Travelogue

Lost in Hong Kong

Bustling streets. Pouring rain. Searching for a way. In the busy night streets of Hong Kong, or also known as the Oriental Pearl, a group of three girls lost their way on a dark and stormy night. Angela’s tired and heavy footsteps continued to hit the wet pavement as Wilma and Pia navigated the way to their hotel. One road led to another, and suddenly they hit a dead end. At that moment, Angela felt like lightning struck her as worst-case scenarios flooded her thoughts. As the girls stood in the pouring rain, all of them had the same question, “How did we get here?”

The Imperial Hotel was where the family stayed. It was located in the heart of Tsimhatsui – Hong Kong’s premier retail, cultural, and leisure district. Meanwhile, Patrick, Angela’s cousin, told the family about a place called Temple Street. He persuaded everyone to visit the area, only to find out it was one of the busiest night markets in Kowloon. While they were walking, Angela noticed how the night market’s warm ambiance made her feel like the main character in an indie film. Furthermore, she saw busy restaurant owners serving delicious delicacies that made her stomach rumble.

Finally, the family found a place to eat and ordered seafood such as chili crabs, which Angela could not eat because of her low tolerance towards spicy food. Afterward, the family split up to explore the city. Angela, Wilma, her mother, and Pia, her aunt, shopped until they dropped. However, the group did not expect the spontaneous adventure ahead of them when returning to their hotel. As they turned left and right, they realized they were lost in the streets of Hong Kong while it rained cats and dogs, surrounded by billboards and city lights.

As they hit a dead end, Wilma realized they were walking from the opposite direction of their hotel. Upon this discovery, Angela did not know whether she wanted to laugh or cry. The group entered the elevator tiredly once they arrived at the hotel. After an old Chinese woman exited the lift, Angela burst into tears of relief as she sank to the floor. She passed out on her bed and the memories of tonight’s events faded into a blur. Although it was a night she wanted to forget, Angela believed that Hong Kong’s nightlife was indeed a sight to behold.

Where I Fell in Love

Daydreaming of Japan

City's night sky, where the lights are turned off, before you know it, we've traveled far, aimlessly. In this time of the pandemic, this particular lyric from the band Onlyoneof seems to hit us a little harder. The pleasures of vacation provided escapism from normality, and now it is just a distant memory. Nevertheless, let me ask you, where would you like your night flight to be?

While we plan our life ahead of us in isolation, consider Japan a place to look forward to and a goal for you to reach. Imagine the colorless life that we are facing, bloom into imagination like the ethereal Cherry Blossoms of Osaka. Delve oneself into the gentle terrain of Kyoto Prefecture and its various temples and shrines. Your senses will tingle with excitement as it gets stimulated with new people, places, and exquisite cuisine.

Speaking of cuisine, one must always include the famous restaurants in their itinerary like Ichiran, boldly presenting customizable ramen that caters to all noodle lovers. It is situated in an underground area with conveniently placed stalls, perfect for social distancing! Afterward, a stroll in Gotemba, Shizouka will satiate your deprived Instagram feed of OOTD's, for it offers outlets of numerous fashion brands. It is guaranteed that you will be content physically and emotionally as a newly-found culture and surroundings allow you to navigate language barriers. You will meet fellow tourists and competent guides that will make your stay an unforgettable one.

But, in these memories that we are making, we must never forget that this is a mere night flight, a momentary stay that will be greeted by the sun and the uncertainty of today. As we face reality again, let us remember to look forward to a boundless tomorrow. We may be stuck in a slump and surrounded by the same four walls, but we must always find a time to dream high. In your bouts of daydreaming of a better time, travel enthusiasts can always find solace in Japan.