Visit Hong Kong: Public Transportation Options

While in Hong Kong, we used all forms of transportation, primarily via the Mass Transit Railway.  We frequently used the train, and I loved their rail system.  I think it's even more efficient and easier to use than Japan's.

They have arrows designated where people should stand in order to let passengers off easily, and the signage for the various platforms and directions seemed much easier to follow than Japan's. 

There was a noticeable difference in the noise level on the trains, however.  In Hong Kong, the passengers were loud and often talking to each other, unlike in Japan, where inside the trains are usually silent.

I loved that they have a lot more escalators (way more than Japan does)!  

We got Octopus Cards from the train station via the agent desk, and could add it to our Apple Wallet.  We could only use cash to add to it (vs cc or Apple Pay) so we had to make sure we could access a ticket machine in order to add to the card.  

We also took a minbus after taking the Central Mid-Level Escalators to the top, which also accepts Octopus Cards.  We had some issues figuring out where we were supposed to wait for the bus, but we eventually figured it out.

We also rode the tram (Octopus Card accepted), which, although double decker, the inside seating areas were small and hot, and there was only one way in or out so it was quite a squeeze and a challenge when you have to get off.  

And we also caught taxis back from Disneyland.  

These were just a few of the many public transportation options available in Hong Kong.  

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Visit Hong Kong: Wan Chai Wet Market

I think it's important to visit local grocers, markets, farms, and other operations whenever and wherever we travel to learn more about heritage and culture.  While in Hong Kong, we took the kids to the Wan Chai Wet Market, where they got to see a lot of food stalls they wouldn't typically see back home.

We saw all sorts of seafoods, meats, animal parts, and more. 

It was important to me to show the kids what people in other countries cook and eat, and to keep an open mind and not look at the foods negatively just because it's different from what we see, and they were all very intrigued by what they saw.

We thought it was really interesting to see such huge abalone and crabs, and all sorts of fish and seafoods that we don't see in Hawaii.  

It was also neat to watch the stall owners cut up the meats and to see the various parts they sell - parts that are commonly discarded elsewhere.

It's always an educational adventure when visiting markets while we travel!

Wan Chai Wet Market
G/F, 258 QUEEN'S ROAD EAST

WAN CHAI, HONG KONG

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Larvae in the Hotel Toilet

Midway through our hotel stay in Hong Kong, I noticed black specks and stringy like things on the inside of the toilet bowl after a day of being out of the room (since we were exploring all day).

I thought nothing of it and just flushed the toilet, thinking it was lint.

Then it happened again the next day - black things all over the inside of the toilet.  As I looked closer, they started wiggling, and I realized they were alive!  My paranoid self first thought they were parasites(!), but then I remembered I saw a little black drain fly in the bathroom one day, and I started to do research, and discovered that drain flies can lay eggs in drains and other moist environments to produce hundreds of larvae and pupae.  

It didn't matter how many times we flushed the toilet - hundreds of larvae would fill the tank if not flushed within an hour, and pupae would also emerge.  

It was unsettling to say the least, and it made me realize that that's probably why the toilet water is blue (to make it less conspicuous).  Of all the places I've traveled to before, I never saw blue toilet water (and all the public restrooms we went to in Hong Kong did not have blue toilet water).  

It's hard to see in the above pic all the larvae and pupae - I purposely posted the least gross photo, but I did take more photos and videos which were sent to the hotel chain Head, and he simply apologized for the inconvenience . . . 

Upon my return back home, I found old reviews on TripAdvisor revealing that other guests had the same issue, even from years back:

December 22: Lastly, the toilet was filthy. Somehow during our stay the bleach & blue tablets finished and left us clear water. There were times we were not able to flush properly and when it did flush, an hour or so, we discover some yellowish substance will flow out from the toilet. We don't know what it was and it was disgusting!

Note: The yellowish substance is all the larvae!

June 2015: however, the water supply in their WC is i guess not treated properly as a result you can see worms in the WC inspite of the blue disinfectant and the room stinks...

I would never have thought "larvae in the toilet" would be an issue, so I never thought to Google such a thing.  

The hotel was great - great location, great rooms, great staff, it's just too bad that there is this ongoing issue.  I don't know if it occurs in only certain rooms or only certain times of the year, but it's a thing to be cognizant of if you go to Hong Kong.  

And if you plan on going to Hong Kong and are concerned about the possibility of larvae in your toilet, you can email me the hotel you'll be staying at and I can confirm if it's the same hotel or not.  

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Visit Hong Kong: Kee Wah Bakery

Kee Wah Bakery has multiple locations throughout Hong Kong, offering all sorts of baked treats.  We picked up a bunch for omiyage.

Kee Wah Bakery originated in Hong Kong and opened up locations in California. 

They had so many different types of cookies, but we ended up getting seaweed, almond, and gingerbread cookies. 

And of course we had to get some Panda cookies!

Kee Wah Bakery is a great stop for omiyage in Hong Kong!

Kee Wah Bakery

Shop 39, 8 Argyle St

Mong Kok, Hong Kong

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Visit Hong Kong: Central Mid-Level Escalators

The Central Mid-Level Escalators are the world's largest outdoor covered escalator system in the world.  It runs for nearly 1/2 a mile!  

From 6am - 10am, the escalator goes down, primarily for the commuters.

From 1030am to midnight, the escalator goes up.  

We decided to take the escalators up to the top.  

Along the way we saw numerous attractions, restaurants, and shops that you could stop at, but we simply just kept going until the escalators ended.

There are adjacent steps for when you need to go in the opposite direction of the escalators, or simply for those who prefer to take the stairs.  

There are several stops along the way in which you can check out the views from landings between escalators.  

We did not want to walk all the way back down once we got to the top, so we ended up taking a mini bus back to a train station to get back to our hotel. 

The escalators provide more convenient transport options for those who live along the path that the escalator traverses.  

We saw many residents with their carts full of groceries, visitors finding spots to eat, and the occasional influencer blocking pedestrians as they took photos.

The Central Mid-Level Escalators have become a tourist attraction over recent years, but visitors should be respectful, as they are in the middle of a neighborhood where people live and work.  

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Visit Hong Kong: Bakehouse

On the way to breakfast one morning, we passed by a long line at Bakehouse. Intrigued, I Googled them while eating breakfast and read that they were known for their Sourdough Egg Tarts (they have a limit of 30 at a time - so you know they must be good). After breakfast, there was no line, and thankfully, a few Sourdough Egg Tarts left.

Sourdough Egg Tarts

The egg tarts were amazing!  They were the best I've had anywhere - flaky crust, with a creamy filling that had the right amount of sweetness and tang.

We also got:

Salted Egg Caramel Bolo

Matcha Azuki Doughnut

Cinnamon Pecan Roll

Strawberry Danish

Everything was just so perfectly executed in texture and flavor.  I would try each treat again.

Don't miss trying the Sourdough Egg Tarts if you make it to Bakehouse!

Bakehouse
44 Hankow Rd

Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong

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Visit Hong Kong: Belly Boys Burgers

Belly Boys Burgers is a shop that satisfied our craving for American diner food while in Hong Kong.

They are currently temporarily closed in search of a new space, but hopefully they find a space and re-open soon, because we really enjoyed our dining experience there.  

The service was great, and in addition to burgers, they have shakes, sides, and more!

Belly's Smash Burger

Fries

Cajun Sweet Potato Fries

Cheesy Chicken Burger

Wings

Tater Tots

I wasn't very hungry, so I just ordered Tater Tots, which were topped with cheese and bacon bits.  The tots were perfectly crispy and I loved the toppings.  

Everything we ordered was devoured, and I do hope they re-open soon - it was a great eatery!

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Visit Hong Kong: Mak's Noodle

Despite the intense humidity, our first meal in Hong Kong was at Mak's Noodle, where they specialize in noodle and won ton soups.

Mak's Noodle is a popular chain throughout Hong Kong. The eatery is tiny and had to split into two tables. Although it was very humid, we all got soup with noodles and / or dumplings.

Signature Shrimp Won Ton Noodles

I got the Signature Shrimp Won Ton Noodles.

Don't be deceived by the tiny bowl - it was packed with so much noodles and topped with lots of Won Ton.  It was comfort food in a bowl.  It was so filling, and the broth was very tasty.  The won tons were huge, which I appreciated.

Beef Brisket Noodles

Sliced Beef Noodles

Shrimp & Pork Dumpling Noodles

You can also opt for only noodles, and if you don't want noodles, you can just get won tons. 

Shrimp & Pork Dumplings

Signature Won Tons

It was a great first meal in Hong Kong!

Mak's Noodle
19 Lock Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui
Hong Kong

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Visit Hong Kong: Red Tea



Hong Kong was once a British colony, therefore British influences can be found everywhere in Hong Kong, including in the food. 

Red Tea is a restaurant where the British influence is obvious, but there are also many traditional Hong Kong favorites as well.  

Hokkaido Milk Wheat Congee

I had the Hokkaido Milk Wheat Congee.  It came with an Egg Sandwich

I’m normally #TeamSavory when it comes to breakfast, but none of the savory meals were appealing to me so I got the Congee (and it came with an Egg Sandwich so at least I had some savory for breakfast).

The Congee was so good! It was mostly because of the Hokkaido Milk that you could drizzle on.  It was one of the best congees I ever had. 

Sirloin Steak with German Sausage Denmark Toast and Fried Egg

All Day Breakfast

The All Day Breakfast consisted of Fish, Sausage, Egg with Truffle, Bacon, Tomato Bean, Denmark Toast

Shredded Meat & Preserved Vegetable Rice Vermicelli

Satay Beef Noodle 

Red Tea was a busy spot for breakfast, and the breakfast options are limited compared to lunch or dinner, but we enjoyed the food.

Red Tea
7B Cameron Rd

Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
 

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