The iconic Chinese “Junk” now just for Hong Kong tourists.

We are closing in on the end of our fabulous trip.  Today we beat the rain one last time as we headed for the top of Victoria Peak – it was a very cloudy view of the Harbour, but beautiful nonetheless.

We saw the many monuments to success that drive the thriving Hong Kong financial community located on Hong Kong Island, as well as a few other famous streets and landmarks.

Port workers are still on strike here, and are visibly protesting for increased wages – another key difference between the mainland and this unusual hybrid enclave.  When you leave mainland China, it’s just like going to another country; not at all like normal domestic travel within China.    Two flags are flown, the Chinese and Hong Kong and they use their own currency – the Hong Kong dollar.   British influence is still quite evident,but for now Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region (SAR) and it will be interesting to see what happens when the complete transition to China does occur.

Another difference in HK – I’m posting this directly – for the first time since I left, we can access social media!  We even got a USA today this morning with our breakfast.

I wanted to visit Hong Kong for a very long time and am probably not giving it fair time in this blog.  It is a great, sophisticated, international city and I wish we had more time to explore the nearby islands and try some of the dozens of great restaurants.  I also wish we had time to experience the world’s longest escalator, but I have found out it switches direction for the morning and afternoon rush, so you’d better plan well to hit it right.

A highlight for us was taking the Star Ferry back to Kowloon.  It’s a very quick 7-minute ride and a terrific perspective of the area.  After a Dim Sum lunch at the Jade Garden we did some shopping and walked along the waterfront enjoying the now beautiful blue skies.  It’s subtropical here, green, warm, and humid ~ just like home.

Tomorrow we head back to the states.

Tip of the Day, to quote the Chinese philosopher Lin Yutang: “No one realizes how beautiful it is to travel until he comes home and rests his head on his old, familiar pillow.”