Hong Kong - Skyscrapers, Ferris Wheel, and Sushi

March 9th to 12th: Over four days, we explore Hong Kong step by step. Mostly using the local Metro MTR, bus, ferries, and also on foot. It works very well. The kids are always tired in the evening and occasionally need a sweet treat for motivation during the many tours. Hong Kong impresses us with great promenades, breathtaking skylines and skyscrapers, lots of green space with good playgrounds, huge shopping malls, and excellent food. We adults are crazy about sushi and can't get enough of it. The quality, selection, and value for money make us visit sushi restaurants and also get some to take back to the hotel from smaller shops. The kids are excited to finally find real French baguettes and croissants (not soggy white bread). They manage to finish a large baguette in no time at all.

We take a trip to the botanical garden and the adjacent zoo, where our children see orangutans for the first time. There are also many other monkey species, turtles, and flamingos to see. However, it is a nightmare to navigate the zoo with a stroller. The zoo is located on a hill and has many stairs that cannot be tackled with a stroller alone. Bo has severe back pain since he strained it lifting luggage upon our arrival here and is unable to help. He is essentially out of commission. For the past two days, he hasn't been able to even hold our baby Le or carry anything else. The motto here is 'every woman for herself with three kids'. Unfortunately, I have to note that in Hong Kong, women are not offered any help when they can't proceed with a stroller. It is worth mentioning that there are often priority lanes for mothers with strollers and extra seats for mothers in the metro elevators. Surprisingly, everyone adheres to this, but otherwise, you are on your own in this city of millions. It is easier on the promenades and in the flat areas, where we mostly stay.

Getting food for our baby with allergies here in Hong Kong is also a very difficult matter because the selection of jars is very limited. And if there are any, they are usually not suitable due to his allergies. Fortunately, we brought some jars from New Zealand. We expected it to be easier in progressive Hong Kong. That's when I appreciate our dm markets in Germany. Luckily, there is rice and fruit everywhere, and we manage to feed our baby.

Of course, we visit the famous light show in the harbor one evening. And we ride the Ferris wheel with the kids. A first for our three. Ma is thrilled by the many helicopters here, which apparently serve as taxis and connect the two sides of the Hong Kong Channel. Otherwise, it's a vehicle paradise for a four-year-old boy: trains, ferries, cruise ships, helicopters, buses, motorcycles, and a large harbor with a container terminal right outside our hotel room.

Unfortunately, we don't make it to The Peak. We're not willing to wait for two hours in crowded masses with three kids. Ma saw the crowd in front of the funicular railway from a distance and became quieter and more clingy. The four days in Hong Kong pass by too quickly, and we would have liked to stay longer in this exciting country and also explore the surrounding areas. Next time. Then definitely up to The Peak as well.