Squareface @ 31°North

In 2 weeks’ time, I hope to be safely in her arms, viewing the neon lights of the cityscape in Hong Kong; gambling with our money in Macau; and reliving childhood and teenagehood, but mostly releasing the fun-indulging natures in us in Ocean Park and Disneyland.

I’ve booked Sam’s ticket with jetstarasia already, and her flight has been confirmed. I’m still searching for the best bargain I can get for a return ticket from Shanghai to Shenzhen. I’m not satisfied with Ctrip’s price, and think I can bargain with agencies to get a better deal. Our accommodation is also pending, but we’ll most likely be staying at Joy’s Guesthouse (at Sham Shui Po) for 195RMB per night, double bed, ensuite bathroom. It’s the cheapest I could find that was available during this peak season, and I cross my fingers that it’s a decent place. Last year we stayed at a rather sleazy place in Mongkok for 800HKD (3 nights). I recall that some rooms had mirrors on the wall by the side of the bed (which was against the wall), which I presume to be for voyeuristic pleasure for the occupants. We chose a room without the weird location of mirrors, but the “concierge” had to enter our room at least once every night to hang the laundry (our room was the only one with a window). He still remembers us when Sam called him (I guess he never had to rent out a room to 2 women), but he’s working as some matchmaker now, so we can’t bargain for a room there anymore. Anyhow, that place would cost more than Joy’s Guesthouse.

Since flying to Hong Kong directly means I have to incur the cost of an international flight, I’ll be taking a domestic flight from Shanghai to Shenzhen instead, and then a one-hour bus ride from Shenzhen airport to the border of Shenzhen and Hong Kong. After trying it last year, it really does remind me of the Singapore-Johor causeway. Simply take the bus K568 from Shenzhen airport to Shenzhen Railway station, and then walk to the customs area to enter Hong Kong. After getting past customs, you will enter Lo Wu MTR station, so you can just take the MTR after that. I highly recommend this route to get to Hong Kong from Mainland China. Although you gotta have some time to spare since the journey is longer, and allowance must be given for the clearance at the customs area (it took me about an hour to clear customs last year). Cost is reduced a great deal this way.

I think it’s a great way to have a holiday, our meeting somewhere half the miles between us. Although actually the initial reason for choosing Hong Kong to meet impulsively last year was due to Sam’s requirement to have a visa to enter mainland China. You see, she holds a Malaysian passport, which allows her to enter Hong Kong and Macau SAR, but not Mainland China.

During the 5 days, I hope to be able to explore Macau, Ocean Park, Disneyland, Relics/Museums/Concerts, Pubs, and the university. Any other suggestions?