Our arrival in Hong Kong was late in the evening. I remember landing and catching a car taxi. The night sky was bright from light pollution- a lot of building. Before the bridge, or on the bridge I have images by memory being industrial.
Accommodation: Ashoka Hostel – central downtown. The smallest private room we have ever experienced. From the door to the bed was arms-length in reach. The bathroom was tiny too. And directly next to the bed.
The hostel is connected to the Chungking Mansions. It apparently was meant to be residential, but is mixed with shopping, services, low budget hotels and small shops. The foot traffic was high at all times. The elevator was small, slow and always had a large line.
Once we had our backpacks situated we rushed for dinner. What was open? And what was around? Tim and I took a few block stroll and made our final decision. Some comfort night soup.
By morning we walked to the ferry sight. We had a pretty view of the Victoria Harbour water, separating the city. We could view the coastline from a lil’ restuarant – this is where I decided to enjoy some clam chowder soup.
Once we got off the ferry, we had to find somewhere to eat. One of the places we ate at, Sing Heung Yuen. A place also discovered by Anthony Bourdain, it was known to try the “tomato noodles.”
We continued to explore by foot. The first go around is always the most exciting. With each step, we got closer to Victoria Peak. And decided to hike the way up a long, uphill road.
“Victoria Peak, known simply as The Peak, is a must-see Hong Kong destination — both day and night — offering iconic views of skyscraper-flanked Victoria Harbour, Kowloon peninsula and craggy mountain peaks”
— discoverhongkong.com
At the peak tower, there is a shopping and dining center. Tim and I ate some Hong Kong Wonton Noodle soup to warm up from our cold, chilly walk up. This one is Michelin rated. Called Mak’s Noodle est. 1920.
We watch the sky turn from light to dark. With every 15 minute passing period, it got colder. Thankfully, we caught the bus down the hill and back at the docking station. On the way back, we remembered to catch the Victoria Harbour light show. For the first time of watching the show, we were on the ferry and it started as we were barely parking the boat. It occurred every night at 8:00 PM.
The second time Tim and I enjoyed it without the rush of exiting the ferry. It was after a shopping outing. We were much more relaxed and had a beverages + snacks on hand.
Other spots visited:
- Kowloon Park
- Nam Kee Spring Roll Noodle
- Bakehouse – bakery
- Tai Yuen St & Li Yuen St E – lil shops
- Victoria night show (2nd time) with drinks and ice cream
- Monster building – tourist attraction, surrounding of small apartments
- Street food – chicken
- Shopping – bought colored contacts, phone case
- Street food – further out of the city
Another day, Tim and I spent an amazing lunch at the U-Banquet the Starview. We got to meet Winnie’s (one of my close friends) momma at this Hong Kong Dim Sum dining experience. The restaurant offers high quality dim sums, as well as private dining for events such as weddings. It is located in one of the shopping malls in Tsim Sha Tsui. You can also step outside on the balcony, the views of Victoria Harbour at 270°.
Beyond Rose 
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