Macao: Ruínas, Comida Portuguesa e Casinos...

Spring Festival 2016 kept me moving forwards, leaving Hong Kong behind on a super quick hydrofoil I was ready for some Portuguese history and culture in a former European Colony. Macau was the second destination during my February 2016 holiday, I was on a mission to capture the ruins, enjoy some Portuguese food and wine but I wasn't going to gamble! Vamos M!

Declared a Portuguese Colony in 1557, Macau serves an infusion of Cantonese and Portuguese style that amazes the masses. I had such a bucket list before arriving in Asia, Macau was one of the top five contenders along with Hong Kong and Chengdu. I skimmed across the Pearl River Delta from Hong Kong's Tsim Sha Tsui docks on a Turbojet hydrofoil! I wanted to be reminded about the Portuguese vibe that I once lived within that Newark, NJ neighbourhood! Passing through yet another hassle free border check-point I set foot upon my second Special Administrative Region in less than one week, I wanted that Macanese Pataca to spend up! I stayed away from Macau's shiny Las Vegas style casino's, Taipa wasn't on my flow at all because I was all up for a historical and cultural Macanese weekend. So, would Macau's Portuguese get-up bring back memories of that Ferry Street affair? Sim, é claro que!

Dropping my few belongings at my hotel I was in a great location, I was well away from the hoards of tourists that I would inevitably encounter later on that day. Staying along Rua de Francisco Xavier Pereira I was pleased that busy street bustled with normal traffic, opposed to the continuous coach load of visitors form the Mainland in-particular. I could still hear Cantonese as my time spent Hong Kong allowed me to hear that Southern Chinese language. I adored the European feeling that flowed through the winding streets on the Macau Peninsula, it was strange to think that the border with Mainland China was less than thirty minutes away from this Portuguese former territory. Heading for the Ruins of St. Paul's I snapped away like somebody possessed, getting my head around the bi-lingual street signs gave me life to hold onto to another European reminder like I saw in Hong Kong. Macau impressed me from the moment I disembarked from my Turbojet vessel! Eu amei M!

Staring at the Ruins of St. Paul's from the bottom of the stairs I was surrounded by a sea of tourists, some had crossed the water from Hong Kong and others had walked across the border from Zhuhai, China on the Mainland. I was astounded by the sight of that former Portuguese church, even though the facade only remains today I wasn't unimpressed one bit! Dating back to the 16th Century, this former Catholic church was evidently built by the Portuguese settlers from 1602 to 1640. I later learnt that this magnificent structure was all but destroyed in a blazing fire in 1835 but thankfully in modern times this iconic former house of worship is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The crowds made things quite difficult but I pushed onwards to see more of Macau's Historic Centre. Macau may have not been the cheapest place to visit during the Spring Festival 2016 holiday but somethings are worth the money! Claro!

Moving onwards from the Ruins of St. Paul's I walked through a maze of streets that gave me a breather away from the tourists, tour groups are my pet hate and they were in their hundreds for sure! I predominately stayed within the Northern island of Macau's Peninsula because Cotai or any of the sparkling casino's were not going to take my travelling fund through gambling. I took my time during my two days in Macau, taking in the historic Portuguese sights that amazed me to the max! Giving myself a history lesson I took lots of knowledge from the informative tourist signs, I learned that Macau was handed back to China from Portugal to become a Special Administrative Region in 1999. Both of China's SAR's have open access to social media and other websites and apps that are banned within Mainland China, let's just say it was great to use Facebook and Twitter without a VPN! Back to my first day in Macau, seeing the Ruins of St. Paul's was one of the highlights of my trip!

Why does Newark, New Jersery and Portuguese culture matter to me so much? I looked to Macau when I came back to England after my Industrial Placement in Newark, New Jersey. I lived in a predominantly Portuguese and Brazilian neighbourhood. Looking to China to teach English I was captivated by the Portuguese features of Macau, I hoped to visit to recapture something that I had missed from living in Newark, NJ. Ditching any other kind of food I was in hot pursuit for some near authentic Portuguese cuisine. I had stumbled upon a road called 'Rua da Felicidade' where I found a Portuguese restaurant that looked rather enticing. I had 'Bacalhau com Natas' that's basically cod fish in a creamy sauce, which was served with olives. I was advised to get the 'fried cheese bites' as I would be able to dip them into the creamy sauce. Of course I had some Portuguese red wine! Eu estava vivendo com certeza!

Honestly, I wasn't going to be eating anything Chinese or Cantonese because I could do that as soon as I crossed the border back into Mainland China! Yes, my Portuguese food was really something special because it felt great to taste European food! I adored the winding streets, that's how I found both of the restaurants that I dined at! The second night that I spent in Macau I decided to eat at another Portuguese style restaurant, I had a steak and a side order that consisted of something to do with potatoes. I upgraded my wine bottle to a normal 750 ml Portuguese red, it was my final night in Macau and I didn't touch a drop of alcohol in Hong Kong so I deserved a treat before moving onwards to Guangzhou. With all that Portuguese food and wine I was feeling nostalgic about my time spent living in Newark, NJ's Ironbound District, I know that my stay in Macau motivated me to be thinking about saving to return to that corner of the USA! Eu quero mais comida Português! It was tasty!

Macau's main historical points of interest can all be accessed by foot, I walked everywhere throughout my stay. Just down the hill from the Ruins of St. Paul's stands Largo De Senado, a beautifully preserved Portuguese square that had oodles of character. Being the Eve of Chinese New Year this UNESCO World Heritage Site was adorned with a magnificent array of golden lights that did look extremely festive from a Chinese point of view. I was expecting the open square to be plain without any interruptions, seeing the sheer amount of decorations I was really sad but after getting a god damn grip I loved my life in that moment! The area around Largo De Senado looked typically Portuguese, I took a right turn to find the A-Ma Temple during my second day in Macau, I was surprised with that temple. I was truly schooled about Macau's colourful past with its earlier days as a part of Portugal in Asia. Mais uma vez obrigado Mac!

The Chinese New Year craziness now seems like a blur, I can't say that the chaos did too much to make a dent on my experience in Macau. As silly as this may read I can safely say that another China travel bucket list can be ticked off, I wanted to visit Macau that much! The Ruins of St. Paul's was a sight to appreciate, keeping my cool I got my snaps and ate my Egg tarts without paying the crowds much attention. Seeing a guy have a can of Tsingtao lager before dinner time I felt like it was my duty to enjoy an afternoon alcoholic beverage! Macau's Portuguese design acted as the perfect balance to HK's British era. Newark, NJ was brought back when I found some great Portuguese cuisine and wine, I must admit that I miss the international Portuguese television channel! Largo De Senado was decked out in all of its Chinese New Year finery, representing the monkey brightly! This SAR had that special something, without placing any bets I made the right choice to experience Macau! Feito!

Tudo Parecia Muito Português!

Joseph Harrison

Hong Kong: Introducing Lantau Island

Concluding my Hong Kong experience it was time for me to revisit the lovely Lantau Island, I really hoped that the weather would stay in check because I didn't have much time left in Hong Kong. Ngong Ping Village allowed me and Kelly to leave the stresses of the city behind us for a while. Finally, drifting off to Tai O Fishing Village allowed me to see a relaxed side of HK.

Leaving behind the traffic and towering structures of the city, myself and Kelly found ourselves in a quieter and greener part of Hong Kong. Taking the Hong Kong MTR from Nam Cheong to Tung Chung only took us half way to the Tian Tan Buddha, getting a bus from Tung Chung to Ngong Ping Village had to be done. Our previous trip on my first official day wasn't very successful at all, the fog engulfed the mountains and hills of Lantau Island so we didn't see much, plus my photos the first time around were terrible. Fast forward to our second and final visit, we were relieved to see the sun had been so kind to make an appearance. Known as the 'Big Buddha' it's another famous Hong Kong landmark that had my full attention, climbing the two hundred and fifty steps up and then the same amount down again was worth it. Oh, how I loathed those 'selfie-sticks!', but whilst in the presence of the Buddha I stayed calm Lantau! No stress!

Seeing the outline of the Tian Tan Buddha in the sunlight made me feel so much happier, compared to our first visit it lifted our spirits considerably. Believed to be the centre of Buddhism in Hong Kong, I was amazed by the surroundings that the state of Buddha Shakyamuni called its home. Away from the concrete jungle it did feel like the air was much cleaner, compared to my Wuhan home on the Mainland it was a welcomed change. I'm not a religious soul but I appreciated the peacefulness for the Buddha was it sat on top of the steps. Making the best of the first visit, we decided to take a look at the exhibits at the top of the hill that stand below the sitting Buddha at the top of the stairs. Symbolising peace and harmony between man and nature, it was safe to say that our feelings during the second visit were more harmonious. Grabbing my photos of the 'Big Buddha' I was much happier with the results! Ngong Ping Village was so lovely, I simply adored Lantau Island to the fullest! Thanks Tian!

Branching away from the growing numbers of tourists we chose to have a stroll down the Wisdom Path. Judging by the view it was surreal to think that we were surrounded by nature and only a matter of miles away the craze of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon kept on going. The Wisdom Path was lovely, we were not in any rush so we took things slow to appreciate the stunning views. The sun continued to grace our path, I was very happy! Lantau Island acted as an oasis, so calm and lush with its greener pastures. Did I gain any more wisdom? I think I did if truth be told, it was almost time to say goodbye to Hong Kong so I wanted to take every single moment into my heart and mind. I'm no mountain climber, thankfully Kelly shared that notion so we took at break to notice a series of wooden pillars that had a Buddhist prayer on in Cantonese. I was living amongst the calmness of the Wisdom Path, those tourists stayed out of our way K!

The Po Lin Monastery wasn't on our radar, sticking to a speedy yet relaxed path was on our agenda for that Lantau Island time. That time around we decided to take a breather at one of the snack shops, Kelly suggested that we had a sweet tofu treat that was laced with brown sugar, I was loving it! Was I missing Chinese street food? Yes, so I got myself some quick bites after our tofu treats. Speaking of tourists, I was the only foreigner in that unassuming snack shop within Ngong Ping Village. The Wisdom Path was lovely, spending yet more time with Kelly was a joy because I was going to miss her once my Macau bound hydrofoil would be departing Hong Kong the very next day! The actual main street of Ngong Ping Village was something of a tourists dream, so we bypassed that trick because I don't endorse that kind of fair! Lantau Island's heavenly feeling gave me life for certain, moving closer towards Kowloon it was time for us to visit one more HK oasis. Were we ready for Tai O Village?

Saving the best until last I was swept away by the tranquil waters of Tai O, standing as a beautiful fishing village that took me into a completely different head-space. I sensed something honest and uncomplicated about Tai O, I was loving the quiet vibe of this seemingly non-tourist side of Hong Kong's Lantau Island. Leaving the coach-stand behind us, we walked into the heart of the market street where a whole host of dried fish were for sale. Tai O was showing me something that I don't think I had seen before, well on this side of the world? Catching a glimpse of the stilted houses I took in the view, concluding my Hong Kong experience as I gazed at the mountains and fishing houses. For the tourists who managed to find Tai O there were some boat trips on offer to see the pink dolphins, but we didn't want to be part of that! Aside from the stunning views of Tai O, I was distracted by the looks a dashing HK dude!

Kelly grabbed a sweet snack but I wasn't hungry, I was ready for my tea that evening because her mum would be cooking Sweet and Sour Pork! Leaving Tai O after our short visit felt right, we had seen so much during our Lantau Island day of discovery. Kelly hadn't been to Tai O for a while until our February 2016 visit so I'm glad my visit gave her the chance to break away from the city, if only for a little while. From the heights of Tian Tan Buddha to the blessed sunshine that bothered to make an appearance the second time around I had such an amazing time. The Wisdom Path gave me and Kelly the chance to enjoy the beautiful scenery around Lantau Island within the Ngong Ping Village. As we made our way back to Tung Chung for our MTR connections I took the last sights of Lantau Island in, I was going to miss this relaxed part of Hong Kong! Getting it together, I still cannot believe how chilled Lantau Island was compared to the rest of HK! Yes, Lantau Island is 'next level!'.

Let's Love Lantau Island!

Joseph Harrison 

Hong Kong: Vistas, New Territories & A Noisy Corner...

Hong Kong had more to show me, technically it was my third day in HK but I treated it as my second full day of sightseeing. Sheung Wan and Mong Kok weren't going to wait for me with their different shades of 'next level' amazing, I was gone! Seeking some spirituality I had my eyes on the New Territories. The other night I got my fortune told at Temple St Market! Lucky me?

I was ready for another full packed day of desperately seeking adventure in Hong Kong! I adopted an independent stance as my friend Kelly was at work, I was ready for what the day had in store. After seeing the view from Victoria Peak the previous night I took the number 12 bus to Tsim Sha Tsui to revisit that iconic waterfront during the daylight. Standing before the waters of the majestic Victoria Harbour, a working waterway that has been shaped by the past of this former British Overseas Territory. I snapped away like a paparazzo, the feeling of standing in-front of such a view still hadn't registered in my mind! The waters were quite choppy that slightly chilly February morning, no sleeping in I was awake with the birds to catch the best of HK's nonstop personality. I had breakfast with Kelly's parents that morning, it did feel good to have a cooked breakfast that reminded me of mother England. Oh, I adored HK!

Taking my time but in a hurried fashion I noticed a certain presence of Mainland Chinese tourists, I was understanding the stark differences between Hong Kongers and the Mainland Chinese people. Out of no-where a group of Hong Kong primary school children stopped me in my tracks, asking me several questions about why I was in Hong Kong and what I was hoping to see during my trip. I was appreciating the fact it's illegal to spit on the streets in Hong Kong, that indecent habit is practiced daily on the Mainland so I got a sense of how civilised HK was showing itself to be. I stumbled across the Kowloon-Canton Railway Clock Tower as I made the best of my time alongside Tsim Sha Tsui's waterfront. I wasn't in any place to endorse the high fashion brands of Canton Street, I said 'Bye Felicia!'. Boarding a Central bound ferry from the piers in Tsim Sha Tsui I remembered the results from my palm reading session at Temple Street Market, would the next year bring me good fortune?

Back in Central I wanted to see some more sights from Hong Kong's colonial days, swiping my Octopus travel card I took two stops on the Rickshaw bus to Western Market. I had done some research the previous night to see what sights from the British rule still existed. I really liked the Edwardian period design, as one of the oldest markets in Hong Kong I peered at the shops and bought a Hong Kong flag to remember my trip. I wasn't about the Rickshaw bus tour, I didn't rejoin the route, taking an unplanned turn from Western Market I wanted to explore deeper into the Sheung Wan area on HK Island. The feel of the streets changed the further away I got from Western Market with Ginseng & Bird's Nest Street staring me in the face, I marvelled at the rows of colourful shops. It must have been delivery time when I got to Ginseng & Bird's Nest Street? That medicinal street was alive with action and noise! I loved the noise much!

Once again HK was showing me everything that I had dreamed to see, following on from Ginseng & Bird's Nest Street I ended up going towards Hollywood Road. I'm not sure why I did so? Antique Street looked good to me, to be honest I didn't want to waste any time whatsoever so I moved towards the MTR to consult a map because my China Mobile data was denied a signal to help me. The ordinary tower-blocks continued to mystify me with their concrete design, they looked every inch the brutalist council flats that England has in a never-ending supply. Hong Kong's streets slayed, fashioned with a mixed sense of identity, it did feel strange to be located less than a hour away from the border with Mainland China! Western Market had that colonial craze going on, I did take notice of the familiar British architecture. Thinking about my next move, I didn't have a clue! I did think about going to Repulse Bay. But I wondered whether Man Mo Temple was worth my full attention? Those trams though!

Escaping the buzz of the city for a short interval I took the HK MTR towards the LoWu border check-point to Fanling. Based in the New Territories region of Hong Kong I was looking for some calm at the Fung Ying Seen Koon Temple. I had been to many temples on the Mainland but I had not yet been to a Buddhist place of worship in Hong Kong. Exiting the Hong Kong MTR at Fanling I followed the signs closely, located within an area that didn't feel touristy impressed me much. Facing the Bhuddist place of worship I remained respectful in that space of calm, it was lovely to smell the incense burning. Buying some incense sticks had to be done, I'm not Buddhist but it always feels like a good practice to offer something to the universe, I definitely channeled some positive thoughts to a higher source that day. Fung Ying Seen Koon Temple gave me a sense of chill because I don't have any chill when I'm in China! No way, C!

Taking some photos for blogging purposes, I powered down my camera in respect of the departed souls who were remembered in the ancestral halls. Leaving an incense stick as I passed each shrine I gave a neutral thought to a higher spirit, for me it was an experience to see such places that commemorated the rested souls from Hong Kong. Taking my time I refrained from taking any photos of those sights of remembrance, after a peaceful stay it was time for me to say goodbye to Fung Ying Seen Koon Temple. Fanling MTR Station was linked to a typically Hong Konger shopping centre that was elevated over a manic expressway. I was definitely the only foreigner walking through that shopping centre, I have to be honest those Hong Kong gentlemen were looking so dreamy! I felt like a child in a sweet shop for I found Maltesters and Lucozade! Mostly imported from Australia I was living to see my favourite treats! Fung Ying Seen Koon Temple restored some chill for certain! Nice, HK!

Before my visit to Hong Kong I would continually research the Mong Kok area of Kowloon, I was definitely attracted by those neon lights! The sun had not quite set yet, so I dragged my heels whilst looking around Nathan Road to see where I first thought I would be stopping in a hostel, I was so thankful Kelly and her family were so good to me! No, I will not be endorsing that part of Kowloon! The streets of Mong Kok were gradually becoming darker, that shadiness was counteracted with the electric vibe, replacing the daylight. Known as 'Noisy Corner' in English, Mong Kok certainly lived up to its name! I waited patiently along Portland Street for the lights to illuminate, I had been on my feet since the morning so I wanted my snaps! The junction between Portland Street with Argyle Street had a berserk and crazy energy, Mong Kok presented a gritty sense of electric love. Turn the lights on now! Yes, those streets dazzled more! 

Starting from the Hoi Lai Estate that morning, I had taken in an awful lot of Hong Kong's delights for one day! The morning's view of Victoria Harbour and the skyline on Hong Kong Island looked just as unstoppable in the daytime. Standing beneath the crazy, vibrant and unforgettable streets signs within Mong Kok, Kowloon was a treat to say the very least. I had reached the New Territories, Kowloon and Hong Kong Island within a very quick time frame, restoring some chill at Fung Ying Seen Koon Temple gave me life for certain. Loading up on some sweet treats I had missed from home was amazing, I did over indulge with those Maltesers but I didn't care! Concluding, Mong Kok gave me the view I had been searching for even before my Hong Kong dreams became a reality. Putting that vista, the New Territories and a noisy corner into a sentence has proved to be a challenge, all I can form is that after that day of adventure I was living for Hong Kong! Yes, Hong Kong gave me everything! 

Turn Those Lights On!

Joseph Harrison 

Who's Calling? ... It's Hong Kong, SAR!

Pushing the button, I began my 2016 Spring Festival holiday by making my first stop in the electric world city of Hong Kong. Entering into my first twenty-four hours I experienced an energy that could only be described as 'next level!'. Beginning with a bullet train to far off Guangdong, China, that took me to the borderline I left China for the first time! Hong Kong served a lot!

Hong Kong is a place that I had a burning desire to visit, reuniting with a dear friend had to be done! So, with an extended holiday on the cards I was pumped for my February 2016 trip. Zooming from Wuhan Railway Station to Shenzhen North on a supersonic China High Speed train took me to the LoWu borderline with Hong Kong. Crossing over that international path was something else but HK welcomed me without any problems, I was tired! No hotel reservations were made for this trip because I was welcomed into the heart of my friend's family apartment, meeting Hong Kong born Kelly at university in Birmingham cemented our friendship, taking us to that moment when I arrived in Hong Kong. Settling into my Kowloon accommodation within the Hoi Lai Estate, I was blown away with the enormity of the apartment blocks that became a familiar sight during my trip. No hotels, I was part of a lovely HK family!

Strictly my first day in Hong Kong, I wanted to shelve those first encounters as a gap before my first official twenty fours hours began in that former British Overseas Territory. I had made it to Hong Kong, like other places that I've now been afforded to visit I had dreams of teaching in Hong Kong but the amount of strict entry requirements set by the schools didn't allow me the chance to teach in HK. Seeing Kelly again after two years was amazing, we last saw each other at our graduation in 2014 with a pact to reunite because I was determined to teach English in neighbouring China. Back to my journey, after exiting LoWu on the Hong Kong side I then boarded the HK MTR to Nam Cheong via Hung Hom. Changing my sim card from its Chinese network to something that would help me stay connected enabled me to make my final destination without much stress. After living in China for almost eight months I was amazed to have Shepherd's Pie for tea! Yes, It was a culture shock!

Feeling refreshed with the long journey from Wuhan, China behind me, I was ready to welcome my first official twenty-four hours in Hong Kong. Accompanied by Kelly and her mum, we headed over to an uncomplicated Hong Kong breakfast spot for some delicious Dim Sum. I had met Kelly's maternal grandmother at our university graduation but it was my first time meeting her maternal grandfather, it was a great opportunity. I was treated to a lovely breakfast of many things a fellow Brit would turn away so early in the day but I wanted a complete Cantonese experience. It was a real treat hearing the Cantonese language spoken between Kelly and her family members because I'm used to Mandarin Chinese on a daily basis, I was kept in the loop with English translations so I could understand what was being said. To my delight I was the only foreigner there, boosting my Dim Sum breakfast in Kowloon!

Branching away from that sumptuous and delicious HK breakfast club I continued to take in every single moment throughout my first meeting with Hong Kong. The weather wasn't perfect, taking the MTR to Tung Chung we were optimistic that the Buddha within the Ngong Ping Village would be a beautiful sight to see but the fog and rain cursed Lantau Island that February afternoon. Fearing not I was determined to get a suitable photo of that HK icon another time throughout my trip. Looking to the waters of Hong Kong's Lantau Island we took a super quick ferry from Mui Wo to Central. Captured above are some authentic Hong Kong trams lined up with their individual print within the financial district on Hong Kong Island. Tiffany was not invited, I was seeking for a true and honest downtown HK experience! Stopping for lunch I was reunited with a cup of tea with milk, almost forgetting my Oriental location I felt mother England close to me! I was living for the 'next level' vibe of HK!

A collapsible bank? Yes, within Hong Kong's legendary financial district close to the Connaught Road in Central lies the HSBC headquarters. It's believed that if something went down on the island of Hong Kong, this towering structure could be dismantled within the hour? It's no secret that Hong Kong remained a British Colony for over 99 years until the British handed this pearl of the Orient back to China. I'm fully aware that the status of this formally know Special Administrative Region sometimes causes tension but its modern history and colonial days absolutely amaze me. Sitting next to the removable financial powerhouse is the former Bank of China building that holds the China Club on the 13th floor, my friend's maternal grandfather works within that refined club into his best years, I've heard a lot about the China Club but know that I wouldn't have the funds to be a part of that party! Of course, Central was the right one!

I was intoxicated by the energy of Hong Kong Island and all of it's frantic movement, I was living a dream to finally be there within the heart of this iconic part of Asia. Not staying in a hotel afforded me the chance to be a part of a lovely Hong Kong family, I was welcomed into the heart of their everyday life during my time spent in Hong Kong and for their generousness I will be always grateful. My first full day in Hong Kong kept pressing onwards but I was loving the colonial court buildings in Exchange Place, I have always taken a keen interest in the ways of the British from days that have past. It fascinated me to see such a stark contrast between the stone and brick buildings from Empire. From the towering glass wonders that now welcome the electric future of this Oriental world city! The view from Central Pier was spectacular, I couldn't help but gaze over at the Tsim Sha Tsui side of the vast Victoria Harbour. All of this wouldn't of been possible without my dear friend Kelly!

As the afternoon slowly turned into evening time it was our opportunity to see Hong Kong from a higher point. Breaking from our anti-tourist movement we took the Victoria Peak Tram to the highest points of Hong Kong Island. I'm not one for heights from a certain angle, as the tram climbed the gargantuan Peak I did not feel so good and the driver decided to take off the breaks as we stopped at Kennedy Road, I did not appreciate the backward movement! Straying away from the 'Skyspace', Kelly guided me around a more scenic route away from the selfie-sticks and hoards of tourists. Taking in the dusk with the stunning views of Aberdeen it was time to class the next stage of this time as 'next level!'. Growing closer to the iconic world famous panorama of Victoria Harbour and her surrounding skyscraper sisters, I had my camera at the ready to capture a photo worthy of that sight of electric love! HK looked perfect!

Taking in the towering views of the electric skyline and the waters of the vast Victoria Harbour I couldn't help but notice the sea of lights, each window from the tower blocks overlooking the action had a story to tell. Sharing such a timeless moment with Kelly was truly amazing, we had made it to the place where we promised we would reunite! Hong Kong had attacked my senses in the best way possible, at that moment from the top Victoria Peak I had to take several moments to register that I made it to where I had a dream to visit! Overlooking the action was the 'skyspace' an elevated platform for tourists to capture a jarred view of the staggering HK skyline but it came at a price that we were not prepared to pay! Taking the path that took us away from the mainstay of tourists afforded us to experience a chilled out part of the world's most famous vista. Bidding farewell to the heights of the Victoria Peak we headed for Temple Street Market, so I will get round to that business soon HK!

Hong Kong's Next Level! 

Joseph Harrison