This billboard is a nostalgic recollection of that piece of memory etched into the back of my past.

We did all the touristy stuffs, i.e. visiting all the major tourist spots in Macau but not spending enough time to totally appreciate the architecture, history and culture.

At first glance, A-Ma Temple looked just like every other Chinese temples that we have, but it is distinguished by courtyards built into the hill and connected by winding paths and gardens. It’s also one of the most significant sites in the history of Macau because Macau derived its name from A-Ma-Gau or Place of A-Ma. According to legend, A-Ma, a poor girl looking for passage to Canton, was refused by the wealthy junk owners but a fisherman took her on board. Storm came and wrecked everything but she was known to have drifted to Macau where she reappeared as a goddess on the spot where the temple stands. The fishermen built this temple in the 16th century to dedicate it to her, the seafarers goddess.

Being my second time to Macau, I told myself that I must not miss the Serradura! Although this dessert is actually really easy to make, well, let’s just say nothing beats the original, or closest to the original!

We also went to the older parts of Macau. Came across some shops with presumably the old-fashioned way of baking almond cookies but we still ended up buying cookies from the famous Koi Kei Bakery which was flogging with busloads of tourists.

Despite the rapid developments in Macau, the city is still pretty much laid back in demeanor although the locals are rather uptight and serious. All of the action, energy and buzz happen inside the casinos while the streets remain quiet at night except for tourists returning to their hotel, loan sharks lurking around the entrances of hotels or gamblers on their way to board the next ferry back. It really lacks the fun and vibe that Vegas is famous for. Even though Macau may be generating way more gambling revenue, it certainly isn’t a sin city of entertainment where one would wanna go back for a second helping.

There really wasn’t much to shout about Hong Kong Disneyland. Perhaps it wouldn’t be fair for me to comment since I’ve already visited other parks prior to the opening of Hong Kong Disneyland. Perhaps age is catching up and I’ve lost that naivety to believe in fairy god mothers and magical kingdoms and princesses who live happily ever after. Perhaps, I was just ‘weirded out’ by Cantonese-speaking Sleeping Beauty.

Undeniable bubbly and boisterous, the ambience inside the park was chock-a-block with excited children, lovey-dovey couples and noisy tourists who were all ready to rock the park in their Disney headbands, gears, badges and collar pins, and armed with autograph books and Disney pens that come with those annoyingly bubbly characters on top.

Hong Kong Disneyland is divided into four thematic parks – Mainstreet USA, Adventureland, Fantasyland and Tommorowland. I think Hong Kong Disneyland is perhaps the smallest Disneyland park in the world. Nonetheless, a boat ride at Adventureland was quite a thrill and not to be missed. The rest of the rides were uneventful and unmemorable. It was lacking in excitement for grown up kids like me.

I was more exited about our accommodation. We stayed at Disney’s Hollywood Hotel. It was a fantastic deal compared to the city hotels. Rooms at Disney’s Hollywood Hotel are much more spacious as they are designed to cater to families of four, with two double beds in each room . It would cost more if you decide to take a room with an ocean view. It also has a large compound with a piano-shaped outdoor swimming pool and themed gardens that replicate the details of old Hollywood glamour. I really like all things retro and vintage, and the 1930’s interior designs and art deco monuments brought about an atmosphere of glitz and glamour of a bygone era.

We did not have our breakfast at the hotel though as we decided to take the MTR to Tung Chung for a hearty breakfast of dim sum. For those who have children, a breakfast experience at the hotel would be wonderful as they sometimes have Disney characters wandering around to greet guests in the morning. After breakfast, we took a walk along the boardwalk overlooking the Lantau mountains.

Anyway, back at the park, we managed to catch quite a handful of Disney personalities. From Sleeping Beauty to Buzz Lightyear, Ariel of The little Mermaid to Pluto and Goofy. As colourful as it was, the joy was incomplete without my brother. Really wished you were here with us.

Try not to be tempted to buy the souvenirs from the shops. I think photos and pictures make the best souvenirs and mementos. I remember buying a Monster Inc soft toy from Disneyland Paris some years ago and it is now stashed away in the storeroom, collecting dust in one of my cardboard boxes.

The highlight of Hong Kong Disneyland is their daily fireworks! Awesome display of pyrotechnics, fireworks and musical accompaniment that left us gushing in Ooo’s… and Aww’s.. I’d suggest for all visitors to stay on till evening to catch this spectacular showcase.

I think the best time to visit Hong Kong Disneyland is during the spring season. Summer can be a bit hot and rainy. We were there in winter and we thoroughly enjoyed the cold weather, the only setback was the thick jackets that we had to remove each time we went indoor.

1. Camwhore.

2. Eat duty free chocolates.

3. Sleep.

4. Wake up… try to catch a glimpse of the air hostess’ much talked about controversial ‘tunnel’ because of their short skirts.

5. Eat more chocolates.

6. Read in-flight magazine (note of caution: May cause a terrible air sickness when there’s turbulence because the plane feels abnormally shaky).

7. Try to sleep again. By this time, the neck is already sore from the hard cushion.

9. Study their menu & contemplate on buying their RM7 Nasi Lemak. But may decide to save it for RM11 Starbucks instead. (sidenote: some smart alec should really look into suing AK for misrepresentation of their menu pictures and they failed to print “pictures are for illustration purposes only”!!!)

10. By the 3rd hour, stare cock at the guy next to you for ripping out a silent fart while pretending to be asleep.