OMG There is no @#$)&^%* toilet paper!

Caution, this post may not be suitable for all audiences.


So this was it, Tom had a meeting at the SCAD HK offices and I was on my own for the afternoon. I was determined to solo the MTR (subway system) and the ferries. My destination, Discovery Bay. We had lunch together after touring a school, then separated one stop away from my hop off to the piers. Now Tom had warned me, public restrooms were not pleasant experiences. I was however, in need.

No toilet in the restaurant area, nor in the MTR station, now I was at the pier with ten minutes prior to a 30 minute ferry ride. HMMM..... I spotted a public toilet at the Central Pier. Okay, that one was "under maintenance." (Hopefully that means it was being cleaned!) I went to the opposite side - thank goodness it was open!

I proceeded into one of the two stalls that may have put any us highway gas station in highest respect. Did the necessaries, then..... Oh no, no paper. No dispenser. Now what? Thank goodness for the ONE last slightly sweaty kleenex in my purse!

I, of course, finish my duties and go to the sink. Again, no paper, no dispenser. I am perplexed. I look over to what we may find to be a novelty or sanitary dispenser and look closer. The small blue packages in the photo actually had the infamous words "KLEENEX" printed in the appropriate font.

It is clear now - HK$2 (that's $.25 for us) gets you all the paper products you will need!

Sundays are for church (or temple)

So we were told that Sundays were family days, which we found quite true. The domestic helpers were out and enjoying a day off. And everyone else jammed themselves into the MTRs (subways). This is the one day of the week that is for being together, be it shopping, going to the beach, or visiting your favorite icons. (In this case the Giant Buddha at Ngong Ping.) What an experience!

The 25 minute cable car ride was extraordinary. We floated above the tree tops and dipped in and out of the clouds. We arrived at the peak which was a charming little village looking almost Disney-esque. Only to find it was merchandised much the same! (Who could imagine a Starbucks at the top?!?!?)

The monastery, prayer circle, and Buddha however left us speechless. (Or at least extremely winded!)

Chinese love to Shop!

Kim and I played tourist today. Turns out this was some sort of Chinese big shopping day. The taxi driver indicated that everyone got 15% to 20% off today. As a result it was very crowded. The entire city is decorated with lights and Christmas cheer and everyone was in the holiday spirit.