Wednesday, July 12, 2006

Having a Ball in Hong Kong

In a word, I describe Hong Kong as exhilarating.  Hong KongIt has everything you could want from a big city vacation; interesting history, spectacular shopping, tantalizing entertainment and a great mix of old and new.

Hong Kong really hadn’t been at the top of my list of places to visit.  It wasn’t until a friend returned from her trip last year and she shared her amazing experiences and pictures that I started considering a trip for myself.

I had traveled on a Virgin Vacation’s package to South America last year and it was an amazing experience - both the locale and the Virgin service.  So I figured, why mess with a good thing, and I decided to check out what Virgin Vacation’s has to offer for Hong Kong jaunts.

My first decision regarding Hong Kong was what time of year to visit.  I was pleasantly surprised to learn that there really isn’t a bad time of year to go.  Hong Kong has a mild climate from the middle of September to the end of February and the warm weather kicks in from May to mid-September.  So whenever it strikes your fancy, pack your bags and head over for a visit!

Even though Hong Kong is a long distance away, my available time only allowed for a short visit to this amazing destination.  Nonetheless, I found my five-day Hong Kong Special package provided a great taste of the city.

If you are a history buff like me, you will love the history that surrounds you everywhere.  From the gaslights, to the temples, to Queen Victoria ensconced in bronze…everywhere you turn you experience Hong Kong’s rich and unique history.

You can even search out remnants of the old walled city – talk about stepping back in time.  I was lucky enough to sit on Sung Wong Rock, once the visiting throne of the Sung Dynasty emperor!

I also braved the Peak Tram, which took me up to Hong Kong’s steep Victoria Peak.  I was amazed to learn that trams have been taking people up this peak since 1888.Victoria PeakJade Market.

Equally as exciting as my shopping and historical treks were my many amazing meals.  From roasted duck to dim sum to fresh fish, my stomach was very happy (not to mention full) from some terrific culinary delights.  My friend who traveled there last year recommended my absolute favourite restaurant to me.  M at the Fringe is touted as one of the best restaurants in Hong Kong, and based on my experience; I would have to agree.  Apparently, the menu changes often, and the dishes I had on my visit were tremendous.  If you have a sweet tooth, be sure to save room for one of their delectable desserts!  Don’t forget to make reservations or chances are – you won’t get in!

I happened to be in Hong Kong during one of their many festivals.  From what I’m told, there is some kind of celebration or festival happening almost every week of the year!  These people like to party!  I actually attended the Bun Festival in April on the nearby island of Cheung Chau. I know it sounds strange, but there actually was 50 foot high pyramids of steamed buns that were set there as offerings to hungry mythological ghosts!

Another great feature of Hong Kong that I savored was the nightlife.  Now I’m not just talking swanky lounges, but every type of nighttime diversion you can think of!  Check out the swanky operas, ballets and theatres; visit a karaoke bar or one of their many cosmopolitan nightclubs!

One surprise for me was that in a city with so many people, there were plenty of opportunities to indulge in athletic pursuits.  There are loads of bike paths and it is very easy to rent a bike.  Try cycling the paths during the week because the paths can be very crowded on the weekends.  There are also several fantastic beaches, with the best ones on the outlying Islands.  Hiking is also terrific in Hong Kong.  Try Lantau Island, Country Parks and MacLehose Trail in the New Territories.  Again, keep your hiking pursuits to the weekdays to avoid the crowds.

One last thing, even though Hong Kong is a densely populated city, locals and travelers consider it to be very safe.  You can travel at night with little worry about entering undesirable neighbourhoods.  It seemed that no matter what time of night it is, there are always plenty of people around giving a tremendous sense of safety.

I hope you get a chance to visit this absolutely amazing city soon.  You’ll love the great diversity, never ending things to do and incredible food.  Have a ball in Hong Kong!

Posted by History Teacher on 07/12 at 04:18 PM
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