Travel Diary

After passing through immigration, I was free to explore the city. My baggage was just my carry-on, but I also had my computer and case, which added some awkward weight to my backpack. I needed some space, so the "super versatile pillow" got tossed into the nearest rubbish container. It didn't save much weight, but gave me more room for the computer. Bye, bye, $15! Money not well spent.

I got some Hong Kong cash. While traveling, I would be using four new types of currency, though many places were okay with the US dollar.

My next stop was the visitor information desk. I got a map and information on the best sights to see in a day. That's all the time I had. Since a layover was necessary to get the price I wanted, I opted for a long one. It was about 12 hours and I would be making the most of it. I headed to the train station. An express ticket (round trip) was about $20USD and would quickly get me into the heart of Hong Kong. (Writing this, I observe that every time I write that second word, I immediately think of the big monkey. Or was he an ape? No matter.) Exiting the train station, I found myself deep in the big modern city. I had made it to my first destination. The city was mine for a day. I began meandering.

My map and compass helped, but it was still a little confusing getting around.

I walked to the ferry building to find a boat across the water, but had difficulty finding the correct one. When I found the right one, I couldn't find a worker there to help me. Time was ticking, so I decided against the ferry. Since I had limited time, Victoria Peak would be the one sight to see. I walked to the tram station.

That was the goal at least. One of these days I'll just learn to rely on taxis more. After searching around a long while, I reached the tram station. It was cheap to buy a ticket and besides, walking up a 45-degree for three miles with 40 pounds on my back didn't seem terribly fun.

Well, maybe it seemed a little fun, but I still took the tram.

It was like a ride at an amusement park. It took a while waiting in line, but finally, the tram cars came and we boarded. Up we went! The angle was so steep--even the buildings to the sides of us seemed to be at vast cartoonish angles. We continued to climb.

Up, up, we went. It reminded me of the boat scene from Charlie and the Chocolate factory.

Except no chocolate.

Reaching the top, we exited. I had bought the Sky Terrace option, so I took numerous escalators until reaching the upper terrace. I went outside...

The view was awesome! The whole city could be seen despite it being a hazy winter's day. While it was a little cold and windy, the wind only really blew if you stuck your head over the wall. It was like a huge fan was blowing upward on the building. Knowing I'd have a devil of a time deleting shots later, I still continued to snap away, secretly wishing I had a more powerful lens, but being very pleased I had upgraded from the point and shoot.

Eventually, I went down the terrace. That's when the hiking began.

The hiking trails there are mostly paved or made of stone steps. That's fine with me. As well, they're cared for nicely. Hiking took place on a nice winter's day. The air was cool, but not freezing--just very crisp and refreshing. Granted, I warmed up fast since I had so much on my back. Still, it was, in a word, pleasant.

The smaller off-trails aren't all marked well. They simply just delve off from the main trails in unmarked places. If you're observant, you can find them. I took each I one found and wandered off to new bewildering places. In one special area, it went through a little foliage tunnel where the light dimmed and opened up in a small picnic area. Not one other person was there. It was like a forgotten refuge in the jungle. Having no picnic, I picnicked not, but followed another trail upward.

And upward.

The trail was mainly stone steps that just kept on ascending the mountain. Even with the weight on my back, I was making great progress and finally attained the top of the mountain. The view was outstanding. A euphoric feeling overwhelmed me.

All around, I could see the ocean and city. It was well worth the journey. Again, I had the peak to myself. I only saw two others on that trail the whole time.

After descending, I found yet another great mountain to climb. Up I went and reached another massive peak. This one had many people. I soon discovered why: there was a parking lot (and presumably a road leading up to it). Ah, yes, the easy way. After taking some more shots, I noticed a great mountain off in the distance and discovered that it was the one I had climbed earlier. Case in point: if you're in Hong Kong, make sure you visit Victoria Peak and go on those hikes. Very rewarding.

Moving onward, I found a large grassy picnic area with a gazebo and tables. Families were there enjoying lunches, with some relaxing on blankets on the grass. A little boy and girl were blowing colorful bubbles which sparkled and floated off in the breezy air. The whole area suggested a vintage scene of a time past in Middle America. Quite enchanting.

I continued hiking, though my knees were getting sore. The weight on my back was adding up. But they were possessions that I wasn't comfortable leaving in checked baggage--most notably my computer. I also had my cold weather clothes and other items. I was--what I like to call--"turtling it."  (This should not be confused with the first-person gaming definition of one who hides a lot and baits enemies to approach him.)

Heading downward, I found the path becoming somewhat more dangerous. The edge having a sheer drop in some places and I figured that recording video and taking photos was probably not wise.

Not that that stopped me of course.

Once down, I took more shots at the terrace area, and then took another hike around the mountain. On this one, I saw many great scenic views and along the trail were numerous signs talking about the various tree and plant life. I was exercising AND learning. And having fun! Oh, joyous day!

My knees were still hurting of course. Oh, semi-joyous day!

Soon, the light was waning. I wanted some great shots of the sunset and night shots of Hong Kong would have been fabulous, but I had a plane to catch. I went to the terrace area. The tram line was packed! I had been warned about this by the visitor information desk lady at the airport. But still, who heeds warnings like that? Not I!

I contemplated skipping the long wait and walking down the mountain. However, I didn't know the distance and didn't know which roads to take. That just seemed a little too crazy, even for me. I got in line. About 40 minutes later, I was on the tram and back down from the peak.

I crossed town, found the train station, and got back to the airport with time to spare. I was soon on a jet plane to Taipei.

At the airport, the car service was waiting for me. It's so nice to see your name on a sign--even with it misspelled. It's then you can relax and just rest for a while. About an hour later, I was ringing the buzzer at the Mohr's apartment. After one year, I had finally returned.

Rest still wouldn't come for a spell. Terry and I went down to the Night Market to get the usual massage. The girl I had last year didn't seem to be there, which was fine. Good to try new things.  The new one used a bit more knuckles and elbows--kind of painful, but a tad bit relaxing. And only $12. This was a good deal! (For the time being at least. That would soon change.)

Returning to the apartment, I crashed fast and hard. Sleep was a most welcome treat. Jet lag just wasn't an issue. There was simply no lag at all. Just sleep.

Just sweet, welcomed sleep.

Last EntryNext Entry