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Published: September 27th 2009
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Here we are!
No view of a new city would be complete without me I will maintain I am in a new country though I really don't know what Hong Kong is classified as anymore. I think I am in a new country because I went through arrival forms and swine flu test centre again. China I am pretty sure is claiming it as China but the residents still seem to see themselves as set apart.
My first day and night in Hong Kong were also the last ones of the tour. I was kinda of sad to think we were all going off our different ways but I don't think any of us dwelt on that too long, not when there was still a lot of sight seeing to do. At the night time we went out to see the Symphony of Lights down by the harbour. This is probably one of my more bizarre (and free) experiences. At 8 o'clock music starts to play and the lights of the skyscrapers start to flicker and go on and off in time with the music. Light beams also flash into the sky from three of the towers. It lasted fifteen minutes and I would do it again. Although most of us were bemoaning that
At Night
Everywhere was lit up are cameras were not handling moving lights and night shops all at once.
The next day, with people going for flights and joining different tours or in my case staying on, the group fragmented to take in the sites that they most wanted to see. I accompanied my friend and room mate Zoe up to Hong Kong Island to take the Peak Tram. We paid 4 pounds 50 for the Peak Tram and the Sky Terrace. The little bit extra for the Sky Terrace was worth it as we were able to see the view without any glass to interfere with the view. The view was spectacular, so clear that I never wished to see it at night. The view from the harbour had been perfect for that. After dinner I said my goodbyes and headed alone to my new accommodation that I had checked into earlier.
Before I go any further I really do need to introduce you to my accommodation:
The CheungKing Mansion is a badge of honour for some budget travellers, an unpleasant memory for others. Occupying one of the prime sites towards the southern end of Nathan Road, the whole block looks fit
Symphony of Lights
Sorry but you have to imagine the movement of the lights for yourself for demolition...Most of the guesthouses inside are pleasant enough but the whole building is a dirty smelly, cluttered, fire and safety hazzard
(read in Rough Guide -after- I checked into my room)
I didn't realise what I was letting myself in for when I booked my accomodation. The decription is pretty accurate. It's an old building past its sell by date - shops on the first two floors and accomodation crammed in right up to the fifteenth floor. I was on the third floor and in a box room. There was room for a bed. I used my travel sheet for the first time and the bathoom I shared....let's just say I've never had such a strong urge to go out and buy cleaning stuff. On my first night I heard a cat prowling around, meowing. I am sure it was outside my door for ages. That night I couldn't work out why the people running the floor hadn't kicked it out, the second night I learnt why. There were mice squeaking everywhere. At one point they sounded like they were in the walls right beside my room. However I never saw a mouse, and although I
Peak Tram
It was a rather dashing colour heard a police raid, nothing interfered with my stay and I overall didn't find it that bad. I just went back there to sleep.
I think I can safely say that I slowed up in Hong Kong, that I didn't try to pack a lot into each day. I was content to spend a fair bit of time wandering around and watching the people. I especially enjoyed walking down the avenue of stars and name spotting. But I was still curious enough to explore a new country (that hasn't worn off yet) to make a trip to an old traditional fishing village and the world's tallest sitting Buddha.
The fishing village contained houses that were still built out over the river on sticks. Now it isn't like the cute villages I would see at home with the cute shop fronts and pristine houses and boats. It was poor village. The houses were made of wood or metal sheets, and were sparsely furnished. The fish was sold under market stalls rather than shops.
I arrived at the Buddha in the middle of a very large rain stop with the mist rolling in around the hills. But there was
Sky Terrace
Totally worth the extra money the gold Buddha rising out of the mist, it was impressive to view from the distance and even more impressive close up, I got a crick in the neck looking at it.
On my last day there and feeling at a lose end before I went to the airport, I gave in and took the harbour tour. It was a little bit of extravagance, almost 7 pounds for an hour. But I had a great time sitting out on the boat, watching the buildings. But most of all I loved watching the other boats in the crowded harbour navigating each other, from the cruiser to the tiny fishing boats.
Next stop Thailand!
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The Doctor
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That statue is bloody huge!! It looks like a monster of a thing :O That cat looks well fed, and its a good plan if there are mice about. And its cute. ^-^