China, Go East To Hong Kong

It seems strange to see daylight as we begin our approach into Hong Kong from the north over mainland China. Having left Newark at 3pm our initial flight path was east over Greenland with a scheduled arrival in Hong Kong at 7pm. For me, this in of itself is a fascinating journey.

However, not so fascinating is sitting in a cramped coach sit for 15 hours and having a fellow window seat passenger that has to go to the bathroom about every two hours. Although offered the aisle seat, she preferred the best of both worlds which included preventing me from getting my beauty sleep. I arrive in Hong Kong looking ugly.

The Hong Kong airport with clean open spaces and free Wi-Fi is impressive. The immigration and customs process is a breeze and just outside of customs is a very helpful tourist information booth. Using the latest technology, I am shown pictures of where I am headed with other information available on an Ipad at the touch of a finger.

Having being told about the happenings of the Mong Kok area, I find accommodations there for $39 per night. This is in a local “Guest House” type accommodation that suites my way of travel just fine. I am told by the gentleman at the Tourist Info Booth there are many options in this area, even a 24hr McDonald's is nearby if things don't work out.

Before I leave, I get to practice some Cantonese with him. “Ng Goi”. Almost hum the first word, do a high pitch sound on the second one and you have just said, “Thank You”.

There are several ways from the airport to the City Centre. For HK$55, I purchase a round trip ticket and under a light falling rain make my way to board the A21 bus. About 45 minutes later, I exit on Nathan Road in search of Geo Home Holiday. A few passes up and down the street and I am at a 24hr McDonald's. I start spying the seating arrangements as a helpful manager gets me connect to their Wi-Fi network so I can clarify my directions for Geo Home.

Before long I am standing at an elevator with about six others. Being courteous, I let them board first them I am embarrassed as I step inside. A flashing light and a buzzing sound announces my arrival. “Overload”.. buzzz... buzzz... “Overload”. Apparently, the nine passenger limit does not account for too many 6 foot, 200 quarter pounders. I graciously step off and smile as the elevator door closes in my face.

On the 9th Floor of 739 Nathan Rd, I find Geo Home Holiday Inn along with several other hotels. A helpful desk clerk, free Wi-Fi, a small clean compact room with a view and I am ready to call this place home for the next two nights.

It is already late in the evening as I get settled in but not too late to explore a bit of Mong Kok by night. This is a bustling area of Kowloon and there is no shortage of restaurants and businesses that are open late into the evening hours. At Choi Kee Restaurant, I am sure it's name is not pronounced locally the way it would be in English, I get my first sampling of local Cantonese cuisine.

A wonton soup loaded with noodles, a salt fish, eggplant dish with sensational flavor along with an easy favorite, Singapore noodles and I am stuffed. Well, almost stuffed as I have left just enough room for a Hot Salty Bun from a bakery next door.

About 24 hours after leaving Newark, I go to sleep with a full stomach knowing I am going to wake up beautiful, ready to explore more of Hong Kong.


Video:http://youtu.be/GJB95TdWNg4

Great start!

Nice report but I think the Cantonese for thank you is "doh je".

i am enjoying thus far... just wait till you get the bulk of uncle's $$ and you can fly 1st class and stay at the peninsula..

Hanuman,

I don't think they have wool in Hong Kong... besides the gentleman at the Tourist Booth was too nice to have pulled it over my eye. I retrieved the paper he gave me and discovered there is at least another way to say "Thank You".

You maybe correct but it states, "Ng Goi" is Thank You (For a service).. "Dor Tse" is Thank You (For a gift).

Guess there are many ways to say "Thank You" here, I'm just glad I could struggle to say one of them

rhkkmk,

I guess I'll have to wait for dear uncle to pass away but I'm in no hurry for that to happen.

A free look in the gorgeous lobby of The Pennisula Hotel and standing besides one of their Rolls Royce will have to do for now.

Don't mind coach as long as I can get my beauty sleep and not show up looking ugly at my destination

Simpsonc510,

Thanks! More reporting to come ... from Hong Kong, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and ??????

Jus be patient, Grasshopper

I usually say Ng Goi only when I want service from a waitress or something like that, sort of like saying "excuse me". However, I don't speak Cantonese and only know a few words so I guess your man at the booth knows best!

How long is your trip? I'm in BKK in July for 5 days. You must be doing 'live'.... that's what I do.

Carol, he has already been to Thailand.....this is the guy who ate the cricket.

Hey DMB....find anything interesting in Hong Kong for us?

ni hao=hello in Mandarin

neh ho+ hello in Cantonese

xie xie=thank you in Mandarin

That and bu yao is about all the Chinese I know,lol.....got me around.

Aloha!

DMBTraveler is correct about Ng Goi vs Dor Tse. Ng Goi when you receive a service and Dor Tse a gift (whether material or not). Only in Cantonese.

Interesting rkkwan. How do you say "excuse me" like to get past people?

Seriously, I strongly advice visitors not to stay at one of these guesthouses at mix-use buildings. The last 5-alarm fire in HK occurred in 2008 at 687 Nathan Rd, one block from the OP's guesthouse, of a similar styled building. 4 deaths in that one. And then just last Nov, a 4-alarm fire killed 9 on Fa Yuen St, 3 short blocks from the OP's guesthouse, again of buildings of similar design and (multi-)uses.

Hanuman - Ng Ho Yi Sze (Excuse Me) or Je Je (Borrow you space) to get around people. Or in Chinklish, Soli Soli.

Or, actually most commonly Ng Goi Je Je. Since Ng Goi also means Please.

simpsonc510,

Doing a "C" loop from BKK.. Laos.. Vietnam.. Cambodia.. BKK
Out of BKK sometime beginning of July.. Depends on how long my dear uncle keeps sending me $$$

Highly recommend Moonite Htl in BKK... 1800B per night.. nice breakfast included near Swiss Embassy and easy access to canal taxi's

HTraveler,

Will post more on HK shortly...

Think I'll be back home for months before my postings will be complete

Having too much fun enjoying it all

rkkwan,

Sad to hear about the tragedies. Your postings is useful and should be considered when booking these types of accommodations.

However, like in many other countries these are the places where locals tend to stay. I enjoy the character that these places add to my travel experiences, something you don't get at a Holiday Inn Express.

There are many inherent dangers in travel and in life which we must all manage according to our own personal acceptable level of risk.

China, To Hong Kong Island

A light rain is falling as I head down a busy Nathan Road to find the No.2 bus that will take me to the Hong Kong Cultural Centre located near the Star Ferry terminal. Surprisingly the bus fare is relatively cheap, only HK$4.5 (about US$ 0.50) and comes with a nice double decker view if you so choose.

I am a bit worried about my sightseeing options for the day as “Typhoon 1 Warnings” are posted around the city and I am beginning to feel like it is raining all over the world. From the HK Cultural Centre, I look across Victor Harbor at the skyscraper shoreline of Hong Kong Island. Even with the morning clouds casting a dull gray and moist shadow over the city there is still something spectacular about the view.

Life in the city and along the harbor goes on as the thump of a helicopter blade beats the humid air and various types of boats cross the harbor in all directions, leaving huge rolling waves behind. I soak it all in as I continue my walk toward the Star Ferry terminal.

Just outside the Star Ferry terminal is a Clock Tower, a monument to the 1900's Kowloon Canton railroad. Continuing to the ferry ticket window, I am approached by a young man that makes me an offer that is almost too good to refuse. We make a deal and I am headed to the Upper (First Class) section of Star Ferry.

For HK$300, I am going to see all of Hong Kong that I can within 24hrs. First, I am going to meet a guy named Stanley.


Video:http://youtu.be/HYvVTSKEHnE

Somehow, I've missed the part where you are doing this like a rock star... you are staying in the least expensive accommodations and economizing on everything. Maybe you are traveling like a not-yet-successful rock "star"?

Kathie,

It's not the $$$ or staying in fancy places that makes you a "Rock Star" it's the act

"I Love You Hong Kong", "I Love You Thailand".... Oh Behave!

YBY

Kathie, I was going to ask the same thing. In my world "travel like a rock star" usually means over the top, crazy expensive.

But I'm glad you're having fun regardless of the budget, DMB.

Icuy,

I did stay in "The Pennisula" but it was only in the lobby and just for a few minutes

Although I am no Ozzy Osborne, I did eat a grasshopper in Bangkok ... http://youtu.be/uCKzGqlMl8Y

Now if these two things do not qualify me as a "Rock Star" in your world then I am going to start traveling in platform shoes, black spandex and get my face painted!

Caz.. I want to rock and travel everyday and have fun

Ozzy ate a live bat on stage and DMB ate a fried cricket from a food vendor. Very similar and very rock and roll - FNG!

Ozzy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFmVu5ZJjb4
DMB: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCKzGqlMl8Y&feature=youtu.be

Hey, life is short. Go for the gusto and enjoy it!

simpsonc510,

Could not agree with you more

Think too many people that post here miss that point..

PS: Running behind with posting but just finished my "last show" in Luang Prabang.

Sitting at LPQ airport waiting for my "private jet" to fly me to Hanoi. Life is great when you're a "Rock Star"

China, To Stanley Market

The gin is flowing freely as I begin my tour of Hong Kong headed for Stanley Market. I hope someone has bought the juice (laid back) as I am staring at a huge upside down bottle of Beefeater represented by one of the original British buildings that still grace the Hong Kong skyline.

The next eye catching building is the Bank of China which for some gives off an oppressive and negative impression because of its architectural design. Either way, the skyline here is fascinating to witness up close and personal.

Passing through the Central District, I get a glimpse of the beautiful St John's Cathedral an Anglican church built in the shape of a cross. St John's is located just down the hill from the Peak Tram station, a planned stop later on my tour.

Driving down one of the main highways, a street sign is flashing a warning about a cyclone that I hope remains only that, a warning. Despite the high cost of real estate on Hong Kong Island, I am surprised to learn a huge amount of it is dedicated to the sport of horse racing, a local favorite.

We pass the huge Hong Kong Jockey Club as we leave the Central district behind headed for the Aberdeen Tunnel one the islands most busiest road that links the North and South of Hong Kong.

If you want to visit one of Hong Kong's most popular local attractions then spend a day at Ocean Park which annually draws over 5 million visitors. Located near the Hong Kong police training academy, the park is located on prime real estate which gives nice views of the island.

From my vantage point, I am soon looking at the South China Sea and a beautiful view of South Hong Kong's gorgeous coast line. Here you can take a swim at a few beaches including Repulse Bay one of the more popular and spectacular beaches in the area.

Just east of Repulse Bay, I arrive at Stanley a coastal community named after Lord Stanley, 14th Earl Of Derby and the former British War Secretary. Stanley is in an area formerly occupied by Chinese pirates but today it is home of the famous Stanley Market and Tien Hou Temple.

For me, Stanley Market turns out to be a bit of a disappointment as I am not into shopping and I never manage to find a guy named Stanley. However, the town is pleasant to walk around and the scenery is quite enjoyable.

At a local grocery store I grab a delicious tuna fish roll and sushi for lunch then make an interesting discovery. One should not be fooled by the small commercial packaging of the wasabi sauce that comes with the sushi.

I put what I consider a not too generous amount of it on my crab roll and almost created a second set of nostrils as I took my first bite of it. Gulping a huge volume of air, I am fortunate that a fire truck is passing by and sprays me down with a cold beer.

My fond memory of Stanley Market will not be the shopping or the scenery but the wasabi!

Video:http://youtu.be/xeDXZaS2M_E

I've also put a tiny dab of it on my sashimi and WOW!!! I can breathe through my nose again... haha

I agree that Stanley Market is a disappointment, but I loved the dbl decker bus ride (front row seats) to get there!

nice video... can't wait for that ride in oct..

China, Tin Hau Temple Hong Kong

A stroll along the waterfront from Stanley Market and somewhat tucked away in the corner of an open square you will find a small but intriguing Tin Hau Temple.

Built by the seafaring people of Stanley Bay in 1767, the temple is a monument to Tien Hou, Queen of Heaven who performed many miracles to save the fishing communities from disasters. Today, she is considered the patron deity of the boat people of Hong Kong.

So if you are overwhelmed by the shopping at Stanley Market or think you have had a spiritual enlightenment from too huge a dose of wasabi then stroll over to Tin Hau.

The smell of fresh burning incense. The warmth of flickering ceremonial candles along with the sight of beautiful offerings. And maybe your mind will be soothed in a way no amount of shopping can.

Priceless.

Video:http://youtu.be/zYXsadNfzRs

simpsonc510,

I could not even say .. "Wow"

For a second I thought it was going to be death by wasabi!

What beautiful views from the upper deck. Not sure why anyone would want to stay seated inside.

rhkkmk,

Think "simpsonc510" has the right idea... sit at the front of the upper deck.

Although I would say any seat upstairs gives some spectacular views

It's those pesky branches hanging down over the upper deck that can give you a thrill, Bob... not just the views!

Loving your videos DMB.

(flying thru HKG in just a couple of weeks, but not staying.. but might consider a HKG layover in October if I return to SEA then)

If you guys had taken the buses before they were all a/c'ed , you would also enjoy them poking into your flesh.

Yes, I was glad it was enclosed, as those branches swept across the big windows.

Now, SFO is a different story. The driver would tell us to duck when the branches were hanging low!

i have K to protect me from the branches...

looking forward to the roof top... last time we were in an enclosed bus as i remember

Love your style of writing,joy of living and life,and humor. Please keep posting, you definately are living like a Rock Star!It's all in the attitude and you definately have the right one!

simpsonc510,

You have got to know when to move to the right side of the bus or maybe even left...

Kinda of like knowing when to hold 'em and when to fold 'em

rhkkmk,

Sounds like you have Secret Service protection. Time to update your intel

As I recall our bus was completely open on top. If you discover otherwise, I will completely deny this statement

southeastern,

Thanks for the kind compliments

What is life without joy and humor? For me, pretty boring and no fun at all. I reckon it's the same for most folks around here.

China, No Secret Just A Peak

Somehow I knew the deal I made early in the day would take me to new heights. At my next stop, I have a one track mind and I have no plans to be derailed.

Engine, Engine No. 9 on The Peak Tram Station line … Can I get a whoo, whoo, Can I get a whaa, whaa!

As this train leaves the station it has only one ultimate destination in mind and it has not been a secret since the late 1800's. Leaving the station, we begin an almost 1500 feet climb. Soon after passing under a highway, glimpses of the buildings that line the fragrant harbor below become nicely framed from my window view.

Disembarking from the train, I ascend a few more hundred feet, show a ticket then make a final summit with the help of an escalator. I step outside onto Terrace 428 and take in a 360 degree spectacular and gorgeous view of Hong Kong Island.

A gentle wind is stirring the fresh air and long gone are the rain clouds that covered the city earlier this morning. Under blue skies sprinkled with white clouds, I can see for miles and miles in all directions.

I am glad this place is no secret because I would hate to have to leave here carrying a cute little pink bag.


Video:http://youtu.be/UuJMfEPj5dM

Loving the report. HK isn't my favorite place, but your videos are actually making me nostalgic... Why am I sweltering in NC when I could be sweltering in SEA?

great video...it has never been that clear when i have been there

thursdaysd,

Because in SEA ... It would be a "Wet" sweltering

HK Center can be a bit overwhelming but loved the coastline, walking the hectic streets and of course, the food!

rhkkmk,

For being in SE Asia during "Monsoon Season" the weather has been very nice. Just two heavy downpours, one in Hanoi and one in Ho Chi Minh City..

DMB, how many more countries to see on your list? I know it was 193 when you started..... Loving your reports and following along. Are you still in Viet Nam?

Aloha!

the bad weather is really in september

Because in SEA ... It would be a "Wet" sweltering

If you mean humidity, it's wet heat here in NC too. If you mean rain, please send some, my grass is dying. We hit 105 two days running, probably cooler in HK.

Whoohoo, keep the reports coming Rocket Man.

Hi, DMB, enjoy your musing and the videos. We'll be visiting Hong Kong in December and I'm taking notes.

Your friend,
Senorita Medialuna

Like your posts and videos, but I really think $300 for the Big Red Bus is not good value (in terms of transportation cost in HK). Despite open top and everything to Stanley.

It's so nice to see your post, I appreciate it very much!

hawaiiantraveler,

Now sitting in a bus station in Phnom Penh on a rainy afternoon. Vietnam was a bittersweet but enjoyable place to visit.

You can follow my other countries ramblings at: www.dmbtraveler195@blogspot.com

However, I will continue to post here about my SE Asia experience. Tons of photos and videos to put it all together.

Thanks for following along

rhkkmk,

I might just have to stay until September (if dear uncle does not mind) to see if you are correct

HK$300 included VPeak Tour and Sampan Ride.. Plus Night Tour, Ferry Service (2 Times)plus 24hr.. Hop-On Hop Off which I kind of used as a taxi service

China, Hong Kong By Sampan

After nearly seven hours on the island there is only one way left to see Hong Kong. It's by Sampan. From the Peak Tram Station it is another chance to hop on “The Big Red Bus”. I discover this is the least expensive although not the fastest way to get to Aberdeen from here.

A few minutes of waiting after arriving at Aberdeen and I am corralled along with others by an elderly lady onto a Sampan boat (which I think is being driven by her unhappy husband). Our welcome on board is somewhat unfriendly but the water views of Hong Kong quickly makes up for it.

The drone of the Sampan engine which occasionally changes in a burst from a “putt, putt idle” to a “giddy up” assures me that the driver is actually alive. As always, it is soothing for me to be on the water and my fascination of seeing the mixture of the new and old way of life around “Fragrant Harbor” is relaxing.

A landmark in this area is “Jumbo Floating Restaurant”. A huge multilevel building anchored in the middle of the water. Jumbo provides free water taxi service from a few nearby docks for those desiring to experience it's unique atmosphere and cuisine.

Our cruise continues and we get close up looks of boats that seem to have been here since Hong Kong was discovered. Our driver does a skillful job navigating between these vessels that I am sure have many interesting stories to tell.

From this perspective, seeing the modern skyscrapers in the background assures me that being old and hanging around with the new can sometimes be a wonderful blend.


Video:http://youtu.be/KI1h8E_v5mI

Your videos of HKG make me want to return.... SOON! Not sure how do that but, I must investigate the possibility.

thursdaysd,

Finally got some of that SE Asia drenching in Cambodia. Will send some of it to NC... Maybe help you cool down too

southeastern,

Between tours, bus rides, eating and massages.. I'm postin as fast as I can

Treesa,

I'm sure you will enjoy HK as much as I did.

I think I may have to go back to Argentina for a mediluna..or two.. or three.. or twenty. Still have about eight years left on my visa

Thanks for the memories!

Cutelily,

Thanks.. More stories to tell from Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia!

I really like the videos

This is a great travelogue -- well done DMB!

DMB, actually that's your email address you left above but I forgive you knowing you've been on the road for a while on uncle's dime.......have been following your blog as of late located which is located here:

http://www.dmbtraveler195.blogspot.com/

that is how I knew about how many countries you wanted to travel to.......nothing like a massage in SEA.

Aloha!

how much was the sampan ride.. i went years ago and might like to do it again

The sampan ride apparently is included in the OP's
Big Red Bus package. Going rate is about HK$50/person. Negotiable.

thanks... the boats looked so much nicer than they used to be so i figured the price must be steap..

are the touts still roaming the streets to drum up rides in the boats??

Femi and Don Topaz,

Thanks

rhkkmk,

Sampan ride was included in my "Big Red Bus Tour". Considering "rkkwan" suggestion of HK$50 per person along with all the other add ons, I still HK$300 was not a bad deal.

Checked out your blog. Excellent! Patiently waiting for more posts Rocket Man.

China, Hong Kong After Dark

After spending a fine evening of standing around the elegant lobby of the historic Peninsula Hotel, I am unable to find my car keys. Checking with the concierge, he assures me he will do his best to try and locate them. He also promises to keep an eye on my Rolls Royce while I am off to see Hong Kong after dark.

With my primary means of transportation gone, I have no choice but to hop back on that darn “Big Red Bus” if I want to have an efficient night time tour of Hong Kong. I just better not return to The Peninsula and find that someone has put a dent or scratch on my “Baby”. Or worst yet, have taken it out for a spin.

As night falls over Hong Kong, the darkness is soon complimented by various sharp and bright colors of neon lights. Buildings that shined during the day from the beating sun now emit their own rays of light and sparkle under the night sky.

Off in the distance, an almost eyesore hangs over the city. A DHL balloon that for a fee can give you a bird's eye view of “Fragrant Harbor”. This reminds me, I should send dear uncle a package and thank you card for his generosity in allowing me to tour South East Asia, almost like a “Rock Star”.

Sweet musical notes along with the soothing sound of a colorful waterfall and before long I find myself walking among the stars. I see one of my childhood idol, Bruce and then I am amazed at a small pair of hands. For split second I think, I just might be able to take Jackie on.

I come back down to earth as I look across Victoria Harbor towards Hong Kong Island. One of the best free light shows you will ever see is happening right before my eyes as numerous building across the harbor display there luminescent talents.

Even without the comfort of my corn feed leather seats and imported maple-oak plywood dashboard, this is a sight definitely worth seeing.


Video:http://youtu.be/t6VYZrjdJSg

Another great video! Keep them coming.

are you saying the hop on bus runs in the evening too?

If there's a better cityscape than the harbour from the Promenade, I haven't seen it. (And when your other uncle kicks the bucket, DMB, try to arrange for World Tour II to be in December. They double down on the lights then, with animated Santa Clauses and other hoopla on several of the buildings. This is one lily that doesn't suffer from being gilded.)

rhkkmk,

Part of the HK$300 includes a night tour

simpsonc510,

You know I will

Taking the long way home.... Now headed to DXB
Done with SE Asia but of course lots of stories to tell. Physically I am in BKK but still in HK for posting

DonTopaz...

Hope uncle stays around and keeps being generous

Have thought about HK for a New Year Eve celebration so a Dec trip maybe very cool!

I was in HK during the Christmas lights display and Don is right. It is an over the top, unbelieve animated light display. When we were there it was going to run for a month, from early Dec. to early Jan.

Shelleyk,

Over the top sounds nice. From roaming SE Asia, I have learned Indonesia is an awesome place to visit.

Maybe going there in Dec thru HK would be a nice plan