I used to wear a large smile when I talk to friends about the upcoming trip. And I felt giddy every time I thought of it. I was super excited for it, counting down the months, then the weeks.. until a few days ago.
For me, planning for a trip is half the fun. Reading about the place, learning about a different culture, knowing your way around is comparable to the actual trip itself. In my past trips, everyone involved was invited to help out in the planning. Everyone was encouraged to read about the places we planned to go to and pick out the sites they wanted to see. Everyone's choices were supposedly incorporated into the itinerary, but only a few really did bother to read. So ultimately, the entirely planning was up to me. And boy, was I happy.
Fast forward to the current situation. Knowing that we both know that we both enjoy planning trips, I thought it would be fun if we'd both plan the trip together. So I quickly went on to put up an online document for us to post our ideas. Then slowly, I started filling them. Weeks passed and I didn't see any changes to the document. This didn't bother me at all as I thought we had the same things planned.
Slowly we started searching for accommodations. Days went by with us searching, deciding on nothing. I did my own search, listed them on the document, and waited for him to do his own research. For days, we sent links to each other back and forth showing the other of possible options. I thought that at the end of the day, we'd sort through our list and then decide.
On one of those searching days, I only got one link. Noticing that it was nowhere close to the city's main attractions, I went off and did another round of research. Little did I know that it was his final choice.
The fun began when I started throwing out other options. We discussed a little and went through more options. After realizing that the one he initially suggested was the best for us, I gave in and consented to booking it. But he now refused. Responsibility for booking our hotel was thrown at me.
After discussing it at the end of the day, I learned that what he wanted was only one person deciding on the accommodation. And the itinerary? Some items on my lists were highlighted, but he printed his own. So not what I had in mind.
So I've now backed off on the planning. The enthusiasm in me has died. But a part of me still looks forward to this trip, knowing that I'll be traveling with the man I love.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Our Trip - Hong Kong Pre-Wedding Photoshoot
Location: Hong Kong (Yau Ma Tei, Tsim Sha Tsui, Star Ferry, The Peak)
Date: February 23, 2011
Photographer: Ming Wong
Our Trip - Macau Pre-Wedding Photoshoot
Location: Macau (Venetian Hotel/Casino, St. Paul's Ruins, Happiness St)
Date: February 21 & 22, 2011
Photographer: Renato Marques
Date: February 21 & 22, 2011
Photographer: Renato Marques
Her Trip - Macau & Hong Kong (Part 2)
After having been in Hong Kong for the second time, I can still say that I love the place!
The hotel we stayed at, Casa Hotel, was strategically located near Yau Ma Tei MTR station. It was literally just a few steps away from one of the station's exits. At HKD 500 a night, it was rightly priced. The hotel was modern and clean. Downside to it was that it's size was just at around 10 square meters. It was not small. It was tiny. There wasn't room to walk around. The bathroom, just divided by a frosted glass partition, was literally part of the room. The bathroom only had space for the sink and toilet, and the shower nozzle was just hung by the sink. Taking a bath left the entire bathroom wet.
Land space in Hong Kong is apparently so expensive, thus the small spaces. But it wasn't too bad. I've previously been to a hostel, and the size was more or less the same. Difference was that the hostel felt like you were in a horror movie. The very old building elevator creaked when it opened and closed, and it made weird noises all the way up. The room still had old huge, square mouldings where, upon looking up while in bed felt like you were inside a coffin.
It was still Winter when we were there, but donning long-sleeved turtlenecks and boots made the weather tolerable, and it's fun. Living in a tropical climate, we don't get to dress up for Winter. Another fun part of the trip were the subways. I just enjoy riding them! The racing to catch the next train, and the beating other people to make the ride, it's tiring but I get an adrenaline rush.
Buses though are a different story. I feel nervous not knowing where to get off. We took a few rides though, but I was with my better-half, and I had nothing to be nervous about. He's good at navigating around.
Walking from one place to another is another thing I love when on trips. Though I don't really enjoy it back home, it's a different thing being in a foreign place. I feel that you get a closer feel of the place. Walking gets to a point where I could feel my legs about to fall off. But one foot right in front of the other over and over, and it becomes almost mechanical. Back pains and a bloody toe did not stop me at all. I'm not quite sure how my better-half felt about all the walking.
We had the third series of pre-wedding photo shoots in Hong Kong. We found a local photographer, and I believe we got along well with them (him and his friend) as I had fun! From the temple in Yau Ma Tei, to one of the subway stations, to Tsim Sha Tsui area and finally the Peak, we went to various locations. And truly, we got a lot of Hong Kong pics.
One thing I miss about the trip are their wanton noodles. After meals of having them and after seeing how they were prepared*, I switched to the usual rice and viand, and it's one of the things I regret doing. I crave their wanton noodles. I'm craving them as I write this post. Wanton noodles here back home don't come close.
I look forward to going back to Hong Kong. Though the usual attractions like Disneyland and Ocean Park are out of the list (we hate theme parks), there's still a lot to see. I also like that the place is vibrant and so full of life (blame the thick crowd). And since it's just a short flight away, going back is not impossible.
* It wasn't so sanitary.
The hotel we stayed at, Casa Hotel, was strategically located near Yau Ma Tei MTR station. It was literally just a few steps away from one of the station's exits. At HKD 500 a night, it was rightly priced. The hotel was modern and clean. Downside to it was that it's size was just at around 10 square meters. It was not small. It was tiny. There wasn't room to walk around. The bathroom, just divided by a frosted glass partition, was literally part of the room. The bathroom only had space for the sink and toilet, and the shower nozzle was just hung by the sink. Taking a bath left the entire bathroom wet.
Land space in Hong Kong is apparently so expensive, thus the small spaces. But it wasn't too bad. I've previously been to a hostel, and the size was more or less the same. Difference was that the hostel felt like you were in a horror movie. The very old building elevator creaked when it opened and closed, and it made weird noises all the way up. The room still had old huge, square mouldings where, upon looking up while in bed felt like you were inside a coffin.
It was still Winter when we were there, but donning long-sleeved turtlenecks and boots made the weather tolerable, and it's fun. Living in a tropical climate, we don't get to dress up for Winter. Another fun part of the trip were the subways. I just enjoy riding them! The racing to catch the next train, and the beating other people to make the ride, it's tiring but I get an adrenaline rush.
Buses though are a different story. I feel nervous not knowing where to get off. We took a few rides though, but I was with my better-half, and I had nothing to be nervous about. He's good at navigating around.
Walking from one place to another is another thing I love when on trips. Though I don't really enjoy it back home, it's a different thing being in a foreign place. I feel that you get a closer feel of the place. Walking gets to a point where I could feel my legs about to fall off. But one foot right in front of the other over and over, and it becomes almost mechanical. Back pains and a bloody toe did not stop me at all. I'm not quite sure how my better-half felt about all the walking.
We had the third series of pre-wedding photo shoots in Hong Kong. We found a local photographer, and I believe we got along well with them (him and his friend) as I had fun! From the temple in Yau Ma Tei, to one of the subway stations, to Tsim Sha Tsui area and finally the Peak, we went to various locations. And truly, we got a lot of Hong Kong pics.
One thing I miss about the trip are their wanton noodles. After meals of having them and after seeing how they were prepared*, I switched to the usual rice and viand, and it's one of the things I regret doing. I crave their wanton noodles. I'm craving them as I write this post. Wanton noodles here back home don't come close.
I look forward to going back to Hong Kong. Though the usual attractions like Disneyland and Ocean Park are out of the list (we hate theme parks), there's still a lot to see. I also like that the place is vibrant and so full of life (blame the thick crowd). And since it's just a short flight away, going back is not impossible.
* It wasn't so sanitary.
Her Trip - Macau & Hong Kong (Part 1)
Macau was the first of two destinations for this trip. It used to be a Portuguese colony for centuries before being handed back to China in 1999. The Portuguese colonization introduced to Macau Christianity, thus the churches all over the place. It also left behind buildings with beautiful European architecture and design. Recently there are multitudes of casinos sprouting up all over the place. The rich history reflected all over the place made it an ideal location to have another photo shoot.
Despite planning to stay in the place for just a night and half a day, we made sure to prioritize the pictorial. As it was also not our first time, we also didn't have too many plans of touring the place.
First part of the pictorial was at midnight right after we landed at Macau. Still groggy from the flight, we had to quickly dress up and brave the chilly evening air. The shots were to be taken outside the Venetian hotel. The intricate building designs all over the place were magnificent. There's also the all-day blue-sky-ed ceiling painting. It feels just like looking up a real sky, and it never gets dark.
The next morning, we headed off to St Paul's Ruins. Being a famous tourist attraction, we had to be early to escape the crowds of tourists that flock the place. It used to the largest Catholic church in Asia during the 16th century. Built by the Jesuits, it was dedicated to the apostle, St Paul. A fire during the 19th century burned down the place, and what is left now is one side of the building facade. A museum containing religious artifacts and relics is housed at the rear.
We had some shots taken around the ruins and the cobble-stoned road leading up to it, Senado Square. It's a commercial district with boutiques and food shops. Macau is also famous for their yummy egg tarts. And you can find them along the way leading up to the ruins.
We got a room at the Venetian hotel that night, and stayed there with four other people. All their rooms are suites. Each has a living room area aside from the bedroom. Booking the suites a month in advance gives you a 20% discount. We got the room at around P8,400 a night.
I had so high expectations of our suite. It was the Venetian after all! Aside from the bathroom which was so pretty, it was not as all as I expected. But it was still good, except from the fact that no one realized that the room had a heater. We ended up freezing ourselves to sleep, and waking up to an even chillier morning.
Macau is not bad for first timers. But after the initial visit to the famous attractions, there's not much left to do except gamble. Getting around Macau would mean taking the taxi, bus or free hotel shuttles that run all over the place. There are no trains or subways in Macau, though plans to build one are underway.
For now, I think that's enough Macau for me. Will see a couple of years after.
P.S. We took no pictures as we were busy having ours taken.
Despite planning to stay in the place for just a night and half a day, we made sure to prioritize the pictorial. As it was also not our first time, we also didn't have too many plans of touring the place.
First part of the pictorial was at midnight right after we landed at Macau. Still groggy from the flight, we had to quickly dress up and brave the chilly evening air. The shots were to be taken outside the Venetian hotel. The intricate building designs all over the place were magnificent. There's also the all-day blue-sky-ed ceiling painting. It feels just like looking up a real sky, and it never gets dark.
The next morning, we headed off to St Paul's Ruins. Being a famous tourist attraction, we had to be early to escape the crowds of tourists that flock the place. It used to the largest Catholic church in Asia during the 16th century. Built by the Jesuits, it was dedicated to the apostle, St Paul. A fire during the 19th century burned down the place, and what is left now is one side of the building facade. A museum containing religious artifacts and relics is housed at the rear.
We had some shots taken around the ruins and the cobble-stoned road leading up to it, Senado Square. It's a commercial district with boutiques and food shops. Macau is also famous for their yummy egg tarts. And you can find them along the way leading up to the ruins.
We got a room at the Venetian hotel that night, and stayed there with four other people. All their rooms are suites. Each has a living room area aside from the bedroom. Booking the suites a month in advance gives you a 20% discount. We got the room at around P8,400 a night.
I had so high expectations of our suite. It was the Venetian after all! Aside from the bathroom which was so pretty, it was not as all as I expected. But it was still good, except from the fact that no one realized that the room had a heater. We ended up freezing ourselves to sleep, and waking up to an even chillier morning.
Macau is not bad for first timers. But after the initial visit to the famous attractions, there's not much left to do except gamble. Getting around Macau would mean taking the taxi, bus or free hotel shuttles that run all over the place. There are no trains or subways in Macau, though plans to build one are underway.
For now, I think that's enough Macau for me. Will see a couple of years after.
P.S. We took no pictures as we were busy having ours taken.
His Trip - Macau & Hong Kong (Part 2)
After our short Macau trip, we took the hour-long fast craft (catamarans) trip to Hong Kong. We boarded the wrong vessels that brought us to the Hong Kong island side and not the Kowloon side where our hotel was situated. Had to take the MTR train again to cross to the other side. Hotels on the Kowloon side are much cheaper than on the Hong Kong side. And there are also much more things to see and do in Kowloon.
After checking in at Casa Hotel, we started the trip by going around Tsim Sha Tsui area looking for jewelries for our engagement ceremony. We spent the rest of the afternoon until the early evening strolling around the busy and crowded streets in TST.
Our second day in HK is scheduled for our photoshoot with Ming Wong. We met him in our hotel in Yau Ma Tei since its near the MTR station for our shots there. We took more shots around Yau Ma Tei area such as the temple, an old HK restaurant and some old buildings.
The most prominent landmark in HK is its stunning skyline which we didn't miss to include in our photoshoot. We took some shots from Victoria Harbour in Tsim Sha Tsui and other attractions nearby like the HK Clocktower and Cultural Center. Then we took the Star Ferry to Hong Kong Island for more photos onboard the historic HK Star Ferry.
The last stop for our photoshoot was at the Victoria Peak which offers an impressive views of Hong Kong and Kowloon. Our photoshoot was a tour in itself since we get to visit most of the major attractions in the island. What makes it different is we have a professional photographer to take the photos for us instead of doing it ourselves (like in our trips before). I was really impress with how professional our photographer and the photos he taken for us (see related blog entry). He has a complete range of photography equipments and lenses which he brought along for our photoshoot. And he was easy to work along with also.
We end the day by going around the Hong Kong Island part taking the old Tram and the longest outdoor covered escalator/walkalator. Then we drop by the famous night hang-out spot in HK, the Lan Kwai Fong.
After the 3 hectic days we had in Macau and HK, we took our last day of vacation leisurely. We took a late breakfast in one of the fastfoods along Nathan Street. Then we stroll around Mong Kok shopping area and went back to Tsim Sha Tsui again to see the Avenue of Stars. Then we had a late night flight back to Cebu.
After checking in at Casa Hotel, we started the trip by going around Tsim Sha Tsui area looking for jewelries for our engagement ceremony. We spent the rest of the afternoon until the early evening strolling around the busy and crowded streets in TST.
Our second day in HK is scheduled for our photoshoot with Ming Wong. We met him in our hotel in Yau Ma Tei since its near the MTR station for our shots there. We took more shots around Yau Ma Tei area such as the temple, an old HK restaurant and some old buildings.
The most prominent landmark in HK is its stunning skyline which we didn't miss to include in our photoshoot. We took some shots from Victoria Harbour in Tsim Sha Tsui and other attractions nearby like the HK Clocktower and Cultural Center. Then we took the Star Ferry to Hong Kong Island for more photos onboard the historic HK Star Ferry.
The last stop for our photoshoot was at the Victoria Peak which offers an impressive views of Hong Kong and Kowloon. Our photoshoot was a tour in itself since we get to visit most of the major attractions in the island. What makes it different is we have a professional photographer to take the photos for us instead of doing it ourselves (like in our trips before). I was really impress with how professional our photographer and the photos he taken for us (see related blog entry). He has a complete range of photography equipments and lenses which he brought along for our photoshoot. And he was easy to work along with also.
We end the day by going around the Hong Kong Island part taking the old Tram and the longest outdoor covered escalator/walkalator. Then we drop by the famous night hang-out spot in HK, the Lan Kwai Fong.
After the 3 hectic days we had in Macau and HK, we took our last day of vacation leisurely. We took a late breakfast in one of the fastfoods along Nathan Street. Then we stroll around Mong Kok shopping area and went back to Tsim Sha Tsui again to see the Avenue of Stars. Then we had a late night flight back to Cebu.
His Trip - Macau & Hong Kong (Part 1)
I wasn't able to write an entry about my thoughts for our Macau and Hong Kong trip due to the limited time after we got back from the Manila and Clark trip. Since we're back from the trip already, I'll just write about my experiences during the trip instead and also my thoughts about it as well.
It was our first foreign trip together with my girl - the first of four trips scheduled this year. I didn't prepare as much as I used to do when I traveled alone before coz I feel my girl did more of the research and bookings for us this time. But I'm not complaining. It made me realized traveling alone is not an option anymore when you get to experience traveling with somebody special to you.
We had company is this trip. They were also the ones who helped us plan things out. Three couples, who are all officemates of my girl, travelled with us. We were originally 11 when we booked this trip April of last year, but only 8 of us were able to make it. That shows how much these low-cost airline carriers make from unused airline tickets sold at cheap pre-booking prices.
I have been to Macau twice, and Hong Kong five times before this trip. But I know this would be different since we'll be there for "work" and not just for a plain vacation. With "work" I mean the pre-wedding/prenuptial photo shoots we scheduled for the trip - both in Macau and Hong Kong.
Before the trip, I searched for almost all wedding photographers there who could give us a good deal. Compared to local photographers here, the rates they have there are quite exorbitant. We ended up booking with a portrait photographer from Macau who doesn't have much experience taking pre-wedding pictures. But we got a good deal from the Hong Kong wedding photographer who gave out a promo price for us.
The trip started with a late night flight from Manila to Macau. It was my first time to take the trip thru Macau Airport since I only took the fast craft for a day-trip from HK the last 2 times I was there. When we arrived there, we boarded the free hotel shuttle service to Venetian Hotel. Yes, we stayed at the Venetian Hotel, the biggest casino hotel in the world. But we shared the room with 4 other people to divide the room charges, though we got a discount for booking a month before.
We immediately got to "work" upon arriving. The photographer and his assistant were already waiting for us at the hotel lobby. We wanted evening shots both inside and outside the hotel. It felt nice dressing up and posing for a professional photographer, while people gaze by wondering who the models might be. After the photo shoot, we went around the casino and the shops inside the hotel. Most of the shops were already closed but the casino was still so alive with a lot of Chinese people gambling. Going around the casino was the closest thing to Las Vegas we could experience.
Our second day in Macau was still scheduled for more photo shoot. After taking some day shots of the same sites we taken the night before, we went to the most famous landmark of Macau, St. Peter's Ruins. We took more shots there and in around nearby attractions like the Senado Square and Happiness Street.
After the shoot, we took some time for ourself to wander around the place. Being a stamp collector, we dropped by the Macau Post Office to buy some stamps. We went by some of the food and souvenir shops in that place to try on some macau delicacies like the egg tart.
Macau had completely changed since the last time I was there 5 years ago. A lot of new casinos have sprouted throughout the island. Most people go there not for the attractions anymore but to gamble. And you could still see a lot more on-going constructions of huge hotels and casinos all around. I can't imagine how Macau would look like if I go back 5 years later.
It was our first foreign trip together with my girl - the first of four trips scheduled this year. I didn't prepare as much as I used to do when I traveled alone before coz I feel my girl did more of the research and bookings for us this time. But I'm not complaining. It made me realized traveling alone is not an option anymore when you get to experience traveling with somebody special to you.
We had company is this trip. They were also the ones who helped us plan things out. Three couples, who are all officemates of my girl, travelled with us. We were originally 11 when we booked this trip April of last year, but only 8 of us were able to make it. That shows how much these low-cost airline carriers make from unused airline tickets sold at cheap pre-booking prices.
I have been to Macau twice, and Hong Kong five times before this trip. But I know this would be different since we'll be there for "work" and not just for a plain vacation. With "work" I mean the pre-wedding/prenuptial photo shoots we scheduled for the trip - both in Macau and Hong Kong.
Before the trip, I searched for almost all wedding photographers there who could give us a good deal. Compared to local photographers here, the rates they have there are quite exorbitant. We ended up booking with a portrait photographer from Macau who doesn't have much experience taking pre-wedding pictures. But we got a good deal from the Hong Kong wedding photographer who gave out a promo price for us.
The trip started with a late night flight from Manila to Macau. It was my first time to take the trip thru Macau Airport since I only took the fast craft for a day-trip from HK the last 2 times I was there. When we arrived there, we boarded the free hotel shuttle service to Venetian Hotel. Yes, we stayed at the Venetian Hotel, the biggest casino hotel in the world. But we shared the room with 4 other people to divide the room charges, though we got a discount for booking a month before.
We immediately got to "work" upon arriving. The photographer and his assistant were already waiting for us at the hotel lobby. We wanted evening shots both inside and outside the hotel. It felt nice dressing up and posing for a professional photographer, while people gaze by wondering who the models might be. After the photo shoot, we went around the casino and the shops inside the hotel. Most of the shops were already closed but the casino was still so alive with a lot of Chinese people gambling. Going around the casino was the closest thing to Las Vegas we could experience.
Our second day in Macau was still scheduled for more photo shoot. After taking some day shots of the same sites we taken the night before, we went to the most famous landmark of Macau, St. Peter's Ruins. We took more shots there and in around nearby attractions like the Senado Square and Happiness Street.
After the shoot, we took some time for ourself to wander around the place. Being a stamp collector, we dropped by the Macau Post Office to buy some stamps. We went by some of the food and souvenir shops in that place to try on some macau delicacies like the egg tart.
Macau had completely changed since the last time I was there 5 years ago. A lot of new casinos have sprouted throughout the island. Most people go there not for the attractions anymore but to gamble. And you could still see a lot more on-going constructions of huge hotels and casinos all around. I can't imagine how Macau would look like if I go back 5 years later.
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