City views

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The first day that we landed in HK, the weather was extremely humid and overcast. As i said in the previous journal we got caught up in something of a storm, the plus side of that being that it cleared the air for the remainder of our stay in HK.

After getting up on Wednesday morning we caught the ferry to Hong Kong island, which is pretty much the CBD of the city. The public transport in HK is phenomenal, you get around using an octopus card, which is like the London underground's oyster card but for use on all public transport. The 10 minute journey across the harbour from Kowloon to HK island cost about 10p.

Once there we had a bit of a wander and got a bit lost, found some gorgeous parks, resplendent with water features and security guards, and then found the old town hall, which is the last colonial building to be completed, and although it must have once occupied a prominent position on the island, it has now been engulfed by skyscrapers.

We then caught the peak tram up to the summit of Victoria Peak, (or 'the peak' as its normally known) this goes from about 10m above sea level to 400m above sea level in about ten minutes. At the top you have to walk through the compulsory souvenir and tat shop, before ascending 6 escalators until you reach the viewing deck. The photos don't really do the views justice, but it gives the general idea, absolutely stunning.

After absorbing the view we went for lunch at a restaurant called Bubba Gump which had an unhealthy fixation with forest gump, particularly the Tom Hanks part, the restaurant logo was a kind of king prawn/tom hanks hybrid, which is actually quite disturbing. the food was good though and i got a free pint glass, which will obviously get smashed before i get home, but never mind.

Still feeling a bit jet-lagged we went back to Kowloon to the YMCA for a nap, before getting up and wandering around the harbour and the shopping malls. Then went for a night time harbour cruise on a Chinese junk which used to be used as trading vessels but are now decked out like an up market opium den with seats about 2 metres deep and the only light provided by candles. It was, without doubt the most relaxing thing i have done for a long time, the jumpy Chinese folk music was a bit off putting, but the calm water and lights of the city reflecting off the harbour more than made up for it.

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Photos

A skyscraper
just 1 of Hong Kongs endless skyscrapers

A skyscraper 2
another one

Skyscraper 3
and again

skyscraper4
more really tall buildings

skyscraper5
the old town hall with its new backdrop

one of the parks.
these parks are all non-smoking, despite being outdoors, to prevent litter.

looking onto HK island
the view from our hotel room before the storm

HK island
this time from the harbour front.

another park.
everywhere in HK is this clean, the fine for dropping litter is about 1250 pounds, that includes cigarette butts and gum.

the harbour from our junk
definately worth the music

the top of the peak
stunning

Best restaurant view ever?
the view from Bubba Gump.

Comments

[Margie]

Hi guys
Hello Jack/Sarah I am a work but just took 5 mins to read you blog - wonderful, and its lovely to be able to be part of this adventure - especially seeing all the fab photos. It all sounds so good - and you seem to be covering such a lot on a short space of time. Thinking about you both - moi envious!! Take care you guys whatever you do. Much love Margie xx

[Penny (spoon)Cripps]

cool things
well! im speaking to you from the other side of the world on msn! wierd photos look fantastic guys! have a wonderful time and i will observe your progress! lots of love Pen xxxxxx

[Heather Tolmie]

Awesome photos
Clearly putting the camera to good use, the views are stunning, dead envious as the only view i have right now is of 30 other students sat slaving away over computers. Looks like you guys are having loadsa fun. Take care of yourselves, will be watching your progress with interest. Take it easy. Heath.xxx