Hong Kong - Home & Away
I took a taxi out of Hanoi to the airport and hopped on my hour long flight to Hong Kong. Waiting at the other side was Astrid, holding a sign, no more like banner, with my name on. Christmas was here! I met her at cheer at university, and hadn’t seen her since we graduated. She lives in Discovery Bay on Lantau Island, which is the largest of the 263 islands that make up Hong Kong. It’s an international hub of Expats and is so much like being at home it’s strange. This does, however mean I can get Richmond Sausages and Cheddar Cheese!
The Language
In Discovery Bay, the most common language spoken is English, but it’s not the first language of most people in Hong Kong. Many do speak very good English as their second language and it was difficult to learn the language, especially as I wasn’t staying in a district where It was helpful. Nevertheless, I learnt a few things in Cantonese.
Neih hou – Hello
Mhgoi – Please/Thank you
San Neing kwah lor – Happy new year (not used during Chinese new year)
The Food
Although I used these two weeks to indulge in things like sausage sandwiches and roast dinners (complete with Yorkshire puddings) I did get to try some local cuisine too, despite Astrid having no clue because she’s allergic to 10000 different things. Almost as cheap as other places in Asia, street food is great in Hong Kong, there’s even one with a Michelin Star!
Try: Eggetes when you’re feeling peckish. Egg based waffles in easy to tear bubbles are great when you’re wandering through the back streets or markets!
Nan Lian Gardens, and the Po Lin Monestry
The Sights
Generally walking around Kowloon and Hong Kong Island is amazing in itself. The fusion between east and west becomes apparent vertically. What I mean by this, is that on the street level there are amazing local stores selling all sorts, with signs and menu’s in Cantonese, and in the clashing Asian design that they seem to love here. But when you look up, there are hundreds of skyscrapers looming, and you could be in any built up western city, New York for example.
Kowloon Side
The ladies market at Mong Kok is a great way to spend an hour or two, if you have space in your luggage to be tempted! Shoes, Handbags, clothes and jewellery fill these streets to the brim, but don’t go before 1pm, as the stores won’t all be open.
Head to Prince Edward to see the famous bird market, and the flower market too! Sights, sounds and smells are slightly overwhelming, but it’s fantastic.
Get the MTR to Diamond hill for Hong Kong’s equivalent of Central Park; Nan Lian Gardens. Not as vast, but just as beautiful, and it’s strangely peaceful environment despite the city life that surrounds it.
Bustling street Hong Kong side, and colourful birds in Prince Edward
Lantau Island
Tain Tan Buddha AKA The Big Buddha is one of the largest sitting Buddha’s in the world, and it sits in the highlands of Ngong Ping. Take the MTR to Tung Chung and grab a cable car to the top (180 HKD for a two-way trip) If you go on a clear day, I’m sure you’d get better views than me but it was still pretty incredible. You can also see the Po Lin Monastery from there.
Hong Kong Disneyland is also a great day out. It’s smaller than the one I’m used to in Orlando, but was still a fab way to spend a day (although it’s nearly 600 HKD which is quite expensive as a backpacker).
Back in Vietnam now! Give me those Banh Mi’s!