Pal was already fully booked and my travel agent Uni-Orient suggested I take Hong Kong Express (HKE).

I was hesitant but since we are five people flying out, the wait-list in PAL was just impossible to get it. So we succumbed to take HKE. 

HKE is a commercial airline based in Hong Kong.

 

We are served by Cantonese looking stewardess. Aircraft is very clean.

Inflight entertainment is pretty good.

My Dear Son was focused in watching the short film.

This is our food. Nothing fancy, but it was a hot sandwich! Better than nothing. Free flow of water, coffee or tea.

Hot Adobo Pandesal! I know its good because my picky eater son ate it.

I would give Hong Kong Express my 2nd option in flying to Hong Kong, 1st option will still be PAL because of the frequency of flight daily. Hong Kong Express only has 2 flights from Manila to Hong Kong, and only 1 flight Hong Kong to Manila.

Overall, it was way better than Cebu Pacific.