Kickin' it with Bruce Lee in Hong Kong

A good friend of mine was appaled when I told her I was going to Africa via Hong Kong and not stopping to have a look. So, added a stopover in hopes to understand why everyone tells me it's so wonderful.

It was a challenge, tired & jet lagged from recent travels and a bit under the weather, but I surprised myself and even Bruce Lee with all the miles covered.
(Wax museum at The Peak)

I was impressed with Hong Kong's fabulously futuristic buildings and assortment of double-decker busses. The architecture was innovative and interesting to look at.

(Picture of Lippo buildings taken from Hong Kong Park)

I enjoyed the Tea Museum in Hong Kong Park. Who could imagine there were so many creative ways to sculpt a simple tea set! My favorite was the "half" tea set, which featured two sets of teapots split laterally and longitudinally.

I was also maybe impressed with the cheesy-but-kind-of-cool Symphony of Lights--the daily night show that choreographs flashing lights in the city skyline to ice skating music.


At first, I was slightly disappointed in how Western this Asian city felt, especially when walking down the diverse Nathan Road in Tsim Sha Tsui. Having been to some other really "Asian" cities with ancient and traditional charm, Hong Kong lacked the authentic feel I suppose I was looking for. Hong Kong stands out in my mind because it is so mixed. It's considered the place where “East meets West,” and that's exactly how it felt.

I searched out Chinese elements where I could. I found a mid-autumn Chinese lantern festival and fire dragon dance my first evening. It was horribly crowded, but also exciting to stand in with the masses and take part in the festivities (though I was envious of the shorties with stepping ladders). The fire dragon was a little unusual, a big furry hose-like thing with flaming incense sticks arranged on top. I suppose what was more fascinating was the line of people holding this heavy spectacle above their heads and moving in unison.


I was not so impressed with the infamous budget accommodation supercenter called Chung King Mansions. It was easy to understand my frustration, after traversing across three blocks and investigating seventeen floors of dodgy guesthouses and leaving empty handed. Seeking out budget accommodation on a holiday weekday is impossible for anyone with some standards. Then again, what did I expect from a place with sketchy touters hassling you on the ground floor; a place that videotapes elevator rides, and then broadcasts the footage to awaiting passengers in the lobby? I settled for the cheapest option, because it was comparably as dodgy as the more expensive alternatives, the $7/night youth hostel across the street.



It was a bit, well, disgusting, but, I spent my hard saved money on what Hong Kong is most famous for: shopping!!! I whizzed through the ladies market and left with a few souvenirs to enjoy forever. A girl's got priorities! haha.