Arriving in the middle of the night to Hong Kong, and I was not really sure what to expect. As when you see places in pictures or TV, but most of the time it is not how imagined it. This time it was more than you imagine, as Hong Kong represent the exact meaning of developed, civilized, magical place. Taking the Express train from the airport after crossing the custom area within 10 minutes, bearing in mind 10s of flights arrive at the same second. Every one very highly qualified and every one loves his job and doing it with pride and on profession manner. Within 30 minutes you are in the heart of the city after enjoying very good information from the plasma screen that spreading everywhere along the train about tourism and local information about the city. What stations you might need for your destination or what daily passes you might need to buy to save you hassle and time.
Changed from the central station to the ‘MRT’ fastest coolest underground I have ever seen so far, after two stops I got off the train, basically underneath my hotel and checked in with in 10 minutes.
Next morning went for a tour around the city and my god I did blow my mind. Although it is very busy but there is no one car beeping or someone shouting at donkey cart to move out the road or a fat woman with 5 kids holding her skirt decided to cross the street and cause 100 casualties and fatal death !!
Guarded with Lonely Planet book, or we call it the traveler bible, The City Map and Octopus Pass that takes you everywhere and you can do anything with this card.
The Octopus Card:
You can buy this card for HKD 150 which is HKD 100 as credit and HKD 50 refundable charge. You can top up this card anywhere and everywhere like 7/11 shops or underground and shopping malls.
Having this card with you all you need to jump in the train, tram, ferry or even any bus route just swipe it and you are through. You can use it at most of the fast food or even Chinese food restaurants. You can also buy cigarettes or water or any grocery with this card; as long as you have money on it just use this genius Octopus without paying credit card charges and not carrying any money as well.
The Peak:
It is absolutely worth the trip. When you get the top by taking the ancient British colonial tram, you start getting the feeling how magnificent this city is and all this skyscraper jungle does make sense and oddly enough makes you appreciate the entire view with the harmony between the contemporary life and the natural scenery of the mountains and the harbour.
