on ski vacation plans

Though we live in a tropical country, my dream is to spend white Christmas abroad with my immediate family. You see, it has always been part of our travel plans to enjoy ski vacations at Aspen . And ever since I was told by my relatives from US that it is an awesome experience especially seeing the white capped mountains, snow falling and simply enjoying the ski ride, I’ve always dreamed of bringing the entire family to experience a different holiday thrill. Just as I’ve experienced few years back at Lake Tahoe. I would never forget how my colleagues and I spent the entire day goofing under the snow and enjoying my first ski ride. Despite being hurt and getting bruises that day, it was totally an unforgettable experience which I hope to share to my kids. Next winter season, perhaps. Let’s see.

The HongKong Trip : Day 2

June 11 (Thursday) : Disney Hollywood Hotel and Disneyland

Our second day in HK was spent early at the HongKong Disney Hollywood Hotel. After breakfast, Samantha and I went to enjoy the good weather at the pool area. With only few kids swimming here, we almost had the pool area entirely to ourselves. Samantha enjoyed the warm water and the kiddie slide. No worries with the safety and security of the kiddie pool. It was carefully watched by three life guards and they even provide life vest for small kids. Truly worry-free water fun for kids. Highly recommended.

By noon, the husband arrived from Manila. He took a cab from the airport (HK$90) and went directly to our hotel. After the husband had some rest, we immediately trooped to Disneyland to maximize our two-day Disney pass.

Our first stop, late lunch at The Plaza. A fine dining restaurant that offers Authentic Chinese food catered by Maxim's. Food here kinda pricey compared to other fast-food outlets inside Disneyland. But nevetheless, really yummy food with a serving size bigger than the usual a la carte restaurants in HK.

After the sumptous lunch, we then headed to watch the Disney Waterwork's Parade. Yes, for the 2nd time. This time we were now prepared with raincoats and umbrella to avoid getting wet. We even rented stroller for Samantha so we don't have to carry her all the time.

Then more pictures and rides at Disneyland. We rode for the second time Sam's favorite Cinderella carousel, Dumbo, Mad Hatter's Tea cup and It's a small world. We even watched The Golden Mickey (for the nth time) as well as the Lion King show. The little girl did not enjoy the Lion King again. Well, she never did enjoy this show eversince. The stage set was very dark, with super loud surround music inside the theater. Sam's scared here plus add the fire dance displayed by the dancers.

Samantha playing at the water fountain while waiting for Daddy and Kuya from the Space Mountain ride (adult roller-coaster). They enjoyed the roller-coaster ride so much. So much that they rode it twice. They tried also the new ride at Tomorrowland, battery-powered car by Honda. Kinda boring and ho-hum ride according to the boys but they still rode to experience it anyway.

It was a tiring 2nd day in Disneyland. After all the shows and rides, we waited for the usual Disney finale, the fireworks display! With this finale, I asked permission from the husband that I'll skip the fireworks show so I can have some shopping time at Tun Chung outlet (one MTR station away from Sunny Bay/Disneyland). Of course, he happily obliged to be left with Samantha at Disney than go with me on a shopping-spree in Tun Chung. LOL.

Ico riding the MTR going to Tun Chung outlet store

After spending few hours at Tun Chung, went back to hotel and call it a day. Of course the day has not ended for the little girl. She had so much fun at Disney, went home with her toy and she even enjoyed the non-stop Disney movies on cable. Perfect vacation treat for the little girl.

Samantha happy with her Disney toy loot : Disney playhouse

Day 3 and Day 4 HK post to follow ...

The HongKong Trip : Day 1

Last June 10, our family pushed thru with our much-awaited holiday break at HongKong. Despite the H1N1 scare, we still decided to push thru with our travel plans as a summer cum back-to-school treat for the kids, and my birthday treat.

Anyway prior the trip, we've made some precautionary measures to avoid the flu virus. Aside from giving them flu shots weeks before our travel, the family took ascorbic acid on a double dosage. From the usual 500g per day, it was taken at 1000g per day. We made sure that our immune systems were well-prepared to combat any possible virus.

June 10 (Wed) : Day 1 at Hongkong Disneyland.

Since we took the flight a day ahead from the husband, I've decided it will be more practical to proceed to Disneyland Hotel from the airport and enjoy Disneyland with the kids. Less fuss and hassle of course especially if you have kids in tow.

While waiting for our delayed PAL flight. From 10am flight, we waited another hour for our trip. We left Manila at 1115 am. Not bad considering there were few passengers only at this time.

Inside the aircraft, I was able to convince the little girl to wear her mask whenever we are inside enclosed places like plane and MTR trains. She happily obliged of course with a little bribe of a Disney toy. Aside from the masks I bought from our local drugstore, I also have pocket-sized alcohol to keep our hands clean. Safety net of course. Suprisingly, only a handful of tourists were wearing masks at the HK International airport and inside the plane. The H1N1 scare not that scary after all.

We were so lazy to leave the hotel thus we arrived at Disneyland (via free coach services) around 3pm. Just in time to catch the Disney Summer Waterworks Parade. If there's something I love about Disneyland, they always showcase different parade every year. For my past four visits at Disney, I haven't watched same parade twice. Which makes it more exciting and worthwhile to go back at HK Disneyland. Anyway, after the waterworks parade,we were all wet! Mind you they use Bonaqua for the water spray...that is HK distilled water! LOL.

And of course, more pictures with the Disney characters and Disney's famous landmarks

Trip at HK Dinseyland will not be complete without pictures with Mickey and Minnie.

And more pictures with some of the rides : Cinderella carousel, Mad Hatter's Tea cup ride, Flying Dumbo and the new ride which opened 3Q 2008 : It's a Small World. Sadly, the Winnie the Pooh Ride was under maintenance during our visit. The little girl missed this ride.