Jet lag is a very strange experience. I went to sleep on Saturday night, woke up at 2am, was wide awake until 5 and then slept until 2pm. I could have stayed in bed all day.
I dragged myself out of bed because, frankly, there ain't much point being abroad if you're just going to sleep. But the fact I even thought about it demonstrated how tired I must have been.
In the afternoon I made my way up to Victoria Peak, which is the principal tourist destination in Hong Kong for its views over the area. You get up the peak by a tram, which is apparently the safest journey in the world - there has never been a single accident on the line. I always find it reassuring to know there has been no human disasters on my chosen mode of transport.
The views from Victoria Peak are breathtaking. You can see across the whole Hong Kong skyline from one side, and then out across the South China Sea from the other. It is noticeably cooler up there too, with a refreshing breeze taking the heat out of the sun.
Unfortunately, this charming location has been raped by just about every chain outlet you could possibly imagine. The first thing you are encountered by upon leaving the tram is a fucking shopping mall. And it just gets worse. I wasn't surprised to find McDonalds, Burger King, Starbucks and all the others up here. I didn't expect that in Hong Kong, of all places, I would find a chill-out tent and a group of hippes taking magic mushrooms. I was, however, a little pissed off with the sheer full-on commercialism. Great views, though...
In the evening I ventured out around Hong Kong's main drinking area in the centre of the island. And for the second evening I retreated back to my hotel room earlier than normal because I just couldn't afford to stay out any longer. A pint of beer can set you back nearly seven quid here - a glass of wine even more. The bars are decent, friendly and lively, but I have never been anywhere so expensive.
I've really enjoyed my time in Hong Kong, but two nights really is all you need -or can afford...
I dragged myself out of bed because, frankly, there ain't much point being abroad if you're just going to sleep. But the fact I even thought about it demonstrated how tired I must have been.
In the afternoon I made my way up to Victoria Peak, which is the principal tourist destination in Hong Kong for its views over the area. You get up the peak by a tram, which is apparently the safest journey in the world - there has never been a single accident on the line. I always find it reassuring to know there has been no human disasters on my chosen mode of transport.
The views from Victoria Peak are breathtaking. You can see across the whole Hong Kong skyline from one side, and then out across the South China Sea from the other. It is noticeably cooler up there too, with a refreshing breeze taking the heat out of the sun.
Unfortunately, this charming location has been raped by just about every chain outlet you could possibly imagine. The first thing you are encountered by upon leaving the tram is a fucking shopping mall. And it just gets worse. I wasn't surprised to find McDonalds, Burger King, Starbucks and all the others up here. I didn't expect that in Hong Kong, of all places, I would find a chill-out tent and a group of hippes taking magic mushrooms. I was, however, a little pissed off with the sheer full-on commercialism. Great views, though...
In the evening I ventured out around Hong Kong's main drinking area in the centre of the island. And for the second evening I retreated back to my hotel room earlier than normal because I just couldn't afford to stay out any longer. A pint of beer can set you back nearly seven quid here - a glass of wine even more. The bars are decent, friendly and lively, but I have never been anywhere so expensive.
I've really enjoyed my time in Hong Kong, but two nights really is all you need -or can afford...
A tram up to the top. Lightweight! Try walking it up and then down again.... I didn't realise it was soooo steep.
ReplyDeleteSteve C