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Part 11: Mongkok....
An early start beckoned for me with a huge itinerary of places to see on the ever increasing list. So I opted to visit Mongkok on Kowloon Island first.
Learning that it was Hong Kong's most congested shopping and residential district, I had a good idea it was going to feel really crowded.
But not letting that put me off, I headed to the MTR station, quite a bit later than hoped.
With mostly girls staying in my dorm, the bathrooms were inevitably really busy.
Eventually leaving the Hostel gone midday, I headed to the metro at Times Square just around the corner.
Trams and yellow taxi's where on the roads, and it was a busy lunch time rush hour.
The bleeping pedestrian crossings would become a familiar sound as people waited at the pavements in a long neat line, before quickly scurrying across the roads when the bleeps indicated - it was all very orderly.
This took me a while to get used to, but basically, when the bleeps got faster it meant the traffic was about to go, so you better get moving because the traffic moves on regardless of who is in the road.
I was still in my own world admiring the incredible skyscrapers from the streets, always looking up and taking pics.
Seeing this for the first time from the ground was amazing!
Floor space here is at a premium so they tend to build upwards for there is nowhere else to go.
The station was underneath a huge shopping mall with hundreds of designer shops, and I was
doing my best to ignore the temptation to part with money.
My aim was to do Hong Kong on a budget, this indeed was going to be a huge challenge.
So I just made my way to the trains, and like all the ones I have been on in Asia so far, they were modern, immaculately clean, beautifully air conditioned, and with screens showing movie trailers to keep you occupied whilst waiting, not that they were ever late. Everything runs like clockwork.
Everyone, and I mean everyone was on their phones or tablets, texting away, playing games or looking online.
I really enjoy people watching, closely looking at fashion, habits, mannerisms or body language.
Learning, comparing and observing.
It was fascinating to see here.
I liked the way everyone politely goes about their business.
I caught several people occasionally looking up, glancing at my tattoos.
A few putting their thumbs up in acknowledgement before returning to their phones. I just smiled.
The journey did not take long and was only 8 stops - I was there before I knew it and well, how could I put this.
Basically I was met by a tidal wave of people as I left the metro, you just have to go with the current, whatever direction that may be.
There were food stalls everywhere, gadget shops and the world famous Ladies market.
If you suffered from claustrophobia, you would be in serious trouble here. But I did not mind it, and just kind of went where ever the crowds where going.
This was an awesome experience, and one I was loving every single minute of.
There is so much for your mind to take in.
Of course I couldn't resist sampling some of the food which was cheap and delicious. The freshly prepared Chinese donuts were to die for as where the traditional fish balls.
You could easily spend days just eating your way around the streets, with an almost unlimited amount of street food.
Far far less people spoke English here.
In some ways I prefer the challenge of communicating, it did not daunt me in the slightest.
I took my time walking up, and then down the Ladies market.
It was so busy and narrow, with the traders desperately trying to get your attention, not to mention the massage parlour staff - they simply do not give up.
My technique of politely smiling and repeating the mantra of 'no thank you' again and again whilst you keep walking served me ok eventually.
But under no circumstances should you stop or you are done for.
Despite the pushy street traders and river of people, I loved Mongkok.
It was relentless, traditional, claustrophobic and ridiculously over-crowed, full of energy and delightful stalls. It is fantastic just going with the flow here and exploring - not that you have much choice. Head whichever way the crowds are and just get stuck in. I would definitely be back.
Later that evening I wanted to visit the famous 'peak' on Hong Kong island. There was going to be a laser show and I did not want to miss this.
So I jumped on the Metro to Central station and followed the signs to there.
It was Hong Kong's most famous tourist spot and considered amongst one of the greatest skylines on the planet!
By now it was dark and after about a 20 min steep walk, I found the tram which took you up to the famous view, but there was a 3 hour wait as I joined the line.
As I stood there pondering whether to wait, or come back another day - fate would have it that a taxi driver approached me, and said that he would take me to the top by road for £20.
Admittedly, I would miss out on the tram, but he promised that I'd be up and down before the line even moved.
An Irish guy just in-front of me said he would go half's on the taxi fare so we both agreed and went up together.
It turns out he was an arts dealer based in Manchester, and was in Hong Kong on business.
We exchanged polite conversation on the steep cab ride up. He seemed a really cool guy.
When we got there it was every bit as spectacular as I was hoping - and did not disappoint.
It was a dazzling galaxy of light and skyscrapers!
If ever there was a single view that would encapsulate Hong Kong, then this would be it.
Looking down at the city from this point quite simply took my breath away.
It was a sight so magnificent and audacious that I could not imagine many better skylines in the world, even Manhattan. From up here the energy almost cackled like electricity.
I was informed that even the most cynical locals never tire of seeing this view, and you could most certainly see why.
Beyond the mountains to the north you can see China simmering in the distance, then to further enhance the sight, the laser light show from the top of the skyscrapers shooting upwards into night only made it more of a marvel. This was like a scene from Bladerunner!!
It was nice to have someone share this moment with and the Irish arts dealer was equally enthralled by the view.
We decided to take the same way down and again went half's on the cab ride to the bottom.
I exchanged contact details with my new friend and bid him farewell.
On the Metro back to the Hostel, I was more than satisfied, if not exhausted from the day - several things ticked off my list, and only day one.
When I reached the Hostel there was a very different vibe.
Sadly the American girls in my dorm had check out.
To be replaced by a rather loud and raucous group of Rugby fans here for the 7's World cup finals.
I just kissed my nights sleep goodbye!!!
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