Had a later start today which was a nice change, we appreciated the extra sleep. We met our guide Daniel at 9.30am for a bus tour of Hong Kong Island. We are staying at a hotel in Kowloon, about 15-20 minutes from Kowloon waterfront. To get to Hong Kong Island we went in a tunnel under the harbour and headed up to Victoria Peak for the panaramic views of the city and harbour. We enjoyed the views.
Next we headed to Stanley. It was enjoyable walking around the market and the waterfront. Afterwards we found a table at an outside restaurant overlooking the water and had a bite to eat. On the way we were delayed by an accident that caused a traffic jam. Unfortunately on the way back the traffic jam seemed to be even longer, we crawled at snails pace for about an hour. At least the views were stunning.
We were running a few hours late by the time we pulled into Aberdeen Harbour, home to a floating fishing village. Daniel asked who would like to go for a ride on a traditional boat around the harbour, cost was $US10.00 each. We jumped at the chance and were surprised that only 4 other people from our tour group came too. We spent about 20 mins sailing around the harbour it was colourful and fascinating. There were fishing boats of all sizes and some very expensive looking yachts. We loved it and took so many photos.
When we got back, we found the rest of the group had gone to a jewellery factory/showroom ahead of us. We were delighted we had gone on the boat and missed most of it. I would have paid double for the boat ride had I known what the alternative was! ?
Eventually we got back to the hotel at 4.30pm, a few hours late due to the traffic jam.
We had to be back on the bus by 5pm to head out to the Kowloon waterfront. Around 6pm we got on traditional Chinese sightseeing junk for a tour of the Harbour. We managed to get a seat upstairs, near the bar – drinks were included ? We sat next to a young man, called Alex, who we later found out is 24. He is from Chicago, just finished his college degree and has come to Asia on his own for 3 weeks before going back to start work. Sounded like he was having a great holiday. We both enjoyed his company, he had a lot about him.
The cruise went for about 90 minutes, the view was stunning of the skyline and the sunset, then watching the city light up. It was most enjoyable.
We got off the Junk, just before 8pm to watch the laser light show. The lasers were mounted on the top of buildings on the HK Island and Kowloon sides of the Harbour. The buildings looked great all lit up, but the laser show was very underwhelming. We both kept thinking any minute it will get better, but it didn’t. And then it was over! It is definitely worth going down to the harbour as hundreds of thousands of people do every evening. But it is not necessary to be there at 8pm for the 10 minute laser show. Just go anytime in the evening to see the city lit up, it is beautiful.
After the laser show, we went and had a Cantonese meal. It was the most delicious meal we have had this holiday, the food was cooked well using good quality, fresh ingredients. We had purple rice in coconut milk to finish the meal. I had no idea there was even such a thing as purple rice. Evidently there is red rice too. We have tried quite a bit of different food that we have never had before this holiday, has been good.
We were back at the hotel about 10pm, a long day, it was mostly enjoyable.
Last full day tomorrow. It is 11.15pm
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