Hong Kong

Even though the sky was overcast and hazy, we had a great, if not brief, time exploring Hong Kong.  Our hotel was near the airport and we took the hotel shuttle into town, about an hour away.

Walking along near the harbor, we passed a crafts market.

Wallets and purses made of cork

Craftsman with wooden peanut and animals

We took the Star Ferry to Kowloon which lies in the northern part of Hong Kong, on the mainland across Victoria Harbor. Once a separate city, it was acquired by Britain in 1860 and returned to China with the rest of the colony in 1997. It’s now a shopping, arts and entertainment district. The fleet of twelve ferries currently operates two routes across the harbor, carrying over 70,000 passengers a day or 26 million a year.

Interior of the 100-year old ferry--lots of beautiful polished wood

View of skyline from the ferry 

We then walked (and walked) in and out the city streets.

Nice green area beneath a pedestrian bridge

Trams in Hong Kong have not only been a form of commuter transport for over 110 years, but also a major tourist attraction and one of the most environmentally friendly ways of traveling in Hong Kong.  They have always only used electricity (no fuel or steam). 

"Ding-ding" bus

We went to Victoria Peak.  It was a bit disappointing because of the hazy sky, but still nice.

Old tram on display on Victoria Peak

View of Hong Kong

We returned to the downtown area and passed a veg market.

Incredibly small and beautiful bok choy

Stubby carrots and other root veggies

 Enormous fennel

Pedestrian street teeming with people

Look!  A mah jongg game!

Enjoying a cup of green tea with steamed soy milk--delicious!

On our second day, we took the shuttle bus to a nearby mall to look at the supermarket.  

 

 Fresh fish at the market soon to be on someone's dinner plate

There were products from all over the world, but what really caught my eye was this package of soup fixings:

 Hairy gourd carrot pack, complete with dried octopus

NOW the sabbatical is officially "over".  There are no words (or pictures) that can fully describe the many adventures we had over the last six months in Dublin, Madrid, San Mateo, Auckland and Hong Kong and all the wonderful people we met who broadened our view of the world.

We really missed our kids and especially our grandson, Leo, and are looking forward to our family reunion.  Until next time...