Last Stop - Hong Kong

With Fiji Airways we took the 10-hour flight to Hong Kong. Due to the time difference, we didn't arrive too late in the evening. On one hand, it was good because all trains were running and stores were open, but on the other hand, the sun was still burning from the sky. With about 32 degrees Celsius and a humidity of 260%, searching for our hotel with the large backpacks was no fun. In the end, our effort paid off. We got our room on the 23rd floor with a great view. After we finally threw our backpacks in the corner, we could start exploring Hong Kong. We started with what we like the most: food. Here, filled dumplings of all kinds are very popular. We stuffed ourselves with dim sum, rice noodles, and fried fish balls. Everything tasted really good. One restaurant we went to even received a Michelin star for its dim sum.

In the two and a half days, we saw a lot and were glad for our subway ticket. We used the trains not only as a means of transportation but also to cool down. Just from walking through the city, we were so sweaty that the air-conditioned stations and trains didn't give us the feeling of a huge sauna. While strolling through the streets, we saw a group of older men playing a game similar to badminton but with their feet. As luck would have it, the ball landed right in front of Simon's feet and shortly after, he was in the game.

We had a great view of the city from Victoria Peak. It's incredible how many skyscrapers you can see. But all these people have to fit somewhere. Even the city buses and trams are double-decker. Sometimes, we felt like we were in an anthill. So many people, such a crowded place. It's good that we're tall, as it gives us a great overview. We admired the skyline on Hong Kong Island during the 'Symphony of Lights.' You sit by the waterfront and watch as the skyscrapers on Hong Kong Island present a light show synchronized with music. You can also see the typical Chinese wooden boats with red sails (junks) from here.

Shopping is definitely a big deal in Hong Kong. Countless department stores, shopping streets, and markets. It wasn't easy for us to find our way around here. Crossing the street is not always possible via crosswalks or pedestrian traffic lights. You have to use underpasses or overpasses. But they're not as simple as they seem. There are multiple floors and intersections. On top of that, there are the completely confusing characters and thousands of people - like Asterix and Obelix looking for Passierschein A38. To slow down a bit, we visited various temples and their beautiful gardens with numerous bonsai trees. Oases of tranquility between the high-rise buildings.

The scaffolding around buildings or at construction sites here are all made of bamboo poles. We've never seen that before. We're impressed by this huge city. But personally, the hustle and bustle of the big city is becoming too much for us over time.

It was time to pack our backpacks one last time. Today is the day, the flight back home awaits us. We start the journey home with a tear in one eye and a smile on the other. We still haven't fully realized that the great adventure is coming to an end. When we think about it, we look back on countless great experiences, nice encounters, adventurous excursions, and an unforgettable time. The trip around the world fascinated us incredibly and leaves us with a new perspective on our beautiful planet. Of course, we're already dreaming about the next adventure, who knows where it will take us?!