HONG KONG: DAY 2

On August 16 I decided to wander around the harbor area of Hong Kong.  I took the train again and after walking outside the Central Hong Kong station, this is the sight you see.

I decided to walk around the Maritime Museum, which is right on the oceanfront. I found it fascinating to learn about Hong Kong’s unique history and trade culture. I was astounded to see so many beautiful artifacts from times before America was even inhabited by the Europeans.

There was also a very large carnival set up in the middle of the harbor area. It was cool to just observe the games and rides that were there and compare it to a typical US carnival.

I spent quite a bit of time just taking in all the scenic views. I never thought that metal and human made buildings could be so breathtakingly beautiful.

In the early evening I began my journey to Victoria Peak. Though there was intense fog, it was a beautiful sight. I took two trams to arrive at the top of the mountain that overlooks the city. It is the highest point in Hong Kong in which you can see all around you.

The peak was very, very crowded, but that’s what to expect when you go to Asia. If I ever have the opportunity to return to Hong Kong, I really want to see The Peak when there are clear skies.

I think the hardest thing about traveling alone is that there is no one there to take your picture! I’m thinking about investing in a Selfie Stick for the next few months, but until then I just ask strangers. I took this mother and daughter’s photo on their phone, and then I asked, “你可以照照我的片啊?” I think that kind of freaked them out. I kept running into them on the observatory deck, and by the end of the evening we took a picture together and are friends on WeChat (Chinese version of Facebook). If I ever find myself in Fujian Province, I will have a family to stay with! This experience made me excited to get to mainland China, I really want my Chinese conversation skills to improve… it can lead to great new friendships!