Day Thirty-One – Victoria Peak

Firstly an apology regarding the layout of yesterday’s entry. I am using “Live Writer” in order that I can compose off-line and only go onto the internet to publish. When I reviewed the page it seemed okay but when it was posted the format changed, it’s something to do with the photos I think!! Having now spent several days in HK without leaving Kowloon we thought it was time to visit HK island. The day had started off promisingly weather-wise so as we walked to catch the Star ferry we thought we had made a good decision. The ferries leave about every 10 minutes and the short journey across the harbour takes about the same time. We walked from the quayside towards the Peak Tram terminus along the covered walkway that leads you through different office blocks,shops and skyscrapers. Without making too many wrong turns we reached the end only to find it had started raining.

The peak tram has been in operation since 1888 and takes you up around 400m to the viewing point. The best views of the city’s skyline and the harbour are reckoned to seen from this vantage point, but not today!!! The following photo shows the view we had.We spent a while looking at the shops and having a cup of coffee, but the situation didn’t improve. In fact the rain just got heavier, so we decided to go back down the tram way. By the time we reached the bottom the rain was torrential and we took refuge in the Royal Bank of Scotland building where a helpful lady advised us on the best way back to the ferry.  This entailed a short walk outside in the rain before returning to the covered walkway, where, after asking directions a couple of times we found ourselves back at the ferry terminal.

Today for lunch we decided to eat at a restaurant in the shopping centre next to the hotel. We had the set lunch menu with Sylvia choosing soup(of unknown variety),beef and vegetable rice, while I had chicken,mushroom and noodles with a mixed meat congee. This was like a thick porridge with some vegetables and actually tasted quite nice but  afterwards I had to check on the internet to find out what it was. When we came back to the room the rain and the mist had cleared and Victoria Peak was clearly visible!!! I’m  not going back up there now though.

Last day tomorrow I’ll try to post from the airport if there’s time.