No visit to Hong Kong is complete without a trip on the tram to The Peak at the top of Hong Kong Island. It is truly a master of engineering how that tram can actually get from the bottom of the mountain to the top, and has been doing so for over 100 years ! We went very early in the morning to try avoid the heat and the crowds. Since moving here we have found that most of the big tourist attractions in Hong Kong are now very very popular with the Mainland Chinese tourists which makes for long queues for most of the day. However, the earlier in the day you get there the better, as most Chinese do not got out sightseeing early. It also gave us the opportunity to have a nice relaxing coffee at the Peak overlooking the harbour.
Unfortunately the smog was really bad this week and the view was very compromised. It still is an impressive ride and view from the top is a definite must do if in HK. A side note is that the viewing platform (Sky Terrace 428) is only open from 11am during the week, so we missed going up this time but it is worth doing if you can handle the crowds.
Mum and I then wandered around the mid-levels and the fabulous escalators that transport people to and from work and play. I have never seen a city move people around in a more efficient way then Hong Kong. I suppose with 7 million residents there is no room for bad public transport options. The MTR, the trams, the cheap taxis and ferries are some of the best transport options I have ever used.
Our next stop was a bus ride out to Stanley ! The double decker buses here in HK amaze me as they wind their way through some very tight streets and corners. And usually at considerable pace! Some of the views on the south side of HK Island are just gorgeous and then the small fishing village of Stanley is always fun to visit.
The Stanley Markets are no longer a 'must do' when visiting HK but are still ok to wander through. I just wish my feet (and butt!) were smaller for the Asian sizes ! A lovely lunch by the sea and it was time for us to return home for school pickup.
However, we had an even nicer night planned with dinner at one of my all-time favourite restaurants - Hutong. I learned that Hutong means 'small alleyway or street from Beijing' and that is exactly how this restaurant feels. It has the most amazing view of the harbour and absolutely sensational food. We ate like kings, or emperors, and then rolled out the door and home to bed.
A long day with over 14 kms walked but lots of fun, laughs and fabulous food.
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| The Peak Tram from the top |
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| The tram |
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| The view from the top - very smoggy day |
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| Lunch at Stanley |
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| The Hong Kong skyline from Hutong |
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| Dinner at Hutong |
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