We Want to Go Where?

The morning began with a full American breakfast (not so adventurous I know), and then we were off to Hong Kong Island (HKI). Construction seems to be a way of life here, along with fast moving traffic. To keep pedestrian traffic flowing smoothly the city has underground and above ground walkways which enabled us to walk from the Star ferry terminal to Des Vouex Road. This is one of the main thoroughfares and the only one with electric trolleys which run from Western Market in Sheung Wan to Causeway Bay in the East. Not really knowing where we were going or how to read any of the maps, a helpful trolley driver pointed us in the direction of somewhere and off we went, taking in the spectacular metropolitan skyline of downtown HKI.

Sometimes you don’t know where you want to be until you stumble across it. So was the case with our next find, a long road in the foothills of Central filled with trinkets - some more authentic than others. A very pleasant plateau to stroll, picking up a few items for folks back home.

HKI is a feast for the eyes. Visually complex with towering skyscrapers and old cement low rises that look well past their prime, but still fully occupied. Winding our way down from the foothills you feel the energy coursing its way through each side street vendor, herbal medicine storefront, or rice wholesaler eager to conduct business with the millions of inhabitants that surround them in every direction.

We made our way back to Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon for high tea at the Peninsula Hotel, conveniently located next door to our hotel. After a 45 minute wait we continued the tradition of the old British bourgeoisie drinking Darjeeling tea, eating scones with clotted cream and cucumber sandwiches in THE place to see and be seen. The décor classic, the shops ostentatious, the service impeccable.

HK hosts an evening light and sound show with many of the buildings on Kowloon and HKI. Thanks are due to the HK Tourism Board which installed this display to the tune of HKD $44 million. The best way to view this symphony is from the water which provides a panoramic view. Cruising comfortably on our Symphony of Lights Cruise, there may be no better way to see the harbor at night, and there are few words that can describe it. Amazing and incredible are adjectives that come to mind, but these barely do it justice.

After two hours we were back on dry land and ready to see what Kowloon nightlife had to offer.