After three nights in Shenzhen, this trip concluded with two nights in Hong Kong. And it was only a half hour on the train to get there.
However, I’d expected to still be in China, since the handover in 1997 meant this former British colony was now part of China – but no!
In fact, it was like being in another country between the east and the west. Had to cash in my Chinese Yuan for Hong Kong dollars. And suddenly, all my western apps, Google, etc., worked much better. I strangely felt more comfortable not having to juggle my Verizon v. a Chinese E-sim and figure out when and how to use my VPN to access western websites, etc…
Anyway, the train stations are almost as big as the airports, as this first batch shows. And the metro card (known as Opal in Aus eg.) is called “Octopus” – but wait for it.
This batch shows the agglomeration of dried fish dealers, which in another batch will show dried octopus – painfully sad if you’ve seen the documentary!
Also sad – shark fins. At some point I’ve gotta figure out if the Chinese are on to something, or if they need to get off a few things…?
This first walkabout also shows some of the myriad shops on Hollywood Road and the region of Cat Street. I’m in love with antiques, but as one, I don’t want to buy them. I just love the shop windows – and I hope you do too…
In addition to the tragedy of octopi and sharks is the fate of elephants and their tusks.
Perhaps one can admire the craftsmenship and artistry involved in carving them? Or not? As shown above.
Shown below is an old Buddhist temple, and more shops…
The stroll, and the shops in Hong Kong’s antique neighborhood continues…
More of the same, and happy to share that on Cinco de Mayo, also Taco Tuesday this year, I had some comida Mexicana in HK…!
Next day, took the trams around town, a great, cheap way to see the city. More dried fishiness near the end…:(
Here are some pix from down at the waters’ edge of Victoria Harbor, etc…
On the last day, took the Peak Tram to the top (almost) of the HK island. Nice walk at the top, and lots of excellent views…
Hong Kong Park proved to be particularly excellent! First up, some displays in the Visual Arts Centre…
More of Hong Kong Park and the Edward Youde Aviary featuring various birds in a lovely habitat. That was about the last activity before heading to the airport for a night flight back to SFO. Tram and taxi drivers there at the end…
Lastly, here’s a pic of pic of the old HK airport which used to be perilously colose to the several buildings in HK.
Well, that’s all folks. ‘Cept it’s not. I’ma add some video clips shortly, as this here seems quite enough for now, or then…
