Second Stop: Hong Kong

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Second Stop- Hong Kong (May 11-16,2007)

May 11

We flew Cathay Pacific to Hong Kong. We were able to fly business class and I tried Red Bean Pudding with Coconut Sauce for the first time... what I consider an unusual combination but a very good one. I shall have it again when I see it next time... We arrived at the Hong Kong airport in early afternoon and hired a taxi to take us to our hotel, Renaissance Harbor View Hotel on Hong Kong Island. The taxi ride cost 374 HK$ (about 50 US$). We saw several giant skyscrapers ( over 40 floors!)

as we were leaving the airport & Gary told me they were just apartments and that I hadn't seen anything yet!!! We drove over some beautiful bridges on the way- single suspension type.... I hope I can get a picture on our way to the airport when we leave.

The landscape with it's mountains, trees and water is lovely..... traffic is on the left side as in Britain (guess why..) which causes interesting problems at the border into mainland China at Shenzen, from what I hear, when it changes to the other side.

After our arrival at the hotel, we checked in and dropped our luggage in our room, #1604. Next, we decided to go for a walk and check out the close vicinity.... we walked less than five minutes and we were standing at the Star Ferry Terminal- Wan Chai where we checked out the schedule and cost. We then headed for a stroll around the outer edge of the Convention & Exhibition Center (next to the hotel). It actually sticks out into the water on reclaimed land and is a very interesting and unique building. We stopped to admire the Golden Bauhinia (actually, the Forever Blooming Bauhinia- it's proper name), the spot where Hong Kong was officially handed back to China by Britain in July 1997. The sculpture was presented to Hong Kong as it was established as a Special Administrative Region by the central government of the People's Republic of China. There are many photographers there waiting to take a souvenir picture for anyone that wants one. We stepped inside the convention center and there is a nice gallery of pictures displayed of the actual ceremonies from 1997. There is also a little convenience store there so we were able to pick up a bottle of water to carry with us....

Once back at the hotel, we stopped for a drink and a snack of chicken tandori skewers and enjoyed some live music at the Lobby Lounge and enjoyed the view of the harbor through the huge windows.

We hoped to see the lighting of the buildings at 8 p.m. but fell asleep early...... tomorrow........

May 12 (Saturday)

Started the day off early and had a very nice breakfast buffet at the Coffee Shop. We picked up a great Hong Kong map from the concierge and he indicated the best walking route to Statue Square which was our first goal for the day. We walked the mile or so, up and down stairs, across bridges until we arrived. I took many pictures but unfortunately my flash card started to give errors so I had to rely on Gary to take pictures..... next, we walked over to the Bank of China, a very interesting building, 70 floors tall, which reputably has very poor fung shui.... we went up to the 43rd floor where they have a public viewing area to take pictures. The air-conditioned interior was nice as it was already very warm and humid.

Next on the agenda was going to the tallest building in Hong Kong (88 floors!!!), the Two IFC. There is a nice mall on the bottom floors so we stopped off and had coffee drinks at the Pacific Coffee Company. We were unable to go up in the building as it is not open to the public so decided to catch the Star Ferry from the Central Pier (next to the mall) and head over to the Kowloon side (across from Hong Kong Island). The ticket for the upper deck on the ferry cost only 2.2 HK$ (about 30 cents), a fabulous deal for Hong Kong!!! In about 10 minutes, we were across the Victoria Harbour and debarking by another large mall. As it was time for lunch we stopped at Habitu Ristorante-the Pier (yes, we do like Italian food!). Gary ordered a Caprese salad and I ordered a spinach salad with feta cheese, walnuts and sliced pears. We split a small margherita pizza... the crust was advertised as only being 2mm thick and I think it was less, amazing and great for us since pizza is a no-no on our diet... :-) (oh, well, we have been walking a lot!)

As we are planning to come back to this side for the Temple Street Night Market tonight or tomorrow, we decided to head back to the hotel for a short rest. We caught the Star Ferry at the pier to head back to Wan Chai terminal, literally a three minute walk from the hotel, closer than I had thought.

After an afternoon rest at the hotel, our next desired activity was the most often suggested trip up to the Peak (aka Victoria's Peak) from which you could get the most photographed view of Hong Kong, Victoria Bay & the Kowloon side. We checked with the hotel concierge regarding the best way to walk to the Peak Tram and then set off in that direction. We chose to walk though the Hong Kong Park on the way to enjoy the scenery rather than following the street. It was a pleasant walk but unfortunately we needed to climb at least 200+ stairs up and then about the same amount down.... we got our exercise. When we arrived at the Peak Tram station, there was a long line and we waited about 30 minutes. The cost was 33HK$ each for a round trip (about 4.50 US$, a great deal) on the tram that has been continuously operating except for two small closures since 1888.... yes, 1888... what a change in Hong Kong since then!

The ride in the tram was enjoyable and was very steep in some locations. I felt my senses challenged as we went by skyscrapers which seemed tilted, but, of course, it was me that was tilted.... Upon arrival at the top we disembarked in the futuristic Peak Tower. We decided to head up to the platform at the top for the stunning view of Hong Kong. Up we went on at least eight escalators to reach the top. At each level were all kinds of shopping. The view was beautiful but unfortunately it was quite hazy so we were unable to get the kinds of pictures that we had hoped.

We decided that it was time for dinner and stopped at a very nice looking restaurant, Cafe Deco. We had a very enjoyable dinner and by the time we were done, we had missed the light show (the light show happens each evening at 8 p.m.) so we headed back up to the viewing deck so Gary could try to get a night time panorama of the city and the bay. We decided that we must see the light show tomorrow night!!!

By around 9:30 we headed back down on the tram. The buildings looked even more tilted and we were going a lot faster.....after we arrived at the station we walked back to the hotel, of course by a different route this time!

May 13 (Sunday) Mother's Day

With only one more full day here (Gary will be working Monday & Tuesday) to do exploration together, we decided to head out to Stanley, a town on the south side of Hong Kong Island. We checked again with our friendly concierge at the front desk regarding the best way to go there. We had thought of maybe trying a taxi but thought that might be a bit expensive and the concierge suggested that we take the city bus. He claimed that it only took about 30 minutes to get there and only cost 10.60 HK$ each way ( 1.50 US$)... quite a savings. It took less than five minutes to walk to the last bus stop for bus route 260 before it goes through Aberdeen Tunnel on it's way south. The bus is very clean and comfortable (& air-conditioned) and is a double decker. Of course, we rode on the top level and enjoyed the nice scenery as we passed Deep Water Bay, where we saw some of the dragon boat racing practice in progress. Next down the road was Recluse Bay which looked so inviting, I was wishing I'd brought my swimsuit. The road past his point get very winding and narrow but also very beautiful. It was quite exciting as we rounded curves to come upon another double decker bus going in the opposite direction and missing it by inches.... those drivers are good!

Upon reaching Stanley, we walked down on the side of town where the market is held. There I was able to pick up three strands of beads and a nice handheld fan (always nice to have when it's hot and humid like this). We then wandered down to the waterfront by Stanley's Main Street and walked past lots of restaurants, then towards Murray House and then stopping at the Stanley Plaza at the HSBC ATM for some cash. We had thought we might be able to go out further on the Stanley Peninsula to the fort to get some pictures but found out that it was closed to the public... it's still in use..... wondering why it is listed as one of the ten things to do in Stanley in the DK Top Ten Hong Kong book (which I must say are very good travel books- compact with lots of good information on large cities). We stopped to eat lunch at a cute little restaurant on Main Street called The Boathouse. We ate upstairs and had a nice view of the Stanley Bay. Gary had Fresh Prawns with Green Curry in Coconut Milk sauce and a Tomato & Mozzarella Salad. I had a Pumpkin and Orange with Amaretti Soup and a great Apple, Tuna & Cashew Salad (with lots of other ingredients also).

Before heading back to the city we decided to walk to the other side of the town & peninsula to where Stanley Main Beach is. On the way we stopped at a fruit stand and bought some fresh cherries and strawberries to enjoy on the beach. They cost 45 HK$ per lb (about 5 US$), quite expensive but they were delicious! We took a few pictures of the activity there. There were many windsurfers and a few dragon boats practicing. I've read that the main championship of the Dragon Boat Festival that occurs in June is held on this beach in Stanley.

Within a few minutes of arriving back at the bus stop, another 260 route bus was there and we were seated on top again and in the front row. This made for a very exciting and inexpensive ride, definitely recommended...... we disembarked at the first stop after the tunnel and within a few minutes were back in our hotel room......

Around 5:30, we left the hotel and walked down to the Star Ferry again and caught the next ferry over to Kowloon. Gary wanted to scope out a great spot for a night time panorama from that side of the bay. They have a great viewing area there (two levels with benches) so people can take in the view (& light show each night). We decided to start walking towards Temple Street as it was over a mile to get there and we wanted to get there before it was too late. I hate to admit it, but we stopped at the Hard Rock Cafe-Hong Kong for a quick bite to eat. (Yes, there really is a Hard Rock-Hong Kong!)

We continued on towards the Temple Street Night Market. It was quite lively and interesting. We picked up a few dvds (about 2 US$ each!), a "Swiss Army" watch for me for 25 HK$ (3 US$)(my watch battery stopped yesterday & this was cheaper than buying a new battery!) and a couple other small items. I was disappointed not to find the purses I was looking for. After a seemingly endless walk back to the waterfront (my feet were killing me now... ) we stopped to get the panorama pictures and then caught the ferry back to the hotel.

May 14 (Monday)

Today is Monday and a work day for Gary so he is gone all day. I checked with the sightseeing lady regarding tours that are open for today and found one that I would like to do, Afternoon Western Shoreline & Tsing Ma Bridge Cruise which departs from Central #9 pier at 3 p.m.

I set out to find one of the camera shops recommended by the reviews of Hong Kong residents on a couple photography forums on the internet. The best bet were two shops on Stanley Street in the Central District. That was good because I needed to catch the boat for my sightseeing tour at 2:50 p.m. at Pier 9 and it was near the IFC 2 Tower (the building with 88 floors!).

I stopped by the concierge desk to get a map with Stanley Street circled and he also informed me that there was a free shuttle (H1) to the Hong Kong Station/Airport Express (under IFC1 & 2) in 20 minutes. What a relief, not only is it free but it's supposed to be hot today(30 degrees). I made my way to Stanley Street on a series of elevated walkways with throngs of people because by now it was lunchtime! Once across Queen's Road, I was delighted to discover Stanley Road and Photo Scientific, one of the shops recommended. I was set up with a new smaller size flash card & we hope this solves my camera problem.

On my way to Pier 9, I stopped in the IFC Mall at the Pacific Coffee Company and got a Mocha Chillino and a small chicken wrap.... not bad, lunch was 62HK$ (8US$).

After a short walk, I arrived at the pier and promptly at 2:50 the Noble House (yes, that's a boat) arrived for it's 3 p.m. sailing. Since my camera failed to work, you can see what the boat looks like at this link: www.watertours.com.hk /boats.asp

There were already about a dozen people on board and only three others boarded with me so it certainly wasn't crowded. We headed across Victoria Bay to the Kowloon side and then headed northwest along the shore of the New Territories. The first amazing thing, other than the incredible skyscrapers, was the brand new enormous bridge which was about half done spanning from Stonecutter's Island to Tsing Yi Island. Upon my return to the hotel, I looked up information online and found it's called Stonecutter's Bridge and that construction started in 2004 and will be completed in 2009. When completed, the main span of the bridge will be 1018 meters and will be the longest cable-stayed span in the world and will have a cost of about 2.7 billion US$!!! I also discovered online that as a result of the difficulty in the construction, this is being featured on the Discovery Channel's Extreme Engineering series. It is set to show in the states on August 7 & 8, 2007. A link: www.stonecuttersbridge .net/en/main.htm

Then we crossed under the Tsing Ma Bridge, the longest suspension bridge in the world that carries both vehicle and train traffic (& one of the bridges we had crossed coming from the airport). www.tsingma.com.hk/Web _pages/Intro_tmca/tsing _ma_bridge_e.htm

Then we passed under the Ting Kau Bridge, the world's first major 4-span cable-stayed bridge and very beautiful to look at. It has the look of giant sails on a sailing vessel and is gorgeous and what I'd hoped to get a picture of. This really disappointed me. Here is a link so you can enjoy also. www.tsingma.com.hk/Web _pages/Intro_tmca/ting _kau_bridge_e.htm

Also impressive were the shipyards and the "World's Largest Container Terminal"-- Wow! I definitely recommend this particular cruise if you come to Hong Kong (& bring a working camera :-). It's run by Watertours of Hong Kong. After our return (was close to two hours), I caught the H1 bus back to the hotel.

We had reservations for dinner at 7p.m. at the Golden Bauhinia Cantonese Restaurant located in the lower level of the Convention Center. This is an award winning Cantonese restaurant located so that many of the tables face the Victoria Bay and if you are there at 8 p.m., you can see the Kowloon side of the nightly light show. This place had wonderful service and the food was fantastic. We ordered one of the set menus as we were not sure what to order & this one sounded great.

We had seven courses....(I can't remember all the correct plate names but you can get an idea)... Sliced scallop & papaya over cubed melon, Baby Lobster & Rice Noodles, Shark Fin Soup, Steamed Garoupa & Broccoli, Deep Fried Chicken Wings (with a great sauce), Fried Rice in Lotus Leaves, and some fresh fruit. Very nice......would definitely go back......\

By the way, I discovered that the Bauhinia is a flower that happens to be Hong Kong's emblem-- it's on their flag and their coins.

After leaving, we caught the Star Ferry for Kowloon once again as Gary wanted to reshoot the panorama.

May 15 (Tuesday)

Well, we've been here for four nights and this is the first time that I've stopped the elevator at the 11th floor and come out to enjoy the lush gardens, waterfalls & beautiful pool that is shared by the Renaissance Harbour View Hotel and the Grand Hyatt. This is all on top of the tenth floor and quite lovely and relaxing. There are perhaps 15-20 tables & umbrellas and 40 lounge chairs set up and though I'd only planned to walk down to read, I found myself sitting with a tall glass of Ice tea with lemon and a Greek Salad..... so much for will power (what happened to that protein bar?). It sure would have been nice to have a working camera to record the moment.......

Today is the day to catch up on email, read a book & research our activities for Taipei. Since Gary will be working much of the time we are there I will need to find something other than shopping to fill my time as there is not much room in our luggage......

Reservations were set up yesterday for dinner tonight at the Thai Basil Bar Cafe, a place recommended by some of the people at Gary's workplace here. It is located on the lower ground floor of Pacific Place on Queensway. We arrived earlier than our reservation because we needed to be on the other side of Victoria Bay when the nightly light show started at 8 p.m.

The food and ambience at the Thai Basil was great.... obviously a very nice restaurant. We ordered some prawn rolls to start and then each tried a different soup. Mine was a delicious pumpkin and ginger root soup. For my entree, I picked a rack of lamb with a green curry and lime oil sauce over spinach greens. It just had the right amount of spice.... very nice. Then we were off via taxi to the Wan Chai Star Ferry terminal (by our hotel) once again....

We finally were able to watch the entire Hong Kong light show which is put on every night at eight. The show lasts for about 20 minutes and is set to music which is broadcast over speakers along the waterfront on both sides of the bay. It starts with each of the buildings in the show being introduced (with an response from that building...... cute!). It is something you must see if you are here. Apparently the show changes with the season. I find it absolutely amazing that so many companies can work together to coordinate their colored lights and laser lights into such a show.... really cool!

Tomorrow we will be leaving Hong Kong and heading on to Taipei, Taiwan...... to be continued.. :-)