Life between trips

Japan, 〒480-1342 Aichi, Nagakute, Ibaragabasama, 乙１５３３−１ We reached Ghibli Park at 9:00 AM , right when the gates opened, and went straight to the Valley of Witches . The queue was already long, and for a moment, I genuinely thought we wouldn’t get a slot for Howl’s Moving Castle . But somehow, we managed to get a 1:30 PM slot — which felt like winning a tiny lottery. With time to spare before our entry, we explored the surrounding areas inside the Valley of Witches. Valley of the Witches — Beautiful, Magical, and a Little Mixed This zone brings together worlds from Howl’s Moving Castle , Kiki’s Delivery Service , and other witch‑themed Ghibli classics. If your ticket includes this area, it’s one of the most immersive parts of the park. The Bakery from Kiki’s Delivery Service One of the most impressive recreations in the entire park. It is an exact replica from the anime — both the inviting front shop and the familiar backyard area where Kiki often appears. The best part is that you c...

Travel  Itinerary from 10 September 2025 to 21  September 2025. Here's a day by day for reference. Click on link for more details on the place of interest or the food. Plan on day 4 changed. Originally also plan to take a cruise around Sai Kung. But the round trip island hopping will take about 2 hours minimum excluding hiking in the area. Hence, i decide to skip this part. Otherwise, the trip is as planned.  Day 1:   DO:  Flight from Singapore to Hong. Arrival at 1.20 pm, Symphony of Lights EAT:   Lunch  at Hung delicacies ,  Dinner  at   Bolton Cafe STAY: Marco Polo Gateway Hotel Day 2:   DO: Tsz Shan Monastery   EAT:   Coffee  at Ometsesando , Br unch  at  One Dim Sum Yi Dian Xin  ,  Dinner  at   Kam Roast Goose,  STAY:  Marco Polo Gateway Hotel Day 3:   DO: Shopping at harbour city and sim city EAT:   Breakfast  at Bakehouse ,  Dinner  at Littl...

  Nestled inside the Sheung Wan Cooked Food Market on Queen’s Road Central, Dong Ji brings a slice of Singapore’s hawker culture to one of Hong Kong’s most beloved food hubs. This market is known for its diverse, affordable, and authentic offerings , housing around 20 stalls that serve everything from Cantonese and Chiu Chau specialties to Southeast Asian delights and even Western fusion. It’s a melting pot of flavors where locals and foodies gather for quality meals at wallet-friendly prices. What We Tried & Loved Here are some standout dishes that truly impressed: Gu Lu Rou (Sweet & Sour Pork) Thick cuts of meat fried to a crisp, coated with just the right amount of tangy-sweet sauce. Every bite is crunchy, flavorful, and absolutely delicious. Fried Oyster Egg Generous with oysters and a sprinkle of coriander (without overpowering the taste). The dough is fried to a crunchy crisp, and the side dip—a sourish, lightly garlicky sauce—adds another layer of flavor. Du Du Vege...

 13 Canton Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong I recently stayed at Marco Polo, and my experience turned out to be a mix of unexpected hiccups and pleasant surprises. Arrival Mix-Up The adventure began even before check-in — I accidentally went to the wrong Marco Polo hotel. There are a few with similar names in the area, so it’s definitely something to watch out for if you’re heading there for the first time. A little inconvenient, but at least the staff at both locations were helpful in pointing me in the right direction. Room Size: Smaller Than Expected Walking into the room, the first impression was that it felt smaller than what the online photos suggested. If you’re traveling with multiple people or larger luggage, the space may feel a bit tight. Third Bed Surprise One of the bigger surprises was the third bed. Instead of being set up as part of the room, it turned out to be a mobile bed . And to add to that, it wasn’t prepared at all when we arrived. I had to spend extra time coor...

Hidden in the basement level of Chungking Mansions at 36–44 Nathan Road, Lan Fong Yuen brings the nostalgic charm of its original Central stall to Tsim Sha Tsui . Though tucked away, its vintage storefront—the signature yellow signage and retro café vibe—makes entering feel like stepping back in time. We arrived before opening time , and there was already a queue in place —a clear sign of its popularity. Thankfully, service is fast and efficient , so even with the line, we didn’t wait long. What We Ordered & My Honest Thoughts 🥤 Silk-Stocking Milk Tea (凍絲襪奶茶) This is the star of the show! Smooth, fragrant, and perfectly balanced—easily the best milk tea I’ve had so far. Compared to the one I tried at Waso Café, which had a涩涩 (astringent) taste, Lan Fong Yuen’s version is rich and easy to drink. Highly recommended. 🍜 Scallion Chicken Chop Instant Noodles (蔥油雞扒撈丁) I really enjoyed this dish, especially the scallion oil. It’s made with ginger and sesame oil, giving the noodles a fra...

  Yee Shun Dairy Company is a Hong Kong classic, famous for its silky steamed milk puddings. The branch I visited is tucked into the bustling streets of Causeway Bay. The vibe? Retro and no-frills, with glass-covered menus on tables and stacks of porcelain bowls. Space is tight , and you’ll likely share tables with strangers—part of the authentic Hong Kong café experience. 🥄 What I Tried: Hot Steamed Milk Pudding The star of the show is the hot steamed milk pudding (雙皮奶) . Smooth, creamy, and lightly sweet, it’s comfort in a bowl. Honestly, it’s as good as Australia Dairy Company’s version —rich and velvety without being heavy. If you’re a fan of traditional Hong Kong desserts, this is a must-try. If you’re in Hong Kong and craving a nostalgic dessert, Yee Shun Dairy Company delivers . The steamed milk pudding is worth the hype, and the quick service makes it perfect for a short stop. Just be prepared for tight seating and a bustling atmosphere.