Christmas Gathering 2016

The unpacking for the HKG trip kept me up until 3am on Christmas night. I was a walking dead. Amazingly, the kids had the energy to wait for me to tuck them to bed. It must be the naps that they took on the plane and in the taxi. However, when the lights went off, we were all in lala land within minutes.

Lil Shauna is an energizer bunny and woke up at 8am. Daddy Lim was next at 10am. I had the luxury to sleep in until almost 11am. I would have won the sleeping contest against Sleeping Beauty if it was not for Zaky who woke up and insisted that I do likewise.

The afternoon was spent running around in JP trying to fish for last minute Christmas/ Bday presents and then wrapping them. Under time constraint, decisions were easily made and I got all that were outstanding. No sweat. I did double check to make sure that I had everybody’s presents and couldn't quite trust my half-asleep brain.

The rest of the afternoon was spent walking 200x from Centris to JP to buy things needed for the gathering in the evening. I realized that this would happen every single big event that I host. I will surely forget to buy something after I thought that I had bought everything I needed. I need a new brain. Lil Shauna was my little elf helper.

The girls started arriving at 5ish and so began my multiple trips to fetch the different groups. I shouldn't complain; they had to travel half the globe to reach JW. Soon, the Christmas tree was up, all thanks to Aunty SL magic fingers. Look at the presents!

The poor kids were made to sit and take a picture before they were allowed to run off to play.

The food was nicely laid out and the feasting began. It is impossible to diet during year end. Zzzzzz.

Of course there were no hungry kids. They were either at the playground or basketball court. Reluctantly, they were lugged back and forced feed before being let go again.
The kids didn't come back until the adults had stuff themselves silly and had the energy to play games with them. Each family attempted to host a game and there were lots of stationary, toys and snacks to win. However simple the games were, the kids had a blast. The adults just ended up feeling very tired. Lol. I was left with a headache. I suspect it was the consequence of a lack of sleep and dehydration. We barely drank enough in HKG bcos it was so cool and nice and a hassle to look for toilet.

Of course, the all-important every-event-must-have shot.

The party only ended at about 9pm after the presents were given out. I started to pity the neighbours who lived near to the function room bcos we were so loud and noisy. I constantly felt like I was yelling to be heard bcos there was so much kids’ screaming in the background and I already have such a loud voice. The softer aunties were just playing mime.

By then, my head was pounding and I was so glad that the gathering was hosted in Centris. The kids got to open their presents after they had their shower and settled down. I was so exhausted dealing with the headache that I can only flop on the sofa while I heard wrappers being ripped and kids’ excited chatter. Only when all the presents had been unwrapped were the kids willing to go to bed. I cannot be gladder but was shocked to see the mess created by the kids when I opened my eyes. At that point, I only had energy to crawl to the bed and was so grateful for Popo, whom I know would clean up after us.

Merry Christmas!

Mummy Lim

Finally Hong Kong Day 8: Dragon's Back

It was the final day in HKG and it was Christmas Day! I had so wanted to eat the hot tasty 波罗包 again. I think I can eat that every day. Hohoho. To my dismay, the 茶餐厅 was closed. Noooooooooo! We had McDonalds bfast instead.

We had shuffled the itinerary a little bcos of the rainy day earlier in the week. The plan was to sleep in and wake up naturally, have bfast, check out before going to the Dragon’s Back (DB). We didn't know what to expect but read that the DB trail is very popular. We think we would be able to make it back on time to catch a taxi to the airport for our flight at 9.45pm.

As expected, whenever the plan is to sleep in, some kid will wake up early. It wasn't too bad; Zaky woke up at 8.45am, pulled up the curtain and declared that it was morning time, time to wake up. He didn't even bother to check the time. It was almost 11am by the time we set out.

Christmas day didn't feel much different except for a bigger crowd even during non-peak hours. We took the MTR to Shau Kei Wan and exited A2. I read some blog about taking bus no. 9 towards Shek-O until the To Tei Wan stop. There wasn't any bus no. 9 when we got out of the station but we saw mini buses to Shek-O and Big Wave Bay parking right outside the MTR. This time, we paid HK$12 per pax in cash for the mini bus. Daddy Lim was looking for a toilet but couldn't find any. He said that he wasn't too urgent and we boarded the bus. I was anxious on his behalf though, willing the bus to go faster. There must be a toilet at wherever we were going, right?

The way to the starting point was a winding road. The experienced (I assumed) bus driver was doing an Initial D and I bet he would be drifting if not for the little car that was in front of him.

There was no need to worry about missing the stop. Upon arrival at the starting point, the driver stopped and yelled that we were here. Seriously, we had no idea if we were at the right place but saw many others in hiking gear at the bus stop and presumed that it was where we should start. I think we were in the middle of the mountain.

There were 2 portable toilets and we all used the very overpowering odor toilets. I pity Daddy Lim who needed to do his big business and pity even more the next soul who had to use the same toilet.

After nature calls, it was picture time before we start our adventure.

I snapped a picture of the trail before we started but have no idea how to read the map or where we should be ending.

At the start, it was cement steps. The kids posed with a big stone and requested for pictures.

Then it was dirt track mainly. The ascent wasn't too difficult.

There were a lot of many other people and there is no way to get lost bcos there were very well-trotted walk paths. Look at the crowd behind us!

It didn't take us long to reach the 1st peak. We climbed up further along mini paths created by the many before us. At the top, it was breathtaking. The wind was howling; we were at the cliff or what looks like it. Daddy Lim and I wouldn't let the kids get too close, just in case. Even if they didn't trip or fall, there was no guarantee that the wind wouldn't blow them off. Yes, the wind was that strong. I too had difficulty walking straight.

We tried some lousy wefie but they didn't turn out very well. It didn't do any justice to the actual scenery. Got photo bombers some more; too many people were crowding the cliff for pictures.

We were wondering if we were done but that seems a little too easy and fast. When we looked far ahead, we saw many others at nearby peaks. What did we do? Just follow the crowd and there was more walking, and more walking, and more walking.

Along the way, we stopped to admire the views.

At certain parts of the path, it was really just us and the vegetation on one side, cliff on the other. There was no barricade and we had to constantly urge the kids to stay close to the vegetation. It was definitely thrilling and heart pumping. All in all, I think we covered 4 or 5 peaks. A picture at the last one.

Seriously, we had no idea if there was a way out as we went along but we just did. Many others were going ahead of us and not many people were turning back must mean that there is a way out ahead, right? Along the way, Daddy Lim kept scaring me about running out of water or missing the plane. Chey. There is no water point or toilet (except the bushes) on the mountain and I did try to ration the water that we had.

After the last peak, we started the descent and we came to a flat path and crossway. The local pointed us to what we hoped was the right walk. The walk became a little more boring. It was largely dirt track and we saw a few steams (ok, water tickling down) along the way. The kids would stop to see if they can spot any tadpoles.

The walk went well until Zaky tripped and fell and got a cut on his knee. He was whinny and grouchy for a while but his spirit picked up soon after. I think the walk after the descent was at least 1 hour when we finally reached the midpoint of the mountain. Daddy Lim then made sense of where we were using the map at the checkpoint. We could either cut short the trek by going towards the cemetery and hike a bus/ taxi or walk another 45 mins to the Big Wave Bay. Serious, there is a huge ceremony right in the middle of the mountain. It was one of those that we can see in HKG movies. I am quite sure there would be public transport to and from the cemetery.

The kids took a toilet break, had some snacks and were ready to hike to the beach (Big Wave Bay) even though it was another long walk. Steady lah. It was cemented path for a good 500m before we turned in to dirt paths for our descent to the Big Wave Bay at the bottom of the mountain. We had been eyeing the beach all the while during the hike. We went pretty slow and were overtaken by many other groups but we rather played it safe bcos we have people with short legs. Haha.

Finally, the Big Wave Bay.

Only at the end of thr trek, I had realization of what these Distant Post were about and how to read them on the map. Haha.

All in all, it took us about 3.5 hrs to complete the walk. Phew. Unfortunately, we didn't have much time to spare. We took a quick lunch and the kids ran off to the playground while waiting. There were a lot of people at Big Wave Bay BBQ-ing. I am quite sure these people either took the bus or drive directly to the Big Wave Bay.

We of course had to visit the beach. That was what motivated the kids to walk another 45 mins. I was so surprised to see big waves and people surfing. That must be how the place gets its name. I can also imagine how cold it was in the water. Haha.

We couldn't stay long at the beach and had to entice the kids to leave with ice cream. It was a short walk to the bus stop for the same mini bus. I was shocked to see the long Q but fortunately the mini buses were really frequent and we made it back to the MTR quickly.

Eventually, we arrived back at the hotel early and the taxi ride to the airport was shorter and faster than expected. The wait at the airport wasn't too bad bcos the kids were in a great mood and played together so nicely. So rare! I was just very tired.

I sat with Zaky this time while Daddy Lim with Lil Shauna behind us. The seat was very uncomfortable. I didn't dare recline my seat too much for fear of squashing Daddy Lim behind me and the person in front of me reclined fully his seat. Zzzzzzzz. Zaky declared that it was bedtime early into the flight and happily used my lap as his personal pillow. Tired as I was, I couldn't sleep even when I tried; my butt hurts like hell. I ended up playing iPad the entire journey. 3/4 into the flight, a little boy beside us started a mega tantrum and wailed uncontrollably. I pitied his parents who tried their best and were getting dagger stares. Lil Shauna was awaken and couldn't go back to sleep. Zaky seemed to sleep through though he claimed that he heard the wails. Haha.

We touched down at 1.40am. On the way home and a picture with Lil Shauna’s favorite honey cake. The sibling magic continued and there was no fights. The taxi ride home was great too bcos the kids fell asleep again. Haha.

It had been a fantastic trip. We did a lot more than the usual Disneyland/ Ocean Park/ eating and shopping. We explored HKG in ways that we never before. My only complains are how costly and crowded HKG is. I don't remember HKG this way during our last trip. Anyhow, I like how the trip turns out. The kids are growing up and starting to enjoy different traveling activities. Hehe. More to come but the next one wouldn't be here soon. Fighting!

Mummy Lim

Finally Hong Kong Day 7: Kam Tin Country Club

The last HKG trip, we brought the kids to some ulu ulu animal and strawberry farm and we had a blast. Picking strawberries was definitely one of the trip’s highlights for the kids, even for Zaky who doesn't eat strawberries. This time, we put it down as one of the must-dos and easily found another farm – Kam Tin Country Club when I googled for strawberry picking in HKG. The website looks great and there were many good reviews. Other than animals and strawberries, there seems to be many other kids centric entertainment such as bouncing castle, longkang fishing, kite flying, etc. Target locked.

The farm opens only during the weekend from 10am in winter. I was nervous to meet a closed farm actually and checked and rechecked the website to make sure that it was opened. We took the MTR to Kam Sheung Road and took the exit D. There was a slight drizzle when we exited the station. A special bus 601 service that runs only during the weekend was right at the exit with the farm banner brightly painted on the bus. Steady. Payment was via Octopus card, which wasn't the case 2 years back. Double steady.

The bus ride was short, probably about 10 mins before the driver yelled for us to alight. The farm was opened! Hurray! But the rain got heavier. The farm was very quiet and there was a lot of open space. We saw fishing at the entrance and as we go deeper into the park, there were some DIY art and craft stuff and some kiddy rides. The entrance to the park is free but everything else is chargable. We didn't make it far before the rain came down harder. The kids were bugging to go fishing, which fortunately was sheltered.

So, fishing we went. It cost us HK$25. The kids were given like some paper net to scoop fish. We were given extra net since we didn't intend to bring the fish home. The net broke so very easily. Zzzzzz. While we were fishing, more locals came to join us. Fishes caught and put back into the tank.

While we were fishing, 2 young adults/ graduates approached us. They introduced themselves as with the Youth With A Mission (YWAM), which I suspected is some Christian organization. They said that they had organized some activities for kids and invited us to join them in one of the houses near to the farm. They didn't seem to have a lot of luck with the locals that they approached. Since it was raining, we accepted their invitation.

They led us through some paths and we arrived in a nice little house, all dry and cosy. The other volunteers and some of the villagers were doing some cookie decorations as well as art and craft. The kids were more than happy to ice the cookies and whacked the fully sugar loaded and decorated cookies into their tummies.

We chatted up with the volunteers while the kids were happily working on the cookies. These youths come from all over the world to go on this 6-month mission trip. They have to pay for their own flight and accommodation. This was one of their Christmas outreach programs.

YWAM HKG was based in the Haborcity, right where we were. We got to know that this is one of the oldest villages in HKG. The intent was more to reach out to the locals. We saw some locals in the event but mostly the volunteers and us – the odd group of tourists. Haha.

Other than cookie decorations, there was song and drama to share the story of Christmas as well as games. You can tell that the kids had a blast.

The event ended with a final cookie. The kids had a total of 3 very sweet cookies each and were kept very full. We were very entertained for 2 hours before we headed back to the farm. What an interesting and pleasant distraction from our plan.

Back at the farm, we explored more. The farm was a lot more crowded but largely with families with young kids. Our “old” kids were also not interested in the bouncing castle (actually they were but it was wet and I think they are too old. LOL) or the kiddy rides. We saw a mini farm and fed some animals instead.

Finally, the supposedly highlight of the event – strawberry picking. Unlike the ones that we been too, eating is prohibited until we have paid for the strawberries. The strawberries were also freaking expensive at about HK$200 for a box. Still, the kids were excited. They had been warned to pick only the very red ones.

Where was I? I was the official photographer bcos the field was all muddy after the rain and I refused to step in. Lol. We eventually picked half a box for HK$100. 

The strawberries were washed but were a disappointment. They were quite bland, not exactly sweet or sour. I had 3 and Lil Shauna had some before asking Daddy Lim to polish off the rest. He was hungry and didn't mind. Lol.

With strawberry picking checked off, there weren’t much else to do. The kids bugged to go torture the poor fish again. This time, they found that it was much faster and more fun to catch the fish by hand. They did so for a long time bcos the owner were busy chit chatting and didn't check on us. We had to stop when we were eventually found out and the owner gave us a black face and a string of grumble in Cantonese. I did as best to pretend to be upset with the kids and then played my part as tourist by buggering off. Lol. We left the farm and back to the MTR via bus 601.

We caught a late lunch and went back to the hotel. We were all tired from the many activities-filled days and the kids were happy to be in the room with the TV and iPad, so was Daddy Lim. He even took a long nap. Lol. We left the room only in the early evening to explore TST. It is supposed to be one of the fabulous shopping areas but we only started exploring on our last few nights in HKG. There were a lot of things to see and buy if we had deep pockets. Lucky for our pockets, the kids weren’t very patient when it comes to shopping for not their stuff and we ended the night with a nice dinner at a cha chan ting. Then we went back to the hotel for mad frenzy packing. It was the last night. Sob.

It was Christmas eve and strangely, there as some Indian celebration on the road right outside our hotel in the late night. Shouldn't it be Christmas celebration? Oh well, Merry Christmas!

Mummy Lim