Officially Hong Kong SAR (Special Administrative Region). Margaret Thatcher struck an agreement before handing over Hong Kong to the Chinese that it would continue with it's present type of government for 50 years. Our guide made it clear that they were not a part of China!
Ever since Daddy, as the briefing officer for General Engelito, stopped in Hong Kong, on their around the world trip in 1957, he came home with untold treasures and stories of wonderful street markets, I've wanted to go to Hong Kong. I am finally here! I was forgoing shopping for an "Hong Kong Orientation" tour, I loved it! Another cloudy, misty day, but I'd rather have it a bit cool rather than too hot, after all, I have sweaters (and more sweaters, and more sweaters!). The tour was fantastic, 5 hour overview with a visit to Victoria Peak on the tram, drive by Repulse Bay, and then to Aberdeen for a Sampan boat ride around the bay. Oh, oh, then to a Gem factory for some high powered shopping! Loved the trip on The Peak Tram; built in 1888, operating well over 100 years - it's an alarmingly steep (27 degree incline!) 10 minute ride... the high rises you trundle past actually look like they are tilting! Our guide, Roselita, said there are only a few days that are clear, just after it rains; I can only imagine the photographers rushing out and taking the classic photos we see of Hong Kong... Sky scrapers & high rises in brilliant colors at night, views of both the harbor and Aberdeen, but even shrouded in the clouds and smoggy haze still made for an amazing panorama. There is a mall at the Peak, and a few minutes of browsing shows no bargains. Bus ride down the Peak, the most desirable place to live, was delightful, with addresses such as 39 Old Peak Road, gated homes and glimpses of how the rich live. Repulse Bay was a photo stop, but the Sampans were an incredible experience... perhaps a bit touristy, but such fun... little Sampans, seating about 10 people, decorated with flowers, pictures and red lanterns, little, old Chinese lady steering us around the Aberdeen harbor, past the fishing boats, around the famous houseboats and water market, around the corner, and there it was! Jumbo! One of the iconic restaurants of Hong Kong! All decorated, lit up and looking just like the photos I've seen forever - and it's just as big as it looks! There are only about 100 of the houseboats remaining, and the water market is pretty much non-existent ever since the SAR began requiring the children to go to school on land. As the children grew up, they became more land based and more educated, the water market began to dissolve until today there are a smattering remaining.
Oh my, on to the gem factory outlet Hong Kong Jewellery (HKJ) with a 24 hour hotline... Oh my, oh my... Well of course I found a little bauble, ok a big bauble that I'll treasure and tuck away as a special memory of Hong Kong.
Shopping is tiring; time for some Champagne, a quite corner and visit with friends.
P.S. Hong Kong boasts more Rolls Royce cars per person than any other city in the world!
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