It's so Wet in Hong Kong

---

Hi Everyone,

The Emirates flight from Bangkok to Hong Hong was great. I had 2 spare seats next to me - just wish it had been that way on a long haul flight instead of a 3 hour one !

It was teeming with rain when we landed but still quite warm. The Airport pick up service wasn't as organised as the company in Bangkok, there was lots of waiting around for other passengers from other airlines, and in the end I missed my Harbour Lights tour because I didn't get to my hotel until around 8:30pm I should have arrived around 7pm, anyway, such is life I guess.

The BP International overlooks Kowloon Park , and from my room I can see views of Kong Kong Harbour. I walked up and down Nathan Road and almost felt "at home". For those of you who know my family background you'll know that I have a close connection to the chinese culture. I finally found a place to eat dinner which consisted of rice, green veges, bbq pork (char sui) and bbq goose (much richer than duck!) I could almost hear Uncle Tommy saying "good hah, must be eat everything"!! It was cheap too,with a lemonade it cost 39HKD (about $5.60)

This morning I had a tour of Hong Kong Island booked, although the weather didn't look too great for sightseeing! I made my way to the Kowloon Hotel (very posh looking) where I joined the other tourists. There were Aussies everywhere ! The bus tour took us under the Harbour through the Across Channell Tunnel. What an experience to see 6 lanes of traffic become 2 lanes, it all seemed very orderly though.

Our first stop was the floating community of Aberdeen, where we were able to take a sampan ride around the community. Life here is very basic. Aberdeen is a Low Cost Community Housing Area - Government Housing. The apartments are very tall nad not very big inside , so our guide, Steven Chau told us. The famous Jumbo Floating Restaurant is also here in Aberdeen.

Next off, we were taken to a jewellery factory - very nice pieces, but after seeing how cheap gems are in Bangkok, the prices here are very expensive. I am proud to say that I didn't succumb to the "pressure selling" habits of the staff !!

We hopped back on the bus for a short ride to Stanley Markets. I was very disappointed to see that this was purely a marketing ploy for tourists.

Back on the bus again, we headed for Victoria Peak. I was looking forward to seeing the views but the weather was still a bit cloudy and rainy. Despite the weather the views are quite spectacular.

I'm now taking the time to have a bit of a rest before I head out to find somewhere to eat dinner tonight as I am off on a full day tour to Macao tomorrow.

Lots of love xxxxx

---

Photos

Aberdeen Floating Community
View from Sampan

Aberdeen
Another Sampan

Stanley Market
Tourists everywhere just like me !!

Tram tracks
View of the tram tracks that carry the tram up and down Victoria Peak

Victoria Peak
View from the Peak

Bamboo Scaffolding
I wonder how safe this really is?

Statue
A statue on Nathan Road

Comments

[sissy]

Just ask jen about eating Goose!! watch out for the extra kilos... xo sis

[Barb]

amazing photos!
Hi Di!! What amazing photos! I love that one of the tram tracks, though I am sure I would have had kittens getting up there LOL... The view was great still though wasn't it. The statue amazed me also... what was it for specifically? Have fun.. keep resisiting the tourist sellers and hunt for one of the real good markets. Lots of love, Barb

[Di_2702]

Eating Goose
Is there something I should know about eating goose ? It was a lot richer than duck.