The great HK adventure part 1: Getting there

It was a day of firsts: it was my mom's first trip abroad, it was my first trip abroad with my mom, and it was our first time to go to Hong Kong. My headmistress of a mother is outwardly cool as a cucumber, but I know better -- the little things always give her away. These, however, will have to remain our little secret: after all, she does have a reputation to protect. ;)

Flying high with mah momma

The flight from Manila was pretty smooth. We landed at Hong Kong International Airport shortly before noon. Upon arrival, we bought Airport Express tickets to Hong Kong Island, where our hotel is (the airport is in Lantau Island).

Waiting for the Airport Express

The Airport Express was very impressive: comfortable, fast and efficient, it had ample space for luggage and, with a train departing every 12 minutes, had more than enough free seats for passengers. (I suppose it had better be, at 100 HK dollars per passenger for a 24-minute ride, heh heh!) The terminal was spacious and well-maintained. Plus, Airport Express has free shuttle services from the terminal to some of the hotels in the area, so getting to our hotel was no problem at all! (I'm starting to sound like an Airport Express ad, hahaha!!!)

All aboard the Airport Express!

Finally, at around 3 pm, we make it to our hotel. As mom and Ate Jenette napped while waiting for my brother to get back from his conference, I went downstairs and got us some ammo for our 3-day stay. I looked for the train station, got us Octopus Cards, scoped the area for places to eat, searched for directions to Victoria Peak and the Peak Tram station, looked for wifi hotspots, etc.

My reward: I found out that they still served Black Tea Latte at Starbucks! Gad I missed this drink. I got myself a cup and went back to the hotel, ready to lead our little band of 4. Not bad for the baby of the family, huh?