14th OCTOBER 2019  

Our Rugby World Cup trip to Japan ended – not quite the way we expected with travel plans disrupted because of typhoon and floods – but we were still able to get to Hong Kong and connect with our final flight back to Australia.  This meant an unexpected night in a city I love and one in which I grew up and consider more as my “childhood home” than the UK.

The unrest from earlier in the year continued and although we witnessed a riot in September, this time all was quiet. It is interesting to get the perspective from local Chinese residents as well as expats.  Everyone has a different opinion but suffice to say, I am saddened by what has happened and am thankful for the many memories I have.

We had a day to wander around and this we did in Kowloon as we were staying at the Prince Hotel near the harbour.  There is a lovely walk along the harbour called Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade and even on the hottest day there is a breeze. 

This is the old clock tower which was at the old Kowloon/Canton railway station – now long gone.  I am glad the clock tower was saved as it is an icon from the early colonial days and I have many memories of getting off the Star Ferry and walking to the station amidst crowds of people and lots of rickshaws!  Now there is a memorial pool and fountain and it is quiet place to contemplate.

This area is also close to the Art Gallery and Theatre – the gallery was closed for renovations but we did see a lovely exhibition of Russian folk art in the foyer.

The harbour is not as busy as in the past – cargo ships unload at the docks, cruise ships go to the terminal, the ferry still goes back and forth but the vehicular ferry has gone, replaced by tunnels under the harbour.  However, lovely old junks still cruise up the channel

There are statues and even an Avenue of Stars path commemorating film stars past and present. New buildings, shops and restaurants along the Promenade make the walk interesting – each time we come here, there is something new.

We came to the incredible new K11 Musea – Hong Kong’s new Art Gallery inspired Mall with luxury shops alongside a public art space. The architecture is amazing and the concept is to merge art and culture with commerce.

This was opened in August 2019 and promises to be a “must” on every visitor’s list.

The Harbour Light Show is world famous and just keeps getting better.  We found a little outdoor bar at the Ocean Terminal with a fabulous view so we sat with a glass of wine and watched this incredible show synchronised to music downloaded on our phones.

Our final lunch was with local friends at a Dim Sum restaurant – renewing old friendships and savouring the taste of Hong Kong.

Until the next visit…….