Taz and Libby, travelers from the UK, return to Hong Kong after a two-year absence and are immediately struck by how different the city feels, a sentiment echoed in their title and description. Their first day back is a whirlwind of rediscovered and new experiences, starting with a surprise visit to the Hong Kong Avenue of Comic Stars in Kowloon Park, a quirky find that delighted them. They marvel at Hong Kong's status as the 'skyscraper capital of the world,' noting the sheer number of tall buildings and the impressive Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge.
Their journey continues to the iconic Victoria Harbour and the Avenue of Stars. Unlike their previous visit, the weather is stunning, offering breathtaking views of the skyline. They appreciate the Avenue of Stars, with its celebrity handprints and the famous Bruce Lee statue, and reflect on the diversity of local talent celebrated there. A brief stop at K11, a seemingly upscale shopping mall, leads them to its surprisingly extensive food court, where they enthusiastically seek out their favorite drink, 'more yogurt.' Despite a long wait for their preferred beverage, they eventually enjoy it, along with a variety of local dishes like fish cake, shrimp noodles, and minced beef with rice, highlighting the vibrant food scene.
The travelers then experience the classic Star Ferry, a historic mode of transport that has been operating for over 120 years. They note the ferry is much busier than they remember, a sign of Hong Kong's renewed energy. Upon arriving in Central, they are impressed by the high-end shopping streets, drawing comparisons to New York's Fifth Avenue. They also spot the iconic 'ding ding' trams, vowing to ride them later.
A significant part of their day involves ascending Victoria Peak via the historic Peak Tram. They are struck by its steepness and the special Disney-themed carriages celebrating the park's 20th anniversary. The panoramic views from the Sky Terrace are described as insane and stunning, offering a new perspective on the city's blend of urban sprawl and lush nature, with a surprising amount of green space. They also observe the prevalence of bamboo scaffolding, a distinctive feature of Hong Kong's cityscape, though they've heard it's being phased out.
Their exploration extends to the bustling streets of Mong Kok, where they navigate the lively atmosphere of the Ladies Market. Here, they find a wide array of goods, from phone cases and keychains to Disney merchandise and unique souvenirs like fast-food bag magnets. They also notice the prevalence of 'labu' (likely referring to a popular snack or dessert) and the many food stalls, reflecting the city's dynamic street food culture.
Concluding their day, Taz and Libby enjoy a meal at a local restaurant, savoring dishes like beef with black bean sauce and stir-fried noodles. They reflect on the city's humid climate and the efficiency of its public transport, particularly the MTR with its escalators. Despite the long and tiring day, they express immense joy and energy, confirming that Hong Kong is indeed what they missed, ending their first day back with a promise of more adventures to come.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
- Q: What was the most surprising discovery on the first day back in Hong Kong?
- A: The Hong Kong Avenue of Comic Stars was a delightful surprise, a quirky find in Kowloon Park that added a unique touch to their exploration.
- Q: What is Hong Kong known for regarding its buildings?
- A: Hong Kong is famously the skyscraper capital of the world, boasting over 300 buildings that are 150 meters or taller.
- Q: What was the experience like riding the Star Ferry?
- A: It was a historic and scenic journey across Victoria Harbour, much busier than remembered, offering stunning views of the city skyline for a very low price.
- Q: What is special about the Peak Tram ride?
- A: The Peak Tram is a historic funicular that ascends Victoria Peak at a very steep angle, offering a unique and entertaining ride with special Disney-themed carriages celebrating an anniversary.
- Q: What can you find at the Ladies Market?
- A: The Ladies Market offers a wide variety of goods, including phone cases, keychains, clothing, souvenirs, and even Disney merchandise, making it a bustling shopping destination.
- Q: What are some notable Hong Kong food experiences?
- A: They enjoyed various local dishes in K11's food court and a restaurant, including fish cake, shrimp noodles, beef with black bean sauce, and stir-fried noodles, noting the affordability and portion sizes.
- Q: What is the public transport like in Hong Kong?
- A: Hong Kong's public transport, especially the MTR, is very efficient, with escalators readily available. They also mentioned the iconic 'ding ding' trams and the Star Ferry.
- Q: What is the weather like in Hong Kong?
- A: The weather can be very hot and humid, especially in the summer, with sun and occasional rain. Umbrellas are used for both sun and rain protection.
