When we told Jameson of our plans to visit Hong Kong to reset our Visas he said “Honk, Honk!” Ironically, we heard much less “honk, honking” in Hong Kong than we hear in Shanghai.
Because we needed to visit the Hong Kong Chinese Consulate during business hours we decided to make our trip a long weekend. Jim took Monday and Tuesday off so that we could pick up our visas on Tuesday after applying for and expediting them on Monday. We flew in on Friday, therefore we had the entire weekend to explore and enjoy the city.
On Saturday we visited Victoria’s Peak where we took a "nature walk" around the peak while Jameson had a short nap. Then we let Jameson run around the viewing area before taking a cable car back down to Sea Level. We were lucky to have a clear day with great visibility.
Looking down on Hong Kong Island and Kowloon across the water...
Compared to Shanghai, the air was sweet and fresh with vast amounts of foliage at Victoria Peak.
The cable car reminded us of home... But we missed the Rice a roni adds
It is a little peculiar that this was Jamesons first cable car ride!
Saturday evening we went to the Kowloon water front where we experienced the "Symphony of Lights" which is also the world's largest permanent light and sound show.
We took the metro followed by a double-decker bus from our Hotel in Mong Kok, Kowloon to Ocean Park on Hong Kong Island, on Sunday. Carved into two peaks along the ocean shore, the park contained a zoo, aquarium and theme park. Jameson took his first Ferris wheel and tram ride.
Jameson wanted to go "kick-kicking" with the seals
Upon our return to Shanghai, we experienced reverse culture shock. We realized what a luxury it was to be in Hong Kong as English is widely spoken there. Until 1997, Hong Kong was a dependent territory of the United Kingdom and is now a “Special Administrative Region” of China. Although it has been 13 years since China took over, Hong Kong still feels very Western. To read more about the history of Hong Kong click here.
Because Expo 2010 is drawing such a large number of foreigners to China, Jameson and I were unable to acquire a 60-day visa. Instead we received another 30-day multiple entry visa. I am just happy that they let us back in the country. But, now we must exit, then enter the country every 30 days. So, it looks like another trip is in order. Perhaps Korea will be our next destination…
Because we needed to visit the Hong Kong Chinese Consulate during business hours we decided to make our trip a long weekend. Jim took Monday and Tuesday off so that we could pick up our visas on Tuesday after applying for and expediting them on Monday. We flew in on Friday, therefore we had the entire weekend to explore and enjoy the city.
On Saturday we visited Victoria’s Peak where we took a "nature walk" around the peak while Jameson had a short nap. Then we let Jameson run around the viewing area before taking a cable car back down to Sea Level. We were lucky to have a clear day with great visibility.
Looking down on Hong Kong Island and Kowloon across the water...
Compared to Shanghai, the air was sweet and fresh with vast amounts of foliage at Victoria Peak.
The cable car reminded us of home... But we missed the Rice a roni adds
It is a little peculiar that this was Jamesons first cable car ride!
Saturday evening we went to the Kowloon water front where we experienced the "Symphony of Lights" which is also the world's largest permanent light and sound show.
We took the metro followed by a double-decker bus from our Hotel in Mong Kok, Kowloon to Ocean Park on Hong Kong Island, on Sunday. Carved into two peaks along the ocean shore, the park contained a zoo, aquarium and theme park. Jameson took his first Ferris wheel and tram ride.
Jameson wanted to go "kick-kicking" with the seals
Upon our return to Shanghai, we experienced reverse culture shock. We realized what a luxury it was to be in Hong Kong as English is widely spoken there. Until 1997, Hong Kong was a dependent territory of the United Kingdom and is now a “Special Administrative Region” of China. Although it has been 13 years since China took over, Hong Kong still feels very Western. To read more about the history of Hong Kong click here.
Because Expo 2010 is drawing such a large number of foreigners to China, Jameson and I were unable to acquire a 60-day visa. Instead we received another 30-day multiple entry visa. I am just happy that they let us back in the country. But, now we must exit, then enter the country every 30 days. So, it looks like another trip is in order. Perhaps Korea will be our next destination…