Hong Kong: Day 2

I decided that I would check out Star avenue and Temple street night market tonight since they were in close proximity to each other. But since the night market doesn't open until 4pm, I decided to take it easy during the day time and just explore my surroundings near Wan Chai.

So after packing my bags I set off to check out the local market at Tai Yuan Street. But first my hunger got the best of me and I resolved to find an authentic dim sum restaurant. Using human traffic as an indicator of authenticity I settled on a hole in the wall dim sum restaurant at the end of the market. And I gotta say, this time the food did not disappoint. The place was packed and I ordered by sight since I didn't know any names.

the line outside was huge and inside it was tiny

looks like china town

subway

After satisfying my appetite I continued walking and tried to check out some old architecture from colonial era. There was suppose to be an old Post Office at the foot of the mountain. But it seems it is under renovation and you can't really see anything. But I did stumble upon a scenic walking path up into the mountain. And like the botanical garden from yesterday it was a fusion of both organic and urban elements as I climbed the steep incline.

Upon reaching the top I got another glimpse of the awesome skyline. After that I slowly made my way back to the hotel for rest and planned to head out again once dusk sets in.

trees fusing with the walkway were a common sight

A high rise going up on the side of the mountain. the heavy machinery were like 1 meters away from the steep cliff.

old victorian building I found while on the hike. It looks abandoned and would probably be really creepy at night since there are no ostensible lights around.

Once I got back to the hotel I rested for 2 hours and headed out again. This time to Tsim Sha Tsui station. This area is renowned for the Avenue of stars, a road similar to the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The sidewalk contained the handprints of famous Hong Kong celebrities. The physical location is right on the waterfront (we are across the harbour from Hong Kong island and are now on the Kowloon side) and thus pedestrians were presented with a spectacular view of Hong Kong island. But unfortunately there was a heavy fog overhanging and you can't really make out the structures that well. It was just as well because I hate asking strangers to take photos of me (one of the bad things about traveling alone). It was now approaching 6pm, and I decided to go get some grub and come back at 8pm to try to catch the symphony of lights. The symphony of lights is a music + light show of the skyline presented by the HK tourism board. 

the legendary Bruce Lee

statue of HK film award

So I walked back to Nathan road, the most famous road in Hong Kong and found a highly trafficked restaurant. As I was eating my order, a bewildered looking girl appeared in the doorway and also indicated table of one to the waitress. Since they try to save as much space as possible they put her across to me in my booth. Anyways I sensed she was a tourist and started a pleasant conversation. Turns out she is from Seoul here on a business trip and today is her last night. I wowed her with my Korean skills and told her about my adventures. Anyways suffice to say we hit it off immediately and she decided to tag along with me to catch the 8pm show after dinner. 

damn Nature you cool. Tree growing into the walkway again.

Infamous apartment complex for food and second hand phones

The first floor of ChungKing Mansions

signs on Nathan road

Now with my friend in tow I can get some good pictures from the harbor. And we played some games to pass the time and after that I won some tea from here so we went to a Starbucks for her to fulfill her obligations. We parted ways around 9pm since she had to go back to her hotel and catch a flight. Anyways it was too bad that she had to leave that night but already I can see the positives to learning new languages - meeting new friends everywhere you go :D 

obligatory Muay Thai pose

getting a free tea

By the time I was ready to head to the night market it started to drizzle and I was dead tired to I decided to save it for another day. 

Peace from Hong Kong.