Getting around Hong Kong

For those who have not been there, this is what it is like. A strip of water no wider than the Mersey between Pier Head and Birkenhead. The water is sea – one side is mainland China and the other is Hong Kong Island. A mile or two back from the water on each side are steep mountains. So all the development is crammed into the narrow coastal strips. Which is why they build up and up and up, with little space between the skyscrapers. After dark, all this is lit and some buildings have spectacular light shows on their sides and tops.

Diva and TSH are staying on the mainland and today went onto the island to visit the ‘Peak’, from where there is an excellent view across HK. The first part of the trip was along the extensive subway network which extends around most MTR (underground mass transit) stations. Then the MTR itself. Then the high level walkways which keep pedestrians and vehicles separate on the Island. Then some pavement. Then the Peak tramway, which is steep and, for Diva, white knuckle. Then the many escalators inside the Peak building, which is full of tourist shops, to arrive on its roof and survey the view.

All the above then happened again in reverse, except this time it was via Causeway Bay, a huge shopping area. Unlike in parts of the mainland, the international designer outlets are interspersed with traditional Chinese shops. A fascinating mix.

Special note: Even Diva cannot imagine why there are so many shops. She has lost count of Dior and Prada outlets. Who buys all this stuff? Way beyond any budget for these two travellers.

Bird and animal viewings: Black kites over the water, large butterflies, insects which look like UK dragonflies, a squirrel (pretty much like the ones in the garden at home but hey, this is a holiday, so this is a remarkable event).