The Peak

I've been trying to convince Jake to take me on a date at the Peak Lookout, since it's such a romantic restaurant perched on top of Hong Kong. Unfortunately, it was such a hassle to go all the way to Central and then take the tram to the Peak again on our anniversary night. We settled for this photo instead. Maybe next year?

However, we did get to share some freezing moments on top of the Peak viewing deck overlooking the city. But first, I just have to share our trip around Central and our tram ride from Causeway. Since trams are a novelty in Hong Kong, we decided to ride one for our trip to Central instead of taking the MTR to soak up some "culture". We rode on the top deck and had fun sightseeing at every stop. It was such an experience to hear the ding ding bells and to only pay two dollars for the whole ride.

Once we reached our stop at Pedder Street, we headed to Queen's Road for some serious shopping. The girls and I split up with Jake, who didn't want to waste two hours of his life inside four floors of H&M, and proceeded to indulge ourselves in some retail therapy.

I'm slightly envious of Jake, though. He got to roam the Central shopping district and went to The Landmark, IFC Mall, and got to see the topless male model inside Abercrombie and Fitch. I missed my chance for a photo op with an Abercrombie male model! Oh well. We did get to see the Christian Louboutin shop and only managed to steal some wishful glances from the window.

After the shopfest, we thought we'd walk all the way from Queen's Road going to the Peak Tram station. Big mistake. It was an uphill battle and we spent about twenty minutes in what would have been a 3-minute bus/tram ride to Murray Road. The shops and sights we passed along the way were worth it, though. We passed inside a residential area and a private road on our uphill walk.

We also passed by Lan Kwai Fong and Wyndham Street and got to see the funky side of Central along the way. I loved the streets filled with bars and restaurants winding uphill and downhill, depending on where you were headed.

We relied on these signs to encourage us that we were getting closer to our destination.

Finally! After an emergency stop at a Lan Kwai Fong bar to get $35 Cokes (we had no choice!) for our thirsty group, we emerged at the landing of the Peak Tram station. From here, you can buy tickets to ride the ancient peak tram and reach the peak summit and look-out. I think there's a cheaper way to go there via bus and by walking but we opted for this ride.

It was Jake and Mitch's first time to head up to the Peak!

Upon reaching the top, you can head straight to the Peak Tower before heading up to the Sky Terrace. There are a lot of shops and restaurants in the tower, and you have to pay extra to gain access to the Sky Terrace. There's also a Madame Tussaud's wax museum and Jake posed with Bruce Lee who was out on the front to greet the guests.

It was freezing on the Peak Tower! But we were rewarded with an awesome view of the cityscape.

I've always wondered who lives on the buildings behind us. They look so warm, inviting, and posh from the tower. I can just imagine their view from the windows--and to live on the Peak! I'd give anything to stay there for a night.

We also went down to the garden road with the outdoor restaurants. There's a pathway to the side where you can also enjoy the view without paying the Peak Tower entrance fee. There's a Chinese garden and gazebos scattered along the trail. It's actually a nice hang-out place, if you don't mind the freezing temperature.

I'm still holding out hope for a Peak Lookout date. It's now officially two years in the making!

Charlie Brown Cafe!

If you like all things Snoopy, then you will definitely love Charlie Brown Cafe at Cameron Street in Tsim Sha Tsui. It's their flagship cafe in Hong Kong and has a huge selection of cakes and coffee, not to mention all things Snoopy and company! I swear, it made me so happy just to sit there and look at the statues and interiors.

As a kid, I obsessed over my dad's Snoopy book collection of the most popular comic strips. We really went out of our way to visit this place since we knew we'd get a kick out of drinking coffee in such a happy place.

There are life-sized statues everywhere and even smaller ones dotting the whole cafe. Everything, from the light fixtures to the stair banisters are customized with the Snoopy characters. They even sell Charlie Brown Cafe mugs and memorabilias!

Best of all were the cakes! I wish I lived in Hong Kong so I can get this Lucy cake for my upcoming birthday!

Or these! I want to get a Woodstock cake for my toy poodle, Gingey's birthday. She looks like Woodstock with her blond hair standing up all over her tiny head.

The lattes were also too cute to drink! You can choose your favorite character which they will draw on top by sprinkling cocoa :-) We had a hard time drinking our coffee 'cause we didn't want to ruin Charlie Brown and Snoopy!

We also got the Charlie Sampler for desserts. Again, there's a cute presentation of Charlie Brown on the coffee mousse. We also got to try the creme brulee and bread pudding, everything was yummy--not too sweet and heavy so it was a perfect sampling of their best desserts.

I just found out there's also a Charlie Brown Cafe in Singapore at my most favorite place on Orchard Road--313@Somerset! We spent many happy hours at the Cotton On branch there last year. It's also the place where Jake and I would meet up during our Holy Week vacation there. I can't wait to bring my mom and sister there next month when we visit!

Tsim Sha Tsui love affair

We loved Tsim Sha Tsui so much that we went there twice--during our first and fifth days to properly explore the area. Mong Kok was a bit overrated so we didn't spend that much time shopping there except when Jake explored Sneaker Street and we had a blast at H&M over at Langham Place. (Okay, Jake and I came back so he can get his limited edition kicks). But most of the time, we went over to TST to shop and dine when we were in the Kowloon side.

I had no idea what BEA stood for but I'm assuming it's a bank. I posed with every sign I saw. It's pretty cool to have a bank named after you. Haha.

Our favorite parts of TST were Nathan Road, Granville Road, Chatham, and Mody Road. These roads housed the unique shops and eateries. Tsim Sha Tsui is more urban compared to Causeway. Here, it's purely all about the fashion and style experience. We fell in love with Granville Road where most college students shop and where fashion students at the nearby art institute sell their designs. It was pretty amazing to walk up and down the roads and walk in and out of the shops.

There's a shop called Chocoolate! Cute!

I lost Jake for a bit while I was engrossed looking for clothes. I found him here, on the second floor of a shop called Loading. It's his kind of place--all cool graphic tees, caps, and accessories.

We also went to Knutsford Terraces where we had a break at Ben & Jerry's! Jake and I unintentionally shared two scoops of Chocolate Therapy and Cookie Dough, only to find out there's a pint called half baked which combines the exact flavors! I'm really hoping this combination is available at S&R!

Up the stairs going to Knutsford Terraces. It's a whole strip of restaurants and bars with a chic, urban vibe. I can just picture ourselves sitting there, people-watching while sipping on beers and cocktails. Ah, I love this place.

On our fifth day, we ended up at iSquare which was right at the MTR exit. These three had a blast looking for CDs at hmv. I, on the other hand, bought One Direction souvenirs for my cousin. (Ick, I know)

Here's us walking towards Chatham Road from Nathan! It's never boring 'cause there are a lot of shops to look at. However, you have to go here after lunch since all the shops open late.

 

I looked up and spied a building with a roof made of crystal drops! It was dazzling under the sun! Fancy shmancy.

 

We popped inside a 7/11 for drinks and found that they still have Coke Slurpee! I really do wish the 7/11 in Manila still offers this, it's my favorite drink! I hate their strawberry and blue flavors. I only want Coke!

Some interesting shops and bars we passed along the way to Stussy. TST is a haven for cool brands!

Hair of the Dog bar!

Haha.

We spent an hour or so inside Cotton On, which is still cheaper in HK compared to the newly opened branch here in Manila. I was able to get a peplum top for my sister at $49 (Php 270)! The TST branch at Granville was also four floors huge so there was a wide selection of styles. The nearest H&M was a couple of blocks away so we were happy to stay here.

wearing H&M collared top, F21 skirt, cherry keds

TST is the place to be if you want up and coming/hipster-ish brands. You can also get your trusted brands there if you want the mainstream fix. Argh. I can't wait to blog about our Tsim Sha Tsui foodie finds!

Take me back to Causeway Bay

There's a place that I would always love to visit, no matter how many times I've been there already. The first time I stepped onto a busy Times Square plaza two years ago, I knew I would keep coming back. It gives me butterflies in my tummy every time I'm there. Just the sight of trams, shops, and the feeling of being a part of the Causeway Bay action makes me wonder why I never thought about staying here forever. This is the main reason why we chose to stay in Causeway Bay right in front of Times Square--we wanted to wake up and come home to our happy place.

These waffle egg balls were so yummy! There's a stall selling these munchies right below our place. They make for a great midnight or pre-lunch time snack.

I really can't get enough of Causeway! During the course of our six-day stay, we explored it and went to the major shops to fully soak in the atmosphere.

Denim jacket and studded top from Topshop, shorts from Zara, Accessorize necklace

On our fourth day, we split up with Jake who went to check out his own brands, so the girls and I went shopping by ourselves. We had a blast at Sogo department store and bought lipsticks, make-up, and bags. I can't believe how cheap they sell Clinique and Nine West here compared to Manila! The girls also took the chance to stock up on YSL and Givenchy lipsticks since we can't find the brands in old Manille.

Me and my obsession with trams. I'm an old-fashioned gal.

We explored the side streets of Causeway and had a grand old time going in and out of the shops. Hong Kong shopping is crazy! I long to find a street here in Manila where you can find back to back shops in every street. The malls were also the best--Times Square, Sogo, and Hysan Place kept us occupied pretty much the whole time.

Knitted frayed cover up from Dorothy Perkins, scalloped top and daisy dukes from Topshop, Aldo necklace

A couple of steps away from our place are the specialty shops. Here's one of BAPE, another Joaquin-favored brand.

And we dropped by Cath Kidston! I was so excited to go here, since we also had to buy stuff for our officemate. It's like a girly land exploded inside.

Here's Jake after our morning shopping. The perks of staying in Causeway while shopping? We get to drop off our bags before we proceed to our next destination! 

I almost forgot to shop at Bershka which was just inside Times Square. Good thing I came across it while on my way to Denim and Supply to meet up with Jake on our last night. I swear it's such a happy place! I got a quilted bag for only $159, what a steal! Trousers were at $199 each!

Happy boy getting his chambray shirt! He's gotten quite attached to Ralph Lauren during our whole trip.

Jake really loved the area, 'cause he got to buy beers at the K shop a couple of steps away from our place right in front of Times Square. Even when it's late at night, the whole place is bustling. I love this place!

Happy times! We're definitely staying at Causeway again next year! I can't wait to walk around this place for days!