Hong Kong  

Sampling It's Diversity

Melissa and The Hubs

April 22-27, 2001

Kris and Melissa

May 2-6, 2002

(click on pictures for larger view)

Hong Kong is a city of many faces.  From the skyscrapers of Hong Kong Island , to the the streets of Kowloon, there is much to see.  Here is the view of Hong Kong Island from the Kowloon side promenade.

The Star Ferry Docks on the Kowloon side.  These have to be the cheapest and most beautiful mode of transportation in the world.  Approximately 30 cents each way.  The building behind it is the Hong Kong Cultural Center and clock tower.

The Bank of China building dominates the Hong Kong skyline.  The geometric shapes were intended to promote prosperity and dynamism, but "fung shui" advocates claim it does the opposite. 

Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank (the gray building in the middle), emblazoned on most Hong Kong dollar bills.  This is the headquarters of the territories most famous and powerful bank.

Speaking of views from the Conrad.....this was taken from the Hubs room on the top floor.  Great view of Victoria Harbor and Kowloon.

A night shot of Kowloon from the Hubs hotel room.  On the far right you can see the Hong Kong Cultural Center.

Right in the middle of downtown, you find Hong Kong Park.  Inside are beautiful gardens,  a bird aviary, and a tai chi park, to name a few attractions.  

We stayed on the Kowloon side of Hong Kong for a few days.  Here is the street just outside of our very nice 5-star hotel.  This is Nathan Road, the heart of the tourist "ghetto" (guide book quote!).  

Kris and I ventured over to Sham Shui Po, where the locals go to shop in Kowloon.  Here you see the food market.

Aberdeen Harbor, found on the southern side of Hong Kong Island.  Here is where you find the fisherman, the floating restaurants, and a whole population living on the water.

The famous "Jumbo" Floating restaurant in the middle of the  harbor.  

Stanley Beach, also on the south side of the island.  Hard to believe that you are only a few miles from the skyscrapers and pollution.  To get to the south side you must go through the Peak.

Repulse Bay.  Located between Aberdeen and Stanley on the south side of the island.  Take a bus between the two for these breathtaking views.

Posing on the promenade.  Our guide book called the view of Victoria Harbor "the most spectacular sight in the world".  I gotta figure that a few natural phenomenon beat it, but it was amazingly beautiful on a clear day (these are few and far between).  

A view of Central from the ferry boat.  Central is the financial district on Hong Kong Island.  It is where you find the famous Bank of China building by I.M. Pei, as well as the Hong Kong & Shanghai Bank.

We all decided that this building, "The Lippo Center," was the most photogenic.  Unfortunately no interesting stories, but it always seemed to be in the background of our pictures.

While on Hong Kong Island, we stayed at the Conrad International  (shown here, the white building in the middle).  The rooms were fantastic and the views were incredible. 

No trip is complete without going to the top of "The Peak".  The trick is to ascend on a clear day....not an easy task we found.  Here I pose on the top of "The Peak" observation platform.

Here is a night shot looking down on Central and across to Kowloon from "The Peak." Thanks to Dana for her steady hands.

We found the park to be a bit of serenity within the madness of Hong Kong.  Kris poses in front of the pond with the Lippo Center in the background.  

In Kowloon, you can bargain for anything, and you can find counterfeit anything.  Rolexes, Gucci handbags, DVDs, or should I say VCDs (watch out for these, they are not worth it!).  Kowloon is a necessary, but nearly overwhelming experience.

Needless to say, this is not how I usually shop for meat.  I think I prefer the glass cases, and plastic wrap thank you.

We took a sampan ride in the harbor and found ourselves surrouded by huge apartment complexes on shore, and houseboats (if that's what you can call these) on the water.

Dana, Bill and I pose in front of the restaurant.  You can only reach it by boat.

We all loved Stanley Beach.  Reminded us of somewhere on the coast of the Mediterranean.  Very relaxing, and the markets are great for bargaining.

For obvious reasons, Repulse Bay is home of the wealthy Hong Kong citizens.