Europe Adventure 2007

After a slightly turbulent flight we arrived safely in Hong Kong. Without a window seat we had not yet seen the colossal towers until the super efficient, smooth and clean express train to Kowloon.

Trying to refrain from spending money on the taxi a good 20 minutes was spent walking in loops (3x) around the bus depot looking for K5! The taxi ride was pleasant...

The Chung King Mansion, 38 Nathan Road is one of those sights which at first is not all that inviting however when you know a bed (regardless of how short or narrow) is waiting it is worth putting on the rose coloured glasses and entering.

Twin beds, bath/shower/toilet, TV, fridge and dressing table within a space the size or our tent - how do they do it?

Our Hong Kong experience, although packed with sights was taken at a very relaxing pace. Our first day began with a ride on the Star Ferry to Hong Kong Island with the morning commuters followed by a traditional breakfast (pork buns, and bacon and egg noodle soup) in Jardine House. We took in the architechture and watched local fishermen from the foreshore walk to Causeway Bay then relaxed in Victoria Park listening to children play in the park.

After lunch (Vietnamese?) we hopped on the double decker tram and chatted to the locals about life on Hong Kong Island. There was resounding agreement that Hong Kong has a lot of people (yep) which makes it quite crowded (yep yep). Without further adue we mounted the worlds longest series of escalators (about 25 in total).

A walk (downhill) to the botanical and zoological gardens took us to the Peak Tram lower station. What a ride, what a view from the top of the Peak and thankfully we remembered to sit on the right hand side. At the top it was time for more escalators (dozens we are sure) for a viewing deck unsurpassed in Hong Kong. To take in so many buildings in one view is incredible.

Coffee was calling so we sat above the Tram station and watched the sun go down while the lights of the city came alive. Following one more trip to the top for night shots and we were starting to crave a traditional dinner. Unfortunately, when on a tight budget not all the options at hand are possible, and incredibly the majority of restaurants on the Peak were not chinese (American +++, Indian & Japanese ++).

With various attempts to communicate with our waitress it was time to eat what we were served. Our Cantonese has let us down once again!

Day 2 commenced late as our only plans were to visit the Kowloon Gardens and Space Centre. Steve gave in to temptation and bought some ice-cream (MacDonalds - tut tut) then went shopping for a belt as his pants required hoisting. Mil drooled (not over Steve's pants) over the fashion shops which held exquisite French and Italian designs.

School children around 5-6 years old were having three-legged races and dancing to the wiggles in English? It is not difficult to see how in another 10 years English will be the world language. Deciding we needed to further educate ourselves we headed to the Space Centre and Chinese Art Gallery. Mil walked on the moon (simulated unfortunately), then we embossed some paper with lucky charms in the art gallery. Thankfully it was Wednesday Free Entry so we certainly got our moneys worth.

After strolling through the Peninsula Hotel (Studio AUD$800 p/night > Peninsula Suite AUD$8,000 p/n) we went to the bakery for lunch, selected various chinese sandwiches and sat on the wharf watching the boats. The final challenge was to find our ideal traditional chinese dinner. The %^&*# Hot Pot Restaurant was a winner.

Our recommendations for a stopover in Hong Kong:

[*]Star Ferry with morning commuters to Hong Kong Island

[*]Double decker tram ride down the centre of town and chat to friendly locals

[*]Peak Tram ride to top of Asia, what a view, what a city (day and night essential)

[*]Shopping, shopping and maybe some eating too

We are now boarding our flight AF183 to Paris so pictures will follow. Hope you are all well and enjoying the tale so far.