New Zealand trip 2008
We arrived in Hong Kong at 6pm on Tuesday 25th March and, rather than trying to figure out the public transport system while exhausted from travelling, we unanimously decided to get a taxi. It afforded us some splendid views of the city's well-lit skyline as we drove to the hotel. We were on the mainland, not too far from the coast from which Hong Kong Island was visible. Having done next to nothing that evening (I think), we headed out the next morning to see what lay before us. It was good to see some standard cultural sights. The weather wasn't so great, though.
After navigating to the water's edge, it was time to catch a ferry...
...to Hong Kong Island.
Bit murky, innit. Once there, we explored around a bit. We were insistent on experiencing life as a Hong Kong resident would. In other words, wearing a Guinness T-shirt and eating nachos at a Mexican restaurant (Coyote's). After two and a half weeks on the road, we weren't in the mood for anything too adventurous or, at least, unfamiliar.
Here is a typical Hong Kong street shot, including the tram which runs along the main road.
In a local park, we watched some mini speedboat action...
...as well as a man doing his moves (tai chi, perhaps).
The above may or may not have been in Tin Hau Temple Garden.
Lynne was keen to point out Hello Kitty food products - no idea what they are, though.
I think the line is: my what a big cannon you have, sir. I make do with the teapot position.
We had headed up away from the coast, with a murky view of the coastline still possible.
A cruise ship tried to sneak past but I wasn't going to let it.
Here's another big gun.
This isn't St Barley's Church, not in Coventry.
Now this... is a tall building.
As the night came in, we headed to the tram to the viewpoint at the top of the island.
And it gave some splendid views of the city as it attempted to suck the world of electricity. Lynne was less prepared to get quite so close to the lookout point.
We ate at a restaurant in the complex somewhere near the top - I very much enjoyed the multi-pitta-bread-dipping action.
Lynne does not seem to be enamoured by her tomato salad, but then swiftly regains her game face when starting to tuck into her egg on top of rice.
On the Thursday, we headed over to Lantau Island, which is significantly less populated than Hong Kong Island. It is also the home of these.
More to come.
Ooh, who's that waving at us. It's the Big Buddha. Coo-ee!
Not too sure what this is.
But it's surrounded by lots (and lots) of flags.
Well this is presumably the Po Lin Monastery, which we can merrily wander into.
Here is a view from inside.
The puff pastry factory is in full working order.
Musical entertainment was provided by this guy.
Right then, time for the Big Buddha. Just a few stairs to get up.
Whew! Made it. Ok, you can stop waving now, BB.
Lynne doesn't quite seem prepared to come all the way to the top.
This one must be the Little Buddha then. He will have his time.
Wait, what? We have to go down again? Oh piffle.
Well now, I'd better go on to a second page.