I LOVE Hong Kong. It is probably my favourite city on this world cruise, with Singapore and Sydney following. This was our 4th visit, and we were delighted that our itinerary gave us 3 days in the port. We scoped out our 3 days to shop on Day 1. Jonathan and Barry had been planning their own shopping excursion for several weeks. Both of them wanted to get new cameras and had done a lot of research about the choices.
The new cameras are smaller and more powerful and tremendously lighter to carry, and the lenses available are also pretty amazing. Karen, Leslie, Peggy and I had predetermined that we would start out in Stanley Market, then go to the Ladies Market and little boutiques around there. I was also on a mission to get new prescription glasses. Our friend Jeff had told us about this optician last year and Barry bought new ones then, that were a third of the price we have to pay at home. I was due for new daytime as well as sunglasses.
I am not sure if you ever get used to the size and density of this city, but I never have. The energy is palpable as soon as you sail in, and we remarked that each city has its own energy. I don't know how many people live here, but it's a lot. It makes New York look like a nice little town. One reason for this is that both Kowloon, which is on the mainland side and the island of Hong Kong are built beneath the large mountains that ring the Victoria Harbour. The buildings are jammed into every available space, and rise high on the skyline, in great numbers. The architecture of the new buildings is wonderful, although not as magnificent as those in Singapore. Everyone lives in an apartment. One of the things we noted last year was that many of the old apartments in Kowloon that we had seen on our first trip in the early 90's seem to have been torn down. These had been shabby buildings with individuals unbelievably adding on additions as they pleased in horrible materials, at great heights. I am sure these must have been great fire hazards. There are of course still lots of old buildings, but there is evidence of constant change.
Our ship was docked at the Kowloon Ocean Terminal which houses a shopping mall of all the most expensive luxury brands in the world, and runs for blocks. Ocean Terminal is right beside the Star Ferry that takes everyone from Kowloon to Hong Kong. If you are a senior this is free transportation. The harbour is filled with hundreds and hundreds of boats and Jonathan, who had arisen at 3 AM, said the sail in was extremely busy as they navigated through literally hundreds of small and large fishing vessels.
The four of us leapt into a cab and spent 30 minutes getting to Stanley Market on Hong Kong. This trip wends it way around the roads that curve up through Aberdeen, with some very very wealthy homes hillside. The blossom trees were in bloom and that heralded that we would find spring at home in May too, as they are ahead of us by a month or more.
Two observations: the goods in Stanley Market have improved in quality, but also in price. We were astonished at how much the prices had gone up. After about an hour and a half, we bolted for the Ladies Market back in Kowloon. Last year we had dawdled our way through, but this year not much interested us. We found some real treasures in the little shops behind. By now everyone had enough, and they joined me in a cab and that dropped me as I went to the optical store.
Service is the hallmark of every quality shop in Hong Kong. Tom Armand was running a busy trade when we arrived, as many of our guests get new glasses. He is impeccably service-oriented and a good optometrist, whose entire family has been in the business. Dennis, his brother. was called in to serve me immediately, even though I had no appointment. I chose new Prada and Coach frames, he checked my prescription and told me to pick up my new ones the next day before 7 pm. Can you believe that? I walked back to the ship. Funniest thing is how I attract all these men standing on corners who whisper "copy handbags, watches" as I pass by, as knock offs are now heavily prohibited. I also feel very safe in this city, though.
Back on the ship, Barry and Jonathan were in camera heaven, having struck a great deal for new Canon EOS-Ms and extra lenses. The four of us had dinner in the Cannaletto, then went out to the stern of the ship to watch the nightly sound and light show in the harbour, with a glass of wine. We had such a nice evening, just enjoying our wine, the company, and being in Hong Kong once more. 
No comments:
Post a Comment