Trip to Hong Kong: Seeking Blessings and a Family

This review details a trip to Hong Kong from December 24th to 26th, 2016. It was the author's first visit to the city and was part of a 3-day, 2-night tour. The primary purpose of the trip was to visit temples for prayer and blessings, with the hope of starting a family.

The journey began with a taxi ride to Suvarnabhumi Airport. Upon arrival, we met our tour guide and checked in promptly, proceeding directly to the gate. Feeling peckish, we decided to grab a bite before boarding. I opted for the spicy spaghetti, while my partner chose the shrimp macaroni. The flavors were decent, but the price was rather steep. The two dishes cost nearly 600 baht. However, hunger pangs and a lack of appealing alternatives led us to indulge.

After we are full, let's head to the gate.

After a short wait, I was called to board my flight with Emirates Airlines.

The aircraft took off around 2:00 PM. After a while, the flight attendants served food. My meal consisted of bread, fish with rice, and a bottle of white wine.

Is there anything else I can help you with?

The fan's order consists of bread, chicken with potatoes, and orange juice.

After a satisfying meal, I felt a wave of drowsiness. Before succumbing to sleep, I captured a quick snapshot of the scenery outside as a memento.

The plane landed at Chek Lap Kok Airport around 4:00 PM. After going through immigration, we waited for the coach to take us to The Peak, a renowned and breathtaking destination in Hong Kong.

After completing our coach journey, we proceeded to wait for the Peak Tram. The tram ride to The Peak takes approximately 7 minutes. It's worth noting that the queue for the tram was incredibly long, and when the tram arrived, there was a surge of people pushing and shoving to get on board. It was almost as if everyone was in a race to board the tram, even the petite women were pushing me around! I couldn't help but wonder why everyone was in such a hurry.

Upon reaching the summit, The Peak, while not the highest point, offers the most breathtaking panoramic views. From this vantage point, one can behold the entirety of Hong Kong Island, including the dazzling cityscape of Kowloon illuminated by the vibrant hues of evening lights. The frigid air at the peak sent shivers down my spine, causing my hands to tremble as I captured the moment. At times, the wind's intensity and chill brought tears to my eyes. While I took numerous photographs during my ascent, most of them feature my partner and me, which I have chosen not to share to avoid compromising the viewing experience.

After taking some photos, it was time to check into my accommodation. For this trip, I stayed at the STANFORD HOTEL, which is conveniently located near the Mongkok shopping district.

After packing up, it was time to go for a walk. I just walked around the area where I was staying, not daring to go too far for fear of getting lost. Hehe.

I was walking down the street when a young person approached me and handed me a condom. I guess they thought I looked horny.

While strolling, I came across a Mobile Softee, a Hong Kong national ice cream vendor. Without hesitation, I joined the queue and ordered a single cone to test the waters. However, after taking a bite, I found the flavor to be rather ordinary, so I refrained from purchasing any more.

Afterward, I strolled around looking for snacks before heading back to the hotel to rest.

After that, I walked back to the hotel in agony because my stomach was so full. Upon arriving at the hotel, I went to sleep to prepare for the next day's prayers.

The first day of the trip is over. I will take some time to work on the second and third days. See you then. Let's continue with the second day. Starting from the morning, we had breakfast next to the hotel, which was hot porridge and dim sum. However, I didn't take any pictures because as soon as the staff brought the food, everyone started eating very quickly, so I didn't have time to take any pictures. T_T After breakfast, we took a car to the Ngong Ping 360 cable car. When we arrived, we saw a lot of people waiting to get on the cable car.

And then it was time to get on the cable car. I took the regular cable car up.

It only takes 25 minutes to get there.

Following the path, we headed towards the Tian Tan Buddha. As we walked, we encountered a blessing point from the Grand Buddha. It was a wide, circular plaza paved with tiles, with a central point called the "Main Blessing Point." This is considered the most auspicious spot to make wishes. To offer prayers and wishes, stand facing the Grand Buddha.

After paying respects and making offerings below, we walked up to pay homage to the Great Buddha. The climb to the Great Buddha requires climbing 268 steps, which may seem tiring, and it truly was! We took photos as we climbed, and by the time we reached the top, I was quite out of breath. Remember, to ascend, use the right side of the stairs, and to descend, use the left side.

The view from the top is definitely worth the climb.

Zoom in a little closer, please.

The base of the statue is surrounded by sculptures of goddesses, seemingly offering devotional items to the deity.

English:

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After paying respects and making offerings, we took a walk around the Buddha statue to take in the views before heading back down.

One last photo before I head down.

After descending the stairs, I headed to the Ngon Ping Cable Car to go down to my next destination. On the way back, I took the Crystal Cabin, which has a glass bottom, offering a different kind of beauty.

After arriving downstairs, I checked the time and it was already past 2 pm. I quickly walked to the Citygate Outlet Mall. However, I didn't take many photos during this time because it was crowded and I was very hungry as I hadn't eaten lunch yet. So, I hurried to find something to eat. I walked around and couldn't decide what to eat, but then I saw this restaurant. I don't know the name of the restaurant, but it was crowded, so I decided to sit down. After looking at the menu for a while, I ordered the beef curry.

The roasted duck is incredibly delicious, with a juicy and flavorful texture.

The pork noodles were extremely bland, no matter how much seasoning was added. The pork was so tough it could have cracked a dog's skull.

The restaurant also offers shrimp dumplings with large shrimp and flavorful broth. The total price was 264 HKD.

After finishing our meal, we took a stroll to Citygate to aid digestion. We ambled around while waiting for the time to return to our hotel. Upon arrival, we took a nap to recharge. In the evening, we ventured out again in search of sustenance.

My boyfriend ordered fish ball noodles for 30 HKD.
I ordered wonton noodles with big wontons, which were delicious for 36 HKD.
Finally, we ordered braised beef, which was the highlight. The beef was tender, sweet, juicy, and flavorful. This dish made me so happy. The price was 65 HKD.
After we were full from the savory food, it was time for dessert. We walked past an ice cream shop that looked delicious, so I ordered a cup of Nutella ice cream. It was expensive at 45 HKD per cup, but it was so good that I felt less sorry for spending the money.
After that, we did some shopping at the Lady Market before heading back to the hotel. Before bed, I ate the leftover roast duck from lunch.
After finishing the cold beer and duck, it was time to sleep and recharge for the important mission that was the main purpose of this trip. In the morning of the 3rd day, let's continue to the 3rd day. We started by taking a car to Repulse Bay Beach after breakfast to pay respects and pray to Guanyin, Mazu, and other gods.

We have arrived at the temple entrance.

Upon entering the temple, you will find the Goddess of Mercy on your left. You can pray to the Goddess of Mercy for anything, but only one wish at a time.

After paying respects to the Goddess of Mercy, visitors can find a statue of the God of Fortune, Cai Shen Ye, beside her. To pray for good fortune, devotees gently rub a hundred-baht or thousand-baht banknote from the deity's head, over his face, down to his body and money bag. The banknote is then kept as lucky money, symbolizing the transfer of wealth into one's own pockets.

The next deity is Phra Sangkachai, also known as the "Smiling Buddha." If you are having difficulty conceiving or simply desire a child, this is the deity to pray to. To make a wish, rub the Buddha's belly. If you desire a son, rub the right side where the male child is depicted. If you desire a daughter, rub the left side where the female child is depicted. Without hesitation, I went to pay my respects, prayed for a child, and rubbed the Buddha's belly (as this was the primary purpose of my trip to Hong Kong).

After paying respects to the deity, we proceeded to worship Tin Hau, the goddess of the sea. In the past, Hong Kong's primary occupation was fishing, leading to widespread veneration of Tin Hau. As the protector of maritime safety, we prayed for safe travels and protection from accidents during our journeys.

Continuing on, you will reach the Longevity Bridge. According to Chinese belief, walking across this bridge will extend your lifespan by three years. To cross, step onto the bridge with your left foot first. Once you have crossed, do not walk back across the bridge. Instead, return via the path on the other side.

After crossing the bridge, you will encounter a statue of a child riding a yellow dragon fish. It is believed that if you can throw a coin into the fish's mouth, your prayers to Guanyin and Mazu will be granted.

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After visiting Repulse Bay, we took a car to Wong Tai Sin Temple, one of the most famous temples in Hong Kong, to worship Wong Tai Sin, a deity known for healing illnesses.

Upon entering, you will encounter the twelve zodiac animals.

Upon further exploration, you will encounter a designated spot for offering prayers.

This section is dedicated to the deity of love, making it particularly significant for those seeking a partner. Here, you will find statues of a bride and groom holding a red string, accompanied by a sign explaining the proper way to pay respects and make a wish. Follow the instructions on the sign to form the hand gesture, then pick up a red string and place it as shown in the image.

For women: Bow to the deity three times, then walk to the side where there is a statue of a bride. Make a wish for a partner. When finished, bow three times and walk back to the statue of the groom. Rub your hand on his foot three times, keeping the hand in the shape shown on the sign (do not release it until after you are finished). Then tie a red string to the rope. When finished, the ceremony is complete.

For men: Bow to the deity three times, then walk to the side where there is a statue of the groom. Make a wish for a partner. When finished, bow three times and walk back to the statue of the bride. Rub your hand on her foot three times, keeping the hand gesture shown on the sign (you can release your hand after). Finally, tie a red string to the rope. This completes the ceremony.

After visiting Wong Tai Sin Temple, we continued to the last temple of our trip, Che Kung Temple, also known as the Temple of the Red Windmill. This temple features a bronze windmill that is believed to drive away evil spirits and bring good fortune when spun three times.

Upon entering the temple, you will find an incense offering point before entering the main hall.
After paying respects, you can proceed to worship the imposing statue of Lord Cha Kung enshrined within the temple.
Next, don't miss the highlight of spinning the prayer wheel. To spin the wheel correctly, turn it clockwise 3 times (avoid counterclockwise rotation). After completing the rotations, strike the drum 3 times. Place the joss paper in the designated cart at the front of the temple. Staff will collect it and perform the necessary rituals, concluding the ceremony.
After completing the prayers, the tour guide took me for a stroll along Nathan Road. However, I didn't take any pictures during this time. This concludes my review of my trip to Hong Kong. You can follow my other reviews on my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/GourmetMonsters/ Thank you very much.