Xièxiè Hong Kong

We have just arrived in Bangkok exhausted and with very sore feet after six, non-stop days exploring Hong Kong. Our time in the city was filled with many of the regular sights and I'm now struggling to remember what happened and in what order as the last few days seems more like a couple of weeks.

View From Victoria Peak

Recovering from the 13 hour flight from Vancouver was our focus for the first few days and we struggled a bit to adjust to the timezone getting up stupid early and dozing off as the city was just livening up for the evening. Despite both being very tired we put on some miles seeing and learning as much as we could about the city.

Day one we took the must-see Peak Tram, a 125 year old tram that hauls tourists and visitors alike up the steep slopes of the mountains on Hong Kong Island. The destination, Victoria Peak, is the highest point on Hong Kong Island and affords sweeping views of the central business district and Victoria harbour. As was the case for all but our last day in Hong Kong it was overcast and frequently foggy so the sweeping vista was more of a peek-a-boo of bits and pieces of the city.

The Big Buddha

Sticking with the touristy itinerary we spent much of the second day on Lantau Island with the main attraction being the 75 foot, 202 tonne Tian Tan (Big Buddha). Although the Buddha was impressive I was taken more with the time we spent in a small fishing village on the other side of Lantau. Wandering amongst the stilt houses along the river was the first time this trip - of many I'm sure - where I was struck with just how different living situations can be. The luxury we live in back in Canada becomes very obvious. Having said that, although the homes are modest the sense of community feels strong. I admit that I might be over romanticizing it but from what I observed the community in this village was much tighter than our community at home where I don't even know the names of our neighbours.

Ruins of St. Paul's, Macau

With a new day we jumped on a fast ferry for a visit to Macau, the Vegas of the East. Macau, like Hong Kong, is a Special Administrative Region of China enjoying some autonomy but still Chinese. While Hong Kong has British colonial ties Macau until 1999 was controlled by the Portuguese. This influence is obvious in some of the architecture and historical sites and that is where we focused much of our visit. Of course we couldn't help but jump into a couple of the lavish casinos to soak in the often gaudy decor. We even pulled a few slots and got a nice return on our bets!

No doubt a big theme of our Hong Kong leg was the lunar new year and trying as best we could to usher in the year of the snake like a Hong Konger would. That of course meant partaking in a series of fortune seeking traditions and soaking up some of the events. And it also meant we got to enjoy the festive atmosphere. Much like Christmas at home the city is decorated with lights, lanterns, cherry blossoms and just about everything coloured in gold and red. Children are dressed up and for days we saw people walking around with bags full of presents.

Sik Sik Yeun Wong Sin Temple

Despite being warned not to go to the flower market on the eve of the new year we ventured out to what was two plus city blocks crammed with people holding their just purchased flowers and even trees up in the air to navigate their way through the tangle of people. Really great energy and a lot of fun to watch. The same carried through to New Year's Day for the annual parade. The performers that came from all over the world to represent their culture in the parade and the 16 excellent floats made every parade I've ever been to look amateur. Proudly representing North American culture were the Seattle Sea Gals. And Hong Kong celebrated our last day in the city the second day of the new year by lighting up Victoria harbour with fireworks.

Dawn's 4th Attempt, Wishing Tree

Of the several temples, monasteries and auspicious locales we visited the Lam Tsuen Wishing Tree was our favourite. Based on an old legend people come from all over to throw their wishes (tied to an orange) into the tree. If it sticks you're in luck and the higher you get it the better your chances of the wish coming true. This is serious business and you could see the elation on those who successfully tossed their wishes high onto the tree. Just in case you're wondering both Dawn and I successfully lodged our wishes into the tree.

Although our short visit to Hong Kong didn't give us nearly enough time to learn more about the city, it's history, and it's people (not to mention a little bit of the language) it was enough to gain a fondness for what was a tremendously easy place to be a visitor. More than anything I loved the hardworking, enthusiastic, and deeply traditional people.

Kung Hei Fat Choy!