...and here we go.
Day 1, first half had been extremely exciting to say the least. Hong Kong, as with other cities is only a part of the larger city. Actually New Territories is at the far end, close to the China boder, then Kowloon, further down is Hong Kong island and still further down is Lamma island.
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| Happy Valley racetrack spectator stand |
My friend had decided that I was to be subject to as many culinary treats as possible and I was only happier for it. For my objective of going to any new place is assimilate as much as possible about the Customs, Culture and Cuisine, followed locally. So just about 30 metres away from the hotel was this traditional, wonton noodle soup eatery. A tad expensive, but what a lovely treat. It was a pleasure consuming shrimp wontons floating in a soup filled with glass noodles. I did wonder along, why was it so expensive (apart from the now understood Hong Kong factor). I was informed that this is an old, well established, up scale and popular eatery and as we were sitting there, across the table sat one of the, apparently, most popular Hong Kong singers!
Efficiency - a hall mark of Hong Kong
Back to the hotel, feeling comfortable and full. Rested a bit. Then it was off to the Sheung Shui, New Territories for a 'hot pot' dinner with my friend's family. And this is where I discovered the power and utility of 'Octopus'. My friend had already purchased an Octopus card for me. Now, I have to reminisce a bit about it. I found it to be a typical, representative Hong Kong product, fully geared towards the concept of efficiency! And it truly is. It is a pre-paid card, called Octopus simply because it was an enabler for anyone to smoothly commute across the various types of transportation as well as use it for purchases at the ever present 7-Eleven stores.
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| The HK version of the tube map |
The first dinner
Back, to the dinner plan. This was my first ever hot pot (also known to some as 'steamboat') and apart from meeting the family, I was so looking forward to the experience, having heard a lot about it earlier.
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| Hot pot at Sheung Shui |
To quench the thirst was some very delectable bamboo shoot drinks. Spread over nearly a couple of hours, it was an extremely enjoyable and sociable evening, cooking, talking, eating, talking, drinking, talking. So much so, that at the end, I wanted to walk back to Hong Kong island given the amount of food and beverages in me. Realisation dawns: people in Hong Kong really love to eat and drink.
And then it was back to hotel, for some rest until the next day morning which my friend indicated was going to be equally fun filled. Exciting!
Thoroughly tired, by the time I got back to the hotel, after having been travelling since the previous day (delayed flights onward to Delhi, time dilly dallied at the IGI airport, actual flight time, lost a bag, and criss crossing Hong Kong - see my previous post), when I hit the bed and opened my eyes, it felt like it was just a minute ago, but a full 8 hours had passed!
The next day
It was mid-morning and time to go off and explore some more of Asia's world city. First thing out, was to stop at a nearby semi-street joint for some rice, roasted pork and chicken, with soup brunch. A nearby bakery also beckoned for a look at some exquisite creations, but was already full so just ended taking a snap.The adventure continues, in the next post.
