Hong Kong Day 3 (Apr 14)

[Zawadi]

Return to Day 2

The alarm clock went off at 08:00 but the eyelids wouldn't stay open. We managed to get to the lounge for breakfast at 10:00. Today was adhoc touring of the north shore of HK island. We started off at Causeway Bay for the firing on the noon day gun. Finding the gun was a bit of an ordeal. Use exit D1 at Causeway MTR, head to the World Trade Centre and take a small tunnel. This tunnel was via an innocuous doorway that led to the underground car park. The tunnel was at the far end of the car park, a small corridor with sea water pipes running to and from the Excelsior Hotel. The solitary gunner donned disposable gloves to load the shell then at the stroke of noon he mimed "cover you ears" then BANG! Now, I've heard field guns fire before at a royal salute and I was filming from about 40ft away and this made me jump as the video bears testimony.

We back tracked to get a double decker trolley bus to the Central Market from where we navigated the world's longest elevated moving walkway to the Mid-Levels. The entire journey takes about 20 minutes. We exited about 3/4 distance to walk to The Peak Tram. This is a twin cable train, like the one in Bergen Norway, to take you up Victoria Peak. Now, we all know that some cultures have less tolerance for waiting than others. Well the peak tram uses ropes to manage the line in staged areas so that the number of people boarding the train is managed. Next to us were two men who tried to get past the ropes at every opportunity. At one point, one used his bag to block me so I kicked it back and he tripped over it Unfortunately the weather was a little misty but never the less the view was spectacular.

After getting the tram down from the peak, we walked back to Central Pier to get a ferry back to Kowloon. This time we went for the lower deck. It was like a cross between the Liberty Belle and Admiral Joe Fowler. The smell of the engines was quite strong and with no windows, a bit damp in choppy water.

Back at the hotel we chilled out in the infinity spa, which will be closed for maintenance during the next three days

After some champagne and canapés we watched the Symphony of Lights before heading back to Ladies Market the to do some haggling.

The night was rounded off back in the club lounge planning tomorrow's trip to the island of Lantau to see the Big Buddha.

[Melanie]

I loved going up to Victoria Peak, and riding the Tram down. It's gorgeous up there. Sorry you had kind of a foggy day. Yep, loving reading your reports. Tomorrow is the Big Buddha - can't wait to see if you take the cable cars!

[NJGIRL]

Sounds like you are having fun. I love to explore new places. I hate when people try to cut in line. Not sure why some people think they are entitled.