FACEBOOK POST Hong Kong is an amazing, thriving metropolis. It is the world's fourth-most-densely populated region. Hong Kong is one of the world’s most important ports and a significant financial center. Towering skyscrapers and mountains, a busy harbor, and lush landscaped gardens can all be found here. Hong Kong has the largest number of skyscrapers in the world, but also about seventy percent of Hong Kong is unspoiled and undeveloped. Hong Kong is 1104 square km and has 200 islands.
Hong Kong was an overnight port for us. The first day we visited the oldest and most famous Man Mo Temple, walked Hollywood Road past a variety of shops, rode “the people mover” - longest outdoor covered escalator system in the world, shopped in markets, and rode the Star Ferry to cross Victoria Harbor. In the evening, we took a shuttle to a mall. From there, we got on the subway and went to two more markets, The Ladies’ Market and The Night Market. It was fun traveling around Hong Kong on our own and experiencing this city.
The second day we rode a tram to the top of the 1,800-foot summit, Victoria Peak, and enjoyed the views. We rode a traditonal sampan round the Aberdeen Harbor passing a floating village of fishing vessels. Toured a jade factory with many beautiful objects. We ended our day at the Stanley Market.
Today’s picture combines traditional and modern, an ancient Chinese sailing ship called a junk and Hong Kong’s skyscrapers.
Hong Kong means “Fragrant Harbor”. An island on the Pearl River Delta and S. China Sea, it is one of the world’s most important ports. It is the largest city in China, a modern metropolis. Saw towering skyscrapers and mountains and bustling Victoria Harbor. Saw many lush, landscaped gardens. The size of Hong Kong is 1104 square km and 200 islands. There are hills. Rode the Star Ferry to see the sights of the port. Cultural contrasts: traditions vs skyscrapers. About 70% of Hong Kong is unspoiled and undeveloped. Feng shui is included in building design. The Chinese are superstitious and believe the surrounding mountains represent dragons. Dragon Holes in buildings are holes where the dragon can see through to the ocean. When the dragon is happy, good things happen in the building. Experienced traditional heritage on a visit to a temple to honor Taoist God. Another honors Confucius. Hong Kong was not harmed in World War II. Fishermen lived on their sampans in Aberdeen, it does not appear that very many continue to live there now.
 |
| Sunrise after our arrival in Hong Kong. |
 |
| Man Mo Temple - Hong Kong's oldest and most famous temple. |
 |
| Man Mo Temple |
 |
| Incense cones burning in Man Mo Temple |
 |
| We visited The Mo Man temple, the oldest and most famous temple. These women were lighting the wooden sticks that were then placed them in front of an alter. |
 |
| This picture of freshly butchered meat was taken in the Wet Market. Note the boar's head with the snout pointing up to the right of the man! It is sitting on the top of the black and silver case. |
 |
| Fresh fish in the wet market. |
 |
| I have been in a lot of markets lately. They are just like our flea markets set up in alleys or on streets. Some knock offs, some good merchandise, some junk. |
Hong Kong Walking Tour - Two hours of walking, 100 steps to climb. A cultural walk through Hong Kong Island. Strolled the streets of Hong Kong to see some of the city’s most iconic sights. Visited the Man Mo Temple - Hong Kong’s oldest and most famous. The temple is a picturesque tribute to the God of Literature (Man) and the God of War (Mo). Passed antique shops on Hollywood Road. People mover (escalator) is over 800 meters. Opened in 1993. Pottinger St or Stone Slab Street. We rode the covered escalator to the top and then walked back down. We went to the Wet Market where we saw a lot of meat and fish that had been freshly processed. Visited a street market with curios and clothing. Rode Green and White Star Ferry back to the portside. A bus picked us up and took us back to the ship which was located about 45 minutes from downtown. Saw two ships that were docked near downtown. Lucky them.
 |
| Hong Kong in the morning. |
 |
| Evening in Hong Kong, always busy. Two of my friends and I took a shuttle to a mall and then rode the underground train to the market area. We went to the Ladies' Market and the Night Market and enjoyed a night on the city streets people watching. |
 |
| Night Market |
 |
| Evening streets |
No comments:
Post a Comment