Visiting 嫲嫲 (Grandma)

I visited Hong Kong for 3 weeks by myself in September. Mainly to be with my family after my Grandma passed (my grandpa passed about a year ago). Despite the Covid restrictions, it turned out to be an awesome trip. I was able to physically pay respects to my grandparents and  reconnected with friends and family. And the food, oh the food, was absolutely incredible. And I didn't even try that hard to find good food. Here's a glimpse of the trip. 

The journey there:

The preparation for the trip was insanely complex. Quarantine hotels, PCR test, Vaccination records, health declaration, etc. I was reading up on rules and restrictions months before. I made a huge to-do list. Then there's the normal prep like packing and travel insurance for a transcontinental trip like this, which I haven't done for close to 10 years. 

Shout out to Felix for giving me a ride to the airport! He picked me up as well. What a guy!

Breakfast featuring congee with pork. Pretty good!

More meal time pics. I flew with EVA airline and I find that they are very disciplined and has the client's interest at heart. Good customer service.

Checking out my connection flight. Can you see which one ?

Waiting for monorail

Hello kitty at Taipei's airport 

Taipei airport 

With the connecting flight and waiting for the quarantine bus, the journey took about 24 hours door to door. I was missing my wife and son already. 

The best part was spending time at a lounge in Taiwan. Our credit card allows a certain number of free lounge visits per year. At the lounge, there is clean seating, an ultra clean hotel style shower and a huge variety of food - both hot and cold. A hot shower was welcomed after the 15 hours flight. I ordered each one of the small plate from their kitchen. My favorite was squid rice noodle in soup. Super yummy.

 

Some dishes at the Lounge.

Where I spend most of my time waiting to board.

Hotel quality shower 

When I got to the hotel, I was glad to have arrived - which I'll stay for 3 days without leaving the room.

Those three days were strange. Someone bringing you food 3 times a day felt like being in jail. I slept and watched alot of videos on my computer. By the end, I was craving for fresh air and couldn't wait to get out.

The quarantine meals are not bad. But not great either. They typically get cold because I was so jet lag and slept alot

One of the better meals.

Wasn't expecting to get recognition! Better than nothing.

On the morning of my departure. I couldn't be more ready.

The hotel feeds you lots of greens and fruits to keep you regular.

Cream of mushroom soup.

View from the couch

Visiting my grandma's (mama) home...

On the last day of the mandatory quarantine, also known as the day 3 of the 3+4 model. That means I am free to roam around but cannot eat at restaurants and bars.

Coincidentally, there is a ceremony (aka last 7) at my Mama's happening and I was able to attend. I took the airport Express and taxi to Tsuen Wan from airport regal. Dropped off the suitcases and in a couple hours, headed out to Chai Wan to meet up with my Uncle.

I immediately begin to understand the pain that my Aunt and Uncle has to endure, especially my Aunt. Mama was her best friend. They went on trips together. She spoiled her by buying her the best of everything and lots of them. (e.g. Japanese shoes). They were like sisters like the time they dresses up as geishas together in Japan. She was her everything in her world.

Timing was perfect that I am out of quarantine. This is probably the last time I'd come to Mama and Yeah yeah's house. Ever. 

I got emotional when I lit incense for them. Seeing their photos reminded me that they raised me as a baby to a school age kid. The diaper changes, picking me up from my kindergarten and how my grandpa would cook for me after work at 勵德邨. I am eternally grateful. On the makeshift altar made me feel like they are here, but in some obscure way. It also became real for me that they really are gone. They are no longer there in their tiny home. 

Last time I came, some 7 years ago, they were still alive and well. We talked, joked around, had lunch (that they made) and went for walks. But it is not the case this time. Nothing lasts forever. 

I talked with my Aunts, Uncle and cousin for a few hours as we sort through my Mama's things. The smoke was getting strong and we had to open up the windows. As I part with my family (since I couldn't join them for dinner), I felt numb and jet-lagged sitting quietly on the cold metallic bench of the MTR.