Victoria Harbour View from The Peak

To most visitors to Hong Kong, shopping is always one of the first things in their minds. Although some special goods are still quite expensive in Hong Kong, the majority of products are economical in this shopping paradise. The “discount” covers food, clothing, electronic products and many more. An afternoon tea or lunch (noodle, salad and a cup of coffee) may only cost you as low as A$3. To photographers, photographic books are economical in Hong Kong especially if you can read translated version in Chinese (many of them are only selling in 1/3 of their corresponding Australian prices). If low pricing in Hong Kong attracts you, servicing would definitely comforts you. The servicing attitude and behaviour of many (or even all) shopkeepers I met were unbeatable.

Shopping at The Peak

While we all regretted of the disappearance of our historical mountain huts destroyed by bush fire in Australia, Hong Kong Government is keen to rebuild many districts by pulling down some “valuable” relics. The progress in maintaining relics is affected by new business development in Hong Kong. New buildings are everywhere and some previous countryside now becomes residential areas. If you want to take city light photos of Hong Kong, it is now prettier than ever.

One of the best scenic locations is the Victoria Harbour at twilight. There are many hotspots but the most common ones are The Peak and Tsim Sha Tsui situated at the very tip of the Kowloon Peninsula.

View of Hong Kong Island from Tsim Sha Tsui

If you have time, catch a MTR train (underground railway) to Po Lin Monastery, Lantau Island to meet one of the largest Buddhism statues in the world. In the old days (twenty years ago), we used to take three hours by ferry and bus to get there. With the recent completion of the 5.7 km cable car project, you would save a lot of time and also have an opportunity to view the surrounding areas (including the airport) in 360 degrees.

Cable Cars to Po Lin Monastery

If you still have time, Macau is also worth visiting. Although gambling is the major business there, there are still other things to explore. The new Macau Tower is the best spot for taking panoramas especially at twilight. There are numerous relics of churches and temples in Macau but my favourite one is Ruins de St. Paul. It was built in the 17th century but burned to the ground leaving only the facade, the staircases and a few portions of the walls.

Ruins de St. Paul, Macau

Finally Kelly and I would like to thank all our families, relatives, friends and secondary teachers in Hong Kong for their warm welcome and hospitality. We miss you all.