Doing Hong Kong in December

Two weekends ago, we were invited by Cathay Pacific to attend the world launch of their New Business Class and the new set of uniforms for the cabin staff. It was such a short stay in the Duty Free Haven, but we managed to do some shopping during the half-day when we were on our own.

Hong Kong in winter – yes, they have one there! – can be quite pleasant as temperatures can go down to as low as 10 degrees Celsius.  We had to be in layered clothing while doing our shopping that morning. Climate was pleasant, getting cooler when the wind would blow. Hence, gadding about the streets of Hong Kong Island, where we stayed, was a bracing undertaking, not a tiring one.

Shopping started for us at 10am, when the big department stores would open. After a leisurely breakfast at our hotel, we freshened up for a bit and then went out of the side door to the various shops that were just opening for the day. We stopped at the nearest Giordano outlet for a look-see. Mila (Espina) bought a warm outer garment, as she wasn’t prepared for the cold temperature, while Connie (Cimafranca of CX) saw some stretch denims in various colors that also took my fancy. After choosing some, I paid for my purchases and was given an instant HK$100.00 rebate, aside from the sale items I got.

Down the street we went in search for Nelia (Garcia), ever the shoppaholic who knows Hong Kong well. She was in a side alley where one should really shop while in Hong Kong. There we found real bargains, but we also met the typical Hong Kong “alley cats.” Meaning, sellers who don’t have an iota of customer care whatsoever. Connie and I, for instance, wanted to browse through some pretty “pashmina” scarves hanging at a booth. The seller shooed us away, gesticulating that we should just look, but no touching. When we got our choices and wanted to haggle for the price, we were again met with curt “no, no! last price!” We were tempted to walk away, if only for the fact that they were the only sellers of that kind of scarves.

As we passed another Giodano outlet, we all went in to browse some more. Mila saw to her dismay that the jacket she bought in the other Giordano store was much more expensive than where we were, as it was on sale in the latter store. Then Connie compared the price of our denims, and found out that we got ours cheaper from the other store. Hence, Giordano outlets may not have uniform prices of their products. There are outlets that may put some items on discounted prices. Watch out!

Katsy (Borromeo) took a train down to where a big H & M store was located, only to realize that the stocks on display were too warm for Philippine weather. Take note, at this time of year, winter clothes and accessories are sold. If you are a regular traveler, shopping in Hong Kong for autumn-winter wear will be great in December-January. However, if you intend to buy clothes to be worn back home, then the year-end shopping is not really too ideal. Summer clothes are still accessible, though. Just needs out-of-the-way effort on your part.

For me, Hong Kong is a place to eat. This time, I really missed my favorite roasted goose or the more familiar Peking duck. No time to look for the typical eatery with the hanging roasted items at the window. Most of them are found in Kowloon side. We ended up eating Japanese fare in the basement of Sogo, courtesy of Connie (thank you, Cathay Pacific!). By 2pm, we were walking back to our hotel to prepare for the grand event that evening, with the world media and Cathay’s Marco Polo Class VIPs in attendance. But we made some more last minute shopping along the stores on the back.

Travel safely now! May your Christmas be a blessed and happy one this year. God bless you! - THE FREEMAN