Life between trips

Omotesando Koffee Kiosk 1, Level 2, Gateway Arcade, Harbour City, 25 Canton Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong When you think of Harbour City in Hong Kong, luxury shopping and panoramic views of Victoria Harbour come to mind. But tucked away in this retail paradise is a little slice of Tokyo— Omotesando Koffee , a minimalist café that brings Japanese coffee culture to the heart of Kowloon. The Concept Originating from Tokyo’s stylish Omotesando district, this café is all about simplicity and precision. The design is clean and understated, with warm wooden tones and geometric accents that echo its Japanese roots. It’s a calm oasis amid the bustling energy of Harbour City. Finding Omotesando Koffee Harbour City is massive—one of the largest shopping complexes in Hong Kong—so it’s easy to get lost on your first visit. Thankfully, there are multiple kiosks and guides stationed throughout the mall that provide clear directions. Once you know the way, it’s an easy and pleasant walk to the café....

I went to watch the Symphony of Lights near the Victoria Harbour cruise area, expecting the same impressive experience I remembered from years ago. Unfortunately, this time it felt lacklustre . The show was scheduled as usual at 8 PM, but the conditions weren’t ideal—it was a day after a typhoon on 25 Sept 2025 , and the sky was still cloudy. The lasers kept disappearing into the clouds, which really diminished the visual impact. But i can't complain as we are fortunate our flights aren't cancelled. The flights a day earlier are all cancelled.  The skyline lights were still beautiful, and the music played faintly in the background, but overall, the show didn’t have the wow factor I remembered. It’s a reminder that weather plays a big role in this experience—clear nights make all the difference.

Nestled in the tranquil hills of Tai Po, Tsz Shan Monastery (慈山寺) is more than just a Buddhist landmark—it’s a sanctuary for reflection and peace. With its towering Guan Yin statue and serene gardens, this monastery offers a rare escape from Hong Kong’s urban rush Getting There We planned to take the 20T minibus , which heads directly to the monastery, but it only runs at limited time slots. To avoid uncertainty, we opted for a taxi from Tai Po Market , which cost about HKD 86 . On the way back, we aimed for the 4:10 PM bus , arriving at 3:56 PM—only to find it full! So, we waited for the next one at 4 :30 PM (last bus) . Mental note: plan your return early if you’re relying on the bus. First Impressions The monastery’s architecture is stunning—Tang and Song dynasty-inspired structures set against lush greenery. The 76-meter Guan Yin statue dominates the skyline, holding a wisdom pearl and vase of pure water, symbolizing compassion and cleansing. Walking the Compassion Path toward h...