Thinking about the 2 stopovers in Hong Kong I've discovered that the lasting impression is one of disappointment. Which is in itself disappointing. My last visit, 17 years ago, was all about the shopping. Everything was excellent value, from jewellery to known brands to labels we couldn't access in those long-ago days. Now we have become global. What can't you buy on-line? What isn't available in our own stores, markets or eBay? Being on a shoestring budget (note the sign, which is quite by accident!) meant we could only browse and window shop the designer malls. Just another type of sightseeing, really.
Shopping aside, there was the disappointment caused by the relentless mist hanging over the harbour. We postponed our trip up to The Peak thinking the view might clear up or be better on the return trip. 'twasn't. Our hotel rooms didn't disappoint, however, and neither did this same city skyline at night with a spectacular light show beyond the dark waters of the harbour. Don't go to Hong Kong without a harvourview room. That's my Honkers tip.
We did a harbour cruise to Tsing Ma Bridge, toted as the world's longest suspension bridge carrying both road and rail, and the western shoreline past the world's largest container terminal. So, okay, that may not sound riveting but I enjoyed seeing all the new developments and it was such a contrast to the history of London and Paris. I hate to end on another note of disappointment, but I booked another specialty "tour" for my return--a morning of tai chi, feng shui and the tea-making ceremony--only to have it cancelled due to lack of interest. And that was the biggest disappointment of all.
posted by Bronwyn Jameson @ 4:04 PM
