The weather forecast for our Hong Kong overnight was not the best...it was a very rainy sail-in, not the best! Once docked, we had a very long process to clear immigration and customs formalities with a delayed disembarkation. As a result, we changed our plans for day one. Ann, Cathy and I took the ships shuttle from Kai Tak Cruise Terminal to the Peninsula Hotel in Kowloon...the rain did not slow us down! We walked along the water front known as the Promenade, the Avenue of the Stars of the Hong Kong cinema and stunning views of the Hong Kong skyline. Next we made our way up Nathan Road to see our favorite optician Thomas Cheung....our day continued with a ride on the Star Ferry and crossed Victoria Harbor to Hong Kong. The weather improved immensely, so we grabbed a taxi and made our way via the twisting roads to the highest point in Hong Kong, Victoria Peak...we enjoyed a panoramic and spectacular views of Hong Kong Island, Victoria Harbor and the Kowloon Peninsula. Our journey continued to the Apple Store for some Wi-Fi and updates...then we then braved the Hong Kong rush hour traffic and took the MTR to the Temple Street Night Market, a popular street bazar and outdoor restaurants...we braved the rain again, did some shopping and had a delicious Chinese meal...despite the slow start and the rain, we had a great day in Hong Kong. The following morning we awoke to a beautiful day with bright sunshine and blue skies. Off we went to the Lantau Island...Janet and Mike joined us for the day. Due to time constraints (all aboard at 4:45), we took a taxi to the Kowloon MTR, and the took the subway to Tung Chung station and a bus to the Tai O Fishing Village. We walked around the village and then took a boat trip through the canals to see the homes and business built on stilts...we hoped to see white dolphins with a pink hue from eating shrimp but not today! Every time have come to this village, a package of the world’s best almonds cookies leaves with us...The journey continued via bus to the Po Lin Monastery, home of the Big Buddha, the largest bronze Buddha in the world. This was Janet and Mike’s first visit to the Big Buddha, so climbing the 300 hundred steps to the top was a must. Ann, Cathy and I explored the Ngong Ping Themed Village before taking the crystal cable car to Tung Chung MTR station to return to Kowloon to catch the ship shuttle at the Peninsula Hotel. We had a fun day and I always enjoy my time in Hong Kong. Two sea days ahead before our overland trip to Thailand.
Great update! Looks like a fabulous two days were had in Hong Kong! Hope your Thailand overland is progressing nicely and definitely looking forward to the update on that as well!
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