Did I Eat That?

Finishing the Hop-on/Hop-off Routes

It is our last day in Hong Kong. We decided to use up the balance of our hop-on/hop-off ticket and see the rest of the island. We walked to the Musea Legoland Discovery Centre and hopped the bus for a tour of Kowloon. Since we have been staying in Tsim Sha Tsui, we have seen some of it already on foot or by Metro, but this is a different perspective and having the audio explaining key points is interesting. It also saves the legs on a hot day. The weather is holding up quite nicely although it is still a Level 3 monsoon warning. The sun is out and a brisk breeze is blowing.

We drove past Temple Street, Jade Market, the Wholesale Fruit Market and beautiful architecturally-designed museums. M+, and the Hong Kong Palace Museum. We revisited Sneaker Street and Mong Kok. We drove by The Peninsula Hotel one of the exclusive hotels and a prime location for a British high tea.

The Chinese use a lot of bamboo for scaffolding. Entire buildings are scaffolded in it. Apparently it is used because of its strength and availability. Bamboo grows very quickly. It does, however, require a special license and skill to climb it.d

Traffic is crazy and there is no shortage of taxis. We only used Uber, and our accounts from Canada worked here.

Of course we saw many of the high-end shopping malls. I wish I enjoyed shopping more. I felt we got a good overview to this part of town. Before moving on, I had ti get some photos of Legoland Discovery Centre for the grandkids.

We took the Star Ferry over to Hong Kong Island, and when we asked a salesperson a question, she was sweet enough to give us a free ferry ticket. Everyone has been so kind. There is a real mix between the British and Chinese. Most people speak English and I wouldn’t hesitate recommending Hong Kong for a solo woman traveller. The architecture is beautiful and there is a street art section that looks cool to explore.

Next, was the blue route, which is significantly longer than the other ones, but certainly a must see. We started at the Central Pier and cut through Central and then clockwise around the island and up to incredible heights along narrow roads. Occasionally, traffic had to stop to let us get by. We saw the Wan Chai waterfront, and Stanley Park. Our favourite was Repulse Bay home to the rich and famous. There are conflicting explanations for the name. Some say it has to do with pirates. Definitely an exclusive residential area with views of the South China Sea that are spectacular. We saw windsurfers and beautiful beaches. Some of the condominium buildings are constructed with holes in the middle so that wind can pass through. I would love to investigate a vacation at one of the resorts.

Ocean Park and Water World looked like a prime location for kids and young adults judging by the roller coasters and slides. Our last stop was the Aberdeen community of tin houses, sampan boats and a floating village housing fishermen called Tanka. We saw protective zones away from the sea where people could moor their boats safely in typhoon weather.

The day, so far, has been interesting and it is just past lunch. Are you tired yet?

We are at the end of the line at the Central Pier so we jumped on the red route to Causeway Bay. Originally, the intent was to hit Times Square for shopping but you know when you hit a wall? I couldn’t muster the desire or the strength to shop. We entered the MTR station and made our way back to our hotel but not before getting our refund on the balance of our Octopus card. I love this transit system.

Tonight is the seafood market in Lei Yue Mun with Chef Alvin. I have been looking forward to this evening since I booked the this trip.

Lei Yue Mun Fish Market

After a quick rest and a clean up, we headed to the van and a short drive to Lei Yue Mun Fish Market. This is definitely an experience. The skies were spitting rain, but nothing was going to spoil this experience. Alvin met up with us and led us through the market talking about the different fish, their availability and pricing. He just asked us what we wanted and pointed to it and the vendors bagged, weighed it and sent it over to the restaurant.

The funniest was the looks on people’s faces when they saw geoduck for the first time. Alvin explained that it was expensive but also available in Canada. Geoduck is a Pacific sea clam.

The vendor picked one out of a tank and it was huge with sea water leaking from one end like it was whizzing. Never mind the phallic appearances. Some giggled and some were revolted that we would be eating this sashimi style. (sliced thinly and raw). You know I giggled.

Alvin pointed out the back alley houses behind the vendor stalls. We followed him down an alleyway and then turned around quickly. It was dark, slippery and a little sketchy. Both of us got to hold a giant lobster who I had to apologize to as it was going to be our dinner.

Next stop was the restaurant Gateway Cuisine, where the conversation was lively and the Tsing Tao beer helped to loosen the tongues, including Alvin. The dishes of the seafood we selected came out one at a time. Our seating was similar to the Demon Celebrity, a private room with a huge round table and lazy Susan. I would describe it as rustic. Alvin was the furthest away and faced the door. He explained that in his culture the person who hosts sits facing the door.

First on the menu was the geo duck sashimi. I got to eat Yordie’s portion. lol She is not a sushi girl and likes her fish cooked, like any good Newfoundlander.

The meal was amazing and the conversation was lively. Alvin shared some stories and even one about Anthony Bourdain. He told us about the restaurants he was opening and that he makes 80 flights per year, How gruelling! One of his new spots will be in Abu Dabhi. He is also opening up one in Toronto.

It was too bad some of our group were not carrying on to Bangkok, Thailand with us, We would continue our journey with Tim (our leader), Chris, Sandy and his wife Laurie (sp?). It was lovely meeting Derek, Mizuki, Renée and Bill. We never met Paul and not sure he ever existed as he never participated in any of the events, but if he was real, we wish him the best also.

The night couldn’t end without a photo opportunity with Alvin. What a special guy he is. He lived up to my expectations. He currently lives in Hong Kong and his daughter also lives here with his 2.5 year old grandson that he joyfully shared a picture of. We wish him all the success in the world. Thank you for your time!