After a very long day and night in Hong Kong we are back at it again for day 2. Our days will be jam packed for the next few weeks but we are not complaining. We are loving this great adventure. But first let me provide you with a little history about Hong Kong since I didn’t get to it on my last post.
Hong Kong is full of people bustling around the streets among the recognizable skyline and is a testament to its remarkable journey. It wasn’t always the economic powerhouse it is today.
Hong Kong has been inhabited for over 1,000 years. It was first incorporated into China’s Qin Dynasty around 221 BC. Back then, it was a quiet region focused on fishing, farming, and salt production. We saw evidence of the salt being made during our walks through the villages.
The arrival of the British in the 19th century marked a turning point. Following the Opium Wars, Hong Kong Island was surrendered to Britain in 1842. The colony grew rapidly as a free port, fueled by trade (including the controversial opium trade). Kowloon Peninsula (this is where we were most of the time) was added in 1860, and the New Territories were leased for 99 years in 1898.
The 20th century saw Hong Kong face the challenges of World War II (including a Japanese occupation) and political turmoil in mainland China. However, it also emerged as a major industrial center after World War II, thanks to an influx of refugees and entrepreneurs.
In 1997, after 150 years of British rule, Hong Kong was handed back to China under the principle of “One Country, Two Systems.” This unique arrangement allows Hong Kong to maintain its own economic and legal systems, separate from mainland China. We heard many times from our tour guide they want to set an example of what China should be modeled after.
Today, Hong Kong is a leading international financial center, renowned for its towering skyscrapers, vibrant harbor, and Cantonese cuisine.
Our adventure began at Wong Tai Sin Temple. It means Temple of the Great Emperor Wong. This Taoist temple complex dates back to the 19th century.
Next, we headed to Repulse Bay, a beautiful beach with white sand and although its spring, there were some people out swimming in the beautiful clear waters.
In the afternoon we made it to Aberdeen harbor. We put on our traditional straw hat called Hata and hopped on a sampan, a small, traditional Chinese boat. This gave us a closer look at the iconic Jumbo Floating Restaurant that was built in 1976, Jumbo was once a very popular seafood destination. Celebrities like Queen Elizabeth II and Tom Cruise visited here often. Sadly, it recently closed due to the after affects of Covid and no business, but its towering presence remains a piece of Hong Kong history.
The economy in Hong Kong has had a slow start after Covid. They are just now working towards reopening some of the smaller businesses again. Tourism has been very low but is now starting to climb again.
The Peak Tram took us up the mountainside, offering quick glimpses of the city in between the trees. Weren’t up
Facing backwards. At the top, Peak Galleria greeted us with stunning panoramic views and an abundance of high-end shops .
After all that exploring, we decided to find an authentic Chinese restaurant. And that we did at Heyday Cuisine. We couldn’t really understand the menu but had pictures and a little help from the waiter who was probably Chuck’s age. We didnt have much time to wander but our dinner was in the building next to this impressive mall called APM Millennium City mall. It was named APM to mean you can shop all day and night – AM – PM, shortened to APM. It was truly a shopper’s paradise with designer brands and trendy boutiques and about 10 stories high!
We returned to the ship, another exhausting, yet exhilarating day. When our ship was ready to leave, I put on my bright red (for good luck) Hong Kong blouse that my son, David bought me back 20 years ago when he was in the military and was in Hong Kong on one of his first tours. I kept it and knew I would be able to use it some day. It felt good to tell everyone about how special this blouse was to me. We had champagne and toasted another great adventure as we were sailing away to our next port.
Our ship took a different route to exit Kowloon bay. We went between the beautiful buildings that were lit up last night. Hong Kong invited us for this route and lit up the buildings just for our ship. It was beautiful and memorable. Everything about today was amazing except for one thing. Our ship almost hit a barge that wasn’t giving right of way so the ship swerved left to miss it. We were in the photography department at the time and all the albums, books and other items fell on the floor. It was a little unnerving for the moment. Water was completely emptied out of the pool and many dishes and glasses were heard falling in the galleys. After a few minutes we were back up to normal, not listing to one side, and the captain came on in a calm voice and explained what happened. I am sure he wasn’t that calm when the barge navigated in front of him.
Our next stop after a days break is Taiwan China. We are really excited to see this next one. Our internet is horribly slow and will be for the next couple of weeks while in Asia. We are also on multiple days of excursions and just getting back in time for dinner, a shower and preparing for the next day. It sure makes it difficult to get anything done. So, bear with me as I try to the posts done as fast as possible.
May God bless you aways.
Chuck & Lea Ann
WorldTravelReynolds 