Hong Kong Exploration: Star Ferry, Brunch & City Views

First Impressions of Hong Kong in 2024 🇭🇰

Destination:ChinaCity:Hong KongPopulation:7.4 million
First Impressions of Hong Kong in 2024 🇭🇰
Jack Aynsley Travel2024-07-0734 min

British couple's first impressions of Hong Kong. Jack and Paige explore Hong Kong in a 4 part mini series, exploring in depth the city of Hong Kong. In this video we capture our first impressions of this special administrative region of the People's Republic of China. We start by grabbing a coffee and are shocked at the prices, before heading over to The Star Ferry and sail over the Victoria Harbour from Hong Kong Island to Kowloon. Brunch is the done thing in HK so we go to Shine Island Cafe, a highly recommended spot for tourists and locals alike. We order all the best parts of the menu, the famous Pineapple Bun, Satay noodles, Cold Hong Kong Milk tea and a mysterious omelette? After a filling brunch we take a walk and discover an old church, and try to reach to top of one of Hong Kong's famous towering buildings.

--- Jack Aynsley Travel
July 7, 2024, Summer in China

Video Chapters

  1. 0:00British Couple First Impressions (SHOCKED AT PRICES)
  2. 07:21Taking The Star Ferry Across Victoria Harbour
  3. 16:05First Time Trying Hong Kong Breakfast
  4. 27:36Exploring an Old British Evangelical Church
  5. 30:12Sneaking up to Hong Kong View Point

Jack and Paige explore Hong Kong's vibrant culture, enjoying a delicious brunch and a thrilling ferry ride across Victoria Harbour. Their first impressions are filled with excitement and wonder, showcasing the city's unique blend of old and new.

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

  1. Tip 1In Hong Kong, utilize the Octopus card for convenient contactless payments on public transport and various establishments. It's easily rechargeable and readily available. (24:56)
  2. Tip 2For a taste of authentic Hong Kong breakfast, visit Shine Island Cafe. They offer a range of traditional dishes, including pineapple buns, satay noodles, and egg tarts. (16:07)
  3. Tip 3The famous pineapple bun is a must-try in Hong Kong. Despite its name, it doesn't contain pineapple, but its unique crusty texture and sweet taste make it a local favorite. (19:59)
  4. Tip 4Explore the historical side of Hong Kong by visiting St. Andrew's Church in Kowloon. This beautiful church, built in 1904, showcases British colonial architecture. (27:37)
  5. Tip 5Be prepared for varied weather conditions in Hong Kong, especially during monsoon or typhoon seasons. Pack accordingly and be flexible with your plans. (5:57)
  6. Tip 6Many smaller establishments in Hong Kong may not accept credit cards, so it's advisable to carry cash or use the Octopus card for payments. (25:30)

Jack Aynsley Travel and Paige arrive in Hong Kong and immediately experience the city's unique blend of modern and traditional. From the surprisingly expensive coffee to the bustling Star Ferry ride across Victoria Harbour, their first impressions are filled with vibrant energy and cultural contrasts. A traditional Hong Kong brunch at Shine Island Cafe offers a delightful culinary adventure, with unexpected dishes and a taste of local life. The exploration continues with a visit to a historic church, showcasing British colonial architecture amidst the modern cityscape. Their attempt to view the city from above is thwarted, adding a humorous touch to their journey. The video perfectly captures the dynamic spirit of Hong Kong, leaving viewers eager to explore this fascinating city.

More about the current video:( 13 / 33 )

First Impressions of Hong Kong in 2024 🇭🇰

This video documents Jack Aynsley Travel and Paige's first impressions of Hong Kong in 2024. Their journey begins with a search for coffee, highlighting the city's high prices compared to mainland China. The couple then embarks on a Star Ferry ride across Victoria Harbour, experiencing the city's unique blend of modern skyscrapers and traditional neighborhoods. A memorable brunch at Shine Island Cafe introduces them to iconic Hong Kong dishes like pineapple buns and satay noodles, offering a taste of local cuisine. Their exploration continues with a visit to a historic church, showcasing British colonial architecture. They attempt to get a panoramic view of the city from a high-rise building but encounter a humorous roadblock. Throughout their adventure, Jack and Paige interact with locals, capturing authentic experiences and offering unique insights into Hong Kong's vibrant culture and daily life. The video concludes with a glimpse into Hong Kong's diverse culinary scene, promising future adventures in the city's street food markets.

The video's unique details include the contrast between modern hipster coffee shops and tiny, traditional apartments, the unexpected discovery of a well-maintained public sports facility in a densely populated area, and the observation of locals utilizing public spaces for leisure and social gatherings. The personal insights shared by Jack and Paige add depth to the narrative, revealing their surprise at the city's high prices, their appreciation for the readily available public amenities, and their fascination with the local culture.

Emotional moments are evident in their reactions to the city's stunning skyline, the chaotic yet organized energy of the ferry ride, and the delicious taste of traditional Hong Kong cuisine. Their interactions with local restaurant staff and their humorous attempts to navigate the city add a lighthearted touch to the overall narrative. The vivid descriptions of the food, the architecture, and the city's atmosphere create an engaging and immersive viewing experience.

The video's surprising discoveries include the lack of pineapple in pineapple buns, the abundance of ham in a seemingly simple omelette, and the ease of using the Octopus card for local transport. The local interactions, such as their conversations with restaurant staff and their observations of public life, provide an authentic glimpse into Hong Kong's culture. The video culminates in a promise of future adventures, promising a deeper exploration of Hong Kong's culinary scene.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: How much did the coffee cost in Hong Kong?
A: £9 for two cups! It's one of the most expensive cities in the world.
Q: What's special about the pineapple bun?
A: It's got a crispy top and fluffy inside, but there's no pineapple in it!
Q: What was the most surprising thing about the omelette?
A: It was filled with so much ham, it was absolutely outrageous!
Q: What's the best way to pay for things in Hong Kong?
A: Use the Octopus card! It's like a city card, you can use it for buses, metros and many shops.
Q: What's the weather like in Hong Kong?
A: It's rainy! It was storming when we arrived, and it seems to rain whenever it wants.

Hong Kong Exploration: Star Ferry, Brunch & City Views

British couple explores Hong Kong, enjoying iconic Star Ferry, delicious brunch, and breathtaking views. A memorable adventure!

Hong Kong Exploration: Ferry, Brunch & City Views

Jack and Paige, a British couple, share their initial thoughts on Hong Kong in this captivating four-part mini-series. Their adventure begins with a surprising coffee price check before embarking on a scenic Star Ferry journey across Victoria Harbour, from Hong Kong Island to Kowloon. A delightful brunch at the Shine Island Cafe follows, featuring local favorites like Pineapple Bun, Satay noodles, and Cold Hong Kong Milk tea. Their exploration continues with a visit to an old church and a daring attempt to reach a stunning viewpoint overlooking the city's iconic skyline. This is a must-watch for anyone planning a trip to Hong Kong!

Attractions in this video: Victoria Harbour, Star Ferry, Shine Island Cafe, St Andrews Church