A week or so ago, it was announced that Shanghai will also have a Disneyland built soon – 2011 (?). Watch out…..

While I have also been to the U.S. Disneyland in Anaheim, Los Angeles and Disney World at Orlando, Florida – one cannot make apple to apple comparison with HK due to vast space availability in the U.S. (the origin of Disney Parks concept) and with other associated theme parks attached to them, like Universal Studios, Epcot Center, Windows of the World etc..

I recall spending only a day in Disneyland in Anahiem while having fun of about a week in Disney World in Orlando, Florida. The latter was one of the largest theme parks that I visited then where I spent some happy moments reminiscing childhood to enjoy all there’s to offer with fond memories. Coincidentally, the Busch Gardens (lately announced financially in trouble) is just close by and I also spent a day there – which was another good theme park to visit with great shows and incredible hugh catfish alive. Not too far from these parks, I spent yet another day in NASA, the U.S. Space Center where it so happened that there was a space program that day and I could witness the space shuttle launched in its pad ready to take off.

There are two more Disneylands – one in Paris and other in Tokyo, which I have given both a miss; while only going past their exterior compunds a few times enrouting to other places of interest.

With all the recommendations Hong Kong is a very interesting place to visit. So keep an eye on food, another one on shopping bargain, you will not have time to chat with any beautiful lady.

The residents of Hong Kong usually have 3 meals plus 2 snacks a day. you will find their fridge is stock with cold drinks only because every thing is fresh from the market and most of them eat outside.

Also worth visiting is nearby Disney attractions, I wonder anyone been there.

It is in the vicinity of Mongkok Ladies’ Market mentioned above by stephen where you will get the Chau Tofu. Indeed, that area is also a famous shopping centre for the rich, medium-class and the poor alike.

Within malls housed the world famous trendy brands and in street stalls, all the latest and greatest fashion/goodies for the layman. As with all crowded places, one needs to be careful of pickpockets when jostling in a sea of people, especially within dazzling flash of streets’ neonlights. The place is really worth the visit. Besides electronic goods, it is also the haven for limited editions sports shoes, clothings etc. The main streets are lined up with mega jewellery stores that could make visitors in shock/awe when encountered with large array of flashy branded watches and world-class diamond, jade and other precious stones’ jewellery. For the watches, it is said that the variety of choice on display is even more than their place of original manufacture.

Jordan Road, close by, is lined up with middle to lower-end Indian Restaurants. One would be amazed with the growth going on. The food is mediocre. Next to Jordan Road is the notorious Temple Street – a “must see” place to visit during the evening. It is a sort of street carvial where a lot of shopping, eating and entertainment happening at the same time – a poorman’s nightclub. One will find Chinese opera street singers, herbalists, fortune tellers, the antique and fashion stalls etc…

A stone’s throw away is the Jade Market where one would find yourself in a sea of jade products from rings, necklace to pendants……..an unforgettable experience.

A short distance away is the flowers street. Again, a big surprise to see the streets lined up with florists on both sides. Most of the flowers are imported and you name it, they have it. As this is more of a wholesale area, prices are cheaper than florists in main streets or within shopping malls.

Then there is the aquarium fish street within walking distance. Again, it is a pleasant experience to see fishes of all shapes, sizes and hues. Another eye-opening experience. Again, all imported from abroad.

Lstly, the birds street is also close by. Due to the recent avian flu and the like, there are quite some restrictions placed on the birds’ vendors and safety for the visitors. So, you would like to venture, you take the risks.

Knowing that you are a keen fan of Chinese food and specifically “tofu”, when you next visit China passing through Hong Kong, I would recommend you to try “Chau Tofu” (literally Cantonese translation means stinking tofu). This is pure vegetarian food with no meat. In fact, the tofu is cooked right in front of you at your order request of the quantity you would like to eat.

This delicacy is available in many street corners and street hawker stalls/shops around Mongkok area. Even before you reach the vicinity or hawker shop stalls that sell these goodies, you sure would get the “stinking” aroma from a distance. However, never underestimate the stinks you may smell – it is different from the stink aroma of durian ( a tropical fruit from Thailand and Malaysia, also available widely in Hong Kong). If you should have the guts to ever try both, they can be summarized that they smell like hell but taste like heavin. With that said, try Chau Tofu first as you will definitely be excited after your first bite of how delicious it is.

Chau Tofu is fermented tofu (specially prepared) deep fried in very hot cooking oil until the outer crusts get light brown and crispy. When added with home-made hot chillie sauce on top, they really taste good and after the first initial bite, I promise that being a tofu lover, you would yearn for more and more…….

Let me know after your try….I bet you would say it is a good recommendation.

Bon Appetit.