Profile
Blog
Photos
Videos
FARFRUMWURKEN
Things have really changed in Hong Kong since I was here in 1986. There's definitely more people here, in fact I think millions and millions if I was to have counted everyone that I saw on the streets today.
We got going early, we walked, we rode a bus, we road ferry, we road a tram car and even a rickshaw. We got a lot accomplished today. In our hotel they provide a internet ready phone with maps and google no charge - included in the hotel rate. This served to be of great help putting us in the right direction - something that should definitely be offered in the North American market as this is a real plus for a visitor to any city.
Our destination today was The Peak which is over on the Hong Kong Island side. We made our way to the Star Ferry Pier and grabbed the Star Ferry over to Hong Kong. The price per person here was $4.20HK which based on current exchange is less that $1.00. This ferry has been operating for many many years and is a vital part of the link between Hong Kong & Kowloon.
Once we arrived on the north shore, we grabbed the 15C bus that took us to The Peak Tramway station. Price for the bus was $4.80 per person, again less than $1.00 CDN. We arrived at about noon and there was at least an hour queue to get tickets for the tram. Being a Saturday, there seemed to be tons of people looking to get to the peak. It probably didn't help that it was a reasonably good day, some pollution, but generally you could see further than normal. The Tram was $84HK for a round trip - but $40KH ($7.00CDN) for Seniors. Not sure if I'm looking older but she handed me two senior tickets without batting an eye. Getting to The Peak is an unforgettable experience. This is one of the world's oldest and most famous funicular railways, that rises about 1,200 feet above sea level. It's so steep that the buildings you pass along the way look like they're leaning as you travel on a gradient between 4 and 27 degrees.
The tram commenced operation in 1888 but before that the more privileged residents soon found it the perfect way to escape the scorching summer heat. Many of them traversed up and down the steep Peak paths by sedan chair, which was carried by their personal staff of uniformed coolies
Even thought it was hot, extremely humid and the view somewhat obscured by pollution or fog, likely more pollution it ended up being an amazing experience for Deborah. After the shots were taken, we headed back down on the Tram and headed for home. Hong Kong is no longer the land of the great deal. In the past thirty (30) years since I traveled here on business it's now the domain of the rich. Designer clothes, huge diamond rocks and stores of watches and watches, one after the other. Deb and I would walk about 50 feet before some Indian bloke would shove a business card in our faces asking us if we were interested in a knock-off Rolex or a knock-off handbag, It must have been the camera around my neck. How do they know.
The skyline of both Kowloon and Hong Kong is one that would not likely being compared to anything else anywhere in the world. Particularly at night with all the neon and lazer light show that they put on nightly.
Deborah has committed to Chinese food tonight, so we're here in our room recharging before we head back out tonight in search of the perfect spot for dinner. We'll be back at it tomorrow with either a plan to head to Macau or some shopping on Nathan Street in the heart of the shopping district. What can be bought runs the gambit between cheap and gawdy to millions of dollars for otherwise gawdy 24 caret gold jewelry. I got away with one Pandora charm today of a Budda so that Deb can never forget this amazing 24/7 city in China.
We got going early, we walked, we rode a bus, we road ferry, we road a tram car and even a rickshaw. We got a lot accomplished today. In our hotel they provide a internet ready phone with maps and google no charge - included in the hotel rate. This served to be of great help putting us in the right direction - something that should definitely be offered in the North American market as this is a real plus for a visitor to any city.
Our destination today was The Peak which is over on the Hong Kong Island side. We made our way to the Star Ferry Pier and grabbed the Star Ferry over to Hong Kong. The price per person here was $4.20HK which based on current exchange is less that $1.00. This ferry has been operating for many many years and is a vital part of the link between Hong Kong & Kowloon.
Once we arrived on the north shore, we grabbed the 15C bus that took us to The Peak Tramway station. Price for the bus was $4.80 per person, again less than $1.00 CDN. We arrived at about noon and there was at least an hour queue to get tickets for the tram. Being a Saturday, there seemed to be tons of people looking to get to the peak. It probably didn't help that it was a reasonably good day, some pollution, but generally you could see further than normal. The Tram was $84HK for a round trip - but $40KH ($7.00CDN) for Seniors. Not sure if I'm looking older but she handed me two senior tickets without batting an eye. Getting to The Peak is an unforgettable experience. This is one of the world's oldest and most famous funicular railways, that rises about 1,200 feet above sea level. It's so steep that the buildings you pass along the way look like they're leaning as you travel on a gradient between 4 and 27 degrees.
The tram commenced operation in 1888 but before that the more privileged residents soon found it the perfect way to escape the scorching summer heat. Many of them traversed up and down the steep Peak paths by sedan chair, which was carried by their personal staff of uniformed coolies
Even thought it was hot, extremely humid and the view somewhat obscured by pollution or fog, likely more pollution it ended up being an amazing experience for Deborah. After the shots were taken, we headed back down on the Tram and headed for home. Hong Kong is no longer the land of the great deal. In the past thirty (30) years since I traveled here on business it's now the domain of the rich. Designer clothes, huge diamond rocks and stores of watches and watches, one after the other. Deb and I would walk about 50 feet before some Indian bloke would shove a business card in our faces asking us if we were interested in a knock-off Rolex or a knock-off handbag, It must have been the camera around my neck. How do they know.
The skyline of both Kowloon and Hong Kong is one that would not likely being compared to anything else anywhere in the world. Particularly at night with all the neon and lazer light show that they put on nightly.
Deborah has committed to Chinese food tonight, so we're here in our room recharging before we head back out tonight in search of the perfect spot for dinner. We'll be back at it tomorrow with either a plan to head to Macau or some shopping on Nathan Street in the heart of the shopping district. What can be bought runs the gambit between cheap and gawdy to millions of dollars for otherwise gawdy 24 caret gold jewelry. I got away with one Pandora charm today of a Budda so that Deb can never forget this amazing 24/7 city in China.
- comments
Liz You look the same as the "trailer days" Bob (or ate the pictures doctored?). They certainly should be asking you guys for ID! Sounds like an amazing trip! Be safe.
Robert Forster Thanks Liz - definitely older from way back then. The way you guys have been traveling, we should hook up on a trip some day !
Jim Yup, I wouldn't ask for ID, senoior written all over that chin, Bahahahaha
Jim No where near senior rate, you pay full price lady
Jim Ok, that's lookin a bit under senior rate
Jim Whip him Deb, whip him hard