Hong Kong 3/27/24

 Hong Kong

We’ve got two days to get it all in which I suspect will not feel like enough when it’s time to leave. Officially we’ve arrived at the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, situated on the Pearl River Delta. This has to be one of the places where there is absolutely something for everyone. Whether you want the spectacular city and harbor views after taking the tram to Victoria Peak, a ride on one of the legendary Star Ferry boats, the hustle and bustle of Temple Street Night Market after watching the Symphony of Lights, the serenity of the Tian Tan Buddha or Mo Man Temple.  Coming into port was interesting - we came in around 6 am and got to see the city come alive - hustle and bustle just starting for the day - a lot like NYC. Our day started with a wonderful show at the Pier - a dragon dance. courtesy of the local authorities.  The costumes are amazing.  A huge thing stood out in this city - it was absolutely spotless, and we saw no homeless at all.  Whatever Hong Kong is doing - we need to copy and get our great cities back to their splendor.

We then had a jampacked day to see as much as we could during the day...Itinerary attached!

At our pier we had great views of the city and got pics taken with the Chinese flags. The corner shots are from the morning as we arrived and a picture of our ship later in the day.

We then headed to Victoria Peak for a fabulous view of the city - alas, you can see how foggy it was, and therefore no view to be had!  

The picture on the inset is halfway down and we did get a view, albeit still very foggy!  I am standing by the guide to all the buildings - behind me, nothing to see.

We did stop to by candy at the stores at the Peak - at least something god came out of it!

Next up, the Man Mo Temple: "Man" literally means civil while "Mo" is martial. It is a picturesque tribute to the God of Literature (Man) and the God of War (MO).  Built between 1847 and 1862, this remains the largest Man Mo temple in Hong Kong.  Giant hanging incense coils adorn the entire ceiling.

Absolutely stunning...

Shopping the local markets on Hollywood Row

Some examples of the incredible architecture in the city

And of course, a Ferris wheel....

The on to our dim sum lunch 

The food just kept coming - Mickey tried it all, I, of course, am not so adventurous in my eating palate...no squid for me!!

Walking around North Market - the produce is incredible Mickey could have spent all day here.  The number of stalls selling produce and meats (butchered right in front of us), seafood was remarkable.  We wandered these markets for about an hour, and these are just a few pictures of what we experienced.  A shame we can't bring food back on to the ship!

This may have been my favorite part of the day - so serene and relaxing after a 15,000-step day so far!  Chi Lin Nunnery (which we realized as we were ending our time here, was open for visitors, and we missed it) and the Nan Lian Gardens, which is modeled after the gardens of the Tang Dynasty.  It is considered a rare landscape garden of cultural value for quiet appreciation.  It is on the "tentative" list of China's World Heritage potential sites.  Right in the middle of bustling Hong Kong, it was such a pleasure to wander through and soak up the peacefulness.

Lotus Pond, Pavilion Bridge, Wisdom Pavilion

    

 

Pavilion of Absolute Perfection, Spring Hill Waterfall

 

Dragon Hill, Bonsai Pavilion

 Song Cha Xie-exhibition Hall of models of existing temples

We ended our daytime tour at yet another street market (themed for what you might want to purchase) ...the Technology Market, the Ladie's Market, the Sneaker Street, the Goldfish Street, and the Jewelry Market.  Much to my dismay, we ran out of time before we could hit the jewelry street.  I think that was Mickey's intent all along.... we then headed back to the ship to get ready for our night adventures. Check out Hong Kong by night blog.