Traveling to Hong Kong while pregnant

I was around 28 weeks pregnant when the husband and I decided to celebrate Christmas away from home. This was last year when we both can't go home to Cebu because I was anyway due to go home in mid January. We thought why not celebrate the occasion differently, something that we haven't done before. And the easiest choice was to travel somewhere cold and experience Christmas in another place.

Hong Kong was top on the list because firstly, its near Singapore and travel time is not that long. Secondly, its winter season in Hong Kong that means weather is very different in sunny Singapore. Thirdly, Cathay Pacific had an ongoing sale for a roundtrip ticket to HK for the Christmas season. How was that for a coincidence? I certainly did my happy dance :)

Traveling with a bump more so at 28 weeks was not easy especially with the bump like mine which looked like I was about to pop anytime :D So yes, it was huge! You have to first make sure that you get a go ahead (medical certificate) from your OB that you are safe to travel. Once that's settled, then prepare your body and mind for the flight. Don't expect too much priority will be given to you just because you are pregnant or else you will be disappointed and it will affect your mood. Keep an open mind and think that you will enjoy the trip inspite of the big ball you're carrying :) Bring your own tumbler/water bottle during the flight and have it filled up with water to keep you hydrated (we all know that preggers need water all the time). Bring your little pillow to add extra comfort to your seat. Non-budget airlines will provide you with one but I was glad I had my belly pillow with me. In all times, if you can, show off your belly to get that priority. Use it to your advantage because it's never easy to queue up in the airport or taxi stand :D

The cable car experience in Hong Kong!

Our last day in Hong Kong was spent in Lantau Island to see the Po Lin Monastery and Great Buddha.

There used to be only two ways to get to the island from Hong Kong mainland - a bus service and a one hour mountain trail. Good thing they decided to construct the use of the cable cars, it made the journey short and easy - just 25 minutes to reach the island.

This is our second cable car ride as a family. First was in Genting Highlands. I thought, this time I will have an easier time coping up with my fear of heights because the whole family is with me but sadly, to no avail. Every cable car ride feels the same way to me...SCARY! The reminder to keep my smile didn't work for me :P 25 minutes felt like 1 hour! I should have taken the mountain trail, I think I will have a better photo than this :P

And this by far is the highest and longest cable car ride in Southeast Asia. How did I survived?

Well, these photos will tell you how =)

Notice how lady-like my smile is? That's the i-want-to-get-outta-here smile :P

They distracted me by taking photos and having fun inside the cable car  :D However, we made sure that we don't move that much so not to cause some swinging movement of the car.  Because while up high, we suddenly heard the strong sound of the wind through sides of the door. My father was sitting still and checking the durability of the glasses (as if! haha). He too looked scared but pretended calm :P

It sure did help that I was with a bunch of equally crazy people. Even my little brother was teasing and laughing at me. But if you ask me if I want to do it again, why not!? Although I would prefer to do it again with these same people.

This ride is not for the faint-hearted. You've got to enjoy heights and slow rides to appreciate this experience. But I'd still recommend this as part of your family trip itinerary when you visit Hong Kong. The view up there is just amazing. Promise :)

Family Trip to HongKong (Part 1)

I am back! :P

Sorry for the hibernation guys, I was in a "homesick" state after my three weeks vacation in Cebu. It took me quite a while to shoo away the sadness of missing my family and friends back home. But anyway, I am back and almost done editing all our vacation photos. Whew! I learned photoshop instantly because I want all our photos to look lovely :D

So firstly, I want to share our first family trip abroad with the complete cast. I can't even describe exactly how happy we were to finally realized this trip. Yes, it was expensive to travel in a big group but travelling with your loved ones makes you forget all the moolah you spent :) Life is short!

We stayed in this little guesthouse located in Nathan Road. It's not that fancy but it's decent and affordable. Good and comfortable enough for families and friends. Location wise is perfect for first timers because its nearby Tsim Sha Tsui MTR/Interchange and bus stop where you can take buses to the airport. Although food is not that accessible if you're looking to try on some local delicacies. I mean if you are travelling with your family, its quite cumbersome to look around the place for the perfect resto for everyone. But there's always Mcdonalds and Pizzahut nearby to save your day ;)

We started our first day with a photowalk around Nathan Road and HK Central.

I love their city bus :)

Fishing at the Causeway. (not really sure :P)

The MTR near our guesthouse.

And of course, I paid a visit to where all my lomo inspiration came from :) To my husband's surprise, I didn't buy anything :D It's a new branch in Tsim Sha Tsui.

HongKong's streets are so pretty and full of interesting stuffs. I was really amused at how messy, busy, at the same time pretty each and every corner is. Sadly, I failed to take lots of pictures because my camera went battery dead. Epic fail. Gosh!

'Til here. Will post second day soon. Promise :D