Beijing Day 1 - Learning about Chinese history and heritage at the Capital Museum

We woke up a bit late to get some sleep as we took the midnight flight into China’s capital.  Luckily for us, we still got to avail of the breakfast buffet at the hotel which served a really nice combination of both Asian and Western flavors. However, as it was bird flu season during this time, we avoided all poultry dishes just to be sure.

We decided to take it easy on our first day. Right after breakfast, we explored the vicinity of the hotel to see where we can buy some necessities like drinking water. We didn’t go far to get to the nearest 24 hour local convenience store. There were lots of products to choose from so it was like a mini supermarket of sorts. Great find!

facade of Beijing's Capital Museum

Then, we headed on to the nearest subway station to get to the Capital Museum. Thinking it was just a few blocks away – judging from the map – we decided to walk. Apparently, blocks here in Beijing are really wide so after 30 minutes, we were dead tired. Giving up on the idea, we just took a cab to get to the station as it was just too much effort on foot.

Hong Kong Day 4 - Joining in prayer at the Chi Lin Nunnery

Strolling around Nan Lian Garden was such a therapeutic and relaxing experience. To add a bit more to the serene feeling, we ventured next to Chi Lin Nunnery just across the garden. You don’t even need to trouble yourself with crossing the street as there is a footbridge that connects both places. Very convenient!

temple grounds

Hong Kong Day 5 - Last minute shopping and grocery hunting at Causeway Bay

Staying at Causeway Bay has a lot of perks for those who love to shop and window shop. There’s a wide array of everything at this place – from high end fashion brands to street side markets. There’s so much to see, hear, taste, and do here that one day isn’t even enough to explore. With that, we started early as this is the last day of our stay here at the vibrant and dynamic city of Hong Kong.

Causeway Bay at night
courtesy of www.discoverhongkong.com

Hong Kong Day 4 - Appreciating nature at Nan Lian Garden

It’s out and about in Kowloon for the day. Wanting to experience something more close to nature, we paid a visit to Nan Lian Garden. It’s easily accessible via the MRT network - only one MRT ride away from the city center!

Nan Lian Garden gate

Not a staple tourist attraction of Hong Kong, this place gives visitors some space to take a breath of fresh air. It’s a very nice place to visit especially for those folks who are already tired of the city’s noise as it immediately gives a peaceful vibe once you enter. It felt like I just went to an oasis of calm within the bustling metropolis.

long winding paths

Hong Kong Day 3 - Finding inner peace at the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery

Today, we set out to the parts of Hong Kong not frequented by many tourists – the northern part of the New Territories.  Our destination is quite a unique one as it is quite hidden. Not in the sense that it is inaccessible but rather because it will take a keen eye to spot its location. So, the destination is actually the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery.

Located in Sha Tin, this place has been gaining the attention of travellers recently since many are intrigued by its name. What’s not to be curious about finding ten thousand Buddhas all situated in one place?