My first out of the country experience was way back in 2012. My tita gave me an offer anyone wouldn't resist - an all-expense-paid trip to Hong Kong. Back then, I have no idea what good going outside the country (or traveling, in general) would bring me. I don't even own a luggage to bring. Haha! I honestly don't remember why and how I said yes despite the fact that I was taking ES1 at that time. I assume it was the thought of being able to go to the "happiest place on earth" which made me agree to it.

We spent four days at Kowloon doing basically what first-timers in Hong Kong do. Oh and btw, I went with of course, my tita, three of my cousins, and a nephew. We left in the morning and got there around lunchtime.

My first view of the city after checking in at our hotel

We had a quick lunch and rested for a few hours at the hotel. Before the sun sets, we decided to go and see Victoria Harbour and get a view of Tsim Sha Tsui. Tsim Sha Tsui is a favorite tourist attraction because it showcases the city skyline at night. The Symphony of Lights display is an entertaining way to learn about the buildings in Hong Kong. This light show basically calls out the names of Hong Kong's giants alongside a spectacle of lights whenever each one is introduced to the audience. This is also where you can ride the infamous Star Ferry Cruises, which we didn't get the chance to try.

Tsim Sha Tsui with the Star Cruise

Near the Victoria Harbour is Hong Kong's clocktower which stands tall at 44 meters. I vividly remember having a hard time taking a photo of it since it started raining at that time. Haha! What a bummer. Anyhoo, this clocktower reminded me of London's Big Ben.

The Hong Kong Clock Tower, formerly known as the Kowloon - Canton Railway Clock Tower

Near the area is the Avenue of Stars were we got to see Hong Kong's very own version of walk of fame. There we saw (allow me to enumerate only those I know) Bruce Lee's, Jet Li's and Jackie Chan's statues and their handprints left on the ground. We took photos of the different film-related statues around the area since it is basically the only thing you can do there aside from appreciating the wonderful view. Now bear with our faces in the photos below. Teehee!

Back when I was still sporting a short hair

Uhm, okay. Sorry I just had to.

This was during the Symphony of Lights

Hong Kong's Cultural Arts Center

Caught this photo while walking back to our hotel

We had dinner along Temple Street that night, went shopping for a few items and called it a day after.

For our second day, the only item in our itinerary was.. Hong Kong Disneyland!

EXCITED!!!!!!!!

Mickey Train <3

Got my Minnie ears on as soon as I got in!

To tell you honestly, I didn't expect Hong Kong Disneyland to be that much for kids. I was expecting some rides to be a little more thrilling because obviously, they're guests aren't all kids. To my surprise, there wasn't even a single ride that gave me an adrenaline rush but nonetheless, the experience was still magical. All the sights, light and sound effects, and the costumes seemed like they were pulled out right from our well-loved fairy tale books. Having said that, my favorite ride would have to be the "It's A Small World" ride showcasing the different Asian countries and languages. Very uniting, indeed.

Minnie!!!! My heart was screaming when I saw her.

Believe it or not, I didn't know Winnie the Pooh was under Disney until I saw him there.

The guy knows where to look, ha.

Of course, this is mandatory.

Inside my favorite ride!

And of course, who would not love the parade and the magical fireworks at the end <3

Fangirling when I saw this float

OMG my favorite Disney princess just waved at me!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lol they got me and this cutie to be a part of the dance. HAHAHAHA!

Too bad I didn't have any photo or video recorded of the majestic fireworks display at the end (but I'm pretty sure there's one in Youtube). Can't exactly remember what time we were able to go back to our hotel for our second day. Must be because of the Disneyland high!

For our third day, we spend the entire day at Ocean Park. I'm not really a fan of zoos and seeing marine animals in big aquariums but pandas are a different story. Pandas can do nothing and still be adorbs unlike all the other animals we usually see in zoos. It was my first time to see not one, but two of these creatures so imagine how happy I was during that day.

Reminds me of the one we have in Subic

A bird show which I wasn't too thrilled to see. (I still believe that these birds are supposed to be in their natural aviary.)

AND THE HIGHLIGHT OF THIS ZOO!!!!

Huhuhu let me hug you and bring you home!!!

Oh and penguins <3

Aside from all these animals, Ocean Park is also home to some of the wildest rides I have ever rode on. Okay so remember my previous rant regarding Disneyland lacking some action? I FOUND THAT HERE IN OCEAN PARK. Just look at this rides and see (or try them) for yourself.

Not in photo: their wild roller coaster ride

We ended our Ocean Park trip with a cable car ride, which was also my first time. After that, we went back to Temple Street for the night market to shop.

On our fourth and last day, we spent the remaining hours still shopping at Nathan Road and went back to Manila in the afternoon.

Our Hong Kong crew

Hong Kong, I must say, is a good choice of country to visit for someone who wants to experience traveling out-of-the-country for the first time. The cost of living is relatively cheaper as compared to it's neighboring countries amidst getting a first-world country experience. Also, Pinoys are everywhere in the area making it easy to ask for directions when you feel like you are lost. Haha! With all the seat sales going on, I'm pretty sure that a budget of Php 15,000.00 would go a long waaaay in Hong Kong.

Now I'm getting thoughts of going back after writing this blog post. Oh, well. Gotta go and check how much a flight would cost now. Anyway, CebuPac is having a father's day seat sale. The odds!!! Til the next! ;)