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Published: February 6th 2008
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Hong Kong Island
View From Kowloon Finally we are out of Hanoi and arrive at the Harbour Plaza Resort in Hong Kong which is a lovely place although a tad out of the way, about 45 minutes on the MTR (nearer to Beijing I think). We are scheduled to stay here for 10 days but after a discussion with the hotel manager we leave after only 3, no swimming pool or wifi which they advertise on the net.
Onto Hong Kong itself, what an absolutely brilliant place. The skyline is superb, the transport links first class and plenty to see and do. The first day we visit Kowloon which is the main place for shopping, there is every department store you can imagine from the very expensive to the cheaper markets selling much the same goods only some are good and will last, others are rubbish and wont. At night we make our way directly over from the main HK island to watch the infamous light display which takes place at 8pm every night. We arrive nice and early to get a superb view however as time goes by the skyline begins to disappear as the clouds get lower and lower, not the best night for
Sha Tin Racecourse
Highly Recommended photography. Not sure what we were expecting but after reading the hype we were expecting more than what we saw. Although it was good and in sequence with the music, I think the same effect could be gained in London if a dozen people were to stand on top of the larger buildings and shine one of those million watt torches you can get from B & Q.
Next day we visit Sha Tin race course, one of the best horseracing tacks I have ever been too and I have been to a few. It costs less than a pound to get in and for that you can go to virtually all parts of the track. There is more seating than you can imagine, beer is cheaper than the pub prices and there are loads of restaurants to dine in, I love it. Race 6 and Karen backs a winner, $64 it wins her however mine is 2nd and would have won me over $6000 so you can imagine the swearing that went on…lol. Next race and Karen only goes and backs a 52/1 shot…get in there girl, the day out paid for and all in brilliant sunshine.
The
Light Show
Symphony Of Light Show weather changes a little over the next couple of days so it was more window shopping, but as soon as the weather improved we head off to a place called Ngong Ping which is on Lantau Island to see the Big Buddha. It takes about 20 minutes to get there by cable car and the scenery is superb, as you peak over one of the mountains you can see the scale of the Buddha, even from a distance it looks massive. Well worth the visit.
Hong Kong is an expensive place to stay, however after searching the web we find a 5 star hotel advertising for 2 star prices, ‘L’ Hotel which is nearer to HK Island and set aside the sea. When we arrive we cannot believe the price we had paid, the place is outstanding and although only 90% complete it stands out like a shining star at night. To be really cheeky we ask for an upgrade by saying its our anniversary and we cannot believe it when they upgrade to the deluxe suite. Karen then spent the next 20 minutes taking pictures from every angle of the room but it was the view that did
Ngong Ping
Top of Lantau Island it for me, we could see for miles.
We spent the Wednesday evening at yet another race track, this time Happy Valley, surely one of the strangest located courses in the world set smack bang in the middle of the main city surrounded by massive skyscrapers. Again its peanuts to get in, the facilities are excellent however we both agreed we did prefer Sha Tin. Its my turn to have a stoke of luck this time and in the 1st race I back the winner at 12/1, once again night paid for. The track was very busy so we decided to stay at the beer garden right next to the running rail which was a right result as most of the races started from where we stood. We met up with Ashleigh and Jason from America who were both touring the world for 3 months after just completing their graduation. We had a superb night, however those guys can drink and we ended up a little worse for wear, good night though.
Victoria Peak is another must do visit when you’re in HK, it’s a bit of a climb to get to the summit of the Peak Tram
Big Buddha
Largest one in the world? and the queues are massive on a weekend, but still it really is worth the trouble. As you steadily incline up the steep hill you can feel the weight transferring to your back until you are virtually looking straight up, the old tram makes light weather of it though and only takes 5 minutes to reach the summit. Once on top they have built a superb sky terrace which allows you to take fantastic pictures of the Hong Kong skyline, however you need a couple of things, 1. good weather and 2. a good camera, we had neither but the pictures we took will do. Some of the clobber these locals have would put David Bailey out of business, they need a donkey in tow to carry it around..
We are moving on to Singapore next and have already booked the accommodation. Hotel prices there are extortionate so we have had to go really basic ending up a little way from the centre. However the main point of discussion on the reviews for the hotel is the location, apparently it is smack bang in the middle of the red light district, could be handy… don’t worry though Christine (Karen’s
Happy Valley
Last Furlong Mum), I will look after her and make sure she gets the correct rate…….that’s going to cost me!
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christine
non-member comment
Best place so far?
Wow - the photos are fantastic! Hong Kong looks really impressive. You two are having a ball. Don't worry Brian - as long as you cut me in on Karen's earnings in the red light district I'll let you off!!!! Loved the blog as usual.