Hong Kong- an Amazing Place!

CHINA DAY 7: 

 

This morning we woke up with another big breakfast at the hotel buffet and made our way to the Xian city wall.  The city wall is about 50 feet tall and separates the inner and outer city, which still divides the rich and poor even though it all seems fairly poverty-stricken.  We rented two bikes (one of which was tandem!) and went for a morning bike tour from up above the city on the wall.  It took about an hour to go all the way around and I could really feel the pollution as we neared the end.  I've never seen anything like the smog in Xian.  It looks like an extremely overcast day, but it is actually all smog.   After a few cab rides and a flight, we found ourselves in beautiful Hong Kong ready to start exploring again! Hong Kong has an entirely different feel than China and is way more advanced.  While I knew it was separate from China I didn't fully realize the extent.  There is so much diversity, industry, wealth, and excitement in the downtown area.  We quickly regrouped and caught the Hong Kong light show on the deck of our ship before heading out again.  Our ship was ported right in the middle of the city with the perfect view of the city lights.  We took the fairy across the way to a tram that goes to Victoria's Peak- a beautiful lookout over the city.  It was nighttime and every building in the city was lit up.  The city looked gorgeous with every building lit up.  After soaking up the view we headed to Lan Kwai Fung bar street for a fun last night!  Even though my phone was stolen, I still had a great time. 

 

 

CHINA DAY 8:

 

Today was a busy day in Hong Kong before meeting the ship to set sail for Vietnam. Hong Kong in just one day is nearly impossible because there is so much to see and do.  We woke up early and went to the Mong Kok/ Ladies Market to see the fake accessories, bags, and souvenirs.  Even though we didn't buy anything it was a blast walking around and bartering a bit.  We also stopped by a food market in the area and bought some fresh oranges.  I marveled over how drastically different Hong Kong is from Beijing, Shanghai, or Xian in China.  We headed to the IFC Tower for a nice American style lunch of burgers and risotto as we looked out over the bussling city.  We spent several hours at this mall area watching the business people and relaxing. As it neared time to board the ship we rode the ferry for one last time and spent our remaining Hong Kong dollars on a meal at California Pizza Kitchen.  Even though I wasn't ready to leave, I had a strong feeling I'd be back to Hong Kong in the future.  It is such an amazing city and a great place to do business as a young professional.  Now, just a few days until I see my family in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam!!!!