Preparations

In preparation for this upcoming trip, I've been subjected to two things that I dread the most: drugs and needles. It has been recommended that travellers to Asia are wise to have Hepatitis A and B vaccinations, and also take some form of medication to prevent any major occurrences of diarrhea, caused by food and beverages.

So two weeks ago, I had to get a blood test done to see whether I would need such medication. I hate blood tests. Just the fact that the needle is bigger than your normal flu shot needle and the doctor is sucking blood out of you into a little plastic tube makes me sick. I posted negative results for both Hep A and B -- the latter being negative because my previous vaccination had run its course. Last week, I got my first dosage of the Twinrix vaccination to protect against Hepatitis A and a booster shot for Hepatitis B. I hate needles. I must return after 6 months and no more than 1 year to get my second dosage of Twinrix. Lovely. I'm sooo looking forward to that.

To top off the needles, I was also highly recommended by my family doctor to take the diarrhea-prevention medication. Basically, the medication is in liquid form and tastes like carbonated kool-aid-orange-flavour-water. Does that make any sense? I should take a picture of what it is on Friday when I take my second dose. And what's interesting about this medication is that while it's supposed to prevent diarrhea, the symptoms that you may feel after taking it is....diarrhea and abdominal pain! Soon after finishing my first dose, I started to feel those symptoms. Lovely. But it went away after one night's rest.

Other than the medication and needles, I've been eagerly counting down the days till I depart. After ferociously looking through my closet, I picked out all the appropriate clothing that needed to be taken on this trip. Packing for this trip has been quite difficult, as I could not decide what to take and what not to take. My philosophy when packing for a trip is to pack light. After years of travelling back and forth between two cities, packing light is the most ideal way. During this trip, I will be going from spring/fall-like weather to below freezing temperature (Hong Kong-Beijing); therefore, I need to pack clothing for two different seasons and it is proving to be quite difficult when trying to pack light. Nonetheless, I have succeeded (pic to come).

Lastly, I have also been doing a lot of prep work in researching where I would like to visit and what I would like to do whilst in Hong Kong and Beijing; although, the latter has pretty much already been planned out because I believe we're joining a "Duck Tour". Otherwise, for things to do in HK, I've already mapped out places and circled all the places I want to visit and things to do (shopping will be on the side...). The thing I want to do the most (and the most I look forward to) while in HK is visit the museums and heritage sites. Second is EAT. I know I will gain a couple of pounds. Third is shopping, but seeing as I have limited funds and space in luggage, it will be impossible. I'm not a shopoholic, so I will not be tempted to purchase any pieces of clothing (unless it's dirt cheap and I like the style). I have also successfully located Modern Toilet in Hong Kong. Clara and I will be paying them a little visit a couple of days after I arrive.

I just hope I will be ready for HK....(I know there's going to be some ranting, especially with the crowds and I HATE crowds).