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Our stay in Hong Kong is a pre-trip and our stay in Bangkok is a post-trip to the Bangladesh, West Bengal, Bhutan and Kolkata legs of this trip, which are linked on the home page. We spend three days seeing the sights of Hong Kong. Renowned for its expansive skyline and natural setting, Hong Kong is one of the worlds leading financial capitals, a major business and cultural hub, and maintains a highly developed capitalist economy. Its identity as a cosmopolitan centre where east meets west is reflected in its cuisine, cinema, music and traditions, and although the population is predominantly Chinese, residents and expatriates of other ethnicities form a small but significant segment of society.
Our stay in Hong Kong is a pre-trip and our stay in Bangkok is a post-trip to the Bangladesh, West Bengal, Bhutan and Kolkata legs of this trip, which are linked on the home page. We spend three days seeing the sights of Hong Kong. Renowned for its expansive skyline and natural setting, Hong Kong is one of the worlds leading financial capitals, a major business and cultural hub, and maintains a highly developed capitalist economy. Its identity as a cosmopolitan centre where east meets west is reflected in its cuisine, cinema, music and traditions, and although the population is predominantly Chinese, residents and expatriates of other ethnicities form a small but significant segment of society.
2 We land at the new International airport which is very modern but a bit far away from the center of Hong Kong.
3 Fortunately there is an Airport Express train that takes you directly in to Kowloon where we will be staying.
4 On the 22 minute journey to Kowloon we pass many housing developments that are by, at least my standards, huge.
5 Finally checked into the hotel and have a chance to look around the neighborhood. We are staying at the YMCA which is right next door to this hotel and costs a WHOLE LOT LESS. The YMCA is a great hotel if you ever want to stay in Hong Kong.
6 We cross the main thoroughfare and are headed for the renowned boardwalk on the Kowloon side of Hong Kong.
7 The weather is a bit lousy, no rain however, so we can not complain.
8 This famous boardwalk area is dotted with many statues and sights of interest. You also get one of the best views of the harbour and a nice walk.
9 We are thinking if the weather does not clear it will be hard to see the city from Victoria Peak which we plan to visit tomorrow, but we will take what comes.
10 Another interesting statue, or two.
11 The Clock Tower is a landmark in Hong Kong. It is located on the southern shore of Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon. It is the only remnant of the original site of the former Kowloon Station on the Kowloon-Canton Railway. Officially named Former Kowloon-Canton Railway Clock Tower, it is usually referred to as the Tsim Sha Tsui Clock Tower for its location.
Built out of red bricks and granite, the Clock Tower peaks at 44 metres, and is topped by a 7-metre lightning rod. The top of the tower can be reached by a wooden staircase located within. The interior of Clock Tower had previously been open for visit, but is currently closed for maintenance. The clock tower is located near Victoria Harbour at the foot of Salisbury Road. Another landmark, the Tsim Sha Tsui Ferry Pier, is located nearby. The tower has been listed as a declared monument in Hong Kong since 1990.
Built out of red bricks and granite, the Clock Tower peaks at 44 metres, and is topped by a 7-metre lightning rod. The top of the tower can be reached by a wooden staircase located within. The interior of Clock Tower had previously been open for visit, but is currently closed for maintenance. The clock tower is located near Victoria Harbour at the foot of Salisbury Road. Another landmark, the Tsim Sha Tsui Ferry Pier, is located nearby. The tower has been listed as a declared monument in Hong Kong since 1990.
12 One of the main streets leading up to the business centers of town where all the action is. We are just sight seeing.
13 Everywhere you see the contrast of the old and the new in Hong Kong today.
14 YUM! A boiling bowl of tripe.
15 This is part of the harbour view from our room at the YMCA. What is beautiful, and I wish I had a movie of it, is that every evening the buildings in Hong Kong light up to music on a specific radio channel. Each building has lights synchronized with the music to give an unbelievably beautiful light show.
16 New hotel being built next door.
17 Next morning and we find the cheapest breakfast in town at McDonalds. The cup of corn is unusual for us but very good.
18 Hong Kong has many tailors, but all I needed was to have my cuffs hemmed up. This fine tailor offered to do it at a reasonable price.
19 Off again to see the sights and sounds of Hong Kong so of course we will always see the ubiquitous ducks hanging in the windows. They are delicious!
20 From our window we can also see down on to the Cultural Center. Today is Valentines day so it seemed as though there was one wedding after another in this setting.
Home ----TRIP: Bangkok & Hong Kong 2009
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