Dodgy.

I think that's the perfect word to describe the hotel we booked to. Maybe it's just an exaggeration, or worse, it could be an understatement. Whatever that is, we hope to get out of there alive.

If you are wondering what I'm talking about... Well, Jan and I booked a 4-night stay at a place that has been known for its notorious reputation. The Chungking Mansions. I know. What the hell were we thinking, right? How have we gotten ourselves absolutely reckless?


We could put ourselves partly at fault because we did not do research. But in our defense, coming from a third-world country that has, with all honesty, a few horrible hotel accommodations, we thought it was undeniably practical to book in a cheap place that conveniently stands in a desirable location. I mean, this is Hong Kong we're talking about, how could it get any worse? Since we're not fussy about hotel rooms, anything will be fine. We banked on reviews and not one has ever hinted that it is a hub for drug peddlers, sex traffickers, and other illicit activities until Jan's cousin who lived and worked there pointed that out. Backed by blogs about some of the travelers' awful experiences, apparently, we did not read enough.

Jan called Agoda and asked if we can cancel our booking. But alas! Discounted budget hotels come with no-refund-no-cancellation policy and has done us in. We already got our long-term financial priorities sorted out that we can't waste another penny to book to a highly priced and less-than-ideally located hotel. Told him, we'll just get on with it.

I would be lying if I say it didn't scare me. But I think it scared the shit out of me that I almost don't feel scared anymore. Rather curious, intrigued, excited. Maybe a little worried. But at least, I would have something exciting to blog about. Haha. #ParaSaBlog

Crossing my fingers that this trip will push through. Because honestly, what scares me more is the fact that we still don't have the flight tickets for our Hong Kong trip and we only have ten days left. And you know what's also really scary? Those offloading stories at the airport. Imagine having everything planned, booked, and packed only to end up being denied of travel. Ugh. Que horror!


Update: We're (obviously) alive! Stayed at Tom's Guest House at Block C and I would say, it's safe there.