Being in Hong Kong during Chinese New Year only meant one thing to Pace and I: a lot of free days in a very crowded town.

During one of these free days, we decided to go visit the Big Buddha, at the Ngong Ping village, even though we are not really into touristic places and I've visited it before, I thought it would be nice for Pace to see, and a great place to take some photos. Well apparently I forgot the most important detail: Chinese New Year! Crowds of people everywhere! Once we got to Tung Chung MRT station (that's where the cable cars and buses to Ngong Ping depart from) we were shocked to find a 2 hour waiting line to the cable cars, and a not much shorter line to the buses. Neither of us consider standing in those lines, so we decided to get back to town and maybe find something else to do.

Hong Kong is one of those cities where you just want to be outside exploring. Blu and I decided it was time to get back to nature, so decided to hike the High Junk Peak Country Trail. This is a 3 hour 6.5KM trek with stunning views over Clear Water Bay.

After leaving Bangkok our intention was to travel to Malaysia, however after another day of blistering Thailand sun we decided it was time for a cooler climate. We altered our plans and moved to Hong Kong instead.  Moving has always been pretty easy for us, throw our possessions into some bags and we are ready to go. Blu take's the lead when it come to packing, I tend to work on logistics ;-) .

Hong Kong is known for it high living cost, this of course meant down sizing to a smaller studio apartment. After some researching we found an apartment listed online. The pictures looked great so we contacted the company (Studio Studio) and paid our deposit. As we were to arrive over the weekend, Michael from the company wanted us to pay our rent in advance. I had to refuse this, insisting on first seeing the apartment.

Here are photos of the rooms Michael from StudioStudio indicated he have available.

Looks pretty nice right? Ok, now here is the room we were taken too.

As you may or may not notice there is somewhat of a difference here.  We very were tired after our journey, I spoke to Micheal on the phone and said that we needed to meet.  As of that moment I withheld the rent payment until the issue was corrected.

The following day we met Michael in the company offices.  I explained to him the studio was not as advertised, and there was obviously some mistake, if he would kindly move us to the correct apartment we would happily pay the rent as per the contract.

Things got a little weird at this point.  Michael said he had another apartment that we could see, it was bigger and nicer.  It was supposed to cost more, however due to the inconvenience he would keep the rent the same.  

This apartment was larger, but just as shabby.  Upon returning to the offices I explained that we were still were not happy with the arrangement.  This is when Michael became irate,  I remained calm and listened carefully.  I calmly stated our position, that he had not fulfilled his contract agreement with us and therefore there was no contract so to speak.  Michael started to ramble on about suing his company and that we wouldn't win, they couldn't return the deposit as they had no access to the money.

I again remained calm and simply restated our position, this went on for sometime.  Finally after numerous attempts at verbal acrobatics Michael gave up, I think he just wanted us out of the office at this point, amazingly he had access to money again and returned our deposit.  With the episode over we decided to head to a hotel for a night, allowing us to procure alternative accommodation.

After a little searching I emailed a lady at Good Hong Kong Serviced Apartments, she sent me photos of rooms they had available.  We found them to be professional, friendly, with excellent communication, and most importantly the apartments were lovely.  We moved in the following day.

With base-camp set, it is time to explore Hong Kong.

We though we would share a few things we learned while living in Bangkok, here are our top tips for visiting or living in the city.

Transport - At some point need to take public transport to get around, traffic is always, and I do mean always congested.

Your best choice is to take the BTS (skytrain) service, and or MRT (metro system) that connects the main sections of the city.  We advise getting a "Rabbit Card". This is a chargeable travel card for the transport system, you purchase this at the BTS, charge it up with Thai baht and swipe when you use the BTS service.  It will take you most places, however there is also a Metro system, you do need to purchase a separate token each time you use it though. Before you leave Bangkok return your Rabbit card to the kios at the BTS for a refund of unused credit.

There are some times when you will need to take a taxi, when dealing with taxi drivers make sure you ask them to use the meter.  They have a habit of trying to charge extortionate fixed prices, especially in the central areas around Asok and Nana.

For short journeys its easier to use the scooter taxis, you can flap your arms at the side of the road to signal one.  You recognize them by the colored vests they wear, green, orange, pink... 1.5Km is around 10Baht, just remember to agree your price beforehand.

Healthcare - Bangkok has one of the best hospitals you can visit, the Bumrungrad hospital.  With standards higher than most western medical centers, and a huge array of specialist from all over the world, Bangkok is fast become a destination for all sorts of medical tourism, owing to its low prices high standards and international specialists.

If you need a dentist then I have to recommend "UDS Dental Clinic at 323 Udomsuk Road".  I received the best dental service I have ever had.  Root canal, pin and crown.  No pain what-so-ever and very reasonable price.  Before we left Blu also needed to have a wisdom tooth removed, she visited the same place and was also suitably impressed with the level of service.

Shopping - Bangkok has many markets and cheap clothing, however I prefer to buy second hand.  The chatuchak weekend market has this covered as well.  Loads of reconditioned clothing, footware and accessories, as well as new items, crafts, and everything else you can think of.  Definitely worth a visit, just keep hydrated, its over 27 acres and hotter than you think.

If you are shopping for food then there are plenty of open markets, just learn some Thai beforehand, failure to do so will result in you paying high prices for your food.  In fact we just found it easier to buy from the local stores.

A safe local food to order is Pad Thai, you can order this either normal or vegetarian.  It was one of my favorite dishes.  Throw on extra chillies for that Thai kick.

Entertainment -  If you wish to catch a movie while in the city, wait until Wednesdays when its half price.  Also note that in the cinema you will need to stand at the appropriate time (just follow the lead of others) in respect of the king.  Whatever your view on this, its just easier to do it and avoid any confrontation. You may also notice this while at the BTS around 18:00, everybody will just freeze as the kings anthem is played.

Drinking in Thailand can be expensive, around 100 Baht for a medium bottle of Chang 5%.  If you go to a 7/11 however you can purchase 2 large Chang's for the same price.  You can only buy alcohol between the times of 11:00 - 14:00 and 17:00 - 23:00.

Banking - It can be difficult to open a Thai bank account without a working or residents visa.  If you  need to pay cash into your foreign bank account then you can visit a Thai bank and make a Swift transfer to your foreign account, this can be cheaper than using services like Western Union. Payments must be made before 15:00, they can take up to 3 days to be received.

Things to remember - Bangkok is currently under martial law, as such police presence is noticeable.  There has been a tendency by corrupt officers to shake down foreigners frequenting the tourist bar areas.  This is a simple scam to make money.  If you do get stopped and they want to search you, be polite and insist that you see their hands (you don't want anything planted on you), if you must be searched also insist on being outside of a 7/11 under the security camera.  For women you have a right to ask for a female officer.

Weather - Bangkok has 2 seasons, wet and hot, dry and hot... Make sure you hydrate well.  A great tip is to drink fresh coconut water, this will keep you hydrated is packed with electrodes, fresh coconuts are cheap and sold everywhere.  Even though the weather is extremely hot you should take some sort of wrap up with you.  The air-conditioning on the BTS and indoor areas is set to arctic conditions, its very easy to get ill due to the rapid change of temperature.

Cool places to visit - The Thailand Bangkok cultural center is located next to the national stadium, admission is free, and there are lots of exhibitions, art, crafts, book stores, cafes, etc to explore.

Etiquette - We have all heard that Thailand is known for its lady-boys, the fact of the matter is the Thai people simply accepts this as part of their culture, as should we all.  You will find lady-boys working normal jobs, living normal lives all through-out the Thai society,  please respect this and the people even if you don't fully understand it.  You will find them to be friendly open, funny and helpful.

We hope you find some of these tips useful, and you are able to enjoy the experience of Bangkok and the Thai people.

2014 has been an interesting year for me. At the end of 2013, I separated from my partner of 3 years. It was a difficult decision but one I knew deep down in my heart to be correct. I continued to live and work in Lisbon Portugal as a freelance tour guide.

Life was good in Lisbon, I worked a few days a week, earning just enough to pay my rent, a room in a shared house. Keeping my expenses at a minimum, buying clothes from charity shops and food from local markets, I had plenty of time to relax, train and study.

 

Work provided me plenty opportunity to meet people from all over the world, I had many friends with whom I would spend my free days, all-in-all I had no complaints. I was always aware of not really living a “standard” kind of lifestyle. So I had no real expectations of meeting a significant other anytime soon.

It came then as a complete surprise when I met Blu. We met through my house mate, only twice in person and merely to say hello to each other. Later we became friends through Skype. Blu was traveling a lot due to her work, I don’t know how it happened, but I fell in love with a girl that I had never really met before. I don't believe in hiding my feeling, I have learn't may times over that life is way too short, I told Blu through Skype how I felt, that was on the 12th of March 2014.

By the end of April we were speaking day and night. I stayed awake to join Blu for breakfast, and she awoke early to have dinner with me. We were already inseparable. It made complete sense then to follow my heart, leave Lisbon, and move to Shanghai China. By the 8th of May I was on a flight to China carrying everything I owned.

My experience has taught me, to let go of fear, is to fully awaken.

Since arriving in China every day has become a new adventure. Just being with another person with whom I can completely share my soul, no barriers, is something very special indeed. That is what Blu and I have, we are best friends, growing together, exploring the world and expanding our awareness.

We have now traveled through China, down into Laos, then into Cambodia and onto Bangkok. Since living in Bangkok we have only grown closer, always working to live and not the other way around. We have visited Laos 3 times together, each time an experience that has elevated my soul.

2014 was also a year to remove people from my life. This is sadly something we all have to do at stages of life. There are those who will always bring you down, negate you and project onto you. Experience and wisdom helps create emotional stability to face these situations, do so without holding onto anger, clearing the way to enjoy what is to come.

By letting go of who I thought I was, and connecting to that which I am to become, I have found joy, happiness and love in each and every day. I face 2015 with acceptance, love and a truly awakened view of the world, which I have the great pleasure of sharing with Blu.

Wishing everyone a wonderful 2015, filled with love and peace.



Pace