We arrived at Hong Kong before we were awake this morning. After doing our morning ablutions and putting the last few items into the carry on cases we made our way to the MDR for breakfast. Once we had finished, it was just a case of walking off, going through immigration, picking up our luggage and then locating our guide and driver for the day. Our private excursion was booked with This is AsiaTours and was for 8 hours and included dropping off at the airport at the end. We had managed to get another couple from Cruise Critic to join us which helped keep the price manageable. Our first stop today was a sampan ride around Aberdeen Harbour with the most enthusiastic boat man I have ever met. He had us taking photos from all angles and there was a point that I wondered if he would ever stop.
From there we made our way up to Victoria Peak for some amazing views over Hong Kong. We quickly built up a great relationship with our guide Pearline who was very engaging and informative and adapted the tour as we went round to maximise the experience.
Our next item was a tram ride through the city and when we got off it was time for lunch but on the way we passed some people that were providing a service called Villain Hitting. This involves practitioners theatrically “beating” an effigy or photo representing someone who has wronged you and meant to bring karmic retribution upon them. Totally bonkers but very enjoyable to watch.
Lunch was taken in a nearby restaurant, nothing high end but very tasty food and full of locals.
After lunch we were back in the van and taken to Statue Square to see the HSBC Building and the Statue of Sir Thomas Jackson who was the third Chief Manager of HSBC. He was responsible for financing the development of Colonial Hong Kong under the first large scale bank.
Back in the van and onto the next item which was a trip across the harbour on the Star Ferry.
On the other side we passed the Former Kowloon-Canton Railway Clock Tower and also found our driver was already there waiting for us.
The final section of our tour involved visiting a few markets. The first was the flower market which with it being a weekend and close to New Year was extremely busy. It wasn’t what I had expected and really it’s just an area of shops that all sell flowers.
We also visited a bird market and then a goldfish market all along the same lines as the flower market with lots of shops in one area all selling the same thing.
Unfortunately, our itinerary had come to an end and it was time to go to the airport. We had a busy but very enjoyable day and will look back on today with fond memories. I hope you have enjoyed my waffling on about some of the mundane things that have happened over the last two weeks and thanks for all the comments as they are always well appreciated.
Your photographs in Hong Kong made me smile so much. I first went to Hong Kong a few years after “The Handover” from Britain to China, – and I loved it. Funnily enough, it still felt quite British! I was actually offered a job while out there but I was on my GAP year so turned it down. A few years later, I was offered another job in Hong Kong but was then pregnant, and my German hubby didn’t fancy it, so turned it down again.
I was a little worried that with all the “changes” it’s had in the last few years, it might be “different” but some things never change and that’s very nice.
Hi going on this cruise in November and never been to this part of the world before just a few questions what trips are a must through the ship or private and should I take usd or different currencies cheers
I can’t really advise other than to say we researched fully before going and picked the things that appealed to us. I would suggest log on to the Celebrity website and see what they are offering and then see if you can get it cheaper. We had a very active roll call on Cruise Critic where lots of people organised private tours at all the ports. Maybe see if there is a Roll Call for your cruise and I am sure there will be people looking for people to fill their groups. I hope you enjoy the cruise, we certainly did.
As for currency, we took about 5 or 6 different ones along with USD as backup
Great, loved reading your blog review. Loved your pics too. We have booked same cruise next year. So excited. Thankyou
I do not even know how I ended up here but I thought this post was great I dont know who you are but definitely youre going to a famous blogger if you arent already Cheers.
Of course I enjoyed your ramblings. I always like it when you go on vacation because I get to go too. Just like you follow along when I do. Send me your e-mail address. I have a photo for you. ???? Have a good and safe flight.
Send it to wansbroughs.cruise.blog@gmail.com for now and I will respond via my personal email.