April 13, 2018 (Friday) -- A Short Trip to Hong Kong and Taiwan
Oh, it's Friday the 13th! It really doesn't matter to us as we are covered, by the Grace of God!
This morning, we have an important appointment with the president of China Theological Seminary, Dr. Stephen Lee. He is the guest speaker at our annual joint revival meetings for all the Chinese churches in the LA area this coming October. He has graciously invited us to have lunch with him at the seminary which is located in Kowloon Tong, the neighborhood where I grew up at.
Can't get tired of this view.
More fish porridge for breakfast before going on our day activity.
Kowloon Tong
Getting out of the MTR station in Kowloon Tong gave me an eerie feeling of time going back 40, 50 years ago. Our house was right where the station is standing now, and of course it's gone. The very quiet residential community has turned into a major transportation hub where the MTR and train meet. Many elegant villas and houses were turned into hotels and education facilities during the last 30 years. Once a sleepy private residential area where lovers liked to take their romantic walk in the evening is now a bustling place filled with people, buses, and cars.
Locating the seminary was easy since I still have memories of the streets in the neighborhood except now we had to stop for traffic every so often as we walked along. Cars waiting to pick up kids from school were lined along the streets making it even more a safety hazard. What a world of difference!
It was great to find Dr. Lee in good shape even though he went through critical health issues in the past few months. God's grace is sufficient! We had wonderful fellowship over lunch at the seminary cafeteria and enjoyed a very delicious meal together. No photos here because I did not think it was appropriate to take pictures under the circumstances.
With Dr. Stephen Lee, President of China Theological Seminary in Hong Kong.
Kam's Roast Goose, again!
After our visit to the seminary, we went back to the hotel for an afternoon nap. Jet lag is still with us and even though it was still Spring, the hot and humid weather here can drain you down. We had thought about having snake soup for dinner, but considering the hot weather, it was really not a good idea to have snake soup. Back to Kam's Roast Goose for a second round. To avoid the long line, we decided to get there early, like before 5:00pm. We were seated within 15 minutes at a tiny table for two.
Lunch set was not available at that hour, so we ordered 1/4 of a goose for the two of us. Lo Mein with shrimp roe, and a soup to share. The total was $204.00 HKD, a little over $25 USD, I think. Another delicious meal!
Daily house soup
1/4 of a roast goose
Lo Mein with shrimp roe (the brown powdery stuff). Add a little of that goose sauce for a great delicious dish.
Check please!
Inside the very busy restaurant. I was very impressed with the lady in the background. It was interesting watching her interacted with an upset customer sitting next to us and how she tried her very best to calm her down. For an establishment not worrying about lack of business, I thought her customer service was right on spot and, to tell the truth, quite rare in Hong Kong nowadays.
We had nothing planned for the evening, so we decided to take a leisurely ride on the historical tram. We like to do this whenever we have time. Taking the slow moving tram from one end of the island to the other end can be an enjoyable experience, especially if you can find seats up front on the upper deck. It's a cheap way to see the real Hong Kong, only cost $2.30 HKD for each ride ($1.10 if you have the elder concession card).
We got on the tram from a stop in Wanchai going westbound to Kennedy Town. Then got off at the last stop and switched to an eastbound one and got off at a stop in Central. Pay when disembarking the tram using Octopus card or cash in exact change.
On the top deck of the tram. We were sitting at the very back of the tram this time.
Some random photos I took while on the ride.
Admiralty area
Bank of China in Central
I believe this is Prince Building.
The Western Market is now a tourist spot with shops and restaurants in this historical building.
After getting off at Central, we just strolled around the area and admired all the colorfully lit buildings in the heart of this busy city.
Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank?
IFC tower and Mandarin Oriental Hotel
The Hong Kong Observation Wheel and the Harbourfront Event Space
Just in time for the Light Show. We knew that it wouldn't be impressive without the background music but at least we can say we 'saw' it.
Taking the Star Ferry back to Tsim Sha Tsui. Another must-do in Hong Kong.
Here is the view of the terminal, bell tower, cultural center, Peninsula Hotel, and the tall K-11 building where Hyatt Regency is located on the upper floors.
Stopped at the Peninsula while walking back to the hotel.
Must stop here at Mammy Pancake for some delicious egg waffles. As I have mentioned before, people in Hong Kong grow up eating these as snacks. It's a popular street food but now they come in many new flavors that we have never had before. Mammy is a Michelin recommended street food in HK. There is a wait while they make your order fresh, but quite worth it if you are in the area.
Address: Carnarvon Mansion, 8-12E Carnarvon Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
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