Advertisement
Published: September 10th 2007
Edit Blog Post
Countdown to the games
They have this live countdown in Kowloon park for the upcoming olympic games. 348 days to go at the time. There are two words that come to mind when you first touch down in Hong Kong in August and that is HOT and HUMID.
We arrived around 8am thinking we would get to our hostel before it started to heat up.
We were of course very wrong and we had to endure a 30 degree heat with 88% humidity whilst carrying our backpacks.
Every building and mode of transport has air con as standard so we were offered a temporary rest from this unforgiving heat by way of a bus trip. We were heading to Tsim sha tsui where we had booked accommodation (around 50mins from the airport.
Technology is noticeable everywhere and appears in many unexpected places. Buses and trains have TV’s, pillars project big brand names and even staircases have moving advertisements in them.
The youth of today are well kitted out with the latest mobile phones, laptops and games which is hardly surprising as there is a gadget shop on just about every corner and its also the cheapest place in the world in which to get these items.
However, for all other purchases, Hong Kong is regarded as an expensive city in which to live.
Sunset over Hong Kong
This was taken at the waterfront near the avenue of the stars as the evening approached. Perhaps a little cheaper than London from our experiences, but not much.
We arrived on Nathan Rd after being offered 2 suits, a handbag, a watch and an all over massage by a combination of Indian business men and street wise Hong Kong women, all within the 30 seconds it took to reach the Chungking Mansion (our place for the week).
We must stress that the word 'mansion' to you and I means something completely different to the people of Hong Kong.
An author by the name of Peter Moore once wrote '' to them a mansion is a crumbling tower block with lifts that never work, stairwells that double as a garbage tip and as many people crammed in as inhumanely possible''...............ahh home sweet home!
We first ventured out the next day, on the Sunday. A kung fu display at nearby Kowloon Park was taking place so we went to admire the various disciplines.
After finding a map of the area, we went down to the waterfront and stumbled across the 'avenue of the stars', (a copy of the better known Hollywood walk of fame).
Maybe we have lead fairly sheltered lives because we were
Hong kong by night
Hong kong really comes alive at night. This is the waterfront where the biggest light show on earth happens. Amazing. having trouble identifying 90% of the established stars here, although Bruce lee, Jackie Chan and Jet Li were easily found due to the mass’s of people eager to have their picture taken alongside their idols.
The waterfront seemed to be where most things happen, so we went back a few times and were witness to, amongst other things, the eclipse of the moon with the Hong Kong astronomical association and the 'symphony of light display', now recognized by Guinness world organizers as the biggest light show on earth.
The night markets in Hong Kong are big business here, and we were well placed to take full advantage of their offerings.
The ladies market was the best for cheap clothing and copied DVD’s, but the more famous temple street night market had the best vibe and great food. The lemon chicken dish is recommended here and you can get a 640ml bottle of Anchor beer for just HK$10.
One thing these markets are famous for is how fresh their food is. Crabs and lobster move freely in large tanks awaiting their grisly fate, fish swim in polystyrene containers and even live chickens in small cages are on the menu
Inquisitive local boy
As the heat dips in the evening, you can enjoy your surroundings more. You see more families at the popular waterfront at this time. to anyone who offers the asking price.
Thankfully no cats or dogs in this category because they are a nation of pet lovers. It is said that 70% of owners would rather share a bed with their pet than their partner.
Other highlights were the star ferry trip across to the peak tram where you can enjoy uninterrupted 360 degree views of the sprawling city, and the well laid out botanical gardens, although a little challenging in the heat at times due to some steep hills. Leopards, monkeys and birds can all be seen here.
All that was left to do was to obtain a Chinese visa for our upcoming visit (a hefty 40 quid each).
Overall, Lisa and I really enjoyed our visit here. Hong Kong has a real charm with friendly people and a seemingly obvious sense of direction.
It would have been more bearable had we chosen a less humid month but this didn't take away from a pleasant stay.
Thank you for reading!!!
Advertisement
Tot: 0.176s; Tpl: 0.013s; cc: 10; qc: 67; dbt: 0.1385s; 1; m:domysql w:travelblog (10.17.0.13); sld: 1;
; mem: 1.2mb
Adam Lucas
non-member comment
All great stuff! Really enjoyed your blogs and keep em coming, it's the only break from Basildon life we get... :( haha. Keep safe.