Hong Kong, here i am again...

One of the joys of Hong Kong is the ease with which you can get around this teeming city. Start the morning with a stroll around Victoria Park and see the ancient ritual of t’ai chi practiced. Then head over to Central and take a ride on the world’s longest escalator network through Mid-Levels. Hop off anywhere along the way at small market stalls selling fresh fish, fruit and vegetables. A leisurely walk along the antique-buyer’s heaven of Hollywood Road is a must as is a visit to Hong Kong Island’s oldest temple, Man Mo. Trundle back to Causeway Bay by tram and disembark at The Excelsior Hotel where the Concierge will take you on a tour of the nearby Noon Day Gun, a daily midday ritual from colonial days and immortalized in Noel Coward’s song Mad Dogs and Englishmen.

Tracey, Outi and myself took a mini bus to Stanley Market just after midday today after having been lost in the heart of Causeway bay, Big Time! Outie being her bubbly self, asking for directions from a taxi driver waiting for a fare at a taxi stand – (where the bus station was for Stanley Market). Locals overhearing the enquiry were too willing to help but at the same time entertained by and giggling at Outie’s action - asking a taxi driver for a bus fare!

We tried to follow the instructions but still got lost a second time. (You could easily get lost in Hong Kong by the way - I'm getting quite defensive here) I then approached a very willing second victim of Mother and daughter who happily walked us to the bus station which I find very touching. I apologised for the inconvenience the three of us had caused the Mother & Daughter, but they were just too happy to help. Isn’t it amazing that – the first person I ask for directions turns out to be so helpful and obliging out of the millions all around us?

The journey to Stanley on the mini-bus took no time, because the driver seem to be speeding but also because of the good company provided by Tracey and Outi. We zig-zagged there and back on a glorious day, making me feel a bit queasy after each journey. Just a bit of advice, make sure you have the exact fare as no change is given on the buses when you pay more than the fare which is a standard HK$9. (U$1 = HK$7.75 or HK$13 to 1 British Pound)

We had a leisurely walk around the market where Outti bought herself a pair of work shoes and slippers. Tracey bought a couple of beautiful prints for her folks. I ended up buying some fruits; cherries, mangosteen and (blueberries from Outti). We then had lunch at a Chinese-Thai Restaurant after having missed the opening time of a restaurant we were suppose to go to.

Seven days a week the open market around Stanley New Street and Stanley Market Road throbs with the passing parade of life as bargain-hunters from all over the world join in the fun of haggling with shopkeepers and stallholders after swooping on items of brand-name clothing and accessories, or simply irresistible souvenirs, ornaments and other Oriental knick-knacks.

It takes time and energy to push your way through thousands of fellow shoppers jamming the narrow footpaths, specially at weekends, but not to worry - at the other end of this shopping paradise is a variety of bars and restaurants ranging from greasy spoon to up-market Continental which I have visited previously.

Due to Outi's doctor appointment, our visit to Stanley market was brief, therefore missing the nearby Stanley Plaza with its elegantly rebuilt European-style Murray House and Village Square adjoining the seafront promenade and its specialty stores there. We therefore missed a visit to this nostalgic reminder of the Colonial-style architecture that dominated Central District in early Hong Kong. Murray House was carefully dismantled in 1982 to make way for the towering Bank of China glass tower that now occupies its former site.

If you like shopping then you must make a trip to Causeway Bay, which is a testament to the passion the locals have for it. Japanese influence can be seen in the department store SOGO and the next-door Island Beverly Arcade features scores of small boutiques. Times Square and Vogue Alley (next to The Excelsior Hotel) offer a more usual mall experience with most high-street brands available. For up-market shopping, go to the Lee Gardens. Those who don’t have time to visit the flea markets across the harbour in Kowloon can settle for a browse in Jardine’s Bazaar.

If Hong Kongers are not shopping, they’re eating. This is the home of Cantonese cuisine so you must try some of the many local dim sum specialities. Yee Tung Keen in the Excelsior Hotel is a great place to sample the most authentic spring rolls or prawn dumplings. A restaurant located on the mezzanine floor of the hotel, Cammino, offers Italian cuisine for those who prefer it.

If you venture outside the confines of the hotel, Central is a district where you’ll find many old-style tea houses. Yung Kee on Wellington Street is famous for its roast goose, while Luk Yu on Stanley Street is as celebrated for its hit-and-miss service as its dim sum. Further down towards Sheung Wan is Lin Heung Restaurant where waiters rest kettles of piping hot Chinese tea on their shoulders and top up your cup from astonishing distance. Another favourite of mine is the Ocean Empire Restaurant that specialises in Congees. It isn’t fancy but if congee tickles your palate then it’s worth a visit. It heaves with local clientele and is a favourite haunt of mine when I want a quick, healthy and tasty bowl of Congee! (I took along Tracey and Mark but congee was not for them!) This place is a haunt of mine especially for a midnight snack.

Talk of the Town Asian Grill and Bar is a place to enjoy your glass of Merlot, a G & T or a glass of Champagne! At the top of the Excelsior Hotel, ToTT, (voted one of the five most stylish hotels in Hong Kong by Conde Nast Traveller), is where I celebrated my Chinese New Year two years ago. The bar and restaurant affords 270-degree views of the city where you can unwind and enjoy the night lights from the comfort of your chair.

Downstairs, the elegant coffee bar EXpresso is a great place to grab an authentic Italian coffee, they serve Café Illy - my favourite.

Lan Kwai Fong in Central is a must as this nightlife district comes alive as revelers fill the street. Lux is a great spot to people-watch and underground nightclub C Club will keep you dancing til the wee hours but not for me this time as I have been quite poorly on this trip due to the stress of traveling and time change. I therefore ended up collecting and collating materials useful to yourselves when you visit Hong Kong in the future.

I hope my experience will encourage you to visit Hong Kong

More About Hong Kong

Take care and God bless

Alan Aldana