Thursday, 29 January 2015

Day 4 Hong Kong


A relaxed start after Starbucks in our room and caught MTR to Sha Tin to see the 10,000 Buddhas which I had read about somewhere in NZ. It doesn't appear in any guidebooks or tourist info but it sounded interesting to me so I got Cam to google it and work out how to get us there. He did a great job and we got there super efficiently in an area with very few tourists. We were approached by fake monks at the bottom of the hill, but knew to ignore them and walk on.  There were so many steps up to the temple area, but it was so much fun with hundreds of golden buddhas on each side of us as we climbed the steps. 
 Lots of silly photo opportunities and made more enjoyable by very few people to get in our photos.  I was particularly careful with over 400 steps to climb.  Been very impressed with Cam's fitness (and mine)...we have been up and down so many stairs since we've been here and not seemed to get at all puffed...even at a decent pace.  We enjoyed the climb so much that we didn't care what was at the top, but at the top was even more amazing. There is a main monastery building with over 12,800 small buddha statutes, each with different posture around the walls.  Some Revs immortal body is in the centre for people to worship.
 It was really impressive inside but couldn't take photos.  We felt so pleased to have come here and it was all free, so I bought a couple of small trinkets in the shabby gift shop to try and show some support (note this was my 1st shopping purchase on the trip other than food).
Opposite the main temple is a 9 storey pagoda, 
and there are also various pavilions in the square. All very cool,few people to spoil the views and so impressive.
We had a good look around this area climbed to the top of the pagoda and took too many photos.
 We were amused to see a sign about a monkey near the toilets and then we saw him on the roof eating something....he looked so cute, but we didn't get too close.
Further up from the main temple area was a walkway to an upper portion....more temples, different statutes and gorgeous views.  A pond full of turtles and enormous goldfish were almost unnoticed with all there was to see.
 This has definitely been the highlight of our trip. We didn't even mind having to walk the whole way back down.  
Not far from here on the way back to the train we went into a mall full of homeware and furnishings.  We were looking for something to eat but ended up enjoying a quick look...not much point when you can't transport things home, but there were some very trendy store as well as traditional fancy type stores.  On the top was an Ikea so we decided to take a look as had never actually been in one.  It was quite a long walk through the rabbit warren of shop, but interesting.  Got an Ikea soft serve ice cream and then back to the train.
Caught the train to Admiralty and then an express bus to Stanley (a beach area on Hong Kong island that had been recommended to us). Not a hot beachy day, but saw some wealthy areas and nice bays on the way.  Got off and headed down towards what we hoped was the food area we had been told was good.  Walked through Stanley markets on the way....nothing special...and found where all the cafes overlooking the water were. They didn't look that special to us (fairly European & touristy) but we found one with a good seat looking out at the water with good sun....The Pickled Pelican. 
I ordered a Heineken and a house salad (yummy spinach, orange, pink grapefruit pinenuts, egg and some sort of ham) & Cam had a Chinese beer (Tsing Tao) and a Cuban sandwich.  The beer was so nice and refreshing and we really enjoyed the food...and sat there people watching and appreciating being on holiday.  Then wandered to Stanley Beach which was on the opposite side of the bus area.  It had nice golden sand but didn't look that amazing. 
 A bit windy and cool for anyone to swim. Decided to catch a different bus back to see different views...such as Aberdeen (an area in the South). This was much slower but went through some areas different to any we had seen.  We managed to get the front seat on the top deck again.
 It is amazing how quickly areas change...from shiny to rundown and back to skyscrapers again.  A real mix. We also got to drive through the tunnel under the water to get back to Kowloon....we finally have got it now!  Actually must admit we often get confused as to which island we are on.
Then headed back to our hotel to put my foot up for an hour or so...bliss!  Frustrated with wifi not working but as part of our room deal we get a free phone to take with us while we are staying and can use unlimited data.  Can also make free calls to several countries, but unfortunately not NZ.  The phone has been very useful when we want to check what is nearby when out & about.  Cam has taken control of this...saves me having to get my reading glasses out to look things up.
After our rest we headed out to the Temple St night market - which is not far from our hotel.  This was more fun that we expected as they really don't hassle you unless you are really interested.  They were mainly selling average looking handbags, very cheap Hong Kong tee shirts, belts, luggage labels & lots of USB & selfie sticks galore.
We don't like haggling much so listened to what others were paying and probably paid too much for what we bought...but we were happy.  Got a few little gifts for some of Cam's friends. Walked the whole market and back again until ready for bed.  A very big day & yet again walked over 12km.

No comments:

Post a Comment