Hong Kong: March 2018
So my massive bag weighs a 4.5kg as I start my journey, so I am required to join the queue for ‘oversized’ luggage, with some strange looks for others with cases as large as their kids, the baggage run can’t cope with back packs!! Will it make it!?!? I’ve packed bits in a carry on just incase ot doesn’t!!
A quick Japanese style omelette to get my into Asian foods and it’s off to the gate!
I’m leaving a lovely start of spring / equinox day here and Dad tells me it’s lovely up north too so hopefully this is a sign of a good weather trip. Current apps and websites tell me 26-27 degrees next week in Taiwan so looking positive. Excited!Hong Kong here I come!
The flight is fine, for some reason we have a circle in the middle of our route, so slightly delayed. Managed a couple of hours snooze but rest been watching random films!! Oh and a pot of noodles just because they smelt yummy at a ‘middle of the night’ type time!
A quick Japanese style omelette to get my into Asian foods and it’s off to the gate!
I’m leaving a lovely start of spring / equinox day here and Dad tells me it’s lovely up north too so hopefully this is a sign of a good weather trip. Current apps and websites tell me 26-27 degrees next week in Taiwan so looking positive. Excited!Hong Kong here I come!
The flight is fine, for some reason we have a circle in the middle of our route, so slightly delayed. Managed a couple of hours snooze but rest been watching random films!! Oh and a pot of noodles just because they smelt yummy at a ‘middle of the night’ type time!
It’s a long walk to immigration.... including a train transfer! No one tells us (a girl I was wandering beside who is visiting he boyfriend that’s on a 10 day contract here with McLaren) we need to fill out immigration cards (maybe should be obvious to me by now!!) so delayed officially entering as had to return to fill one in, although it was a steady flow of people doing the same.
Once through it’s a much quicker wander to baggage claim and my wee bag happily going round the carrousel. Straight through the green doors and I’m out to find my next step....... the train to town.
The guy at the train info stand gives me a card ($185hkd) for a return, and points towards the Train. He then stops me and recommends I take a shuttle bus to a near by hotel as I wouldn’t want to walk!! It looks about 200m to my Hotel from metro stop so guessing walking may not be a usual!
It’s a fast 20 minutes to kowloon and I have a chance to put my bags together into 1 and think of it’s inappropriate to remove my tights on the train. Me thinks yes as I’m rummaging and getting strange looks from the couple opposite!! Replan once off train.
Kowloon station is announced as we are stopping, so a slight mad dash to unplug phone and make sure ice pack everything properly!! The actual station is a rabbit warren and gives a whole new meaning to running round in circles., although it does have a Marimekko shop, Mum would be pleased to have a wee admire in there if here. It sets the standards for the other shops in this station: Gucci and the like, not for me!!! 2 loops of levels too high up for my road I need walks off the jet lag!!! Eventually I leave the station and head to the main roads. Initial impressions: lots of smokers, lots of building going on, and it’s warm!! As I’ve not confirmed an arrival time for check in I going to head to find it and see if I can leave my bags while out....... pick up a wonton on the way past as they smell good..... 50p and it’s reasonable!
Once through it’s a much quicker wander to baggage claim and my wee bag happily going round the carrousel. Straight through the green doors and I’m out to find my next step....... the train to town.
The guy at the train info stand gives me a card ($185hkd) for a return, and points towards the Train. He then stops me and recommends I take a shuttle bus to a near by hotel as I wouldn’t want to walk!! It looks about 200m to my Hotel from metro stop so guessing walking may not be a usual!
It’s a fast 20 minutes to kowloon and I have a chance to put my bags together into 1 and think of it’s inappropriate to remove my tights on the train. Me thinks yes as I’m rummaging and getting strange looks from the couple opposite!! Replan once off train.
Kowloon station is announced as we are stopping, so a slight mad dash to unplug phone and make sure ice pack everything properly!! The actual station is a rabbit warren and gives a whole new meaning to running round in circles., although it does have a Marimekko shop, Mum would be pleased to have a wee admire in there if here. It sets the standards for the other shops in this station: Gucci and the like, not for me!!! 2 loops of levels too high up for my road I need walks off the jet lag!!! Eventually I leave the station and head to the main roads. Initial impressions: lots of smokers, lots of building going on, and it’s warm!! As I’ve not confirmed an arrival time for check in I going to head to find it and see if I can leave my bags while out....... pick up a wonton on the way past as they smell good..... 50p and it’s reasonable!
Hotel is amongst a lot of shops and I’m hassled to buy ladies clothes tailor made! I decline for now, not much room in the bag!!
The 4 lifts up the 16 floors all do only 4-5 selected floors so had to pay attention to which to get onto. Check in is much easier than the reviews had said and the girls are friendly and helpful. Ive decided that the 22 degrees is a bit much for my thermal tights and top, so quick change and I’m off again. Sandals, dress and cardigan..... I’m very aware most people are in jeans and jackets still!!! A woman passes me saying that she was coming to get a jacket as it’s a bit cold for her Florida norm!!!
So I’m off to find what Hong Kong is all about! Electronics.......first start!! However it’s only 0930 and nothing is open yet! So coffee number 1 in a quaint little coffee shop playing jazz! Espresso macchiato this time.... keep me going!
I wander off in search of the electronics area but fail to find the main mall, however I struggle to walk more than 5m before I am asked if I wish a handbag or dress made. Some people can find this stressful but I love the buzz! I enjoy the hustle and bustle as I wander the streets, the food is starting to smell amazing as you walk around and shops slowly open. Many seem not to start business til 11 or 11:30! I stop to admire the purple potato ice cream.... a must later, and then a dinsum place attracts my eye. I am recommended to order the special buns, a thin pastry with meat and fluid inside. They remind me of the Georgian ones which were very similar, but you were not supposed to eat the top folded part unless you were poor! None of that here!! I get chatting to Mike who is also on his way to Taiwan, for a wedding tomorrow. He’s unfortunately in the south party and leaves on Sunday so not much catch up, but he does advise the ferry to the island as it’s very cheap, and possibly the tube back. Maybe later or tomorrow..... let’s see..... I’m standing next to a very controversial shop. Loads of intrikit ivory pieces. Amazing but not impressed. Also starts me thinking about their use of plastic- it’s everywhere and I can’t see them changing
The 4 lifts up the 16 floors all do only 4-5 selected floors so had to pay attention to which to get onto. Check in is much easier than the reviews had said and the girls are friendly and helpful. Ive decided that the 22 degrees is a bit much for my thermal tights and top, so quick change and I’m off again. Sandals, dress and cardigan..... I’m very aware most people are in jeans and jackets still!!! A woman passes me saying that she was coming to get a jacket as it’s a bit cold for her Florida norm!!!
So I’m off to find what Hong Kong is all about! Electronics.......first start!! However it’s only 0930 and nothing is open yet! So coffee number 1 in a quaint little coffee shop playing jazz! Espresso macchiato this time.... keep me going!
I wander off in search of the electronics area but fail to find the main mall, however I struggle to walk more than 5m before I am asked if I wish a handbag or dress made. Some people can find this stressful but I love the buzz! I enjoy the hustle and bustle as I wander the streets, the food is starting to smell amazing as you walk around and shops slowly open. Many seem not to start business til 11 or 11:30! I stop to admire the purple potato ice cream.... a must later, and then a dinsum place attracts my eye. I am recommended to order the special buns, a thin pastry with meat and fluid inside. They remind me of the Georgian ones which were very similar, but you were not supposed to eat the top folded part unless you were poor! None of that here!! I get chatting to Mike who is also on his way to Taiwan, for a wedding tomorrow. He’s unfortunately in the south party and leaves on Sunday so not much catch up, but he does advise the ferry to the island as it’s very cheap, and possibly the tube back. Maybe later or tomorrow..... let’s see..... I’m standing next to a very controversial shop. Loads of intrikit ivory pieces. Amazing but not impressed. Also starts me thinking about their use of plastic- it’s everywhere and I can’t see them changing
4 minutes and we’re there. This is the opposite of the other side, like Dubai, a yin and a yang! Quiet, orderly and business like. Almost clinical.
They’re gearing up for the 7s in a couple of weeks so plenty of adverts for that and there’s a food festival on so tents are going up along the harbour side
They’re gearing up for the 7s in a couple of weeks so plenty of adverts for that and there’s a food festival on so tents are going up along the harbour side
I’ve caught myself out coming over as i think I’ve left the map of the old town behind, so I’m trusting my on line map to show me what to see. Theres a couple of large hills to possibly go up, and I notice a tram for one so I’ll head for that and see.
The roads are winding and plenty of steps unlike the part I’ve just wandered. It’s still only midday and I’m starting to see a bit more people flow. It’s like there’s a few more recognisable buildings like old English tenements squashed in amongst the shiny skyscrapers, but overall there’s not much space between the buildings, keeps the cars out!!
The old gas lamps are very reminiscent of the older period and attract a few other tourists but they also mingle in nicely with their surroundings.
When I get to the tram, it’s chaos again, 2 sets of queues and at least a 1 hour wait I’m told. Hmmmmm not doing that, it’s open at 7am so maybe Saturday morning would be a good idea? Wander on! I notice the bamboo scaffolding; brings back memories of some we saw in Indonesia, no Idea if they would pass health and safety in uk!
The roads are winding and plenty of steps unlike the part I’ve just wandered. It’s still only midday and I’m starting to see a bit more people flow. It’s like there’s a few more recognisable buildings like old English tenements squashed in amongst the shiny skyscrapers, but overall there’s not much space between the buildings, keeps the cars out!!
The old gas lamps are very reminiscent of the older period and attract a few other tourists but they also mingle in nicely with their surroundings.
When I get to the tram, it’s chaos again, 2 sets of queues and at least a 1 hour wait I’m told. Hmmmmm not doing that, it’s open at 7am so maybe Saturday morning would be a good idea? Wander on! I notice the bamboo scaffolding; brings back memories of some we saw in Indonesia, no Idea if they would pass health and safety in uk!
Up through the ‘old part’ but most highlighted ‘historic buildings’ I just can’t see why, so I’ll look the concept up later! There’s an amazing tree that’s stuck itself to the wall almost with a large meandering set of roots.
I head for another ‘landmark’: Lan Kwai Fong, it’s w small street with a load of small randomly lit up lights down a building and a couple of cafes......????? It later appears to be a good night spot!! Next up is the temple, I’m starting to fatigue a little. It’s reaching 2:30 and I think I’ll just head back to the ferry and get checked in. I make it to the temple, in this spot since 1847. It’s unremarkable having seen a few in my time but probably stands out a bit by being a single level building!! It’s a nice mix of quietness, orientalist streets and sun, which does add a quaintness to it all. I find the very tall but very skinny buildings intriguing. Mustn’t get many earthquakes here!! 😬
A quick use of Mc Donald’s loos (always clean and English style!) I’m taking the coastal walk to the ferry terminal. I really should have clocked Which one I arrived from. There’s 6 terminals and each goes to a different harbour....... oooops! I wander past terminal 4, and notice a rough map...... terminal 6 it should be, and as I wander I notice the walk way that I used part of when I came in. If I’d gone the expected route I would have been guided straight to the terminal, but no, I wanted to go outside in the sun!! No harm done. I do notice a fish and chip place in the terminal area but I’m no longer in the need for food, all those dim sum have filled me nicely. Maybe ice cream could squeeze in, it is sunny after all!!
The ferry leaves as soon as I board. It’s shiny wheelhouse / engine area, and the white gloved captain show a pride in the work. I’ve seen the full ferry arrive and the upper deck is no different from the lower so not heading up there!!
The ferry leaves as soon as I board. It’s shiny wheelhouse / engine area, and the white gloved captain show a pride in the work. I’ve seen the full ferry arrive and the upper deck is no different from the lower so not heading up there!!
I’m back on mainland and off to take a couple of pics, when I notice the ice cream stop..... well why not, there’s some interesting flavours on offer...... I chose mango and a purple one that looks like the picture from the earlier purple potato.... oh dear, I have a confusion with the coins and notes to start, but it’s so not worth the money, I am not impressed, very synthetic and awful, that’s me off Hong Kong ice cream.!!! Theres post cards around the ferry terminal. I’ve not seen any yet so this is great. I find a few I like, need to send a couple!! The girl compliments me on looking very lovely and fresh.... if only she knew! I ask about stamps and she makes my change lots of coins as I’ll need them for the machine... then proceeds to show me a picture of where the machine is located. Its 30m away but she insists on taking me and showing me how to work it, shutting up her stall to do so. It’s been a quiet day she says as she puts on her fleecy jacket, it’s cold today also I’m informed as I proudly wear my very summery dress!!
It’s a big machine which spits out very small stamps!! I need type 4 stamps. She leaves after watching me insert a coin. Job done!! Time for the wander back to the hotel. It’s only about 800m This place is small!! Some pics around the pier and off I go.
It’s a big machine which spits out very small stamps!! I need type 4 stamps. She leaves after watching me insert a coin. Job done!! Time for the wander back to the hotel. It’s only about 800m This place is small!! Some pics around the pier and off I go.
I return with less hassle than before. Either they’ve got their quota or run out of steam!!
I head up to the 16th floor to check in. My info tells me I’m on the 10th so will have to swap lifts. There’s lots of apartments In the building and notices of the ones owing more than 3 months rent!
I get up on the second attempt to get space in the lift, floors 4,6,10 and 16 must be popular!! The guy behind the desk is lovely and gives me my key, I’m on this floor! I fill my water bottle from the cooler while he photocopies my passport and then he directs me to the room. “Among the corridor and turn left and first on the left”. Simple.... if only! I get there and the key doesn’t work. I fiddle a bit then try the code panel beside the door. It gets the intercom working but I can’t hear the guy so I wander back down the corridor to find him coming to meet me. The door is a proximity card and not the key! It takes me into another corridor of 7 doors one of which is my room. There’s a microwave and more water in a cooler in here too.
My room Is perfect for one person and Sue would be proud of the bathroom, the shower is above the loo so one big wet room, with a wooden door!! Will be fun!!
It’s 4:30pm so I judge myself eligible for a quick siesta! I’ve done 24,000 steps and 8.5 miles and the feet are feeling it.
The siesta was a nice concept but the room is very noisy with people banging around. Despite being 16 floors up I can clearly hear the traffic and the microwave is in regular use so plenty if high pitch bleeps!
The tv shows 4 Chinese channels so that’s not going on again!! Time to chill, and figure this out!! Day reflection and reading up on!!
I head up to the 16th floor to check in. My info tells me I’m on the 10th so will have to swap lifts. There’s lots of apartments In the building and notices of the ones owing more than 3 months rent!
I get up on the second attempt to get space in the lift, floors 4,6,10 and 16 must be popular!! The guy behind the desk is lovely and gives me my key, I’m on this floor! I fill my water bottle from the cooler while he photocopies my passport and then he directs me to the room. “Among the corridor and turn left and first on the left”. Simple.... if only! I get there and the key doesn’t work. I fiddle a bit then try the code panel beside the door. It gets the intercom working but I can’t hear the guy so I wander back down the corridor to find him coming to meet me. The door is a proximity card and not the key! It takes me into another corridor of 7 doors one of which is my room. There’s a microwave and more water in a cooler in here too.
My room Is perfect for one person and Sue would be proud of the bathroom, the shower is above the loo so one big wet room, with a wooden door!! Will be fun!!
It’s 4:30pm so I judge myself eligible for a quick siesta! I’ve done 24,000 steps and 8.5 miles and the feet are feeling it.
The siesta was a nice concept but the room is very noisy with people banging around. Despite being 16 floors up I can clearly hear the traffic and the microwave is in regular use so plenty if high pitch bleeps!
The tv shows 4 Chinese channels so that’s not going on again!! Time to chill, and figure this out!! Day reflection and reading up on!!
Day 2 Hong Kong post Macau
So I’ve been to Macau, and return to Hong along island as Mark has recommended a revisit to Soho and as it’s 2pm it maybe busier than last time!! It’s 15 mins to get through immigration but it’s no stress (I filled out the card this time on the ferry in advance, clever me🤣)
It’s lovely and warm now, sorune to enjoy the sun! There’s more people today and the place is a business buzz!
Window shopping and I do fancy some noodles so I make that my plan!
I find the ‘central escalator’ which had intrigued me..... it’s about 10 escalators up the streets to the ‘mid level’. Well why not! It’s very much the thing to do here!!! Some are not working so stairs climbed but on whole it’s a good escape from steps!!
I get to mid level.... it’s all accomodation, so back down the meandering steep streets, just as well it’s dry under foot!
Happy hours start at 1600 and it’s 1530 so
I find a Vietnamese place and as noodles are all franchise looking places I change for a salad option, can’t remember the last green thing I ate. No messing here, it’s straight away arrives and totally worth it!!
The idea of a cocktail had crossed my mind but I’m going to be drinking for sake of it so decide to head back to Hotel for now and chill til nighttime! I notice that I’ve not felt the direct sun on me for ages.... such is its angle and the enclosed environment!!
The walk to the hotel will change that!
It’s lovely and warm now, sorune to enjoy the sun! There’s more people today and the place is a business buzz!
Window shopping and I do fancy some noodles so I make that my plan!
I find the ‘central escalator’ which had intrigued me..... it’s about 10 escalators up the streets to the ‘mid level’. Well why not! It’s very much the thing to do here!!! Some are not working so stairs climbed but on whole it’s a good escape from steps!!
I get to mid level.... it’s all accomodation, so back down the meandering steep streets, just as well it’s dry under foot!
Happy hours start at 1600 and it’s 1530 so
I find a Vietnamese place and as noodles are all franchise looking places I change for a salad option, can’t remember the last green thing I ate. No messing here, it’s straight away arrives and totally worth it!!
The idea of a cocktail had crossed my mind but I’m going to be drinking for sake of it so decide to head back to Hotel for now and chill til nighttime! I notice that I’ve not felt the direct sun on me for ages.... such is its angle and the enclosed environment!!
The walk to the hotel will change that!
Well I can here the activities in full flow outside so I’m off to see what nighttime offers here although I’m not sure if I’m in the best spot for it!
The shops are just starting to close, but it is 11pm although the wee market malls are still in full flow.
I decide to wander to the food Street I found yesterday (seems so long ago chatting to Mike 1). Im back to being offered handbags and watches, and the odd stare but there’s far fewer people than it sounded like! I head to the street and find it almost empty, so decide to do a loop back to Hotel. I come across a couple of pubs, ‘Ned Kelly last stand’ and no surprise, the essential Irish one too but although they’re full I’m not too bothered to go in. I however notice a noodle stand... yes please!! Singapore fried noodles just what I fancied. In 1 minute they’re in the plastic bag with plastic cutlery, which I swap for chop sticks and Home I head, slightly disappointed by the lack of lights and buzz but I have noodles!!! Once I get to the top of the elevator I look down into the central part of this high rise hoping to see a communal garden as in other places, but instead it’s a mass of bins and rubbish, at least it won’t see the sun!!!
As I enjoy the and chat on Facebook with a mate, I notice the sudden quietness that has fallen and it’s just gone midnight and the place is going to bed!! So shall I soon.
The shops are just starting to close, but it is 11pm although the wee market malls are still in full flow.
I decide to wander to the food Street I found yesterday (seems so long ago chatting to Mike 1). Im back to being offered handbags and watches, and the odd stare but there’s far fewer people than it sounded like! I head to the street and find it almost empty, so decide to do a loop back to Hotel. I come across a couple of pubs, ‘Ned Kelly last stand’ and no surprise, the essential Irish one too but although they’re full I’m not too bothered to go in. I however notice a noodle stand... yes please!! Singapore fried noodles just what I fancied. In 1 minute they’re in the plastic bag with plastic cutlery, which I swap for chop sticks and Home I head, slightly disappointed by the lack of lights and buzz but I have noodles!!! Once I get to the top of the elevator I look down into the central part of this high rise hoping to see a communal garden as in other places, but instead it’s a mass of bins and rubbish, at least it won’t see the sun!!!
As I enjoy the and chat on Facebook with a mate, I notice the sudden quietness that has fallen and it’s just gone midnight and the place is going to bed!! So shall I soon.
Day 3: the Departure
So it’s morning and despite being woken by the noisy Aussies in the rooms around me at 6am shouting down the corridor as if no one else is there I’ve slept well full of noodles!!! My research last night found a bus to the peak from the harbour so may as well take that as will get a sightseeing tour too!!! This means I can check out and see if the left luggage charge advertised will affect me (€150 if it does!) however I wasn’t told about it so not expecting it. The shower is effective and good just a little awkward as the toilet is restrictive for movemet and the seat is broken so can’t trust sitting on it!!
I pack and head out, just as well as the lady enters the room to clean, it’s 0915. No charges at check out so fill the bottle and I’m off. It’s been a perfect spot location wise.
I meet a couple of ladies at the lift who ask where I’m from. I explain Scotland via England. They are very interested to meet me, and are from Bali. I explain I spent time there and we talk a bit on the way down. At the bottom they ask to take a photo with ‘Scottish jane’ hahaha, I’m back in Bali!!!
I walk outside and the heat hits me, then I look at my destination, it’s covered in cloud.... dark cloud..... will it rain..... as I walk on I have 5 hours to kill or so and decide it’s worth the gamble, maybe not the stunning views but maybe quiet due to this!! Off to my fav transport: the ferry....maybe all this Brenda cruising has started to rub off on me!!
I have correct money, but it’s all of 3.10 today.... weekends!!!
The bus stop as promised in the info I’ve been given is right outside pier 6 and there’s a small queue. I have not exactly $9.8 (0.88p) so have to give $10 (0.9p) I’ll miss that 2p!!!! It’s a new looking bus, i miss the front seat to the earlier queuers but get a second row!! The sun is still thinking what to do!! We go round the corner to the main bus station and now that’s a queue!! Tip: best spot is the pier for the bus. I count 65 people getting on! My queue was 7!!!! They have bus WiFi!! Time to catch up! Wow they’re a noisy bunch!!!
Another stop and another 15 people. Yes definitely get on early! There’s no room already!
I pack and head out, just as well as the lady enters the room to clean, it’s 0915. No charges at check out so fill the bottle and I’m off. It’s been a perfect spot location wise.
I meet a couple of ladies at the lift who ask where I’m from. I explain Scotland via England. They are very interested to meet me, and are from Bali. I explain I spent time there and we talk a bit on the way down. At the bottom they ask to take a photo with ‘Scottish jane’ hahaha, I’m back in Bali!!!
I walk outside and the heat hits me, then I look at my destination, it’s covered in cloud.... dark cloud..... will it rain..... as I walk on I have 5 hours to kill or so and decide it’s worth the gamble, maybe not the stunning views but maybe quiet due to this!! Off to my fav transport: the ferry....maybe all this Brenda cruising has started to rub off on me!!
I have correct money, but it’s all of 3.10 today.... weekends!!!
The bus stop as promised in the info I’ve been given is right outside pier 6 and there’s a small queue. I have not exactly $9.8 (0.88p) so have to give $10 (0.9p) I’ll miss that 2p!!!! It’s a new looking bus, i miss the front seat to the earlier queuers but get a second row!! The sun is still thinking what to do!! We go round the corner to the main bus station and now that’s a queue!! Tip: best spot is the pier for the bus. I count 65 people getting on! My queue was 7!!!! They have bus WiFi!! Time to catch up! Wow they’re a noisy bunch!!!
Another stop and another 15 people. Yes definitely get on early! There’s no room already!
The sun is breaking through. I think it’s going to be a hot one! Get into practice with the backpack for Taiwan!!
It’s a nice wander and there’s plenty of view points to take advantage of. I do most I think but the harr is not shifting so I give up the meander at midday and head to the bus stop. The information on times I can’t follow so the fact there’s a queue is a good sign!!
Most of the people on previouslt are on this one too so must be usual time to spend up there!! I’ve covered 4 miles my phone and fitbit tell me so good morning walk!!
The views on the way down are great too and the bus stops appear to allow photos!! Definitely get a window seat.... and the windows are clean!!! No WiFi this time! We have hit the Saturday midday traffic!! Aaarrrrrggghhh!
There’s a woman ‘singing’ behind me, well it’s maybe tuneful to some but the high pitch monotony is not for me!! It’s drowned out at times by the college kids but not for long! Not much longer left thankfully!! The bus is rapidly emptying as we descend. It’s been a worthy trip! Maybe longer than the tram but 1/10th of the price and Plenty to enjoy on the way.
Time to get my final ferry ride of the trip, the drink I bought at the top has given me the much needed coins. There’s an Oyster card type option here Which as I’ve not been doing much public transport I’ve not purchased (the web confused me about deposits etc for them) but I notice you can use them to buy lots of things including coffee!!
It’s a nice wander and there’s plenty of view points to take advantage of. I do most I think but the harr is not shifting so I give up the meander at midday and head to the bus stop. The information on times I can’t follow so the fact there’s a queue is a good sign!!
Most of the people on previouslt are on this one too so must be usual time to spend up there!! I’ve covered 4 miles my phone and fitbit tell me so good morning walk!!
The views on the way down are great too and the bus stops appear to allow photos!! Definitely get a window seat.... and the windows are clean!!! No WiFi this time! We have hit the Saturday midday traffic!! Aaarrrrrggghhh!
There’s a woman ‘singing’ behind me, well it’s maybe tuneful to some but the high pitch monotony is not for me!! It’s drowned out at times by the college kids but not for long! Not much longer left thankfully!! The bus is rapidly emptying as we descend. It’s been a worthy trip! Maybe longer than the tram but 1/10th of the price and Plenty to enjoy on the way.
Time to get my final ferry ride of the trip, the drink I bought at the top has given me the much needed coins. There’s an Oyster card type option here Which as I’ve not been doing much public transport I’ve not purchased (the web confused me about deposits etc for them) but I notice you can use them to buy lots of things including coffee!!
The ferry is about to leave and the guy in front at the token machine is insisting on pushing the the $100 note (£10) for the $3.1 (0.30p) trip, while above the slots there’s a large sign written in English (the language he’s using with clarity and ease to the person he’s with) saying the machine does not accept $100 or $50 notes and these can be changed at the kiosk at the front of the station..... as the queue behind grows I point this out to him, so he changed the note to a $50 and tries again. A few groans from behind and I repoint out the message, explaining he can’t use either note and needs change. He and his co-traveller look at each other and start rummaging for coins, I suggest politely that they go to the kiosk to change their notes and let us use the machine! He agrees and wanders off. The girl behind wants to get her change ready so asks the price, I tell her as I get my token and help her use the ( not very complicated) machine.
We get chatting, she Regan from Georgia and is working in China with friend here so came for the weekend. She’s wanting to go to the ladies market to shop so hence her first ferry ride! She’s half American and half Vietnamese, so is planning her trip to find her ancestors in Vietnam next year once out of college. We chat on the way over and I direct her to Nathan Road, where is been staying the last couple of nights. We part. She’s enjoyed speaking to someone as realised she hadn’t all day as yet! Welcome to solo travel!!
The walk to the tube station is frustrating, of course it’s midday Saturday and shoppers are out in their hundreds with slow walkers and husbands standing outside shops waiting, just standing in the middle of the pavement. The faster I get away the better!!!!
I’m back to the roadworks that confused me with lack of signage the other day, back to the circles shopping centre, which I know now better and can negotiate with confidence through the masses. There’s an ice rink in here, but only hockey and skating!!
I head down to the train station and the cake shop catches my eye: a minion cake, me thinks Fraser would love that.... challenge Mum and Karen!! I also note in the shop next door the expense compared to UK for junk foods. Although I can’t be sure about the fish skin crisps, maybe shall try with mark incase one of us like them!!!
The train is about to depart so perfect timing, it’s full this time, certainly wouldn’t contemplate changing now!!!
I’m on my way to the next destination. Hong Kong is over. I’m meeting Mark at the airport and he’s ordered a taxi to take him and his bike to the hotel, so organised!! It’ll be nice to have some company, plus bonus is a curling mate (USA mixed doubles Chelyabinsk) another Mike, is also in Taipei so have messaged him to hopefully catch up soon.
I will need to sort out this website too, it appears to be saving things all over the place, as it’s coming up to 6am I’m keen to put something up for Dad and Mum to read at breakfast soon, but not sure where they’ll find this!! It’s already deleted a section rather than save, thankfully also have the text on a ‘pages’ document also just in case!!! Ah not trusting technology!!
It’s gate 61 and I’ve 15 mins til boarding then I see the sign: gates 20-250. Oh no. Could be a long walk.... pace increased!!!! Make it in 10 mins and they’ve not started. Alls good!! Window seat but on wrong side to see anything much sadly. We’re off....... Ciao for now!
We get chatting, she Regan from Georgia and is working in China with friend here so came for the weekend. She’s wanting to go to the ladies market to shop so hence her first ferry ride! She’s half American and half Vietnamese, so is planning her trip to find her ancestors in Vietnam next year once out of college. We chat on the way over and I direct her to Nathan Road, where is been staying the last couple of nights. We part. She’s enjoyed speaking to someone as realised she hadn’t all day as yet! Welcome to solo travel!!
The walk to the tube station is frustrating, of course it’s midday Saturday and shoppers are out in their hundreds with slow walkers and husbands standing outside shops waiting, just standing in the middle of the pavement. The faster I get away the better!!!!
I’m back to the roadworks that confused me with lack of signage the other day, back to the circles shopping centre, which I know now better and can negotiate with confidence through the masses. There’s an ice rink in here, but only hockey and skating!!
I head down to the train station and the cake shop catches my eye: a minion cake, me thinks Fraser would love that.... challenge Mum and Karen!! I also note in the shop next door the expense compared to UK for junk foods. Although I can’t be sure about the fish skin crisps, maybe shall try with mark incase one of us like them!!!
The train is about to depart so perfect timing, it’s full this time, certainly wouldn’t contemplate changing now!!!
I’m on my way to the next destination. Hong Kong is over. I’m meeting Mark at the airport and he’s ordered a taxi to take him and his bike to the hotel, so organised!! It’ll be nice to have some company, plus bonus is a curling mate (USA mixed doubles Chelyabinsk) another Mike, is also in Taipei so have messaged him to hopefully catch up soon.
I will need to sort out this website too, it appears to be saving things all over the place, as it’s coming up to 6am I’m keen to put something up for Dad and Mum to read at breakfast soon, but not sure where they’ll find this!! It’s already deleted a section rather than save, thankfully also have the text on a ‘pages’ document also just in case!!! Ah not trusting technology!!
It’s gate 61 and I’ve 15 mins til boarding then I see the sign: gates 20-250. Oh no. Could be a long walk.... pace increased!!!! Make it in 10 mins and they’ve not started. Alls good!! Window seat but on wrong side to see anything much sadly. We’re off....... Ciao for now!