Pak Lee Cafe Since 1964, Hong Kong 2013

After getting hopelessly lost in HKU, climbing up steep staircases, winding our way around a foreign campus, we hopped into the first cab we saw and made our way back to Central. First stop, some sustenance at Pak Lee Cafe Since 1964, a new & hip descendant of the original Pak Lee Cafe, a bing sut that opened in (you guessed it!) 1964. Looking at the glistening honey rolling off my french toast and sausage, it's easy to see how the cafe has managed to survive for 50 years.

Hong Kong University, Hong Kong 2013

Took a busman's holiday to visit Hong Kong University and their university museum. Going off the beaten track to visit universities really gives you a great glimpse in to the real lives of the people who live in the country you are travelling in.

Food & Drinks at IFC Mall, Hong Kong 2013

We hit the International Finance Centre (IFC) Mall after getting off the Star Ferry. It's located nearest to the Star Ferry jetty and connected by overhead bridges. We had three objectives at IFC, the agnes b. LE PAIN GRILLÉ LA LOGGIA for brunch, Petite Amanda for cronuts and Fuel Espresso for coffee. Mornings should always be like that.

The Star Ferry, Hong Kong 2013

The Star Ferry plys between Tsim Sha Tsui and Central & Wan Chai, and given the choice I would always take the ferry over the train any day any time! Sure it takes a little longer but to be able to get away from the hordes of people taking the train, get some fresh air,  enjoy the view of Victoria Harbour, and spend only 40 cents, I am never saying no to that!

Disneyland Part 5, Hong Kong 2013

Disneyland at night is even more magical, if possible. And fireworks are always the best way to end the day.

Disneyland Part 4, Hong Kong 2013

After that heart-stopping Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars, we headed out from Grizzly Gulch towards Adventureland. We were about to turn left when we noticed a small line forming on the right. It's a small non-descript spot, an odd place for a queue to form, we knew something had to be up so we went up to the cast member in charge of the line and asked what was happening, she whispered to us Mickey and Minnie would be arriving soon! JACKPOT! We immediately ran to join the queue and were within the first 10 people in line. I think we waited for another 10 more minutes before they arrived. Mickey and Minnie are so funny! They had so many poses in their repertoire, it was hard to keep up! Mickey even kissed my hand!

C's aim of the day was actually to stalk for Stitch. Again, we were super lucky. We were heading out of Tomorrowland to Fantasyland via Stitch Encounter when we saw Stitch having a meet and greet! He was adorable, pulling out all his scary poses. I always find it hilarious when I hand my camera over to people to help take pictures, they always look for the viewfinder and I have to explain that my camera uses film, not digital. They always look shocked like these-things-are-still-around?! And I am always on tenderhooks, hoping the picture they took came out ok. 

I am not going to lie, we selected our food based on the amount of Mickey shapes (well, except for the churro). It's just not possible to resist Mickey-shaped croutons and waffles! I dare you to!

Disneyland Part 3, Hong Kong 2013

Guidebooks often advise that one of the best time to hit the popular rides are to go during the parades that usually happens at Disneyland in the afternoons or evenings. But I say, unless you plan to stay more than 1 day at the park, you should never ever miss the parades because they are spectacular! The songs are infectious and I always find myself boogie-ing away and then going home to youtube them later to relieve the magic!

Hong Kong Disneyland's parade is called the Flight of Fantasy Parade! The floats include Mickey's Magical Airship (Mickey & Friends), Caught Up in Daydreams (Winnie the Pooh), Romance Takes Wings (Disney Princesses), Jumpin' Jungle Jam (The Jungle Book, The Lion King & Tarzan), The Magic of Pixie Dust (Tinkerbell), Hangin' Ten and Ridin' High (Lilo & Stitch) and To Infinity and Beyond (Toy Story). The Toy Story float was the only one I didn't manage to get a good shot.

I am so thrilled with these set of photographs! I had to do a fair bit of awkward twisting and standing on tip-toes (on a bench!) to frame the head of the woman beside me out, and worrying about the steadiness of my hand but everything came out perfectly! Mickey was looking straight at me! Can't top that!

We were standing on benches in the courtyard island in front of the castle. We took that spot because we were rather late to stake a pavement-side seat but in the end they were some of the best spots for photographs. Elevated above the crowds, we got really good views of the floats and the characters on them!