Hong Kong

We arrived in Hong Kong last evening after a 13 hour flight. The airport is in the New Territory which is a 45 minute drive to the hotel so was great to get a bit of a tour and begin to see the size of this city of 8 million people.  There is a lot of green space as Hong Kong is still 70% undeveloped land but the built parts of the city have huge density where the only way to go is up.  Kowloon is home to some of the most densely populated blocks in the world with millions of residents packed into just a few square kilometers.  Apartment living is the norm and houses are rare and inhabited by the extremely wealthy.

We started our day with a tram ride up Victoria Peak.  This funicular has been in operation since 1888 and ascends at a 27 degree  angle.  The views of hh he city from the top are spectacular but certainly show off the smog problem that Hong Kong has which is certainly the worse that we have seen.  Touring the city we visited Stanley with its lively market and peaceful seaside restaurants and shops.  We then went to Aberdeen which is a lively working fishing harbour. Thousands of fishermen and their families live on ramshackle live aboards which are anchored off the prestigious Aberdeen Yacht Club where the massive yachts are worth millions.  The harbour is also home to the worlds largest floating restaurant which has been been featured in films set in Hong Kong for over 50 years.  A ride on a traditional sampan took us on an amazing ride around this harbour of great contrast. With towering buildings along the shore it was really something to see.  Returning to the hotel by a tunnel under the harbour we spent a few hours exploring the Kowloon area, from towering high rises to a peaceful park with artwork, fountains and meandering pathes.  

In the evening we were treated to a night tour starting in the famous bustling night market where one could buy knock offs of all the famous brands sold in the shops of Hong Kong.  Riding around the city on the top of an open air bus was a great way to experience the neon lit streets full of people many simply standing around visiting.  A cruise to view the evening light show with entertainment and a Buffett dinner completed the day 

View of the city from Victoria Peak

Carrying supplies into the temple

Aberdeen Harbour

Traditional junk

Living the life of a fisherman

Two very different ways of life

Called one of the most expensive holes in the world because of what the condos could have sold for this hole is very traditional and let's the dragons escape from the mountains behind to the sea in front.

Night market in the middle of the city