From Beijing to Hong Kong

• Col-jean's Profile
• About this blog
• Entry from Kowloon

Trip Start Sep 11, 2009 Previous
Entry Trip End Nov 19, 2009 Next
Entry

  Kowloon, Hong Kong
Wednesday, November 11, 2009

From Zian we flew to Beijing.  It was not too much colder there for the three days we had to tour the city and outlying areas, but, sadly, the visibility was extremely poor.  Some of it genuine fog, but also, we suspected, a great deal of smog!  The traffic was even more congested than Shanghai, but there were impressive sites that we visited, including Tiananamen Square, the Forbidden City, The Olympic Park with the amazing Bird Nest Stadium, and, of course the Great Wall.  We climbed up so many steps!!  But it was a great experience to be there even though the views were very limited.  Another highlight was a visit to the People's Park which is home to the 15th century Temple of Heaven.  More interesting than the ancient architecture was the many and varied activities taking place within the park, particularly with the older residents of the city.  There is so much social interaction, be it card playing, community singing, dancing, exercise, etc. so totally uninhibited enjoyment - just wonderful.

We also saw some varied and excellent shows, one which was the Legend of Kung Fu, which I really did not expect to enjoy, but it was so skillful and not what I had imagined, and also a fantastic display of acrobatics.

Another negative for us has been all the shopping slots!  Some have been OK  but the so called factory visits, ie jade, silk and jewellery have been a bit too much for us!  Also, the markets in China have been spoiled by the very agressive sales people.  It is impossible to browse without being almost manhandled by the vendors!

Hong Kong is very different, and more westernised than mainland China.  Colin loves it here.  We have had a lovely two days.  Yesterday we had a half day organised tour with Wendy Wu, which was excellent.  We were driven across to Hong Kong Island from Kowloon, first going up to Victoria Peak which offers marvellous views and the weather was so clear - and hot!.  We had a short fascinating sail on a sampan at the Aberdeen fishing village, home of the "boat people" whose life has remained unchanged despite the amazing changes all around them.  We also visited Stanley market which was great - no hard selling!  Since then we have just enjoyed being able to do our own thing, loving the sails across the harbour, the parks, the amazinging views, especially at night with the illuminated high rise buildings - and the warm balmy evenings!

Tomorrow we  fly to Penang, Malaysia where we are going to be met by Felicia, Sue's dear friend.  After a couple of days with she and her husband and daughter we have our last three days of total relaxation at our resort hotel before our flight back to England on Tuesday night.
It has all been an amazing trip, but we will be ready for home.  All the Christmas decorations are appearing here now!! Seems a bit bizarre!

Our Love to you all!  Jean and Colin

Print this entry Share

Previous Entry Next Entry