This dazzling conglomerate of skyscrapers was the mind-blowing start of our half-year trip around the globe. With nearly 40 °C and an exhausting humidity, it was no love at first sight. But in retrospect, China's old port to the world has much more to offer than blinking lights and shopping malls.
Urban Jungle
Having a Break
While the city and its crowds were a bit stressing for us, the Hongkongers just took their relaxed break wherever needed.
British Heritage
Driving on the left is one of the few things, that still reminds you of the colonial era. Barely any small, historical buildings are left, as space is rare and money is big in HK.
Love the plants
I'm still not sure, if it's gentle irony or simply absurd, that the plants right behind this sign were all plastic.
Seaside
Of course there is not just one, but even four subway lines crossing the Victoria Harbour between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. Nevertheless, the ferries offer a much better view on the impressive skyscrapers.
Getting Around
Everything is so dense in HK, that even the "Ding Ding" trams are double-deckers. A cheap and relaxed way to discover Hong Kong Island, if you are not in a rush.
Aberdeen
Out of the city, we thought. Into a more moderate climate, we thought. Actually the thermometer at one of the beaches we passed on the way to Aberdeen showed 38°C, with humidity close to the maximum. Unter these conditions and still a bit jet-lagging it wasn't really a joy to discover the fish market and floating village of Aberdeen with several thousand fishermen living on their boats right next to unbelievable high apartment blocks. Next time I have to be better climate and timezone adjusted!
Escape
Still not adjusted to the tropical climate, we started another attempt. We took the tram up on the city's highest mountain, Victoria Peak, instead of hiking. Out of the urban jungle you get dropped right into the real one – with a breathtaking view of Hong Kong's skyline on top.
Late Night Snack
If there is one thing to love immediately in Hong Kong, it is the food scene. On our way back to the hostel we found one of the best dumpling restaurants in town: Ding Dim 1968 in Soho. Don't miss it!
Bye Bye, Hong Kong
Somehow we were glad to leave this hot, humid, overcrowded concrete jungle after three days – but looking back, we just may not have been ready yet to immerse deeper in the city's culture and history.
