Thursday, October 25, 2012

Holiday photo diary: Hong Kong

Even though I spent 18 months living in Hong Kong as a kid, every minute in Hong Kong was exciting and a total sensory overload. There was so much to see, to do, to eat...I tried my best, but with only 4 days I really didn't stand a chance!

On the Thursday night I flew in and we spent the late evening (because apparently no one ever sleeps in Hong Kong) wandering the streets, taking a late dinner and grabbing a cocktail at the bar across the street. Friday was spent at Disneyland during the day, and then at the night markets. You wouldn't believe how many stalls there were selling sex toys, and how much business they were doing - really strange. Saturday was spent heading up to Victoria Peak for the amazing view, and then wandering around Hong Kong proper, following a trail of streets and temples listed in a handy little guide our hostel had. On burning feet we headed to the Avenue of the Stars to eat ice-cream and watch the light show (which was cancelled). And then on our final day we caught a ferry over to Lantau Island (my old stomping ground) and made the pilgrimage up to the Tian Tan (big!) Buddha and Po Lin Monastery.

It was an amazing long weekend, we had perfect weather, managed to never get lost, and somehow lucked out with the crowds at most of the places we visited. I didn't get a chance to visit my old apartment building, but there was so much I didn't get the chance to see (and seeing it as an adult is SOOO different!) that I'll be heading back soon and will take a visit then.

Breakfast at the Charlie Brown Cafe!
View of Hong Kong from Victoria Peak (we scored with the weather)
Another view of Hong Kong. It was really remarkable taking in all the cityscape while surrounded by greenery.
Sian walking down a Hong Kong street.
Inside a temple in Hong Kong. 
Junk boats are the best boats
Avenue of Stars, Kowloon
Dragon boat on Lantau Island, Hong Kong
Incense at the Po Lin Monastery, Lantau Island 
Po Lin Monastery, Lantau Island
Giant incense sticks,  Po Lin Monastery

Monks making their way up the steps to the Tian Tan Buddha, Lantau Island
Tian Tan Buddha
Tian Tan Buddha, Lantau Island (breathtaking) 
Buddhist statues making offerings to Buddha
Buddhist statue beside the Tian Tan Buddha
Tian Tan Buddha
Buffalo wandering down a Lantau Island street
Star Ferry on Hong Kong harbour





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