Hong Kong or bust

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My first night in Hong Kong was less than restful. My air conditioner is horrendously noisy, but also a necessary evil for sleeping in the cramped closet space. Four times during the night I had to lazily, drag myself to the end of the bed and push myself up to adjust the amount of cold air being pushed into my room. Never achieved the perfect temperature…

My first full day in Hong Kong had a bit of promise. I took the ferry again to Hong Kong island and walked around. Saw the world’s longest escalator, which bored me so I changed directions and headed for the tram which takes you up to Victoria peak. It was surprisingly steep for a tram and I lurched from side to side trying to take in the harbor view that was sinking behind me. Once at the top you’re funneled through some touristy shops with awful knick knacks, then pushed into a building with, albeit nicer knick knacks, but much higher prices. I treated myself to a chocolate soy milk shake and I walked around outside, took a few photos while taking in the scenery. Was shown pictures of the bay from 50 or so years ago, then proceeded to have said pictures sold to me for “whatever I had on my body?” I think the old man had a few nouns and verbs confused…or maybe he didn’t. With little left to see from atop the peak, I jumped the next tram down the hill.

I decided my next move would be to check out one of the neighboring islands. Since it was a nice day I better get everything in that I could. I head back to the ferry terminal—but first make a stop at Subway to get some lunch/dinner. I even found a way to fool the system. My normal veggie delight sandwich costs $47 HK (about $6.75 US), however, if I get the ‘sandwich of the day’ it only costs $38 HK, a savings of a whole $9 HK smack-a-roos. So, I purchased the sandwich of the day (roasted chicken), then disassembled my sandwich, tossed the chicken, and enjoyed my bargain veggie delight! Carey 1, Hong Kong Subway branch, 0.

Ahhh, yes. So I hop the ferry to the island of Lantu, which is home to the world’s largest seated Buddha. The ferry ride was a relaxing 30 minute jaunt across the bay. We passed many freight ships, waiting to unloaded. Just as my trusty Lonely Planet predicted, bus #2 was awaiting my arrival—although for a hefty $17.20 ticket price they better be waiting for me! That’s nearly half the cost of my sandwich! The bus ride both amazed and terrified me. On one hand it gave me a chance to see the natural side of the islands—one that is not covered in cement. The tropical lushness was a throwback to my Central America days where jungles were abundant—I even spotted a arachnophobia movie-worthy spider. Striped orange and black, so large I could see it clearly as the bus stopped at a construction roadblock. Ewe. The terrifying part of the bus ride was the speed at which the driver went! One would think the bus drivers hold daily time trials, seeing who could post the best time for the day. The roads are narrow and wind around the island’s coast. It was impossible to relax as I was being tossed back and forth in my seat. Finally arriving at the Buddha, I was surprised that there was no entry cost. I climbed the 260 steps to stand before the big guy. Walked around for a bit, checked out the nearby monastery, then paid another $17.20 to be tossed around on the bus, and finally ferried back to Hong Kong island.

At this point I only had about an hour till the “laser light show” which is done nightly. So I walked around for a while, watched as the buildings began to light up and recreate the scene that I’d be seeing on all the postcards. While I was waiting I struck up conversation with another backpacker, Holly, from England, and had the typical backpacker conversation. Another backpacker arrived, a guy from Italy, so we chit chatted up until the light show…which was less than impressive. Said goodbye to the Italian guy and Holly and I walked around the night market looking at more counterfeits than I could shake a stick at.

My last full day in Hong Kong was less than productive—but I planned it that way. I slept in—found out Michael Jackson died, thank you BBC, and then set out to find wifi. My search took me 2 hours, 2 coffees, and both islands. I ended up at the Starbucks close to my hotel. 24 hours of internet for $20 HK, not bad…but not free either. The thing is, I need to figure out where my route will take me. Because of my visa situation, I will need to leave China and re-enter on or after July 7th, so either I dip back down to Macau/Hong Kong or just explore a new region—new region I have in mind is Vietnam…so we’ll see.

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Photos

Victoria Peak
view from atop the mountain, after tram ride up

Giant Buddha
This was the large sitting Buddha on another island

Me and the Buddha
I've had better hair days...

Hong Kong at night
This was during the laser light show

Comments

[Srinivas]

Madame Tussaud's
" With little left to see from atop the peak, I jumped the next tram down the hill." I visited HK last weekend... I guess u missed Madame Tussaud's on the peak...

[carey]

nope...i saw it
and STILL decided there was nothing left to see. In the US we have Madame Tussaud's in New York and LA. Been there, done that. Plus i thought it was pretty expensive. I didn't go to Hong Kong to see wax figurines...