Hong Kong

At the observation deck of Victoria Peak

Hello from Hong Kong-

We feel a little bit like we are back in New York already. When we first stepped out of the subway, we were greeted by neon signs and crowds of people, just like Times Square after the theaters let out. After a few wrong turns we finally arrived at our very swanky hotel, The Lanson Place (thanks to some generous friends for the gift certificates)!! We are doing more and more shopping, a continuation of Singapore really. In fact, Chris has been come quite the shopaholic these last few days which of course, is extremely bizarre. He just can't pass up a good deal!

We found this restaurant on our walk...I am pointing to the steamed chicken feet!!

We hit the sites yesterday by starting with off with a double-decker tram ride throughout the central district of Hong Kong. We wandered through small streets until we arrived at the Peak Tram entrance. The Victoria Peak Funicular was originally built in 1888 to take visitors and residents to the top of Hong Kong's highest peak for sweeping views of the Harbor and Hong Kong Island. Unfortunately, it was a little hazy so our pictures aren't perfect, but it was interesting taking the tram which still retains its old world charm. After taking the tram back down (which we go down backwards because the seats are still facing upward) and a little walk, we find Maxim's Palace for lunch. Dim Sum should be called Dim Sum-yummy! After being accosted by the trolley ladies offering their steamers full of interesting things, we finally dove in. Chris' favorite was the barbecue pork buns but I thought the pork meatballs were the best.

Here's our table before we started- it doesn't look like much but we still had dessert too!

After lunch we split up for some shopping in Kowloon but not before we took a quick ferry ride across the harbor. Shopping over, we headed to the waterfront to watch the laser light show on the buildings of Hong Kong Island.

The laser light show of Hong Kong Island

Overall, we are trying to relax here and since there aren't loads and loads of tourists sites, it is a good chance to keep it low key although we hope to catch up karaoke before we leave Asia. We have almost another full day tomorrow in Hong Kong and then we have an overnight flight to Sydney and the land down under.

One last note, Thanks to Cynthia and Mark for the recommendation for the hotel in Siem Reap, Cambodia. We loved the Two Dragons Guesthouse!! The signs informing guests that firearms, hand grenades and hypodermic needles are still up at the reception area and a new sign saying that nuclear and land to air missiles are also now prohibited!

A view of Hong Kong from Kowloon