A day and a half in Hong Kong

I set my alarm so I can catch sunrise as we pull into Hong Kong.    I was either too late or it’s on the other side of the ship.  Hong Kong doesn’t spend as much on electricity as Shanghai.  The first impression doesn’t compare to the spectacle of Shanghai, but at the end of the day, I’m liking Hong Kong better than Shanghai.

British rule of Hong Kong ended in 1997 and was transferred back to China.  During an interim period of 50 years, Hong Kong is and will be autonomous until 2047 when it comes under Chinese control once more.  When asked, our tour guide replied that she wasn’t going to worry about that because she’d be 92.  It was apparent that she preferred the previous British association.  As a result of British influence, and unlike mainland China, drivers drive on the left.  People are also very polite-no honking.

Another reason to prefer Hong Kong is the terrain.  It’s much more interesting than Shanghai.  The island of Hong Kong and the nearby island of Kowloon, where we’re docked, rise up from the harbor into steep hills.  Because Hong Kong is the fourth most densely populated region in the world, the hills are covered with high rise apartment buildings.  Despite all the concrete, there’s greenery to be found. 

We take the bus from Kowloon Island, under the bay to Hong Kong Island and to the Victoria Peak funicular station.  This is a must-see when in Hong Kong, with crowds of tourist’s cuing up.  We can go to the head of the line. 

I tried to take photos along the way but was mostly unsuccessful. 

At the top, of course, there’s a shopping mall and great views.  We skip the mall and catch the views. 

The bus meets us at the top and we wind our way down the narrow road, barely missing ascending tour buses.  Here we get to see the high rise apartment buildings up close.  These are the pricey ones, according to the guide $20,000 per month US dollars.  This must be where all the hedge fund managers live. 

Next we’re dropped at Stanley Market for, guess what?  Shopping.  This was good shopping, good prices, civilized vendors.  I could have used some more time.  I only had time to buy myself a present, a reversible oriental style jacket.  $26 dollars!  I asked the vendor, “This isn’t silk.  Is it?”  “Yes, silk satin.”  “That’s not real silk.  Is it?”  “Yes, another kind of silk.”

Next we go on a sampan ride around the Aberdeen harbor, on the other side of the island.  The many decorated sampans were piloted mostly by women.  Our pilot carried on a conversation with herself the whole time.  

It was fun weaving in and out amongst what appeared to be houseboats and house-businesses and past a huge floating restaurant.  The front of the restaurant was magnificent, but when we saw the back, we were happy that we’d be returning to the ship for our lunch. 

One more stop, a jewelry maker, a family business, open for private sales only.  Aren’t we lucky?

Back to the ship for lunch.  Regroup.  Catch the free shuttle to the mall!  Haven’t we had enough shopping?

Today we hadn’t scheduled anything.  Since we’re only here until noon, I had left the day open, thinking that we could walk around on our own.  In hindsight, I should have scheduled something for both days.  We’re finding out that, many of the ports we’re at don’t lend themselves to independent wandering. 

In Hong Kong we’re at a fancy new port, but it’s not convenient to the city center.  We have to rely on shuttles or taxis.  Today, in light of a noon departure, we don’t want to risk being left behind, so we stay on board and relax. 

This morning I said a last goodbye to Junar, my barista.  

 Sail Away.