Disappointed in Hong Kong

On arriving in Hong Kong jumped onto the airport shuttle and made my way to Kowloon and my hotel.

Once I had checked into the hotel I took the time to once again rest my ankle whilst reading my birthday present from Tim and Jane - a small Lonely Planet guide on Hong Kong. I had made arrangements to meet up with Rosalind and Joseph who I had met back in Singamata, Borneo. We had had various e:mail conversations about meeting up and a few days before I arrived I received a full and detailed itinerary of what they were proposing to do for the three full days (it was only short of times where we would be when). This I have found is not my style of travelling as these days I seem to travel with only vague plans and things just happen to guide me on my way if not then I usually point my feet in a direction and read my trusty travel bible (lonely planet!) as I go along.

Anyway, as my Dad says, you should try something at least once and so I had agreed to the proposals. Early evening I met up with Joseph in the hotel reception and we headed down to Hong Kong island for a few drinks. Rosalind was having a nap and meeting up with us later as she hadn't slept the night before. Once Rosalind joined us we went for a bite to eat and a few more drinks. By the end I called it a night as my ankle was starting to ache having been on it most of the day and night. I can say at this juncture that my impressions of Hong Kong were not favourable and I found that the sex or Asian bride hunt was more prevalent here than in any other place I had visited, including Bangkok, and in all honesty watching it going on in the bars was not a pretty sight!

Monday morning rolled around and I was up and about early. I had agreed to meet Rosalind and Joseph in the reception at 10.30am and they rolled up however weren't ready to leave till gone 11.30am and so after a bite to eat we headed down to Kowloon Harbour front. Joseph was suffering from a hangover so in a foul mood but Rosalind and I were both fine so happily chatting away. Having wandered around for a bit Joseph spat his dummy out over something and nothing and decided to have a go at me. I bit my tongue but decided to walk away and do my own thing knowing it was going to be easier and I would actually probably be happier. So apologising to Rosalind I headed off down the promenade. To be fair Joseph did come and apologise but enough was enough for me and we parted ways agreeing to meet up later.

I wandered along the Avenue of the Stars and ended up down by the KCR clock tower and the Star Ferry. From here I made my way across the road and wandered around the newly renovated former Marine Police Headquaters and Fire Station that have been converted into shops and a boutique Hotel. I soon found myself navigating Nathan Road and the madness of its shops! I also fell upon Chungking Mansions.

Chungking Mansions are well renowned in backpacker circles and I had always been determined I would not stay there however I ventured inside to see how “bad” it is. The best way to describe it is a high rise, ramshackle building which at ground level serves as a parade of shops selling anything and everything and I would doubt much of it is legitimate. Just wandering around the ground floor gave me enough of an idea what it would be like to venture higher up into the home and rabbit warren of hostels.

I soon stopped for a drink and quick bite to eat before heading into Kowloon Park. Having done so much wandering around my ankle was aching and so I retunred to th hostel mid afternoon and had a siesta. That night I returned back to the waterfront to watch the Symphony of Lights, a sound and light show involving over 20 buildings on Hong Kong Island. Unfortunately in the 5 days I was in Hong Kong it was always misty and therefore the laser show wasn't as impressive as it potentially could have been.
Tuesday morning I got up and headed out the hotel earlyish. I text Joseph and Rosalind my approximate plans for the day and they came back saying they wanted to meet up but had only just woken up so I jumped into the local cafe expecting them to be 30mins however 90mins later and they strolled along the street. For me it was the nail in the coffin in deciding I was better to travel alone than to start my day in the middle of the day.

However we were soon on our way and we got the Peak Tram upto the top of the Peak. Once again it was misty and so the view was not as impressive as it could have potentially been. I was also somewhat disappointed by the houses at the top. Considering they are meant to be some of the most expensive homes in the world many looked like they were in need of some tlc. Joseph and Rosalind then wanted to stop for some food as they hadn't eaten however as I had only eaten breakfast an hour before headed off for a further wander around the shops and area. We then all met up again and decided to Lantau Island and the Tian Tian Buddha.

It took awhile to get to Lantau Island but once there and in Tung Chung we jumped onto the cable car and made our way along the 5km ride, Rosalind was not happy when the wind picked up and the cabin started to swing. Once safely in Ngong Ping Village we made our way up the 200 plus steps to the 23m high Tian Tian Buddha and then down and around the Po Lin Monastry. Having navigated our way back to Tung Chung I parted ways with Rosalind and Joseph as they were on a shopping mission and anyone who knows me will know I don't do shopping and certainly not with other people (unless it is Mum or Heather around the Christmas Markets where we eat and drink more than we shop!). I headed back to the hotel and since it was early evening I just had dinner and then put my feet up for the rest of the night.

Wednesday I headed out and decided today was the day to explore Hong Kong Island and see what it had to offer. I made my way across the harbour on the Star Ferry and then wandered around central Hong Hong before finding the central escalator and jumping on for a free ride up the hill. The escalators are more like outdoor covered travelators that take people up the hill. I jumped off when I reached Graham Street which is known for its market stalls and canteens. Having wandered around here I made my way to the Man Mo Temple.

The Man Mo Temple is one of the oldest in Hong Kong. It is not a pretty sight on the outside however once you enter you are greeted by swirls upon swirls of burning incense. From there I made my way back down to the main street and generally wandered around and browsed the shops. I then made my way to Hong Kong Park via St John's Cathedral. That night I decided to venture to the cinema.

Once again I was up and out early and once again I headed to Hong Kong Island. I caught the ferry across to the Hong Kong Exhibition and Convention Centre where I walked around found the Golden Bauhinia and another statue both marking the handover of Hong Kong to the Chinese and the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Adminisrative Region. It was interesting to read the Chinese “adapted” version in relation to the handover and how it came about. After a quick lunch I jumped on the underground and found myself at Tin Hau Temple (my last temple in Asia!). On leaving the temple I sought out some water and an ice-cream and then sat in Victoria Park soaking up the sunshine. I sat there for awhile reading my book before walking along the promenade past the noonday gun which disappointgly was covered up. I then headed back to the hotel to do the all important laundry and then pack my bags.

Friday was a funny day as I didn't fly out until late that evening and so I had a day to waste..... I wasn't obliged to leave the hotel until midday and so after a leisurely morning I made my way to the Central Airport Express Station where I was able to check my bag in. From there I bought some lunch and once again sat in a local park and read my book. I then decided to veture into the cinema for the second time in a week (I think I have watched more films this year than I have in the past 5 put together!!!). This time the cinema was an odd experience but only because I was sat next to an Asian guy who was drinking Newcastle Brown Ale whilst eating roasted peanuts.... I though I was in Hong Kong!?!?

After the cinema and despite still having hours till my flight I decided to head to the airport and make use of their free internet. Unfortunately for me Hong Kong was a disappointment. It is one of thse cities I had always wanted to visit and I had high hopes but unfortunately it didn't live upto expectations. I found it very side that they have ripped down the majority of the old colonial buildings to make way for the large skyrisers. In reality I could have been in any other indifferent city in the world. I am glad to say I have been but I have no urge to return.

My final continent and final destination beckons now Africa. Watch out Pretoria here I come....

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