The Far East (well, no, not very far) - Hong Kong 24th Dec - 27th Dec 2005

Hong Kong at half past seven in the morning, on Boxing Day. Very like Singaporean streets, except that it was more built-up, and had no trees to punctuate the monotony of concrete. The streets were absolutely deserted. I could have taken a nap where I stood, at least for the next hour or so, and yet not lose a single hair.

At the Peak, or Victoria Peak to be more precise. Steep ascent. Below, Victoria Harbour separates Hong Kong (near bank) from Kowloon (far bank). The tram that took us to the top is Hong Kong's oldest tram service.

Hong Kong's famous skyline. Why? They never fail to make up the background whenever the credits are played at the end of almost every Hong Kong drama serial. Only thing that differs is the angle.

Theseus would have lost himself silly here. The MTR stations, especially those which functioned as interchanges, were as riddled with tunnels as cheese is with holes. And they never seem to end. Eerie, isn't it?

Tsing Ma Bridge, the world's (third, I think...) longest suspension bridge, and only one half of it. It's splendour is dimmed by daylight, and by the thin veil of mist that accompanies it. It was my first attempt at travelling solo (my family were still asleep in the hotel) and I very nearly got stranded there. The viewing gallery was situated in a confluence of several motorways which was in the middle of nowhere because the road signs made little sense to me.
Atop one of the neighbouring hills from where the Giant Buddha sits, on Lantau Island, courtesy of some very friendly fellow travellers. Took me forty minutes on a train to get to Tung Chung (the nearest town centre), and another bumpy forty minutes on a bus from there to here. Apparently the largest outdoor bronze Buddha in Asia or the world.

Before the start of the Wisdom Path. Lining it are wooden beams on which are etched the verses of the Heart Sutra. Scenic, and peaceful. Lesson learnt: if on your own, and if you want your picture taken by somebody, go for those with the large lenses and the tripods.