When it comes to getting from one point to another, we are often focused on the start point and of course, the end point; the destination.
It is just the way it is, the norm for everyone.

We start with that point where we will take our first step, and aim for the final point, which is always the ultimate goal; the objective of the mission.
Once that is established, then we connect the dots and plan out the way to get there.

That is the journey; the middle, the in-between, the midpoint which connects both the start and the end.

It always gets us to where we want to go, where we are headed to.

Sometimes, we may be too focused on the start and end point that we may have overlooked the entire journey altogether.
We may not even notice nor pay attention to the whole getting there process; that middle part, the intersection which brings us from one point to the other and yet, that is actually just as important as the start and the goal, if not more important.

Worse still, sometimes we may not even remember or realize the journeying part and before we know it, we have already arrived.
We don't even know what we have seen, heard, smelt or tasted along the way, and all we do is indulge in the victory or sentiment upon reaching the intended point.

It is the same everywhere; even in cities where connectivity is vital in creating that access for everyone to be able to get from one place to another.

Skyscrapers, buildings, malls, institutions, centers are all clustered together and from an eye's view, they are easily accessible.
How great that would be if it was truly that easy to reach everywhere as pictured, though the grand design of keeping all the hotspots within a cluster is exactly to achieve that objective.

However, there are still areas which are inaccessible despite the building being in near vicinity in view.
Ultimately, daily commuters like you and me, want that to be realized for life would definitely be so much easier.

It may be really easier said and even done, for it is the case as proven by the connecting network established in the busiest districts in the heart of Hong Kong city.

Hong Kong is no stranger to modernization and connectivity when it comes to accessibility within its well-populated city.
In fact, most of the visitors to this city would also only sing praises for the convenience of access when getting around the city and I echo that; it is truly one of the most convenient and connected city that I personally favor.

From the interconnected daily commuting trains to their buses, local taxis and vans, to their ferries, there is nothing that is overly complicated for anyone to go around the city.

Hongkies spend most of their time traveling and on public transportations, no less, though there is no worry when it comes to getting around.




All you need is a prepaid commuting card (Octopus), a book/mobile device or anything to keep you company and of course, a pair of good and comfortable walking shoes and you are all set to go.

Yes, lots of walking is required in this bustling city, and while the island is relatively small on the map, it still encompasses a rather large region; with activities buzzing everywhere in each of the district.

The Mid-level escalators in the Central district is one of the most ingenious idea ever thought to connect the points mainly within the lively Central district and most of the Western District; which are the busiest areas anyway, on the island.



It is intended as a solution to the issue of the increasing traffic and congestion on the roads; creating a well-connected passageway through the Mid-levels and Central.

The brainchild of the civil engineers from P&T Architects and Engineers Ltd was considered be out-of-the-box as it addresses the traffic issues along with the topography of the island where hilly terrains, sloping lands created an uneven surface of landscape, making it difficult to plan for transportation access through these points.





These escalators which connects the checkpoints through Central district, are raised over 135 meters (443ft) above ground level and spans for more than 800 meters (2,600ft) in its total.

Launched since 1993, the Mid-Levels Escalator, as it is known, also holds the world's record as being the longest outdoor covered escalator system.

While the escalator system sparked off controversy regarding its purpose which was considered to have failed the intended objective and also the high cost involved in the construction which exceeded the original budget, the Mid-Levels escalator was still relatively popular and well-received among the daily commuters.
On top of that, the interconnectivity between the streets and various districts had also given way to more business opportunities and created a passage for more SoHo (above the road level) and NoHo (below the road level) to come into the commercial picture.
It indeed was a commercial gateway, for both the pedestrians and also the potential commercial merchants.




I love how well-planned and connected this system is; and like most of the transportation system in the city, it is indeed convenient and easily accessible.

There are various intersecting points where one can exit from the long escalators at the major junctions to reach the popular districts.




The covered escalator also offered appropriate shelter from both the sun and the rain while emitting the sunlight through to keep the passageway well-lit.

The escalator system of course, eased off the distance covered on foot, without much strenuous activity.

What I like the most is how the escalators also offered that window; a glimpse into the buzz as one 'travels' by foot (technically) along the way, moving slowly at a comfortable pace.

It is truly that part where one truly is, for once, focused and breathes while on the journey, or mid-journey instead of just focusing on the start and the end.

It is truly a partaking in the journey, and enjoying the journey along the way; or rather, seeing the journey for what and how it is while getting from one point to another.

That is what we always missed when we only look at where we are and our destination; where we need to get to.

The journey along the way, and this is just that.

Hong Kong truly never disappoints when it comes to accessibility.


Hop on, the Mid-Levels escalator and when you do, this is when you can say, enjoy the journey and take in the view along the journey.

That is what a journey is truly about, and not to be missed easily in weight as compared to the beginning and the goal.

After all, without the journey, there is no longer meaning to the end goal nor the start, is there?

Wisdom.
It is a word that represents far beyond knowledge and is something which we all want; in fact very much.
Wisdom can come at birth, but really, wisdom just grows on us, naturally as we journey in life.

Wisdom can be a gift, where we have some who just seem to be wiser than the rest in the same age group.
That does not mean the rest are without wisdom, it is just that they have yet to acquire the same level of wisdom, or, they are just wise in other areas.

Wisdom, is made up of knowledge, experience, information, sapience, principles, sense, soundness, philosophies, sophistication, learning, judgment and many more all rolled into one.
It is the essence which shapes us into making decisions in our lives, and it is also the fundamental which keeps us going in our lives.

It is also one which we are constantly acquiring every moment, and pursue more on our journey, each day in life.

There is never a limit to wisdom.
Everyone wants to be wiser, or even, the wisest one.

Wisdom is more than anything else in the world; gold, silver, rubies, and sapphires combined, for it is a treasure which truly belongs and lasts.

We all take different paths in our lives; we walk in different directions.

There are no two persons who are the same; nor walk the same paths.
Not even identical twins.

We form our own wisdom, we grow in our own ways.
We learn things in our own style, we go through unique experiences which we call our own.
We are just wise, in our own ways.
There is no way to compare nor measure your wisdom versus mine.

There are times when we wonder, what is truly wisdom?
How do I know, how wise I am?
How much wiser have I gotten?
Am I even considered wise?
What kind of journey would make me wiser than before?

There is no definite answer, just like everything else in the universe.

It is something like a mystery, but at the same time, it could be just as simple and direct as the early alphabets we learn in life.

We take baby steps each and every day, we learn to feel and touch the ground before we stand up and take our first step in life.
We learn to crawl on fours, walk before we run and leap.

There is no defining rule to how we could possibly follow that process.
It is just natural the way wisdom works.

That is how it is, walking our way in life, and slowly gaining bit by bit, slices of life which make up our very own wisdom.

There are many ways to look at how life works, and what one understands may not be what another does either.

Some would probably define wisdom as knowing everything.
Some would say wisdom is all about nothingness in life.

Who is wrong, who is right.
Nobody knows.
It is all about perspectives.

If you have heard of the Mahayana Sutra; the 260 verses known in Buddhism which dwells on wisdom, you will know that there are many doctrines which encapsulates the soul of wisdom as such.

The Mahayana Sutra, as mentioned is composed of 260 verses, and is better known as the Heart Sutra; which is apt to describe the doctrine derived to capture the heart of the Perfection of Wisdom of Buddha.

Perhaps the Buddhists would know, but it is not all about Buddhism, for as its name suggests, it is about wisdom.

It is interesting to know that this sutra is engraved on tall timber structures; specially erected for display in a location for everyone to view.



A total of 38 timber columns stand silently in a tranquil spot, surrounded by lush green mountains and the breezy wind, with the inscriptions of the sutra on each one of them, carved into the timber in a two-dimensional fashion.

Towering tall, one would feel minute standing in the midst of these columns, surrounded by the blank and silent stares returned by the columns.



Right in the heart of Lantau Island, in Hong Kong, that is.

Located off the tracks a little farther than the famous Tian Tan Buddha and the nearby Po Lin monastery, this is slightly hidden from public eyes and is off the beaten path.

It is one of my favorite places and perhaps, one of the most unique places I like.

It must have been my third time here, taking that short walk after visiting the gigantic Buddha statue and the monastery, to just come to this very spot.
It looks exactly the same every time, and I feel at peace every single time I am here too, but yet, it is not entirely the same feeling either.

Nothing changed from the spot.

Everything looked the same; well, except with a little more crowd compared to my very first time which was, a decade ago?

There is just something about this place, which is just so tranquil and peaceful that it just puts me at ease.
Perhaps it is knowing about the wisdom verses inscriptions, which gives that feeling?
I don't know.

I am not a Buddhist, I don't know the sutra very well nor did I memorize all the verses.

However, every single time, out of the 38 columns, the one that stood out and still charms me is that one single column.

The one that is totally blank.
Without an inscription.




Yes, of all the columns which had verses on them, I am captivated by the one which had none.
The one that is empty.

Yet, that is the main highlight of this spot, and of the sutra in general, for it is also known as the essence of the sutra; the doctrine of "Emptiness".

The concept of Emptiness is about the relationship or the independence/interdependence of the physical and mental states/worlds.
There is a correlation between the mental and the physical worlds; where one's physical actions reflect that of the mental mind and the mind is an encapsulation of things happening in the actual and tangible physical world.

There is no guideline nor borders or boundaries between the mental and physical world.
They are interdependent yet at the same time independent of each other.
At the same time, the key is the evolution and the constant change which takes place all the time.
There is no such thing as constants in the world.
In fact, the only thing that is constant in the world, is Change.

Understanding that ever changing world will help to understand that whole thing about Emptiness.
It helps to devoid of unnecessary attachments and dependence on things which would never stay there forever.
To be able to understand to that depth, will help one to form fresh thoughts; logically and guide their actions in life.

It is an interesting concept, and in short, wisdom which shapes us well, if we were to understand the heart of it.

It is one that I find fascinating.

While everyone thinks to pursue and to hold onto everything which makes their life wholesome, it is actually the other way round.

It may not be elementary to comprehend, but it takes time to truly grasp the concept and when you do, you will find a deep sense of calm and fulfillment in yourself.
That is when, the world may start to appear a little different in that light.

That, is truly a part of wisdom.

When I am standing amidst these columns, I just pause everything that is on my mind, or I just take no notice of anything else around me.
It helps that the environment is just conducive to begin with.

I 'emptied' myself of my thoughts, the sounds and everything else in the world.
I wanted to feel that Emptiness.
I wanted to feel Empty, in that sense.

Every single time, it feels different.
Perhaps it is age and the experiences I have gone through, but I find that is the most unique part of all.

It is a place I will never be bored of, and I am not promoting this place, nor am I focusing on the teachings of Buddhism.

It is about enlightenment, and that is part of life; the part when we try to understand and then sense comes in.
Everything would start to fall into place and make sense, which makes you go "Aahhh".

It is that feeling; that satisfaction that I seek.
I don't know about you, but those Ahh moments are what truly makes our life meaningful and interesting.

Wisdom?
It's enlightenment and Ahh moments that add more to it.

I am looking forward to my next visit here, and to share that new angle of perspective I may find then.
(Read about my earlier visit: Wisdom: The Heart of the Heart Sutra)


A new light of wisdom in the form of Emptiness; where nothing could mean everything.

Everything, is just nothing.






Note:
The Wisdom Path is a short trail from the Tian Tan Buddha; a 10-15 minutes walk on foot.
It is an on-the-way path and is also one of the entrance to the Lantau hiking trail.
The 38 timber columns are erected slightly on the elevated ground facing mountains; with the Mahayana Sutra verses engraved on the 37 columns.
The form of the columns resemble the ancient tiles; in the form of bamboo tiles used for writing back in the olden days.
The two-dimensional columns are placed in an unique pattern which forms the number 8; a symbol of infinity.




Location:
10-15 minutes walk from Tian Tan Buddha on Lantau Island.


How to Get There:
Bus 23 from Tung Chung MTR to the Tian Tan Buddha in Ngong Ping
OR take the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car for a bird's eye view of Lantau Island towards the Tian Tan Buddha.

From the Tian Tan Buddha, take a short walk of 10-15 minutes towards the Lantau Hiking Trail.
There will be signs to guide you all the way.

Soft, smooth, creamy are often adjectives used to describe these bright yellow wobbly egg custard sitting atop their crisp buttery cookie crusts lined on a thin aluminum foil.

At a glance they seem like ordinary egg tarts; the usual ones you can get from any bakery for a quick snack be it for breakfast, tea or just to sink the itching teeth in.

However, the contrast is apparent as the teeth sinks into the warm crumbly surface followed by the crunchy bite layering the end. 
The egg custard gives way to reveal a silky and velvety core; hinting at a meticulously baked and well-controlled temperature to produce a texture as such, one that melts upon contact with the tongue and entices the taste buds luring them deeper into another bite to fulfill that fantasy.
It is simply irresistible and before one knows it, you are onto the next bite and another.

It is something an egg tart aficionado would be able to relate to, and perhaps seek, in their ever continuous journey for that perfect match of what rates or rather, tops their increasing standards (or appetites).

It is exceptionally hard to find that desired texture to meet that meticulous taste; that is again something only the egg tart enthusiasts or those on the hunt of the perfect egg tart would understand.

The crust is perhaps the most controversial of time; with groups torn between the light flaky and puffy crust versus the moderately baked cookie bite crust to complement the delicate egg custard.

These fall into the latter category; that had most of their fans swoon over, and even the Governor himself (Chris Patten) was full of praise for this well-baked crunchy crust, naming this "the best egg tart" he had ever tasted.

That was more than enough to convince the crowd as the fans grow rapidly in numbers, with the increase in patrons; queueing even, to get their hands on these lovely sunny tarts.
It was not long before the egg tarts and the bakery catapulted to stardom.

If you were to mention Egg tarts in Hong Kong, you will definitely be pointed in the direction of this place; Tai Cheong Bakery(泰昌餅家). 



This modest bakery started in 1954, in the heart of Hong Kong island; the beating pulse of the financial and commercial hub located in the district of Central.

The first outlet in Lyndhurst Terrace, remains in the hearts of their fan base to this day, which is fondly the first to escape their lips when the name Tai Cheong is mentioned, though today, there are more than 20 outlets to date to expand their famed signature tarts all over the island, Kowloon and the New Territories combined.

There are four outlets on Hong Kong island in total; yet the first and original outlet is still the most patronized, brimming with the enthusiastic tart lovers waiting for the trays to exit the hot ovens daily; a clear sign of their evergreen popularity.

It is highly recommended to have these renowned egg tarts when they are fresh right out of the oven; if possible, for the best experience of the taste, just like how most pastries are anyway.





That smoking heat just does wonders to the texture of the tart; as it melts right where it is supposed to and ultimately the heart, be it for psychological or physical reasons.

You do not have to admit it is the best egg tart like the Governor, but you will not regret enjoying tasting it first when it is hot.



I am not an egg tart connoisseur though my other half is, and even he enjoys the egg tarts though I could merely hear through his mumbles whether it is truly the best he has tasted, but it definitely gained a nod of approval from his preferences.

I am not responsible for promoting this nor if the tarts failed your expectations, but it may be worth a try to quell that curiosity at the very least, won't you say?

Of course, if all fails, there are other options, it is a bakery after all.
I enjoyed their Angel Sponge cake though.

Try these tarts at your own risk, and should you look for one to pin your responsibility on, you might want to try the Governor?





Information:
Tai Cheong Bakery
For list of outlets, please refer to official website here.

Address (Original outlet and the one I went to):
Shop C, G/F, Lyndhurst BLDG 35 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central

Opening Hours: 7.30am-9.00pm
(Hours vary for the outlets, please refer to the respective outlets)

When one travels, it is customary (though not compulsory) to try the domestic cuisine to get that taste of the local offering.

I am more of a non-conformist when it comes to food, and most of the time, I really don't abide by that rule.
Even when I am traveling.

Perhaps it is my personal preferences or maybe I am just picky, anyway, it is just me.

There are times I do though, attempt to try the local tastes; maybe out of curiosity, or its appeal, out of the blue.
Maybe I was just in the mood at that time, and had that spur-of-a-moment impulse to be adventurous.

When it comes to local cuisine, it is usually about adhering to what the locals themselves would indulge in, though of course, there are times things could turn out to be more tricky that lead us into that whole touristy trap.
Then again, it may not be as bad as it seems too, for it still offers a different spectrum of tastes to what we usually have.
I mean, everything just tastes good when you are traveling, somehow, don't you think?
(Well, Not every single thing, but let's blame it on the adventurous buds)

Doing a little research is good too, to understand the local preferences and their lifestyle to get an inkling of the overall culture.
(It is always important to know about the local culture for it makes up for that wholesome traveling experience to a place different from where we came from).

On my recent trip to Hong Kong earlier this year, I managed to try out a few of the local joints which are popular among the locals and tourists alike; where some of them even snagged their spot, well star(s) on the famous Michelin award list.

One of them is this humble wanton noodles shop located smack right in the busy district of Central; Tsim Chai Kee (沾仔记).

Started in 1998, this is supposedly the bold and daring newcomer who set their insights, raised their stakes and made their base right across the already famous brand name in the same line, Mak's Noodles which purportedly rose to fame with the inaugural visit by world renowned personality Anthony Bourdain, and also having earned a Michelin star in their bag.

I only got to Tsim Chai Kee, as Mak's Noodles was closed at that time of my visit and I was also fortunate that the crowd has yet to make their appearance at that time and I quickly found a spot. (I must be really early then, or just in luck!)
(In Hong Kong and in local eateries like these, you usually walk in and seat yourself. Don't wait for them to seat you, like back in our own country).

One would expect a place with a Michelin-star on its label would be fancy, or even packed, but turns out, Tsim Chai Kee is just as simple as it gets and what you-see-is-what-you-get without any frill; just one glance makes up the entire shop.

The menu was fairly simple too (I think we are way too spoilt with long lists of choices on our menu in Malaysia, and some complain that the choices are limited), that it made our decision making easier, not to mention faster too.

You choose the type of noodles (Option of yellow noodles (usually the ones for wanton noodles), flat white noodle (what we refer to as koay teow), and vermicelli (bee hoon)), then you choose your toppings.

The toppings are fuss-free and fairly straightforward too; with three main choices: Wantons (of course), Minced Fish Balls, and Sliced Beef.
You can dance solo with your toppings to go with the noodles you selected, or if you want a little company, you can opt for the Two Toppings, and if you find that you simply just cannot decide and just want a taste of everything, you can just go for all Three Toppings altogether.

Easy.
Simple.

Of course, the prices vary for the options you make too.
Read the menu and refer to the prices.



For add-ons, there is only the Vegetables with Oyster Sauce available, and it is always (everywhere you go), the Kailan.
The Hongkies are proud and love their Kailan very much.



Sometimes they do have lettuce too (in some of the other establishments, just ask or refer to the menu).

We definitely opted for their famous and signature Wanton noodles; the simple and good old traditional wanton noodles without anything decorative, we are old-fashioned that way.
Well, for starters, the hubs is a fan of wanton noodles and he loves it the basic way and secondly, Hong Kong is almost synonymous with the whole wanton noodles branding (besides dim sum) that it would be quite a sin (and almost criminal) to leave Hong Kong without even having a bowl of their wanton noodles.

The signature of Tsim Chai Kee is their King Prawn wantons; where the gigantic and luscious prawns are mixed with minced pork where they are then embraced with the soft texture of the yellow wanton skin on the outer part, creating that mildly wrinkled appearance in its balled up form.



The bigger-sized prawns gave that extra punch to the wantons definitely; crunchy and juicy for that satisfying bite.


While wantons are the main highlights here, we found ourselves drawn to the flavorful and bouncy handmade fish balls which are somewhat larger than the usual ones you see but delivers quite an impactful bite with its densely packed tastes of the freshly minced fish meat.



It is quite a delightful ride as one takes each bite into the squashy paste which springs back in response to the taste buds and makes one crave for more, despite its rather hideous appearance.
Looks can be rather deceiving and it rings somewhat true for these fish balls.



I am already missing these fish balls as I write this post, and I hope I can find similar ones back here in my own homeland.
Please enlighten me should you know of any such delicious fish balls; I like handmade and dense ones like these.

Tsim Chai Kee has earned a Michelin star for her own good, and this has proved that it is all about the flavors and tastes when it comes to the ratings, for at a glance, one may easily dismiss a humble shop like this tucked away in the busy business district of Hong Kong as just another eatery for the usual working crowd and not of the likes of renowned joint with ranks.

Tsim Chai Kee has proved the passersby wrong and has risen quickly with their deliverance of a humble offering, straight from their kitchen.



My verdict?

I am glad I stumbled upon this place, and managed to sneak a taste of their famed offerings though I still stand by my preference; even if it is not the main star, those bouncy fresh minced fish balls are what stole my heart.

And that, is the Star I found in my bowl.

The wantons can keep the Michelin star, thank you.


For your reference:

Tsim Chai Kee (沾仔记)
Address:
98, Wellington Street, Central District, Hong Kong
(It is located near the Central Mid-Levels Escalator)

Operating Hours: 9am-10pm

Contact: +852 2850 6471

This is probably a simple post to wrap up my Hong Kong trip this year, with random photos of my trip in general (some of which are not included in my other posts).



Hong Kong is a place where I just love going back again and again, if and whenever I can.
I have posted many articles on this vibrant city, and you can read some of them on my old travel blog here for a full guide to most of the attractions in Hong Kong, since I went off the path and did a more relaxing route this round.

There is nothing less spectacular one can expect from this vivacious city; and while the city still remains populous with a growing population by the year, there is no stopping the tourists from continuing to flock the city annually either.
Many may have even heard of the reputation of the street traders in this city, where they are often described as rude and arrogant, believe me when I say they are in for a change with their growing economy. Furthermore the younger generation is determined to change that perception and have displayed their enthusiasm in improving the customer service in their bid to boost tourism and restore/rebuild a promising and welcoming image for the city.
It is a positive move indeed.

Food is in abundance and rest assured that regardless of your country of origin, you will not starve in Hong Kong. Rather, you may find yourselves stuck in difficult decision making most of the time while in the city with the wide varieties available, catering to almost every notable cultural community in the world.
Enjoy dining in fine restaurants or tempt your palates with the international cuisines available everywhere.
Try something local too; from dim sum to street snacks (if you are a daredevil and are used to street food).








Transportation is the one that I always and will never stop praising (ever) for the one in Hong Kong is one of the best planned and most convenient that I have enjoyed in the world.
Thumbs up to their excellent system, it is almost next to impossible to get lost in this city.
(Do bring a long a map, just in case, and as long as you are attentive on the train - which is easy since it is always crowded and you will always be standing, at least most of the time, you should be fine).









Shopping is always on the itinerary when one visits a city; especially when this is one of the international ports. With modern development infused with traditions and culture in the city, one can expect to find something to buy be it from a multi-storey shopping mall or long streets lined with stalls and shops.