We made the transition from laid back SE Asia to the ultra-modern metropolis of Hong Kong. Tuk Tuks were replaced by luxury double decker buses and an expansive subway system. While offers for massages were replaced by calls to examine high end watches and jewelry. Every corner turned revealed yet another sleek sky scraper bursting with name brand shops while the streets were packed with Mercedes, BMWs, and Porches with hardly a Toyota or Honda to be seen (except taxis). Sadly the spacious and cheap hotels were also left behind in SE Asia and we found ourselves instead in an incredibly cramped room for $50 US a night, which was a steal by Hong Kong standards.
For Graham, it was a bit of trip down memory lane back to the days when his family lived in Hong Kong for 4 years in the early 90’s.
For Graham, it was a bit of trip down memory lane back to the days when his family lived in Hong Kong for 4 years in the early 90’s.
The tiny room which could barely contain us and all our stuff. Not in view is the closet sized bathroom.
The street Graham’s old house is on.
The house has since had a story added and been converted to a set of apartments plus the lawn torn up for parking. The woes of progress
Stanley Market, Graham’s old stomping grounds
While Hong Kong is known for being an rather crowded and busy place, the Island’s steep mountains have left much of it undeveloped and several hiking trails offer an escape from the concrete jungle. To access the “Dragon’s Back” trail we climbed up through this cemetery built into the hills.
The ridge of the Dragon’s back.
Hard to believe this is only a few subway stops and short hike away from a cosmopolitan hub of 7 million people.
Some of the fresh seafood on offer at the market. The gills were still moving!
Mmmm chicken foot soup. Gives it that extra zang.
Sue found a groupon for a nice dinner out. We ordered the signature leopard coral with trout (the big bowl in the middle) which made our tongues and lips tingle, sort of like licking a 9 volt battery. Very tasty but a little odd. The locals sharing our table couldn’t believe we ordered it and said it was too spicy for them to try.
We heard about a little whole in the wall dim sum place with a former four-seasons chef and the claim of being the cheapest Michelin star rated restaurant in the world. While we had to wait almost an hour for a table at lunch, it was well worth it for the $12 dim sum feast.
The view from atop Victoria Peak after riding the tram to the top.
One of the lesser advertised attractions of Hong Kong is the free botanical gardens and zoo located just outside the center of town. The mammal area had a huge variety of some very active primates.
The nightly laser and light show. The major buildings of the skyline are equipped with lights that pulse in time to the music played from speakers along the waterfront. Only in Hong Kong.
Did you actually eat the chicken foot?
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