Friday, July 25th (Free
Day)
Written by Sylvia Trinh
Our group was looking forward to our free day very much. Thanks to
our personal guides (fellow Hong Kong workcampers Stephanie and Anson), we were
able to squeeze in many tourist attractions as well as more authentic places
that locals frequent on our free day.
Elderly getting their Tai Chi on in a local park as we're heading up to the Peak
We woke up at 6:30am to conquer the city of Hong Kong. Our first
stop was to get an Octopus card for all our transportation needs (these are
also good at some shops like 7-11 or eateries too). We then headed out to the
Victoria Peak tram. The tram ride was very enjoyable, especially as it climbed
up the mountain at a steep incline. It was so steep, in fact, that I remember
my body pressing hard against the back of my seat as we inched up the mountain.
Look how inclined we are on the tram to Victoria
Peak!
At the top, we enjoyed breakfast at a chain breakfast place, Tsui
Wah. After a cheap set meal of soupy noodles, eggs and toast, we walked the
loop trail, where we got to see many bugs (thanks to Ty and Felicia for their
knowledge of the unique creatures we encountered on this trail) as well as a
360 view of the city.
Condensed milk bun that Tsui Wah is known for
After our adventure at the top, we took a double decker bus ride
down to the city. We were lucky enough to sit at the front seats on the top
deck of the bus for an unobstructed view of the downhill action. This activity
was certainly a winner for us all, as the fast ride down the windy mountain on
narrow roads certainly made for the most exhilarating bus ride we've ever been
on.
Concrete truck and double decker bus held
up traffic at one point because of they were stuck by the tight
curves
When we arrived in Central, back in the heart of the city, our
first stop was to an authentic dim sum place that Stephanie's grandfather eats
at every day (we ran into him when we were there). We had to share a table with
another family, who were quite friendly. This is one of the traditional dim sum
restaurants with the carts that go by for you to select dishes. I'm surprised
the carts had room to move because it was so crowded in there.
Business is booming for this restaurant
After eating, we went to the Soho region where we traveled on the
world's longest escalator (it is also referred to as a travelator). So long, in
fact, that we chose not to ride the full 20-minute length to the top and
decided to travel down to our next destination, a milk tea spot. We then
stopped for egg tarts before heading to the harbor for a ride across on the
Star Ferry.
Heading back down the mountain after getting off
the longest escalator
Delicious egg tarts
On the Star Ferry to cross islands (Hong Kong to
Kowloon)
Once we got to the Kowloon side of the harbor, we went to look for
local snacks that we could take home as souvenirs for our family and friends
back home. After going through a shopping complex, a mooncake shop, a
supermarket, and a tea place, we called it a day with the omiyage.
Mango drink from Hui Lau Shan, refreshing
and exciting for the taste buds
One of the many outdoor shopping areas
Our timing was perfect; it was just about the time to head back to
the harbor to Tsim Sha Tsui to catch the laser show that happens nightly at
8:00pm. Although the harbor looked nice at night, the well-promoted night show
left much to be desired. There are supposedly twenty or so buildings that
participate in this light show, but we only counted about two or three that
actually lit up to the rhythm of the music. The rest are just lit the same the
entire time. But it was nice to view the harbor at night anyway.
Nice night scenery
All in all, a very satisfying free day that incorporated both
tourist and local hotspots, thanks to the suggestion of the local workcampers
who graciously took us around. So gracious, in fact, that the day we went out
was actually the birthday of one of our workcampers, Stephanie. We couldn’t ask
for better tour guides to take us out to the city!
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