I debated for a long time about whether or not I should start a blog for my holiday. Before I left, I'd basically decided that it would just be a waste of my time, and I should spend my time experiencing, not recording. I've been in HK now for about 4 hours, and already I've experienced so much that I'm certain if I don't write it down, I'll forget so much about this already amazing experience. So I supposed I'll check in once every few days and update this with what I've been doing.
Today started pretty early at about 5am. My housemate was nice enough to bang on my door at 5, becuase I'd actually slept through all 3 alarms :S If not for David, I'd be cashing out for a replacement flight :S. The flight itself was alright, but I'm unaccustomed to sitting still for so long.
After just 4 hours in Hong Kong I'm already feeling very small. After landing I took the express train to Kowloon, and a free bus tranfer to my hotel in Tsim Lin Shui, or at least I think
that's where I am. Hotel is fantastic, 21st floor and an amazing view. Ashamed as I might be about it, I have to tell you that I shed a tear or two when I looked out at it.
I had expected HK to be a bit like Sydney. Since Sydney was the biggest city I'd ever been to up until this point. But HK is _nothing_ like Sydney, or anything else I've ever seen before. The city and its people immediately struck me with an strong sense of purpose and spirit. The airport is nestled in among mountains, and it's hard to believe that a city of this size can actually flourish in such unhospitable terrain (hey, I'm coming from Melbourne). To put it in perspective for those that have never been here, HK is home to the 6th tallest building in the world, which stacks in at about 415m, and it only just manages to outstretch some (but not all) of the mountains around the city. I won't try to explain it, it has to be seen to be believed.
After checking in, I took a walk around the southern part of Kowloon, to the Temple St Market and just took some photos and tried to keep my jaw from falling. There's a remarkable paradox for public safety here; very few crosswalks with signals (you kinda just go with the group), but most streets have barriers to stop cars from running into pedestrians. Maybe it's just me, but that seems a bit strange :P.
Tomorrow I'll head off to the soutern, more commercial island (I'm stuck for names), and the peak tram that overlooks the entire city. After that, I'll head out and see what the night life has to offer. But for now, I'm going to go and find some food and a bar ;)
Mike
Today started pretty early at about 5am. My housemate was nice enough to bang on my door at 5, becuase I'd actually slept through all 3 alarms :S If not for David, I'd be cashing out for a replacement flight :S. The flight itself was alright, but I'm unaccustomed to sitting still for so long.
After just 4 hours in Hong Kong I'm already feeling very small. After landing I took the express train to Kowloon, and a free bus tranfer to my hotel in Tsim Lin Shui, or at least I think
that's where I am. Hotel is fantastic, 21st floor and an amazing view. Ashamed as I might be about it, I have to tell you that I shed a tear or two when I looked out at it.I had expected HK to be a bit like Sydney. Since Sydney was the biggest city I'd ever been to up until this point. But HK is _nothing_ like Sydney, or anything else I've ever seen before. The city and its people immediately struck me with an strong sense of purpose and spirit. The airport is nestled in among mountains, and it's hard to believe that a city of this size can actually flourish in such unhospitable terrain (hey, I'm coming from Melbourne). To put it in perspective for those that have never been here, HK is home to the 6th tallest building in the world, which stacks in at about 415m, and it only just manages to outstretch some (but not all) of the mountains around the city. I won't try to explain it, it has to be seen to be believed.
After checking in, I took a walk around the southern part of Kowloon, to the Temple St Market and just took some photos and tried to keep my jaw from falling. There's a remarkable paradox for public safety here; very few crosswalks with signals (you kinda just go with the group), but most streets have barriers to stop cars from running into pedestrians. Maybe it's just me, but that seems a bit strange :P.
Tomorrow I'll head off to the soutern, more commercial island (I'm stuck for names), and the peak tram that overlooks the entire city. After that, I'll head out and see what the night life has to offer. But for now, I'm going to go and find some food and a bar ;)
Mike
2 comments:
I know what you mean about HK mate - it is just _INSANE_
Loved my time there
Yeah, it's really hard for me to say that I loved Hong Kong, but I certainly didn't hate it. Next time I'm travelling with Cathay, I'll definitely stop over for a day or two again.
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