Hong Kong

Our first trip in the Philippines was to...  Hong Kong.  Go figure.  But a very good friend of ours, Kevin Souza, was going to be there on business and we couldn't pass up the opportunity and seeing him.  Besides, Hong Kong is only an hour and a half away and tickets are pretty cheap.  The trip also gave me an excuse to dig the jeans and jacket out of the closet for the first time in more than a month!

So in late January, we headed to Hong Kong, staying at the Xi Hotel, a smaller boutique hotel in lower Kowloon.  We liked it a lot, and the location near Nathan Road and walking distance to the Star Ferry was great.  We'd stay there again.  Kevin being on business trip and expense account stayed at the W and raved about it, but the location was quite a bit further out.

Boy does Hong Kong make being a visitor easy.  The new airport is quite a ways out from the city, but it couldn't be easier getting there on a train.  Signs and directions are clear, and there's always someone willing to help.  English is widely spoken.  Same goes for the subway system within Hong Kong.  Definitely get the octopus card for traveling on the public transit system.

We spent a couple days wandering Hong Kong island and Kowloon with Kevin and had a great time.  Highlights included the Star Ferry rides back and forth, the tram to the Peak, walking tours around HK island, the night-time light show on the harbor, the night market and several great meals.  We finished up our time together with high tea at the Peninsula Hotel and drinks up at the top of the hotel at the Felix bar.  Great view!

More Hong Kong photos are available by clicking here.