Stopover in Hong Kong

If only for 2 days stopover, it was impressive in this high-rise metropolis. From the airport, we took a bus early in the morning to the hotel, crossing huge bridges and passing high-rise estates, and then a walk with all the luggage. The air, already 30 degrees in the morning with high humidity, and then these smells... the first impression was fascinating and repelling at the same time. Now let's drop off the luggage at the hotel, but the room is only available in the afternoon. So let's go to the city.

We simply let ourselves drift through the high-rise canyons and towards the water on the first day. It became clear that this crowded city functions quite well, hardly any traffic chaos, perfect local transport with old double-decker trams or the hypermodern subway, no garbage anywhere, and helpful people everywhere. To cool off, we went to the museum or to a shopping mall, because there were air-conditioners. Without this invention, it would be unbearable. In the shopping malls, you can also buy relatively cheap food and drinks. However, restaurants are quite good but also very expensive. In the afternoon, we were surprised by our hotel room: it was not that small and everything quite new. And a nice view of the Peak (well, we could see it between the buildings, but that's something).

On the second day, we were already halfway recovered from the long flight and more eager for activities. So we went to the Peak Tram, an old funicular, to go up to the Peak. The Peak is almost 500 m high, the railway track covers about 2 km with a corresponding slope. It was a breathtaking experience! At the top of the hill, we had a magnificent view of Hong Kong. But there was also unexpected tranquility: there is an hour-long shady path around the Peak, used by locals as a fitness trail (with various exercise equipment along the way), with relatively pleasant air. And hardly any people here, the masses only go to the viewpoint and (of course) to the shopping mall (!) We definitely enjoyed this relaxing path.

Anyway, the green areas: it is astonishing that there are such beautiful parks and well-designed promenades for resting and relaxing between these skyscrapers. The Hong Kong Park in the middle of the city is very nice, with a beautiful bird aviary. And like the entire public space here, it is immaculately maintained!

Incidentally, the annual Mid-Autumn Festival was in the evening. The next day is a holiday, and people celebrate late into the night. We didn't quite understand the festival, but there was definitely a huge lantern festival, which the children especially enjoyed. The highlight of the celebrations seems to be the Fire Dragon Parade, with a colorfully decorated cart at the front driven by drummers, followed by a dancing fire dragon. This fire dragon consists of a head and a tail, all carried by many men and adorned with glowing incense sticks. An impressive ceremony! And at the same time a challenge for the circulation, because the smoke clouds caused even worse air... but you have to cope with that in Hong Kong.