The Visa, Hong Kong And Giant Buddha

s my first month back in Ulsan passed rather quickly it was soon time to do a visa run. My tourist visa was only valid for one month since I hold a South African passport. Luckily a month was all I needed. Usually everyone goes to Japan for a visa run, but since my little green book is not too welcome in Japan, I went to Hong Kong instead. To get to Hong Kong was more expensive, but I have no regrets about that. That meant I got to visit Henk and Fenny again. I've visited them in Hong Kong two times before during lay overs and I was excited to see them again.

On January 13th I made the trip over to Hong Kong and as usual received a warm welcome. I did not sleep at all the previous night because I had to leave Ulsan way before the crack of dawn to get a bus to the airport.  Monday the 14th I took the train to the Korean consulate and was amazed at how easy it was to find, and how fast everything went. Signing in, dropping off the visa application, signing out, five minutes flat. That meant more time for sightseeing. Instead of taking the train back to the IFC mall where I was meeting Henk later, I decided to walk. Outside again I was greeted by many tall and shiny buildings, but best of all, shiny and expensive cars.  

This is the view from Henk and Fenny's apartment. The airport is on the
right and there is actually an airplane caught taking off in the photo.

On my way to the consulate I came out of the subway right under this
building. Apparently it is being hugged by koalas.

Ah, Rolls Royce Ghost, one of a few I saw.

Audi S5 Sportback. For some reason I am in love with this photo.

After walking around outside and getting back to the IFC I met Henk again. He wanted to go to a few hobby shops in Mong Kok so we hopped on a train to go there. Mong Kok is also where they have a market full of awesome souvenirs and random stuff. I was interested in the souvenirs. After a bit of bargaining I walked away with a big jade dragon, a small terracotta warrior, a golden waving kitty for Anriette and two fans. Another thing I almost bought was a breathalyzer that you plug into your iPhone. I reckoned it would make a kick-ass drinking game, but it was a little pricey. 

After Mong Kok we went back to the apartment and I was treated with a nice South African braai. Skaap tjops, braai brood and mengel slaai. Homesick on a plate. 

The next morning I picked up my passport and visa from the consulate. This time instead of five minutes, it took only one. A total time of 6 minutes spent in the consulate. Not bad at all. 

Back on the train I was on my way to see the Giant Buddha. The starting pint of the cable car that take you to Buddha is only a few minutes from Henk's apartment. I opted for the crystal cabin cable car. Why? Because I am afraid of heights. Time to man up. The cable car ride takes about 20 - 25 minutes. 

Henk's apartment is in one of the buildings on the left.

Eeeek!!

First sight of Buddha.

After getting out of the cable car it is still quite a walk to get to Buddha. First through a little town of souvenir shops, the one trying to be more expensive than the other. I know that because I went into every single one of them. I am a sucker for souvenirs shops.

This one couldn't care less about everyone passing by. The word 'adoption'
came to mind a few times.

Getting closer to Buddha. South Africa - 11,881 km South West. 

And then the climb to see da Buddha.

Right under Buddha's big copper bottom I was told that if I buy a ticket to climb the stairs into Buddha's bottom I could get free lunch at the temple. Oh really? Well why not then? I was quite famished at the time since the foot long Subway sub I had devoured only minutes before I took on the million stairs to Buddha was already processed, packaged and ready for delivery by the time I reached the top. So up Buddha's bum it was. 

On my way to temple these people were praying, I assumed to Buddha.
Duh?! He was right behind me. 

There were a few monks praying in the temple. Unfortunately no photos allowed there.
Again... Oh really? Videos don't make any sound when recorded...

Yet another adorable pooch waiting for his owner.
Adoption!

Aaaaand lunch at 5pm. Tadaa! Coke, noodles, cookie, cookie. Yum. 

 After lunch at 5 it was time to start heading back to the cable car. Before even reaching the souvenir town I saw this little tent... filled... with... souvenirs. So obviously I walk inside and leave with a bag of souvenirs. A Buddha statue, Hong Kong fridge magnets, post cards, another golden waving kitty, this one for myself. Then, walking past the expensive souvenir shops back to the cable car with an I just bought a bag full of souvenirs look on my face. 

On the trip down I shared a car with a group of Korean tourists. After getting out of the cable car I was forced to walk through yet another souvenir shop to get to the exit. I just scanned everything quickly and I saw this awesome backpack. It was a panda, and it was so fluffy! So I bought it. And a Hong Kong shot glass. 

My flight back wasn't until 2:35 a.m. the next morning, so I still had some time catch my breath before returning to Korea. And so another Hong Kong trip came to an end. Part 3 success!

Thanks again Henk and Fenny for your hospitality.

The Return To Kimchi Land

hapter one in Kimchi Land came to an end just as 2011 was about to pass the torch to 2012, and with more than enough snot and tears I might add. About two months and a day or so ago I returned to the land of kimchi for chapter two. Chapter one was a big success and I have no doubt that chapter two will be as well, even though it started with a bit of a hiccup. But like I did with all hiccups, I took a spoonful of vinegar for the hiccup and everything worked out so well that I am back in my old neighborhood, a minute's walk from my old apartment, and working at a great school with awesome people.

Updates of everything since the hiccup up until now to follow soon...