11 & 12 March Hong Kong

I got up at 6am to see the ship sailing in to Hong Kong harbor.
Floor to ceiling balcony window in our cabin was filled with countless high rise apartments.
We were already in the harbor!
It was early morning of Sunday.
We were sneaking into the harbor so quietly that we would not wake up anyone in this giant but incredible city.
This would be more than 4 visits for me.
Been there, done that?
But I realized that was premature arrogant conclusion.
There is always something to do and see here no matter what!
Besides, we could do so many things in two full days as this is one of overnight ports for us.

Our dear friends Mark and Billy are both residents of Hong Kong and visiting the ship this morning.

Bird market in East Monk Kok was our first destination after Yumcha for lunch

Take away worms, crickets and grass hoppers sold here as bird feeds.

Flower market around the corner of bird market has beautiful and unusual color of flowers. Pink chrysanthemum

Gold fish market is found across the street in Mong Kok.
Conveniently prepared fish in a plastic bag to carry home easier!

These pretty mini lobsters in red in lower fish tank are surely not to be cook for dinner!

One of famous markets in Hong Kong, Temple Street market is just opening for the night.

It was leisurely walk of 4 hours from Mong Kok to Tsim Sha Tsui and our feet are killing us.
Foot massage, please!
Could be very romantic night in mystic rain on this Chinese junk? Dating young couples under umbrella are enjoying their night out.

Xiao long bao, Shanghaian dumpling is my favorite Chinese dish. Oh! Yes!
Tai Fung Lau restaurant we went for dinner is specialized in Beijing style food.

I would have not been able to find this restaurant nor order authentic dish if not for local Hong Kong friends. Thanks to Billy and Paul!
These sesame buns are so good and much better with diced pork & pickle filling. Most delicious!

Pork and Chinese pickle for filling

Pecking Duck was yummy, of course!

From left, me, Billy, Paul, Greg and Mark enjoying catching-up time!


2nd day in Hong Kong
We are spending today in Hong Kong Island!

Local market behind Hang Seng Bank Head Quarter Building
Authentic Chinese food

Got to be very fresh meat in this butcher shop?

Hollywood Road where lots of antique shops and art galleries are located.

How tiny these shoes are! Chinese beauties could not be completed without small feet a century ago in China. Poor women were forced to have deformed small feet for these tiny shoes.

Travelator! Central – Mid-Levels Hillside Escalator starts here and took about 20 minutes all the way to almost the Victoria Peak

One of many escalators that make travelator.

Back to the Central area for lunch. This restaurant was introduced to us by fellow American passenger who is originally from Hong Kong and she reckons this is the best noodle restaurant in Hong Kong.

I don’t know what I ordered but this noodle soup and dumpling were quite delicious. Below.

Very nice couple Cathy and George from Oregon whom we have made friends with during Escalator ride and had lunch with.

Our ship ms Amsterdam and Star Cruise docked side by side at the Ocean Terminal, Tsim Sha Tsui

Beautiful Heritage building next to the Peninsular Hotel.
Peninsular hotel lobby was packed with not only people who are enjoying famous high tea but also about 30 people who are waiting in line. Unbelievable sight! It was Monday afternoon!