Thirteen hours later of touristing (tourist + ing to make up a verb) and I don't know which aches more, my feet or my head. Here are some highlights:
I rode the Chug Chug Ding a Ling (isn't that a great name?)double-decker trolley to the base on Hong Kong Park. The trolley was packed with people and I was afraid I was going to have to hang off the back but everyone packed tighter, so much so that at the following stop, even more people squeezed on.
I rode the Peak Tram to the top of Victoria Peak. This tram, in existence since the mid 1800s, is the steepest in the world. I know the driver stopped once on the steepest part of the hill just to let it roll backwards and scare us just a little. When I reached the top I was inspired by the bikers and joggers who had obviously made this particular hill climb their Sunday goal. I was so inspired by their effort that I decided to walk down. I think it was steeper than hiking down from Cloud's Nest in Yosemite but it was totally worth seeing the mansions build into the mountain and the tropical trees shading the walk.
I then wandered aimlessly through streets and up and down stairs trying to find the Man Mo Temple. En-route I noticed that every spare inch of sidewalk or highway that was located underneath trees or overpasses was covered by groups of women who were either sitting on cardboard boxes or pieces of newspaper or large pieces of plastic. At first I thought they might be doing a "sit-in" or protest for something but they looked so happy eating their picnics, playing cards, napping, and talking that I decided this must be a Sunday outing kind of thing. One particular group of about 10 women had gotten really fancy and tied their boxes together with pieces of twine so they almost made a little private room among the thousands of other women hanging out. they hung a "Happy Birthday" sign and made a little table out of boxes for their potluck. I guess there is a shortage of parks and this is one way to "have a picnic."
I did eventually locate the Man Mo Temple, my first Buddist temple. It was packed with people lighting incense and bringing offerings of fresh fruit and flowers. I was unprepared for the quantity of incense burning and the amount of smoke affecting my eyes and nose.
A ride across Victoria Harbor on a Star Ferry was the next high light. I always like ferry rides and this was no exception. The view of the Hong Kong skyline is spectacular with beautiful, gleaming skyscrapers and high rise apartments.
I walked along the promenade, the equivalent of a beach boardwalk or river walk and saw Hong Kong's version of stars and hand prints of their famous actors and actresses. It reminded me a little of Los Angeles without the beautiful harbor in the background. I even saw Bruce Lee's star and hand print.
By now I was wiping sweat out of my eyes so it was time to find some air-conditioning. The Hong Kong Museum of History provided the needed respite. I spent two glorious hours trying to cram 3000 years of history into my brain. Considering I know very little Asian history this was no small feat. I'll probably never sort out the different dynasties but I did get really interested in the trade, the opium wars, the Japanese occupation during WWII, and the recent modern developments including with trade and architecture.
I wandered through the Peninsula Hotel, one of those famous, elegant old hotels where I'll stay after I win the lottery or bet on the correct horse at the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
Taking a ferry back across the harbor I followed a group of Chinese up an escalator to a Chinese restaurant that appeared to have mostly local diners. This was my first real meal in Hong Kong and I spent a lot of time observing how others used the dishes and utensils that were set on the table before I started to eat. For example, my place setting consisted of chopsticks resting on a porcelain stand, a square plate, and a small bowl with a ceramic spoon sitting in it. The dish that I ordered was placed in the center of the table. I served myself a small portion of the chicken dish into the small bowl. The small bowl was then set on the square plate. I ate with the chopsticks but I could also use the ceramic spoon for scooping/eating (at least I saw another Chinese person doing that). The bones and pieces of food that I did not want were set on the square plate.
I ended with a ride on the Chug Chug, enjoying neon lights and activity similar to Time Square. I couldn't believe how many people came out on Sunday night after dark but it makes sense because it was lots cooler.
I rode the Chug Chug Ding a Ling (isn't that a great name?)double-decker trolley to the base on Hong Kong Park. The trolley was packed with people and I was afraid I was going to have to hang off the back but everyone packed tighter, so much so that at the following stop, even more people squeezed on.
I rode the Peak Tram to the top of Victoria Peak. This tram, in existence since the mid 1800s, is the steepest in the world. I know the driver stopped once on the steepest part of the hill just to let it roll backwards and scare us just a little. When I reached the top I was inspired by the bikers and joggers who had obviously made this particular hill climb their Sunday goal. I was so inspired by their effort that I decided to walk down. I think it was steeper than hiking down from Cloud's Nest in Yosemite but it was totally worth seeing the mansions build into the mountain and the tropical trees shading the walk.
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| Peak Tram |
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| Hike down fromVictoria Peak |
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| Sunday box picnics |
I did eventually locate the Man Mo Temple, my first Buddist temple. It was packed with people lighting incense and bringing offerings of fresh fruit and flowers. I was unprepared for the quantity of incense burning and the amount of smoke affecting my eyes and nose.
 |
| Man Mo Temple |
A ride across Victoria Harbor on a Star Ferry was the next high light. I always like ferry rides and this was no exception. The view of the Hong Kong skyline is spectacular with beautiful, gleaming skyscrapers and high rise apartments.
I walked along the promenade, the equivalent of a beach boardwalk or river walk and saw Hong Kong's version of stars and hand prints of their famous actors and actresses. It reminded me a little of Los Angeles without the beautiful harbor in the background. I even saw Bruce Lee's star and hand print.
By now I was wiping sweat out of my eyes so it was time to find some air-conditioning. The Hong Kong Museum of History provided the needed respite. I spent two glorious hours trying to cram 3000 years of history into my brain. Considering I know very little Asian history this was no small feat. I'll probably never sort out the different dynasties but I did get really interested in the trade, the opium wars, the Japanese occupation during WWII, and the recent modern developments including with trade and architecture.
I wandered through the Peninsula Hotel, one of those famous, elegant old hotels where I'll stay after I win the lottery or bet on the correct horse at the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
 |
| Star Ferry and Hong Kong Skyline |
Taking a ferry back across the harbor I followed a group of Chinese up an escalator to a Chinese restaurant that appeared to have mostly local diners. This was my first real meal in Hong Kong and I spent a lot of time observing how others used the dishes and utensils that were set on the table before I started to eat. For example, my place setting consisted of chopsticks resting on a porcelain stand, a square plate, and a small bowl with a ceramic spoon sitting in it. The dish that I ordered was placed in the center of the table. I served myself a small portion of the chicken dish into the small bowl. The small bowl was then set on the square plate. I ate with the chopsticks but I could also use the ceramic spoon for scooping/eating (at least I saw another Chinese person doing that). The bones and pieces of food that I did not want were set on the square plate.
I ended with a ride on the Chug Chug, enjoying neon lights and activity similar to Time Square. I couldn't believe how many people came out on Sunday night after dark but it makes sense because it was lots cooler.
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