Hong Kong-my first visit!!!!

Hong Kong-my first visit!!!!

Overview:

Before the British captured Hong Kong in 1842, it was a sleepy Chinese fishing village. Eventually becoming a major Shipping port, the British transformed it into a modern Metropolis and finally handed it over to China in 1997. Of note 95% of Hong Kong residents are Chinese and 50% were born there. Cantonese is most widely spoken and because of the 156 year British rule, English is spoken and most signage is also in English.

For tourism purposes, the city is divided into 4 major sections each with its own smaller divisions. 1) Kowloon contains Tsum Sha Tsui, Victoria Harbour, and Mong Kok. Across the harbor is

2) Hong Kong Island which contains Sheung Wan (in the Western section), Central, Wan Chai, and Causeway Bay. 3) The new territories and 4) The 234 outlying islands.

 

I plan to soak in as many typical tourist sites as I can without sacrificing quality time spent strolling the streets where I can see traditional Hong Kong life.

Top on my list to visit are:

• Victoria Peak
• A Harbor ferry ride and ride from central to TST
• A tour down Nathan Road
• A day trip to Macau
• The Hong Kong Museum of history and perhaps the heritage Museum on the outskirts of Sha Tin, in the new territories
• The Man Mo temple (Sheung Wan) Hong Kong's oldest and most well known temple, and Tin Hau Temple (Mong Kok and Causeway Bay)
• Hong Kong park (Central)
• A visit to Sheung Wan, (west of Central which retains the feel of prewar Hong Kong)
• Markets such as temple street night market, the ladies market, the flower market, the Jade market, and more
• Strolls along Victoria Harbor
• Stanley Island
• Aberdeen for a sampan ride
• I will likely buy a two day hop on hop off bus ticket. It includes three routes, a harbor ferry ride, the tram up to Victoria Peak, and a sampon ride
• Kowloon waterfront Avenue of the stars--see the nightly "symphony of lights" light show.

Update:

Hong Kong first night --After more than 25 hours of travel, and experiencing a 12 hour time difference, I decided to take the metro from Hong Kong Island to Kowloon to visit some of the night markets. As I had suspected, Hong Kong is a vibrant, colorful, multicultural city. I am loving all the sites, sounds, and smells; Hong Kong is a feast for all the senses. Metro tickets cost HK$10 which is the equivalent of $1.25 US.

Note to self: walk on the left side of the street.

 

Temple Street Night Market

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CB2Aze1xXhI

I will post more photos later!