First day In Hong Kong

Friday, June 17, 2011
Hong Kong, China
 Welcome to Hong Kong! Did you know the straight translation for Hong Kong is "fragrant bay"?

Hong Kong (and Macau) are SARs – special administrative regions of the Peoples Republic of China. Hong Kong was a British Colony until 1997 when it reverted back to China. It has an area of about 425 square miles with about seven million people – making it one of the most densely populated areas of the world.


The flight from Chicago to Hong Kong was very long, although we arrived 45 minutes early; ended up in the air for “only” about 14.5 hours. We had two meals and a snack, free booze and all in all a very pleasant flight. (Sore tail bone!)

We arrived into Hong Kong International (VHHH) about 1700 Friday afternoon local time, and got to the hotel about 2 hours later. Hotel shuttle is free but involves a little more waiting! On check in, they upgraded us from a standard room to an 8 room suite…..can't say that we’ve ever stayed in a room with a dining room before.   

As always with the very nice rooms, they seem to be for only one night! Best feature Air conditioning!!!! The humidity here is VERY intense to say the least' at right around 80% tonight!

  We settled into the room, then went out to check out the neighbourhood.

      Ah, in true Chinese workaholic fashion, stores are open from 0900 – 2330. See … no sleep required! We are located right by the Ferry Terminal and he Kowloon Park; tons of stores, both high end as well as “regular” stores. In a one block area we noted 4 “Body Shop” stores – they must really love their soaps here. Also no need to look far if you need a camera or jewellery store – amazing how many there are and all charging those “tourist” prices!

As in usual Greg and Eve fashion, we ended up at an Irish Pub, Murphy’s, for drinks and supper. It seems no matter where we go, we end up at an Irish Pub! It was in the lower basement, but very loud and busy! Though Greg tried to order an ostrich cutlet, they were out – he went with the Steak Porter Pie and Boddington’s beer; he just laughed when I ordered a “Fat Hooker” drink to go with my fish 'n’ chips!

There were LOTS of people like us still out and about when we finally went back to the hotel about 10 pm.

Solid rest time greatly required – Macau tomorrow!

Comments

Natalie
2011-06-19

Ha! I like how dad's Rider hat is in 3/12 of the pictures...

GARNER
2011-06-20

ONCE A RIDERS FAN ALWAYS A RIDERS FAN!!!

2025-02-17

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