Covid-19 Vaccine, 1st Dose Done

The Covid-19 vaccination program of Hong Kong government had resumed, last April 5, for those booked for the BioNTech, Cominarty vaccine. The program was initially suspended due to some vials having some packaging issues. After the investigation by vaccine manufacturer—Pfizer--cleared the issue, the government resumed the vaccination.  Those that had their bookings cancelled received SMS messages of their new vaccine schedule.

Covid-19 Vaccine Reschedule SMS

I’m happy to say that I’m one of those that received their new schedule at the same venue we initially booked.

I arrived at the vaccination center at Lai Chi Kok Park Sports Center, as scheduled, and happy to say that there’s no queue at the center.

Covid-19 Vaccine Booking Reference

I showed my SMS booking and scanned the Leave Home Safe app at the entrance of the complex.  Then, after going in, I again showed the SMS booking and my HKID at the booth.  They gave me a leaflet with information regarding the vaccine and a pen for me to tick the consent box on the leaflet after reading it.  We were given a seat inside the center to conduct the reading.

Covid-19 Vaccine Leaflet and Sticker

After reading and returning the pen in a collection box, I proceed to step 2, where patients were separated to each clinical booth to receive the vaccine.  The health officer asked for my HKID to scan and verified my personal information.  She then asked me some questions regarding my health background and asked for my consent to receive the vaccine.  I had to inform her that I do have some food allergies, so she advised that I stayed at the observation area for 30 minutes after getting the shot.

The actual jab was very quick and painless. I was surprised that it was done in a second.

She gave me a paper with information about my first dose of vaccine, the time it was administered and when to get my second dose.

I went to the rest area, where each seat was numbered and rested for the required 30 minutes.

Me with my jab

After that’s done, they gave me a packet of face mask on my way out.

Free Packet of Face Mask

That’s it! My first jab of Covid-19 vaccine is done.

I’m happy to say that I didn’t feel any pain, although I’m still observing myself.  From previous experience with other vaccines, I felt the pain and numbness at the jab area, the day after the shot.  Moving my arm from time to time actually helps in easing the pain more than letting it still for a long time.  I will update this entry should I feel any side effect tomorrow.

Here's to hoping there's nothing to update!

Have your vaccine recently? Or having a second thought? Tell me all about it at the comment section.   

Update April 17:

Felt only a little soreness on the location of the vaccine in the morning, but no impedement on my arm movement.

The soreness is gone by the evening.

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Saizeriya - Kid Friendly, Italian Food In A Budget

We love eating! I think that is a defining trait for Filipinos. We love to eat, and we eat a lot!  However, Filipino are choosy with what they eat.

 

The boys enjoying a pizza

How many times have you heard of a Pinoy living abroad and having a hard time looking for rice-paired food? Mostly, families doing a vacation trip end up eating in fast foods because that’s what their familiar with and that’s what the kids would eat.

 

One restaurant that we frequent here in Hong Kong is Saizeriya. It is a Japanese restaurant chain that features Italian food.

 

Photo Source: Saizeriya

Choices range from soups, salads, pizza, steak, risotto, and pasta.  A family with a picky eater in their group won’t have a problem in this place.  The food choices are kid friendly, and the portion is just right.  And if you are looking for some romantic dinner for two, Saizeriya also have wine pairing at HK$ 16 per glass and some lovely desserts.

 

Salmon Salad

Seaweed Salad

Cream Corn Soup

Spaghetti with Spinach and Smoked Salmon

Salami Pizza

Pizza Margherita

The kids love the place because of the self-service, unlimited soda bar. Price is HK$ 8, if you are below 13, and HK$ 11 for adults; kids 3 and below are free. You can create your own soda by mixing soda water with different flavors. Personally, I am not a fan, as I can't get the correct combination. I am more of a hot tea person.

 

Price is very reasonable. Soups and salads range between HK$ 19 to 24; while a plate of burger steak is only HK$ 32. The staffs are friendly, can communicate in English, as well as in Cantonese, and the service is fast and clean.

 

Hamburg with rich Cheese

Grilled Spicy Sausage

Our birthday boy enjoying his plate

There's plenty of Saizeriya shops all over Hong Kong. Check their site here for location and menu.  Next time you visit Hong Kong, skip the usual fast food and visit a Saizeriya instead. You won't regret it!

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Beach Day at Cafeteria New Beach

Public beaches have re-opened last April 2, after 4-months of closure due to a surge in Covid-19 cases. With it, other places like public swimming pools and museums have re-opened as well, but with limits in capacity.

 

The re-opening is just in time with the first day of the long Easter weekend, so time to hit the beach!

 

For this beach day, we head over to Cafeteria New Beach, along Castle Peak Road in So Kwun Wat, New Territories. The shoreline is a long stretch that connects directly with Golden Beach.

 

Source: Google Maps

From Sham Shui Po, we hop onto bus 52X and alight directly at Cafeteria Beach. Very convenient, but a rather long 1 hour, 22 minutes commute. For the complete bus route of 52X, follow this link.

 

Fish statue along the beach

There are groups of people enjoying the beach, but not too many. We all observed social distancing between each group and wear our masks, unless hitting the waters or the showers.

 

Cafeteria New Beach Shoreline

There's clean public toilet, shower and changing rooms. There are two lifeguard towers on the beach--although, I did not personally see if there's someone manning them.

 

Buoys are around the perimeter of the swimming area, with a warning to only swim within it.

 

The water is nice, though there is a little cold breeze blowing in. If you're going with little kids, be on the lookout, as the water goes deep easily just a few feet from the shore.

 

Dean getting ready to hit the waters

Cause you're never too old to play with sand

There's a store, Pattaya Beach Kiosk, where you can rent a beach umbrella for HK$ 80. Deposit is HK$ 100. Return your umbrella and receipt to get the change.  They also sell food, beverage, beach matts and toys. Not much store in this beach, so make sure to either bring some with you or eat before going.

 

Pink Umbrella for Rent

It is a good place to have some 3 to 4-hour of fun in the beach and do some sunbathing. Currently, barbecue pits are not yet allowed, so there's limited option for food if you are planning on a whole day beach outing.

 

Cafeteria New Beach is open until 6:00PM.

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