Hong Kong - Days 1 & 2

Our sail-in to Hong Kong, once again, was veiled with fog & smog though not quite as thick as past visits. The early morning temperature was very pleasant, so most of our arrival photos were taken from the bow of the ship which is normally open to passengers, weather & seas permitting. We were docked by 8:30, and decided to head out to Disney right away. We didn’t want to do any city touring until we had a better understanding of the government protest activity. Cheryl did a masterful job in the subway system again. Entry was within a couple blocks of our berth at Ocean Terminal once we passed through the vast, attached shopping mall. For me, the subway system is quite confusing, particularly during rush hour, though I don’t think there’s ever a slow period in Hong Kong. The masses of people seem to come toward you at warp speed – there’s no such thing as a leisurely walk or stroll. Everyone is always in such a hurry. I mentioned to Cheryl that if they left home a few minutes earlier, they wouldn’t have to rush everywhere, but I guess it’s just their way of life. Much the same as a stampede, if you’re walking in the same direction, you better be prepared to gallop with them or run the risk of being trampled!

Disney was three subway trains away…about 45 minutes in total. You purchase your tickets in a machine that looks similar to an ATM – the challenge is selecting the proper route – nothing’s in English, and the machines only accept the Hong Kong dollar. Once tickets are purchased, the next challenge is finding the right train to board, and then where to get off to catch your next segment. There are many routes to choose from: Blue, Green, Orange, Yellow, Pink, and Purple – you feel sorry for anyone who’s colorblind, or who can’t distinguish between east & westbound! The Disney train is the easiest to identify with its Mickey Mouse ears…thankfully! Ticket prices at Disney have dropped since last year. We paid a total of US$250 for the day – last year was over $300, and they have a new senior citizen price (65+) of only $15. I still have a few years to go. The park was busy, but not overcrowded. They’re struggling with attendance. We spent most of our time on Space Mountain & the Runaway Railroad. Compared to US Disney, the property is small. Last year, the Haunted Mansion was still under construction – it was open this year, but under the name of Mystic Manor…and VERY disappointing – nothing at all like the US. After the early afternoon parade, we started the trip back. We wanted to miss ‘rush hour’ but even at 3:00, the subways were jammed – standing room only. In past posts, I’ve mentioned what I consider to be a cold society demeanor in Hong Kong compared with other cities in China. My perception remains the same – there’s rarely eye contact & they seldom acknowledge your presence…but I DID find a way to break the ice, and it worked every time. If you see a mother, father, or couple with a young child or baby, SMILE at the youngster in an approving manner and you’ll always get a soft, return smile from the parent! I guess it’s just the fact that we all love our children, regardless of nationality – a common thread from one society to the next. I met many warm folks from Hong Kong this way, despite the language barrier. It was gratifying. As I’ve said before, we’re all human and in large measure, we all want the same basic things in life. Recognition of a young, precious child is indeed a universal language.

We were back on the ship, showered, & ready for Happy Hour by 5:00. We spent the latter part of the evening on the back of the ship by the pool, listening to our favorite entertainer (Debby Bacon) playing her piano (& other instruments) under the stars with the Hong Kong skyscrapers lit up in the background displaying their nightly laser light show.

Day two, we decided to go out on our own via the ‘Big Bus’ or hop-on/hop-off system. They offer a total of three routes, and two of the three were adjusted to avoid the protest areas. That said, we passed the perimeter of the government buildings and if you look at certain photos closely, you can see some of the blue tents & barricades, along with police officers, police cars & an ambulance. Aside from that, we saw absolutely no violence whatsoever. We haven’t heard an update in several days now, so we don’t know what’s going on or where they’re at with negotiations. 

We spent nearly 10 hours touring the city, and even had time to go out to a small city named Aberdeen. Beautiful countryside, parks, and surprisingly, very nice beaches. We didn’t know this side of ‘Hong Kong’ existed and glad we went. We took several building photos as the architecture varies greatly depending on what part of the city you’re visiting. The commentator on the bus system mentioned that there are over 8,000 skyscrapers in the Hong Kong area, compared with 4,000 in New York City. While I don’t know what their specific definition of a skyscraper is, it’s a humbling experience to see these buildings and nearly everywhere you look, you see tall cranes & new construction popping up far & wide. It’s an amazing city, & quickly takes your breath away with its rapid pace & enormity. I pray they never experience an earthquake – the city has many steep, rolling knolls & peaks – the toll would be devastating.

As I write, we’re midway between China & Vietnam. The weather has been gradually warming and all winter clothing is packed. In Shanghai we had temps in the 70’s, and Hong Kong, low 80’s. Once we hit Vietnam and until we get to Australia, it’ll be quite hot & humid.

Earlier today & God willing, we booked our next Grand Voyage. We don’t leave until March of 2016…but a two month, 13-country visit in the Mediterranean. Two highlights for me personally…Jerusalem & Nazareth. For Cheryl, Venice & Rome.

Please excuse the quality of the photos below – most were taken in cloudy, foggy, or smoggy conditions.

 

             

Day Two