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Hong Kong Day 4
What none of the guides to Hong Kong tell you is that it is very susceptible to sea mists rolling in and on bad days smog. The first couple of days was a combination of both. The fog was not too bad but parts of HK smog were well above safety levels. Today though was fairly clear and very little if any smog so we went off to take advantage of the distant views from the Peak and IFC (International Finance Centre) and maybe at ground level the Western Market. As usual the starting point is the Ding Ding. As luck would have it the first one to come is going to the Western Market so that is were we went first.
The market building was a lot smaller than we thought it would be. It is one of the oldest structures in the city. The current structure was the North Block of the original Western Market. It is the oldest surviving market building in the city and started life in 1844 as a vegetable market but is now a limited mixed market with no produce and mostly tailors and fabric stalls. The top floor is now used as a function room which, when we visited, was set out for a dinner reception. Generally the building was looking a little tired, but was nevertheless fascinating.
From there we walked down to the waterfront to enjoy the view of Kowloon with the intention of going along to Central Pier to catch the bus to Victoria Peak. A slight diversion was made though to go to IFC now rather than later. The way to this was by elevated walkways which criss cross the CBD from one building to another to a shopping centre and all are covered. On arrival at IFC we were directed to the ground floor reception to the building, and then having provided identity, up to the fifty fifth floor for great views over the CBD and part of the outer harbour. The viewing area was in part of the HK Monetary Authority reception and included a fascinating history of the development of the monetary system in Hong Kong.
Time for The Peak. The peak tram is out of service until Saturday for its annual service so the only way up was by the bus. This was initially a disappointment but soon became a joy. The route up gave us a view over Happy Valley and around hair raising roads at breakneck speeds - really a fascinating journey and one not to be missed. Fortunately we were in the front seats on the top deck so could really appreciate the roller coaster ride. The view from the observation terraces 400 metres above sea level was unbelievable and reinforced just how many high rise buildings there are in HK. Originally the wealthy residents were carried up by sedan chair which must have been quite a chore for their servants!
Seeing there was a walk of just under three kilometres around The Peak we set off to do it. It was a good choice as it gave many more differing views of the city and harbour and some very interesting and large houses that seem to be built clinging to the side of the peak. As it is cooler on the peak this area has always been an area for the wealthy of Hong Kong.
The bus ride down was equally enjoyable with the reliable Ding Ding taking us the last part of the trip back to the hotel.
Dinner with the locals again was delicious; the only Europeans in the restaurant again.
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