Hong Kong 2015 Day 1 – Away from the haze and arrival into Hong Kong

The day started really early at 730am for our preparations before the flight at 1245pm. A lot of time was required for the last minute packing since baby still need to use them in the morning. With the growing almost 10month old, travel was progressively more difficulty mainly due to food preparations and waning milk intake.

This morning activities were carried out through tired bodies as baby K had woken up at 1am and only gone to sleep at 3am, cranky due to painful ulcers in the mouth (fortunately not HFMD) and subsequently woke up another hour later. This trip was almost disrupted when he broke out into a fever just 2 days ago. Fortunately, his body temperature had been normal for almost 24hrs already. As he napped in the sarong, his parents pressed on to pack. Haze out there, could be at its worst, added on to the dread. Motivation was fueled by the euphoria of anticipation of travel only.

Baby K was napping longer than expected, so I woke him up to bath before its time for us to leave. It was quite a smooth ride to the airport, expectedly so with the city shrouded in haze, like Genting highlands, only that it stank.

We dropped our bags (having done the online check in) quite quickly and went to take some photos with the SG50 orchid and dragon playground exhibit. Fed baby K and ate some light meals before boarding. We ferried baby K around with the free trolley that came with a baby seat available at the info counter – really a gift for parents without stroller.

The plane took a long while to take off, queuing behind a number of planes, wonder if it was due to the haze. 45mins behind time, the plane took off with baby K in high spirits. Unfortunately he maintained he high spirits past his bedtime, playing so happily in the bassinet, causing him to be cranky. Thankfully for granny’s experienced arms that he finally had some shut eyes.

About 5pm and we landed with baby K only just woken up, which was an amazing feat. I managed to even finished watching Age of Ultron. Getting off the plane, we left a bag behind in the overhead and had to wait for the steward to pick up and send it to me while waiting at the airport walkway because there was no way walking back against the wave of passengers leaving the plane.

Same routine of taking a short train ride to immigrations and it was relatively light human traffic at the immigrations. Before arriving, baby K was aimed at the forehead with a thermal scanner and was confirmed not to have fever, a good sign. Picked up the luggage at the belt and got to the nursing room outside arrivals to warm up the milk for baby K who didn’t drink much throughout the trip. It was a pretty nice nursing room with a Avent milk warmer, something we don’t see in Singapore.

Since there were 3 of us, we took the cab, as economics of scale gave us more private comfort for a slight few dollars more. The taxi stands was to the left from the express train platform and while we were ushered to the taxi, the driver wasn’t sure of the address of our hotel. Anyhow, we got on, with the luggage protruding at the back with the boot cover strapped with tension cords (as there were 3 of them and there weren’t enough space on the red taxis). Soon we were on the highway with the sunset upon us, tall buildings with a cloudless backdrop welcoming us to equally warm but hazeless (lesser) Hong Kong.

Arrived at the Bauhinia hotel, opposite the ferry terminal in Sheung Wan, 342HK dollars, not too expensive. Our relative was already waiting for us, not knowing the delay that we had earlier and guided us to the hotel since she was there earlier.

Checked in and we were given the room on the 2nd floor. The whole area was in modern deco and so was the room. It was a larger one which gave us plenty of space to move about. With a small coach in the room, our relatives had some space to sit as well. Prepared to go out while they fed baby K with porridge made by them.

After baby K was done with dinner, we walked to the street behind (on Des Voeux Rd Central) and found a Yuen Kee restaurant where we had our dinner. Ordered some roasted pork and goose and vegetables and egg and soup. Portion of the pork was huge, too much that we couldn’t finish. Food was ok.

Went back to the room where the routine of cleaning up and preparing the baby began while my mom left with my relatives to their home. She would be staying over at their place.

Baby K was especially cranky these few nights and it wasn’t any different here. Cried for hours before going to bed and then waking up again not too long. Wasn’t sure if the ulcers were making him uncomfortable but it wasn’t the same in the day. Giving up all the pillows to my wife as she carried baby K in her arms, we attempted to sleep. Sleepless in Hong Kong tonight.