JCI President Argenis Angula and JCI Secretary General Kevin started to experience a day as a local Hong Kong citizen with the JCIHK Publication Team on a sunny Saturday in the end of October.
A Visit to the Wong Tai Sin Temple
Firstly, they visited Wong Tai Sin Temple, a well-known shrine and tourist attraction in Hong Kong.
Wong Tai Sin Temple is one of the busiest and luckiest temples in town. Dedicated to the god of healing Wong Tai Sin, this iconic temple is a feast for the senses, decorated with bright red pillars, bronze zodiac statues, jade-colored roofs with intricate lattice work and dragon adornments. The JCI President was amazed by the zodiac statues and he took various photos with his bronze zodiac statue as a memory. The temple was covered with a scent of thick incense in the air and this is one of the signature icons of the Chinese temples. The JCI President did Kau Chim (Chinese-style fortune telling). He got an extremely favorable fortunate stick indicating the success to 2022 JCI World Congress Hong Kong.
Kau Chim is a fortune telling practice which is originated in China in which the querent requests answers from a sacred oracle lot. The practice is often performed in a Buddhist temple in front of an altar.The similar practice is also found in Japan, named O-mikuji. The JCI President indicated that it was an amazing experience and an extremely good opportunity to share the energy at the Temple with the Hong Kong team. He highlighted that especially the message he received from the fortune stick is that the world congress will be a smooth and successful one. He thinks that as all of us are working hard together and in a team, this should happen as well in which he really does appreciate the JCI Hong Kong team a lot. In Venezuela, they go to temples & churches for praying and meditation. However, the energy in Wong Tai Sin is absolutely new and exciting; the opportunity to talk to the fortunate teller was very unique and he is extremely thankful for this experience.
Local Cha Chaan Teng
Thereafter, they went to the popular cha chaan teng in Prince Edward where it is renowned for its authentic culture and filming local movies. The setting of the café is very traditional and there are 2 storeys in this cha chaan teng. Cha chaan teng (“tea restaurant”) means Hong Kong-style café that is originated locally. Cha chaan teng are commonly found in Hong Kong, Macau, and some parts of Guangdong in China. Cha chaan tengs are well known for its affordable menus, including dishes from Hong Kong cuisine and Hong Kong-style Western cuisine. Popular snacks include French toast, pineapple bun, cocktail bun & egg tart. JCI President Argenis thinks all the snacks are delicious and there is a big competition between them. His most memorable snack is a cocktail bun and he likes the coconut inside, he thinks it is very flavorsome.
Travel as a Local Citizen
Afterwards, JCI President Argenis and JCI SG Kevin travelled to the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade by MTR, the best way to experience the busy life of a Hong Konger! The MTR Corporation was established in 1975 as the Mass Transit Railway Corporation with a mission to construct and operate, under prudent commercial principles, an urban metro system to help meet Hong Kong’s public transport requirements. MTR is one of the most efficient, reliable, and safest systems in the world. Its extensive network carries over 4 million passengers per day, connecting Hong Kong Island to Kowloon and the New Territories. During peak hours, it carries local citizens to work rapidly and efficiently without congestion.
JCI President Argenis found the experience very great and his impression was positive and well-organized. The train is very clean with a great signal, it was his first time but he could figure out his own way to the destination because the signages and technology are clear. MTR was very fast as well and there was music in the ground too!
Stroll Along the Victoria Harbour
Before dinner, the team enjoyed a relaxing walk along the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade, glancing a full view of the sunset. It is one of the most beautiful walks in Hong Kong, winding its way along the waterfront in Kowloon; offering spectacular views of Victoria Harbour, strolling along the promenade is no doubt one of the best free things to do in the city. The harbour is often occupied with ships, ranging from humble wooden sampans and junk boats to massive cruise liners and luxury yachts, which will make you wonder how the Star Ferry manages to dodge them all. Next to the Star Ferry Terminal is the Clock Tower, which dates to 1915 when it was part of the Kowloon-Canton Railway Terminus. This monument, and popular meeting spot, has a pond and a garden, and stands in front of the iconic Hong Kong Cultural Centre. JCI President Argenis enjoyed the moment and took many photos with the stunning view of harbour, skycrapers and Avenue of Stars. He loved the beautiful environment and the culture with tourists around, the lovely landscape and the relaxing moment.
Peking Dinner
Last but not least, they had a traditional Chinese dinner at an authentic restaurant called Peking Restaurant where they witnessed the cutting of Peking Duck. Peking duck is an iconic Beijing dish, consisting of thin pieces of tender, roasted duck meat and crispy skin wrapped in a thin crepe, along with sliced spring onions, cucumbers, and hoisin sauce. JCI President and Secretary General Kevin both enjoyed the food a lot and we introduced the history of each dishes and they learned a lot about Chinese culture as well. JCI President’s favorite food is the fresh fish prepared with vegetables which he thinks the dish is a very healthy one. In Venezuela, there are not a lot of fresh seafood like in Hong Kong.
In his hometown, they prepare a lot of fried food with cheese; one traditional food is beef with banana.
JCI President Argenis Angulo states that the energy Hong Kong provided is very positive and he highly recommends people to come because Hong Kong people makes him very welcoming, just like at home. The mindset in Hong Kong is very open and international and he is very thankful and grateful for the energy we provided.
