September 22, 2013

Hongkong - Day 1


After a delicious breakfast of warm and fluffy Chinese bakery samples I took of for a full day of power-sightseeing to get the adventure started and to a adjust to the hot weather and new surroundings.

First thing to do in Hongkong is getting an overview over the only small area which is actually Hongkong city by climbing Victoria peak...or rather The Peak.
Well, literally climbing is not an option in September, I was already drenched in sweat from only getting to the foot of the hill. Temperature was 34 but the humidity made it as sweaty as 40 degrees.

Thankfully there is the Peak Tram. One has to queue up and wait about 30 minutes to board, but the queuing area is air-conditioned as well...as everything in HKG..and now I fully understand why.
The tram goes straight up the hill at an surpring steep angle...like a rollercoaster car, it feels similar.



Inside it still has its colonial flair, one can imagine British gentleman going up first class for a tea at one of the peak mansions.



The Peak station in inside a huge building which is rather a shopping mall than an observation post. 


Most interestingly were the Chinese art shops like this one selling cheap jewelry. Also there are several restaurants including a Bubba Shrimp. The particular restaurant chain seems to follow me around the world... 



But eventually there is an accessible roof providing the picturesque view everyone knows of Hongkong. 



Couple of playful things on the observation deck, unfortunately I wasn't quick enough to capture the little Chinese girl smiling so cute.


I sort of collect cafes with a view...this place made it immediately as one of the top spots in my already long list. It's Pacific Coffee Company and the Espresso was quite good, even though drinking strong coffee during that heat is rather a challenge. 


Well, then back down the hill into Central district downtown Hongkong. Several famous skyscrapers are located here like this one of the Bank of China.



The British Empire has left its marks.


This is not a London bus, though. It's the local historic tram, said to be called Ding Ding by the locals. Not so sure if this is actually true, it doesn't make any ding-ding sound.. :-)