I like Hong Kong

Sandra was in commission group #120
see all photos »

I really enjoyed my stay in Hong Kong. We stayed in the Harbourview Hotel near the Hong kong Convention and Exhibition Center. It was a bit confusing to tell taxi drivers where to go, is it was recently called “The Harbourview International House” and most people knew it as the “YMCA”. The rooms were small by western standards, but our room ( a harbor view room) appeared to be newly remodeled, had plenty of room with high ceilings, was very clean, and the staff was very helpful and friendly.  Compared to other very expensive hotels nearby, the Harbourview is a bargain and a very nice hotel. I would strongly recommend it.

To prevent erosion, most hillsides in Hong Kong are”paved”.
see all photos »

I had booked a “half-day Hong Kong tour” through Expedia by a tour company Jetway Express. I do not recommend this tour or this dishonest tour company to anyone. We were on a bus with 15 German tourists and their guide who was talking over a loud microphone in German. Our tour was supposed to be in English. Our English-speaking guide was sick and only would only talk to answer questions, he mostly sat hunched in his seat, looking feverish. We had to pay extra for a boat tour (when it appeared to be included according to the description). The tour also included a long visit (nearly an hour) to a jewelry store, which was also not in the description. It was obvious the tour company got a commission if we bought any of the overpriced items based on a numbered sticker they slapped on our arms as we walked in the door. I felt like livestock tagged for sale and shuffled into a room of drooling sales people who would not leave you alone.

Tour Hong Kong on your own

A cemetery overlooking the city.
see all photos »

I learned that Hong Kong is a city that is very easy and safe to explore by yourself. I would recommend taking the subways wherever you need to go. Don’t miss riding on the Star ferry which goes across the bay from Kowloon to Wan Chai or to Central for less than 1$US. Watch the light show across the bay at 8pm where the skyscraper lights are coordinated with music. Visit the hiking trails on the mountains around the city- they give spectacular views and are worth the climb. If I would have had extra days, I would have explored more trails. Big Wave bay is a great place to learn how to surf or just hang out on the beach.  Go up to Victoria Peak. Visit one of the cemeteries on the hillside on your way down from a hilltop trail. There were countless good restaurants, but a couple that really stick out in my mind are Chili’s (Thai) on Hennessy Road in Wan Chai, and Temple Spice Crabs on Temple street (outdoor informal dining right next to the night market).