Top 3 Commentators for Year 2013

Another year has passed and it's the time again for me to reward three blog readers of mine who leave the most trail or comments in this little humble blog of mine - Travel & Living Journal of DT. This year I didn't spend much on souvenirs while I was on the road but mostly on foods instead. So, it's kinda hard for me to courier those foods (I wish I could somehow) and I try to replace with something else. Plus, two of the winners are travel bloggers who had been almost the same places I'd been to and it's really cracking my head what to give to them. Anyway, I hope the three winners will like the little and simple token of appreciation I'm giving.

Now, it's the time for me to reveal the top 3 Commentators for the Year 2013 *drum roll again and again..................*

From the bottom 3

Biqque from Beauty in Darkness (travel blogger) - with 46 comments

• A set of Travel stationery theme
• Face masks and fridge magnet from Taiwan 
•  Keychain from Sarawak
• Lavera hand cream

As for Top 2

Jeff Chuah from Jeff's Travel (another travel blogger) - with 51 comments

• A set of Travel stationery theme
• Sling bag and fridge magnet from Bali, Indonesia
• Face masks from Taiwan
• Sticky memo
• Keychain from Sarawak

And the Winner goes to...  

 Small Kucing & Mamarazzi from www.smallkucing.com - with 63 comments

• T-shirt from Macau 
•  A set of Travel stationery theme
• Face masks from Taiwan
• Handcream from Hatyai, Thailand
• Cute notebook from Osaka, Japan
• Fridge magnet from Bangkok, Thailand
• Keychain from Sarawak

Not forgetting to the rest, thank you so much for continuously supporting my blog. I'm truly appreciate for all the comments I received and emails too, for willing to share all your thoughts of my blog.  

Here is the list for this year Top 10 Commentators:
1. Small Kucing & Mamarazzi from www.smallkucing.com - 63 comments
2. Jeff Chuah from Jeff's Travel - 51 comments
3. Biqque from Beauty in Darkness - 46 comments

4. Choi Yen from theChency - 40 comments
5. Hong Chern Wern from World of Travels, Environment and Photography - 38 comments
6. Shirley Tay from Luxury Haven - 32 comments
7. Time Traveller from Travel My Way - 20 comments
8. Mr Lonely from A Growing Teenager Diary and Twilight Man from Twilight Zone - 17 comments each
10. Aemy Nadira from Aemy the Lil Lady - 14 comments

As for Hong Chern Wern and Shirley Tay, I would like to surprise both of you with mystery travel goodies for becoming the top 10 commentators for 3 consecutive years.

So for the five winners above, don't forget to leave your name, mailing address and contact number to my email: dianateodt@gmail.com within 14 days from the date of this post for acknowledgement. In case no response were given within the timeframe given, new winner will be chosen.

Once again, this post concluded the final and last post of my blog for the year 2013 and I hope that each and every readers of mine enjoying read all my travel journey and adventures. Oh boy! I'm really trying hard to complete my never-ending 2012 and 2013 travelogue as soon as possible.

Before I wrap up,

"Let's all welcome 2014 with a smile,
a spirit of giving, a sense of humanity,
a pledge to spread peace and happiness.
Happy New Year to all my blog readers!"

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Hong Kong Day 6 & 7: Magical Moments At Hong Kong Disneyland For Second Time

Date of Visit: 22nd & 23rd September 2012

When I visited this fairy-tale theme park for the very first time back in year 2010, the rain poured right after my friends and I bought the entrance tickets. It was so unlucky that we unable to experience most of the outdoor rides and we were completely soaked when the rain refused to stop and poured for the whole day.

Two years later, here I am again back to this Magical Kingdom and this time around, without thinking any longer we bought 2-Day pass and spend two whole days here with all the non-stop of fun and play! They said Hong Kong Disneyland is the smallest one compare to the rest but I just can't get enough especially anything relate to Mickey. Regardless how old you are, Disneyland is always dedicated to the young and the young at heart. Hong Kong Disneyland is the third Disneyland Park I visited after Paris and Japan.

#1: Front entrance of Hong Kong Disneyland

#2: Mickey Mouse surfing on the top of the fountain

#3: Get ready your camera before proceed into this fairy-tale theme park!

[One thing about visiting theme parks is you yourself will take at least hundreds or maybe thousand photos in just one particular theme park for sure, and that will be no exemption for myself too. Overall, I took almost 500 photos but when comes to pick those photos to upload in blog, really headache cause I try to avoid from uploaded massive photos here]

Just like every other theme parks, currently Hong Kong Disneyland comprises of seven themed areas hosting different rides, shops, restaurant and live entertainment; Main Street U.S.A., Adventureland, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Toy Story Land, Grizzly Gulch and Mystic Point (not yet opened by the time I went).

Main Street, U.S.A.

Main Street, U.S.A. serves as the entrance of the park. No thrilling rides in this themed area but it featured an array of restaurants and shops. Information Center can be found here along with stroller and wheelchairs rentals, ATM machine and currency exchange spot.

#4: Main Street, U.S.A themed is based on the 20th century American Town.

#5: Taxicab anyone?

#6: I can't help myself but went countless times into their souvenirs stores.

Adventureland
Our second pitstop is Adventureland - a mysterious and exotic jungles combination of both Africa and Asia. It is the home to Tarzan as well for The Lion King.

#7: Adventureland is the biggest themed land among all Disney parks

#8: Tarzan's Treehouse - Cross the Rivers of Adventure and climb up high to the adventure in the treetop home of Tarzan.

#9: Jungle River Cruise

#10

Besides Tarzan's Treehouse and Jungle River Cruise, spend some time for "Festival of the Lion King" show - a colourful pageant of music and dance perfomance. We watched this two years ago and hence, we decided to skip.

Fantasyland

Fantasyland is always one of my favourite themed land because this is where all those classic stories I watched during my younger time seems like turning into realities such as The Snow White, Alice in Wonderland, Sleeping Beauty, Dumbo and more. 

#11: Immerse in a Fairytale of Fantasyland where Disney stories come to life.

#12: The Golden Mickey - A Broadway-style musical celebrating Disney movies such as "Mulan", "Toy Story", "Lilo & Stitch", "Beauty & The Beast" and more. A show that shouldn't be missed!

#13: Take an enchanted journey on the happiest cruise that ever sailed as the children of the world sing and dance to the song "It's A Small World".

#14: Mickey's PhilharMagic - 4D film with 3D effects, scents and water as well as a number of characters from Disney movies. It was one of the best show in Disneyland that we watched twice.

#15: Walk through this magical portal of Sleeping Beauty Castle into a timeless realm of enchantment.

#16: Catch all these Disney Characters on stage during performances at Flights on Fantasy Parade which will be showcased at 3:30pm daily.

#17: Flights on Fantasy Parade

#18: Meet, greet and get closer with your favourite Disney Character such as Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, Pooh and more in Fantasy Garden.  

#19: I wanna take photo with Mickey but it was super long queue. But I managed to take photos with Minnie, Pooh and Donald.

#20: It's Halloween again!

#21: Felt like I in Garden of Flowers

Tomorrowland

Tomorrowland in Hong Kong Disneyland features an emphasis on metallic trim, dominated by blue and purple hues.

#22: Tomorrowland - Discover the thrill of space exploration as you ride through the dark in an exciting indoor rollercoaster, battle aliens with Buzz Lightyear, interact with Stitch and more.

#23: Autopia ride

#24: Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters

Toy Story Land

This themed land is based on one of the Disney Pixar most popular animated film series "Toy Story". Looks like Andy, the young boy from Toy Story films has left his toys unattended in this immerse and highly themed environment.

#25: The overview of Toy Story Land

#26: They're GIANT and I felt like being shrunk to the size of a toy.

#27: Toy Soldier Parachute Drop

#28: Slinky Dog Spin Pass

Grizzly Gulch

This particular themed land is reminisces an abandoned mining town called "Grizzly Gulch", set amidst mountains and woods. Grizzly Gulch are home to cowboys and gold rushes and being set just like Wild Wild West theme.  

#29: Newly opened Grizzly Gulch

#30: Wild Wild West performance

#31: Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars - The wildest ride in the West! Grizzly bears send the mine cars racing out of the mountain, backward and forward, through the entire town of Grizzly Gulch. 

#32: "Disney in the Stars" fireworks over Sleeping Beauty Castle

#33: Impressive and mesmerising fireworks

TIPS:

1. Grab a guidemap once you enter. Don't underestimate the size of this theme park cause there is high possibility you might get lost. Trust me! Their guidemaps are printed in traditional and simplified Chinese as well as English, French, and Japanese
2. Pick up a "Times Guide" to take note of the stage shows time, parade and fireworks time and etc cause it may be varied from time to time.
3. Minimum height required for some rides such as Space Mountain and Autopia in Tomorrowland, RC Racer in Toy Story Land and Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars in Grizzly Gulch.
4. One and only Halal restaurant is available in Adventureland themed land - Tahitian Terrace restaurant.

Although both Boyfie and I visited for two days, but it's really impossible for us to enjoy most of those thrilling rides and attractions cause it super duper crowded most of the time, even we went on weekdays. So if you ask me whether will I go for third time, YES of course! This is because I always have this deep love towards Disney and it will never fade or change, no matter how old will I be that time. [Read my post - My Love on D]

#34: Hong Kong Disneyland, I'll be back again!

How to get to this fairy-tale theme park:
Take the Tung Chung Line to Sunny Bay and then transfer to Disneyland Resort Line. Just that easy!

Admission Fee:

It will revised every year. During my first visit, it was HK$350 and then, it increased to HK$399. Now, the latest admission fee is HK$450.

[Credit To: Wikipedia]

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Hong Kong & Macau Day 5: Golden Bauhinia Square, Avenue of Stars & Ladies Market (Mongkok)

Date of Visit: 21st September 2012

#1: As usual, dim sum for breakfast at the restaurant nearby where we stayed in Boyfie's relatives house. #nonhalal

Throughout our 7 days trip in Hong Kong and Macau, Boyfie and I had dim sum for breakfast almost every morning but we couldn't complain much cause all were treated by Boyfie's relatives. I can honestly say that Boyfie and I save a lot for this trip especially in terms of accommodation as well as for most of the foods we consumed. We couldn't ask for more relatively but feeling grateful for all the kind and warm hospitality given by Boyfie's relatives.

Since this is my 4th times to Hong Kong, I tried my best to cover most of the famous attractions and spots which I missed out from the three previous trips of mine. Besides the Big Buddha in Lantau Island, one of them would definitely be Golden Bauhinia Square, a historical and important landmark and symbol to Hong Kong.

#2: Just follow the sign and it took approximately 15 minutes walk from MTR Wan Chai Station.

#3: This gold plated sculpture represents a symbol of Hong Kong's independence from the British.

Everyday at 8.00 am, a flag-raising ceremony is held and at that particular moment, this area would be very crowded especially with a huge group of tourists. We missed the flag-raising ceremony but at least by the time we reach there, it was less crowded and I could take as much photos as I want. Located right next to Golden Bauhinia Square is the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

#4: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre - Visitors are allowed to enter and sometimes there are some exhibition going on.

#5: Open area of Golden Bauhinia Square in North Wan Chai.

How to Get To Golden Bauhinia Square & Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre

MTR Wan Chai Station, Exit A5. Walk across the footbridge, then turn right and head through the lobby of Central Plaza. Continue across the connecting overhead walkway, then descend to the ground level. Walk towards the waterfront ahead and the statue and monument will be on your left. The entire walk takes approximately 15 minutes.

I'm never satisfied with the photos I took in Avenue of Stars during night time and so, I told Boyfie I would like to go during the day time for another phototaking. Instead of taking MTR to across to Tsim Sha Tsui, Boyfie suggested for another Star Ferry ride since the Wan Chai Star Ferry pier is just few distance away. 

#6: This particular colourful Star Ferry is to promote Hong Kong as Asia's World City.

#7: Within less than 10 minutes ride, we reach Tsim Sha Tsui ferry pier.

#8: Ready your camera and experience the magic of this hundred-year history of Hong Kong's movies at the Avenue of Stars on the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade.

#9: I met Buddy Bear again for third time - after the first one in Berlin, Germany and the second time in Pavilion Kuala Lumpur.

#10: Some plaques contain hand prints and autographs of the stars set in cement as an honour to Hong Kong's celebrities such as Jackie Chan, Bruce Lee, Jet Li, Andy Lau and even our Malaysian actress, Michelle Yeoh. Just like Hollywood Walk of Frame. 

In case you grew up watching Hong Kong's movies and dramas just like me, you would find this place is very fascinating and interesting, or else you might find nothing special here. Besides Avenue of Stars, there are several tourist attractions along the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront such as Clock Tower, Cultural Centre, Space Museum and Museum of Art.

How to Get To Avenue of Stars

Tsim Sha Tsui MTR Exit E, walk towards harbour and go through subway (pedestrian tunnel) to the waterfront; or East Tsim Sha Tsui KCR Exit J and walk through subway.

One time is seriously never enough and this place I went exactly how many times I visited Hong Kong - Mong Kok. Even Nathan Road and Yau Ma Tei is consider part of Mong Kok area. This area is commonly popular for shopping and eating. For those who is going Hong Kong for the very first time, I would highly recommended to stay around this area.

#11: A trip to Hong Kong is incomplete without a stop at Mong Kok.

#12: Mong Kok Street - one of Hong Kong's liveliest area, packed with storeful of shops and countless of street side stalls. This is one area where you get a slice of the real Hong Kong.

#13: An array of cheap street foods can be found here such as famous curry fishballs, stinky beancurds and egg waffles. 

#14: If compare between Stanley Market and Ladies Market, the latter one would be my favourite pick. It's not just the city's most famous market but still one of the best market that sell everything and anything.

Despite the name, Ladies Market is not mainly aimed for women but surprisingly for men too where both can find wide selection of items here, ranging from fake designer handbags, clothing, watches, accessories to toys and electronics. Don't this place sounds similar to our Malaysia's Petaling Street? Bargaining might seems like part of the game in this market but be aware that most of the sellers appeared to be more aggressive.

How to Get To Ladies Market

MTR Mong Kok Station, Exit E2. Walk along Nelson Street for two blocks. Ladies Market is tucked between Boundary Street and Dundas Street on Tung Choi Street

#15: At night, we had big gathering with Boyfie's relatives - including his uncle, aunt, cousins and their children at MegaBox Mall in Kowloon Bay.

#16: My damages for the day - luggage tags, blue polka dot camera strap and stamps printed handbag from Ladies Market whereas for the snacks bought from subway station.

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