We took a holiday (representing the British background) over Lunar New Year (representing the Chinese background) to Hong Kong. Lunar New Year is a hugely celebrated Chinese holiday (it’s a big deal in virtually all of Asia). This year was particularly special because it is the year of the golden pig, which supposedly brings more good luck and fortune than the year of the regular pig. And, we were told, the golden pig only comes around about once every six decades. (Sorry, I don’t quite have that Chinese calendar figured out yet!) 
This city is by far the most westernized city we have visited on this side of the world and the downtown area reminded us a great deal of Chicago/New York. Transportation, as well as communication, was extremely easy (which can likely be attributed the influence of the British). We were told that Hong Kong had great shopping and dining, and an incredible skyline. Unfortunately we didn’t quite get to experience any of these to the fullest. 
Due to the New Year, many of the stores and shopping districts were closed. We obviously didn’t know this was going to be the case. We did get to visit a flower market and a couple night markets. The city seemed to be missing some character though because many of the store fronts were closed.
As is common in the spring there, it was cloudy and hazy during our visit. We took the famous tram up to the top of Victoria Peak, but when we got to the top we might as well have been looking at a white wall. As you can tell from the picture below, we couldn’t see anything muchless the harbor!
We took a harbor cruise one night because Hong Kong is known for its spectacular light displays along its skyline. There were also going to be fireworks that night in honor of the New Year. About 20 minutes before departure it started raining. Though we did get to see fireworks, the cruise left much to be desired. Next time maybe?!
We did eat some good food,
but nothing extremely exciting. We had picked out a couple places from a two year old guidebook, but as we found our way to those places we discovered that restaurants have a tendency to move around quite frequently in Hong Kong. If you do ever have the chance to go to Hong Kong, take it, just take an up-to-date guidebook with you!
Our trip ended on a high note. We were upgraded to First Class for the flight back!
This was especially nice because we were flying through the night to get back for work the next day. If only we could afford to fly First Class all of the time. What a treat!
This city is by far the most westernized city we have visited on this side of the world and the downtown area reminded us a great deal of Chicago/New York. Transportation, as well as communication, was extremely easy (which can likely be attributed the influence of the British). We were told that Hong Kong had great shopping and dining, and an incredible skyline. Unfortunately we didn’t quite get to experience any of these to the fullest. 
Due to the New Year, many of the stores and shopping districts were closed. We obviously didn’t know this was going to be the case. We did get to visit a flower market and a couple night markets. The city seemed to be missing some character though because many of the store fronts were closed.
As is common in the spring there, it was cloudy and hazy during our visit. We took the famous tram up to the top of Victoria Peak, but when we got to the top we might as well have been looking at a white wall. As you can tell from the picture below, we couldn’t see anything muchless the harbor!We took a harbor cruise one night because Hong Kong is known for its spectacular light displays along its skyline. There were also going to be fireworks that night in honor of the New Year. About 20 minutes before departure it started raining. Though we did get to see fireworks, the cruise left much to be desired. Next time maybe?!
We did eat some good food,
but nothing extremely exciting. We had picked out a couple places from a two year old guidebook, but as we found our way to those places we discovered that restaurants have a tendency to move around quite frequently in Hong Kong. If you do ever have the chance to go to Hong Kong, take it, just take an up-to-date guidebook with you!Our trip ended on a high note. We were upgraded to First Class for the flight back!
This was especially nice because we were flying through the night to get back for work the next day. If only we could afford to fly First Class all of the time. What a treat! 
2 comments:
Hey Dane!
It doesn't sound like Hong Kong was AS exciting as your other trips...
That's too bad that a lot of the shops were closed - I've also heard that the shopping there is AWESOME! You'll have to go again when it's not as crowded and the weather is better. The pictures still look great! You and Ty have turned into pretty skilled photographers :) I'm proud! Well, you might just have to swing over and meet me in Tokyo in a few weeks... maybe?!
Talk to you soon,
Love you,
Mand
You two are travelin' fools!
Glad to know you had another great trip, even though it was not as great as some others you have been on recently.
Keep having fun while you are so far away.
Summer, Thomas, and Daniel :0)
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