Hong Kong - Day Six

Evening! That's day six over with, typhoon update for you first. Despite it going off track and the fact that Hong Kong will not be taking a direct hit, the Hong Kong version of the met office are due to issue a T8 warning in the next half an hour, T10 is hurricane force winds! However its going to pass overnight so i'll probably sleep through it, all very exciting! Mind you, if they're anything like the met office, then it'll probably be a light wind with the occasional shower, and even then they'll get the day wrong.
Went and rode on the largest series of Outdoor Escalators in the world today. Another excellent idea from the Hong Kong transport industry. From 6am to 10am they go downhill, and from 10am onwards they go up hill. So that people going home from work can get there easily. It takes you up, past around 10-15 streets, up to Mid Levels. An excellent invention! The above photo amused me, this was in a lift in the Bank of China building where we went to take a look out on Hong Kong from their Observatory deck. Take your choice of floors....43 or 1?

It was nice to see the above cenotaph memorial for the people who died in the two World Wars in Central Hong Kong Island. This was obviously placed during the British Colonial times, and has never been moved. When you think about the value of this land, it's truly brilliant to see its still there. Speaking of British Colonial times, we took a walk from the Mid Levels Escalators to Hong Kong Park today, this took us past all the British built buildings, and it was quite fascinating to see the strong British resemblance still in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong Park was truly special. It's beautiful in it's own little weird way, set smack bang in the middle of Central Hong Kong, it really is a chance to get out of the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong's financial district into a peaceful green retreat. There's alot of these in Hong Kong, and in a way it's what makes Hong Kong so different to all other cities.

Finally went along to Temple Street Night Market. It's one of these world famous places that i've heard so much about and really wanted to go and see. It's one of these places where you really can spend hundreds of pounds on absolute junk. Bought a fair few things there, most quite useful, these include: x4 Fake DVDs, all of fairly decent quality ( Angels and Demons, Harry Potter & The Half Blood Prince, Slumdog Millionairre and Valkyrie), all cost me around about £8! Also bought a new multitool, new torch, 2 new pairs of sunglasses, and numerous gifts for family.

Had a really good day, was alot cooler today which was lovely, and had a nice breeze. Off to do the historical bit tomorrow, as it does quite interest me, so off to visit the Hong Kong Museum of History, as long as the winds aren't too strong. 48 hours till I come home, had a great time in Hong Kong, another box ticked for one of those things to do before you die!

Hong Kong - Day Five - Typhoon Warning!!!!

Bring in your children the typhoon is coming!!! As of 15:15 today, the Hong Kong Observatory issued a stage one warning for a typhoon, on path to give a direct hit to Hong Kong on Wednesday. Rain and storms have already arrived! T1 is the current warning, T10 is full blown Hurricane. Watch this space, quite fancied a typhoon and looks like I might be getting my wish. On another note, some hacker with nothing better to do with their time has spammed by Twitter and now it's been suspended. Still waiting for Twitter to reply to my support request, all very frustrating. These people really need to get out more.

Luckily we've managed to get our day done with before the T1 was issued and the rain & storms appeared. Views over HK are not so good at the moment. It's been a very different day today, instead of heading into the hustle & bustle of the Hong Kong metropolis, it's been out in a different direction to the countryside and lovely scenic views of Ngong Ping.

By far the best way to get there is the 25minute ride on the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car. Some absolutly fantastic sights from these cars, most of which i can't upload to here but will be uploading to facebook. The whole reason for heading up there was to see the impressive Tian Tan Buddha. This is the largest outdoor seated Buddha in the entire world. At 110 feet tall, it can be seen from miles away and is a brilliant sight. 200 odd steps to the top but some great photo ops when you're there. It was really nice today to see a different part of Hong Kong, and to be able to get out into the country side. It never ceases to fascinate me just how green this city is.

I have to give a mention to the excellent Octopus System in place around Hong Kong. It's main use is very similar to the Oyster Card on board London Transport Systems, but the Octopus card can also be used in shops and other stores to pay for items. It's an excellent system and very well though through, does make like easier, especially for residents. You can even get your change from purchases put onto this card.

As you can see it's along way home! I have to say that it is kind of weird being one of the taller people on the underground, usually i'm one of the shortest. Anyway, i'm off to research typhoon shelters and track its path, it's all very exciting, never been in a typhoon before. I bet after all this it won't happen. Still planning the next few days, tomorrow we're off to visit Hong Kong Park, the Hong Kong Museum of History and then the world famous Temple Street Night Market! Ciao for now!