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Kow Loon, Hong Kong - January 18, 2018
Oh boy, we slept late! We simply do not know in which time zone we might be in. It is now 9 pm in Hong Kong but I think the time in Atlanta is 8 am. Surely one can see how we become discombobulated!!!
We did not set an alarm. After so many years of waking to them, I avoid them at all times unless absolutely necessary. That's just one of the lovely bright sides of becoming older and being retired.
Never dreamed we'd sleep so late! We actually had to rush to get ready, have a bit of coffee and get to our meeting station for the Vic Peak trip at 12:30. But we did. Thank God we did a trial run yesterday. We grabbed a sandwich, chips and a tea in the MTR Central station. Nice change from Chinese food which brings me to another topic. . . . Chinese food here is soooooo good. It is different from "Chinese food" at home. First, it far less salty, sweet or breaded than our versions at home. It is fresh, light, often in an amazing broth and is delicious. It actually seems low cal, low carb and good for you. And soy sauce is not the number one condiment!!!!! Who knew???
We made it in plenty of time at St. John's Cathedral. Turns out the value of the trip we bought is a fast track to the top of Victoria Peak - without it we would have waited 2 hours to catch the tram up the mountain. At the top, we were turned loose by our trip guide, on our own to hike the 3-hour loop around the top of the mountain to see wild plant life and views on either side of the island. The hike was strenuous and the view was hazy. That done, still we had not seen Vic Peak Gardens. We found the beginning of the uphill trail and started off - a brisk and breathless 20-minute hike got us there. It seemed much longer!! We were wet with sweat but by all goodness, we made it!! Get this, the sky was so hazy, the view was not special. But I will tell you what was special. Today must have been wedding day! We saw weddings ceremonies everywhere! How sweet! We photo-bombed some - at their pure delight!!! And along the hike we met people we liked! We can always make friends, but our easiest friendships are with kids - they seem to like us. Even if they are tired and about to pitch a total hissy fit - we can say hi or wink or wave a hand and they engage. Like an angel touching . . . they engage.
Before heading back to the hotel last night, we scoped out the ferry. We still have not taken a trip on the famous Star Ferry. We picked up schedules and learned to find the ones we want. That's a must-do for tomorrow. So is dropping off a huge load of clothing to be laundered!
According to Stan's Fitbit, we walked over eleven miles yesterday. We may have walked even farther yesterday. Today much of that walking was hiking and circling Vic Peak, but much of the walking is involved with simply getting around. Traffic is very heavy so everyone walks or uses public transportation. The subway system is fabulous - I'm so envious! We need a similar system so desperately in Atlanta. But even using the subway, long walks are sometimes required to cross the station to the train or to walk to the next attraction. In contrast to our hikes, walking in the cities is stressful. The sidewalks are congested with people throughout the day and evening. People are out and they are all going somewhere - some in a mad rush and some just strolling. One must continually be on alert to maneuver through the crowds. Because the streets and subway cars are so busy and crowded, I might have thought pickpockets might have been a threat. So far, we have seen nothing to suggest we or our belongings might be in danger. Generally, people here are courteous but focused on getting where they are going.
To add to the congestion, the sidewalks are lined with street side kiosks and stalls selling street-food or quick goods. Hong Kong is famous for its street food. Small stalls are equipped with grills, bubbling boiling pots, and hot oil for frying. They cook your selections right before your eyes. Choices can be stuffed vegetables, octopus, fish or pork balls, chicken or other meats on a stick, soups with noodles and on and on. Stan and I have picked up our late evening meal from street food vendors the last couple of evenings. The grilled octopus is fantastic!! And it's cheap!! A grilled half octopus costs $20 Hong Kong dollars which is about $2.75 USD; five pieces of stuffed vegetables is $15 HKD.
Instantly upon entering our hotel for the evening, we feel the impact of quiet and become aware of the noise assault our ears have been enduring all day. As we prepare for our last full day in Hong Kong tomorrow, the hotel provides a nice respite. Ahh!
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