Hong Kong Highlights

A had to travel to Hong Kong last week and there was no way I was going to miss out on a travel opportunity. We ended up making it a four day trip. It was a fun-filled weekend with good food and good weather. I did the usual touristy things. My favourites were:

1. Kowloon Park

Firstly, I was fascinated by it’s location. It is smack-bang in the middle of Tsim Sha Tsui which means that the beautifully tranquil park is surrounded by skyscrapers. It is positioned along the main thoroughfare of Hong Kong, Nathan Road.  Because Kowloon Park was the first place I visited, I didn’t manage to go walk through it in its entirety, because I was antsy to see the rest of Tsim Sha Tsui. The park hosts an abundance of exotic plants and birds. It’s the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the madness that is Hong Kong, both because of its location and atmosphere.

Notice the skyscrapers in the background:

2. Hong Kong Museum of History
This museum is also very conveniently located just a few metres off Nathan Road. I didn’t expect too much walking in. I think I may be somewhat biased towards museums in Asia. It beat my expectations on all counts. It is big, covers an extensive range of topics and is very interactive – just the way I like them. It’s no wonder, considering that it cost the government of Hong Kong HK$390million to put up. It covers the geographical, ecological, political, social and economical history of Hong Kong. It is both entertaining and educational and the whole experience is enhanced by the special light and sounds effects. I was more than impressed. I think that even little children will not get bored at this museum.

 

3. Victoria Peak

The mountain that Victoria Peak is located on is on Hong Kong Island, where we spent very little of our time. It is the highest mountain on the island. We took the “peak tram” up the very steep mountain. Even though there was a lot of haze in the sky on that particular morning, the view was breathtaking. A was quite amused at the mall set up at the peak of the mountain. He said “only in Asia will they build a mall at the tip of a mountain”.

4. Jackie Chan’s boat

During our tour on Sunday, as we were approaching the Aberdeen fishing village, our tour guide pointed out that the black yacht was infact that of Jackie Chan’s. I could just picture him doing some funny action movie things on the deck of the boat 🙂

5. Ladies’ Market

I was not particularly interested in doing much shopping in Hong Kong. My friend actually said to me, “only you would visit a museum in Hong Kong”. I know, I know! I just don’t fancy shopping as a hobby. When I need particular items of clothing, I am more than open to the idea, but I rarely just shop for fun. Sure, I do get those shopping highs occasionally, but that hasn’t happened in a while. I also have a moral issue with buying “fake” products. So I didn’t plan to buy anything at the Ladies’ Market. I just wanted to see what it was all about. It was so much of fun to observe European tourists bargaining, and to see all of the same products that are sold at much higher rates in branded stores at fractions of the price at the market. I did buy a really cool leather covered notebook. I have serious weakness for stationary shopping, I must admit. I also bought a bright green non-branded handbag and a fridge magnet, because I collect magnets.

I did plan to buy gym pants in Hong Kong. Both the Ladies’ Market and the errrmmm exercise clothes road (Fa Yuen Road) are perpendicular to Argyle Road, so I thought I’d kill both birds with one stone. The exercise clothes road was a big disappointment, mainly because only 1 store on the entire road has a fitting room. I will never buy gym pants without fitting them on. There are few things in life more annoying than uncomfortable exercise wear. I ended up going to a traditional sports store at a shopping centre to get the pants.

Hong Kong was lots of fun overall, but somewhat too busy for my liking. I live in Taipei now, so that alone says a lot. I’d like to go back for another weekend in the future just to visit Disneyland Hong Kong and Ocean Park.  I must mention that there are so many dodgey characters standing around on the pavements trying to woo you into their stores in dingey alleys where they sell fakes. They can be so annoying. A swears that the trick is to give them no eye-contact. No prize for guessing where they’re from- hint: the same place as that of my ancestors 😉