The Peak!

  Central Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Sunday, February 25, 2007

It was a fairly clear day so I set off to the Peak!  Woohoo!

I couldn't believe my eyes!  I saw the clouds part and the sun shine!  We had rain the other night and it apparently washed away the smog in Hong Kong.  It was nice to see that happen.  For most of my stay here, it seemed like I was seeing Hong Kong in a haze of some sort but every once in a while the sun comes out and the place is pretty incredible to look at.  As I said before, I set out to the Peak before all this sunshine disappeared.  Everyone else did too, as you can see in some photos but it wasn't bad at all.

I took some snapshots of the waterfront in front of the apartments and I could see the huge bridge that was being built across the water.  I also saw the mountains?  There were mountains back there?  Who knew?  LOL 



Also along the way, I walk by this place where the occupants play mahjong almost every night.  I'm not entirely sure what they do but it may be some sort of delivery service.  Anyway, they have a little shrine in front of their space and they set out some food for an offering.  Did I mention they also have dogs?  Well, put 2 and 2 together and this is what you get. (see photo)  I laughed and right when I walked away, one of the owners saw the puppy chowing down and immediately started yelling at the pup.  That was classic!

                                                                                               

As I was heading toward the Peak Tram, I saw a few Architectural landmarks, I.M. Pei's Bank of China and Norman Foster's Bank of Hong Kong and Shanghai.  Pretty awesome sights to see.  Later on, I'll tell you something else I saw there.

                                    

Well, I'm at the Tram finally and yes, a lot of other people had the same idea.  It was busy but not as bad at the Chinese New Year celebration. (which is still going on by the way)  Lots of signs out and lots of people still saying "Kung Hei Fat Choy", it's pretty funny.

                             

Finally, I'm at the Peak!  I'll let the photos speak for me so I can finish this blog.



Back to the Bank of Hong Kong, I was on my way back and I decided to get a closer look at the Bank. I remember Gil and Mike were telling me the story of groups of Filipino women (who were mainly service/cleaning maids? I think that's what they said) that gathered on Sundays to have picnics and such.  They would hang out at the walkways and bridges that connected the buildings and other places.  This was apparently their routines each Sunday to get away from their jobs and be with friends.  I found out that they also hang out at the base of the Bank.  It was a sight to see.

Alright, Week 3 has passed and gone.  We'll see what comes up this week.  The videos on this entry are long and short, just to let you know.  Enjoy and thanks for stopping by.

Until next time!
Patrick