A brief visit by any standard. And most of the free time was spent on cruising between various camera shops.
But even with a Swiss-cheese like itinerary full of tiny holes to fill in with the wonders of the gateway to China, some things are inevitable.
The classics: the peak, the symphony of lights, the markets – and some of the classic narrow streets brimming with life.
First the overrated symphony of lights: if you like crowded places with mediocre show of some spotlights that look like a few folks with headlamps trying to scramble to the top of the buildings – you might like it. Go for it if you enjoy squeezing through the crowds of aimlessly turning in circles tourists and the couples of local youths on their 'dating mission'. Add to it a line of “$40 for a badly exposed photo in 2 minutes” stalls and the air filled with the Asian ‘suicide music’ (if you wonder - I mean the wining of femalish-looking boys wearing make-up and serenading their everlasting love at the pitch as depressing as that of Adele... They deserve a new genre in all the music services...).
Bottom line: if you want to enjoy the skyline go at any other time. Early morning is probably the best for it. And you will get better photos in the early hours as well…
The markets in HK are famous: imagine an off-line version of eBay. There is everything you might – or might not – want. Junk, old stuff, shops specialising in old-fashion, second-hand treasures such as speakers (and speakers only). The place to pick up a real pre-MP3 Hi-Fi, shit lots of light bulbs (don't ask me why) or the latest Samsung mobile phone, which seems to be sold like pretzels from endless corner stalls.
And inevitably food. The air is filled with scents – some appalling some appealing. There is buzz that you will not find on line. It is crazy and great at the same time.
It's also worth to pay a quick visit to some of the more known temples: if you after the real think - try Man Mo Temple: dark, small and filled with incense that will make your eyes to water. Also, pretty empty considering that you are in HK.
If you prefer some cheapish, more plasticy but full of buzz temple - head for the Wong Tai Sin Temple. Crowds of tourist mingling with pious devotees praying for good fortune, the air filled with the symphonies of incense and rattling of the fortune sticks.
Watch out as it seems easy to catch fire from the often still burning incenses...
The trip would not be completed without a trip to The Peak. Actually, I would recommend two trips: one in the morning for a bit of a walk and one in the evening, to catch a glimpse of the famous skyline. While most guides recommend taking the tram - it seems overrated. Crowded with rude and overweight US school kids pushing to get on first, no views and the ride takes as long as a toilet sex. It also feels a bit like this - full of regrets. On your second trip up take the Bus 15: you will have a better chance to feel how tall these buildings are when you in a tiny road climbing the winding road up. Not to mention the overview of the many super-cars on the way up...
In the evening expect some serious crowds - with the 'main' viewing point being barricaded with intertwining tripod legs long before the sunset.
Finally, the most laughable feature seem to be the so-called parks: always living in places where nature was just a short ride away, these parks make you wonder. Locals lounging on the concrete, mini-garden plots that seem to be luxury being locked behind bars, nets and padlocks. It seems that if there is a tree - it is to be considered a park...
Having fun in the local 'park':
And the finally: dear Travelex, not only your rates suck but so your political correctness.
Strictly speaking Taiwan is NOT a province of China (despite China being delusional and claiming so). I should probably send you some sunflowers ☺
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