Desi Girl Traveler: 2 Nights in Hong Kong

Priyanka Kurien|27.JAN.2012

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So we were pretty psyched to go to Hong Kong. Truth be told, my family and I have not taken a holiday together ever since my sister got married, 3 years ago. What better opportunity than my father’s birthday? Which happened to coincide with the Zee Cine Awards. Which happened to be in Macau. But first stop, Hongkong!

On Route: Hmmm… first impression of Jet Airways – not that great. After going through our gate we were made to walk down a dimly lit staircase and right out onto the tarmac. Yes, the tarmac. Talk about security being tightened huh? We live in a post 26/11 world people. We were then put on a rickety bus, without AC, and driven around for 25 minutes. Was it worth it? Hell ya! Check out their Business Class. And the flight is only 5 hours (damn!)

Touchdown HONG KONG! The last time I came here, which my sister was very quick to remind me, was 20 years ago. Yes, it’s changed. Sorta reminds me of Times Square in a way…what do you think? Queen’s Central; hub of shopping for the tourists. My one & only stop H&M. And then some…

Queens Central in Hongkong. Any resemblance to Times Square? — Queens Central in Hong Kong. Any resemblance to Times Square?

Kermit puppet-show in a store window (don't miss the dragon drummer!) — Kermit puppet-show in a store window (don’t miss the dragon drummer!)

Lan Kwai Fong - the party street — Lan Kwai Fong – the party street

A residential building - cool huh? — The Bank of China

It's the Year of the Dragon — It’s the Year of the Dragon

Next stop, Kowloon, the 5^thAvenue of Hongkong. To summarize it, I would say… neon. That’s pretty much what came to my mind when we took the ferry over. Because Chinese New Year was around the corner, everything was lit up – flashing lights, Chinese Santa’s, the whole works.

The 3G building lit up for New Year's — The 3G building lit up for New Year’s

Even the escalator's were lit up for New Years — Even the escalator’s were lit up for New Years

We ventured into the night market at Temple Street, hoping to pick up some hardcore Chinese knock-off’s but unfortunately, it was over when we got there. Though the street-food vendors were still open for business.

Street food (am hoping the cat wasn't on the menu too!) — Street food (am hoping the cat wasn’t on the menu too!)

India is taking over the world...one restaurant at a time — India is taking over the world…one restaurant at a time

Also, check out these wishing trees – story goes that it’s a Chinese tradition around New Years – you buy a tag, write down your wish & tie it to the tree. Wanna know what I wished for? Sorry – if I tell, it won’t come true…

When in Hongkong, do what the Chinese do right? The Lunar Market – think Crawford market but on the street; only difference is that people were on Ecstasy. Or something for sure. From shark-finned bags to claw-shaped gloves, to everything Angry Bird-related, an experience I would definitely recommend to any first-time visitors.

Follow that with the tram ride through the city and I guarantee, you will be planning your next visit before you board the flight back home. I did.

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