Our ship got an ideal docking position in Kowloon which was convenient for us for walking to many of the sites. The first morning, we took a 1/2 day tour of the City highlights to help us get our bearings. Our good natured tour guide was a Lucy Lu look alike whose name was Wing. Her nickname was Chicken Wing and she was a lot of fun and very informative. We first took the Peak Tram, a rail car, up the mountain to famous Victoria Peak for a panoramic view of Hong Kong Harbor. Next, we went to an area called Aberdeen where we boarded a sampan and cruised Aberdeen Harbor among old Chinese houseboats and vintage fishing boats and a huge floating restaurant. We were amazed at how clean the water was in this busy harbor; no trash bags, beer cans or other debris in the water. They do a fantastic job of keeping the waterway clean. Next, we visited a traditional jewelry factory where artisans make handmade jewelry specializing in jade and pearls. Of course, there was a shopping opportunity there. Our last stop on the tour was at famous Stanley Market on Hong Kong Island which was a great open air market. We returned to the ship, then ventured out on our own in the afternoon walking around town. We visited the Peninsula Hotel with the Rolls Royces lined up out front, then walked along Nathan Road where all the upscale stores line the street.
In the evening Seabourn treated all the world cruisers to a special event at a beautiful restaurant located on the 10th floor of a building overlooking the harbor. We were served a multi course Chinese meal as we watched the famous nightly symphony of lights where all the buildings are lit up and a there is a laser light show with symphonic music. The colorful lights are impressive.
The next day we left the ship early to explore the area on our own. We took a walk along the waterfront to the Avenue of the Stars where the Chinese movie stars have their names etched into the pavement. There were busloads of fans enjoying their favorite stars' markers. Since we don't know too many Chinese movie stars, we recognized only Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee, but we enjoyed watching all the jubilant Chinese tourists take in the sites. The public art displays and festive waterfront area were really enjoyable. After that, we took a ferry across the harbor to Hong Kong Island. We stopped at one of the many upscale malls located inside tall skyscrapers. The retail mall went up several stories with all upscale stores. The Apple store was 2 levels and was, of course, packed with shoppers. The expensive, upscale stores were all busy and people were lined up to get in. Apparently, people from mainland China come here on the weekends to shop. Many of them are very young, fashionably dressed and apparently enjoy great wealth in the flourishing economy in mainland China. Some of them had rolling suitcases with them to fill up and take home to the mainland.
We left the upscale mall and hit the streets to explore the street vendors and back alleys which were all bustling with people, too. The atmosphere on the streets and alleyways was much more our idea of how Hong Kong would be, not as sterile and western as the modern malls. We loved the energy, the smells of the small local cafes and the buzz of the street shopping. Brian, the big spender, treated himself to a new silk tie - bright Chinese red with dragons - at a whopping cost of $3.00. I splurged on 2 new pairs of printed pants and 2 tops spending a grand total of about $30.00. We can't wait to show off our new Chinese fashions at upcoming parties on the ship!
We walked the streets of Hong Kong Island and then ferried back to Kowloon and walked until we were ready to drop. It was so much fun and we did not want the day to end. Our last stop was at an Irish pub called Murphy's located in the basement of a building on Nathan Road. We stopped in for a cold beer and a snack and to celebrate our great day in Hong Kong.
At 6:00 p.m. we had a sail away party on deck. As the sun went down, the lights of the tall buildings came on and the magic of the colorful skyline presented itself as we pulled away. The passengers were in awe of the lights and skyscrapers surrounding us on both sides of the ship.
We really need to come back here again and spend some more time in this incredible place. Hong Kong is neither Chinese nor Western, but is a blend of both cultures. It is so unique. We loved it.
Early morning arrival in foggy Hong Kong
Tall buildings everywhere
Star Ferries - Cheap Transportation
Across the Harbor
Traditional Chinese Sampan
Aberdeen Harbor via Sampan
Jumbo floating restaurant in Aberdeen Harbor
Famous Stanley Market on Hong Kong Island
Bargain Shopping in Stanley Market
Avenue of the Chinese movie stars
Jackie Chan's Star on the Avenue
Bruce Lee has my back!
The famous Peninsula Hotel in Kowloon
Busy street shopping on Hong Kong Island
Hong Kong at Dusk
The magic begins when
darkness descends on Hong Kong
Fun Sail Away Party on Deck
Goodbye Hong Kong
Leaving Hong Kong, we said goodbye to a lot of friends as many passengers finished up their cruise on this segment. New passengers boarded in Hong Kong so the ship is now full. In fact, some of our friends wanted to extend their cruises, but could not because there were no cabins available. We are excited for our upcoming stops as we cruise southwest out of Hong Kong, then west through Hainan Strait into the Gulf of Tonkin headed to Vietnam. More good times ahead!!!!!
Couldn't agree with you more about Hong Kong, your post brought back some great memories.
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