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Hong Kong has been a place that I've always wanted to visit. From Saturday, September 3rd, 2011 to Monday, September 12th, 2011, my sister and I embarked on our adventure to Hong Kong for the 1st time: visiting family, sightseeing, embracing our culture and glorifying the beauty this world has got to offer.

Here are some facts about Hong Kong:

1. Hong Kong is not a country, but rather it's a special adminstrative region belonging to China.
2. Hong Kong currency is the Hong Kong Dollar, which was about $7.80 HK to the $1.00 US Dollar
3. Hong Kong weather was HOT and HUMID in early September, averaging about 80s/90s degree Fahrenheit weather.
4. Hong Kong has many chain stores like McDonalds, Burger King, KFC, Esprit, Starbucks, but the most popular on almost every block is the 7-Eleven, selling candy, snacks, beverages, newspapers, stamps, etc.
5. Hong Kong transportation: Drivers are on the right side of the car/bus/truck and you'd look right for oncoming traffic while crossing the street. Thus everything is on the opposite side in the U.S.
   1. The term subway has another meaning, it's literally a path below street level to cross over to the other side. MTR or train are the correct terms if asking for directions to them.
   2. MTR/Trains have numbered platforms (for identification purposes) and people line up before entering the trains. MTR/Trains run frequently and on time! Most crowded trains are during rush hours, but the trains can be as crowded at all hours.
   3. Riders use the Octopus card (acts like a debit card) which you tap upon entering and tap when exiting turnstiles. Fares vary between stations depending on distance of travel.
   4. Hong Kong buses are mostly double deckered. Other modes of transportation are mini buses, trams (also double deckered) and red/blue/green taxis (color depends on destination region).
6. When purchasing ANYTHING in Hong Kong, there's no tax.
   1. Outdoor street vendors, other massive street markets (Ladies Market/Tsim Sha Tsui or Stanley Market) selling clothes, accessories, tourist souvenirs: never settle for the price they state, but rather, BARGAIN! Usually, they would tell you the retail price. But it's best to not show your interest by frowning at the price, then start to walk away slowly. Vendors would usually lower the original price or ask what price you want it for. Be reasonable and shop around other neighboring vendors to find out the asking price.
   2. At any restaurant/fast food place, there is NO NEED TO TIP! You leave your trash on the table after you're done eating and you pay at the register (usually).

My Hong Kong Family! :) I am very grateful that my sister and I were welcomed by everyone in this big family. Thanks for showing us Hong Kong and taking us to great food places! You all made this a memorable experience in my lifetime. We will be back! :)

Some TIPS when visiting HK:

1. If you visit in the summer, be sure to wear light clothing and sunscreen as it will be hot and humid!
2. Carry tissue packets as restaurants would not have napkins provided.
3. Remember to bring an international charger converter as the electrical outlets are three pronged.
4. Drivers, be aware that you'll be driving on the right side of the car!
5. Hong Kong currency is the HK dollar, for every US dollar, it's about $7.80 HK Dollars, so for every price you see, divide by 8!
6. Hong Kong is 12 hours ahead if you're in NY, so prepare to eat breakfast when it's dinner time!
7. You do not need to know Cantonese or Mandarin to get by in Hong Kong, but knowing it will impress your relatives! :)
8. They measure weather in Celcius and speed in kilometers/hour.
9. When eating at a restaurant, there are community chopsticks, the ones you use to get food. You use your own chopsticks to eat food.
10. A lot of Hong Kong's landscapes are mountainous, which allow for great hiking trips! Wear sneakers! :)

Hong Kong Currency: $10 Bill & $10 Coin!

Hong Kong MTR/Train Map:

Souvenirs and overall trip summary: