Back from my first overseas trip since the start of the pandemic! It’s so weird to see how things have changed since my trip to LA last year. Omicron broke out and we were back in lockdown and curbside service in the winter. Waves came and went, then it seemed like everything settled down during the summer as everyone began adjusting to the new normal. 

Traveling to HK was still ambitious, since they had a lot of restrictions in place when I arrived December 4. Prior to flying out I had to submit a mandatory health declaration form and upload a negative test result from a rapid test. Then I received a green QR code which allowed me to board my Cathay Pacific flight to HK. I had been dreading flying long distances and I was thoroughly surprised I made it out alive after flying 15-hours direct. Cathay also required masking onboard their flights, so I imagine it was a bit of an added challenge for some people.

After arriving at HKG, all passengers staying in HK were required to go through a round of PCR testing. You need to provide your green QR code and use your passport or HKID to download your Notification of Medical Surveillance, which has all your personal information as well as your vaccination records. Then you’re issued an Amber code under the 0+3 scheme, which at the time meant I was not able to dine out in restaurants or engage in other activities without masking for the first three days of my stay. At that time it seemed like a lot of information to remember, but it became easier as the days passed [although it was still a nuisance].

Since my flight arrived early, nothing was open when I got to the arrival hall. Trains to the city weren’t even running for another hour. I found out that my Octopus card no longer worked, so I had to buy a single ticket to board the Airport Express. It definitely felt like the longest day of my life and it was only 5am at that point lol. 

Thankfully the rest of my day went a bit smoother. I made it home in one piece and got my negative PCR test results pretty quickly. I had breakfast and lunch at home, then went over to Tsim Sha Tsui for the rest of the afternoon. It was really nice seeing the city for the first time in more than four years. It was definitely a lot quieter on the streets than I remembered, and everyone was still required to mask outdoors. But the atmosphere felt nice and I was lucky that it was sunny and warm for the entire week I was there. I also got my fill of food from Maxim and Cafe de Coral, so I was super happy. =)