RadioRoryThe departure of the tour group meant I was left to my own devices. Hong Kong is a big, beautiful, complex city and the last thing I wanted to worry about was finding a new place to stay. Before the tour ended, I went to the reception desk in the lobby and asked if it was possible to extend my stay at the hotel. The clerk was very nice and suggested I go back to my room and make the booking online since I would find better rates through their website.
He was right, but what kind of a system is that? I could have gone online and found a better rate at the hotel across the street too!
For me, figuring out how to use a city’s mass transit system and actually getting to my intended destination are victories enough. Riding a jam-packed train without having a panic attack because of my claustrophobia is just gravy.
A rainy day led me to explore Hong Kong’s subway system, part of the waterfront, and the Museum of History.
I wanted to see the Space Museum, but it’s closed for a renovation project. Unfortunately, I visited the History Museum on a day when it was free to the public, so it was a bit crowded.
It was great to learn more about the occupying forces that have controlled Hong Kong through the centuries. It’s a complicated history.
Two other big tourist draws are located outside of the city. Hong Kong Disneyland and the Tian Tan Buddha are both off the same subway line on opposite ends of the international airport. For Disneyland, you take a fancy subway train straight to the park.
Somehow, you have to pay for this subway ride, although it is effectively a Disney monorail.
At the “Big Buddha,” a long elevated tram ride takes you to the 112-foot-tall statue and the tourist area that has developed around it. Buses are available, but come on. Ya gotta take the gondola if only for the views over the water and the busy airport.
You pay slightly more to ride in a car with a glass floor.
It’s a LONG ride, so hit the bathroom first! A little Chinese girl, maybe 3 or 4, didn’t and couldn’t hold it any longer. Her grandmother handled it so well! She popped open an umbrella and used it as a screen to let the girl pee into a McDonald’s cup in total privacy. I offered her Wet Wipes from my backpack (something you should always carry when traveling) but she had her own and the whole thing was cleaned up and done before we made it to the terminal.
The Buddha is less than 25-years-old and while it’s a sight to see, it didn’t feel particularly holy. I was more focused on climbing all 268 steps to reach the top. I guess I was looking for oxygen and a cool breeze, not enlightenment!
Of course, since I was in Hong Kong, how could I NOT see their version of Disneyland. It’s small. Very small. Even their castle is small.
It was a lousy day and I just wanted to see the things that are unique to the park. Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars was probably my favorite. (Is that title shorter in Chinese characters?). It’s Thunder Mountain meets Expedition Everest meets Rockin’ Roller Coaster. I had no idea what to expect so I was VERY surprised at the intensity of the thrill. Mystic Manor was also fun because I hadn’t ridden anything like it…and it looks cool from the outside.
And how is this still a thing? I have to find the right Disney exec to remind them this is an Irish slur.
Their Marvel and Star Wars offerings are expanding and I was able to get out of the rain to meet up with Chewbacca. You could tell he doesn’t meet a lot of people who can look him in the eye.
I tried most everything in Hong Kong Disneyland…with one exception.
Food is a big part of any trip and Hong Kong has plenty to offer.
Street vendors are everywhere along with markets selling prepared food.
A must-visit is Tim Ho Wan. Known for dim-sum, it’s been called the cheapest Michelin Star restaurant. I went after members in my tour group had set out on their own and came back with lots of advice. I was jammed onto the end of a bigger table and I tried the famous pork buns. The wait times can be long at peak hours, but 2:30 on a Tuesday afternoon proved to be a good time to go! Honestly, I haven’t had a lot of dim sum, so I don’t know good from bad. But it was cheap and filling and an experience!