Saturday, October 24, 2015

18th Sabah Hospitality Fiesta, Kota Kinabalu

I was at Kompleks Karamunsing this morning. There were a lot of "eats" displayed on tables at the atrium. It turned out to be the 18th Sabah Hospitality Fiesta.

A culinary competition with participants from hotels and colleges.


Including foreign judges, apparently.


Some of the more eye-catching (since no tasting possible) entries are posted here. I wonder if the chef "scented" the Rafflesia!


One rather monochromatic one (chocolate?). Seems to display animals.



Here's one "fruity" looking one.


One with kadazan sumazau dancers.


Obviously, there were a few displays of "finger-food".


Also quite a few tall creations.


A finely decorated one.


A multi-coloured one.


Not forgetting the usual Disney one.

If you are interested, the event is on today and tomorrow (24th and 25th October).

Friday, October 09, 2015

Hong Kong Trip

We went on a family holiday to Hong Kong at the end of July. There was a big storm at 4AM , just when we were leaving for the airport. It was lucky for us that the taxi did turn up. The usual long queue at T2. Air Asia now instructed to move to T1 as of 1 Nov 2015.


There was also a 6AM flight to Taipei. She obviously had had a really good holiday in Sabah.


Hmmm ... Did they switch hats?


Wow, That Fernandes fella must be serious about controls! On Air Asia, even the food containers have padlocks!!!


This is not the aircraft cabin, its the express train cabin. The special trains have only 2 main stops; Kowloon and Central. Do enquire at the train ticket counter at the airport for all the different offers. There is one that includes unlimited travel on the MTR (but not buses and ferries). We bought the family of 4 package of express train tickets (to and fro Kowloon to Airport).


Buying the Octopus cards at the MTR stations allowed the cards to be used on the trains, buses, ferries and 7Eleven etc.. Each time you swipe the card (eg at MTR station for entry to the train platforms) the remaining $ balance is shown. Just reload at station or 7Eleven; no worries as you can get all the remaining balance refunded at MTR station or airport when you leave Hong Kong (subject to a HK$10 fee).


The Dorsett Mongkok included 1 handphone in each room. Unlimited Internet data usage included, even tethering so that all the handphones in your group can "wi-fi" through this hotel set. You can bring it with you when you go out (HK$1000 if lost though). First thing first, Asahi Beer .... (only RM6 for a 500ml can!).



 Nearest big mall was Langham. A hotel on the higher floors; very good Sunday Brunch.


Passed by a mosque while on the way to Victoria Harbour.


Go towards the Clock Tower (Kowloon side) for a less crowded spot for the night time light show. This is NOT the clock tower. The clock tower is very normal looking (see one of the photo further down).


Be a normal tourist ...


... especially if you are there for the first time!


You do see busker bands playing ...


... here and even in the road-crossing subways.


Sundays get you these foreign maids gathering at many of the open places. The law says 1 day a week off, but many Hong Kong families have small apartments, so they "kick out" their maids for the weekends. They gather here to chit chat, eat, shop, sleep, ie socialise with all their friends. We passed by this gathering on the way to the Peak Tram station.


The very long queue in front of the station ...


... the very long queue inside the station ...


... the packed tram. You can of course take a taxi or bus instead ...


... but you would miss the fun of a steep incline ...


... and the very nice view. Best to go around 2pm.


When you read the topside tram station, you will find there's ALWAYS someone higher up!


The nice higher observatory. You need to pay for that. You can buy the tram ticket inclusive of entry to that rooftop.


Based on the recommendation on a blog I read, we went to the one next door. It was older and shorter, but free.


The view was just as good.


Fully zoomed in to the clock tower on The Kowloon side.


If you are here at 3pm or so, you can take those earlier photos, then wait for sunset ...


... then at 7.30pm ...


... you can take this type of night views.


Since we were in Hong Kong, we went across to Macau. Passport needed.


Nice and fast Jet foil. You can thank the gamblers for the hourly services day and night (I believe changed to every 2 hours in the early AM).



Very nice paving on the streets of Macau.


A nice looking church.


The Biscuit Shop with all those numerous branches.


Poor fella ... Damn HOT day.


Another nice church? Or The Ruins of St Paul ...


... one of the statures in the niches in the facade ...


... held up by those metal beams behind.


You can send your Macau Postmarks ...


... or you can gamble away to your heart's content, or till your wallet's empty?


It's Hong Kong, so its Food ... Food ... Food. Mak's Noodles with ...


... Wantan Mein ...


... and Ngau Lam Mein.


Chan Kee with ...


... Roast Goose.


Dim Dim Sum with ...


... Miss Piggy!