Haven’t been following my journey? Here is Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3
I was in Hong Kong, surrounded by strangers and completely out of my comfort zone. Yet it was a surreal feeling and I couldn’t wait to explore. With the few hours of the day left when we arrived some was spent sleeping, the rest we explored the small food court trying to find something to eat and grabbing a few things at the small store attached to our hotel. I love how different food and packaging is overseas its hilarious.
Walking into the food court was a moment I’ll never forget, it was obviously not a foreigners eating place. Ordering by way of a pointed finger and hoping what I got would be tasty, I couldn’t help but be completely in love with travel. Even with the obvious language barrier the staff were super nice, actually everybody was the entire trip. This first moment though was when I knew I would continue to travel, to seek out moments like this and cherish every last one of them. Oh and in case you were wondering the meal was amazing and we ate there almost every day.
Exploring Hong Kong over the next few days really opened my eyes even further. It started with a trip on the train that was so clean and on time it put Australia to shame. From Tsim Sha Tsui I wandered the Avenue of Stars before venturing to the Harbour City Shopping Centre that seemed to have shop after shop going on for miles and miles.
It was there at the food court I first encountered Octopus Balls (get your mind out of the gutter) and loved them, just don’t get put off by the fact they appear to move because OMG super tasty.
Then it was a ferry ride across the harbour to catch the Peak Tram and catch a view of Hong Kong at night. Now a tip that might be of use; if there is a huge line waiting for the Peak Tram you can jump it if you also pay to visit Madame Tussauds, easily saved 40 minutes waiting in line. I am also still in the dark as to how a tram packed full of people climbs at over a 45 degree angle, but damn was I impressed.
The view from the top though, seriously worth it and definitely make it so you can watch the sunset and then see the city light up.
The next day was spend visiting China. This was perhaps the only day I didn’t enjoy on the entire trip. After an eternity of catching trains and getting a visa for the day we were pounced on. I’m all for making a buck but to be completely overrun by people wanting us to buy this and that was crazy. I never expected it but I have no idea why I mean everything is made in China these days.
We made it to a shopping center and bought some DVD’s (as you do), gf experienced the joy of the squat toilet and I got ripped off with some USB memory sticks. After that we retreat to the safety of the train station and headed for home and a night market to finish the day. Next time I visit China I’ll be asking Monica for tips.
This then brings me to Christmas Eve which we spent shopping all day at gf’s request. I’ll admit to finding a bargain or two (My Diesel shoes that I love to death) but man I was glad to be having down time for Christmas Day. I did enjoy the day and got totally freaked out when the sales lady walked off with my credit card. Funny how you just expect things to be the same overseas as at home when your so ignorant.
For Christmas we enjoyed an average lunch provided by the hotel (although the chocolate fountain was awesome) followed by a night in Kowloon walking the packed streets and soaking up the atmosphere. Even caught the light show and fireworks in the harbour.
It was a little sad that we only had 4 days to explore Hong Kong before Disney Land as there was so much more I wanted to see. In saying that at the time I didn’t care we were going to Disney Land so up next my take on Disney Land in Hong Kong.
Nice overview Chris – looking forward to Part 5. Coincidentally, Hong Kong was my first overseas trip, too, although a few years before yours 😉
I ate stuff there that I still don’t know what it was! I was not as big a fan of the 100 year old eggs as you were of the octopus balls (how can you NOT let your mind go to the gutter on that?)
Hey Joel glad your enjoying the series, I have video footage to show at the end from the trip. The food in Hong Kong was awesome. Every time I visited that food court I had no idea what I was getting and only once could I not eat it. I have no idea what food that one time was but OMG it tasted so nasty. Oh and I never used to drink the cup of soup you get with each meal, I felt so bad leaving it.
Those octopus balls were great after Hong Kong when I was in singapore they had other sorts with prawn and crab as well so so good. I’d go back just for them.
Thanks for the shout out Chris. I’ll be sure to share all my China experiences with you. When do you think you’ll be there?
Hey Monica. Your the china guru so will definitely chase you up or help. At this stage I have no idea when I will make it there. I would like to do Canada after Europe but after that its wide open.
All depends on where I can get work and the like really.
Last year was my first time in Hong Kong – we had gone to Macau first, then took a ferry to HK. We were only there for 3 days so we had very little time to explore. I wish I could go back again soon though!
Great blog you have here Chris! Good luck with all your future travels! 🙂
.-= Daene´s last blog ..Staying Afloat: A Series of Snapshots =-.
…and Hong Kong street food! I can’t believe I wasn’t able to try Hong Kong street food! Will definitely have to go back again soon. 🙂
.-= Daene´s last blog ..Staying Afloat: A Series of Snapshots =-.
Hey Daene, thanks for stopping buy to read my blog. I really liked Hong Kong and while I was there for 6-7 days it really wasn’t enough either, I hope to go back.
Food was awesome. I loved the little food court we ate at near the hotel.
Where about’s are you located in the wide world at the moment?