A traveller's reflection: 1997

"Every exit is an entry somewhere else..." - Tom Stoppard

Hong Kong

(28 May - 2 June 1997)

Hubby was in Hong Kong to be a resource person for a seminar. I came later with the kids and spent a few days touring Hong Kong island and visiting a few attractions.

(Sending hubby off a week before)

(Boarding the plane with the three kids)

(Waiting for hubby to pick us from the airport)

(Finally arrived at our hotel)

(Going out to look for dinner)

Hong Kong Island, is the center of economy, politics, entertainment and shopping. From the Central District to Causeway Bay in Northern Hong Kong Island is the main commercial, shopping and entertainment area; the residential area is from Tin Hau to Chai Wan on the eastern part of the island; and Southern Hong Kong Island is the recreational area, where visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the sea shore and bays, including the famous Repulse Bay and Ocean Park.

(Joining a large morning crowd)

(Contemplating from where to start)

(Cooling off at a fountain)

(Ja and Iwan at the fountain)

(Another water feature in town)

A visit to Stanley Market is a must. Stanley Market will satisfy shoppers with its many stands, shops, original restaurants, outdoor cafes, and even a performance stage.

(Taking a buy to Stanley Market)

(A shopping spree at Stanley Market)

(Ja and Iwan buying t-shirts and souvenirs)

Among the main attractions on the island, Victoria Peak is the best place from which to admire the lights of this Oriental Pearl. Peak Tower with its famous wok-like architecture stands at the exit of Peak Tram. The amazing Ripley's Believe It or Not! the exciting Peak Explorer Motion Simulator, and relaxing terraces and restaurants are among the favorite stops at this entertainment center. Another favorite attraction is the Madame Tussaud Wax Museum with figures of celebrities including local movie star Jackie Chan.

(A bus ride to the base of Victoria Peak)

(Waiting for the funicular tram)

(A short ride uphill, 1811 ft above sea level)

(Dinner time, waiting for our order)

(Eating Nasi Goreng from the kuali)

(A night stroll, admiring the view from the top)

(In the subway back to the hotel)

Ocean Park is among the top theme parks and aquariums in Southeast Asia, as well as the best marine education center, which makes it a must for families with children. The theme park has various attractions and rides, including four roller coasters, and also animal exhibits with different themes, such as a giant panda habitat, rainforest and polar displays, as well as an aquarium featuring the world's largest aquarium dome.

(On the bus to the Ocean Park)

(Getting our bearing from a map)

(The dolphins and orca water show)

(The jovial musicians)

(Waiting in line to board the cable car and roller-coaster rides)

(Ja with a fat hippo)

(Taking a rest after a long walk)

(Sara with the twin zebras)

(With my three beautiful kids)

(Taking the subway back to the hotel)

Today, after spending the whole day visiting parks and museum, we headed to Aberdeen Harbour. Aberdeen is famous not only to tourists but also to Hong Kong locals for its floating village and floating seafood restaurants located in the Aberdeen Harbour. . Aberdeen provides a glimpse of the essence of Hong Kong with hundreds of lighted trawlers on which fishermen and their families live. The Jumbo Floating Restaurant offers superb fresh seafood.