Hong Kong: Days 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21

Day 16: Halloween Arrival

My flight arrived Saturday evening sometime between 8-9pm. After successfully retrieving Hong Kong Dollars from the ATM (first try!), I asked directions to the MTR (metro system). Unlike mainland China, many people here speak english, so asking for directions proved an easy task. Shortly after, I sat on the airport metro, followed by a free shuttle bus to a hotel near my hostel.

Rainbow Lodge sends an email with great details on how to arrive - I'll be sure to read that before attempting on my own next time. It wasn't extremely difficult, but the fire numbers on skyscrapers are not clear. Third hallway leading into the high rise  from the sidewalk that I tried won. I entered the tiny elevator, checked in, and dropped my bag. The extremely friendly receptionist, with gave blood running down her face, suggested that I get ready to go out and join some others from the hostel out when they returned around 11pm.

Not having a costume, I improvised....

They never showed up, so I set off to Central on the MTR to see the crowds. The streets filled with shoulder to shoulder people in costumes and make up created an overly chaotic feeling. Masses pushed in opposing directions - my usual method of following the crowd thrown off balance. People dressed mostly in scary costumes. Where you'd find a seductive nurse or cat in the US, here you find a dead seductive nurse or cat. Make up appeared to be key in your costume. Some disguised posed on stairs to allow their picture to easily be captured (a bit vain in my opinion, but interesting to see).

After a little over an hour, not being able to go anywhere due to blocked off streets, I returned to the hostel.

Day 17: Dragon's Back Hike, Victoria Peak

I woke up contemplating which activity to check off the list today. Shin splints not doing fabulously, I wanted to space out every other day or so with lighter walking. Today, however, the mood to be out of the city hiking took over.

I head back into the metro, transferred lines to my stop, and found the bus terminal outside the station. Wanting to bring some water and lunch with me (and breakfast for that matter), I spotted a Subway. Loaded with a foot long, I hopped in line for the number 9 bus to Shek O. (It is at the far end of the terminal, but clearly marked). After maybe an hour transportation total, we arrived at the stop.

Dragon's Back gets its name because you walk along the tops of the ridges  - flowing up and down, giving the appearance of a dragon. Listed as a moderate hike, I'd say that's fairly accurate due to a few lengths of going up and up, as well as having to watch your step on occasion over the rocks. Also, it is roughly an 8km hike. You could shorten it by turning back at certain points, but if you stick it out, you'll arrive at an inviting little beach, Big Wave Bay. Over a dozen surfers chilled in the waters along with families and their children. I made a beeline for the water, tossing my tennis shoes on the rocks. I can't think of a better way to end a hike than warm water and smooth sand between your toes.

I sat and enjoyed part of my sandwich and people watched before looking for the bus stop back. The same bus that dropped you off rarely comes to this bus stop, but other, smaller buses take you back to the terminal. Slightly larger fare of course. (Always have exact change for the bus - they won't give you change)

A bit of random walking around before the metro....

Back at the hostel, I freshened up and hand washed my cloths before sitting to socialize with a guy Kiwi and girl American. USA decided to join me in my evening endeavour to Victoria Peak. A guy from Taiwan readily gave us directions on how to take the metro and bus to the peak. Discovering that his directions had been wrong after wandering the area, we hopped into a cab, not wanting to miss the sunset. Taxis here are cheap and fair - and he drove really fast.

We arrived and went up to catch the view. You have to pay to get on the roof, but it's worth it. Arrive in the late evening to see the sunset, because then you'll be able to see the city both in daylight and watch the city lights shine as dark falls.

Hungry, we searched for food, ending up in the IFC mall rooftop. Although beautiful, they charge high prices for their food. You could bring your own to the side patio to enjoy the view if you wanted. Not wanting to break the bank, we returned to search near the hostel for food, found Thai food, and ate waaaay too much. Best spring rolls I've ever had though.

Day 18: Big Buddha, Hall of a Thousand Buddhas, Sneaker Street, Night Market

Realizing that my itinerary planned for 4 days and I had 5, I spread out the days to allowed my shins to rest. Today, around noon, me, USA, England, and Norway went to Big Buddha. After a leisurely morning of me catching up on blogging (rewriting lost posts) and the others recovering from previous nights outings, we set off to the MTR for the roughly 45 minute journey to Lantau Island.

The island hosts the airport as well as Big Buddha and Disney. Upon arrival off of the MTR, you have the option to take the cable car or a bus to see Big Buddha and the Temple. Opting to not wait over an hour to get a ticket, we walked around the cable car building to the bus terminal behind it. Bus number 23 runs every 20 minutes, costing HK $17.20 on non holidays/Sundays (of course, that actually means 18 if you don't have small change). Forty-five minutes later, after windng up and then down, you arrive.

The Big Buddha immediately makes itself known, rising high above everything else. The four of us passed through a wide walkway with stone statues greeting us along the way, pointing ourselves towards the main attraction. It is free to climb the steps and take pictures; if you want to see the exhibits in the hall beneath him, you'll receive an additional charge.

Although the skies were clear blue and gorgeous, no complaints, the positioning of the sun this time of day (early-mid afternoon) shadows Buddhas face. Optimal lighting for pictures exists in the morning light, I imagine. Either way the higher you rise on the steps, the more impressive he becomes. I'm "great" with captions.... Big Buddha is BIG!

Locals and those of Buddist religion kneeled to pray before their idol and the stunning statues surrounding him. Sitting on a massive lotus atop another platform of stairs, the four of us circled trying to get good angles and selfies together. Buddhas' hand positions hold various symbolism. I believe Big Buddhas hands signify all of his teachings, but I could be wrong.

Fulfilled, we returned down the steps, setting to check out Po Lin Monastary and the Hall of A Thousand Buddhas. The smell of incense reached our noses, adding ton the ambiance and impact of the temples' beauty. The Temple around back is the Hall of A Thousand Buddhas - the room is literally covered in Buddhas, each with a different face. Central  five Buddhas face you, each with a varying hand postion, but the walls are "wallpappered" with tiny Buddhas made of a material of gold appearance. A central strip on the wall showed slightly bigger, gold, decorated Buddhas with a black backdrop. (No pictures allowed, which is common)

We didn't count, but I'm sure there were at least 1,000.

Back in the open area between sights, snacks and souvenir shops lure you in while about 3 steers with filed horns roam freely between the grassy areas, annoyed by picture takers. We caved to ice cream and headed to the cable car.

The wait to get back down to the MTR takes no time, and is worth the one way trip. You can pay slightly more for a clear bottom of your car, but since the four of us are all on a budgets, that wasn't necessary. (Plus USA is afraid of heights). Placed with a German family, you oversee the green covered mountains and can wave goodbye to Buddha. You pass over a body of water and can watch planes take off at HK Airport.

MTR ride back, short rest, and time to go see more of the city and get food. England and I, once more took the MTR just 3 stops to the night market. I also had a special mission: new shoes to help get rid of these agonizing shin splints! Norway, whose family is from Hong Kong, recommended "Sneaker Street," which is literally an intersection with at least five stores each of Nike, Adidas, New Balance, & Converse. And then some. New release price tags were comparable or higher than you might find in the US. Sale prices, however were excellent. Problem: I have big feet. No stores carried a size larger than a 7.5 US.

Oh well.

We entered the night market - a narrow steet overflowing with street vendors, selling anything under the sun. (Not food). Fake brand name watches, purses, sunglasses, you name it, along with souvenirs, prints, and funny gadgets. England and I came upon the loose fitting pants that may be stereotypical in Southeast Asia. We both needed a pair, and she pulled out impressive bargaining skills - getting them for an equivalent of US $10. Mine, of course, with an elephant pattern (I ♡ elephants, in case you don't know me).

For women...

For men...

Note: don't buy the cute/clever USB sticks - they don't work

Continuing for several blocks, our stomachs growled as we exited around Jordan street. Take away food options everywhere, we migrated to a cheese fries place; I ordered deep fried chicken pieces and fries covered in cheese and spicy Thai sauce. *insert huge happy face here*

Deciding to wander/walk back to the hostel, I spotted a shoe store going out of business. They had an 8.5 in a New Balance. For about $35. Yes!

Day 19: Macau Island Day Trip, Hong Kong Symphony of Lights, Ozone Bar

I woke up, grabbing my passport, and walked to the ferry building, practically around the corner from Rainbow Lodge. $154 one way ferry to the island if you pay in cash. Make sure you know which part you want to go to (Macau City) because there are multiple ports. Once ruled by Portugal, Macau counts as entering a new country.

Egg Tart: a breakfats/dessert (?) Pastry well known in Macau

Through customs and onto the boat: free wifi. Gotta love it. Quick Facebook phone call to a friend before we set out, losing the wifi. I didn't know it at the time, but free shuttles run to the casinos. Information desk gave me a map and told me which bus would take me to the sight seeing area. (Only about HK$3, so no big deal).

I got off at Sendo Square and wandered from tourist spot to tourist spot, passing through local areas on the way, for about 2 hours. I won't list each place, but I will say that the European architectural influence is prominent. However, as soon as you step two blocks away, you're back into Chinese influence.

I ended up walking into a breathtaking casino - and better yet - no smoking! Soooo many people smoke in China and Hong Kong and Macau - it was so refreshing wander through, gazing at the crystal chandeliers, not inhaling smoke as you would in US casinos. (Bathroom just as gorgeous, fyi... and clean)

For some reason I thought it would be a good idea to walk back to the ferry. Thankfully my new shoes proved to provide proper support, because the walk too about an hour.

That evening, England and I, joined by a guy from LA, watched the Symphony of Lights show along the waterfront. Grabbing beers from 7-11 before walking over (yes you can drink in public here). At 8pm each evening, the city lights shine on the opposite bank, lasers jetting from rooftops and flashing patterns in sync with music playing on our side of the water. It lasted nearly 15 minutes! Ships stopped in the middle of the water, not only carrying passengers, but adding to the picture.

Following the show, we sat and chatted on some steps, enjoying the now stable lights, finishing our beer. LA returned to the hostel, while England and I made our way to Ozone Bar - the Highest Bar in the World.

It's not the easiest to get to - take a taxi from Kowloon area. We learned that on the way there, so paid maybe HK$33 on the way home for the cab.

Atop the Ritz Carlton, the service and mood set a classy tone. Dress appropriately. The waitress even asked if we were cold, as we chose to sit on open air portion, and brought England a nice shawl to wrap around her.

Obviously, the drinks aren't cheap. I paid HK$145  for a mediocre glass of wine, but thoroughly enjoyed it regardless. We sat, enjoying some mixed nuts and are drinks (her mixed drink was delicious and refreshing) while looking down from the 118th floor. Being honest: I'm glad we went to say we've been there, but I wouldn't go again. Yes, you can see the entire city, but it's almost too high up to enjoy the details. Also, the ledge where you place your drinks illuminates a bright white light, causing a glare on the glass in front of you, and of course in your photos.

Taxi ride back, another chap from England joined us for dumplings at 'Caterking' near-ish to our hostel. Go. Delicious.

Day 20: Nan Lian Garden, Chi Lin Nunnery,  Po Fook Hill, Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastary

Last full day in Hong Kong. Good news: everything we saw today was free!!

England and I set out mid morning (again on the metro) first for her to run a visa errand, then one stop back to Nan Lian Garden and Chi Lin Nunnery. Not knowing much history behind them, I'll just leave you with pictures. Although the nunnery did explain a few of the Buddha hand positions, which was quite interesting.

Back on the metro, we transferred North to seek out Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastary. Fairly hungry, we ate at an IKEA of all places. Yes, it's the exact same food you'd get at any other IKEA.

In searching for the entrance to the monastery, we made the common error of ascending up to Po Fook Hill, a place where locals come to pray for the deceased. Another guy at the hostel had warned us of this, saying not to go up the escalator, that if you did you're in the wrong place. Instead, we went up the stairs....right next to the escalator.... to find the sign at the top notifying that we did not find what we sought. Looking at the hillside to our right, a bright red building with gold characters shown out against the green trees. That must be it.

And then...

Returning to the bottom of the stairs, back to the street, and around a descrete fence, we finally found the correct trail. Painted golden Buddhas line the steps, leading up, up, up to the monastery, not one of them the same. At first they sat, then they stood, then they were riding various animals. Different facial expressions and hair, different weights, heights, and ages. The journey up the stairs is half the enjoyment of the monastery. At the top, a temple with Buddhas again lining the walls, similar to the Thousand Buddhas Monastary on Lantau Island, awaits you along with burning incesne, other temples, and a statue of Guan Yin (thousand armed goddess), and great views of the city below.

Back towards the stairs, you notice even more stairs, these lined with gold painted women goddesses. More temples at the top before you reach a small waterfa, with Buddhas gleefully jumping out of the side, and a fat, stone carved Buddha above. More stairs take you to the most breathtaking, in my opiniom, part of the whole thing. A towering white carved statue stands in the water, holding a small dark sphere in one hand. I have no idea who she is, but she is absolutely beautiful.

Back down the stairs and to the hostel, I grabbed more baked and steamed pork buns from Caterking for a lazy, relaxing night it, catching up on a tv show. Because when you're traveling for this long, it's important to have down time so you don't get burned out!

To everyone who said I'd lose weight on this trip.... you were wrong :-D 

Day 21: Travel to Guilin

Other than grabbing a cheese covered hot dog bun and sweet pastry for breakfast, I did nothing but blog before getting the bus to my flight. Bus A21 stops immediately outside our hostel and only costs HK $33 and takes you straight to the airport.Woo hoo.

Also, I tried to spend the rest of my HK money at the airport, as to not mix it up later in the trip, so snacked on pretty satisfying Japanese spring rolls and miso soup.