I landed in Hong Kong late on Friday, 3rd November, and headed for my accommodation in Causeway Bay, Hong Kong Island. Arriving in Paterson Rd, in one of the renowned shopping districts, I was amazed to see the neon buzz and the heaving streets, topped off with Bamboo scaffolding everywhere. Not just something one sees in Jackie Chan movies!
On the Saturday, I hopped on board a ferry for a ride through Sulphur Channel, close to Green Island and Peng Chau Island in order to make my way to Silvermine Bay, Lantau, which is the largest island in Hong Kong. First on my list was the 26 metre outdoor giant bronze Buddha, presiding above all from his seat on a lotus throne atop a 3 platform altar. Rather an amazing sight.
After the hike up the stairs, I headed for Po
Lin Monastery. The Monastery is situated high in the mountains and I was treated to a scrumptious vegetarian lunch served by the monks. Before heading back to Hong Kong Island, I stopped off at Tai-O-Fishing Village for a taste of good old traditional life. After a quick stop at my hotel in Causeway Bay to freshen up, I headed to Queens Pier to jump on board a Chinese Junk for a cruise at sundown in the harbor. The Hong Kong skyline looked amazing all lit up and it was great to just relax onboard with a glass of wine in hand!
Onboard I met some Americans, who were out doing some work for Energiser. Rather entertaining conversation and I joined them for dinner after the cruise. We ended up at some local joint for a taste of the infamous "Smelly Tofu". Foul..
Sunday, I took took the tram for a ride up to Victoria Peak for a almost birds-eye view of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the surrounding islands. Still a little hazy, it was a beautiful sunny day and the slight mistiness did not detract from the impact of the legendary Hong Kong skyline.
After ascending from the peak, I then headed to the famous fishing village of Aberdeen to see the 'floating community' and jumped onboard a Sampan for firsthand experience of waterborne life. Last but not least, I jumped on a bus that went past the beautiful Repulse Bay, before heading on to Stanley Market.
Great fun was had wondering through the stalls, and I managed to get two large street scenes done in oil for the equivalent of GBP24. Not too shabby. While I was wandering through Stanely market, I was given a brief Cantonese lesson: Ho (phonetics) means good; Mmm Ho means no good, Ho Ho means very good and Ho Ho Ho means very, very good. Although try saying Ho Ho Ho without feeling like Santa - feels like Christmas with only 8 weeks to go!
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