Arriving at Hong Kong was surreal. From the airport, up until the hotel, I couldn’t explain the feeling. Everything felt so right; that I was in place once more. Just to take my mind off that mix of wonder and being excited as well, I gave Pat a text message pretending to be my sister. I couldn’t help but laugh at the idea. After an hour or so later, I saw Pat’s face go blank as I met him outside the Marco Polo Prince.

I was so happy.

Heading on, Pat and I went along with my Aunt and her officemates to have lunch. We had it at this posh Chinese Restaurant. The food just kept on pouring on the table. Pat really impressed everyone by being the nice guy that he is, volunteering to take pictures, talking to everyone and all. Deep inside I was so proud – this was my best friend. There were some leftovers and everyone just said that Pat should take the food home. Not wanting to take so much back, he tried to finish it off. Seeing that it was too much for him to chow down alone, I tried to help even though my tummy was bursting. In the end, Pat still had some Chicken and Lin Yong Pao to bring back as we really couldn’t have everything. When the bill came, I heard my aunt speaking in Fookien to some friends and it turns out that it was 300 HKD per person. When Pat and I heard about this, I guess it was just normal to feel embarrassed as it cost so much.

The day headed on going to The Peak. The line for the trams was really long but good that we managed still. Too bad it was a foggy night and it seemed as if not all the lights of the buildings in HK were lit. It didn’t matter though cause this was Pat and I’s third time to go there. What mattered to me was the conversation, the catching up and just being there in that moment once more with my best bud in the world. I asked Pat if anything has changed and he said that “it’s like you haven’t left at all.”

After The Peak, it was off to Mong Kok to meet up with Jacq and Alex for dinner. When we arrived, Alex was already waiting for us with his new roommate Kuan and also Chris. I must say it did feel a bit awkward for me when they all started talking. I felt like an outsider who was back once more to step one. I knew Pat noticed as he went “I want to go look at Giordano” and then I would follow as well. This feeling was a real surprise to me. I didn’t expect it. Luckily though, it wasn’t too long before Jacq came.

We had dinner at this Macanese Restaurant. There I had time to catch up with Jacq. I really did miss talking to her. After, we bumped to my Aunt and so I introduced everyone and they chatted for a bit.

It was a good first day… I just find it hard to sleep knowing that I’ll have three days left.