Ok, I am a bit late with my report on my trip to Hong Kong, but better late than never, right?
As I wrote before, it was a last-minute trip, with little planning. But it turned out to be a fun trip, though I was really too tired and it was way too short. Anyway, I got in on Wednesday, 8/16, at around 7:30pm.
When I got to the airport, I exchanged some money. Then I went to the counter next door and got a hotel room. Because it was peak season and it was a last minute booking, my choices were somewhat limited. My friends recommended that I try to stay in Causeway Bay, but there was a problem. I could book one night in Causeway Bay for less money, but then I would have to worry about the next night’s accomodations. On the other hand, they could guarantee a hotel for all three nights in Wan Chai, which was one stop closer to the airport, but more expensive. I ended up taking the hotel in Wan Chai, which was a great choice. I had a stable base of operations for the rest of my trip.
The other thing I did at the airport was get an Octopus card, which is a magnetic pass that you can use on the trains, ferries, and busses. It is a lot like the “Suica” card that I use to ride JR (Japan Railway) trains in Japan. Just like the Suica, you can charge the card and then pass it over a sensor when you enter or leave a ticket gate. And you can also use it to buy food and drinks in some shops, but I didn’t do that in Hong Kong.
The express train ride from the airport was very fast and comfortable. I went to Central Station, then I transferred to a train that would take me to Wan Chai, which is where my hotel was. The train stations were very big, like airports. In Tokyo, some stations are large like that; especially the subway lines. You might have to walk half a mile to get to another subway line. But I rarely have to do that. I kept thinking what a pain it would be if you were late to work and had to run (something I know a thing or two about!!!) 
The announcements were in Cantonese, Mandarin, and English, so there was NO trouble getting around. And the train system is much simpler than Tokyo’s, so I caught on right away. You definitely don’t need to speak a word of Chinese to make it in Hong Kong. In fact, they assume you can’t. Just like in Japan, the trains were fast, safe, and convenient.
After i checked into my hotel, I walked around a bit and took a couple night pictures.
The next morning, I got up and went to Tsim Sha Tsui, which was only a couple stops away. (Unlike in Tokyo, which is very spread out, most of the places I went to were maybe 5-10 minutes away by train.) You can see many pictures of that area on my photo page. There is a ferry, which I took on my second day, and some museums, a beautiful harbor, and the Hong Kong version of the Hollywood Walk of Stars. (They call it “The Avenue of Stars.”) Many stars you have heard of, like Jackie Chan, Jet Li, Bruce Lee, Michelle Yeoh, and Sammo Hung have stars; there are also many you might not know, like Brigette Lin, or Kwan Tak Hing, who starred in about a hundred of movies over several decades.
Then i went back to Wan Chai, and walked around the area near my hotel. It was very hot, so I went back to my room and showered and took a nap. I didn’t want to sleep, but I really had no choice. I needed it!
After I woke up, I went to Central Station and then I eventually made my way to Victoria Peak, which is the highest point on Hong Kong Island. I took a tram to the top. It was crowded, so I had to stand in the middle, in the area that flexed like an accordian (just like those long buses in Seattle!) The funny thing is, it was so steep, I had to hold on for dear life–not only was I bobbing up and down, but I felt like I was in danger of sliding back! But I made it. I rode up next to an older Japanese couple. I didn’t say anything, but I couldn’t help but overhear their conversation. Not to worry. They were just making comments about the view. But when I heard them talking about what they saw, I looked in the direction. The lady seemed to notice it, but I don’t think she realized I understood what they were saying.
It was already very dark when we got to the top. The view was outstanding.
I couldn’t resist the call of the Haagen-Daz shop; it had been a while since I had Green Tea ice cream! I walked around for a while, and I enjoyed the view. Eventually, I made my way back to the line to go back down the mountain. This time i was the first person on the tram and I got a seat!
The next morning, I got up and went to Causeway Bay. I decided to sleep in a bit and not push myself so hard. I realized I wasn’t going to come close to seeing everything I wanted to see. I made a rough plan to see a couple temples and ride the ferry. But mostly, I just wandered around all day, seeing what I could, getting lost, and discovering unexpected delights. This whole trip was basically unplanned and disorganized, but there was something relaxing and fun about that. I went with no expectations or commitments. Unlike most days, I was completely free of schedules, tight deadlines, and obligations. I think I could have seen more if I had been more strict, but I really didn’t need to see more. It was just nice to live in the moment.
I saw mountains, skyscrapers, waterfront views, shopping malls, traditional Chinese markets, temples, parks, antique shops, restaurants, and people from all over the world, speaking a dozen languages. I even walked through a supermarket and laughed when I saw all the Japanese and American products!
One funny memory was when I decided to stop at a Ben and Jerry’s shop in one of the malls and have some ice cream. (ok, I know this sounds terrible, but I really don’t eat ice cream all that often! But hey, I was on vacation..and I have never seen Ben and Jerry’s in Japan, so why not…?) Anyway, I ordered a “medium” cup. Living in Japan, I have gotten used to really small sizes. Even a “large” is usually more like a kid’s meal size in the US. So the clerk said I could choose two flavors. And when she handed it to me, my eyes got really big and I actually said “Wow!” in a loud voice, involuntarily! It was HUGE! I guess you had to be there, but it was funny to me. It really made me think about serving sizes and what is “enough” to eat.
The prices in Hong Kong are comparable, and in many cases, more expensive than what I am used to in Tokyo. This is, after all, one of the main gateways to China and one of the busiest ports in the world. This century will truly be a renaissance for China. And the Chinese economic engine is on overdrive! Just like on the mainland, I could feel a definite feeling of optimism. They love to do business, and business is booming…
Overall, the trip was fun and worth it. Would I go again? Absolutely. And I probably will. Next time, I will have dim sum in Hong Kong–one of those things I’ve always wanted to do, but didn’t manage to do this time.
