Welcome to Hong Kong

My first day in Hong Kong. Yeah! Instead of jumping up and starting an extensive sightseeing tour, I turn around comfortably on the sofa and close my eyes for another half an hour. Rest is wonderful! Emrah is still asleep and I don't want to disturb him. He works in the mobile phone sector and doesn't have to start until the afternoon due to the time difference with Europe. Not bad at all. I make an appointment with Armelle via WhatsApp that we want to look for shared accommodation for the next three nights. The offer of affordable 'hotel rooms' is more than sparse, but with Emrah's help I find a tiny room for 80 euros nearby and take it. I am relieved that this problem is solved and I jump into the shower. Emrah is making a Turkish breakfast and asks if I want to do laundry. How cool is that? Very satisfied, me and my camera set off. Another country with left-hand traffic. Apparently, this is the world tour of left-hand traffic! Haha! Every time I step outside, I hear the tour guide of our mango bus tour to London shouting in my inner ear: 'Death comes from the right!' I wonder if my awesome colleagues Katrin, Astrid, Nicole, and Jassi still remember that. That was such a cool action. In any case, it burned into my brain and after South Africa, Lesotho, Swaziland, and Nepal, this is now the 5th country with inner ear cinema. I stroll leisurely up Nathan Road and I am amazed once again by this unique mix.

Stores, elegant ultra-modern glass fronts next to scruffy living spaces, crowds of people pushing across the street or pouring out of metro stations, full shopping bags, buses and taxis with signs in Cantonese.

I find the different facades and roof combinations alone fascinating.

I take the ferry to Hong Kong Island. Even in broad daylight, it's an experience! Hong Kong Island is the financial center of the Chinese special zone. Here is where the money is made, as can be seen from the bluish-silvery glittering skyscrapers that speak of wealth and influence.

The sky darkens, but that also has its charm.

I get on the bus towards Victoria Peak and sit at the front. It's really cool that double-decker buses run everywhere here. I have a wonderful view of the changing streets, just like on the hop-on-hop-off.

Such tightness!

When I arrive at the top, it's a short walk up to Victoria Peak. From here, you have a fantastic view of the city. Unbelievable! I struggle with myself, but then I buy a ticket for the visitor terrace at the very top.

It gets dark and the view is spectacular. Amazing!