Hong Kong Day 3

Holiday Day 4 – Hong Kong Day 3.

The 1st of July 2007 signifies 10 years since the Chinese regained control of Hong Kong and a massive fire works display is on tonight. But first Lantau Island. While Brian checked o9ut the best way to get there Courtenay and I squeezed in a quick shopping expedition. Once again it was raining - a lot! As we went into a shopping centre Courtenay fell flat on her bottom. While we laughed, the local shop keepers ran out of their shops and gave the security guard an earful for letting the floor get wet and slippery. We had noticed that everywhere we went there was someone just inside the front door mopping the floor with a mini super soaker. But for some reason there was no one at this one – but I suspect after Courtenay’s fall someone would have quickly arrived.

Lantau Island. 30 minutes via fast ferry, then a 50 minute bus ride along some fairly basic roads until we got to our destination – the big Buddha. It is very spectacular at first glimpse – sitting right on top of a hill, with steps and gardens going up to it. But you soon realise that it is a very commercial operation and for some reason Buddhism and Coca Cola vending machines do not seem a harmonious mix to me. Once again it was raining heavily and as we climbed up the steps to the Buddha it also became very windy. Courtenay and Rebecca looked to be in danger if getting blown away!

The temple was beautiful, but once again marred by Vending machines being placed close by.

Back on the bus and back to the ferry terminal. This time the slow ferry back to Hong Kong. We arrived back at the Star Ferry terminal to find that the ferries had already been stoped for the evenings fireworks spectacular. A fast walk to Central ststion and we jumped on the underground to go back to Kowloon. By now it was becoming very crowded with everyone wanting a spot ear the harbour to view the fireworks. We had left it far to late to get a spot on the water, but eventually found a space where you could see the island between the buildings. The fireworks were very spectacular and lasted for about 40 minutes. The noise was unreal, and combined with the oohs and aaahs from about 1,000,000 of our closest friends made for quite a memorable evening.

We walked all the way back to our hotel as the roads had been closed to traffic and sat down in a nearby restaurant for our last meal in Hong Kong – a big feed of Dim Sum. We sat down at about 9.30pm and the place was nearly empty – but 11.00 when we left it was packed. They like to eat late in Honkers!