This summer, as part of my travels, I went to Hong Kong and Macau for 8 days. Hong Kong did not disappoint; here are some highlights. (Macau highlights to come)
The City
Hong Kong is a big city, so there are several places to get a sense of the cityscape. Here are three pictures of the city.
 |
| Looking at the Island from the opposite shore. This was on a rainy night around the time of the night show. There is a light show every night, but it is really underwhelming. The view is beautiful, though. |
 |
| The HSBC building and the Bank of China building up close. |
 |
| A view of the city from Victoria Peak. There is a tram to get up to the top where there is a great view of the city. |
Temples, etc.
There were a few really interesting religious sights to check out. Here are some of the highlights.
 |
| Man Mo Temple. A little underwhelming on the outside, but... |
 |
| Man Mo Temple, really photogenic on the inside. Gorgeous, really. |
 |
| On the way to Po Lin Monastery and the Great Buddha. This is the bridge that is being built between Hong Kong and Macau. |
 |
| Po Lin Monastery and the Great Buddha. |
 |
| Po Lin Monastery and the Great Buddha. |
 |
| Po Lin Monastery and the Great Buddha. |
 |
| Po Lin Monastery and the Great Buddha. |
 |
| Po Lin Monastery and the Great Buddha. |
 |
| Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden. |
 |
| Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden. |
 |
| Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden. |
 |
| Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden. |
 |
| Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden. |
Miscellaneous
A few random wanderings and sights. Not pictured here, transportation in Hong Kong is really good. The Star Ferry and the tram in particular were great ways to get a glimpse of the city, while the MTR is a really convenient way to get around. The weather was fantastic, perhaps a little hot, but definitely Hong Kong feels busy. I really enjoyed my time in the city.
 |
| Repulse Bay Beach. A really nice change of pace from the busy pace of the city. Kind of busy, but still a sandy beach on a hot day! |
 |
| Mid-Level Escalators. It's a giant set of covered escalators to get up the hill. |
 |
| Hong Kong Museum. Good introduction to the city. |
 |
| Outside the convention centre. There was a giant book fair inside the centre with English books (as well as Cantonese and Mandarin books), but this is statue just outside the centre. |
Food
Some of these foods reminded me of home. Some of them were new. Almost everything was amazing. We found a dim sum place frequented mostly by old men reading the newspaper - my travel partner decided that was a significant factor in deciding we had found the right place. I got sick from the food twice, but it was worth it. I don't think it was the food as much as it was me not being used to so much dairy and oil, plus the quantity in general. And it being 35 degrees every day. Here are some food photos and descriptions.
 |
| Wonton and noodles. Fantastic. |
 |
| This felt like home. Really delicious pork. This is how chashu is supposed to be. |
 |
| Hong Kong style breakfast. Toast, eggs, coffee, and macaroni soup. |
 |
| Hot pot. Fantastic idea. |
 |
| Congee. |
 |
| Beef brisket over noodles. A little overrated (the restaurant, not the food), but still good. |
 |
| Dim Sum. Full stop. |
