Thursday 9th September. Hong Kong, The Peak & Stanley Market

After travelling in the bus with Rich to the Plaza, I met Cherril for our big day out. Just for fun, we used a city tram before catching the bus to The Peak tram. Onward and upward on that amazing gradient to the top from where Kowloon was somewhat smudged out in the fog / smog. Luxurious velvet lounge chairs in the window of the cafe with our legs up on matching footstools seemed a rather good way to prepare for our walk after a couple of hours already traipsing in the heat.




A little shopping was also necessary before we walked, umbrellas up, half way around the circuit along the lovely jungle pathway. Back at the peak centre, we checked out a round doorway to the lookout and had our photos taken with a rickshaw.





Finally, back into Hong Kong Central and the Lippo building for some air con relief, before boarding a double decker bus to Stanley Market. Just what a girl needs! The scenic drive took us around above Happy Valley Racecourse and past incredible buildings - one with a gap in the middle so large, the building looked like a frame around it, a light plane could be flown through it.
Arriving at Stanley, we used some huge escalators to descend to the market area and, after lunch at a patisserie, we were all fueled up for some serious market work - Cherril had a few particular stalls to visit and I happily browsed along with her - shopping too of course.

Our trip back to HK was in the front of the top of the bus so I could really appreciate the narrow, winding route with just enough room to pass - I felt the need to breathe in just to allow a little more room when vehicles came in the other dirtection. The bus took us past several beaches and panoramic views and on arrival in the city, we continued following different paths - through some lanes markets in central, then the welcoming air con of the ICT mall on our way to the ferry.




I did enjoy telling the boys about my day as they were quietening down for sleep.

Wednesday 7th September :- Macau

An early start had me ready to leave with Rich, we caught the bus to the ferry terminal where I met Cherril with her daughter-in-law Liz and 3 year old Ben who were on their daily trip to the mid levels in Hong Kong where Ben attends school. Cherril and I walked from the Discovery Bay ferry to the Macau ferry nearby and enjoyed the hour long turbojet trip in the bright red ferry - they go faster!!!

It was a very hot day and we had some stops for drinks and maps.

The Portuguese buildings reminded me of Wedgewood ceramics in the pastel colours with white trimmings.

Fortunately, we found a very comfortable cafe (Angela's) to gain respite from the intense heat and humidity, where the Australian chef had very little to do. He seemed very keen to direct us in great detail to the museum and the old fort above the city. "Follow the yellow brick road!"

The directions were very useful and we were fascinated by the sights as the roads and lanes took us up towards the excellent museum with its very good historical and cultural displays.
The St Paul's ruins near the top were very busy and we rested in the shade below the intricately designed gardens in front of the ancient edifice.

The museum itself is an elegant old white building on top of the hill and surrounded by shady trees. The walls of the fort are studded with cannons and the sights of the surrounding city with its many casinos and the port are visible for 360 degrees.

We were very pleased to find that apparently Tony Abbott has been a popular visitor to Macau.

Making Plans at Discovery Bay

From the pool at the Siena Club the view across to Hong Kong Central is pretty hazy, but you can just make out the 2 tallest buildings - one on Kowloon where Rich works and one at HK Central. Looking closer, towards Disneyworld, a barge is depositing clean fill to enlarge the area of the new Piaza shopping area which is walking distance from the apartment. Across one of the swimming pools, there is a good view of the curved roof of the big school at Siena - unfortunately, the waiting list is so long, no more names can be added.

Cherril arrived from Melbourne on an early plane and after dropping her luggage at her son's home, she walked to the Plaza to meet me for lunch. We planned three days' activities - Macau on Wednesday (must take the passport); Hong Kong on Thursday - The Peak and Stanley Market; Tung Chung and the cable car to the Big Buddha and the monastery on Friday.

Monday 6th How to fill a day

After walking Jack to his school bus, Donna and I went to the DB Club pool at The Plaza for a swim because the Siena Club pool was closed for the morning. After breakfast Donna, Charlie & I walked to the supermarket at the new, nearby centre called The Piaza (of course). Having chosen food for me to cook tonight, we separated and I took a bus to Tung Chung, the high rise town we went through on our Tai O trip. I had heard of a factory outlet shopping mall there and planned to buy t-shirts. I was home for lunch feeling pleased with myself for my solo venture.

After dinner that evening, Donna, Rich and I went up onto their roof terrace - I was amazed at the view across to Hong Kong harbour and its tall buildings - including where Rich works.

Tung Chung

Discovery Bay

Discovery Bay is on the East side of Lantau Island, looking across the water past Disney World towards Hong Kong Centre. The ferry from HK Centre births at The Plaza next to a large bus terminal and The Plaza itself has a large outdoor courtyard area surrounded by shops and restaurants; a very popular place.

Looking from the beach at Discovery Bay towards Hong Kong.

The Plaza

On Sunday afternoon, after our trip to Tai O, Donna and I went to the Plaza for some messages and instead of taking the bus home, we walked - a pretty walk behind the beach (where guys were playing rugby!!!) but generally too hard to do in the heat.

Sunday 5th Tai O - Fishing village on stilts

Because Rich was unwell, Donna and I took the boys on a wonderful excursion to a fishing village that she was keen to see. We took a bus to Tung Chung, a large centre that I would see several times during my Hong Kong visit. From there a reversed crescent shaped trip through the mountains to the other side of Lantau island and south along the coast, finally curving back to our destination. We found a little tourist boat which we shared with one other family and we were taken along some of the canals of t he stilt village then out through the heads where we were amazed to see Chinese white dolphins playing.

We walked through the fish market, a fascinating place, then we found the ferry terminal to return to Tung Chung by water. The coastal views were beautiful and I took many photos. What a big morning - we arrived home for lunch, tired and hot.

3rd September Overnight Flight to Hong Kong

Waiting at the DB bus stop was entertaining.

Anna kindly drove me to the airport and after a turbulent trip and little sleep, I was also grateful for Cherril's clear directions to the ATM, octopus travel card and the Discovery Bay bus stop! Donna and Jack met me at the Plaza at DB and we caught the bus to Siena 1 and home where Charlie waited with Gemma, the home help. The boys had a play date so I slept in peace for the morning after a shower and half an hour with my legs up the wall - they were pretty puffy after the flight and the bruising from my fall at Berwick pottery last week. My first visit to The Plaza for shopping and collecting Charlie from his afternoon kinder was accompanied by heavy rain, who cares ... it's warm! A G&T celebrated the end of a big day and the delightful prospect of the week ahead in this beautiful location.

The fairyland view from my bedroom window.

The fairyland view from my bedroom window.