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I got up really early, as I had to be at the hotel around the corner to meet my tour.I was actually there early and stood outside for ages.Eventually I started to worry and went to speak to the concierge man.He said they had been looking for me inside!He was really nice and let me make a call to the tour company.They said they would pick me up for the afternoon tour instead.So I had a whole morning to myself I went back to the hostel and did a quick search for things to do nearby.I have now decided that travelling with a netbook or laptop should be essential!
My computer told me I was right across the street from the noon day gun and I just had to find the underground tunnel underneath the World Trade Centre to get to it.I walked through the tunnel and there were a few signs, but it was also a car park and it felt very weird walking down this long tunnel with nobody around.Eventually I came back out to daylight and there was the gun.I had to wait a little while watching the boats in Victoria Harbour then the guard entered the noon day gun area, rang a bell, let off the gun, rang the bell again, and it was over.The explosion was so loud and several of the women stood near my screamed.I didn't scream… but I did nearly drop my camera! (see my video) Then I walked back through the tunnel to the World Trade Centre and found somewhere nice to have my lunch overlooking the harbour.I then headed back to the meeting place (inside the hotel this time) and got picked up for the tour by a guide called Andy.
The first stop was the Man Mo Temple, which was filled with different shapes and sizes of incense.The sun rays were shining through the roof and highlighting the smoke, it was very beautiful.The second stop was Victoria Peak, which we travelled to by the Peak Tram.That was a horrible sensation which felt as though you are being pushed back in your seat it's so steep as it travels up the mountain.The views were worth it though and you could see across Hong Kong and Kowloon.The third stop was at a place called Aberdeen where we went on a Sampan boat ride around the floating fishing village.Finally we went to Stanley Market where I managed to buy a small suitcase.When I got back to the bus, Andy was making fun of my purchase but I explained that my bag had broken and I needed it to get to China.He told me not to leave it on the bus or he would put it on ebay!
After the tour I got the MTR to Central Hong Kong Island.The MTR is so much nicer than London Underground.The escalators have notices saying the handrails are anti-bacterial, the trains are big and clean, best of all above the doors they have tube maps with little lights which show you where the train has been on the line and where it is going.Oh and it's also air-conditioned.
I found the Mid-Levels Travelator "the longest outdoor covered escalator system in the world" and travelled on it until I saw the restaurant I was looking for- Life food.It wasn't at all Chinese but it was completely vegetarian and I figured I deserved it after last night's rubbish meal.I asked for a table for 1 and after I had sat down the lady working there came back over and accusingly asked me if I had a friend.Just because I am on my own, why shouldn't I enjoy eating nice food? (And it was very nice so I forgive her)
I got the MTR back to Times Square in Causeway Bay and wandered around a few shops before heading back to the hostel.
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