The Symphony of Lights

While we had already been to Victoria Peak to see the Skyline of Hong Kong, a must-see for the city is the skyline from across the harbor. But make sure to get there before 8 o'clock- way before 8 o'clock. Any later and pushy tourists will slowly encroach on your viewing area. Because at 8 o'clock starts the infamous Symphony of Lights. The various modern skyscrapers alternate flashing lights and lazers synchronized to some jamming tunes. asting about 20 minutes, this short stop should be on the list for anyone visiting Hong Kong.

Ocean Park

Nationwide celebrities Le Le, Ying Ying (pictured below), An An, and Jia Jia drew us to Ocean Park to get an upclose look at the famous Giant Pandas. There are only about 1,500 wild Pandas in existence in addition to only being found in three south-western provinces in China- Sichuan, Gansu and Shaanxi- which is what makes them so prominent as an attraction. Little did we know that the acclaimed Panda habitat was only a fraction of a giant theme park.

And yes, Chris, as you can see the pandas were eating bamboo, not making love. This could be why they are an endangered species. After watching the little fatties eat part of their 20 kg of bamboo for the day, we took a cable car to the other side of the mountain. After eating lunch at the Jelly Fish Restaurant (right above a Jelly Fish exhibit boasting Jelly Fish of every shape and size in uber-fluorescent colors) we arrived at our first roller coaster. 

Repaying Camila for taking us

 out of our comfort zone in Times Square, we did little less than drag her onto The Dragon- a plunging roller coaster that fringed the side of the mountain over the water- as if this thrill wasnt enough, it offered the most spectacular view of the outlaying islands of Hong Kong. After, with little time to spare, we toured the shark exhibit as well as the Atoll Reef aquarium. Although we couldn't get Camila on the last roller coaster because of its loop-de-loops, the view was equally impressive, and it was almost as if the end of the ride activated the rain. It started pouring just as we got off and boarded the cable cars back.

Victoria Peak

Last night we went to Victoria Peak- a tower reputable for having the best views of the city's skyline and harbour from the viewing terrace. To get there, take a tram from central to the peak. Although this is one of the city's most scenic transport routes, it is not for the faint of heart. The cable car creeps up a 45 degree slope for 1800ft. And while it has been in operation since 1888 and the view is incomparable, its a long way down and I advise not to look back. Once at the peak, we rode the seemingly endless escalators to reach the terrace where the city's symphony of lights can capture even the most unsuspecting viewer.

Wakeboarding at Tai Tam Tuk Village

A short taxi ride took us to Tai Tam, a local wakeboarding site. The quaint houses of the locals encompassed the launch site behind a scenic backdrop of lush green mountains. I don't think I could have dreamt up a cooler wakeboarding destination. The trek back to Stanely was another story. It felt remotely like a game of frogger, making mad dashes back and forth across the street to dodge the daytime traffic which congests Hong Kong's urban areas. Taking this to another level are the dillusional bus drivers daydreaming they are Mario Andretti competing for a Nascar title.

I may need the immodium for this one....just kidding. A staple street food, octopus tentacles on a stick (fried, sauted, or, my personal favorite, grilled and slathered w/ an asian BBQ sauce) are exceptionally good. While the chewy texture may be rather repulsive to some people, you cant ignore the taste that is good seafood- and for about a dollar, there is no reason to pass it up. As for the chicken/duck/mystery bird feet however....

Street Performance

Walking around what can only be described as Hong Kong's equivalent of times square, we saw a huge screen, much like New York's, on the side of a building broadcasting a street performance that we stumbled across a couple minutes later. Although we didn't understand a word they were saying, we stopped and watched only to get sucked into the skit minutes later after Camila insisted upon uninvitingly interjecting herself into the performance. Between a brazilian accent, two semesters of mandarin Chinese, and complete colloquial obliviousness, I'm positive the reputations of Western civilizations are at stake....

The Jade Market

Its been raining a lot here. I checked the forecast and it says rain for the next 10 days...ugh. It sucks because it really is gorgeous everywhere and I want to get some pictures that truly reflect what I am seeing. In the heart of the city lies the ladies market and the jade market. The ladies market offers fakes to the highly sought after labels that plague our society but, hey, sell what sells-I'm not opposed to that. However, it is slightly annoying that upon sighting westerners, the street vendors instinctively run up to give their offers for "copee watch," "lou vittone," etc. In spite of this slight annoyance, it's hard to pass up the opportunity to haggle with the incessantly persistent vendors even without the slightest intention of buying the item. By the time they see your back, you can pretty much name your price- including the 30 HKD I paid for this lime green Juicy clutch. Get exicited Nicole...it's heading your way!

This is perhaps the coolest looking fruit I have ever seen-this is also the sole reason I ate half of one. The white flesh on the inside, spotted with seeds resembling that of a kiwi, provide a stark contrast to the pinky purple sponge-like exterior-also adorned with yellow leaves (really just "leaf-like") that extend from all parts of the oval body. Its appearance made me think, time and again, even after each bite, that it would be good. In opposition to its vibrant appearance, it tastes very bland...

First stop...Hong Kong. Camila lives on the island of Stanley, which is about 10 minutes away from central Hong Kong. Right outside the door of her apartment complex begins Stanley Market-a New York style "China Town"(no pun intended) braided throughout the streets. It offers everything from clothing and jewelery to books, toys and magically heating gel packs (thats another story). Down the street there is a McDonalds, a Starbucks, a Gelato shop, a bakery, and what we have affectionatly come to know as "Tasty" (actually spelled Taste). We raided the bakery no less than 3 times on the first day. This modern grocery store offers intriguing combinations to every basic bread. For a dollar you can get a tuna and cheese roll, 

a corn, ham, and tomato bun, a sweet roll-thats a small loaf infused will a jelly-like coconut center, cheesy puff balls, and the list goes on. We even saw 3 types of the elusive special K (China is holding out on you, Nicole). Special K aside, even the produce is so abundant. There are fruits that I have never even heard of- I have yet to try the lychee but the dragonfruit seemed the most interesting (yeah....see the next post).

Stanley Market 

(taken from apartment roof)