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 <i>cooler</i> 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: [email protected]

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!